ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR WITBANK BUSINESS ROBBERY AND TWO STILL ON THE RUN
Nelspruit: 25 January 2023 – A 46-year-old male was arrested whilst his two accomplices, a male and a female managed to flee after exchanging gunfire with security personnel who reacted to the alarm.
It is alleged that the suspects went to a cell phone shop in Klipfontein, Witbank yesterday 24 January 2023 at about 14h00 and held the staff members at gunpoint. It is further said that they enriched themselves with an undisclosed amount of cash as well as several mobile phones.
Whilst the robbery was still in progress, the security armed response team was activated. The response team acted quickly and found the suspects still inside the shop. A shootout then ensued between the suspects and the response team. The suspects opted for the possible escape routes available which led them to their gateway vehicle, a white Nissan bakkie which was parked close by. Only one male and a female suspect managed to make it to their getaway vehicle but the third suspect was apprehended. He was reportedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, as well as the alleged robbed cell phones including cash.
Illustration purposes
The suspect is expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 26 January 2023. He is facing a charge of business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding other charges as the investigation continues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the arrest as well as the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and the alleged items. The General further applauded members of the security officers who reacted swiftly and cornered the suspect.
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.
GUARD FATALLY SHOT DURING CASH-IN-TRANSIT NEAR HAZYVIEW
Nelspruit: 25 January 2023 – Police in Hazyview are investigating a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) incident which reportedly occurred on the R40 Road near Hazyview earlier today, Wednesday 25 January 2023 around 10h00 am. During the incident, a security guard who also worked as a co-driver was fatally shot meanwhile other guards sustained minor injuries. The suspects then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
According to the information, a group of about 15 armed suspects were driving a number of vehicles, attacked security guards who were travelling towards Hazyview in two vans. The suspects are said to have used the Mercedes Benz sedan they were driving to collide head-on with the cash van. The suspects further fired some shots at the guards, resulting in one security guard losing his life after sustaining serious injuries. Thereafter the suspects reportedly robbed the guards of their firearms and then detonated some explosives.
The Mercedes Benz they were using as well as the security van was destroyed by the fire during the incident. The suspects are said to have then helped themselves where they reportedly took an undisclosed amount of cash and then fled the scene in a Jeep Cherokee, SUV Kia, as well as a Ford Ranger double cab bakkie. They reportedly took the direction of Masoyi and members of the police in collaboration with other security forces joined hands in the pursuit of the suspects. There was a second shootout between the suspects and law enforcement agencies.
Later, one of the robbed firearms, a revolver, was recovered at the scene. Further than that, an undisclosed amount of cash which was stolen during the incident was found in the nearby bushes.
Whilst police were busy processing the scene one Sanral employee responsible for cleaning up the roads was found in possession of an undisclosed amount of cash which is suspected to have been stolen out of the safe of the damaged cash van. The 32-year-old was immediately arrested on charges of theft and he will appear before the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court on 26 January 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the senseless killing of the security guard whilst a team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under her leadership to probe this incident with a mandate to swiftly bring perpetrators thereof to book.
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.
TWO FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED WITH 479 KG OF DAGGA
Nelspruit: 25 January 2023 – Two foreign nationals aged 29 and 34 from Tanzania and the Kingdom of Eswatini respectively were arrested with 479 kg of dagga this morning Wednesday, 25 January 2023 at about 06h30 am.
According to the report, members from Visible Policing in Sabie were conducting a stop and search operation when they stopped a white Hyundai H1 with foreign registration number plates. Upon searching the vehicle, they found 14 plastic bags of dagga sealed with masking tape. The dagga was weighing at about 479 kg and it is estimated at more than R700 000 in street value.
During preliminary investigation, it transpired that the luggage was from the Kingdom of Eswatini and further investigation will hopefully reveal its destiny. Both suspects had valid travel documents, but police will engage the Department of Home Affairs to verify the legitimacy of their documents as part of the investigation.
The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance tomorrow, Thursday 26 January 2023 at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court for dealing in dagga.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended members for their notable success. The General further emphasised that people must never make the mistake of taking Mpumalanga Province as an easy passage for narcotics and other illicit substances.
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.
WILD ANIMALS BELONG IN THE WILD AND NOT IN YOUR HOME AS PETS AND FOR GOOD REASON.
Another animal paid the price with her life (and those she killed) because humans demand to keep exotic and wild animals in captivity or as pets, whether to exploit them for money or boost their egos, because they are ignorant, selfish, or stupid.
By now many are aware of the privately “owned” tigress Sheba that escaped in Gauteng last week. She was shot and killed. From the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark SPCA:
The SPCA was informed that the authorities received reports of her entering a farm with six dwellings. She attacked and killed a domestic animal (there were more before that). After this attack, she moved to a more densely populated area and this left the authorities with a very difficult decision to make as the lives of more people and animals were at risk. The SPCA was informed that due to the terrain and area, it was not possible to contain her or secure her safely. Darting her was also not an option (there are many risks and complications with darting an animal at night). The SPCA was not present at her death and was only alerted after the fact.
The NSPCA shared: “This tigress, which had already displayed the behaviour of a tiger in the wild, did not wander into a residential area on her own. She was unwillingly brought there to be held in captivity, something that should not have been allowed to take place, to begin with. It is a matter of extreme concern that permitting (which is regulated by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in this instance) is not required to keep such dangerous and exotic animals in residential areas in Gauteng.”
I agree with BAN ANIMAL TRADING, who fiercely fights for the rights of animals when they say: “We are angry! – Angry at a government that fails to protect animals, angry at individuals who think wild animals are pets, angry at humans who prefer killing to saving! Our hearts are broken – because an innocent animal died, and her companion is now locked up in a zoo because of humans who think they need a tiger as a pet! Nobody needs a tiger. R.I.P SHEBA – at least you had a small taste of freedom. Safe travels into the light. May there be jungles, just for you, in the forever”
As I understand the SPCA will investigate further. This again highlights the need for legislation in the keeping of wild/exotic pets.
Wild Tigers – Image byGEORGE DESIPRIS from Pexels.com
The Tiger is the largest living cat species and is the most recognizable for its dark vertical stripes on rich orange fur with a white in between. Their beauty is truly remarkable. Sadly, they remain endangered and their population is decreasing. In the wild, their lifespan is between 8-10 years. Adults can reach up to 300kg. But there is more to a Tiger than beauty – they are very adaptable and intelligent animals with one of the longest short-term memories among all animals, which even exceeds humans.
Sadly, many loopholes allow Tigers to be kept as pets in South Africa, as they are not indigenous to South Africa, an exotic permit can be attained for Tigers to be kept as pets. We do not agree with any wild animals being kept as pets and we highly recommend for tigers or any animal in captivity to be spayed or neutered. Tigers are not domesticated cats. They are large, powerful and strong-fanged predators that eat dozens of kilograms of meat per day. They require large spaces and properly built enclosures which are expensive and will need constant maintenance. The risk of attack far outweighs any benefit which makes tigers unsuitable pets at any age.
The tiger and lion bone trade in SA and abroad is a whole other topic. Read more here. The plight of exotic pets extends far beyond large animals with so many smaller animals and birds living in cruel and unacceptable conditions.
KEEPING OF EXOTIC PETS
While most people care for cats or dogs, there is a disturbing rising trend of keeping exotic wild animals as pets such as snakes, parrots, monkeys, hedgehogs, fish, and many others. It might seem cool or exciting to you to own this exotic or wild animal, but they are always the one that suffers, even before they are in your care.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the exotic pet trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry, second only to the drugs and weapons trades in terms of its gross worth. Millions of animals are forced into the exotic pet trade every year for the purpose of becoming someone’s pet or entertaining the masses in a circus or zoo.
The NSPCA shares the following:
“The contentious issue of the trading in, breeding and the keeping of exotic wild animals as pets in South Africa (and around the world) has not only deeply disturbing welfare implications for the animals concerned but, just as importantly, is a significant threat to conservation and biodiversity.
The practice of importing and exporting wild animals as pets has been happening for decades. Much of the trade is driven by purely whimsical impulse purchases and for prestigious reasons. Entertainment fads often determine which wild animals are the fashionable pets of the moment and everything from the smallest reptile to a full-grown tiger can be sold to anyone for the right price. However, most owners don`t realize the huge responsibility or costs involved when they purchase exotic pets. Nor do they consider what is going to happen to these animals when the novelty wears off.”
Wild Tigers – Image shared by the NSPCA
SOCIAL MEDIA AND PETS SHOPS ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM
Exotic pet owners, pet shops and facilities that keep and display and sell exotic animals fuel the exotic pet industry. They make people think that it is okay to have these animals as pets and as companion animals and most of the time, these sentient beings end up in the wrong hands. Most likely someone unknowledgeable, who will either exploit them or add to their suffering by not meeting their needs.
It appears to be very easy to get your hands on an exotic pet. Thousands of Internet sites offer to sell, give care advice, and provide chat rooms where buyers and sellers can negotiate prices. The sellers do not make any mention of the local laws regulating private possession of exotic or wild animals, or about the dangers, challenges, and the physical and physiological needs of the animals they exploit and sell as commodities and not as sentient beings. The suffering of the animals in the hands of uninformed and unqualified buyers is of no concern in this profitable exotic/wild pet trade.
The glamorization of exotic pets through pop culture and social media will mask cruelty and falsely legitimize the trade. You think these animals look adorable, but they’ve actually been sentenced to a lifetime of suffering in captivity. These social media platforms need to seriously step up their game if they truly care. I believe, like with cigarettes or alcohol, there should be a notification and warnings about the overpopulation and keeping of exotic pets on all animal posts on social media.
I always look at both sides of an argument, but those that do argue that these animals can be kept as pets and should be legal, miss a crucial factor. They focus on it is your right to own them or that it creates jobs, but they miss the most important fundamental argument against owning them………it is not to the benefit of these animals and most suffer, especially when their needs are not being met. I agree that the term “exotic” might have to be defined better and currently means non-traditional or uncommon pet”, and what constitutes such is completely subjective depending on the culture, but wild is wild, nothing unclear about that.
There are legal and illegal sides to the exotic pet trade. But legality doesn’t matter; captive-bred or wild-caught, it is cruel and the animals never benefit from it. In the case of Sheba, this lack of regulation has jeopardized the welfare of countless exotic wild animals and placed the lives of humans and other domestic animals in the area at complete risk. As more and more wild and exotic animals are allowed to be owned without regulation, more tragedy is expected to occur. Governments across the globe must act and ban the global trade of wildlife as well as address the illegal trade with way harsher punishment. Wildlife trade is increasing the risks to human and animal health, compromising animal welfare, and placing biodiversity under immense and unsustainable pressure.
I fully agree with the SPCA movement and oppose the keeping and breeding of wildlife in captivity.
Also remember that true sanctuaries do not offer human-animal interaction or acts or tricks, not even for educational purposes. These interactions never benefit the animals but only satisfy the human interest. A three-year-old can tell you a lot about a dinosaur that they have never seen in real life, so the education reason is not valid anyway. Please don’t support this!
Wild and exotic animals – Image by The Paw Company
If you own an exotic animal and haven’t done already, please seek expert advice from a specialized veterinarian to ensure you’re meeting as many of their welfare needs as possible. Give them the life they deserve. If you can no longer take proper care of them, surrender them to the SPCA or reputable species-specific organizations. It’s very important that whatever happens, NEVER release your pet into the wild under any circumstance. Many of them will die and they might not be native to our ecosystems and will become invasive, resulting in a disruption in the biodiversity, and most likely the death of many other animals.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help us keep wild animals in the wild, by not buying or breeding them. If you can give an exotic animal that has already been human-imprinted a suitable home, then please only adopt them from reputable organizations. #adoptdontshop
Don’t buy or breed them.
Educate your friends, family and the public about the topic.
Volunteer at organizations that have to clean up the mess.
Report neglect or cruelty. If you observe an exotic animal being abused, living in deplorable conditions, etc., report it to your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA.
Sign petitions and join protests against the keeping of exotic/wild animals.
Support legislation at all levels to prohibit private possession of exotic animals.
Adoption, if available is the only ethical option.
Don’t share the “good sides”: a huge driver in the wildlife trade are the cute videos of exotic pets on social media – by sharing these, you are providing this cruel industry with free advertising. Call out the cruelty behind these cute videos!
Do not support any petting farms, wildlife interaction, animal rides, zoos, aquariums, or the circus with performing animals.
We can all make a promise to Sheba and Tyson (her partner) that their stories will be used to make South Africa a better place for animals. We have to do better. The animals need your voice, your actions, and your compassion! Please don’t allow animal suffering to continue.
Next week we will look at the specific reasons why it is cruel to keep these animals in captivity.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER GLADLY WELCOMES THE HEFTY SENTENCES HANDED DOWN TO POACHERS
Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the hefty sentences handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court to three poachers who are Mozambican Nationals, Lowrene Makamu (28), George Muyanga (50) and Nuru Burros (24). The poachers were sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 17 January 2023.
The court sentenced the trio after the state presented overwhelming evidence against them in court. Their sentence stems from an incident that occurred on 01 July 2022 at Crocodile bridge in the Kruger National Park. It is said that field rangers received a report from tourists about sounds of gunshots that were heard at the North of Afsaal picnic spot. The Section Ranger then activated his team with the help of a helicopter. A tracker dog was also brought in to assist in tracing the suspects.
The team followed up on the information until fresh rhino carcasses and fresh human footprints were found. The rangers on the helicopter spotted three suspects and called for backup from a second helicopter. Both helicopters landed a few metres from the suspects and cornered the three who were found in possession of a (,375) hunting rifle, 1 silencer, 6 fresh rhino horns (3 front and 3 rear horns) and 3x large hunting knives. Members from Skukuza SAPS were informed about the incident and upon their arrival, all three suspects were arrested and charged accordingly.
They were then charged and convicted hence their sentence as follows:
For (count 1) trespassing in Kruger National Park, the three were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and for (count 2) contravention of the Immigration Act they were all sentenced to one-year imprisonment. For (count 3) Possession of a prohibited firearm, they were sent to spend 5 years behind bars. On (count 4) Conspiracy, they were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and for (count 5) illegal hunting and killing of a black rhino, they were all punished with 10 years imprisonment each.
Meanwhile, for (count 6) the illegal killing of white rhinos, they were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. On (count 7), illegal hunting and killing of white rhinos, they each got a punishment of 5 years imprisonment whilst, on (count 8) possession of ammunition, the three were given 2-year imprisonment each. For (count 9) possession of a dangerous weapon, the three men were punished with one-year imprisonment.
The court ordered that the sentences on count 1, 2 and 5 run concurrently for accused number 1&3 (Makamu and Burros) because they were first offenders and count 3 and 8 will run concurrently. They will both spend an effective 25 years in prison whilst for accused number 2 (Muyanga), the court regarded him as a repeated offender and he will spend an effective 33 years in prison. They were all declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further thanked the Field Rangers from SANPARKS, the Investigation team, the Prosecution team and the Judiciary which led to the well-deserved hefty sentence imposed upon the rhino poachers. ” We hope that the hefty sentence will serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the three accused,” said the General.
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.
Is Bethal Dam Resort contributing to Bethal water problems?
“No water for the town, but I can fill the resort swimming pools.” This seems to be the message that the current proprietor of Bethal Dam Resort is sending to the Bethal community.
Bethal is plagued with problems, not only with electricity but also with water supply. Some residents have reported that they have been without water for over 8 weeks.
The officials from GMM are trying to “balance” the water to give all the residents equal opportunity to receive water but this is a mammoth task. Bethal Rand Reservoir is the first to fill up but struggles to get past the 30% mark. Only this week was it reported that the reservoir was 80% full.
The Bulletin received complaints regarding water being pumped into the Bethal Dam Resort swimming pools. We were told that no chemicals were used by the resort to clean the pools but that the water was pumped into the Bethal dam and filled with fresh water on a weekly basis.
We investigated the situation and visited the site on several occasions. We spoke to the workers that confirmed the fact that the water is pumped out and fresh water is then pumped into the pool. The way they clean the pool is to pump the water out, scrub the pool and then pump new water in. On one of our visits, a pump was next to the kiddie’s pool and the level of the pool was very low.
When we visited the pool, it was clear, given the state of the clogged-up pool drains, that the cleaning system is not functioning at 100%. We could not get a proper response on this yet as the proprietor, Shelly, did not respond to our letter.
During our investigations, we established, through very reliable sources, that the police instructed Shelly on one occasion at least not to use the fire hydrants for water. We also learned from reliable sources that officials from Govan Mbeki Municipality also instructed Shelly not to use water from the hydrants and taps. Apparently, this was done on several occasions.
During our last visit we were confronted by a very irate Shelly, she confirmed her identity, asking why we were trespassing. She refused to answer any of our questions but continued to accuse us of trespassing. Shelly later opened a case against us for trespassing at the local police station.
Shelly even said that we were recording her and they are residents from Bethal. We asked her to confirm if she was taking water without paying or if she was paying for this water to which we received no response. This was also asked in a follow-up letter with no response. The information at our disposal is that while she is renting the facility there is no water meter installed. This was not confirmed by the municipality yet.
Bethal residents have been complaining bitterly about the water situation exacerbated by the fact that they are experiencing double sessions of load-shedding. Both old-age homes had to scramble to get water for their residents.
GMM arranged a water truck to deliver water to the people, but several people complain of not being able to carry such a heavy burden and that the truck regularly passes them by. Several political parties arranged for water and even The Bulletin asked people in Secunda to supply water for the people in Bethal.
All this while water is being tapped into a large swimming pool with allegedly no payment for that water. The swimming pool volume is approximately 300 000litres. This is not exactly the correct volume as a bit of guessing had to be done. According to Google Earth Pro, the diameter of the pool is approximately 16,5m and we estimate the average depth at 1,3m.
Peninsula Pool Renovations gives the formula to calculate the pool volume. It is diameter x diameter x average depth x 785 = Volume in Litres. This means that the calculation should look like this: (16,5 x 16,5 x 1,3) x 785 = 277,831.125 litres.
If this is taken as roughly correct it means that 27 homes with 10000L JoJo tanks could have filled their tanks every week.
We would still like to offer Shelly a right of reply so that we can hear her side of the story as well
YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! (PART 3)
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 2023! Also, read PART 1 & PART 2 of these pawsome New Year’s resolutions.
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, 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.
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.
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, 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 paw-some resolutions. To execute these resolutions though, there need 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?
Since the tragedy of the tigress that was shot and killed recently in Gauteng, next week we will look at the issue of keeping exotic and wild animals as pets.
SERITI’S WOMEN IN MINING TRAINING PROGRAMME PROVIDES HOPE FOR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER
“The training lets me view business differently” Khuliso Munyembane
Ogies based businesswoman, Khuliso Munyembane and the owner of Yellow Team Mining Construction and Civil, is a beneficiary in Seriti’s Enterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD) holistic development programme.
This programme, launched during May 2022 by Seriti, aims to empower woman entrepreneurs in the Emalahleni/Middelburg area, and was designed and is being run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment. It further aims to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain ready businesses who can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and endeavours to develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise scale and drive supplier diversity in their supply chain.
Khuliso Munyembane
Khuliso started her business six years ago and with her fourteen employees, provide grass cutting, landscaping and waste water treatment services to Khuthala Colliery just outside of Ogies. One of these employees is her husband who is the general manager of the company and with their two children, forms her biggest support structure.
She started her business career when she resigned from her first job as a Telkom technical officer and started attending business seminars and briefings. She found both the mining sector and natural environment appealing and decided to combine them in her business venture. She enrolled in one of Seriti’s earlier ESD programmes at the then, South 32 mine, in order to learn more about business processes. She explains that it was not an easy road and she was confronted with numerous obstacles in the founder years, such as obtaining capital and equipment as well as employing the right skills.
Khuliso, who was born and bred in the small Mutiti Ha Matsa village in Limpopo, grabs opportunities that come her way and because of the Women in Mining programme, has already made some changes to her lifestyle. One of the first assignments of the twenty entrepreneurs on the programme, was to build a vision board with long term goals in different categories. One category is personal health and wellness and Khuliso has subsequently bought a treadmill to ensure that she gets the necessary daily workout to a stay fit and combat work-related stress.
The training so far has played a significant role in boosting her confidence and improving some crucial business skills. Some challenges she hopes to overcome is learning how to improve her marketing, negotiation and decision-making skills.
Apart from growing her business, expanding to the private and government sector while acquiring much needed skills, Khuliso plans to one day become an investor herself.
Sharon Sprenger, sales coach to the entrepreneurs said “working with the ladies on an individual level has been both inspiring and rewarding as we assisted them in developing their sales skills so that their businesses could grow and expand. To see how the confidence and attitude has shifted in each of them over the last few months as they tapped further into their potential, has been extremely satisfying to experience.”
