RAND WATER TAKES FIRM ACTION TO ADDRESS OUTSTANDING DEBTS OF APPROXIMATELY R5 BILLION FROM MULTIPLE MUNICIPALITIES
Troubled Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) is facing possible action from rand water as the utility company is forced to implement debt collection measures against defaulting municipalities. While the Executive Mayor of GMM downplayed the water troubles in his State Of The Municipality speech, the Rand Water account continued to be the second biggest single debt of GMM.
Residents of GMM had to endure water shortages in the past due to restrictions imposed by Rand Water.
Rand Water released the following statement in this regard:
Rand Water, South Africa’s leading water utility provider, thanks all Municipalities who are responding to the call to pay for the water provided to them by Rand Water. Rand Water’s financial sustainability which impacts the current and future provision of water depends on Municipalities paying for the water they receive from Rand Water. Rand Water is facing a significant challenge in relation to outstanding debts owed by various municipalities. The cumulative debt owed by Municipalities is R4,617,629,351 and is shared among municipalities in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. These Municipalities include Emfuleni Local Municipality, Govan Mbeki, Merafong, RandWest, Victor Khanye and Ngwathe Local Municipalities.
As part of the options available to it, Rand Water sort alternative means to recover monies owed to it and attached Emfuleni Local Municipality’s bank account but has not yet been able to recover any funds from it due to persistent interference from the Municipality. To recover funds owed by Municipalities, Rand Water is proactively engaging with various government entities through the Inter-Governmental Relations (IGR) process.
Whilst certain municipalities are struggling to pay within the agreed timelines, others are unable to meet their payment commitments. Rand Water has planned infrastructure development projects that are designed to improve the provision of water services and is thus negatively impacted by the lack of revenue generation to support such projects. Rand Water urges municipalities to pay for the water they receive and commits towards collaborating with them to come up with payment plans that they will be able to adhere to.
Rand Water urges defaulting municipalities to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and proactively cooperate with Rand Water to find mutually beneficial resolutions. By working together, we can devise sustainable payment plans and mechanisms to recover the outstanding amounts, thereby ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of both the municipalities and Rand Water.
“We urge ALL consumers to continue using water sparingly.”
DA in Govan Mbeki votes against unfunded and increased service delivery budget for 2023/24
The new Troika coalition, ANC+EFF+ATM, forced an unfunded budget against opposition objections.
The Council of Govan Mbeki Municipality convened on Wednesday 31 May 2023 to consider, in particular, the new budget. The council consist of 63 councillors of which the ANC has 26 Cllr’s, the DA has 17, the EFF has 14, VF+ has 3, ARP has 2, IFP has one and ATM has one.
During a lengthy debate by the DA and even the ANC’s coalition partner, a vote was called to accept or reject the budget. The Troika used their numbers to push the acceptance of the budget.
James Masango, DA councillor in Govan Mbeki municipality, said that the presentation of an R3 billion unfunded budget by Govan Mbeki municipality is a repetition of their previously passed budgets which contain unrealistic objectives.
James Masango Photo: Alet Joubert/Netwerk24
Despite the municipality’s financial mismanagement and service delivery shortcomings, this budget was passed, thanks to the coalition of the ANC, EFF and ATM.
“The DA rejected this budget on the basis that the funding plan has not been modernised to address the challenges that residents are faced with,” said Masango, “The truth of the matter is that the majority of our residents are struggling to make ends meet and the Govan Mbeki economy is on a downward spiral.”
“Therefore, charging ratepayers more for services that are non-existent is a no-brainer. The municipality is still losing 35% of its water and 75% of its electricity. Yet, there is no plan in sight as to how these losses will be mitigated.”
“The DA believes that the prices of services should be affordable and that ward committees should engage and advise council on the affordable rates for communities. Effective and cost-efficient service delivery should be encouraged,” continued Masango, “It’s even more concerning that the municipality is still battling with implementing debtors and creditors policies in order to achieve maximum revenue collection.”
The DA understands that the approval of a budget in municipalities is one of the most important tasks undertaken by councillors.
Municipalities have the responsibility of ensuring there are enough funds for their planned expenditure to make sure that their budget is balanced. However, this is not the case in Govan Mbeki.
This contravenes Section 215 of the Constitution which indicates that this budget must adhere to the national legislation since municipal budgets are regulated by the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003 (MFMA).
“The DA will follow up with the Department of CoGTA, as previously stated in our letter to the department, Govan Mbeki needs to be placed under administration,” stated Masango
COMPASSIONATE PEOPLE TRY TO HELP WHEN THEY FIND WILD ANIMALS AND BIRDS, BUT ARE OFTEN UNSURE OF HOW TO HANDLE THESE SITUATIONS.
At times, wild animals end up in our suburban areas and there are various reasons for this. When it happens, many people are concerned about them and want to help, but are unsure about how to handle the situation or who to contact. There is always a possibility that you might do more harm than good if you don’t know how to handle the situation correctly and stress is one of the biggest killers of rescued wildlife. If it is an adult animal or bird, they might also have babies nearby, which could die if you remove them. Today we will provide some general guidelines shared by the NSPCA and other wildlife rehabilitation organizations.
People often find birds, bunnies, tortoises, bats, hedgehogs, snakes and other wildlife in their yard. Sometimes it is a bird/animal that had a stressful encounter and is now just “catching their breath”, other times they might be injured and lost, or is a baby/fledgling. Unless in immediate danger or injured. We usually advise to let them be and keep an eye out. If there have been heavy rains or other extreme weather, please take a few extra minutes and check gardens for wildlife that may be drenched and not able to fly.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FOUND WILDLIFE (until professional help arrives)
1. If they are injured and you don’t have a wildlife veterinarian nearby, please contact a wildlife vet or rehabber to advise. If you can’t get hold of a rehabber, please contact your nearest vet, but remember that not all vets are equiped to deal with wildlife. They might be able to address the emergency, but in many cases they might opt to euthanize (humanely kill) the animal. They are also not allowed to keep the animal indefinitely without a permit.
2. If not injured or in immediate danger, let them be and observe.
3. Before you remove them, first contact a wildlife rehabilitator, local welfare organizations, or SPCA to advise.
4. Do not give food or water before speaking to a rehabilitator. You could kill them by giving them something that their body can’t handle at that moment. You can’t feed a dehydrated animal and the public might not be equipped to know how to recognize the symptoms or they might have an internal injury. This will obviously depend on how long the animal is with you and why it is important to get in contact with experts as soon as possible.
5. Note the exact spot where the animal was found as this is important when the animal is released again. Record any injuries you might have noticed and provide the rehabilitator with information about treatment you provided while they were in your care, especially if you have given them anything. Whether they have had any bowel movements is also an important note.
6. Never keep the animal with you any longer than necessary. You have a moral and legal obligation to hand them over to the right people. Many rescue animals and keep them, only to hand them over when they suddenly become sick and then it might already be too late.
7. ALways contact a wildlife rehabilitator, the SPCA, the nature conservation department, or the wildlife veterinarian as soon as possible. We also refer such cases to the SPCA as wildlife are rarely just euthanized and will be taken to a rehabilitation facility approved by the NSPCA or released back into the wild in a safe manner. If the local SPCA does not answer, try the NSPCA (011 907 3590/ nspca@nspca.co.za) directly. They will either contact the Wildlife unit or the local SPCA.
KEEP THEM SAFE
Please note that this might differ slightly for various animals.
Prepare the container. Place newspaper or straw on the bottom of a cardboard box or container with a lid. Don’t use sawdust as it can interfere with respiration.
Protect yourself. Wear gloves, if possible. Animals in distress can bite, some birds may stab with their beaks, slice with their talons (claws) and slap with their wings to protect themselves, even if sick; birds and other animals might have parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) and may carry diseases.
Cover the animal with a light towel or sheet.
Gently and correctly handle them!
Make enough air holes in the container for good ventilation. For smaller birds, you can use a paper sack with air holes.
Secure the container and don’t let the animals loose in your house or car.
Warm the animal if they are cold. Follow expert guidelines.
Keep them in a quiet, safe, warm (depending on weather) dark place.
Keep your pets and children away from them. Don’t bother them.
Wash your hands and anything the animal was kept in or touched with.
If you do provide water in a small accessible container, make sure the water is not bumped over. Again, this is after you confirmed with a rehabilitator.
FLEDGELINGS (those learning to fly)
Don’t BIRDNAP the babies! Many young birds may appear abandoned, but they are probably waiting for mom or learning to fly. The process of fledging begins by jumping out of the nest. It usually takes them 3-4 days to learn how to fly. It is the time when mom teaches them how to fear, forage and fly. We know it is a dangerous world, but this is why it is so crucial to learn these skills from mom. If they look a little scruffy, fully feathered, standing and hopping, they are probably a fledgling.
Don’t feed them even if it is a tiny baby. Forced syringe feeding is usually a struggle for humans and birds. They can also aspirate, so please do this only with the guidance of a rehabilitator. Many people have this idea to feed Weetbix or ProNutro, but we strongly advise against it. There are safer options if you have to and the rehabilitator will advise on it. Don’t give birds bread, including ducks and geese.
If you found a fledgeling:
let them be while you look for mom nearby;
put the baby back in the nearby nest if you know it is theirs;
take them in and keep them safe until the right person can fetch them;
get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
HANDLING A BIRD
Gently pick up the bird and put it into the prepared container. Do not hold the bird across their chest as this can damage the crop and the internal organs of the bird which will kill the bird. The correct manner of holding a bird is as follows:
Place a hand over the top of the bird very gently with your index finger and middle finger parting in a “V”. The neck of the bird should rest between the arches of the “V” as to stabilize its head and neck. With your other hand support the bottom of the bird and allow its feet to rest comfortably in your hand. Secure the wings of the bird. Do not handle the bird with a tight grip as it just needs to be stable in the above position. Handle firm enough so they don’t escape and get injured, but gently enough not to hurt them yourself. Do not handle them unnecessarily.
WARM A BIRD
Warm the bird if the weather is cold and wet or if the bird is chilled. Put one end of the container on a heating pad set on low. Alternatively fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink bottle with a screw lid, hot water bottle, or rubber glove with hot water; wrap a warm container with a cloth and put it next to the bird. Make sure the container doesn’t leak, or the bird will become wet and chilled.
If the bird is soaking wet and only if the rehabilitator advised so, use a hair dryer on low/medium warmth to dry the bird. Very important: Keep one hand between the bird and the hairdryer so you can feel the heat. Make sure you do not burn the bird. Ensure there is not a massive build-up of heat in the box while drying. As soon as their feathers are fluffed and the bird is warm, leave the bird to cool down to room temperature in a quiet area.
RELEASING BIRDS
It would be prudent to leave the bird in the box undisturbed for the evening if the bird is found late afternoon unless you’ve picked up an owl, in which case, release them as soon as the owl is dry so they can hunt, if not injured. Release the animal where you found them, as early in the morning as possible. They start chirping from 4h30 am in the summer months but 5h30 / 6 am would be fine too. Make sure dogs or cats cannot get to them while they are in the opened box or container, getting their bearings before taking off.
BIRDS OF PREY
If you found a young bird of prey alone and they appear to not be injured, watch from a distance to see if mom returns. If you can approach the bird, they are likely very sick or seriously injured. If this is the case, follow the above guidelines and contact the vet or rescue organization.
Do NOT use a wire cage/cat cage or something similar to it.
Make note of where the bird was found.
Do NOT attempt to feed the bird or provide water, unless instructed by a qualified individual.
If the bird is not injured, release them at night and don’t keep them for the evening.
GEESE
Note that animals like Egyptian geese lead their goslings to water a few days after hatching, often along busy streets. Do not “rescue” the goslings or any other little ones by separating them from their parents. You can rather escort the family through the traffic to the nearest pond.
“Unlike some of our local wildlife whose existence is being severely threatened by human development and urbanization, our ever-expanding cities and suburbs are proving an ideal breeding site for Egyptian geese. In addition to a warm climate, Egyptian geese look for access to a freshwater source and an area with plentiful food. So, be it your swimming pool, an eco-estate, or a golf course, our Egyptian geese are currently spoilt for choice when it comes to sites to rear their young,” says CROW director, Paul Hoyte.
Hoyte suggests letting the geese be if they take up residence in gardens, except where there is a danger of attacks from pets. In these cases, he appeals to people to assist them with safe capture. “The biggest problem we have is that to give the goslings the best chance of survival, we need to catch mom and dad too. Herein lies the problem, as they simply fly away as soon as we arrive with our catch and throw nets. Thankfully, what we have been finding as a huge help, is if the homeowner is prepared to lend us a helping hand by getting the family into any enclosed area such as a garage or shed before we arrive”.
“This is relatively easy to do with a washing or laundry basket. Gently scoop up each of the goslings and place them in the basket. Then, with mom and dad watching you, take the goslings and place the basket in your open garage or shed. Soon enough, mom and dad will make their way into the room to be close to their babies. As soon as they’re in, close the door and contact your local rescue to come and catch them.”
SNAKES
Please do not kill the snake.
Watch where the snake is going.
Keep a safe distance.
Keep children and animals away from the snake.
Contact your local snake handlers and try to give a discription of the snake as well.
The young babies do not have fur yet and have a “rubber” appearance. They are called pinky’s. For the first few weeks, the pups can’t fly yet and still drink from their mom. Any bat found, should be kept warm because they might be in shock but pups can’t regulate their body temperature yet (no fur), therefore won’t necessarily move away from the heat and can burn themselves. A warm tap water in a bottle, covered with a towel/cloth is best.
We do not recommend placing bat pups back into roosts (controversy):
The mother bat may be dead.
Several species of bat may roost in the same roof, placing the pup in the wrong roost can get it killed.
The mother bat may have twins or triplets and has chosen to abandon one as resources may not enable her to raise all the babies.
Bats can’t take off from the ground, they need to “drop” from a height (around 1.5m). As they’re falling, they get the wind under their wings to fly. You can put an uninjured grounded bat on something high enough so they can drop themselves.
Bats are not dangerous and they catch lots of mosquitos. We are not aware of any rabies cases from South African bats and they are clean animals! Read more on what to do if you find a bat. Also, read how to correctly handle rabbits and tortoises.
WILDLIFE AND THE SPCA
It is important to understand that it is against the law to keep wild mammals/birds if you don’t have permits, even if you plan to release them. The SPCA is a place of safety for animals, dogs and cats being the most commonly handled or admitted animals and no animal is ever turned away. They care for farm and domestic animals. Wildlife is also accepted with indigenous animals being relocated to approved wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Highveld Ridge SPCA injured stray animals or wildlife at 082 222 1122 / advice 082 869 2350.
Please be patient when asking for assistance as these rescuers do not only deal with your situation that day. Thank you for caring enough to help. Educate yourself and others on how to help wild and domestic animals in the best possible and safest way. Please consider donating to the organization that assists or takes in the animal.
What happens to the wildlife afterward? Wild animals need to go back to the wild. If injured, they will need professional help from rehabilitators. It is important to remember that rehabilitators will evaluate each situation individually. Although the above are general guidelines please ALWAYS contact a rehabilitator first.
Next week we will look at what to do when your parrot is missing.
The Billy Te Water Memorial race this weekend will see a tough title defence for Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich.
It is going to be a tough task for Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich to defend their South African National Rally Championship title when the opening round of the 2023 season roars to life in Secunda on May 26/27.
The pair will again campaign the Rallytechnic Mazda 2 that took them to victory last year but will be under huge pressure from 2021 winners Theuns Joubert/Schalk van Heerden (Toyota Auris S2000).
The event in Secunda, better known as the Lake Umuzi Rally, has been renamed the Billy Te Water Rally this year in honour of a great friend, Rally Supporter and Sponsor, Billy Te Water, Owner of the TW Group where the popular Quarry stage is run every year.
He tragically lost his life this year in January after he was struck by lightning on the very farm where part of the Rally is run.
However, when the dust has settled there can be only one winner – and with interest in the sport of special stage rallying growing steadily, there are a number of crews hoping to be the ones on the top step of the podium.
In addition to the two already mentioned, other top crews in the premier class known as NRC 1 are: Privateers J.J Potgieter/ Tommie Du Toit (Hyundai i20), Mandla Mdikane/Kes Naidoo (Toyota Gazoo Racing Starlet), The Swazi Cowboy, Jono Van Wyk/Nico Swartz (Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota Starlet) have swopped the Ford Fiesta R2 car for a monster AR 1 4WD previously driven by multiple Rally Champion Guy Botterill. Privateers Johan Strauss/Elzaan Venter will also be in action in their (Subaru Impreza).
Despite being only 1,6-litre turbo engines, the NRC1 cars are rip-snorting beasts that make for spectacular spectator action as they four-wheel drift through corners. Alongside them are the AR1 cars that run with a 2,0-litre turbo engine but are specifically made in Africa, for Africa and qualify for the Africa Rally Championship.
Packing slightly less punch – but just as spectacular – are the 1,6-litre NRX2 cars that are two-wheel drive and the main contenders in this hotly contested class are: Privateers Benjamin Habig jr/Barry White (VW Polo R2), Privateers Magriet Potgieter/Rikus Fourie (Ford Fiesta R2) and Privateers Gerald Klopper/Johan Auckamp (Toyota Etios ).
This season’s newcomers are Kim Fine/Etienne Lourens (VW Polo 1000cc Turbo R2) and Gustav Potgieter with highly experienced navigator Carolyn Swan alongside him in their Ford Fiesta R2.
Some 29 cars and crews will make the start at one of the most spectator-friendly events on the rally calendar with most of the action centred around Charl Cilliers. The Service Park will be located on the Farm of Tjorrie Kruger, off Charl Cilliers on the outskirts of Secunda.
Round 1 kicks off at 10:30 from Eastvaal Motors in Secunda on Friday morning. Planned at this stage are 7 competitive stages totalling 90 odd Kilometers of Racing.
Round 2, on Saturday, will see the rally kick off at 11:00 from Eastvaal Motors in Secunda. There will be a total of 6 Competitive stages throughout the day. The ever-popular TW Stene stage, named Billy this year, will offer great action that can be viewed from the banks of the quarry.
The action will move between Tjorrie Kruger’s farm and the TW Group property just off Charl Cilliers, making it spectator friendly and not needing to travel far between stages.
The organizers would like to extend their heartfelt thank you again to their loyal sponsors. Johann and Serene Rosslee from Lake Umuzi, Eastvaal Motors Secunda, Tjorrie Kruger – Silkaatszkop and TNJ Properties, Dewald te Water – T.W Group, Debbie from Talisman Hire in Secunda.
Please check the website, www.nrcsa.co.za, and the Facebook page SARallying for updates on the event’s run-up.
Sasol Grip and Rip rugby club played well to thrash Middelburg 57-14
Friday night was bitterly cold but, on the field, it was all heat!
Sasol Rugby managed to score two quick tries in the beginning of the game and it looked like Middelburg had given up. But alas, they played a hard game and looked like they will claw their way back into the game when they retaliated with a try of their own.
The scrumming looked fairly even but Sasol did manage to exert their dominance in the front. The Middelburg boys managed to stand firm, but the scrums pushed upwards several times as Sasol pushed the Middelburg Scrum backwards.
Photos by JC de Beer
In the loose, a few turnover balls were won by both teams, but Sasol proved to be quicker on the ball with cleaner balls going to the backline.
The lineouts were good with not too much fumbling and both teams winning most of their own balls. The hooker throw inns were mostly on point, a problem area in the past for Sasol. The hookers clearly upped their game.
The backline of Sasol managed to overpower the men from Middelburg with several breaks. It is desperate defences from Middelburg that saved them a few times.
The defences of Sasol were also very solid with very little manoeuvre space for Middelburg.
Lock Dwayne Lake managed to score a Hat Trick of tries.
There were a few nocks here and there. One nock, in particular, prevented a try from being scored but it was not a major issue in both teams’ game.
The game was played without a lot of foul play that so often marred the games against Middelburg in the past. It was clear that Sasol played their normal game with HEART and that Middelburg stepped up on their discipline.
The Spectators that brave the cold, and there were a lot of them, could enjoy two well-played games.
Well done to Sasol Grip and Rip as well as Middelburg for two good games.
PROPOSED PILOT CARBON DIOXIDE STORAGE PROJECT NEAR LEANDRA IN THE GOVAN MBEKI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
Notice is hereby given in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (Government Notice No. R. 982 of 4 December 2014, as amended) (EIA Regulations) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA).
Project Overview
Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) has been acknowledged by South Africa (SA) as one of the technologies to mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and forms one of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA). It is also one of the national flagship projects. CCUS forms part of a just transition to a future low-carbon energy economy.
CCUS reduces the release of anthropogenic CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by capturing CO2 at the source (e.g., point-source emitters such as coal-fired plants) and transporting and storing the captured CO2 in suitable deep geological formations. Some of the captured CO2 may then be used in additional downstream industries.
The Council for Geoscience (CGS) (the Applicant) is undertaking a geoscientific research project for the piloting of CCUS in Leandra in Mpumalanga, where it is proposed to inject CO2 into deep suitable geological formations, approximately 1km below the surface. The project area falls within the Gert Sibande District Municipality and the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. The proposed injection site is located on Portion 2 of the Farm Goedehoop 308.
Nemai Consulting (Pty) Ltd was appointed as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to conduct the Basic Assessment Process contemplated in Regulation 19 and Regulation 20 of the EIA Regulations, for the proposed Project. The Competent Authority to decide on the application in terms of NEMA is the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Review of Draft Basic Assessment Report
The draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) will be lodged for public review from 29 May until 28 June 2023.
Hardcopies of the draft BAR can be reviewed at the following public libraries:
Secunda Public Library (physical address: 1 Louwrens Muller St, Secunda, 2302);
Lebohang Public Library (physical address: 1095 Butana Nkambula, Lebohang, 2265); and
Leandra Public Library (physical address: 8 Pretorius Street, Eendrag, 2266).
Written comments on the draft BAR need to be forwarded to the contact person below by 28 June 2023.
Public Meeting
A public meeting will be held during the review period to present the draft BAR and to provide Interested and Affected Parties with a platform for project-related discussions. The details of the meeting are as follows:
Many animals are roaming the streets and reported as lost! There are always good Samaritans who take them in and keep them safe. Last week we looked at what to do if your pet is lost and how to prevent it. This week we will look at what can be done if you found an animal.
Before we continue, a note on the SPCA operations:
Although I believe picking up strays is preventing cruelty, it is not in the SPCA’s mandate to pick up stray animals, except injured ones or those in distress. They do not have the resources to drive up and down the whole day, so we really need the community to step up and help with lost and found animals. The SPCA, by law, may not refuse to take in any animal taken to them.
People are hesitant to take animals to the SPCA for various reasons, but once you volunteer there and understand the process, it can help. If you do not have an alternative, the animal is definitely safer at the SPCA than in the street where they can be stolen, injured or killed. There is a pound period for a stray animal handed over to the SPCA. This is determined by the municipal bylaws and that SPCA’s policy. It is usually around 5-14 days (our local ones are 5 days). The SPCA is unlikely to advertise this animal during the pound period, so it is important to visit them and look for yourself if you lost one or continue to share the “found” post with a note that they are at the SPCA.
After the pound period, the animal becomes the property of the SPCA and they can either put them up for adoption or euthanize (put to sleep) them. The SPCA policies usually does and should include that an animal can’t be removed from their premises unless they are sterilized or microchipped (or collar ID), pound fees are paid and a home inspection is done at the owner’s home. Some require up-to-date vaccination too, which is great. I also advise people to take the found animals to the SPCA if they are constantly in the street, not sterilized and in the street, or a nuisance to others. Then the owners can explain to the authorities why they are not responsible pet guardians. I will also advise this route if you are unsure about whether those who claim to be the owners are actually the owners, expecially with powerbreeds.
HOW TO SHARE A FOUND ANIMAL CORRECTLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
This is an important aspect to reunite animals with owners more effectively!
Share this post on your personal profile with the privacy setting on public. Include a photo, when and where you found the animal and a contact number. I never share too many details including the sex of the animal as it can be used with owners to help confirm ownership.
Share a clear picture and preferably only one photo because of how it might appear in a groups and timelines.
Don’t put the details in the comments, but everything in the original writing at the top.
Then share that post to all groups and pages. Now people can share it from private groups, which can’t be done otherwise and you only have one post to follow and to update. This post can then be reshared often.
Always comment on and share the original post from social media as well as UPDATE the post if FOUND at the top, so those who shared can see that the animal is safe and so that people don’t continue to share an animal that is back home already.
Messenger is not an ideal place to be contacted due to message requests not being a formal notification. You need to go into message requests to see if there are any. We have lost so much time, not getting in touch with these people. I for one do not mind sharing my number on Facebook when the life of a sentient being, I am responsible for, is at stake.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN ANIMAL?
• If they are hurt, please take them to the local vet or SPCA immediately. You can contact the emergency number of the local SPCA too.
• Scan for a microchip at the local vets or SPCA.
• Some vets may take in stray animals for a day or two before they contact the SPCA.
• If the pet seems recently groomed, contact local groomers to see if they recognize them.
• If there are signs of a recent operations or medical procedures, contact local Vets. This can include healing wounds, stitches, vet shaved areas, etc.
• If you can, take care of the animal (foster) until you find the owner. We need more people of the public to help with this. Please don’t move the animal out of area. Few owners search outside their area/town.
• Post on local social media and neighbourhood groups. Once is not enough!
• We do not suggest sharing specific marks or the sex of the pet. Ask the person who claims the pet to provide this info as well as photos for proof. Watch the animals’ reaction when a person claims the pet. There are scammers! If you are unsure about this, rather contact one of the local animal welfare organizations to assist.
• If you can’t foster, try and find a foster home and after 7 days, we can organize adoption through one of the responsible welfare organizations. We usually refer cats to Feral Watch & TNR or Because Dogs and CO for any other animals. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN YOU JUST KEEP THE ANIMAL! Take the details of the person to whom you give the animal too and you can also send it to the admins on the Verlore Diere Secunda (TEKS) group as we keep records of that.
• Take the animal to the SPCA if you can’t foster or find a foster.
• If you hit an animal with your car, please do not be a coward and drive away. Lie if you have to and say you found the animal, instead of leaving them to suffer and die. CALL the SPCA emergency number immediately and keep trying until someone answers. Otherwise, try a local vet or one of the other animal welfare organizations. At least they could humanly end the suffering or help save them.
• Please DO NOT REMOVE kittens. You said that mom ran away and left them. No, she is scared of you and will return as soon as you just let them be. If the babies are quiet and content, the mom is around. She might be searching for food or busy moving her litter. Unless they are in immediate danger, including moving cars, dogs, or humans to inflict pain, bad weather, etc., DO NOT REMOVE THEM! Contact an organization for advice first.
NOTE: None of the animal welfare organizations has the resources to drive up and down to pick up strays or foster them and therefore needs the community to assist with this. You are someone who can do something!Everyone can help in some way. You can donate funds for those who foster (through reputable organizations), you can foster and everyone can share these posts.
Thank you to each of the heroes who take in these lost pets! Without you, we would see more deceased and injured animals because it is not safe on the streets for any animal.
Owners, please keep your animals safe in your yard. If they got out once, it could be an accident, but twice is irresponsible owners! Last week we shared on how you can escape-proof your yard!
In the Secunda area, you will need to call Highveld Ridge SPCA at 082 869 2350 / info@hrspca.co.za (emergencies 082 222 1122)
We would like to see one formal lost & found group for Secunda instead of all the separate groups created by the public.
Verlore diere Secunda (TEKS) (group) is the only group in Secunda, run by those actively involved in animal welfare. Join the local WhatsApp group for lost and found pets via the LINK.
If your animals are lost, you would want the public to help keep them safe, to share, to foster, so do that for someone else! Next week we will look at what to do if you found Wildlife.
GMM Mayor’s State of the Municipality address unfounded, says opposition parties.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr NG Zuma, delivered his State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on Friday 19 May 2023 and opposition parties did not approve.
In his address, Zuma spoke about the struggle and liberation heroes that stem from this area, in particular, Bethal. He also sang praise to Lilian Ngoyi as a woman in the struggle, all in celebration of Women’s Month.
Zuma stated that Bethal should be restored to a town that would reflect its status as an old town and a town that produces struggle heroes.
Zuma claimed that Slavery was rampant in the Bethal area and that many young people lost their lives, and their bodies turned into fertilizer.
GMM Executive Mayor Cllr NG Zuma delivering the State of the Municipality Address.
Zuma painted a rosy picture regarding the status of Bethal town, saying that there is so much improvement that Eskom allowed GMM to do their own load shedding. He spoke a lot about the status of Bethal and the ongoing struggles of the people of Bethal.
“We want to be the best City in Givan Mbeki by the year 2030,” said Zuma. He acknowledged the huge debts to Eskom and Rand Water saying that “If everyone will pay their accounts GMM will be able to pay Eskom and Rand Water.” The debtors’ book is currently approximately R3,6B (R3 600 000 000,00).
When speaking of the water shortages, Zuma blamed several factors for the problems. Some mentioned were: Load shedding, ageing infrastructure, vandalism and Rand Water downtimes. He also blames illegal water connections for the water shortages. He also blamed external factors for the Eskom debt.
While the Utopia of a “Model City of Excellence by 2030” was raised several projects were announced. Some of these projects were already paid for but will have to be redone such as the Multipurpose Centre in Emzinoni, The stadium in Lebohang, The roads in eMbalenhle and the Sewer reticulation in eMbalenhle.
A new monument is also promised and calls were made to “patriotic” donors to come to the fore.
Both the main opposition parties namely the DA and the VF+ were unimpressed by the SOMA. The DA called it hollow while the VF+ said that the Mismanagement of GMM continues.
The DA said that the more serious issue of service delivery was not addressed.
Here are both statements as released by the two opposition parties.
Govan Mbeki Mayor delivers hollow state of the municipality address
by Encee van Huyssteen – DA Councillor Govan Mbeki Local Municipality
Govan Mbeki, Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, during his State of the Municipality’s address completely misrepresented the dire state of affairs in the municipality.
The Mayor refused to take responsibility for the water and electricity crisis in Bethal. He attributed the municipality’s lack of water to load shedding. The mayor went on to lambast other role players for the municipality’s shortcomings.
He whined about illegal electricity connections and vandalism. Not once did he mention the municipality’s lack of infrastructure- maintenance or replacement plans. Zuma complained about the high demand for electricity but would not speak about the failed agreement with Gert Sibande District to help with the power nor did he speak about the municipality’s failure to service its Eskom debt.
The mayor went on to promise repairs and upgrades that were beyond the municipality’s financial capabilities, these include:
Finalisation of road projects in eMbalenhle – These were paid for, taken back as internal projects, and then now outsourced again.
Revamping of the Johannes Steggman Theatre – This is after R3m meant for upgrading this theatre disappeared.
Rebuilding of the stadium in Lebohang – This comes after more than R10m was spent on this project.
Refurbishment of a multipurpose centre in Emzinoni – This comes after it was handed over by the contractor around 2016 but never finalized and has since been vandalized.
Revival of cemeteries in townships
Spending money on various festivals and tournaments
Creating a monument in a public space.
Zuma’s speech was more of a campaign dialogue aimed at luring gullible voters back to the ANC. The notion that Govan Mbeki will be the best municipality in Mpumalanga by 2030 is fictitious.
Govan Mbeki is run by cadres who are self-centred. This became evident recently when they decided to increase the mayoral committee by two new MMC’s. This move was ill-advised and shortsighted considering that the municipality is cash-strapped and has an unfunded budget.
The DA calls for the intervention of CoGTA in Govan Mbeki. Residents deserve a functional government that will prioritize service delivery.
Mismanagement of Govan Mbeki Municipality continues unsustainably
(Municipality Opening Address: Govan Mbeki Local Municipality)
by: Aranda Nel-Buitendag, FF Plus councillor: Govan Mbeki Local Municipality
The mounting decline of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (GMM) makes it abundantly clear that this Municipality is just one more sinking ship under ANC rule.
During the municipal opening address on Friday, it was apparent that the ANC’s only solution to the crisis is making more empty promises and increasing already exorbitant taxes and levies.
The Executive Mayor, Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, repeatedly played the race card during his opening address and kept blaming the previous dispensation.
At present, this Municipality (Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt) is one of the greatest failures when it comes to service delivery and municipal management.
The Municipality is failing to fulfil its legal obligations, residents are affected by poor service delivery, and there is no political or administrative leadership.
Instability characterises the Municipality and residents are plagued by a serious service delivery vacuum. Water and sewage infrastructure is not maintained and as a result, raw sewage is polluting most towns.
Mr Zuma’s planning for 2030 leaves much to be desired. It offers the same promises made in 2021 during the local opening address.
Many projects never got off the ground or simply do not comply with the relevant standards; including the failed sewage project of R100 million in Embalenhle.
Mr Zuma commends those who served as mayors of GMM since 2000 for their good and constructive work even though the Municipality has been plunged into debt, which includes the staggering Eskom debt of R3,5 billion and Rand Water’s R668 million bill.
Residents deserve a municipality that fulfils its legal obligations and provides them with quality service delivery.
So, it is unacceptable that the Mayor wants to keep going down the same old path without making radical changes in direction.
It is unclear how the residents of Govan Mbeki will have immediate relief from the water shortages and load-shedding. Some politicians called the address a political ploy as the Mayor included the ATM councillor in his Mayoral Committee. He increased the Mayoral Committee from 5 to 7 while the municipality is struggling to make ends meet.
ANC councillors applauded the mayor when he delivered his speech.
The 2024 elections are about 12 months away and only then will residents be able to either show their support to this address or show their disapproval.
Are you looking for things to do this weekend? Here are 12 exciting things to do.
Are you searching for ways to make your weekend memorable and exciting? Look no further! We have assembled a list of twelve thrilling activities that will cater to your relaxation, fun, and adventure needs. Without further ado, here are twelve exciting things to do this weekend.
The Billy te Water Memorial Rally: Gearing up for some great action in Secunda this weekend with the annual National Rally Championship. Grab your friends and family for some fun in the dirt!
Havana Night at Upstairs: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove with Latin Dancer Amar Lammar. Let loose on the dance floor, socialize with fellow dancers, and create unforgettable memories. There will be a prize for the best dressed! Entrance is FREE and Tequila shots will be sold at R15 each.
Explore the Boere Mall at Lake Umuzi: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Boere Mall Market. Browse through a range of stalls offering local arts and crafts, clothing and more. Sample delicious food and drinks while supporting local vendors and discovering unique treasures to take home. Entrance is free so bring the whole family.
Experience Live Entertainment at eish!!: Join the thrill of live entertainment by Devon Jay Scott at eish!!, a popular venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and talented performers.
Witness the URC Final – Stormers vs Munster: Rugby enthusiasts should not miss the URC Final between the Stormers and Munster. Head to eish!! to watch the game with friends while enjoying a hand-crafted beer brew.
Wheels up at the Hoërskool Oosterland Wieleskou: Get prepared for an exhilarating adventure that will leave you with the thrill of a genuine racing champion. Participate in the yearly Wieleskou Fundraiser event held at Graceland Casino & Resort, where you can enjoy endless excitement and numerous opportunities to win fabulous prizes. Entry fees of R50 and children aged 5-12 is R30.
Rejuvenate at Mvua Wellness Spa; with a relaxing hot stone massage, a deluxe anti-ageing facial from TheraVine or spruce up those nails that would be fit for a queen.
Mini Golf at Rocky Waters: Challenge your friends or family to an enjoyable game of mini-golf at Rocky Waters. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this mini-golf experience guarantees laughter and fun.
Carnival Square Kids Play Area: If you have little ones, head to Carnival Square for a day filled with excitement and laughter. This vibrant playground offers a variety of engaging activities, including slides, train rides and climbing structures. Kids under 1.35m enter for R70 from eish!! and can play as long as they want.
Laser Tag at Blazing Guns: Embark on an action-packed adventure at Blazing Guns Laser Tag. Grab your laser gun, put on your vest, and engage in thrilling battles with friends or other participants.
Conquer the Heights with Idwala Adventures: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Idwala Adventures indoor rock climbing gym is the perfect activity. Scale rocky cliffs, challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
Dine at the Waterfront Restaurants: After an eventful day, satisfy your taste buds at one of the many local restaurants. Whether you crave a romantic dinner, a family-friendly restaurant with comforting dishes, or an exotic dining experience, there is a restaurant to suit your preferences.
In conclusion, this weekend offers a plethora of activities suitable for everyone’s interests. Whether you prefer relaxation, entertainment, or adventure, there is something exciting for you to experience and enjoy.
