The Govan Mbeki Municipality has outlined a
list of containment and mitigation measures to decrease the spread of the COVID-19
pandemic during a meeting with stakeholders on Friday, 20 March 2020.
Actions taken by the municipality:
• the municipality responded in two-fold, through internal and external
interventions.
• Internally, the response is targeting employees and visitors to the
municipality.
• Externally, the response if geared towards the
public and in particular in the manner in which services will be affected.
Service Delivery Water • The municipality is ensuring that the community has access to running water. • Areas without water will be serviced through water tanks. • All library services have been suspended. Members of the public will only be able to return books that are due. • All municipal-owned public facilities such as halls and sports fields have been closed to the public. Where bookings were made in advance, the municipality will refund the applicants. • Security services as visitors enter the municipal facilities; they will need to be sanitised.
Pay points
• Municipal pay points will continue to operate in line with new safety
protocols aimed to protect front-line employees and our customers.
• Residents are encouraged to pay for services as per norm and may do so online
and via accredited pay stations and providers.
Cemetery Services • the gathering must not be more than 100
people.
• Funeral undertakers and families of the deceased will be allocated time to
arrive and depart the cemetery.
• Not more than three (3) funerals will be allowed at a cemetery within an
Hour.
• Burials will be allocated times that will spread from 07:00 -15:00 on first
come first serve basis.
• Potential areas for quarantine have been identified and will be communicated
after approval by the Department of Health.
• In Mpumalanga, Rob Ferreira Hospital has been identified as the designated
hospital for COVID-19.
Recommendations • The above measures require various
stakeholders to corporate.
• Churches, public transport operators, liquor outlets, traditional leaders,
business and all organs of state.
• Law enforcement agencies including, SAPS to assist in enforcing the
directives of the President.
Captain Gerhard Elmes, Corporate Communication
Officer, recently brought the high crime rate under The Bulletin’s attention.
He said: “Housebreakings are taking place 24 hours a day. Crime does not sleep and the community must be aware of their surroundings and ensure they stay safe. Peak days are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 24 hours a day. ”
In the past few months, the Secunda SAPS had an influx of reports on housebreakings and theft. “A lot of the theft cases is theft from vehicles. The thieves would steal items from people’s cars,” said Captain Elmes.
He continued: “Most of the theft out of vehicles that is taking place, takes place in the Secunda CBD area.”
With the influx in housebreakings, Captain Elmes refers to the safety tips the SAPS has posted on their website:
For theft out of a vehicle:
ON THE STREET
Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile
phones and other valuables.
Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped and do not leave it unattended.
Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended.
Do not carry large sums of money with you.
Exchange your currency at a bank or at the hotel – never exchange it on
the street.
Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your
trousers.
Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.
At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas.
It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy
streets.
Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask
directions from strangers.
A police officer or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you
get lost.
Should you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the South
African Tourism helpline (contact number: 083 123 6789) can
recommend a reliable service.
IN YOUR VEHICLE
Plan your route in advance.
Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times.
Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible
from outside the vehicle.
Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk) before your departure.
At night, park in well-lit areas.
Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for
advice and help.
Make sure you have the number of the car rental company at hand in case
you get stranded.
For House Breakings:
Fences/Walls
A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.
The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.
The following devices prevent easy access:
Window bars
Security doors
Security gates
Razor wire
Additional locking devices on doors
Strengthening of doors
Peepholes in the doors
Safety chains to doors
Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage
Alarm Systems
An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/panic button in the house, is recommended.
A few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.
An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.
Examples of alarm systems:
Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)
Improvised systems
Threaded tins
Threaded pieces of iron
Gravel on window panes, pathways or around the home
Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
Biological Systems:
Dogs
Geese
Ostriches
· Security Lights
Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.
The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.
Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.
Safety Precautions
Ensure that all doors are locked at all times and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
Vary your daily routine.
Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.
Remain awake for a while.
You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, e.g. your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.
Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e.: bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.
Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.
Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
Take photographs of all employees.
It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.
Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
Keep copies of all your employees – Identity Documents (ID’s).
Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.
Access and Key Control
Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identifying the person, especially at night.
Implement proper key control measures.
Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/door access can be gained.
Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.
Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal.
Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.
Change locks when keys are lost.
Insert barring devices indoor locks.
Remove keys from doors when leaving.
Communication
There should be two systems for alternative back up:
Telephone
Cellular phone
Have the telephone installed where it is easily
accessible from anywhere in the house.
Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not
available when they answer the phone.
SAPS CRIME STOP: 08600 10111
SAPS EMERGENCY LINE: 10111
Amidst the craziness, a ray of sunshine peeked through the clouds. This one ray depicts the faces of the following animals that are available for adoption at the Bethal SPCA!
In light of the national
state of disaster, President Ramaphosa will be meeting with business and political
leaders. The president will also be chairing the National Command Council
meeting. After the Council meeting. he will be addressing the nation.
The National Command
Council meeting is to ensure that necessary measures are in place to restrict
the spread of the Coronavirus.
Please note that the
time at which the President will address the nation, will be determined by when
his meetings conclude.
The Presidency of the
Republic of South Africa issued the following statement:
President Cyril
Ramaphosa’s programme for today, Sunday 22 March 2020, is dedicated to key
engagements around the national state of disaster occasioned by the outbreak of
the coronavirus, beginning with a consultation with business leaders at the
Union Buildings.
The engagement with
business forms part of a series of meetings the President has held with various
stakeholder constituencies – including communities of faith and the nation’s
political leadership – in the week since his declaration on 15 March 2020 of
the national state of disaster.
These leaders will
have an opportunity to outline the impact of the disaster on businesses and the
economy at large and engage recommendations to mitigate the impact of the
outbreak on the economy at large.
Following the meeting
with business, the President will receive a delegation of leaders of political
parties who were part of the President’s engagement on Tuesday, 17 March 2020,
with the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament.
The leaders who will
see the President today did not have an opportunity at the meeting at
Parliament to deliver statements of support and will therefore do so today with
media present.
Later in the day the
President will chair a meeting of the National Command Council which will
receive an update on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak; progress and
challenges related to implementation of the recently promulgated regulations on
the state of disaster and other measures to protect the country, as well as
economic impact.
On the outlook for the
period ahead, the Council will consider whether the measures that are currently
in place to contain the spread of the virus are sufficient and what further
measures are required.
Following the
Council’s deliberations, President Ramaphosa will address the nation in a
message that will be broadcast on radio and television and livestreamed online.
Sasol released the following statement regarding the COVID-19 virus that is terrorising the country.
Here is the whole statement as received:
Secunda, Mpumalanga – On Sunday, 15 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s decisive approach to contain the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak and declared it a national disaster.
Sasol is prepared for and aligned with the government’s measures and will support efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Sasol has been closely monitoring
developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China since January.
Sasol has implemented contingency measures to safeguard the health and safety
of all our employees and stakeholders who interact with Sasol, against the
COVID-19 outbreak.
Emergency response and task team were initiated to manage the company’s group-wide response in a coordinated, responsible manner. A detailed management plan has also been implemented and communicated throughout our operations globally and includes:
•social-distancing, including de-crowding initiatives;
•hygiene practice and behaviour
recommendations;
•limiting travel to business-critical
needs;
•screening initiatives; and
•disabling high-frequency contact surfaces
and touchpoints, such as biometric access controls
and keypads, and other high-frequency
contact surfaces.
The plan also includes comprehensive risk
mitigation measures which include extensive risk scenarios to ensure business
continuity during these times.
Furthermore, various precautionary measures
at our Mining and plant operations have already been implemented to provide the
necessary practical support and ensure that our employees remain safe and
active in their roles to provide uninterrupted service to our customers and stakeholders.
Sasol has clear procedures in place to prevent the spread of the virus, identify high-risk individuals and respond to confirmed cases.
We are monitoring the situation closely and
will continue to be transparent in our communication to employees, suppliers
and service providers to provide updates about the COVID-19 situation.
We encourage our communities to remain calm
and unite to contain the spread of the virus and not to spread fake news.
Sasol remains committed to the safety and
health of its employees, service providers and the community.
On Friday, 20 March, the Gert Sibande
District Municipality released a statement to all restaurants, gyms, hotels
etc.
The opening statement of the notice stated:
THE GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
THROUGH MUNICIPAL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES HEREBY ISSUE A GENERAL
NOTICE No. 02-2020 ISSUED IN TERMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS ACT, 2000 (ACT
32 OF 2000) CHAPTER 4 SECTION 21A READ IN CONJUCTION WITH THE GERT SIBANDE
DISTRICT MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS NOTICE NO. 2300 OF 21 MAY 2014 INCLUDING THE
DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2002 REGULATION NO. 318 OF 2020.
I, Muzi Gibson Chirwa the Executive Mayor
of Gert Sibande District Municipality designated as the Head of Disaster
Management in the District, following the declaration of the National State of
Disaster published in government gazette No. 43096 on 15 March 2020, hereby
make the following Public General Notice regarding the steps necessary to
prevent an escalation of the disaster or to alleviate, contain and minimise the
effects of the disaster.
In the notice, Executive Mayor Muzi Gibson
Chirwa stated the following:
1. Places of instruction
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ARE
TEMPORARILY PREVENTED AND PROHIBITED FROM OPERATION AND ANY ACTIVITY WITHIN
GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Public and private TVET
colleges
Universities of technology
(centres)
Public and private colleges
Training centres
Public and private primary,
secondary and combined schools
Any other learning or training
centre/institution
Further, access of libraries to
the public is restricted, until further notice
2. Early childhood development centres
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ARE TEMPORARILY PREVENTED
AND PROHIBITED FROM OPERATION AND ANY ACTIVITY WITHIN GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT
MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Full-time day-care centres or
preschools
Part-time day-care centres or
preschools
Child minders or day mothers
Play groups
Drop off centres
After care centres
Any other childcare facility or
centre
3. Accommodation establishments
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES ARE PROHIBITED FROM HOSTING AND
ACCOMODATING MORE THAN 100 PERSONS AT A GIVEN TIME, OR FUNCTIONS, CELEBRATIONS
OR ANY ENTERTAINMENT OR COMPETITION WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY IN OPEN AIR OR IN A
BUILDING OR PREMISES, WITHIN GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER
NOTICE
Hotels
Guest houses
Lodges
B n B’s
Hostels
School hostels
Any other facility, centre or
establishment used for the mass accommodation of people
4. Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ARE TEMPORARILY PREVENTED
AND PROHIBITED FROM OPERATION OR HOSTING ANY ACTIVITY OR FUNCTION WITHIN GERT
SIBANDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Swimming pools and spa baths
Indoor and outdoor sport
facilities (gymnasia, stadiums, pavilions, sport arenas)
Casinos
Movie theatres
Amusement arcades
Amusement Parks
Any other places where members
of the general public assemble to engage in physical exercise or participate in
athletic competition, or witness sporting events as well as any other place
where the general public assembles for recreational purposes
5. Mass Social Gathering Activities and Meetings
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ARE TEMPORARILY PREVENTED
AND PROHIBITED WITHIN GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Concerts
Weddings
Places of worship and ministry
functions
Carnivals
Conferences
Auctions
Community meetings
Stokvels
Social clubs and gatherings
Imbizos, cultural or
traditional events or celebrations
National, provincial and local
calendar events
Any other mass gathering,
wholly or partially in open air or in a building or premises, except where authorisation
has been granted by the District Municipality
6. Funerals
THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO FUNERAL SERVICES AND PROCESSIONS
WITHIN THE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
No night vigils or overnight
church services are allowed
No church services are allowed
in any social gathering centres (community centres, temporal physical
structures, schools and fixed church buildings)
Funeral services must only be
held at the home of the deceased
Only the immediate family
members of the deceased are to be in attendance of the funeral service,
including processions to the burial site
The funeral service and
procession must be finalised within a period of 1 hour
Catering during this period of
the outbreak in funerals must only be take-aways an no sit-down will be allowed
The funeral undertaker must
ensure that funeral services and processions are conducted in such a manner
that hygiene principles are in place and provide for proper hand washing and
disinfection
7. On-Consumption Liquor Establishments
THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ARE TO BE CLOSED WITH
IMMEDIATE EFFECT, WHERE OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORISED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
SERVICES, ONLY TAKE-AWAY SALE OF LIQUOR IS ALLOWED, WITHIN GERT SIBANDE
DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Nightclubs
Bars
Pubs
Taverns
Lounges
Gaming premises
Any food establishments with on
consumption Liquor facilities
Any other on-consumption Liquor
Establishment Further all on-consumption premises selling liquor must only
operate between 09:01 and 17:59 on weekdays and Saturdays and on Sundays and
public holidays between 09:01 and 12:59 strictly. No special or events liquor
license applications will be considered for approval.
8. Off-Consumption Liquor Establishments
All off-consumption
establishments selling liquor must only operate between 09:01 and 17:59 on
weekdays and Saturdays, and on Sundays and public holidays between 09:01 and
12:59 strictly.
9. Suspension of visits
ALL VISITS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO THE
FOLLOWING FACILITIES ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED WITHIN GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT
MUNICIPALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Correctional Centres (Prisons
and Community Correctional Centres)
Holding cells
Juvenile centres
Rehabilitation centres
Private and Public Centres of
Care including shelters, orphanages, disability centres, victim empowerment
centres, mental health institutions, stimulation centres, victim centres and
crises centres, old age homes.
Any other place where people
are treated or housed
10. Any other prohibition and restrictions
tabled in the regulation issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster
Management Act 2002, No. 318 of 18 March 2020 and as may be deemed by the Head
of Disaster Management by form of a general public notice
The Bulletin has spoken to the Municipal Manager
of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Felani Mndebele. He said that the municipality has
been consulted with this but during the coming week there will be further consultations
with the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) to align with GSDM.
As for now, the recommendation is to follow
the National Directive until further notice.
Following the National Directive,
restaurants can still operate normal operating hours. No more than 50 people
(including staff) at one time in the restaurant and no alcohol is allowed to be
served after 18:00 and Saturday and Sundays only until 13:00. Casinos have the
same restrictions.
The above is what we have to adhere to until further notice.
Go out, keep your social distancing and if the restaurant is too
full, try the next one or order takeaways!
Michelle Nell, General Manager Secunda
Mall, spoke to The Bulletin about the precautions the mall is taking during
this time to ensure their customers stay safe and feel safe.
“We have supplied all the car guards with gloves and sanitiser,” said Michelle.
“At every entrance we have placed a person with a mask and gloves with Dettol sanitiser so that our customers can sanitise their hands. The security was also supplied with sanitiser and we have increased the cleaning times for seating areas, bathrooms and other much used areas.” Michelle continued.
Michelle added that all the cleaning
staff were supplied with gloves and masks.
Unfortunately, the kids play area has been closed for the time being.
The following is a press release from
Secunda Mall and is also available on their Facebook page:
In light of the hand sanitiser shortage
we’ve got you covered.
Visit Secunda Mall and
receive a warm welcome as well as a hygienic Dettol spritz when entering
through any of our main entrances.
Secunda Mall uses disinfectant cleaning
detergents as a rule and in light of recent circumstances we can assure all our
customers that we will continue to work diligently to provide our customers
with a safe and hygienic shopping experience.
Secunda Mall encourages everyone to follow the guidelines set out by the South
African Department of Health as well as that of the World Health Organisation.
• Clean hands frequently
with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow
• Disinfect frequently used surfaces
• Use sanitising wipes before using shopping carts
Michelle also informed us
that the mall is following the guidelines that were set out by the government.
No alcohol will be served after 18:00. The restaurants are following the 50-person
requirement and have spaced their seating accordingly.
This should not deter any
customer to order from their favourite restaurant because guess what… You can
still order food from your favourite restaurant by reading how to below!
Secunda
Mall has placed a selection of NEW blue cones close to our entrances in order
to assist our restaurants & customers with a quick and easy way to CALL and
COLLECT!
– Please note these are only for customers who
have placed an order with one of our participating restaurants.
– Customers are limited to 10min MAX and may not
exit their vehicle.
ORDER:
Phone your favourite restaurant – provide your
name, order from menu and your car make & reg no.
Have the restaurant indicate how long your waiting
period will be.
Collect at the nearest entrance.
The Bulletin reported on 16 March that The Electoral Commission will urgently
approach the Electoral Court to postpone all scheduled by-elections as part of
its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is
particularly important to residents of Secunda. A vacancy arose when the councillor
of ward 30, Cllr Tim Denny, resigned. He relocated to the Sasolburg area.
Several other
by-elections were to be held across the country with one in Emalahleni as well.
The Electoral
Commission was able to obtain an order in the Electoral Court of South Africa
that postponed the by-elections by no more than 120 days from the date of the
order. The order date is today, 19 March 2020.
The Bulletin
spoke to Jane Sithole, DA Provincial Leader in Mpumalanga.
“The DA in
Mpumalanga welcomes the decision by the Electoral Court to postpone all
scheduled by-elections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jane, “In
the face of increasing transmission risk of the Covid-19 virus, the Democratic
Alliance has also taken the decision across the Province to pause all political
activity which involves human-to-human contact or close proximity between
people.”
“Given
heightened awareness and concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, significant
numbers of voters might stay away from voting stations. This would have
resulted in low participation levels, which will undermine the freeness and
fairness of elections,” Jane continued.
The full court
order is hereby attached.
All by-elections are now postponed.
The Bulletin reported on 16 March that The Electoral Commission will urgently
approach the Electoral Court to postpone all scheduled by-elections as part of
its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is
particularly important to residents of Secunda. A vacancy arose when the councillor
of ward 30, Cllr Tim Denny, resigned. He relocated to the Sasolburg area.
Several other
by-elections were to be held across the country with one in Emalahleni as well.
The Electoral
Commission was able to obtain an order in the Electoral Court of South Africa
that postponed the by-elections by no more than 120 days from the date of the
order. The order date is today, 19 March 2020.
The Bulletin
spoke to Jane Sithole, DA Provincial Leader in Mpumalanga.
“The DA in
Mpumalanga welcomes the decision by the Electoral Court to postpone all
scheduled by-elections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jane, “In
the face of increasing transmission risk of the Covid-19 virus, the Democratic
Alliance has also taken the decision across the Province to pause all political
activity which involves human-to-human contact or close proximity between
people.”
“Given
heightened awareness and concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, significant
numbers of voters might stay away from voting stations. This would have
resulted in low participation levels, which will undermine the freeness and
fairness of elections,” Jane continued.
The Bulletin has received increasing reports
of animals being dropped off at animal shelters. The reason for this is that
people are scared that their pet/s or their animals will pass COVID-19 on to
them.
According to the CDC (Centres for Disease
Control and Prevention) they have not received any reports of pets or other
animals that were infected with COVID-19. Further studies will have to be
conducted to recognise if different animals could be affected by COVID-19 and
also how.
What you should know is (taken from the CDC’s
website):
Coronaviruses
are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others
cause illness in certain types of animals.
Coronaviruses
that infect animals can become able to infect people, but this is rare.
Do not
know the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19).
Do not
have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
Do not
have evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products imported
pose a risk for spreading the 2019 novel coronavirus.
There
is still no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets,
livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this
time.
However,
because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a
good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
Take pets to the veterinarian regularly and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
If you do feel unwell limit your interaction with
your pets and other animals. The same you would do with human interaction,
self-isolate. Even though there has been no reports of pets or other animals
contracting the COVID-19 VIRUS, be safe rather than sorry. This is just a
precaution to keep you and your pets or animals healthy.
Ask another family member in your household to take care of your beloved pet or other animals.
Try to avoid contact with your pet or other animals i.e. no petting, snuggling, kissing, being licked or sharing food.
If you have to take care of you pet/s or other animals and you do not feel well, follow basic hygiene by washing your hands properly before and after you have been around or have been interacting with your pet/s or other animals.
Please remember that an animal is for life and part
of your family. Please do not use the COVID-19 virus as an excuse to dispose of
them.
The Department of Education hosted an awards ceremony last week at Laerskool Hoëveld in honour of the Top 3 students in the Highveld Ridge West en Higveld Ridge East areas. The following 2019 Grade 9 students received awards:
Mathematics:
1. Jan-Hendrik Groenewald
100%
2. Olivia Joubert
96%
Natural Sciences
1. Jan-Hendrik Groenewald
97%
2. Masindi Nekhubvi
96%
Technology
1. Lianke de Vries
98%
1. Chenique van der Vyver
98%
2. Zelri de la Rey
97%
3. Emmarentia Viljoen
97%
English FAL
1. Cabous Harmse
94
2. Lianke de Vries
93
2. Chana Dunn
93
2. Chenique van der Vyver
93
English HL
1. Masindi Nekhubvi
94%
2. Mercy Ambat
89%
Recognition was also given to Grade 12 learners who
were the top performers in 2019 in the Highveld Ridge West and East areas in
their NSC exams.
The following 2019 Grade 12 learners received trophies and certificates from the Department of Education:
Kaylie Strydom
Top performer overall.
Top learner at the school.
93% average
Best performer in Physical Science
97%
Best performer in Accounting
96%
Best performer in Life Science
96%
Lize Smit
One of the top performers at the school
91,5 % average
NInè Rudolph
One of the top performers at the school
91% average
Best performer in Business Studies
83%
Best performer in English FAL
89%
Janine Orsmond
Best performer in Agricultural Science
86%
Ferdi Janse van Rensburg
Best performer in Math Literacy
78%
Nicole Maciel and Jean van der Merwe received certificates
and trophies for 100% attendance.
Recognition was also given to the Grade 12 teachers for outstanding subject performances:
Elsabè Cilliers
Accounting
JJ Hennop
Agricultural Science
Stephnie Kroucamp
Mathematics
Jan Koekemoer
Life Science
Hoërskool Secunda received the award for the best perfoming school: 95,8% pass rate and also the awrd for quality results in the highest university exemption for Quintile 4 – 5 schools.
