Empower Machite, in collaboration with the Govan Mbeki Municipality, has begun the installation of split pre-payment meters in all Bethal town households. To date, the successful metering roll-out has resulted in the completion of 762 households in Bethal and 1138 households in Emzinoni, including Ext 13, Ext 23, and 74 steel boxes in Ext 4 where the roll-out is currently underway.
The main goal of the metering conversion is to improve customer service by ensuring supply reliability and giving customers the ability to control and manage their own consumption.
The project is expected to increase electricity revenue while decreasing non-technical losses due to electricity theft in the short term. It will also help with the area’s current load reduction restrictions.
Customers in Bethal town are kindly requested to please allow Empower Machite technicians access to conduct an audit and proceed with the metering conversion, which is expected to be completed in the next four weeks and will take place from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30.
Customers who will be away from home during this period should please contact the Empower Machite office at 087 550 0765 to schedule an appointment.
Students from Kedi Art studio participated in the Con Spirito competition and did very well
Con Spirito is a unique Cultural Society, Culture with Enthusiasm, which was established in 2003. They are passionate about culture and give every child the opportunity to live out his or her talents. They specialise in any form of culture and aim to: • Promote culture • Create opportunities • Discover and develop talent
Various kinds of cultural competitions are presented annually to offer opportunities to those who are not always presented with such a prospect in his/her school. Any school/organisation may participate in Con Spirito. In the Con Spirito Once-Off Competition at beginning of the year, Kedi Art’s students did very well and earned 7 places.
CON SPIRITO Rounds:
Provincial Round: End of July
Provincial Rounds (1st Rounds) are held in the whole country at different centres. Participants who are item winners during the Provincial Rounds go through to the Forte Round, where the National winners are selected.
In the Provincial Round, the art students of Kedi Art produced several item winners again;
1. Megan Coetzee, Gr 3 – Pastel Drawing
2. Cailyn Mae Potgieter, Gr 3 – Gouache Painting
3. Cara Pool, Gr 4 – Pastel Drawing
4. Neané Pool, Gr 4 – Watercolour Painting
5. Shaun Carroll, Gr 5 – Oil Painting
6. Shaun Carroll, Gr 5 – Charcoal Drawing
7. Lente Hayward, Gr 5 – Pastel Drawing
8. Lente Hayward, Gr 5 – Oil Painting
9. Hannah Ritchie, Gr 6 – Watercolour Painting
10. Juané Welthagen, Gr 7 – Colour Pencil Drawing
11. Juané Welthagen, Gr 7 – Oil Pastel Drawing
12. Juané Welthagen, Gr 7 – Ink Drawing
13. Mieke van Jaarsveld, Gr 7 – Oil Painting
From left to right: Megan Coetzee (Gr 3) – National Winner (1st Place) – Pastels; Cailyn Potgieter (Gr 3) – National Winner (1st) Watercolour Gouache; Adriana Uzunoglu (Owner & Teacher, Kedi Art Atelier); Lente Hayward (Gr 5) – National Winner (1st) Pastels; Juané Welthagen (Gr 7) – National Winner (2x 1sts) – Oil Pastels and Ink (Pointillism); Absent when photo taken: Shaun Carroll (Gr 5) – National Winner (2 x 1sts) – Oil and Charcoal.
National Forte Round: was held from 20 September to the 1st of October in Alberton, and the Prestige Award Function/Prize-giving on Sat 15 October.
All of the above qualified for the Forte Round and Kedi Art had no less than seven NATIONAL WINNERS, they are:
Forms Media Independent Africa celebrates 25 years of serving the Secunda community.
At the recent Trade Show hosted by Forms Media Independent Africa at the Sasol Recreation Centre in Secunda, Brian Taylor, General manager FMIA explained their involvement in the Secunda community for the past 25 years.
“We are very proud to be part of the Secunda community,” said Brian, “we are here for the long run and we will be here for the next 25 years!”
Forms Media Independent Africa (FMIA) is widely recognised as an industry leader in their relevant market spheres –office stationery, computer consumables and hardware, office furniture, canteen and janitorial supplies and promotional gifts and clothing.
Brian Taylor spoke to the Bulletin about Forms Media Independent Africa
“We offer the Total Office Solution,” said Brian, “from school supplies to office supplies.”
The company known today as FMIA was established in 1981, as a supplier and distributor of business forms. Over the past 42 years, they have grown to be the largest independent supplier of print and office products in Southern Africa. From the company’s inception, it was evident that through its style of management and the running of its business activities FMIA would be the driving force in their industry in South Africa.
“We started as a print company and evolved over the years to encompass supplying anything one would require for an office or school environment. Now we are a company that also supplies office furniture, project managing large projects over R10 million.”
FMIA offers a national footprint for their corporate clients seeking service from all the major centres. FMIA not only delivers to all the major centres and outlying areas but offers the all-important sales service and backup from our regional offices and depots. Their team of dedicated account executives are positioned to pro-actively manage all their national accounts.
They are an independent group with no affiliation to any dealer group or procurement franchise and have branches in nine centres nationwide namely: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Polokwane, Secunda, Tzaneen, Nelspruit, Witbank and Vanderbijlpark. Their fleet of vehicles delivers daily to most major centres in South Africa.
“FMIA is considered the largest independent office product company in South Africa.”
Judging from the large number of visitors at the show it was evident that FMIA enjoys huge support from the Secunda community. It is easy to see the commitment that the FMIA staff has towards their clients. The interactions with the FMIA staff and their client and suppliers provided evidence of the priority FMIA places on customer and supplier relationships.
Visitors at the trade show
One of the Casio representatives at the show commented on the excellent relationship between their company and Forms Media stating that “They sell a lot of our products.”
The various suppliers that exhibited their products reiterated their commitment to FMIA as an important channel partner in marketing their brands and products.
FMIA has a philosophy of continual growth, improvement and change; all of these traits are vitally important for successful trade in their dynamic and ever-changing business environment. They continually strive for better processes, improved service delivery and greater overall client satisfaction. Successfully trading since 1981 is a testament to the fact that they have and will continue to achieve all of their goals and will continue to strive to build on their trusted reputation as market leaders.
“We are a total office solution for you to run your business,” said Brian.
René Du Toit is the CEO and founder of FMIA. Mr. du Toit is joined on the board by Jessica Stockhall and Denise van der Walt. The board is backed by a passionate team of experienced management and a dedicated, loyal staff.
FMIA’s staff are an integral part of our business, and as such thirty percent (30%) of the company is held by an empowerment staff trust for the benefit of PDI/ HDI individuals.
“We pride ourselves on our product knowledge, competitive prices and service excellence. We are a fully integrated and committed South African company that has embraced the opportunity to empower fellow South Africans and create an environment where our South African diversity truly flourishes.”
Some of the Lucky Draw winners
The Markets in which they trade:
Office Stationery
FMIA supplies a range of products at extremely competitive pricing to meet all stationery requirements, pens, pencils, files, books, pads, plastic products etc. They have national stationery supply contracts in place with a number of large corporate customers and are also focused on supplying scholastic requirements to schools, colleges and universities.
Computer Consumables and Hardware
FMIA stock and distribute all brands of computer consumables, computer equipment, hardware and accessories. They stock both original and compatible products.
Office Furniture
FMIA carry a full range of Office Furniture products and has the capacity to manufacture specific items to our customer’s requirements. FMIA can undertake space planning and office layouts to maximise productivity.
Canteen and Janitorial Supplies
FMIA supplies a full range of well-known brands of Canteen and Janitorial supplies.
Benefits of trading with FMIA
Preparing for the big day
One supplier to meet all of your office needs
The main and most obvious benefit to their customers is that Forms Media Independent Africa can truly be considered the ONE-STOP SHOP, with their ability to supply any office product that their customers may require.
This alleviates a substantial portion of the creditors’ reconciliation functions experienced by FMIA customers, as they have to reconcile only one account with one supplier.
National delivery
Due to their strategic positions nationwide, FMIA has the ability to manage national clients effectively, ensuring that their clients do not have to wait for extended periods of time before their stock arrives. FMIA can dispatch goods from any of its branches when an order is placed at an entirely different branch.
National pricing
They have the ability to load national pricing based on their customers’ specific requirements, this means that no matter where their customers have branches nationally, all branches will be charged the same price for specific items.
System stability
FMIA have a fantastic internal infrastructure, which leads to fast and efficient order processing and delivery.
They continually strive to improve on customized software applications, technology, infrastructure and business systems integration, ensuring that they are always ahead of the pack.
Quick delivery
Because they stock most items and ranges, FMIA endeavours to deliver all goods ordered within 24- 48 hours
“The concept of total office solution provision extends beyond the mere extension of one’s product list. At FMIA we understand the importance of sustainability and the ability to support the products on offer. Our five dedicated departments are supported by product specialists that are focused on providing solutions for office requirements rather than the mere fulfilment of orders. If you have a specific office need that requires fulfilment, consult your sales executive who will engage the support of a solution specialist to analyse the requirement comprehensively before offering the appropriate solution for your specific need.” FMIA web page
BBBEE Profile – Level 1
Preferential procurement
Forms Media Independent Africa seeks to procure products and services, wherever possible, from companies or organizations that are partially or wholly owned by PDI’s, without compromising on quality, service and delivery.
Forms Media Independent Africa can be truly described as a dynamic and progressive company.
TWO TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR ATTEMTED MURDER AND CAR HIJACKING
MPUMALANGA – Two foreign Nationals both aged 30, were traced and arrested during multidisciplinary intelligent driven disruptive operation executed on Tuesday, 25 October 2022. This follows an information about the wanted suspects sought for Attempted murder, Car hijacking and House breaking and Theft cases.
They were nabbed by the Hawks` Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda together with Crime Intelligent and K9 both from Secunda, as well as Detectives Volksrust and Local Criminal Recording Centre. The suspects were sought for shooting incident between the two rival groups which happened on the 18 September 2022 at Volksrust. After the shooting, an attempted murder case was registered against the suspects.
The team went to the identified address where the first suspect was found and arrested. Through further investigation the team pursued the second suspect who was found in possession of the hijacked vehicle as per Jeppe Car Hijacking case which happened in October 2022. The second suspect was arrested and the vehicle and his cell phones were seized for further investigation.
The diligent probe by the Hawks Serious Organized Crime Investigation team further linked them to another crime scene which happened in October 2021. The additional case relates to a housebreaking and Theft where a stolen vehicle, a Silver Hyundai and 65 inch Hi Sense TV were also recovered and seized as an exhibit for further investigation.
Two accused Joseph Onora Asa (30) foreign National, was reminded in custody by the Volksrust Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 26 October 2022 for Attempted Murder and the case was postponed to 14 November 2022 for formal bail mean while his co-accused Edmond Dadzi (30) was also remanded in Custody by the same court for House breaking and Theft, and Car Hijacking . The case was postponed to 10 November 2022 for fomal bail application on both cases.
The suspect remains in custody.
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.
EDUCATION IS KEY TO HELPING ANIMALS AND THEIR OWNERS AND FOR CHANGING ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE WORLD!
Shay Kelly said: “They say dogs are loyal, but they don’t actually get a choice where they live or whom they live with. Try to be the person they’d choose, if only they could!”
Sadly, most people do not spend nearly enough time educating themselves on how to improve their pets’ lives or how to help other animals or animal welfare organizations. Last week we did a SUMMARY on many of the topics including cruelty, lost & found pet advice and more. This week we will look back on topics in the Animals 101 series about pet ownership and pet care.
The privilege of sharing your life with an animal companion comes with responsibilities and this should not be taken lightly. In addition to meeting your pet’s basic needs, there are some extremely important rules of responsible pet ownership you need to know, to keep your pet in good health and enjoying life. Are you a RESPONSIBLE PET GUARDIAN (owner)?
Do you want a proactive, wellness-oriented vet or a traditional one that only puts out “fires” as they arise? It is crucial to do your homework on your veterinarian. Not all vets are allowed to work or are qualified to work with all species of animals, especially exotic pets!
Vet visits can be expensive and emergencies happen too which can be very expensive. When you’re creating your household budget, it makes sense to include pet health care expenses and emergency funds as well as to be as proactive as possible when it comes to preventing lifestyle-related diseases. Here are some tips on AVOIDING HIGH VET BILLS as well as the PROS & CONS OF PET INSURANCE. Never let your animals suffer because you did not plan for this!
Many pets have at least one operation (hopefully a spay or neuter) during their lifetime. Any pet parent feels worried when their fur-family member must go for an operation as well as feeling intimidated about caring for their pet after their surgery. You are not alone! We learned five things for successful AT-HOME CARE after your pet’s surgery from Dr. Meyers, a veterinary surgeon.
Whichever kind of pet you choose to be a guardian of and care for, it is crucial that you do proper research about all their needs, especially their ENCLOSURE SIZE and enrichment. Your pets need more than just food and water! The enclosure, sadly in most cases, is the area in which they will spend most of their time (hopefully not), so it must meet their needs! Just because a pet shop or even a vet sells, for example, a cage as an “African Grey cage”, it doesn’t mean it is the right size for them.
Animals are sentient beings and if we want the privilege to share our lives with them, we need to make sure that all their needs are met, including behavioural ENRICHMENT which all animals need! If you consider your pet to be “naughty”, then you are probably not meeting their needs! Dogs, for example, will dig holes, bark, roll in stuff etc. and although it is considered natural behaviour when done excessively, it can be an indication of boredom and that their needs are not being met.
Image by The Paw Company – Animal Enrichment
Even if your pet has a great enclosure, they still need exercise. For dogs, walking can be good physical activity, but for most, it will not be sufficient exercise. Here are some TIPS FOR WALKING YOUR DOG. Walks are essential for the well-being of canine companions and done correctly, with the right attitude, they can be very beneficial for us, as well.
Most healthy dogs and other pets retain their love to play throughout their lives. Choosing the right TOYS for your pets can be an important part of meeting their needs.
Then there is nutrition. It is important to remember that every type of food you feed your animals has the potential to do 1 of 2 things: HEAL or HARM. What are the food and treats you give them, doing to your animal’s body? Do they help reduce inflammation or cause it? Provide antioxidants or just empty calories? Provide polyphenols or just synthetic flavours and dyes? They need species-appropriate food too!
I am not a veterinarian or animal food specialist, so all this information comes from a trusted vet, who is also the co-author of The Forever Dog. I have tried many of these for my animals and just like humans, animals, even from the same species, certainly have food preferences. CAN MY DOG EAT THIS?
Cats aren’t big drinkers. Domestic cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and there’s little water to be found in dry climates or habitats. That’s probably why navigating bodies of water for any purpose doesn’t come naturally to cats. It’s also why they aren’t as responsive as other animals to sensations of thirst or dehydration and must get most of the moisture their bodies need from the food they eat. HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAT HYDRATED.
Cats’ ancestral diet was moisture-rich prey which helps meet their fluid requirements, so feeding your cat dry food only, which is <10% water, can create a problem. It can cause chronic dehydration, leading to constipation and kidney stress, which is why vets recommend feeding cats moisture-rich diets. One of the first signs that a feline family member is sick is a lack of appetite. Cats can’t go without food for very long due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis, so it’s important to address the problem quickly. HELPING RELUCTANT EATERS.
Image by The Paw Company – Animal Training
Understanding your pets and training them is an important aspect of having animals and improving your relationship with them and it can keep them safe too. Pets don’t come trained. If you don’t train them, you can’t blame them! Sometimes addressing behavioural concerns is as simple as a few minutes a day or adding an extra food bowl for a cat or providing a sand pit for a dog.
If your animals are not trained, their behaviour may lead to a lot of frustrations for you, which in turn causes more confusion and stress for your pet and worsens the cycle. Many people surrender animals to shelters because of ” behavioural issues” when actually those issues are quite normal under circumstances and could easily be addressed if their owner cared enough to put in some time for training and meeting their needs. Here are our TRAINING TIPS PART 1 &PART 2.
One of the 5 freedoms of animals welfare includes the freedom to express natural behaviour and barking is natural behaviour! BARKING is a way to communicate, so it will never be the goal to stop barking entirely. Obviously, we don’t want constant or excessive barking, but then we need to find out what is being constantly communicated through the barking. Barking is a way your dog is telling you something is not right, which might include that their needs are not met, so listen up!
PLANNING TO GETA PARROT?
Parrots, especially African Grey parrots are popular pets, but unfortunately, many owners don’t realize the extreme level of care these highly intelligent, high-maintenance birds require.
The combination of their high intelligence and their long-life expectancy makes them one of the highest maintenance pets on the planet. Adding inexperienced owners to the mix often results in a long list of behavioural problems, health concerns and unhappiness for both the parrot and the owner. These animals can easily change homes 6-7 times in their lifetime. The number of surrendered and abandoned birds are sky-high worldwide. Through education and awareness, we want to help change that. Read more about PARROTS.
We have recently seen so many lost pet birds in our area. One thing that bird owners consider to prevent escape is CLIPPING THEIR WINGS. Although there are usually two sides to any issue and this is a controversial topic, wing clipping is not something I support!
Many people suffer from allergies and would agree it is not a pleasant experience, right? Pets experience ALLERGIES too and it is our job as pet guardians (owners) to help them by addressing it with your trusted veterinarian. It is also important not to follow advice online from non-qualified individuals.
Something else many animals struggle with is noise-phobia. Some pets become anxious or panicked not only due to the noise of a storm (fireworks) but due to the flashes of lightning, rain, wind, odours, changes in barometric pressure or even static electricity and this could indicate a storm phobia. Storm phobias tend to get worse over time instead of better, so for this reason, the earlier you start treatment to help your pet cope, the better. HOW TO HELP A STORM-PHOBIC PET.
Image by The Paw Company – Emigrating with pets
Our No.1 rule when CHOOSING A NEW HOME for you and your family is to ensure that your pet can come along. Although there are very few exceptions, it is always sad to see people move without their pets.
Whether you’re a renter, looking to buy, or a homeowner looking for more (or less) square footage, house hunting is no easy task, especially if you have a pet to consider. Once you find what you think might be the perfect house, you’ll need to make sure it will also be a good fit for your furry family members.
Many people who emigrate dump their animals on an already overwhelmed system and when they get to the other country they just replace them. I can’t imagine emigrating and leaving some from my fur-family members behind. Thank you to those who do not leave them. It is important to do your research well as there are steps to consider and costs to budget for. The regulations may differ between countries and you need to consider your pets early in the emigration process as it can easily take anything from 5-8 months. Read more on EMMIGRATING WITH PETS.
It’s inevitable that pets die before most of their owners and saying goodbye is something every pet lover faces eventually. It’s distressing to see any animal in pain, whether it’s our animal or not. This decision usually happens in a grey area. We have the opportunity to put an end to their suffering. It’s a gift we can give when there’s no other alternative. The hardest part of owning any pet is the day you have to make the final decision for them. Read more about EUTHANASIA.
Some pets might DIE AT HOME or you may find a deceased animal somewhere and most people do not know what to do if this happens.
To end on a positive note………here are the PAWSOME NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS we shared at the beginning of the year. Did you do any of them?
Your pets are your responsibility. If you can’t meet all their needs and provide them with the life they deserve, then please do not get them. Reach out when you need help before the situation becomes overwhelming and the animals pay the price.
Next week we will look back on the topics surrounding animal safety that we covered in the last 18 months.
Tutela het die afgelope vakansie die kinders besig gehou by NG Secunda Oos Gemeente
Tutela het besluit om ‘n vakansie program aan te bied vir Tutela kinders. Dit sluit in families wat Tutela aan dienste lewer, pleeg kinders en kinders in tydelike plek van veiligheid.
30 kinders was ge-identifiseer en uitgenooi om gedurende 3-7 Oktober 2022 in te skakel by die program. Die kinders was daagliks tussen 10H00 en 13H00 besig gehou met verskillende aktiwiteite.
Die hoofdoel was om verhouding te bou met die kinders, aangesien baie van hulle die maatskaplike werksters in ‘n negatiewe lig sien. Sodoende deur saam met hulle te sosialiseer het hulle ‘n positiewe konnotasie gemaak oor gesinsorg. Die maatskaplike werkers het uit hulle pad uit gegaan om met elke kind individueel asook in groeps verband tyd te spandeer.
Florentia Moloi (maatskaplike werker van Tutela Secunda) was aan die hoof van die projek en Chemondre Prinsloo (Maatskaplike werker Secunda) asook Desme Nkosi (maatskaplike werker van Tutela Bethal) en Ronel McIntyre (administratiewe bestuurder van Tutela Secunda & Bethal) asook Shamillah Wilkenson (volunteer) was nou betrokke by die aktiwiteite.
Daar is ook elke dag middagete en peuselhappies gegee vir die kinders. “Ons wil graag erkenning gee aan die Nuwe Apostoliese Kerk vir die donasie van vrugte en koeldrank vir die hele week” het Ronel gesê.
Die week se aktiwiteite het as volg verloop:
Maandag het afgeskop met ‘n “ice-breaker” en “introduction”. Die kinders het speletjies gespeel en mekaar beter geleer ken. Die kinders was in groepe verdeel en het span-bou aktiwiteite gedoen.
Dinsdag was “arts & crafts” dag. Die kinders het verskeie aktiwiteite gedoen. Marli het vir hulle ‘n kuns aktiwiteit aangebied en die kinders geleer om hand-drakies te maak en versier. Die span kinders het daarna ‘n muurbehangsel/doek gemaak en met hul geverfde handjies versier. Hulle is geleer om die natuur te gebruik vir middels om verjaarsdag, kersfees en bedankings kaartjies te maak.
Woensdag was Musiek-dag
Die span het afgeskop met ‘n “line-dance” en daarna verskillende dansies gedoen op maat van musiek. Die doel was om kinders bloot te stel aan verskillende tipes musiek terwyl hulle pret het. Baie dankie aan Mac McIntyre wat die kinders met roomys bederf het en Maccie & Leane wat gehelp het met die musiek.
Donderdag het ons ‘n fiksheids dag gehad. Tutela was baie bevoorreg om vir PJ en Kyle van Grip and Rip, Crossfit and Sweat daar te he om die kinders besig te hou met verskillende oefeninge en speletjies. Die kinders het dit ongelooflik baie geniet om saam met die professionele instrukteurs te oefen. Hulle was behoorlik pootuit na die sessie en is toe bederf /beloon met ‘n McDonalds Happy meal, verskaf deur Grip & Rip. Die kinders het geleer van uithou vermoe en hoe belangrik oefening vir hul liggame is. “Healthy body, healthy mind” Elke kind het ‘n medalje ontvang vir hul deelname
Die hoogtepunt van die week was Vrydag se afgesluitings partytjie waarmee Tutela vir elke kind wat deel gehad het aan die program bedank het. Weereens het mense hul harte oopgemaak en Tutela ondersteun. Marc Fick, van Yhwh Rapha Recovery Centre het ‘n springkasteel en waterslide geborg vir die dag. Die kinders het hope pret gehad daarmee. “Baie dankie ook aan Mnr. Prinsloo wat die worsbroodjies geskenk het en die manne van Yhwh Rapha wat kom braai het.”
Die maatskaplike werkers het erkenning gegee aan die kinders wat die program bygewoon het deur ‘n sertifikaat aan hulle te oorhandig gedurende ‘n prys uitdeling seremonie.
“Baie dankie aan Jan & Louise Badenhorst van Anker Gemeente wat heerlike kolwyntjies geskenk het,” het Ronel gesê
“Ds. Hannes Reinecke, wat ook Tutela Secunda se Voorsitter is, het aangebied dat ons vakansie program by die NG Secunda Oos Gemeentekan hou,” het Ronel aan die Bulletin gesê, “Ons wil die Gemeente hartlik bedank dat ons die perseel en fasiliteite kon gebruik vir die week. Sonder hulle sou die kinders beslis nie soveel pret kon hê nie.”
“Ons is dankbaar vir elke organisasie en individual wat betrokke was by die program en bygedra het tot die sukses daarvan,” sê Ronel, “Tutela Secunda beoog om dit ‘n jaarlikse instelling te maak aangesien dit deel van gemeenskaps werk vorm.”
Tutela verwelkom enige organisasie wat graag betrokke wil raak. Kontak gerus Ronel McIntyre by 079 310 2599 of tutela.secunda@gmail.com indien enige een betrokke wil raak
EDUCATION IS KEY TO HELPING ANIMALS AND THEIR OWNERS AND FOR CHANGING ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE WORLD!
Sadly, most people don’t spend nearly enough time on educating themselves on how to improve their pets’ lives or how to help other animals or animal welfare organizations. Below you can find a summary of many of the animal topics in this ANIMALS 101 series from the past 18 months. This is part one of three.
This week we will look back on the topics related to animal welfare issues and lost & found pet advice. Next week we will look at topics related to you and your pets and the week thereafter a summary of how to keep your pets safe in various situations.
When it comes to animals, I want to highlight a few things:
Animals are not things or commodities to GIFT and dispose of when it doesn’t suit you anymore. They are sentient beings who deserve proper care and love.
Animals have the right to the FIVE FREEDOMS of animal welfare and they are worth us fighting for. This includes all living creatures including those you see as “pests”. Please choose HUMANE METHODS to control these populations.
In animal welfare we don’t support the breeding and selling of animals or giving away animals away “FREE TO GOOD HOMES”. We support responsible adoption through reputable animal welfare organizations and to SPAY & NEUTER your pets.
Please note that silly season is upon us and from November to New Year, selfish people, without regard for other human and animal life will be using and supporting FIREWORKS. Please PREPARE your pets for this in advance! Noise phobia and the fear of fireworks (and storms) is a serious health concern for animals. Storm and fireworks phobias cause extreme anxiety and discomfort not only for our four-legged companions but also for human family members who feel helpless to ease their pet’s suffering as well as individuals with disabilities, war veterans, or those suffering from PTSD.
Image by THE PAW COMPANY
UNDERSTANDING THE MASSIVE OVERPOPULATION PROBLEM
Did you know that one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years? One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years. Our biggest struggle in animal welfare is the massive overpopulation crisis worldwide. In South Africa, about 2800 healthy animals are humanely killed daily because there are just not enough homes for us to adopt our way out of this mess. In South Africa around at least 240 animals are surrended or brought in as strays per day just to SPCAs on average. This excludes hundreds of other animal welfare organizations. Some statistics show that 9/10 animals born in a domestic setting don’t find a home. So please help us by spaying and neutering your pets and sponsoring sterilization where possible. Here are some debunked SPAY & NEUTER MYTHS.
For most people, a cat is a cat and it is either your cat or someone else’s cat, but feral cats are a special kind! Feral cats may also be referred to as street cats or gutter cats, so first let’s look at the difference between a domestic cat and a feral cat. Learn more about them here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADOPTION
South Africa is overflowing with unwanted dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, even rabbits, birds and other animals. It’s sad to think that most of these animals in shelters will never experience a loving home and the security of the family they deserve. We understand that it seems easier to buy a pet, but let us share with you why buying a pet is part of the problem. The pet industry in South Africa is not regulated and pet shops do not promote responsible pet ownership (sterilizations, home checks, etc.). They make their profits by promoting impulse buying. These animals can also come from questionable sources like puppy mills or stolen stock.
The adoption process and policies might differ between organizations. The process usually includes an application form, meet & greet, home check, paying an adoption fee, signing an adoption contract, sterilization and follow-up. You will save in fees, but most importantly you will save a life. Read about ADOPTIONS PART1 & PART 2.
Adopting animals. Image by THE PAW COMPANY
ABOUT ANIMAL CRUELTY
Animals do not have a voice, so we need to be their voices and you will never stop hearing ours! When was the last time you heard of anyone tuning themselves in for animal abuse? It just doesn’t happen often, if at all. Preventing animal cruelty is in all of our best interests. Animal cruelty is not only despicable in its own right, but it is often a gateway crime to violence against adults and children. Studies show that children who witness animal abuse are at a greater risk of becoming animal abusers themselves. First, it is important to UNDERSTAND CRUELTY & the SPCA MANDATE. Once you learn toRECOGNIZE THE SIGNS of animal abuse, you’ll be better equipped to REPORT IT and help us fight cruelty.
There may also come a time when you encounter an injured animal in the streets. If you can’t take them to a veterinarian immediately, you can contact the SPCA to REPORT THE EMERGENCY. This is for animals who appear to be without an owner at the time and injured or in distress and not for your pets.
Although there are some really BAD EXCUSES for surrendering animals, know that if you can no longer take care of your animals, you can surrender them safely at any SPCA. By law, they may not refuse any animal. Please don’t abandon an animal as it is cruel and also a crime punishable by law.
Image by Bethal SPCA
Don’t be captured by captivity. Ever had a problem with someone chaining their dog, yet you take your children to the CIRCUS where animals are exploited? CRUELTY COMES IN MANY FORMS. Cruelty is not only physical abuse and you might be cruel to animals through neglect or by supporting certain practices, products, or industries like the entertainment industry. Apart from the circus, aquariums, petting farms, animal rides and other cruel practices or industries, the TESTING ON ANIMALS, for any reason, is a particularly cruel industry. Animals testing can and has delayed advances in science by years. We encourage people to make ethical choices when it comes to anything related to animals.
When it comes to helping animals, most people want to shift the responsibility to an already overwhelmed system. Animals always need help everywhere and we are grateful to everyone who helps! Sadly, too often we hear the phrase “someone do something “, including a picture of an animal that is dumped, hurt, or lost. Many people take in an animal that is injured, dumped, or lost and that is the right thing to do, but the problem comes in with the next step when they want someone else to do something. Here are ways YOU CAN HELP.
LOST & FOUND PET ADVICE
There are constantly pets in the streets and this holds many dangers in a cruel world. If your pets are out-and-about, they might get injured, hit by a car, attacked by other animals or hurt other animals, get poisoned, get shot, get stolen to sell, breed, or for dog fights. They may also become a nuisance to others, especially cats. We understand that accidents happen and some animals are really escape artists, but one of a few reasons why animals get out is because it is easy!
You get climbers, runners, jumpers, diggers, chewers, some learn to open gates or some pets use a combination of the above. We have seen fox terriers climb trees to get out. Sadly, some irresponsible owners think it is acceptable to let them roam the streets. First, you need to understand why animals get out and then HOW TO SECURE YOUR YARD. If you can’t stop them from getting out, you are basically saying that your animals are smarter than you! Your pet, your responsibility!
When your pet goes missing, you can drastically improve the chances of being reunited with them, by having them MICROCHIPPED! Shockingly more than 50% of owners do not know much about their pet’s microchip and how it works. Many do not even know whether and where it is registered. You have to register it yourself on multiple databases!
Image by Verlore Diere Secunda
Apart from understanding why and how they get out as well as the importance of microchipping, there are important steps to take when YOU LOST or FOUND pet/animal. Here is a more in-depth article about FINDING A MISSING PARROT or CAT. See the full LOST & FOUND GUIDE.
At times, WILD ANIMALS end up in our suburban areas. 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 whom to contact. They can even put the animal’s life in danger by trying to help.
Never keep the wild animal as you might not be equipped to meet their needs and google is not a veterinarian or wildlife expert. It is against the law to keep wild animals if you don’t have a permit, even if you plan to release them later. Stress is one of the biggest killers of rescued wildlife. Read more on what to do if you found a BAT or WILD BIRD.
To highlight: If they are injured, immediately take them to the vet or rehabilitator. If not injured or in immediate danger, then watch from a distance for a while. Many birds are learning to fly (fledging) and waiting for mom. Always contact a wildlife rehabilitator before you remove them or give food or water as it might worsen the situation. Keep the animal in a warm (not too hot) quiet and dark place and handle them as little as possible.
Next week we will share more on pet guardian (owner) topics that we have covered before. Don’t miss that summary!
Three suspects arrested for possession of drugs in Standerton
Nelspruit: 18 October 2022 – Intelligence driven information led to a massive success when Standerton Crime Intelligence Unit and Standerton Crime Prevention Unit nabbed three suspects aged between 22 and 34 for possession of suspected drugs in separate incidents this morning, Tuesday 18 October 2022 at about 05:30.
Crime Intelligence worked on information provided and analysed the suspects’ movements before operationalising their findings with Crime Prevention.
A 22-year-old suspect was arrested with 21 grams of Nyaope stashed in ten plastic bags.
The operation further led to the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect who was found with 1017 Mandrax tablets weighing 1435 grams.
Last on the list was a 25-year-old suspect who was in possession of 52g of Nyaope stashed in 100 plastic bags.
All suspects are expected to appear before Standerton Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday 19 October 2022.
The seized drugs will be taken to forensics for further investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the arrests made and promised to intensify the fight against drugs in the province.
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.
