The Bulletin News – Page 28

ANIMALS 101 – THE HIDDEN COSTS OF GIFTING PETS

Columnist

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September 4, 2024

ANIMALS 101 – THE HIDDEN COSTS OF GIFTING PETS

WHY BUYING ANIMALS FOR THE ELDERLY CAN BACKFIRE.

Gifting a pet to an elderly parent or loved one may seem like a thoughtful gesture aimed at providing companionship and alleviating loneliness. However, the reality of pet ownership often reveals a more complex picture. While animals can indeed offer joy and solace, and have a positive effect on health, introducing a pet into an elderly person’s life requires careful consideration. Unfortunately, even registered animal welfare organizations make mistakes regarding this. The mismatched needs and capabilities can lead to unintended consequences for both the pet and the elderly owner. This article explores why gifting pets to seniors can be problematic, addressing the challenges of care, physical demands, and long-term responsibilities.

Also, read why an animal should never be a surprise gift for anyone!

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITY OF PET CARE

The belief that a pet is a simple solution to loneliness is a common misconception. Each animal demands specific care, attention, and resources that may be challenging for an elderly person to provide. For example, puppies or active dogs, like Jack Russells (being a popular breed), require substantial training, exercise, and supervision. Their high energy levels and need for interaction can quickly become burdensome rather than beneficial. Birds, often perceived as low-maintenance, also present unique challenges. They need proper diet, social interaction, and mental stimulation despite their confinement to a cage. Without adequate care, birds can suffer from stress, poor health, and behavioural issues.

Physical and Emotional Demands

The physical demands of pet ownership can be particularly taxing for seniors. Large or strong breeds might inadvertently cause accidents, such as tripping their owner or knocking them over. Even smaller, active breeds can pose risks if they require more exercise than the elderly owner can provide. Additionally, the emotional stress of caring for a pet can be significant. Tasks like walking a dog, cleaning up after an animal, or managing behavioural problems can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and physical strain, undermining the intended benefits of companionship.

2. Financial Implications

The financial responsibilities of pet ownership are often underestimated. Costs associated with food, veterinary care, grooming, and other essentials can quickly add up, creating a burden for seniors on fixed incomes. We often get requests to help with vet bills because it is a pensioner or to help get the animal to the vet, because the elderly caregiver can’t take them for various reasons. Emergency veterinary care or unexpected health issues for the pet can further strain finances. Long-term financial planning is also crucial. Without a clear plan for the pet’s care in the event of the senior’s incapacity or passing, the pet’s future can become uncertain, leading to potential neglect or rehoming.

3. Health and Safety Concerns

Potential Health Risks: Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can pose health risks to elderly individuals, including allergies, zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans), and infections. Seniors with compromised immune systems or existing health conditions may be more susceptible to these risks.

Physical Safety: Active pets, such as young dogs or large breeds, can unintentionally cause accidents or injuries. For instance, a playful dog might pull on a leash too hard, causing the owner to fall. Pets requiring frequent outdoor exercise or trips to the vet can pose additional risks, especially if the senior has mobility issues.

4. Emotional and Psychological Impact

The Burden of Care: Owning a pet can be emotionally overwhelming for some elderly individuals. The constant need for attention, the responsibility of meeting the pet’s needs, and managing behavioural issues can lead to stress and anxiety, detracting from the intended comfort and companionship.

Impact of Loss: The emotional toll of losing a pet can be profound, especially if the senior forms a strong bond with the animal. The grief of losing a pet, combined with the stress of rehoming or arranging care, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression. Keep in mind that the animal may also experience the loss of their owner and then having to live with a stranger if the family can’t take them in.

If a pet is being considered, providing educational resources and support about pet care can help ensure preparedness for the responsibilities involved. Workshops, guides, and consultations with veterinarians or animal care specialists can be invaluable.

ALTERNATIVES TO PET OWNERSHIP

Community Programs: Many communities offer programs that match volunteers with elderly individuals for regular visits. These programs provide social interaction and companionship without the need for full-time pet ownership. Therapy animal programs can also bring joy to seniors without the responsibilities of caring for a live animal.

Other activities: There are numerous enriching alternatives to pet ownership that can keep elderly individuals engaged and active. Mental stimulation can be achieved through activities like jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and brain-training apps, which challenge cognitive abilities and provide enjoyable problem-solving opportunities. Creative pursuits such as painting, knitting, or writing offer self-expression and artistic fulfillment. Educational activities, including online courses and workshops, contribute to personal growth. Social interaction can be fostered through board games, card games, social clubs, and volunteering, providing a sense of community and purpose. Physical wellness can be maintained with chair exercises, yoga, and gardening. Digital media, including streaming movies, listening to music, and engaging in virtual socializing, offers entertainment and connection.

Companion Animals: Robotic pets or interactive companions designed for seniors can provide the emotional benefits of a pet without the physical and financial demands. These devices can offer companionship and mental stimulation without requiring extensive care.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Creating a Care Plan: If a senior already owns a pet or is considering one, developing a comprehensive care plan is essential. This plan should include provisions for the pet’s care in case of the senior’s incapacity or passing, such as identifying a family member or friend to take over responsibilities and ensuring financial and logistical arrangements are in place.

Since the system is so overwhelmed and there are already not enough homes, especially with old pets, I suggest that the caretakers take them to the vet for euthanasia instead of dumping them on an already overwhelmed system. Unfortunately, the reality is that it is harder to find homes for older pets who may come with higher expenses due to illness.

Legacy Considerations: Discussing and planning for the pet’s future as part of the senior’s estate planning can help mitigate uncertainties. Establishing a pet trust or making arrangements with animal rescue organizations for rehoming can provide peace of mind and ensure the pet’s needs are met in the long term.

If you have given a pet to an elderly parent, please take responsibility for that animal and plan for their future. Are your pets included in your will? Read more about this topic here.

Gifting a pet to an elderly individual requires careful consideration and planning. While the intention may be to provide companionship, the physical, emotional, and financial realities of pet ownership must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure a beneficial arrangement for both the elderly person and the pet. By understanding the complexities involved and exploring alternative solutions, we can better support seniors in their quest for companionship while safeguarding the well-being of their animal companions. This thoughtful approach helps avoid the pitfalls of well-intentioned but poorly planned pet gifts, ensuring a fulfilling and harmonious relationship for both the elderly individual and their pet.

Next week we will look at why we need the public to step up and how they can help.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

ANIMALS 101 – HELP! MY PARROT IS MISSING!

Columnist

Ancois van Zyl

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August 28, 2024

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ANIMALS 101 – HELP! MY PARROT IS MISSING!

WHAT CAN YOU DO WHEN YOUR PARROT GOES MISSING?

Missing parrots seem to be a frequent occurrence in our area lately and since these birds are human-imprinted, it is hazardous for them outside, especially when it is cold and windy. We understand that accidents can happen, but for me, if it happens multiple times, then it is not an accident. Remember that they didn’t get to choose you as their owner and you are responsible for keeping them safe. Prevention is better than cure, but today we will provide a guideline on what to do if birds do escape.

BE PREPARED FOR AN ESCAPE

Birds instinctively tend to fly when their adrenaline level is high. They also generally fly up to the highest point they can land. However, most pet birds today have never fully fledged (fledging is the process of learning how to fly). While smaller birds can often fly quite easily, larger parrots require more skill to be able to take off and land at will, and to navigate where they want to go.

For all pet owners, please have flyers ready just in case. Take a few minutes now to create one for each pet. Have copies available so a friend can make copies for you while you do an initial search. You don’t want to take this time after the escape nor do you want to find you have no photos. Please do not share a photo of a younger version of your pet if they had matured, as people might look for a puppy instead of an adult dog. The photo should preferably show the bird in full colour both back and front view and with wings spread if possible. If you leave town and your parrots in the care of others, make sure they fully understand the recovery process and that they understand to notify you immediately if your bird does escape. Create one post with the photos on instead of sharing many photos separately.

Follow our social media posting guidelines here.

parrot — Missing Parrot – Image by The Paw Company

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

1. Always check that windows and doors are closed when they are out of their cage.

2. Wing clipping should only be done by a qualified professional. Remember they can still fly quite a distance, especially on a windy day.

3. If you take them for outings make sure it is a safe and secure carrier or wear a safe harness.

4. Practice recall and teach them to fly down to you from higher perches, trees, roofs, or the top of stairs.

5. Have a poster or at least pictures ready in case they get out. It is sad to see how many pet owners do not have pictures of their pets.

FINDING AN ESCAPED BIRD – HOW TO PROCEED

Act immediately – Locating your bird is the first step. This must be done as quickly as possible. So, start searching as soon as you realize your bird is lost. If you see them fly away, note the direction!
Place his/her cage outside – Put the cage outside and fill it with his/her favourite treats and fresh water. Leave the cage door open.
Canvas the neighbourhood – Most birds are recovered within 3 kilometers of the escape location, so within hours you need to have everyone within that area know how to contact you. Let your neighbours know that you lost your bird. Walk around the neighbourhood and call his/her name. The best way to do this is to go door to door to every home within a kilometer of the escape location. If you have other birds, take them with you on the search, if possible, and with safety in mind.
Distribute flyers and share them on social media (correctly) – Post and pass out flyers with a detailed description of your bird and a picture. Include instructions that say to leave the bird alone and not attempt to recover them and your contact number. Facebook Messenger is not an effective method if you are not friends on Facebook. When you share on social media, do a post on your personal profile with the privacy setting on public. Then share and reshare that particular post everywhere instead of doing a new one every time.
Ensure that as many eyes and ears as possible are on the lookout – Give flyers to school crossing guards and distribute them to students exiting schools local to the escape location.
Keep your phone charged – The phone number listed on the flyer should be a fully charged cell phone with service available in the area where your bird was lost. If this is not available the phone should be with a friend or family member who will be able to contact you while you are out searching. Give an alternative number too.
Offer a reward- You could offer a reward for the safe return of your lost bird. Keep in mind that this may encourage the theft of animals, so, in general, I do not encourage this.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Even brightly coloured parrots blend in amazingly well and are hard to spot. The bird will most likely start calling within the first 24 hours. Those living close by should know how to contact you. Days are not counted with 24 hours, but how many nights the parrot has been out.

DAY 1 is the day of escape whether morning or late in the afternoon.

DAY 2 is the day after the first night spent out.

DAY 3 is the day after the 2nd night out etc.

FIRST 24 HOURS

Looking for parrots should begin the moment they escape and continue until dusk and resume every morning at dawn. Large parrots are quiet and roost at night making searching at night fairly pointless.

THE NEXT 24 HOURS

If you have not spotted your parrot within the first 24 hours make sure someone does the round at local shelters and veterinary hospitals daily. As time passes the chances of recovery lessons so move fast and keep moving. Send your flyer to your local avian vet.

Call your local animal care and control and rescue organizations/shelters and list your bird as missing. Go there every day to see if your bird has been surrendered.

DAY 3

By day 3 you should enlarge your flyer area to about 1.5- 2km and grow it each day thereafter.
The most critical part of recovery is: DON’T GIVE UP!!!!
Place an ad in your local newspapers. Some of them place ads about lost and found animals for free.
Share on social media frequently with updates on the original post if the bird was spotted in some areas with times. Not in the comments!
Seek a bird rescue organization or rescuer near you and let them know you lost your bird. They often take in stray birds.
List your bird as missing at other lost and found bird websites out of town.

RECOVERING A LARGE PARROT

Wait until the bird is ready to come down

Consequently, if a bird flies to something high, like a tree, it may not have the skill and experience to know how to fly down. This means that most large parrots who escape their caregivers need to be found quickly and then monitored until they are ready to climb down on their own. Once the parrot is located, if it is above arm’s reach, you need to wait until the parrot climbs down willingly. The parrot will do this on its timetable, not yours. Food treats and attention by the caregiver are the only tools that should be used to encourage the parrot to come down sooner, rather than later.

Remember your bird will probably have to glide down instead of fly immediately down.

Do not spook the bird into taking off again

Chances are, the parrot will not come down until she/he has spent two nights out. Thus, your goal is, to ensure that nothing spooks the parrot into flight. The worst thing that can happen is for the parrot to take flight again so you have to resume your search. This means that under no circumstances should anyone climb a tree, or use a ladder, net, pole, hose, or other reaching item to access the parrot. A few cold nights are far less dangerous to the bird than having it fly onto a power line or to a location where you can’t spot it. The hard part is finding a bird!

Observe the bird

The parrot should be observed from dawn to dusk. The parrot will probably just roost. Food should not be left out or distributed around the location. The goal is for the parrot to climb down to the caregiver. This usually happens on day three. Avoid too many strangers at the location. You want the parrot to focus on its caregiver.

Watch for signs the parrot is ready to climb down:

Fluttering of wings.
Movement in the tree to ensure a good view of the caregiver.
Calls to the caregiver when not in view.
A movement toward the caregiver.

Start the food fest

Once the parrot is showing clear signs of being ready to climb down, start passing favourite foods to other spotters around the location within the view of the parrot. Make yummy sounds showing great pleasure in having such wonderful treats. Use large visible portions of brightly or strong-smelling foods that the parrot sees as a treat. This should get the parrot fairly excited if it is ready to come down. Continue with the food fest with only the primary caregiver directly at the base where the parrot will need to climb down.

Leave and return

If the parrot settles a bit during day three, leave a spotter at the location and have the primary caregiver leave for an hour or so, returning with a plate of food. Offer the food to the spotter and start the food fest over again. Most likely, by the end of day three, the parrot will give in and climb down to its caregiver.

If it is getting late in the day on day 3 and the parrot is looking like it is settling in for the night, try one last shot for that day.

By day 4 most parrots will climb down to anyone, but for those few holdouts, just continue as on previous days. The parrot will eventually climb down when they are ready.

It is always better to contact the caregiver/owner to fetch the bird rather than to try and catch them yourself. Other methods like using water should only be done with the guidance of an experienced individual.

Also read what to do if you find wildlife, including birds, and why I am against wing clipping for birds.

Please note we are against keeping any exotic animals or birds as pets, in cages, and breeding with them. Most people who have birds are not meeting their needs and it is heartbreaking for us to see this. There are far too many abandoned birds/animals or those that get passed on from one home to another.

Also, read more on advice for current or prospective parrot parents.

Please think long and hard before getting a bird as a pet. Volunteer at a rescue first and do proper research about all their needs. If you have a bird, don’t take away their ability to fly and to be birds, and make sure that your enclosures can keep them safe, as well as train a good recall!

We will fight not until cages are comfortable, but until cages are empty! Next week we will look at why buying animals for someone else, especially the elderly, is a problem.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Sources: Brainy Birds – Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation & STAR – St. Louis Avian Rescue

ANIMALS 101 – PLANNING TO GET A PARROT OR HAVE ONE?

Columnist

Ancois van Zyl

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August 21, 2024

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ANIMALS 101 – PLANNING TO GET A PARROT OR HAVE ONE?

ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR PROSPECTIVE PARROT PARENTS.

Parrots, especially African Grey parrots are popular pets, but unfortunately, many owners don’t realize the extreme level of care these highly intelligent, high-maintenance birds require.

The combination of their high intelligence and their long life expectancy makes them one of the highest maintenance pets on the planet. Adding inexperienced owners to the mix often results in a long list of behavioural problems, health concerns, and unhappiness for both the parrot and the owner. These animals can easily change homes 6-7 times in their lifetime. The number of surrendered and abandoned birds is sky-high worldwide. Through education and awareness, we want to help change that.

Although we do not support exotic and wild animals as pets, or keeping them in cages, many are captive and that is why it is important to make sure you are ready and realistic about owning a parrot. They are beautiful, adorable, and very smart, but they are also:

Noisy
Messy
Require expensive care
Need lots of time & energy
Demanding
Still needs grooming
Vet care is specialized
Destructive
Not ideal for kids
Become very old (60+)

“Parrots are commonly presented at veterinary clinics for feather-destructive behaviour, aggression, inappropriate noise making and/or excessive vocalization, and other behaviour problems — usually more so than for medical illnesses,” says avian veterinarian Dr. Anthony Pilny.

Also, read last week’s article on what to do if your pet dies at home.

Editor’s note: This article is a reprint from 2 June 2022.

Two absolute essentials for caring for parrots in captivity are access to an avian veterinarian and a minimum of 4 hours each day spent in human-bird interaction. Other fundamentals include a big monthly bird budget, a cage that is the right size, properly accessorized, and well-maintained, and a species-appropriate, healthy diet.

He suggests the following:

You need an avian vet. Parrots aren’t chickens or small mammals. They have a unique physiology that exotic animal vets are well versed in navigating. Avian veterinarians are better equipped than general small animal vets to diagnose exotics, as well as to understand and interpret behaviour problems and recommend appropriate treatment, enrichment methods, and behaviour counseling.
Owners and potential owners of parrots need to be thoroughly educated by avian veterinarians and other knowledgeable sources about the parrots’ needs so they know what to expect and how to meet the birds’ requirements in captivity.
The high cognitive ability of parrots should be considered in their captive husbandry as a contributing factor to developing behaviour concerns. If you’re considering a parrot as a pet, you should be prepared to spend almost the same amount and quality of time with your bird as you would a highly interactive, bright, inquisitive pre-schooler.

FIVE MUST-HAVES FOR CARING FOR PARROTS

THE CAGE

An appropriately sized cage that is cozy (draft-free) and located in a safe, low-stress but social area. Your bird’s cage should be big enough for her to spread her wings and flap vigorously without contacting anything. It is even better when they can fly in their cage. Remember that birds fly more horizontally, so consider this when you buy a cage.
It should have a variety of natural branch perches (not dowels) and contain several shreddable toys, for example, balsa wood, woven mat toys, paper-stuffed toys, nontoxic enrichment “goodie bags,” and organic hemp rope toys for chewing. A huge variety of organic, all-natural, chemical-free toys is critical, as parrots’ mouths are used as a third hand so, an ongoing supply of safe, nontoxic instantly shreddable, as well as a few resilient or reusable chew toys, are a must.
He recommends replacing the disposable chews at least daily and rotating the more resilient toys at least twice a week, ideally daily. Always introduce new toys slowly, attaching them to the outside of the cage for a few days first, so your parrot can investigate at his own pace.
The cage should be cleaned daily with a nontoxic cleaner. His recommendation is diluted vinegar. The cage floor should be lined with newspaper that is discarded daily. All loose material (feathers, leftover feed, bird poop) should be carefully disposed of before disinfecting cage surfaces. Birds should be removed from the area during the disinfecting process to protect them from fumes.

DIET – Feed a high-quality diet of species-appropriate fresh foods including fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, whole nuts, and sprouted grains. Organic, dye-free commercial pelleted food (not poor-quality sunflower seed mix, which is the equivalent of junk food for most exotic birds) can also be offered.
BATHS – Parrots can get dusty, so regular bathing opportunities are important. Many parrots love baths; some will splash around in a tub of shallow water; others will join their owners in the shower and others enjoy a gentle spray from a plant mister. Use filtered water, free from heavy metals and contaminants, and consider adding a flower essence if your bird is stressed.
MONEY – Beyond the initial expense of acquiring a parrot, owners should plan to spend a lot of money a month on wholesome fresh food, destructible toys, and other supplies. An emergency fund or pet medical aid is also crucial.
TIME – Just because birds live in cages doesn’t mean they are easy pets to care for. You can’t just pop your parrot into his cage and ignore him except at feeding time. Be prepared to spend a great deal of time interacting with them. Potential owners of parrots should be ready, willing, and able to commit at least 4 hours per day to human-bird contact. This will disqualify many potential owners immediately.

Birds need chemical-free environments to be healthy. Consider the dangers or effects of:

Tap water
Home scenting products
Kitchen cookware
Fireplaces and smokers
Home cleaning products
Air purification

If you own a bird or want to learn, read more on various bird-related topics here.

Please think twice and again before committing and if you do…..ALWAYS ADOPT! We will fight not until cages are comfortable, but until they are empty!

REMEMBER THE AVIAN VET VISIT TO SECUNDA

It is in the best interests of your birds to be seen by an Avian vet as not all vets can treat birds correctly. Dr. Maryke will be visiting Secunda again on 17 September. She will be doing trims, vitamin injections, deworming, and surgical sexing of birds. Please WhatsApp Shy for more info and to book. 083 653 9755. Thank you VetCross Eendedam for hosting.

Next week we will look at tips for finding missing birds.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Stunning Photos by Photographers

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 19, 2024

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The Sasol Highveld Photography held its monthly club meeting at Sasol Club on Friday 16 August.

The judge for the evening was Francois Venter from Pretoria and the set subject was “Through the Window”

The club hosts monthly meetings where members can enjoy informative talks by other photographers.

Various topics are covered, and this is always accompanied by photographs that the guest has shot.

Members are invited to enter their photographs to be judged in different categories.

Members are also graded by their skill levels and receive points to progress to a higher level. The aim is for photographers to improve by having their photos judged and critiqued. By taking note of the commentaries of the guest they should be able to improve.

Here are the photos for August, who received Gold or COM (Gold and Certificate of Merit).

Best Senior Photographer (August)

Leon Pelser with his photograph “Shade from Thunder” was judged as the best Senior Photographer for the evening.

Best Junior Photographer (August)

Lorraine Botha with her photograph “Living in a City on Water in Ha Long Bay” was judged to be the best Junior Photographer for the evening.

“Living in a city on water in Ha Long Bay” By Lorraine Botha

Best Set Subject Photographer (August)

Louis van der Walt with his photograph “Cathedral Peak through Window” was judged as the best photographer in the set subject category.

“Cathedral Peak through Window” by Louis van der Walt

Categories:

Scapes:

“The wine valley of Portugal” by Lorraine Botha

Monochrome:

“Blue and Pink Light tube paint 1 – BW” by Louis van der Walt

“Flower With Fly On Mono” by Sussa Pelser

“Cape Vulture FR 2 – BW” by Louis van der Walt

Nature:

“Sonsondergang Kremetart” by Edmund Hattingh

“Leeuwyfie met welpies” by Edmund Hattingh

Pictorial:

Photojournalism:

“Secunda vs Heidelberg Volkskool” by Adri Kirsten

Set Subject: Through the Window

“Signs of life in the concrete jungle” by Lorraine Botha

“Sunset Through The Window” by Sussa Pelser

Sasol “BRIDGE TO WORK” Opportunities

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 16, 2024

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“BRIDGE TO WORK” INSTALLATION REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Are you between 18 and 35 and own an IRM business? Join one of the Sasol Bridge to Work IRM programmes to grow your business.

ACCELERATION OF SMMES

12 months business development modules, coaching and mentoring, masterclasses and technical upskilling

Criteria:

Resides within Govan Mbeki Municipality
Minimum 2-years operation
Operating in the IRM professions and sectors
Black-owned
Preference given to Women Owned SMEs
Township-based
Committed to the 12 months business acceleration
Committed to host trained unemployed young people for workplace learning
SMME’s to apply for only one programme.

TECHNICAL UPSKILLING OF SMMES

Transfer of technical upskilling (technical gap analysis; needs-based for compliance to industry standards)

Criteria:

Resides within Govan Mbeki Municipality
Minimum 2-years operation
Operating in the IRM professions and sectors
Black-owned
Preference given to Women Owned SMEs
Township-based
Full commitment to completion of technical upskilling
Committed to host trained unemployed young people for workplace learning
Have previous attended and completed any business development skills programme (Gert Sibande/Sasol/Incubator)
Should have technical competency within IRM requiring further support

REQUIREMENTS

Company profile
Business documents (CIPC, SARS, BBBEE, Bank confirmation letter)
Turnover of minimum R600 000 (12 months management account)
Be able to host trained unemployed young people for workplace learning.
Site visits will be conducted in the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY

Option 1: Apply by sending the relevant documentation to cfe.marketingint@gscollege.edu.za or cfe.admin@gscollege.edu.za with the heading Sasol/Gert Sibande CFE IRM Programme 2024

Option 2: Drop off your documentation at the Gert Sibande Centre for Entrepreneurship, 12 Cornell road, Evander.

Applications close 25 August 2024

JUNIOR DRAUGHTSPERSON

Work integrated learning opportunity

Short Job Description

Create and update drawings according to disciplined specifications and red lined information.
Redraw non electronic drawings to the relevant engineering platform, e.g. hard copy, hand sketch, tiffs and .pdf formats.
Convert existing CAD drawings to intelligent data base technology.
Utilise complimentary technology to achieve reverse engineering.

Formal Education

Post School Tertiary Diploma Draughting (South Africa / Eurasia)

NQF 4 Engineering Draughting

This is a work integrated learning opportunity for youth within Govan Mbeki Municipality.

Candidate age limit 18-25 years of age.

Candidate to be a residens of Govan Mbeki Municipality.

Submit your CV to secundacorporateaffairs@sasol.com

Applications close on 23 August 2024

Sasol Handover programme

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 15, 2024

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Sasol hands over houses, electricity sub-station and two-way radios to Govan Mbeki Municipality

As part of Sasol’s ongoing housing scheme under the Social Labour Plan (SLP) programme, today the company officially handed over almost 40 houses to residents of Govan Mbeki Municipality. These houses are located in eMbalenhle and Secunda. Initiated in 2014 by Sasol, the project targets Sasol employees who are first-time homebuyers and qualify for funding.

To date, over 260 houses have been handed over to qualifying employees in eMbalenhle, Secunda, and Sasolburg in the Free State province.

“Through this initiative, Sasol is not just providing a roof over people’s heads, but we are restoring dignity and hope to those who thought owning a home was out of reach,” stated Sandile Siyaya, Sasol Mining Senior Vice President.

By providing affordable housing to permanent Sasol Mining employees, Sasol addresses one of the critical social issues facing the country, which is access to housing. Some of the key qualifying criteria for the scheme are that applicants must not have previous government subsidies and not earn more than R40 000 per month.

Embalenhle electricity sub-station

To support the delivery of electricity to the growing population, Sasol also unveiled Phases 1 and 2 of the upgraded electricity sub-station in eMbalenhle. The infrastructure is a critical component in helping the local Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) reduce the occurrence of unplanned power outages due to the overloading of infrastructure.

Both initiatives further demonstrate Sasol’s commitment of uplifting fenceline communities and collaborating with public and private institutions to improve lives.

Two-way radios

Furthermore, Sasol donated nine Motorola two-way radios, valued at R200 000, to the Govan Mbeki Municipality Traffic Department (GMMTD) to enhance their emergency response capabilities. This donation follows a previous donation of radios to GMM Emergency Services in 2023, which has been effectively utilised. The two-way radios will ensure reliable communication, even in areas with cellphone network failures. Sasol will also maintain the
communication network repeaters and external antennas covering most of Govan Mbeki, at no cost to GMM. The radios come with a one-year warranty and have been programmed for immediate use.

“These initiatives are in line with our Sasol values, where we always strive to empower our people, uplift communities, and ensure a safer and more sustainable future for all,” concluded Siyaya.

ANIMALS 101 – WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOUR PET DIES AT HOME?

Columnist

Ancois van Zyl

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August 14, 2024

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ANIMALS 101 – WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOUR PET DIES AT HOME?

IT IS INEVITABLE THAT SOME PETS MIGHT DIE AT HOME OR THAT YOU FIND A DECEASED ANIMAL SOMEWHERE AND MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO IF THIS HAPPENS.

Animal welfare organizations have to deal with animal bodies often and it is not something I wish anyone to experience. Still, it may happen to you, and being prepared can help. Some time back someone did a post about their animal that passed away at home over a weekend. They couldn’t get a hold of their vet, which is the first step for most. For this reason, I decided to provide some guidelines in this regard and some tips on the grieving process.

One suggestion that was made by a few was to bury the animal in the yard. Burial regulations are determined by local municipal bylaws and it usually falls under waste management bylaws. As far as I am aware, our local municipality does not have any pet burial regulations in place. This, basically means that you can bury your pet in your yard, however, there are exceptions determined by other regulations.

You are not allowed to bury diseased carcasses, which means if your pet had a transmissible disease like Parvo etc., was poisoned or you don’t know why they died, you may not bury them in your yard as it can lead to health and environmental problems. Our municipal waste management department does not pick up dead animals from vets and all vets are referred to Legacy Pet Crematorium.

I followed up on some suggestions:

Legacy Pet Crematorium can be contacted on 011 875 2099 during the week and on weekends. They do collect bodies from people’s homes, but only on Tuesdays in the Secunda area. The costs include the collection and communal cremation. Separate cremation will be more, and dependent on a few factors.
Another suggestion on the post was to contact AVBOB. I phoned them and they confirmed that they do handle animal bodies too, but they couldn’t give me the exact cost at the time. Contact your nearest AVBOB for more info.
You can contact your local SPCA as many SPCAs might be able to assist with the body. I can’t confirm whether there is a fee for it, but if there is no fee, please consider a donation.
Other animal welfare organizations might be able to assist too, although the bodies they deal with, usually go to the vet as well.
I can confirm that Agricall Pest Control Secunda can’t assist with this.
Monteviro will remove poisoned bodies and neutralize your yard in the Secunda area. I have not used them myself yet.
Enviroserv Secunda does not have an incinerator and therefore can’t assist with the bodies.
As I understand there is another pet cremation service called Paw Print Pet Funeral and Cremation Service. They are not local, so I can’t confirm if they can help with this.

Editor’s note: This article is a reprint from 12 October 2022.

SO NOW WHAT?

You can’t get a hold of your or other vets in the area or any of the above. This means the body will need to stay with you until the vet practice is open or the body can be collected. This might be upsetting for many, but here are some suggestions on the dos and don’ts in the meantime:

DOS

Make sure the pet is deceased. They might be unconscious or in a deep sleep. Look, listen, and feel for a pulse and breathing. You can look and see if the chest rises and falls. Listen closely to whether you can hear breathing or even hear their heart beating. You can put your finger under their nose to feel for breathing. To allocate a pulse you can place the ball of two fingers (not the thumb) on the depression found in your pet’s inner upper thigh over the Femoral artery. You can also place your hand over the left side of their chest where their elbow touches their body. If there is a pulse but no breathing, then rescue breaths are required. If there is no pulse and no breathing, CPR is needed. It is important to know basic first aid for your type of pet (cat, dog, bird, etc.).
Use gloves if possible and heavy-duty trash bags. If you don’t have heavy-duty bags, use multiple bags for the body.
Place a towel under the tail, genitals, and mouth of your pet. Their body may begin to expel fluids as the muscles relax. This will protect carpets and flooring. Clean the areas around your dog’s mouth, genitals, and anus if the fluid has been released. Keep in mind that more body fluids might be released as you move the body.
It is important to understand that the remains of the pet must be handled as soon as possible and before the onset of rigor mortis. Rigor mortis, the stiffening of the joints, typically begins within 10 minutes to three hours after death and can last as long as 72 hours. The temperature will affect this process.
Use a blanket, towel, or bed sheet that is large enough to wrap around the body. Place your pet’s body on its side in a curled-up position, as if sleeping. If your pet dies with their legs stretched out, gently fold them in closer to the body if they haven’t already stiffened. The sleeping position can also offer a sense of peace and make it easier to move the body later. Tightly wrap the body and move the body into the trash bags. Securely close the bag with knots.
The body needs to be kept cool. An animal’s body begins to decompose immediately after death and will soon begin to give off a foul odour and attract insects. The hotter the temperature, the faster the rate of decomposition. If you can’t get the body to your vet or a local pet cremation service or use a freezer/refrigerator, we suggest keeping the body in a cool utility room, basement, or garage floor, and making use of additional trash bags is recommended. This should be for no longer than 4-6 hours, as the odour will become severe and spread through the house.
I do support other pets being allowed to smell the body, so they can better understand what happened and it can help them with the grieving process too. Yes, they grieve too. If you don’t know why the animal died or they have been poisoned or had a transmissible disease then this is not advisable.
If the body is going elsewhere, be sure to put a label on the bag with your name, number, and your pet’s name.

DON’TS

Don’t panic. I know it is easier said than done, but when you panic, it can cause extra distress for other family members or pets which adds to the trauma and you may not be able to think clearly.
Don’t leave your pet in a warm place. A cool, dry place such as a garage will have to do if you can’t keep it in a freezer or refrigerator.
Don’t try to handle it alone as the death of a pet can be a traumatic experience. Call a friend or family member if you are alone when it happens.
Don’t move larger pets without assistance. As the pet’s body stiffens it may be more difficult to move alone.
Don’t bury the animal in your yard if the local bylaws do not allow for it or if you don’t know why your pet died if they had a transmissible disease or were poisoned. This can be dangerous for other animals and your family as well as the environment.

Also, read more about becoming a master at dog walks.

REMEMBER

Contact vets in advance about euthanasia prices. Some are double the price of others. Also ask the vet what they do with the body, especially if you pay for cremation, ask through which company.
If you do not have the funds to euthanize a pet who is suffering, please surrender them to your local SPCA, which will end the suffering humanely. They may not refuse any animal.
If you find a body in the road, please remove it from the road. Take a picture if you can and send it to your local lost and found pet groups so they can give closure to someone whose pet is missing.
Please don’t replace the animal soon after with another pet as you will introduce the new family member into a low/sad energy home which is unfair to them. As mentioned, your pets grieve too, so keep an eye on them.

ABOUT GRIEF AFTER PET LOSS

Here is a three-series guide that may help you heal from the overwhelming grief that accompanies the loss of a pet:

The hardest part of being a pet guardian is saying goodbye. Remember your grief is valid & personal. Reach out if you need to! There are professional counselors for those who have lost pets. You will need time to grieve properly.

Next week we will look at what to consider when you plan to add a parrot to your family.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

R623m Education funds Returned Unused

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 13, 2024

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Mpumalanga Department of Education’s lack of an action plan leads to R623 million being returned to the Treasury

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Mpumalanga Department of Education returned money to the treasury for the second consecutive financial year as they failed to spend it – while their infrastructure projects are lagging,” said Annerie Weber: MPL – DA Spokesperson on Education: Mpumalanga Province

Annerie Weber: MPL DA Spokesperson on Education: Mpumalanga Province

According to the department’s reports, in the 2022/2023 financial year, they returned R311 million to the Treasury due to the failure to spend the budget. The department has managed to repeat the very same in the 2023/2024 financial year underspending the budget with R312 million. This means that in just two consecutive financial years, this department lost R623 million to the Treasury.

“This is one of the main reasons why the department’s infrastructure projects take more than ten years to complete a single school,” said Weber, “Could the reason be that there is too much money being syphoned off these projects?”

R623 million would have achieved a lot if the department had a plan of action. The Department could have done the following:

• Eradicated all the pit toilets in schools.

• Completed the Mkhondo Boarding School.

• Rebuilt Sidlamafa High School in Nkomazi as it is falling apart to the extent that classrooms have cracks.

A School’s physical infrastructure and environment inspire learners to learn and teachers to teach, however, this program continues to fail.

Returning millions to Treasury in two consecutive years costs our learners and teachers. After 30 years of democracy, Mpumalanga schools still face the following challenges:

• A learner will still not have a textbook per child per subject

• Learners will not receive a meal at the mere cost of R3 per child

• Principles and SGBs will face another year of deciding what more they need to cut due to paper budget reduction.

According to a recent government gazette, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, mentioned that both the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Departments of Education forfeited R411 million of their 2022/2023 schools’ infrastructure budgets because they have failed to spend it. He mentioned that the Eastern Cape forfeited R100 million while Mpumalanga forfeited R311 million. Gondongwana also mentioned that the money was re-directed to both the Western Cape and Gauteng Departments of Education.

“We will write to the MEC of education, Cathy Dlamini, reminding her that with the shortage of 747 schools in the province, her department needs to start building schools, maintaining and fixing schools, and not give our money that is so needed to other provinces,” concluded Weber

RAPID RESPONSE LED TO RECOVERY OF A STOLEN FIREARM.

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 12, 2024

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RAPID RESPONSE LED TO RECOVERY OF A STOLEN FIREARM.

The crime prevention team comprising Sergeant Vusumuzi Mpila, Sergeant Lindiwe Mkhonto, Constable Mankweng Motloutsi and Constable Mercy Pule continues to squeeze crime to zero in Bethal policing precinct.

In the early hours of Wednesday 7 August 2024, the team was officially on duty performing crime prevention duties within Bethal policing area when they noticed a Ford ranger vehicle parked along the street with a man in it. The police stopped and asked the man if they could be of assistance.

The man informed the police that he parked his vehicle on a busy street next to Bethal Mall where he fell asleep. While sleeping, he was awakened by noises from the street with the passenger’s door opened. As soon as he woke up, he noticed three men where one of the men was searching him.

He further told the police that he had a firearm, a 9mm Taurus pistol containing seven live ammunition which was stolen by the suspects in the car.

The description of the suspects was given to the police by the victim and police promptly conducted a preliminary investigation using the description given. They then received information about the whereabouts of the suspects which they followed up on.

Upon following the information, they found two men in a house where the victim positively identified them and through the skills and knowledge of handling suspects, the police managed to recover the stolen firearm and ammunition with other items stolen from the victim.

Police then arrested two of the suspects for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Upon arresting them, they informed the police about the third suspect whereby the police went to look for him and found him with stolen property. He was then arrested for possession of stolen property meanwhile, the victim was charged with the negligence handling of a firearm.

The suspects, Njabulo Mahlangu(20) and Musawenkosi Sibanyoni(29) made their first appearance before Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 7 August facing charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition while Patrick Nhleko(31) appeared for possession of stolen property and both matters were postponed to 14 August 2024 pending investigations and for formal bail application.

Electricity charges have residents fuming.

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 11, 2024

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Electricity charges have residents fuming.

Several residents contacted The Bulletin to complain about high electrical charges.

The budget made provision for a hike of 9.86% on electricity charges.

Unfortunately, residents suddenly had to pay a 16,21% increase on some charges.

Prepaid electricity is charged in blocks. 0 to 50 Units, 51 to 350 Units and 351 to 600. Residents are mostly purchasing in the 51 to 350 units block and this is where the problem lies. Instead of increasing it by only 9,86%, it increased by 16,21%.

In a statement released by the Democratic Alliance (DA), Cllr Terry-Lee Kleynhans said that the municipality’s top brass has conceded that it would appear that there are discrepancies in the block 2 category. They have also further committed to opening an investigation and reimbursing affected households.

“Noting the high levels of unemployment in Govan Mbeki, we find this alleged error unacceptable,” said Kleynhans, “ The municipality’s electrical and finance division needs to start taking accountability and perform their duties with due diligence.”

“Just last year, we learnt that the municipality’s electricity distribution loss was sitting at an alarming 63%. The losses consisted of both technical losses (10%) and non-technical losses (53%).”

“Therefore, this goes to show that there are serious shortcomings in the municipality’s energy division that are directly affecting every household in Govan Mbeki. The DA does not buy into the notion that the municipality will impartially investigate this matter.”

Govan Mbeki Municipality has subsequently released a statement on their Facebook page stating that:

Govan Mbeki Municipality has established that there has been an error in Block 2 of the electricity supply tariffs for the period of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

This was a result of an administrative error when effecting the 9.86% tariffs increase approved by Council.

The increased tariff should have been R2.20 instead of R2.33, resulting in a 13-cent difference.

It should be noted, however, that the municipality applied the 9.86% increase correctly among all the blocks.

Consumers should not be alarmed as the municipality is investigating the impact of this error.

The municipality will ensure consumers are credited with the correct approved tariffs, which will be reflected in their statements.

Comments on the GMM Facebook page said:

There’s just 1 word to describe GMM: Greedy. Feel nothing for the community. Just take the current water situation!!
How will you refund prepaid customers?
Skelms!
Govan Mbeki Municipality why are you blocking Prepaid Electricity meters law-abiding residents who are in arrears? Are you pushing them to also Steal electricity like others?

“We urge the municipality to release a report on their findings and bring the matter to the council for effective measures and solutions to be implemented,” said Kleynhans, “Residents of Govan Mbeki deserve an effective and competent government. With this in mind, we call on the District Municipality to step in and bring stability to the municipality’s Technical Service Department.”

Not only did the increase affect a lot of people, but they also had no way to purchase units. The following statement was on the GMM Facebook page:

Dear Valued Customers

Prepaid users are alerted that our third-party vendor, PowerUp, is experiencing network challenges, affecting vending transactions for both online and retail sales.

Customers are directed to download the EasyPay application to make the purchase or purchase from Money Market retailers or any other EasyPay accredited retailer or via the banking applications.

We apologise for any inconvenience and Powerup is working on resolving the problem.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

ISSUED BY GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPALITY

Let us hope that GMM prioritises the electricity issues, especially after the long water crises, and fix the problems plaguing the basic services of this municipality.