Elephants are very unpredictable and should always be approached with caution.
Two videos surfaced on WhatsApp recently showing how dangerous and strong an elephant can be.
A lot of people on holiday will include a visit to our national parks, especially the Kruger National Park (KNP) as it is big and easily accessible.
Nearly every visitor to the KNP will encounter an elephant or a herd of elephants. Both pose their dangers as single elephants are mostly males and large herds nearly always have small elephants with them. Bull elephants sometimes form a small group as they forage through the bush.
In this article, we will give a little insight into the world of Elephants and how to be safe around them during your next KNP visit
Elephants can be incredibly aggressive towards humans in a variety of circumstances. Apart from male elephants during musth, female elephants may become more aggressive after giving birth or having a calf born within the herd. Because elephants are so family-oriented and intelligent, they are protective of one another. They will especially protect any herd member that is at risk due to illness, size, or age.
With that said, when observing an average herd of wild elephants on safari, you’re in little to no danger provided that you keep a safe distance and observe the surrounding areas. There are also several danger signs to observe.
You can keep yourself safe from elephant attacks by always keeping a safe distance from elephants, steering clear of male elephants as much as possible, and learning more about elephant body language so you can predict their movements.
The following post was done on the Thornybush Web Page. Read the original post HERE and browse their webpage
Elephant Body Language and What It Means
Elephants are peaceful, gentle creatures most of the time, but they can be dangerous. Fortunately, it’s easy to tell when you are pushing your luck around elephants – their body language gives them away every time.
Here are some interesting facts about elephants that come from our experienced guides who know a whole lot more than we do about what’s happening in an elephant brain!
LOOK INTO THEIR EYES
Just as your eyes begin to droop after a fulfilling Sunday dinner – or snap wide open when you are startled, the elephant’s eye can indicate its state of mind. Soft, almost hooded eyes indicate a relaxed animal, while wide eyes can be a sign of trouble on the horizon. This is because the eyes widen as adrenaline seeps into the bloodstream – all the better to deal with danger quicker.
WATCH THE TAIL
When an elephant’s tail is softly swishing from side to side or occasionally swatting at flies, it usually means a relaxed state of mind. Add an element of tension to the picture and the elephant tail becomes more rigid, either held to the side or lifted away from the body. In most cases, an elephant showing anxiety in this way will move off to avoid conflict.
ELEPHANT EARS ALERT
Many people believe that an elephant flaps its ears as a sign of aggression. This is simply not true. Flapping ears are used to cool the animal down.
If an elephant turns towards you with its ears extended to the sides and head and trunk raised – different story. This intimidating display is an attempt to frighten you off. In most cases, the animal will continue on its way after giving you a scare, but this behaviour can lead to a charge should you choose to ignore it.
THE TRUNK POSITION
An elephant’s trunk has so many uses, that it almost never comes to a standstill. For communication purposes, it can be used as part of the domination display described above, or to trumpet a warning.
There are different theories about the way that an elephant holds its trunk during a charge. That’s not the kind of thing you should be worrying about. Mock charge or not, if an elephant gives any sign that it’s about to run towards you, your ranger will have you out of there before you have time to check for its trunk position.
LOOK, LISTEN AND LEARN
The warning signals versus communication given out by elephants are easy to tell apart, once you know what to look for.
A low rumble for example is merely the elephant communicating with the herd, while a trumpet is usually a signal of distress or a temper tantrum of a youngster whose mother will look to blame you for the outburst.
DON’T MISS THIS
The most important thing to remember while watching elephants on a game drive is to relax and immerse yourself in the experience.
Most of the elephants in Thornybush Private Game Reserve are used to people passing by and will simply continue with whatever they are doing. Take this opportunity to lap up the privilege of watching elephant behaviour in the wild and enjoy being in their presence.
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PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER WELCOMES 17 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR A RHINO POACHER
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng has welcomed the 17 years imprisonment imposed upon Mbongeni Selephi Ngobeni for poaching related offences. The accused was sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court on 14 March 2024.
The court heard how Ngobeni and his two accomplices entered the Kruger National Park through Makoko bridge on 21 June 2016. It is said that Field Rangers on duty that day, spotted some human tracks in the park. It never took long before they came into contact with a carcass of a slaughtered rhinoceros.
The Rangers conducted a massive search with the assistance of a tracker dog. The accused was later apprehended with a large calibre hunting rifle from his possession.
He was charged accordingly and thereafter appeared in court where he was granted bail.
He was supposed to appear for the second time in court on 19 March 2019, but never showed up.
A warrant for his arrest was issued but he could not be traced for a long time.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
On 22 December 2023, information regarding his whereabouts was received by the investigators. The information was followed and led to his arrest.
He was found guilty for hunting rhinoceros, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as for trespassing hence his sentencing to an effective 17 years direct imprisonment.
The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further thanked members of the public who provided valuable information which led to the suspect’s arrest. The General extended the words of gratitude to the SANPARKS officials, the Investigation team, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary for their collaborative efforts which led to hefty sentence.
With the one-month countdown to our first day right around the corner, it is time to take a look at our third and final artist announcement. We are projected to kick off our mystical weekend at 17:00 on Friday, April 26th. Starting the festival with a bang is After Wonderland, with their first-ever Misty Waters performance. They are followed by Highway Apostles, Glaskas, Albert Frost, and Fuzigish, and ending the first day on a rocking note is Crash and the Void.
Before we provide the full line-up, let’s dive into our final artists to feature on our line-up. In no particular order, we’ll divulge what makes these 8 bands truly special.
Formed in Silverton, Pretoria on June 1st, 2007 The Black Cat Bones has easily rose to be one of the top performing acts in South Africa. The founding members consist of the late Kobus de Kock jr, Andre Kriel, Chris vd Walt and Jason Oosthuizen. Unfortunately, the band is returning to the Misty Waters stage without Kobus for the first time. However, we are quite eager to experience the band and its fresh energy with new frontman, Gareth Wilson.
You can expect a high-energy performance from these punk rock reggae misfits. Since their inception in 1997, they’ve released five full-length albums and one compilation.
During this period the band released the How Rude! E.P. containing the songs “Louise”, “How Rude!”, “Drivin’” & “No.17” amongst others. After headlining at Oppikoppi in 1998 the band decided to bid farewell to South Africa for a while and toured through Europe and Australia in 2003.
This folk-pop and rock duo formed in 2014, and established themselves the old-fashioned way, by playing pubs and clubs night after night. In 2015 they released their debut single “Month of May” and secured themselves a spot on the South African iTunes Top 40. Before they knew it, we all knew who Bad Peter was and they featured at every major festival in South Africa.
They had their break out year in 2022 when they opened for The Lumineers. With a high intensity energy and rich vocals, the Stupid on a Sunday duo is guaranteed to get the crowd grooving, jiving and bopping about in front of the stage.
Indie Dog is a South African alternative band with eclectic influences ranging from 70’s classic rock, the 90’s grunge and funk rock movements, to modern indie, pop and rock bands. A personal favourite is “Rock City,” with a gradual slow start that reels in the listener. The music is created with a message in mind. Every instrument, every lyric, every note is placed with the intention of getting that message to the listener. We’re pretty sure everyone in South Africa who listens to the radio has heard an Indie Dog song, considering that they are getting regular airplay on radio stations across the world.
First off, we’d like to thank Tidal Waves for loving our festival so much that they keep on coming back. Tidal Waves has not missed one Misty Waters and we plan on keeping it that way. With almost 100 performances every year, they are known as the hardest working Reggae band in the South African music industry. The band writes and performs original reggae music with blues, mbaqanga and rock influences. Tidal Waves is a Yeoville-based South African band playing an eclectic blend of “Afro-roots-rock-dub-reggae”.
“It’s just not possible to criticise a band that can make you sing along in more than three languages. What other band do you know that can do that? Especially so when you consider how many of their songs are about political and social issues.” – Mique van der Merwe – Rock out Radio
VaalTaki
VaalTaki was formed in 2020 when Allen Mouton, Nico Shevron and Charlie Brummer joined forces. They are a folk rock band with a chilled melodic vibe. This dynamic South African band, captivates audiences with a fusion of traditional rhythms and modern melodies, delivering a unique musical experience that transcends genres. They have shared the stage with the likes of the Black Cat Bones, Boet Faber and Bacchus Nel.
They launched their EP in 2023, which is available on all major streaming platforms. Do yourself and your ears a favour and listen to their feel-good and eclectic EP.
Hollowbody
We first came across Hollowbody when we were searching for bands to perform at our 2023 Fringe Festival and are we glad we found them! They were such a hit with the locals we had to have them again. Whether you’re a fan, know of them, or have never heard of Hollowbody, this four-piece band featuring a cello and a cowbell will have you tapping your toes and singing along after a few seconds.
Meel Vignetting
Meel Vignetting is a four-piece, South African, alternative indie rock band from Gauteng. The band formed in 2020 as a collection of music lovers who met at random through mutual friends. Their influences include Wolf Alice, Incubus, Foo Fighters, and The Cranberries. Meel Vignetting’s single “Empty Forever” charted #1 for two weeks in Denmark and was greatly received by radio stations globally.
The rest of the line-up includes blues king, Dan Patlansky, Spoegwolf, carnival inspired Dukes of Note, Black Heidi, Worsie van Wyk, Basson Laas, Native Young, Painted Flowers, and Ann Jangle. There truly is a show for every type of person. Whether you enjoy slow and relaxing music or prefer a faster, high energy show, you will find all of that and more on one stage at Misty Waters. Read more about the other 14 bands here.
Purchase your festival ticket to experience one of South Africa’s most respected rock festivals and witness 22 awe-inspiring musical wizards and witches perform their magic on our stage. The festival grounds are located at Lake Umuzi, a waterfront development boasting several hotels, restaurants, bars, a wellness spa and even rock climbing facilities. Book your accommodation today and enjoy all the pleasures Lake Umuzi has to offer. Your Misty Waters ticket is complimentary with your booked accommodation at Umuzi Lodge, The Merchant and InnGreen Hotel. Included in your festival ticket is access to open camping, which is located on a lush green open space behind the beer stalls at the festival ground.
The MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism (Mpumalanga), Nompumelelo Hlophe tabled his Provincial Budget Speech on Tuesday.
MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism (Mpumalanga), Nompumelelo Hlophe
Here are some quotes from her speech. The full speech will be placed later in the article.
Our performance in the last five years exemplifies the potential of our country and province, our growth prospects, and our fiscal health in pursuit of these ideals.
We are optimistic that our economy will rebound to at least 1 per cent in 2024. We expect the provincial growth rate to be around 2 per cent per annum from 2025 to 2027.
However, as the Honourable Premier, Mrs Refilwe Mtshweni Tsipane, indicated in the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on 01 March 2024, “We are in the season of jobs, jobs, jobs, and more jobs.”
The fourth quarter (2023) labour data shows almost 48,000 net job gains for the province.
Over the past five years, the provincial government spent R259.6 billion towards employment, advancing inclusive education, health, economic development, and the fight against crime to mention a few.
Our efforts were aimed to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better life for all. The Province’s Own Revenue Collection is anticipated to grow by over 60 per cent from R1.5 billion in 2019/20 to R2.4 billion in 2023/24 (as the end of January 2024).
The overall budget that we are tabling for the 2024/25 fiscal year is R61 billion 608 million 377 thousand, with 80.3 per cent coming from Equitable Share, 16.4 per cent from Conditional Grants, and 3.3 per cent from Provincial Own Revenue.
The budget of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism amounts to R1 billion 413 million 528 thousand. Of this amount, R167.7 million is for completion of the Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market project.
Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) is allocated R1 billion 513 million 968 thousand. Included in this allocation: R54 million to operationalise the Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market, and R73 million for Senteeko Tea Estate, which includes an agro-processing plant, and irrigation system for 140 hectares of land, amongst others.
R32.4 million for the operationalisation of Mkhondo boarding school;
R100 million towards the School of the Deaf and Blind.
R30 million for the initial phase, planning and design of the state-of-the-art Arena. We will work with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in this regard.
“The DA in Mpumalanga suspects that the Provincial Budget Speech which was tabled on Tuesday by MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Nompumelelo Hlophe, was another Fiscal Dumping from an ANC Administration that is aware that it may not come back,” said Bosman Grobler MPL – DA Spokesperson on Finance & Economic Development in a statement to the Bulletin.
“Though the DA welcomes budget increases in some departments, we are seriously concerned that the budget speech once again ignored the burning issues of electricity crises and sustainable job creation. We expected MEC Hlophe to make funding available to create alternatives for the 2,5 million Mpumalanga residents who are about to be directly and indirectly affected by the Just Energy Transition. According to the Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, as Mpumalanga is moving towards Just Energy Transition, 5 Power Stations and 15 coal mines will be decommissioned by 2030 with 2,5 million residents (about the population of Texas) to be affected. We expected the MEC to dwell deeply in this matter as it will have serious consequences across the province; instead, she dumped millions of rands in projects that have been stagnant for years.”
The MEC dumped an extra R167,7 million for “completion of the Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market, a project which started in 2013 and is envisaged to be completed in 2018. But it is now 2024, the Provincial Government has already spent over R2 billion on the construction of this project, a project which was initially supposed to have been completed in 2018 at less than R400 million. Surprisingly, the provincial government is still dumping more money on this project and the politically connected keep stalling the project to ensure more fines and bribes are paid.
The DA is also suspicious of the MEC’s sudden dumping of millions of rands to the School for the Blind and Deaf which is still a pipedream in the province 14 years later. The school was supposed to have been built in 2014, but there’s still nothing to show for it. So, it was a surprise to the DA today when MEC Hlophe announced that her department has allocated R100 million for this school. This is nothing but another fiscal dumping from the Mpumalanga Government as we suspect that this much-needed school will not be constructed anytime soon.
Another concern is that the Provincial Government continues to dump millions of taxpayers’ money on the Mkhondo Boarding School, a project that started in 2018 and to be completed within 18 months at an estimated cost of R200 million. Fast forward to March 2024, over R600 million has been spent on this boarding school’s construction. Now an extra R32,4 million is dumped on this project. How long are Mpumalanga taxpayers expected to fund projects that are left incomplete?
The DA has also noticed that MEC Hlophe did not specify how much has been allocated to the useless Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) which has been used for years as a cash cow for ANC Comrades. Instead, the MEC said that the R1.4 budget of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism includes allocations to entities like MEGA, the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), and the Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MTPA).
The DA will not allow situations of fiscal dumping as we approach the National Elections when the departments and entities are supposed to be making a meaningful impact on the lives of Mpumalanga citizens. “We will closely monitor how every penny of the overall allocated budget of R61.6 billion is spent by provincial government departments and entities,” concluded Bosman
The FF+ was also very vocal in their response to the Provincial budget.
“The Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Nompumelelo Hlophe, was merely paying lip service in her Budget Speech for the 2024/25 financial year when promising to curb corruption,” said Werner Weber FF Plus MPL and provincial leader: Mpumalanga, ”It cannot be executed due to the ANC government’s failed policy directions; especially Affirmative Action (AA). The ANC is utterly unable to curb corruption and mismanagement in the province.”
Financial pressure will compel government to reconsider certain allocations from the total budget of R61,1 billion.
Too much money is still squandered on senseless and incomplete projects, such as the Mpumalanga international fresh produce market which has been dragging on for years.
A large portion of the budget is allocated to the Department of Health (R18,6 billion). However, this Department could not manage to stock enough medicine, appoint enough medical staff, or provide proper healthcare services with its previous budgetary allocation.
It is not so much a matter of insufficient funds as the misappropriation of those funds. The FF Plus will keep a close eye on this Department to prevent the squandering of any more money.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture was allocated a whopping R652,4 million even though it is severely mismanaged with hundreds of millions in tax money being squandered on senseless projects, such as the incomplete performance centre and cultural hub.
More funds should have been allocated to economic necessities, such as infrastructure development, to facilitate economic growth, job creation by the private sector and the eradication of poverty.
The province needs to have proper service delivery, complete its current projects and, most importantly, start saving water.
Mpumalanga’s largest industries, namely forestry, mining and agriculture, are all thirsty activities.
Old mines, in particular, cause problems by polluting groundwater.
So, Mpumalanga should conserve its water, and build additional dams and new water treatment plants.
Several local municipalities are struggling to supply water and things will only get worse.
As a province, Mpumalanga may have many challenges, but it also has abundant potential. The ruling ANC, however, lacks the political will to unlock this potential for the benefit of all its residents.
MOST PEOPLE WILL NEVER WALK INTO AN ANIMAL SHELTER AND MOST ANIMALS WILL NEVER WALK OUT.
The recent closure of the Highveld Ridge SPCA has left many angry after the NSPCA came here twice in three months and euthanized many animals. Look, although I am not a supporter of the NSPCA or SPCA movement and think the NSPCA inspectors acted in a disgraceful manner, I believe many do not understand the reality of what is going on in terms of animal numbers. The NSPCA and SPCA movement is a whole other problem that needs to be addressed, but I will leave that for another day. Today, I will focus on the reality we face in animal welfare.
Euthanasia, or the humane ending of an animal’s life, remains a contentious issue within the realm of animal welfare. The decision to put animals to sleep is a heartbreaking and difficult one, often resulting from the overwhelming challenge of overpopulation. While organizations, such as animal welfare groups, strive to find homes for animals through adoption and marketing efforts, the sheer number of homeless and abused animals far exceeds available resources. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the need for euthanasia (for now), emphasizing the importance of sterilization, education, responsible ownership, and the necessity for legislation in mitigating this crisis.
OVERPOPULATION CRISIS – THE NUMBERS
We have a MASSIVE OVERPOPULATION CRISIS on our hands. This is especially for cats and dogs, but birds, rabbits, and other animals too. Not just a problem…A CRISIS‼!
Millions of animals are taken in by shelters worldwide and unfortunately, millions are euthanized annually. THERE ARE JUST NOT ENOUGH HOMES for all these animals. I am not even talking about good homes (which is a whole other debate), just homes. If you have not volunteered in animal welfare, nor read our posts then you might not even begin to grasp the extent, so here is a bit of perspective:
It is estimated that 1 (one) unsterilized female dog, her female offspring, and their offspring over a period of 6 years can produce a total of 67 000 (sixty-seven thousand)) puppies. The equivalent situation is even worse for cats where it is estimated that 1 (one) unsterilized female cat, her female offspring and their offspring over 7 years can produce a total of 370 000 kittens.
SPCA numbers: In one month, just three small to medium SPCAs received 982 animals; two-thirds were surrendered by owners, and a third were strays found in the streets. In South Africa, there are 69 SPCAs and an estimated 450 private shelters/NPOs. Out of the 982 animals mentioned earlier, only 50 were adopted, and 20 were claimed. This means that these three SPCAs only, had an excess of 912 animals. It comes to more than 90% of the animals having to be euthanized.
If you don’t want them to euthanize, what do you expect them to do with all the animals?
A global pet homelessness index revealed that about 4 million animals (cats and dogs) are homeless in SA, with approximately 650,000 ending up in shelters.
It is estimated that in SA, about 2800 animals are euthanized (put to sleep) per day due to a lack of available homes.
Animal welfare organizations received a staggering number of animals, creating an overflow that shelters struggle to accommodate. The breeding culture, supported by both “registered” and backyard breeders, exacerbates the problem, leading to the unavoidable reality of euthanasia. The overwhelming number of animals in need surpasses the capacity for available homes, placing an immense burden on organizations.
They breed them faster than we can safe them!
Animal shelters – Image by The Paw Company
WHO IS TO BLAME?
To clarify, I don’t distinguish between backyard breeders, puppy mills, owners who allow their pets to have litters, and so-called “responsible” breeders. They are all causing the problem. No breeding is responsible when we have to humanely kill 2800 healthy animals a day.
Unregulated breeding, unregulated trading of animals as well as irresponsible ownership is the problem.
The photo is of an unadopted dog on the way to being euthanized. Image shared via The Paw Company
TODAY I TOOK MY FINAL WALK
Today I took my final walk…because you didn’t sterilise your pets and they had a litter!
Today I took my final walk…because you moved and I was not included in your plans!
Today I took my final walk…because you supported free to good home ads!
Today I took my final walk…because you supported breeders!
Today I took my final walk…because you kept breeding!
Today I took my final walk…because you let me roam the streets!
Today I took my final walk…because I didn’t suit your lifestyle!
Today I took my final walk….because you abandoned me!
Today I took my final walk…because you were too lazy to seek behavioural experts or to stimulate/exercise me!
Today I took my final walk…because there are just not enough homes for us all!
Today I took my final walk…because you are a selfish human!
Blame these people for the overpopulation crisis and be angry at them! You can also help by not doing or supporting any of the above!
We also need a shift in societal attitudes, urging people to adopt instead of supporting breeders and pet shops.
Read more here if you need to prepare to take your own pet for euthanasia.
THE ROLE OF ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS
Animal welfare organizations play a vital role in rescuing and caring for animals, often becoming the last resort for those in need. However, the limitations in available kennel space force organizations to make heart-wrenching decisions about which animals to keep and which ones, unfortunately, have to be euthanized. The emotional toll on staff is immense, as they bear witness to the consequences of irresponsible breeding and ownership and the same goes for the kind veterinarians who offer this service to organizations.
Even the shelters that are pro-life must either show animals away at some point or they must euthanize them for space. Both being terrible decisions. Keeping them in cages indefinitely is also cruel. I don’t know 10 people who want to adopt right now, do you?
Another issue contributing to overpopulation is the lack of sterilization of companion animals. Financial constraints prevent many owners, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, from affording the cost of sterilization, which can range from R650 to R1200 or more. This economic dilemma forces individuals to choose between feeding their pets and sterilizing them. The burden falls on organizations like animal welfare groups to deal with the consequences.
In the Netherlands, they addressed this issue succesfully with stricter laws and making sterlization free and easily accessible.
Animal Overpopulation – R.I.P dear souls – Image shared by Spay and Neuter SA
THE SOLUTION
THE NEED FOR LEGISLATION
Asking nicely has proven insufficient in addressing the root causes of overpopulation. Legislation will become a necessary tool to enforce compulsory sterilization and breeding regulations in South Africa. The government must also play a role in regulating the trade of animals and ensuring that responsible ownership practices are upheld. Without a legal frameworks, the cycle of irresponsible breeding will persist, leading to more animals in need and a continued reliance on euthanasia to manage the crisis.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya via pexels.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF STERILIZATION AND EDUCATION
Large-scale sterilization campaigns and educational initiatives emerge as crucial solutions to combat overpopulation. However, organizations face challenges in implementing these strategies due to financial constraints. While we don’t have enough legislation yet, the public will need to offer support to fund sterilization efforts.
Look, we should not stop sterilizing as every animal that cannot breed will not contribute to the problem, however, at this stage, it seems they are breeding animals faster than we can sterilize and safe them.
At a recent spay day shared by Change for the Better Foundation, they successfully handled 47 animals. However, 8 of them were pregnant. If allowed to give birth, these 35 babies would necessitate another spay day. We can’t get ahead if breeding is not regulated, creating a vicious cycle. Shelters can’t kill what they don’t receive!
Let that sink in.
Image by Spay and Neuter SA
FACING THE REALITY
Animal welfare organizations are on the frontline, grappling with the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia due to limited resources and overwhelming demand. The plea is for individuals to understand the gravity of the situation and actively contribute to solutions. Whether through volunteering, adopting, financially supporting sterilization campaigns or supporting legislative effors……. everyone has a role to play in addressing the overpopulation crisis. This includes sterlization of your own animals and not allowing them in the streets.
Also read how you can escape-proof your yard with some great advice from Petology.
The public rarely sees or understands what is really going on. Those in animal welfare are in tears at least once a day. They want to give up multiple times a day. The suffering is heartbreaking and that is on top of, deciding who lives or dies or having to say no to one animal after your 20th call that day. They get depressed and suicides are very high in this industry. I fear a day when there are too few of us left. This can all be avoided if people are more responsible.
The overpopulation crisis in animal welfare demands urgent attention and action. Sterilization, education, responsible ownership, and legislative measures are vital components of a comprehensive solution. Until these measures are embraced on a larger scale, the heartbreaking decision to euthanize animals will remain an unfortunate reality. It is a collective responsibility to alleviate the burden on animal welfare organizations and create a more compassionate and sustainable future for our furry companions.
Humans domesticated and bred these animals, humans created the problem, humans are failing them, and humans need to fix it! Next week we will look at Easter and pets.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the under-construction Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) is about to be another cash-cow for the notorious provincial Tender Cartel.
“We have learnt through the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency’s (MEGA) 3rd Quarter Report that the developer and landowner of the (MIFPM), will ultimately be responsible for rates and taxes on the property, as well as obligations flowing from the service level agreement entered with the Mbombela Local Municipality,” said Bosman Grobler MPL, Spokesperson on Finance & Economic Development
Bosman Grobler MPL, Spokesperson on Finance & Economic Development
“The DA’s concern is that the MIFPM will have the same outcome as the MEGA office block in Mbombela where they (MEGA) currently rent this office from the Tender Cartel for an exorbitant amount of R1 459 631, plus facilities management fee of R193 553 per month.”
In 2022, the DA revealed that a Tender Cartel, has infiltrated Mpumalanga Government Infrastructure Projects, and not only do they get tenders to develop and construct, but now the tenders are stretched further into rental and facilities management services.
The Tender Cartel has grown further since 2022, with a new company Holdco (registration pending) which is comprised of Mire Beck, Crowie Developments, Brightwater Trade and Encha Properties, which according to the lease agreement for the MEGA buildings with Crowie Developments, Holdco will become the new registered owner of the MEGA building. All the above-mentioned companies are linked to Crowie, the owner of ENZA Construction, which is currently developing the MIFPM.
The DA thinks that his links to the Tender Cartel enable Crowie to negotiate similar agreements as with the MEGAbuilding. Crowie’s links to all the above companies ensure that one of his several companies becomes either the rental agent or the service facility management. As per MEGA’s 3rd quarter report regarding the payment of rates and taxes.
This MIFPM project was originally a five-year project which was to boost the economy. But year in and year out the government uses this project as a carrot to lure Mpumalanga residents into believing that many job opportunities are just around the corner. However, this project has stretched over 11 years with no end in sight.
Today during a Legislature Sitting in Mbombela, the DA asked the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Busi Hlophe, the following questions:
Who is the property developer of the MIFPM?
Who is the landowner of the MIFPM?
When will the MIFPM property be transferred and why?
Are there any negotiations or agreements in place to enter into any facilities management services agreements for the MIFPM buildings? If yes, from when?
MEC Hlophe refused to answer any of the above questions. She said that she would answer in writing in 7 days.
The DA will do whatever it takes to ensure that this suspicious rental and facility management deal between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the Mpumalanga Tender Cartel is stopped before it takes place – as this means once again that the provincial government projects are held at ransom by the Tender Cartel at the expense of taxpayers.
“We will go as far as approaching the Public Protector to investigate this matter,” Said Bosman to the Bulletin, “The DA will also escalate this issue with our counterparts at the National Assembly to address it within Parliament and relevant Ministry.”
FAKE ATTORNEY SOUGHT BY THE HAWKS MPUMALANGA AND MOROKA DETECTIVES FOR IMPERSONATION
Doctor Sobetha (31), fake attorney, is sought by the Hawks Secunda based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and Moroka detectives respectively, for impersonating an attorney. Sobetha was arrested on Friday, 24 March 2023 for impersonating an attorney at Bethal Magistrate court, while he was representing Mhlabuyaxega Mntungwa(37), who was previously circulated as wanted person for the murder of a former manager of Sam Holdings, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Ngcongo (34) who was fatally wounded on 12 September 2019.
After a series of court appearances, Nkosi was found guilty on 20 October 2020 and sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment by the Bethal Magistrate court on 23 October 2020 for murder.
The warrant of arrest was authorised for the arrest of Mntungwa. Mntungwa was eventually arrested on 1 February 2023 by the provincial tracking team in KwaZulu Natal. Mntungwa was charged and appeared before the Bethal Magistrate court and was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 24 March 2023.
On the day of his appearance, he was represented by his fake attorney (Sobetha). The Bulletin learned that during the presentation of an affidavit to court on the bail application of Mtungwa, there were discrepancies that caught the attention of the court. A preliminary investigation was conducted, and it was discovered that Sobetha did not have any qualification to practice as an attorney. He was then arrested by the Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Secunda based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for Impersonating an attorney.
Both accused were remanded in custody, and the case was postponed to 27 March 2023. Mntungwa was appearing for murder while Sobetha was facing charges of impersonating an attorney. The accused were remanded in custody, and the case was postponed to 23 May 2023.
During the appearance, Sobetha was granted R5000 bail while Mtungwa was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 14 October 2023. Sobetha absconded court, and a J165 was issued against him. A warrant of arrest was authorised on 13 February 2024, for his arrest.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber is requesting members of the public to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of Sobetha. Anyone with information can contact the Investigating Officer Thembinkosi Daniel Nkambule on 082 303 9874. Major General Gerber further assured the public that all information received will be dealt with confidentially.
ACCUSED SENTENCED TO R200 000.00 OR TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE CUSTOMS & EXCISE ACT- COUNTERFEIT GOODS
MPUMALANGA-Bento Abilio Cuna(40), Mozambican citizen, was found guilty and sentenced by the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Monday, 11 March 2024, after he was arrested by Lebombo Border Police, Lebombo Customs and Excise, the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Mpumalanga.
Bento Abilio Cuna(40)
It is alleged that on Saturday, 04 November 2023, at about 03:20, Cuna, a Mozambican citizen, entered the Lebombo Port of Entry, from Mozambique into the Republic of South Africa, driving a Volvo truck with two tipper trailers. The truck was stopped and searched.
During the search, counterfeit goods (tekkies & clothes) with an estimated street value of R 5 973 200.00 were found on the back of the trailers. The accused was then arrested and detained. The counterfeit goods, including the truck & trailers were confiscated and impounded at the Customs warehouse for safe keeping.
Section 212 affidavits were obtained from the brand holders.
The investigation has been finalised for court proceedings and the State successfully opposed bail. The owner of the truck also testified in the bail hearing regarding the employment of the driver.
The investigation was finalised and the accused was sentenced to a R200 000.00 fine or 2 years imprisonment, of which half is suspended for 5 years, on condition that accused is not found guilty on charges of contravening the provisions of Section 80(1)(a) of the customs and excise Act, Act 91 of 1964.
The counterfeit goods was forfeited to the state.
The owner of the truck and trailers also had to pay a penalty fine and storage fees to SARS Customs to the amount of R135 000.00
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber applauded the team for speedy finalization of the investigation and conviction.
