The Bulletin News – Page 213

COVID-19: A shift for Zebra Lounge

Ane Prinsloo

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March 19, 2020

This blog was written by Lize Van Niekerk.

Lize is an easy-going freelance content writer with a BA Visual Communication and Masters in Fashion Merchandising. She is always pushing the boundaries of knowledge and experience; with writing experience in the USA and currently pursuing an MBA she adds some flair to all her written work.

Since the pandemic outbreak in November, COVID-19 has taken its toll on the world. From the South African economy on the verge of collapsing, to doomsday bulk shopping and the worst, thousands of deaths across the world, this is one for the books and something humanity was not prepared for.

The impact of COVID-19

On a more personal level we have seen the changes happening amongst us, here in Secunda, Mpumalanga, as a result of corona (COVID-19). Hand sanitiser has become a luxury, schools are closed until Easter weekend, our favourite music festival was postponed to August (check out Misty Waters’ new date), the Cosmos Festival was cancelled and just when Zebra Lounge thought they were immune, the government brings in a new regulation – all bars and restaurants that serve alcohol have to be closed by 18h00.

Zebra Lounge, known for only opening at 16h00, must now close 2 hours later… We respect the government’s decision and will follow any regulations in order to keep our employees, customers and community safe. However, when the government hands you lemons as a result of a pandemic, you start selling tequila at 10am.

With this new regulation put into place we would like to let everyone know that, for the time being, Zebra Lounge will be open from 9h00 until 18h00. If you are wondering “what does one do at a bar that early in the morning?” It is an easy answer, there’s more at Zebra Lounge than just alcohol. Come and put your feet up in our lovely lounge, enjoy a nice hot coffee and a cigarette or cigar indoors, as our days are growing colder while autumn approaches. We offer FREE WIFI, so if you are getting antsy from staying inside your house all day, bring your laptop and get some work done at Zebra’s.

If all of that has still not convinced you to spend your days at Zebra Lounge, maybe cards and board games will. Zebra Lounge has various board games, from Catan and Monopoly, to Rummikub and Uno. Bring all your friends and challenge them to a settler’s journey.

We have to find ways to adjust to this temporary new way of life and Zebra Lounge is doing the same by modifying trading hours and thinking of new and exciting ideas to keep our spirits lifted during these troubling times.

Wash your hands, stay safe and come to Zebra’s for a strong drink when you feel like life is overwhelming.

For more information you can visit the Lake Umuzi website.

DA launches public petition against ANC-led Govan Mbeki Municipality

Ane Prinsloo

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March 19, 2020

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Since 2018 The Bulletin has been reporting on the ongoing water problems, water wastage and debt to Rand Water in the Govan Mbeki Municipality.

Bethal residents were without water for 42 days during December 2018 and it has been an ongoing dilemma for the residents.

Rand Water stated that they had reduced the water pressure in Govan Mbeki to 40%. This causes high-lying areas to experience little or no water pressure. This is because the gravitational system struggles to pump water to these higher-lying areas as the pressure is too low. Rand Water has now threatened to reduce the water pressure to 60%. GMM will stay on the 40% water pressure reduction as is now.

To top it all off, the water loss because of burst pipes etc. was at a staggering 32.29% at the end of January this year. To elucidate, 32.29% of water that the Govan Mbeki Municipality purchases from Rand Water, is being wasted because of water leaks, burst pipes etc. that are not being maintained properly nor being fixed in a timely manner. This also contributes massively to GMM’s debt to Rand Water.

In August 2019 DA Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain tabled a motion to the council and the motion was referred to the Mayoral Committee. The motion was accepted on 29 August 2019 but the opposition party is still waiting for an answer. Almost 7 months later and they are still waiting on an answer from the Mayoral Committee…

The motion that was tabled stated the following:

That a progress report on implementation of the turnaround strategy aimed at water leaks and freshwater wastage accompanies the Rand Water standing item on the Council Agenda
That a water meter and reservoir audit be conducted to identify faulty meters that must be replaced and maintenance that must be done on reservoirs
That faulty water meters and stop valves be replaced
That the municipality ensure that there is sufficient stock for repair and maintenance of water infrastructure
That the municipality ensure that there are enough personnel capable to attend to repair and maintenance of water infrastructure
That the by-law enforcement unit compile a plan to deal with vandalism of water infrastructure
That wherever the municipality does not have the necessary funding to implement the above, these recommendations be included in the next adjustment budget

The Bulletin spoke to Caucus Leader of the official opposition party, DA Cllr Ciska Jordaan. Cllr Jordaan said: “At the end of January 2020, the ANC-led Govan Mbeki Municipality was owing an astounding amount of R218 432 429.44 towards Rand Water.”

“On Tuesday, 17 March, there was a financial meeting. The municipality negotiated with Rand Water last week to reduce the R11 million a week payment to R8 million. This new verbal agreement could avoid the 20% water pressure reduction that was suggested and GMM will stay on 40% water pressure at the moment.”

Cllr Jordaan also informed The Bulletin that the DA has launched a public petition: “The Democratic Alliance has launched a petition with reference to water wastage, neglect of the Govan Mbeki Municipality to pay its escalating account towards Rand Water and the dire necessity of maintenance of water infrastructure within the municipality that is needed to curb Rand Water debt and ensure consistent water supply to communities.”

This petition is to support the motion that was tabled by DA Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain on 29 August 2019.

“The unwillingness of the ANC to implement practical measures to deal with critical concerns of the people we serve and ensure that their right of access to water is upheld is clearly politically motivated,” said Cllr Jordaan.

She continued: “This is demonstrated by their neglect of seriously considering and implementing DA motions related to service delivery.”

Cllr Jordaan also said that GMM residents are urged to take this opportunity to support the DA to pressure the ANC-led Mayoral Committee of the Govan Mbeki Municipality by signing this petition to ensure that the DA’s motion is implemented sooner rather than later.

“Residents are urged to take their chance in the 2021 Local Government Elections to change the status quo and vote for a Party that delivers for all. Residents of Govan Mbeki deserve a ruling party that would react towards their needs, service their constitutional rights and prioritise service delivery above all else,” Cllr Jordaan appealed.

You can follow this link should you wish to sign the petition: https://petitions.da.org.za/p/waterinfrastructureimplementation

Roots Butchery gear up against Coronavirus

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 19, 2020

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Roots Butchery gear up against Coronavirus

The Coronavirus pandemic is spreading throughout the world and South Africa was not spared. One retail store took the bull by the horns and decided to act decisively.

Gustie De Ponte from Roots Butchery in Emba Mall, eMbalenhle spoke to The Bulletin regarding their plans to help stop the spread of the disease.

Roots Butchery takes positive steps in combating the Coronavirus

All staff were called and precautionary measures were explained to the staff. The store employs over 100 workers. All staff are now to work with gloves and facemasks. This is in addition to the current protective and hygienic attire that they are currently working with.

“We want to make people aware of the virus,” said Gustie, “we also want to create a safe environment for the people to do their shopping.”

Cllr Ace Vilakazi also attended the talk with the staff and commended Roots Butchery on the positive steps that they have taken in this regard. “It is good to see that a big business such as Roots Butchery is taking steps to ensure a safe environment for their shoppers,” said Ace.

Thank you Roots Butchery for the positive steps taken.

A couple found murdered in Bethal

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 18, 2020

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Today 2020-03-18 at about 17h00, police received a complaint about a white vehicle dumped in the veld next to Bethal dam.

Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a white Mitsubishi in the veld. They investigated and when they checked the inside of the vehicle, they noticed two people. One had blood on his head and there was no movement from both people.

According to information at police’s disposal, the deceased couple left their home at 12h30 to eMzinoni township transporting a domestic worker but never returned.

All role players were summoned to the scene and the couple was certified dead by Mrs Cindy Swart of Bethal Emergency Medical Services. The bodies were then taken to Bethal government mortuary by Mr Bakkie Jele from forensic pathology.

Bethal police are now investigating a case of murder and request anyone with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Warrant Officer Nico Veldman on 079 396 3652.

A couple found murdered in Bethal

Encee van Huyssteen

-

March 18, 2020

0

Today 2020-03-18 at about 17h00, police received a complaint about a white vehicle dumped in the veld next to Bethal dam.

Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a white Mitsubishi in the veld. They investigated and when they checked the inside of the vehicle, they noticed two people. One had blood on his head and there was no movement from both people.

According to information at police’s disposal, the deceased couple left their home at 12h30 to eMzinoni township transporting a domestic worker but never returned.

All role players were summoned to the scene and the couple was certified dead by Mrs Cindy Swart of Bethal Emergency Medical Services. The bodies were then taken to Bethal government mortuary by Mr Bakkie Jele from forensic pathology.

Bethal police are now investigating a case of murder and request anyone with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Warrant Officer Nico Veldman on 079 396 3652.

Moove Motion Fitness: Coronavirus, what you need to know

Ane Prinsloo

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March 18, 2020

0

Moove Motion Fitness: Coronavirus, what you need to know

Moove Motion Fitness has implemented strict measures to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus at their training facilities.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa publicising several extreme restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus in South Africa.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa called on the management of businesses such as shopping malls, entertainment complexes and “other places visited by large numbers of people” to improve health control measures. An example of such places is commercial gyms. Moove Motion Fitness has confirmed that their facilities will remain open and operational following the President’s announcement.

Regional Manager of Fitness Development at Moove Motion Fitness, Dean Wrigley said that they are committed to supporting its members and the larger community through this period of uncertainty due to COVID-19.

“We know that the best way for our members to support their immunity is to maintain their fitness regime and stay fit and healthy. So, we assure our members that we are committed to their wellbeing, by keeping the Club safe and sanitary at all times. We follow stringent sanitation rules in all our clubs and with cleaning of equipment.”

Moove Motion Fitness said that it has made hand sanitiser available throughout the Club to all its members, in addition to providing disinfectant products and paper towels for wiping down equipment.

Moove Motion Fitness also provided the following guidelines to members:

Sanitise hands with provided sanitiser upon entering the Club
Sweat towels are mandatory
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Avoid shaking hands
Avoid close personal contact: keep a distance of at least 1m
Make sure you are the only one touching and drinking from your water bottle
Stay at home if you are not feeling well as per NICD guidelines

“We value your health and understand that we all need to work together to curb the spread of COVID-19 by any means necessary,” said Dean Wrigley, Regional Manager of Fitness Development

The Bulletin would like to thank Dean Wrigley, Regional Manager of Fitness Development at Moove Motion Fitness, for speaking to The Bulletin about the precautions that Moove Motion Fitness has taken and the precautions and care that Moove Motion Fitness puts into taking care of their members.

Moove Motion Fitness: Coronavirus, what you need to know

Ane Prinsloo

-

March 18, 2020

0

Moove Motion Fitness has implemented strict measures to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus at their training facilities.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa publicising several extreme restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus in South Africa.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa called on the management of businesses such as shopping malls, entertainment complexes and “other places visited by large numbers of people” to improve health control measures. An example of such places is commercial gyms. Moove Motion Fitness has confirmed that their facilities will remain open and operational following the President’s announcement.

Regional Manager of Fitness Development at Moove Motion Fitness, Dean Wrigley said that they are committed to supporting its members and the larger community through this period of uncertainty due to COVID-19.

“We know that the best way for our members to support their immunity is to maintain their fitness regime and stay fit and healthy. So, we assure our members that we are committed to their wellbeing, by keeping the Club safe and sanitary at all times. We follow stringent sanitation rules in all our clubs and with cleaning of equipment.”

Moove Motion Fitness said that it has made hand sanitiser available throughout the Club to all its members, in addition to providing disinfectant products and paper towels for wiping down equipment.

Moove Motion Fitness also provided the following guidelines to members:

Sanitise hands with provided sanitiser upon entering the Club
Sweat towels are mandatory
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Avoid shaking hands
Avoid close personal contact: keep a distance of at least 1m
Make sure you are the only one touching and drinking from your water bottle
Stay at home if you are not feeling well as per NICD guidelines

“We value your health and understand that we all need to work together to curb the spread of COVID-19 by any means necessary,” said Dean Wrigley, Regional Manager of Fitness Development

The Bulletin would like to thank Dean Wrigley, Regional Manager of Fitness Development at Moove Motion Fitness, for speaking to The Bulletin about the precautions that Moove Motion Fitness has taken and the precautions and care that Moove Motion Fitness puts into taking care of their members.

Top Photo supports Little Paws Big Hearts

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 18, 2020

0

Models and photographers alike braced the cold to participate in an open day at Lake Umuzi Waterfront.

Loggies van Loggerenberg decided to help Little Paws Big Hearts and the idea of an Open Day was born.

Models were invited and photographers from all over gathered at the Makoro, Lake Umuzi. It was a hive of activity with models posing at every angle, photographers sometimes twisting themselves out of proportion to get the better shot.

A lot of photos were taken and all were pleased with the results. Some models even braved the swimming pool. The gym at Boesies helped some of the models to show off their well-toned bodies while the Gardens proved a good background for the more formal dresses.

Each model and photographer had to pay a small fee towards the cause and Loggies was able to hand Louis Kempen from Little Paws Big Hearts a check towards their running costs.

Graceland Club Championship

Ane Prinsloo

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March 17, 2020

0

On Saturday and Sunday (14 & 15 March) Graceland country Club hosted their Club Championship golf tournament. The first tee off of the Club Championship was at 10:00 on Saturday and 07:30 on Sunday.

A total of 55 players competed in the tournament. The Club Championship is played over two days and each player plays 36 holes, 18 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. The women’s club champion and the men’s club champion were determined by the total gross score over the two days.

Fifty-five players played in this year’s Club Championship, six of who were women, two juniors and forty-seven men. The two juniors were Dieter Adendorf (12) and Dean Hall (matric student).

Dean Hall was second in the men’s A Division

The Bulletin spoke to some of the players. “A big thanks to Graceland for keeping the course in such great condition. The weather over these two days was warm and windy. The greens were very fast and the rough challenging but none the less we enjoyed it immensely,” said one of the players.

This year’s Men’s Club Champ was Eric Nkosi and the Ladies’ Club Champ was Christa Prinsloo. Dean Hall was first amongst the junior players and second in the men’s A Division.

Graceland Club Championship

Ane Prinsloo

-

March 17, 2020

0

On Saturday and Sunday (14 & 15 March) Graceland country Club hosted their Club Championship golf tournament. The first tee off of the Club Championship was at 10:00 on Saturday and 07:30 on Sunday.

A total of 55 players competed in the tournament. The Club Championship is played over two days and each player plays 36 holes, 18 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. The women’s club champion and the men’s club champion were determined by the total gross score over the two days.

Fifty-five players played in this year’s Club Championship, six of who were women, two juniors and forty-seven men. The two juniors were Dieter Adendorf (12) and Dean Hall (matric student).

The Bulletin spoke to some of the players. “A big thanks to Graceland for keeping the course in such great condition. The weather over these two days was warm and windy. The greens were very fast and the rough challenging but none the less we enjoyed it immensely,” said one of the players.

This year’s Men’s Club Champ was Eric Nkosi and the Ladies’ Club Champ was Christa Prinsloo. Dean Hall was first amongst the junior players and second in the men’s A Division.