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.
A 30-year-old suspected police killer has been arrested in a joint collaboration with the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda and Secunda K9 in Evander.
It is reported that on 18 February 2022, the late police officer, WO Hlatshwayo was attacked and shot while entering his home by unknown suspects. The victim was transported by to a Provincial hospital in Piet Retief and later to Trichardt Medi Clinic in critical condition for treatment. The member later succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation into the brutal murder of the warrant officer was conducted and one of the suspects was identified.
Yesterday, 18 May 2023, the investigating team followed up on information on the whereabouts of the suspect and arrested him in Evander.
More arrests are expected. The suspect will appear in the Piet Retief Magistrates’ Court soon.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
LEKWA MAYOR NARROWLY ESCAPE DEATH AFTER GUNSHOTS MISSED HIM
Standerton – The SAPS can confirm an incident that reportedly occurred at Standerton (Lekwa) on the evening of Wednesday 17 May 2023. Councilor Delani Thabethe, the mayor of Lekwa local municipality in Mpumalanga, narrowly escaped an attempt on his life when two gunmen shot at him outside his home in Standerton on Wednesday night.
As Delani Thabethe left his home two unknown gunmen started shooting at him as they tried to ambush him. He was fortunate to escape unharmed back into his house as the gunmen fled on foot.
The municipality will now look into increasing security for Delani Thabethe after a report from the police.
A case of attempted murder is currently under investigation. The victim was reportedly unharmed during the incident and no one has been arrested so far.
A team of investigators has been assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela.
Police call on anyone with information that may assist in this investigation to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AND WOMEN IN MINING BENEFICIARY BELIEVES A DAY OF LEARNING IS A DAY OF GROWING
Since Seriti launched its Women in Mining programme in May 2022, twenty female entrepreneurs have undergone extensive mentoring and training in managing their own businesses. This programme is running until July this year and is being managed by Collective Value Creation (CVC).
One such entrepreneur is Precious Nkambule, born and bred in Emalahleni and a former electrical engineer in training at BHP Billiton (now Seriti) who went into business in 2016 but relaunched KhanyaP Mining Engineering Maintenance and Supply this year.
Precious Nkambule
Speaking on the particular difficulties of an entrepreneur, Precious echoes many of the other entrepreneurs’ sentiments. “Working in a male-dominated environment is challenging because sometimes we are not given the same opportunities and I am constantly expected to explain and prove myself as a female entrepreneur.”
Although they have previously been part of entrepreneurial development programmes focussing on women, CVC’s Managing Director Wybrand Ganzevoort stresses that the Women in Mining programme “specifically looks at the needs of women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated industry as well as the women in the context of the family, spouse and community.” With most programmes of this nature, immediate attention is provided to the business support needs, however, Women in Mining specifically addresses the holistic relationship between the female entrepreneur and all the various stakeholders. The aim is also to separate realistic from unrealistic expectations and establish which expectations require restoration.
With this objective in mind, Precious hopes to gain adequate knowledge and skills to do just that. She is also enjoying the connection with the different beneficiaries of this programme as learning from one’s peers is equally satisfying as learning from the different mentors and trainers. She mentions that she has gained valuable knowledge on the importance of branding your enterprise, correctly defining your offering and conducting professional meetings with clients. She believes that every day of learning is a day of growing.
This young lady and TUT Electrical Engineering graduate thoroughly enjoy the support of her siblings and partner. When she takes a break from the competitive world of business, she takes long hikes along rivers and in the mountains.
She has the following advice for other women wishing to start a business. “Giving up should not be one of your options and if I could go back to motivate myself as a young eighteen-year-old student, I would tell myself that, girl you got this!”
Apart from growing her business, Precious has a dream of one day opening a learning centre for young women who want to go into the mining and engineering business, by empowering and skilled them for their own journeys.
Missing pets are shared on socia meida daily and it is a rising concern for us in animal welfare. There are so many animals in the streets and although there are some exceptions, most of them are shockingly allowed outside by their owners, including cats. We can share horror stories on why this is dangerous and irresponsible and how many never came home. How the one you thought was “streetwise” was hit by a car or the one you say “knows his way home”, stopped returning home. If you think the streets are unsafe for your child, why would it be safe for your pets?
When your pets roam the streets, they also become a nuisance to others and sadly the cruelty against animals increases because of this e.g. poisoning and shootings. Other dangers include being attacked by animals or humans or stolen for dog fights, re-selling or breeding and more. That is apart from the dangers of cold nights which seem to be here already! Millions of animals enter shelters every year in mainly three ways: Surrendered by owners, confiscated legally from owners, or brought in as strays by good samaritans.
Why do animals engage in this behaviour?
Trying to get home – have you recently moved?
Your dog’s habit
Mating
Loneliness & boredom
Your dog is scared & had a fright
Something excites them
It’s easy to get out
The above can be addressed or prevented by:
Create a safe, secure and familiar environment.
Meet their needs with exercise and enrichment.
Spay/neuter your pets.
Don’t leave them alone for too long, especially social animals.
Some behaviour might require training and patience.
Teach them not to go out of the yard without you, even if the gate is open.
There are many ways to keep your cats safe in your yard. This includes PVC roller bars, angled fences, catios and more.
TIP for in case they get lost – make sure you have a good full body photo of your pet to share when they are lost. You can even make a flyer in advance. Microchip them (collar ID too) and register the microchip on more than one database with up-to-date details.
PreventionHow to share on social mediaFinding a missing pet
SHARE MISSING PETS CORRECTLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF FINDING THEM.
Share a clear full body picture (preferably only one because of how it might appear groups and timelines)
Share this post on your personal profile with the privacy setting on public. Include a photo, sex of pet details, specific identifying marks, the area lost, the date, during which time frame and a contact number (another alternative number is even better).
Don’t put these details in the comments, but everything in the original post.
Then share that post to all groups and pages. Now people can share it out from private groups, which can’t be done otherwise and you only have one post to follow and to update.
Always comment on and share the original post from social media as well as UPDATE the post if FOUND.
Messenger is not an ideal place to be contacted due to message requests not being a formal notification for non-friends. 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 my fur-kid is at stake. It is a priority for me.
Please take recent photos of your pets. As someone who loves animals, I don’t get how people don’t have any photos of their missing pets or they use old ones which does not even look as much like the pet now.
DO YOU HAVE A MISSING PET – WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Act immediately and start searching as soon as you realize your pet is lost.
Share on your local social media pages or groups & neighbourhood watch.
Contact other local welfare organizations.
Drive around in your area, put posters up, hand out flyers, and search manholes, fields, green strips, parks, ditches, complexes, churches, community buildings, schools, petrol stations, near shops or other hiding spaces.
Ask neighbours if you can search on their property.
Keep your phone charged.
Re-check spots.
Contact your local Vets to see if an animal has been brought in hurt or deceased.
Don’t give up. Some pets were reunited with their owners after months and even years.
Vary your search times. Try and call for pets at night as sound travels further. Cats are more active at night, while dogs might be more during the day.
Some suggest putting out cats’ litter boxes or pets’ blankets as scent could help them find their way home.
If your cat is used to being outside or your pet is missing for more days, expand your search radius.
You can offer a reward, but keep in mind it does create a future incentive for pet theft so it is not ideal.
Birds tend to fly when their adrenaline levels are high. They generally fly up to the highest point they can land. Most pet birds today have never fully fledged, so larger parrots require more skill to be able to take off, land, navigate where they want to go, or climb down. You will have to wait until the bird is ready to come down. Read more on missing bird guidelines here.
Phone your local SPCA and send them an email with a picture & detailed description. Remember they have many animals coming in daily and various volunteers, so it is still best to visit them in person and multiple times. They may not advertise the animal in the first 5-day pound period.
Continue to follow up with the SPCA and other organizations as well as continue to share the original post again.
Also, read more on how to be a responsible pet owner.
We would like to see one formal lost & found group for Secunda instead of all the separate groups created by the public. The groups I focus on include:
Verlore diere Secunda (TEKS) (group). This is the only group in Secunda, run by those actively involved in animal welfare.
Join the local WhatsApp group for lost and found pets here.
Sasol Grip and Rip beat Bethal Rugby comprehensively during Saturday’s match.
The rugby game was called a mismatch by a lot of people and the scoreline of 65-5 (Sasol win) certainly would support this notion. But, watching the actual game I thought that Bethal deserves a lot more credit than what is given to them.
Yes, Sasol Grip and Rip beat them by a large margin. Yes, Sasol scored a massive 10 tries. This is something that cannot be taken away from Sasol. They were the best team and they showed it. Not 100% but nonetheless they showed that they were the league winners last year.
I have to first mention that I saw no foul play during the game and thought that the game was played in good spirits.
Sasol Grip and Rip played a neat controlled game with few areas to complain about. It is easy to try and find fault with teams if one has to, but I think both teams deserved praise.
The forwards from Secunda played a fairly tight game with the backline breaking through the defences of Bethal on a regular basis. The ball handling was better than expected at this time of the year with not too many handling errors.
There might have been a little too many penalties at one stage give, especially to Bethal, but even that was not to bad.
The defences of Sasol Grip and Rip were thoroughly tested at times and Bethal managed to score a try in the second half. A spark they dearly needed. The halftime score was 42-0, showing the dominance of Sasol Grip and Rip. The second half was a different game for Bethal. They kept on trying. As I stood behind their try line and within hearing of the players, I never heard excessive (if there is such a thing) cussing or even despondency.
Bethal can only benefit from Saturday’s game. They were their own league winners last year and will have to compete in a higher league this year where they can either swim or drown, figuratively speaking. It is their choice. Based on Saturdays game though, they are serious about swimming.
The kicking shoes for Sasol Grip and Rip were spot on with an excellent record for the day. Well done.
There were a few injuries on the field, but I had no confirmation that any were serious.
