Calling all fellow running enthusiasts and hopeless romantics!
Are you ready to trade your heartbeats for footfalls and experience a Valentine’s Day celebration like never before? Well, lace up your running shoes because Lake Umuzi Secunda Marathon Club is inviting you to join us for an unforgettable evening of love and athleticism at our Valentine’s Night Race!
Save the Date: 14 February 2024
Location: Lake Umuzi Waterfront, Secunda
Love is in the Air… and on the Track!
Picture this: a moonlit path, the rhythmic sound of footsteps echoing through the night, and the enchanting atmosphere of Lake Umuzi Waterfront. Our Valentine’s Night Race promises to be a celebration of love, fitness, and a touch of whimsy. Sponsored by Concrete 360, this race is all about making memories that will have your heart pounding for all the right reasons.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! Our Valentine’s Week extravaganza features the soulful tunes of the charismatic French singer, Phillippe Abalovi, serenading you at a different waterfront restaurant each night. And just when you think it can’t get any better, Friday night ends on a high note with a romantic picnic and a leisurely stroll through the Lake Umuzi Valentine’s Market. Talk about a date night to remember!
Run, Stay, and Play: Accommodations for Every Mood
Why limit the fun to just one night? Bring the family along to make this a Valentine’s retreat and stay with us in one of our delightful accommodations:
Umuzi Lodge: Spacious 4 and 6 bedroom self-catering chalets – because the more, the merrier!
The Merchant Hotel: Romantic hotel rooms for two – perfect for lovebirds looking for a cozy escape.
InnGreen Hotel: An environmentally friendly haven for those who appreciate green vibes and a good night’s sleep.
Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase: For the adventurous souls who crave the outdoors, lush green grass, and weeping willows await your camping experience.
Let the Love Run Begin!
Love, laughter, and a dash of competitive spirit await you at Lake Umuzi’s Valentine’s Night Race. Whether you’re in it for the love of running, the thrill of competition, or simply to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Lake Umuzi Waterfront, we guarantee an experience that will leave your heart racing – both on and off the track.
As we start the year, Sasol encourages everyone to seek out opportunities that will help them secure a better future. Sasol offers programmes aimed at improving the teaching and learning of science, mathematics and technology through Osizweni Science Centre.
Bursaries and programmes such as Bridge to Work are also available to those who qualify. Be on the lookout for these education and skills development programmes on local media platforms and visit the Sasol website. Sasol’s interventions in education are driven by a need to see a meaningful change in society preparing communities for a sustainable future.
Sasol is a proud sponsor of the upcoming Sasol Grade 12 Merit Awards.
YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2024 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!
A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits, and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.
This week we look at the final part in this three-part series on how to have healthier and happier pets in 2024! Also, read PART 1 & PART 2 of these pawsome New Year’s resolutions.
Re-publication: Originally published 18 January 2023
CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT & A SPACE THAT IS ONLY THEIRS
Keep toxic substances like medications, cleaning or gardening products, alcohol, and toxic plants out of reach.
Just because a pet shop or vet sells something, doesn’t make it safe. Buy safe bedding and toys made of natural material without strong smells.
Clean their food and water bowls daily. We prefer stainless steel bowls to plastic.
Be careful about cleaning products, non-stick pans, air fresheners, or perfumes and candles you use that can affect your pets.
Resolve to take the time to safely secure your dog in the car on all car trips, regardless of the length of the journey. Never leave them alone in a car!
Make sure there is proper shelter from all the elements.
Have a safe space in your home that belongs to them.
CREATE A PET-FRIENDLY GARDEN
Since our pets spend the most time at home or in the garden, we should do our best to build them safe, entertaining places to rest and play. Make sure all potentially harmful plants or substances are out of reach. Create some nice hiding places and vertical territory for your pets to enjoy and explore. Learn more about zoo pharmacognosy, which allows your pet to self-select remedies that best soothe them, especially during periods of anxiety.
OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR PET EMERGENCIES OR GET PET INSURANCE
Be better prepared for the unexpected. This is a healthy habit and can save you a lot of worries later. Pet owners can now choose from a variety of pet insurance plans that meet their needs and fit every budget. Read more on the pros and cons of pet insurance.
WRITE A BUCKET LIST FOR SENIOR PETS
What do you think your senior pet wants to do before crossing the Rainbow Bridge? You can make the last phase of your pet’s life memorable by compiling and completing a list of activities that will have their tail wagging and your heart soaring. Prepare in advance to navigate the Rainbow Bridge journey and make the tough but kind decision to euthanize your pet.
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company
DO SOME COMMUNITY/PHILANTHROPY WORK FOR ANIMALS IN NEED
adopt or foster a pet
donate to a rescue or shelter
donate pet products like beds, towels, bowls, leashes, collars or food
volunteer at a shelter
say thank you to the rescuers (and a vet)
take a shelter dog for a walk
sign a few petitions to help us save more animals
share lost and found animal posts to improve their chances of being reunited with their owners
join a specific cause like “stop fireworks”, “say no to the circus” or sterilizations campaigns
BALANCE YOUR MOOD (ENERGY)
Animals can pick up on our energies. We see how sensitive animals are to our emotional state. They get excited when we are or try to comfort you if you are down by climbing on your lap. If you’re continuously agitated or angry when you come home, this could negatively affect your pet’s emotional state. Maybe a good New Year’s resolution idea this year is to learn how to have balanced energy before coming home to see your furry family. Even though a walk might do you good, maybe not attempt it on a day that you are angry or frustrated or not in the mood because you might ruin the experience for your pet.
Keep in mind that barking, humping, and digging for example are natural behaviours, but don’t allow your pet to do things if it frustrates you as this will not be good for either of you. There are alternative and healthy ways to deal with such natural behaviours.
FIND A GOOD PET SITTER
Identify what type of pet sitter service you need. Start your search as soon as possible, ask for referrals, and interview potential sitters. For us, a big factor (apart from being trustworthy) is someone who has training in pet first aid (behaviour and grooming are a bonus) and who has professional documentation (forms and terms & conditions). List your pet sitter at your vet. Read more on this topic.
ADOPT DON’T SHOP
If you are planning to get a new pet, please do your homework in advance about the specie and their needs. It is important that the animal and breed you choose fit with your family’s energy levels and lifestyle. Please do not support breeders who fuel this massive overpopulation crisis, so opt to adopt from reputable organizations that include home checks, a contract, and sterilization.
Only visit True Sanctuaries and say no to those that offer animal rides, interaction, walking with, petting, or taking photos with the animals.
Use your birthday to raise donations for a reputable animal shelter by asking friends and families to donate or let your wedding registry be donations to an animal shelter.
Organize a community clean-up because plastic and other trash are harmful to the environment and animals.
Support the life in your backyard like the small ecosystems, and animals and insects that live around your home.
Say no to pesticides and poisons because poisoning rats and other animals influences the natural food chain.
Choose to wear it kind by buying and wearing clothing ethically. Avoid leather, fur, and wool and try sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives because their lives matter! Don’t buy products that are tested on animals. You can find the approved beauty brands in the Humane Guide.
EDUCATE & ADVOCATE
This is one we really want you to help us with! Try and share an educational post about animals regularly to help others learn more about animal care and welfare. Advocate for the voiceless and the unheard, especially about topics like breeding, selling, petting farms, the circus, and fireworks.
FINALLY, CREATE A PLAN
Almost done. You have your pet and you have decided to make some pet-positive changes in the new year. You even have some great ideas now for pawsome resolutions. To execute these resolutions though, there needs to be detailed goals and an easy plan to follow every day. It is important to create a plan that you can stick to. Consider asking a friend to check in with you and make sure you are keeping to those resolutions. Maybe start a calendar and write down the days and the goals. The most important part…..get excited!
Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet? Are you sticking to them?
Next week we will look at body language and how to better understand what your pets are communicating through their posture and behaviour.
The appearance of a 42-year-old man at Bethal Magistrates Court on Tuesday 09 January 2024 came after he was arrested by the investigating team comprising Sergeant Mzwandile Nkambule, Sergeant Bheki Maphanga and Constable Esther Malaza from the FCS Unit in Secunda after a rape case was reported and registered with Bethal Police for investigation.
It is alleged that the suspect is the biological father of the victim aged 13 years.
It is further alleged that the victim started to stay with her father and brother in January 2023. During September 2023 the victim was asleep in her room at night when the father entered her room and covered her face with his hand.
After covering her face with his hand, she managed to turn around to uncover her face and saw her father naked. He then pulled up her night-dress and took off her panty where he started raping her. He covered her mouth to prevent her from making noise or crying for help. He then went out of her room, after finishing with his deed, to his room and played music from his sound system.
The victim went to the bathroom and locked herself until morning. She never told her brother about what her father did. She prepared for school and the suspect took her to school and dropped her by the school gate without uttering a word.
Meanwhile, at school, the victim wanted to tell her teacher about the incident, but the teacher did not pay any attention or show interest in what the victim wanted to tell him, after school, while she was about to go home, she realized that her father did not give her transport money and she decided to walk home.
She continued walking home and when she arrived home, her father started shouting at her asking why she walked home. He assaulted and threatened to kill her and her brother.
On January 04, 2024, the stepmother with the father came home with a pregnancy test kit where the victim was tested, and she was informed that she was pregnant. He then threatened to kill the victim should she tell anyone about her pregnancy.
Later the day after she was tested for pregnancy, the stepmother approached the victim to ask her about the pregnancy and that’s when the victim started telling her everything.
The stepmother, after what she heard from the victim decided to go to KwaZulu Natal to personally inform the biological mother of the victim about the condition of her child(victim).
The suspect, who is the father of the victim approached the victim and offered her money so that she could not tell anyone, but she refused to take it.
Her stepmother returned from KwaZulu Natal with the biological mother and grandmothers of the victim to address the matter and that’s where they concluded reporting the matter to the police.
The accused, (name is withheld to protect the victim) appeared at Bethal Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody for formal bail application on Friday 19 January 2024.
A Nelspruit Police Captain (44), lost his life during a shootout at Kanyamazane car wash on Saturday, 13 January 2024, at about 21:45
It is alleged that on the day in question, the late police Captain took his private car to the Kanyamazane car wash.
While his car was parked there waiting to be washed, it was bumped by someone in another vehicle who was also at the car wash.
The matter was discussed among the two with the assistance of a CI Police Sergeant, who was with the deceased. Agreement was made for payment of R5000 for the repairs of the damages.
It is further alleged that the police sergeant drove the suspect’s car to the parents of the deceased pending the payment as agreed.
After parking the car, they went back to the car wash. The police sergeant left them there.
It is alleged that an argument ensued between the suspect and the deceased. When the sergeant came back, he found the police Captain shot.
According to the witnesses, it is alleged that during the argument, the suspect took out a firearm and shot at the deceased. The Captain later succumbed to his injuries.
In an attempt to apprehend the suspect, the suspect shot at the sergeant who returned fire. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
A preliminary investigation was conducted by the team comprising of The Hawks Neslpruit-based Serious Organized Crime Investigation Unit, together with Mpumalanga Provincial Organized Crime, Nelspruit Crime Intelligence and Local Criminal Record Centre.
The police are requesting anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator to contact the Investigating Officer Captain Mduduzi Comfort Mkhonza on 082 304 0052.
All information received will be treated with confidentiality.
The police are also requesting Sibusiso Maseko from Mariti, whom they believe can assist them in solving the murder case to come forward by contacting the Investigating officer Captain Mkhonza or report to his nearest police station.
FOUR MALE FRIENDS FROM MPUMALANGA SAFELY REUNITED WITH THEIR FAMILIES AFTER SAPS KIDNAPPING TASK TEAM TRACES THEM TO GP
Four friends, Jameel Salley, Yusuf Saber, Ahmed Dhorat and Ziyaad Salley, have been safely reunited with their families after they were kidnapped by a group of men posing as law enforcement officers in Mpumalanga.
Jameel Salley, Yusuf Saber, Ahmed Dhorat and Ziyaad Salley
The four friends were travelling between Standerton and Trichardt on Monday evening when they were stopped by a group of men driving in a white Vw Polo fitted with blue lights.
The four men were kidnapped and kept captive while the suspects withdrew large sums of money from their bank accounts.
The matter was reported to the SAPS and the anti-kidnapping task team operationalised information and traced the friends within 48 hours to a house in Vosloorus in Gauteng.
A manhunt is underway to apprehend those behind this crime.
In the last two years, more than 300 suspects linked to kidnappings where ransom demands were made or victims made to withdraw large sums of money from their accounts have been arrested.
The SAPS has since launched a manhunt for a group of three to four suspects who have been involved in similar incidents where motorists were stopped by a group of men driving in a ford range bakkie or a white polo fitted with blue lights. These incidents happened in a space of a week in Nelspruit, Hazyview and Standerton. In the other two incidents, families were also held captive and large sums of money was also withdrawn from their accounts
Members of the public are urged to be extra vigilant in an event where they suspect that they are being stopped by criminals posing as fake police officers.
Communities are urged to adhere to the following guidelines:
Do not stop if you suspect that you might be stopped by bogus police officers.
Drive to the nearest police station, shopping complex or any other busy area when you are stopped by an unmarked vehicle fitted with blue lights.
Do not stop at a deserted spot or area to talk on your phone or even relieve yourself.
If someone tries to force you out of the road, don’t panic but just constantly hoot to draw attention.
You have the right to request a police officer who is not in uniform and an unmarked vehicle to identify themselves by producing their SAPS appointment card that would have their rank, date of service and picture on them.
Communities are assured that police are working around the clock to apprehend those behind these incidents and put a stop to these acts of criminality.
Communities are also reminded to continue to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station.
Secunda Mall Team recently received an exceptional award from the Excellerate JHI group. The award is a certificate of achievement.
This achievement is indicative of the excellent service that the Secunda Mall team maintains to their tenants and shoppers alike. Well done to the Secunda Mall Team!
The Exceptional Awards is a scheme that enables individual employees and/or teams, of the Excellerate JHI group, to be recognised and rewarded when they have demonstrated exceptional behaviours and/or delivery in one of the four pillars: Client First, Best Talent, Innovation and Operational Excellence above and beyond their role, at any point in time
THE AIM OF THE EXCEPTIONAL AWARDS
The awards focuses on employees giving exceptional service to customers/teams and the growth of the business, by demonstrating one of the four pillars. The recognition must be for going above and beyond their role, ultimately showing the employee commitment to helping Excellerate JHI achieve its goal in becoming world class.
Recognise exceptional employees and/or teams throughout the year at any time.
Reward the exceptional behaviours they want to see repeated.
WHAT DO THE FOUR PILLARS MEAN?
Clients First represents employees who reflect the importance of our customers and how understanding of their needs and delivering against expectations is at the heart of everything we do, these can be demonstrated through:
• Understanding Customer Needs
• Communication
• Strategic Thinking and Planning
Best Talent represents employees who support engagement, motivation, and development of exceptional people within our business, these can be demonstrated through:
• Manages and Develops Self and Others
• Empowered Leadership
• Collaborates Across Boundaries
Innovation represents employees supporting the drive and determination to continuously evolve the Excellerate JHI Way, delivering new, improved solutions to our customers, these can be demonstrated through.
• Innovation
• Continuous Improvement
• Excellerate JHI Expertise and Specialist Knowledge
Operational Excellence represents employees who understand the very nature of Excellerate JHI; how we deliver services to provide value for our customers and our organisation; and how we ensure Excellerate JHI is the worldchoice these can be demonstrated through:
• Competence to Deliver
• Integrity
• Health, Safety and Environment
• Commercial Excellence
JHI Footprint
Excellerate JHI is a leading real estate services firm that combines global standards with specialised local knowledge to create customisable high-performance solutions for their clients.
They advise property owners and occupiers on every aspect of their property strategies and assist them in the development, buying, selling, leasing, valuing and management of their assets,
Excellerate JHI’s collective 100 years of experience in the local and global property services market, ensures that their clients gain meaningful outcomes from our broad range of services, while their property professionals in over 35 countries optimise client assets, by combining local market insight with specialised expertise and premier tools and resources.
Their culture of service excellence, innovation and tailor-made solutions has ensured that they are a market leader and a trusted name in commercial property services.
YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2024 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!
A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits, and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.
Last week we looked at PART 1 of the three-part series on pawsome New Year’s resolutions for the animals you choose to share your life with.
Re-publication: Originally published 11 January 2023
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company
TRY A NEW ACTIVITY, LOOK AT THINGS FROM A NEW ANGLE OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE
You see so much more of the world compared to the animals in your care. To them, you, your family, and your home are their world. Let them see more! Do you have an adventurous dog breed? Or a curious cat? Try a new activity with them. Find something you both love doing. Many restaurants are now offering dog-friendly seating areas and during the off-season, more beaches are open to dogs.
INCORPORATE MORE PLAY AND FUN TIME
Besides being fun, playing has a vital role in their development. It promotes confidence. If they are confident, they tend to be less anxious or fearful. You should also play breed-specific games including scent & track, eye & stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, possess, dissect, and consume. Resolve to get at least one new toy and play with your pet, even just 5 minutes a day. For cats, you can also buy a new scratching post or build a new cat tress. Most dogs love car rides.
SCHEDULE A WELLNESS CHECK-UP WITH YOUR VET AND IMPROVE YOUR PET’S HEALTH
Regular appointments are so important for ensuring that your animals enjoy many happy and healthy years. It can help detect any potential problems early. So, consider adding more wellness appointments to your New Year’s resolution list, but do at least once a year.
Make sure your necessary vaccinations are up-to-date.
Around the age of 8, their wellness and nutritional needs can require fine-tuning every 4 to 6 months.
In older animals, it’s very important to review weight, muscle tone, joint range of motion, diet, supplement protocol, and exercise habits at least semi-annually.
Through a healthy diet, exercise, enrichment, and keeping your home safe and toxin-free, their health can improve drastically.
SEEK MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH
‘Integrated’ health care for domestic animals can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine, alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy acupressure, and acupuncture. All of which can improve our pet’s quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with a natural health care practitioner to see how a more natural approach to your pet’s health care could benefit them this year…… and every year in the future.
ADD YOUR PETS TO YOUR WILL
What is the immediate and long-term plan for your pets if you die today? Are they included in your will? Will they be taken care of? It is important to list specific instructions in your will! Is there someone in your town who will be responsible for taking care of your pets in case of an emergency? You can also LEAVE A LEGACY, by donating part of your estate to an animal shelter.
Image by Ivan Babydov via pexels.com
MICROCHIP AND REGISTER (OR UPDATE) YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP & ID COLLAR INFO
If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, get one now! There are affordable options and it drastically improves the chances of reuniting your pet with you if they get lost. You have to register your details on a database (preferably more than one) so it can be linked to the microchip number. Otherwise, the microchip means nothing. Make sure your details are up-to-date if you moved or changed numbers. Have a recent photo ready in case they get lost. Read everything you need to know about microchips here.
CLEAR OUT OLD TOYS & GET CREATIVE BY MAKING SOME NEW ONES
Take a fresh look at their toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys. Now’s the perfect time to do a good clean and clear and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Choose safe toys made of natural materials and clean them regularly. Read more on pet toys.
Other things to toss as shared by Bark & Whiskers:
Toss this: Retractable leash Replace with this: 6-foot flat leash
Toss this: Plastic food and water bowl Replace with this: Stainless steel, porcelain, or glass food and water bowls
Toss this: Old, stinky and ill-fitting collar Replace with this: New collar
Toss this: Dull nail trimmers Replace with this: Freshly sharpened or new nail trimmers, or a battery-operated rotary tool (e.g., a Dremel)
Toss this: Broken or chewed-up toys Replace with this: Repaired or new nontoxic toys
SCHEDULE SOME DAILY DIY GROOMING TIME
Grooming is important to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets look forward to and it’s a bonding activity. Grooming your pet is also a great way to notice if something is off. Make sure their coat/skin is in good condition, nails are trimmed, eyes and ears are clean as well as maintaining good dental hygiene.
Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Next week we will continue with the final part of this three-part series on the pet New Year’s resolutions. Do better for your pets in 2024!
