Advertorial – IRT Training, the industry leader and only accredited provider for High-pressure water jetting training is now in Secunda
“The IRT Training journey started 12 years ago and with our world-class facilities, we must do something right if companies are returning for further training,”said Company founder, Toelie Swart
If you need training expertise in High-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting), Vacuum operations, Generic health and safety, Working at heights, Scaffolding, Leadership, Organisational development, Skills development facilitation, etc. then partnering with IRT Training as your provider of choice is the way to go.
IRT Training (Pty) Ltd the industry leader and only accredited provider for High-pressure water jetting training, is a 51% black and black woman-owned level 2, BBBEE registered Qualifying Small Enterprise and accredited training provider with merSETA, Services SETA, CETA and DoL and is constantly growing its scope with other SETA’s and QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) to provide one-stop service delivery.
Entering their learning space, you will learn through practical exposure and discovery. You will find a safe space where you and your team can explore and experience various learning opportunities.
Their facilitators will guide and invite you to engage yourself fully in this life-changing experience. All your senses will be engaged through sound, sight, movement and feelings. In their simulated environment, you will have fun, be part of the experience, and leave inspired, competent and certified.
What do they love to do?
They pride themselves to provide industry-relevant training and development
They build and enhance applied competence through simulated practical experiences, and
They strive to source the best-accredited training solutions for their clients and will implement service level agreements for this purpose
They are proud to announce their service level agreement/partnership with TIA (the Thermal Insulation Academy of Southern Africa) and TIPSASA (the Thermal Insulation, Products and Systems Association SA) to provide the Occupational Qualification (SAQA ID 109560) for an Insulation Installer, also a first for the industry.
IRT Training (Pty) Ltd has branches in Naledi Industrial park (Sasolburg) and in Secunda, from where they provide a holistic service approach for their clients countrywide.
Staff members are carefully selected, not only with regard to their qualifications and accreditation with relevant SETA’s, but also for their organisational culture fit, expertise and facilitation skills.
Training programmes are SETA unit standard outcomes-based aligned and can be customised to suit client’s specific needs, but not compromise the identified outcome requirements.
IRT Training can be contacted for your training and development needs at:
FEARLESS BUSINESS WOMAN CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SERITI WOMEN IN MINING ESD PROGRAMME
“Life is short. Do what you love and love one another.”
Middelburg businesswoman, Olivia Knoesen, is the owner of Abhay Projects and was chosen to participate in the Seriti Women in Mining ESD programme, in partnership with Collective Value Creation (CVC). Abhay, an Indian name meaning ‘fearless’, fits well into this self-confessed tomboy’s love for life, Formula One Grand Prix racing and horse-riding.
Middelburg businesswoman, Olivia Knoesen
Abhay Projects manufactures, fabricates, supplies and installs anything to do with steelwork from a carport to a steel structure. They also do maintenance and breakdowns as part of their service to their clients. Supporting her is a team of fifteen employees, her two children and her husband who acts as her educator and guide through the minefield of engineering jargon and products.
Born in Barberton and raised in Middelburg, from the age of seven, Oliva started volunteer work while still at school. As a young woman, she became an au-pair in the United States of America. Here she found herself in the midst of the 9/11 tragedy while living in New York. Some of her au pair colleagues perished on that day and as she puts it in no uncertain terms: “This experience taught me that life is short. Do what you want and love each other.”
Oliva’s overwhelming passion and goal for her company are to be able to grow and benefit others by providing job opportunities to the people most needy. Her qualification and background in human resources, especially labour law combined with a creative flair and quest for self-satisfaction, drove her to start the business six years ago after leaving her job at the South African Police Services.
As with many other businesses, Abhay Projects was and still is, badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Olivia managed to supplement her employees’ UIF pay-outs, ensuring they still received their salaries to provide for their families during the difficult times.
Speaking on her expectations for the Women in Mining programme, designed and managed by Collective Value Creation on behalf of Seriti, Olivia hopes to grow into a stronger person, develop her career, and eventually fulfil her plan for creating more jobs. She believes the programme will be a backup for problem-solving, enabling her to handle the challenges on the ground and serves as motivation to achieve even more as a woman and entrepreneur.
The launch of the Seriti Women in Mining programme took place in Middelburg in May 2022 and will run over the next eighteen months, and participants will be supported through development workshops, backed up by one on one mentoring. As Managing Director of Collective Value Creation, Wybrand Ganzevoort said: “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.”
Olivia believes the women participating in the programme can be a chain of motivators. Once you share your experiences, challenges and solutions with each other, you too become a valuable link in that chain.
Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement & ESD Lead said: “Seriti continues to introduce initiatives aimed at developing communities surrounding our operations and the Women in Mining ESD programme is one such initiative. We base our Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) policies and actions to support the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) strategy in order to redress historical socio-economic imbalances.
Through this Women-focused programme, we believe we are able to grow and sustain Women entrepreneurs, enabling them to enter the economy and augment the creation of employment through their successful businesses.
This programme will be run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment.
KNOWING WHAT TO DO DURING AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
When your animals suffer an injury or poisoning, knowing what first aid to do can have a massive impact on their recovery, safety and comfort. This is an important topic with much more to learn, but let’s get into some of the basic tips.
FIRST DO YOUR RESEARCH
Knowing and understanding what illnesses and conditions our pets might face is the key to the longevity of life. Whichever animal species you are a guardian (owner) of, learn about first aid and CPR for the particular animal, the breed, or species-specific health conditions they may suffer from. Also learn about the medications they can take, body language and signs of pain or stress in the particular specie.
PREPARE
Always be prepared for emergencies in advance. This includes physically, like your first aid kit, emotionally by knowing what to do and financially because emergencies can be expensive. Some of the most likely emergencies may include, poisoning, wounds, seizures, drowning or choking. Save your veterinarian’s emergency number and a backup one in case, in advance.
PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than cure! Keep them healthy, dewormed, vaccinated and treated against ticks and fleas. Feed a species-appropriate diet and provide proper enrichment (mental/physical/social, etc.). Make sure their enclosure/yard is the right size and safe to prevent injury and stress. Keep dangerous objects and products out of their reach and KEEP THEM OUT OF THE STREETS!
Prevention also includes regular health checks, whether at your vet or by yourself.
HEALTH-CHECK LIST
Behaviour
Body Condition
Skin & Coat
Ears & Eyes
Nose & Mouth
Nails & Paws
Stool check
Vitals like breathing, heart rate, body temperature
Image by Animal Friends
WHAT TO DO DURING AN EMERGENCY?
First, stay calm and ensure the safety of yourself and others. Assess the situation before acting. Remember that injured animals can be frightened and may act differently than usual when you touch or interact with them.
Contact your vet. There may not always be a vet available immediately, but staff may be able to suggest immediate action you can take to help your pet. Have a pen close by in case another number is given.
More effective treatment can be provided if they are taken to the vet immediately instead of waiting for a call-out vet.
If there is a risk of biting, put a muzzle on. If you don’t have one, you can make a temporary one, but it should never cause difficulty breathing and the nose need to be open. Small dogs or cats may be restrained by putting a towel over their heads or wrapped around their body.
Never give human medicines to a pet without consulting with your vet as it could do more harm. Some medications are fine in one specie but lethal in another.
Do not give food or something to drink in case an anesthetic is needed.
Drive carefully when taking the patient to surgery.
Do not remove penetrating objects. It needs to be stabilized and only removed by a trained individual.
It is important to fit your first aid kit for the particular specie of animalsyou are a guardian (owner) of. What you may need for a bunny can be different from what you need for a dog. It is also important to store the supplies together and where they are easily accessible. You can put it in a backpack, tackle boxes, toiletries bags, etc.
Image Dr. Karen Becker
Rescue packs for poisoning – This for us is a must-have since poisoningemergencies occur daily. These kits include activated charcoal which may buy precious minutes, to get them to the vet to save their life. They still need to go to the vet after administering this rescue pack. You can usually buy them from your local SPCA or other organizations for less than R50.
Dressings / “white goods” – These are items like medical tape, non-stick pads, roll gauze, gauze squares, and cotton-tipped applicators. They can be used to help stop bleeding, cover and protect the wound or keep the dressing in place. It’s also helpful to include an old white sheet.
Cleaning supplies/disinfectants – Pre-packaged pads like alcohol pads or betadine pads work well in smaller kits. Bottles with these solutions can be stored in your larger kit. Hand sanitizer can also be useful and I guess many of you currently have stock of this.
Tools to use – This will include scissors, tweezers, a flashlight, a CPR barrier mask, gloves, duct tape, and a carabiner that can all be useful in an emergency. Nail clippers specifically for your pets, syringes and plastic bags can also be included.
Pet-specific items – A muzzle, an extra leash, a harness and booties are pet-specific items that should be considered based on your pet and your needs. Many of these items have the potential for multiple uses! Some form of restraint is important to protect your pet from further injury or cause injury to you.
Water – Water is not only useful for drinking, but also for flushing wounds, soothing burns, washing off toxins, soaking a paw, or cooling an overheated pet. Keep some water in your first aid kit along with a collapsible water bowl.
Medications – In addition to a small quantity of your pet’s regular medications, you can also include something to help stop bleeding, something for mild allergic reactions and sugar tablets that can help a diabetic pet or a pet with low blood sugar.
Hydrogen peroxide or small amounts of salt can induce vomiting and help get rid of ingested toxins or foreign objects. Vomiting should not always be induced, so only do this under the direction of a veterinarian, as some toxins or materials will cause more harm if they are vomited up. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide should never be given to a cat, as it can cause severe stomach bleeding. Dr. Lubbe shared more on this here.
Talk to your vet about which medications as they know your pet best.
Thermometer – A thermometer is necessary for determining if your pet has a fever or is hypothermic (the normal body temperature for a dog and cat is approximately 37-39°C) The temperature should be taken rectally, as it more accurately reflects the pet’s core body temperature. To make the insertion easier on your pet, keep a petroleum or water-based lubricant in the first aid kit.
A thermal blanket can be helpful too.
Treats – This can be used to distract your pet, help keep them calm, or even as a reward for being a “good boy or girl” during an emergency.
Emergency information cards – You don’t want to be looking for numbers when an emergency happens, so save all the important local numbers in one place and have a copy of it in your first aid kit. You can put an emergency card about your pets in your wallet and car. Here are example cards to print.
Please note that this is not a complete kit content list!
When your pet is choking you can perform the Heimlich maneuver, but when they are not breathing nor have a pulse, you will need to perform CPR, which may differ a bit for example with birds versus dogs.
When you are away, please don’t leave your pets without someone checking in every 8-12 hours at least. Have an emergency plan for pets when something happens to you and include them in your will, in case of death. Consider adding small bords somewhere in your home near an entrance in case of a fire, which includes how many and what kinds of pets live there. This should not be obvious to thieves.
It is always better to be prepared for an emergency or know first aid and not use it than to need it and not have the skills. You can contact Langamedto attend one of their pet first aid courses.
Next week we will look at what we look for in a veterinarian.
SAPS recruitment drive help police net an alleged thief (suspect) who was on the run for a while
Bethal: Police recruitment drive has helped police net a long sought possible thief in Bethal. Thomas Ngcobo (40) has allegedly been on the run for the past seven years after allegedly stealing materials he was supposed to deliver to clients.
The accused, Thomas Ngcobo (40) appeared before Bethal Magistrate Court yesterday, 16 August 2022 and the matter was postponed to 28 August 2022 for verification of address and formal bail application. The accused was remanded in custody.
According to information on police disposal, the suspect was supposed to make Hardware material delivery worth more R20 000. It is alleged that the said material was redirected to another address without either the owner’s concern or knowledge.
The suspect’s alleged dirty tricks were uncovered a week later after the manager decided to check invoices. It was realised that two invoices were missing and other materials delivered to the wrong addresses.
The matter was reported to the police and a case of theft was registered in September 2015 at Bethal SAPS. Thomas Ngcobo was unexpectedly nabbed on Monday, 15 August 2022 after he visited the Bethal SAPS to make enquiries about his application for the police recruitment drive.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has taken the opportunity of the arrest to warn offenders who are still on the run from authorities that police are closing all the nets for them and they will soon be arrested. “We are working tirelessly day and night, sticking to our mandate of creating a safe environment for all citizens. We cannot achieve that stage whilst other suspects are still roaming the streets and terrorizing the communities. It is just a matter of time before we bring them to justice” warned 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
HUMAN SKELETON FOUND IN THE BUSHES – SUSPECT ARRESTED
Nelspruit: A human skeleton was discovered in the bushes at Nkanini Trust near Masoyi outside White River. The gruesome discovery was made on Sunday, 14 August 2022 around 10h00 am.
According to the report, children from an initiation school were in the bushes looking for some wooden sticks and then trembled upon the skeleton. Police were then alerted and upon their arrival, all other role-players were summoned to the scene. The forensic unit of the police later confirmed the skeleton as that of a human being. The members also found some clothes believed to be of the victim during the discovery. An inquest case was opened but later changed to murder after some groundwork was done by the Detective team.
Police connected their dots and discovered there was a little girl who went missing in December 2021 and was reported as such by her family at the beginning of January 2022. A preliminary investigation by the team of experts in the investigation field revealed that the skeleton could be that of the 15-year-old girl who vanished without a trace. The family believes it is her as they identified the dress that was found at the scene.
Photo Illustration purposes only
Whilst investigating the case, a woman stormed into the police station at Masoyi on 15 August 2022 claiming that some members of the community wanted to kill her after being accused of shielding the suspect. Police managed to calm the situation while requesting members of the public to leave everything in the hands of the police.
The team received crucial information in their probe from a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Community in Blue to be specific regarding the whereabouts of the suspect. The details were followed which culminated in his arrest at Malelane, of course with the great help offered by the police from Malelane SAPS. It is further believed that the suspect could have been trying to flee from the authorities when he was cornered.
The 24-year-old male suspect has since been charged with murder as well as defeating the ends of justice. He is due to appear at the Masoyi Periodical Court on Wednesday, 17 August 2022 facing the said charges. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation proceeds.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has hailed the breakthrough made by the members of the police however the General has vehemently condemned the acts of violence against defenceless women.
“It is a shameful thing that a similar incident of this nature occurred in the same policing area of Masoyi where the little girl, Buntle Mashiyane was brutally murdered recently. We never expected that such an atrocity can be experienced by this community in a short space of time. This is a moral issue and we urge Faith-Based Organisations as well as Traditional Leaders to join hands with us to fight the scourge” 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
A Pro-active Parenting Expo/ Pro-active Parenting Expo will be presented by therapists on 20 August 2022 at Kruik.
Research, therapists, teachers and parents agree: Our young children are under tremendous pressure, experience anxiety/depression and parents struggle with their educational task because they do not all receive good parental guidance. Following this need – which also exists in our town – the following opportunity is offered:
A Pro-active Parenting Expo/ Pro-active Parenting Expo will be presented by therapists on 20 August 2022. It is held at Kruik and entry to the expo is free. During the free Expo, we would like to connect parents with people/support groups/ who may be able to assist them. There will be many of our local therapists available at the stalls they man and hopefully they will be able to speak to a few worried parents. We also invite the pre-school activities, Gr R classes and primary schools to come and show what contribution they make to the early development of children – a bit of a “One-stop event” for parents.
MPUMALANGA – “There is no one above the law, exclaimed the Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Zodwa Mokoena. The exclamation came after the arrest of a 45 years old potential witness who defied the instructions of the court by refusing to receive or sign the J32 “Subpoena in a criminal proceeding which summoned her to attend and give evidence in court on Friday, 12 August 2022.
It is alleged that in June 2016 the main accused on this matter fraudulently utilized the Government Department of Transport letterhead to source suppliers. After the supplier bought and delivered the procured assets the, suspect vanished without paying her (the victim). The victim waited for payment but nothing was received. She then went to the Department of Transport to enquire about the payment for the assets she procured. The department responded that they never ordered anything from her.
The matter was reported to the Middelburg-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further probe. During the investigation, the accused was arrested and later released on bail and she is still attending court. Witnesses were summoned and testified in court and only one potential witness from the Department was subpoenaed to come and testify.
On 30 June 2022 the investigating officer went to the department to serve the witness with J32 subpoena to go and testify at the Middelburg Commercial Crime court. (Click here for an easy explanation on subpoenas HERE)
On arrival at the address, the investigating officer explained to her the reason for his visit and that she had to receive and sign the subpoena. She then refused and told the investigating officer to take the subpoena back to court and throw it at the prosecutor as she was not coming. She further said that she is no longer interested in the case and the prosecutor should stop calling or emailing her anything concerning the case.
Example of a Subpoena
The case was postponed to 25 July 2022 for her to appear in court but she failed to attend. The Magistrate issued a warrant for her arrest on that day for contempt of court. On 12 August 2022, she was arrested pending her first court appearance on Monday, 15 August 2022 at the Middelburg Commercial Crime court and she remains in custody.
Major General Mokoena caution that “The arrest should serve as a reminder to others that witnesses have an obligation to appear before the court to testify and not their discretion. Any witness who undermines the court will become an accused (contempt of court).” She concluded by strengthening and encouraging the investigators to continue with the good work without fear, favour or prejudice.
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
Gebede vir die lewe… Gebed is meer as ‘n ritueel of godsdienstige gewoonte, dit help ons nie net met wat ons nodig het nie, maar is deel van die groot essensie van ons lewe… Gebed is ons lewe!
PEP Stores is engaged in various activities to show selfless commitment to improve and change the lives of our remarking customers
Therefore as an extension of their Mandela Day Program and PEP WE CARE CSI PROJECT where they make a difference to the most vulnerable, PEP had handed over full school uniforms including shoes and backpacks to 30 identified learners of Ikhwezi Primary School situated in Ext 23 Bethal.
The main reason that PEP is giving back to the community is that they want to contribute to building a caring society together. They want to restore some dignity to their children who are faced with the embarrassment of not having the proper school attire and that must brace for the cold winter days without being dressed warmly.
“As we all know that education is a key, therefore, it is important that we support with every little we have to our foundation phase or primary school students which is very crucial as a foundation pillar of life of any kid, being able to handover these school uniforms to the learners I can proudly say that we are making an impact in lives of Bethal community,” said Dan Mtshali, Pep Stores Area Manager.
Having a school uniform boosts, motivates and encourages young people to come to school, which will have a significant reduction number of young kids dropping out of school, Sikhula Kunye, meaning we are growing together, is their company culture which symbolizes growth, therefore, in this case, today that’s why they were at Ikhwezi Primary School to plant the seed to the young stars to grow and not making them feel ashamed of coming to school because of lack of uniform to wear.
Ikhwezi Primary School was also a beneficiary of TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO SCHOOL campaign whereby the school received over 200 packs of sanitary pads for girls that cannot attend school due to menstruation periods and girls who cannot afford to buy sanitary pads for each PEP Stores Sanitary Pads Campaign for Underprivileged Girls
70% of Adolescent girls in rural schools have no access to Portable and Safe Sanitary Pads Products is a fact we know it.
In South Africa, young girls are forced to miss school due to a lack of sanitary towels. Unfortunately, this pattern may affect the child’s educational development.
Every day over 300 million women and girls around the world menstruate. A seemingly natural occurrence is turned into a nightmare for millions of young girls through persistent taboos and stigma, lack of access to menstrual products and proper sanitation, as well as lack of education on managing their menstrual cycle.
The adolescent girls struggling to buy female hygiene products must turn to rags, socks, and even notebook paper, and often lack access to clean water and private toilet facilities. The topic of menstruation can be taboo in many cultures, especially among males, including that of the different cultures in South Africa and young girls can therefore experience shame and embarrassment when they are menstruating and do not have the resources to manage their menstruation hygienically.
PEP Stores Pad Drive Campaign has been launched out of the desire to help young girls stay in school and to help restore and protect their dignity.
“At the same time we still promote the spirit of Ubuntu which is in line with our company culture of Sikhula Kunye (Growing together) in this case we are making sure at PEP that we grow our your girls so that in future they become better leaders,” said Dan.
