LOCAL BUSINESS WOMAN TO PARTICIPATE IN SERITI’S WOMEN IN MINING PROGRAMME
“You don’t have to be the loudest to be heard”
Minah Zulu, owner of Gladtidings in Kriel is one of twenty participants in the recently launched Seriti Women in Mining programme.
Minah Zulu, owner of Gladtidings in Kriel
This programme was launched in Middelburg in May 2022 and will run over the next eighteen months with participants receiving support through development workshops, backed up by one-on-one mentoring. It was designed and will be managed by Collective Value Creation (CVC).
Gladtidings have been in operation for thirteen years and provide office, ablution, carpet and upholstery cleaning to clients in the mining industry. Minah’s love for cooking ensures that the business also provides catering services and currently employs twenty-five people.
Minah, who grew up in KZN but moved to Kriel in 1995, is no stranger to the industry. She started her career at the age of nineteen as a waitress in a mining security barracks; a job she was not entirely prepared for. However, she persisted, and nine years later she left the mine’s engineering department as a planner to start her own business.
This bold move happened during the 2009 recession and demonstrates her resilience which she advocates as a key ingredient for any aspiring business person. She strongly believes in working your way up and learning from the corporate world as much as possible, as the skills she picked up there proved invaluable in her own business. Despite many challenges, such as a lack of funding and getting a foot in the door, her business prospered and in 2017 Gladtidings supported ninety employees.
Gladtidings, as the name promises, aims to spread the good news and Minah’s passion and personal goals, are to give back to the community and uplift others to achieve success. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the business took a huge knock and had to be restructured.
With this new opportunity, she believes the Seriti Women in Mining ESD programme will assist in expanding her network, grow her confidence and increase her assertiveness to negotiate new contracts. All this with her personal philosophy in mind of “you don’t have to be the loudest to be heard.”
Commenting on the launch session of the programme, Minah says it was life-changing and enlightening to dig deep into who you are as an individual as women sometimes lose confidence in their own abilities when it comes to running a business.
Furthermore, she hopes to learn from the other participants. “The pandemic isolated us as entrepreneurs and I feel encouraged that I am not alone in the struggle. I really hope to evolve as a businesswoman.”
Minah loves travelling and hopes to visit her favourite destination, Cape Town, again someday soon. Another interest is architecture and interior design with a personal preference for contemporary mixed with country style.
Minah Zulu has one more dream for now, and that is to restore buildings, especially old dilapidated commercial ones and transform them into residential pieces.
Gladtidings, bringing the good news indeed.
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 believe in empowering women both in our business and in our communities, and by supporting Women-owned businesses we are reducing the socioeconomic challenges that our communities and country at large continue to face and struggle to address.”
This programme will be run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment.
Kruger National Park announced its plans for the fire season
The Kruger National Park (KNP) today, 11 August 2022 announced their management plans for the current fire season which usually takes place between June and October. As part of the Savanna biome, KNP is dependent on fires to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Veld-fires are a natural and common occurrence in KNP and the park uses fire as a land management tool. As the veld has started drying up this winter, KNP has management actions in place for the current fire season.
A recently burnt area in northern KNP after a controlled burn
“Last year, nearly 20% of the park burnt due to very high amounts of grass which accumulated as a result of the high rainfall experienced during the 2020/21 summer months. For the last few years, less than 10% of the park would burn on average. Following another year of substantial rainfall in KNP, we are anticipating another year where ~15% or 300 000 ha of the park may burn.
Kruger personnel burning a firebreak near Skukuza
The majority of these burns will be part of our controlled burning programme conducted by our Rangers for ecological reasons. However, we do also anticipate the likelihood of unplanned fires in the coming months but these will be managed as and when they occur by our trained and equipped personnel” explained KNP’s Abiotic Scientist, Tercia Strydom.
Proactive use of fire in a fire-driven landscape such as KNP is important in order to limit the risk of large, unwanted wildfires later in the dry season. As such, Kruger has already begun burning early-season fires to break up the grass layer as well as burning and grading firebreaks around key infrastructure such as camps, staff facilities and the KNP border in order to reduce the risk of unwanted fires.
Fresh grass regrowth after a controlled burn in southern KNP. Herbivores concentrate on such recently burnt patches to graze on the new, highly nutritious grasses.
“We encourage tourists to be fire-wise when visiting the park. Only make fires in designated braai areas and do not leave it unattended, especially on a hot, windy day. If you happen to drive past a veld fire in the park, please drive slowly and put on your lights if visibility is obscured. If you suspect that a fire is unattended and do not see personnel on site, please report to the nearest camp and Section Ranger”; concluded Strydom.
In recent years there has been a resurgence in traditionally used medicinal plants to improve health (healing) – either alone or in combination with conventional medicine.
One of the main reasons for seeking herbal therapy or other alternatives to conventional medicine is the belief that it will promote healthier living. Herbal medicines are, therefore, often viewed as a balanced and moderate approach to healing (read more HERE). With the many side-effects of modern medicines and growing antibiotic resistance, people the world over see herbal medicine as a safe way to stay healthy and to treat and prevent illness.
Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, Chairperson of the SA Association of Registered Phytotherapists
Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, Chairperson of the SA Association of Registered Phytotherapists (SAARP), who has more than 30 years of herbal medicine experience, says the steady increase in the use of herbs can be seen throughout the world.
“The introduction of modern healthcare as we know it has led to the disappearance and displacement of many indigenous health practices, however, scientists worldwide are now looking to plants and herbs to formulate new phytotherapeutic agents (plant-based treatments) to prevent and treat disease.
“South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape’s floristic region, is home to a wide variety of indigenous medicinal plants that have been used safely and effectively since time immemorial. Science and clinical use are confirming their medicinal value.”
These herbs include Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Aloe ferox and Devil’s claw, among others. Marketers all over the globe are clamouring to include them in their products as the demand for herbal medicine and natural health products grows.
Dr Hauptfleisch highlights the benefits of some of our local herbs and how they can be used to maintain health.
Rooibos
Rooibos (Aspalanthus linearis):
Rooibos is a herb of great significance. It is rich in antioxidants, also referred to as polyphenols, which are compounds that allow plants to resist infections and insect infestations. Drinking it regularly may help to:
Enhance immunity.
Reduce the incidence of cancer due to its cytoprotective effect.
Regulate blood glucose.
Protect the heart from degenerative damage.
Slow the ageing process, since it is able to reduce oxidative stress, and in turn reduce free radical damage.
Prevent certain skin cancers.
When used topically, its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe skin irritations, such as eczema and dermatitis.
“Rooibos is a good daily supplement to improve overall health in combination with a healthy lifestyle.”
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens):
Dr Haupfleisch notes that herbal medicine should only be used if it is able to be sustainably grown. Human use and trade in a plant should never threaten its existence in the wild.
“Herbs like Devil’s Claw, that has been used in the treatment of pain associated with arthritic diseases, liver and kidney problems, fever and malaria was nearly made extinct by its export to the overseas market, which led to the commercial farming of the herb.”
Devil’s claw is also used in an ointment to treat various skin problems such as sores and boils.
Herbs used in the prevention and/or treatment of common winter ailments:
Herbs that are commonly used for the prevention and/or treatment of common winter ailments found in the Cape and various parts of Africa, include:
Wilde als/Umthlonyane (Artemisia afra) prevents and treats various respiratory infections.
Kankerbossie/Cancer bush (Lessertia frutescens) helps the body to ward off infections and ill health, when used regularly. It also eases symptoms related to colds and flu.
Wild Olive (Olea europaea subs Africana) prevents infections, including viral infections of the respiratory system.
Pelargonium sidoides and other pelargoniums, Tulbaghia violacea (wildeknoffel) treats the common cold and associated symptoms of wet cough and soothes inflamed respiratory tissues, including a sore throat.
Sage (Salvia species) targets viral respiratory infections and eases a sore throat.
Helichrysum species helps treat coughs.
Mint (Mentha longifolia) eases pulmonary infections, headaches, fever and colds, when used in combination with other herbs like Artemisia afra, Saliva species and Olea europeaea.
Sand Olive (Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia) traditionally used for treatment of colds and associated sore throat, influenza and measles.
The above herbs are generally used as herbal infusions or can be steamed. Some of them can also be purchased as herbal pills or tinctures.
Dr Hauptfleisch says when using herbal medicine, it’s important to use the right plant for the associated ailment and in the correct dosage. If in doubt, it’s best to ask a professional before trying it at home.
“When herbal medicine is used correctly and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, it is an effective and safe approach to healthcare. People and animals have relied on herbal medicine for centuries. Like our food, our bodies are designed to respond to herbal medicines. Many of our modern medicines were first isolated from plants. e.g. Aspirin from Salix alba (White willow bark); antimitotic chemotherapy drugs from the alkaloids of Catharanthus roseus; Quinine from the Cinchona officinalis tree and many others.
“The adage: ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’, sums up the approach in herbal medicine. We rely on whole plant extracts to work within the body safely and efficaciously to both prevent and treat illness. An example is the antimicrobial action of Artemisia afra. The herb interferes with the cellular replication of the pathogen (e.g. bacteria) by breaking down its cell walls and enhancing the body’s innate immune response to keep the pathogens in check and restore or maintain good health.”
She says herbal medicines contain a mixture of different phytochemicals that act in combination with body cells, tissues and chemicals to enhance health. It can either work quickly or at a steadier pace over time depending on what is being treated.
“Treatment should be started at the first sign of disease to achieve the best results or preventatively as part of your daily health regimen.”
ALLERGIES ARE NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS TO HUMANS.
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.
Allergies is not a simple topic and it is important to see your vet if your pets show signs and symptoms of allergies. It is also important not to follow advice online from non-qualified individuals. What I share here, I learned from a trusted vet, Dr. Karen Becker who is passionate about education and keeping pets healthy!
WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
Allergic reactions are produced by your pet’s immune system, and the way their immune system functions is a result of both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment).
TYPICAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES
Itchy skin or redness
Licking and chewing at their body
Regular digestive problems like cramps, bloating, excessive gas, chronic diarrhea, etc.
Ear infections and shaking or scratching their ears.
Tiredness
CAUSES OF ALLERGIES
There are many reasons for pet allergies, including seasonal allergies, food allergies and environmental allergies which we will shortly look at.
SEASONAL ALLERGIES
As the seasons change, you might notice your pets itching & scratching thanks to seasonal environmental allergies. Dr. Karen shares that seasonal allergies in pets almost always involve the skin rather than the eyes and respiratory tract and that animals with seasonal allergies are typically very itchy, and the itch-scratch cycle results in irritated, inflamed skin, hot spots, and secondary infections. This is why it is important to address it immediately, even prevent it!
Intense itchiness. Dogs and cats with allergies are usually very itchy. They scratch at themselves and may show signs of irritability. Some might bite or chew at a specific area of the body, while others are itchy from nose to tail. You may catch your pet rubbing his body against your furniture or along the carpet to help relieve that awful itch.
Hair loss and skin issues. As the itch-scratch cycle worsens, the skin becomes inflamed and tender, which can set the stage for secondary infections. There might also be areas of hair loss and oozing or crusty sores, including hot spots — areas of inflamed, infected skin resulting from an overgrowth of normal skin bacteria.
Problems with the ears and feet. Pets with seasonal allergies typically have issues with their ears and feet. The ear canals grow itchy and inflamed, and they often become infected with yeast or bacteria. Symptoms of an ear infection include scratching at the ears, head shaking, hair loss around the ears, and a bad smell or discharge coming from the ears.
Respiratory symptoms. Although it’s uncommon, some pets, especially cats, can develop symptoms like those of an allergic human, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
Image by Dr. Karen Becker
2. FOOD ALLERGIES
“Food allergy” is a term that is widely used by pet owners and vets, but in most cases, it could be more of an intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods or ingredients, but still something to be addressed. It might not necessarily be a reaction by the immune system, but rather one by the digestive system. Most vets will probably suggest an elimination diet trial to try and find out what causes the allergy. Remember that you don’t always need the most expensive food on the market to curb the allergy, especially if it is highly processed.
The authors of The Forever Dog, which includes Dr. Karen, writes that coconut meat or unsweetened dried coconut chips are the perfect single-ingredient treat for dogs suffering from food allergies. It has been shown to improve beneficial gut bacteria and strengthen the gut lining.
Interestingly they also write how studies show that the more puppies are offered healthy human table scraps, the more protection they have from developing allergies later in life.
3. DUST MITES AND FLEAS
Dust mites survive on a diet of dead skin, bacteria, fungi and viruses in the environment. They prefer to feed on the skin of hypersensitive (allergic) individuals because the lipids in their skin are different from those of non-allergic people and pets. What makes them allergenic is a protein found in their feces. One important step to help with this is to replace your dog’s bed with a safe, nontoxic pet bed made of organic materials like silk since dust mites can’t survive in silk.
It’s important to note that fleas aren’t typically attracted to healthy pets. They’re drawn to the weakest animals they can find, first, so one of the best defenses against flea infestations is to feed your dog a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate fresh-food diet that will help keep his immune system functioning optimally. They still need tick and flea treatment and Dr. Karen suggests opting for non-toxic or chemical treatments on the market.
Read more about ticks & fleas and how to get rid of them naturally here.
There are so many other things in the environment and your home that can cause allergies to certain pets. Mold, pollen, trees, certain plants (some even toxic to pets), grass, even your stay soft, cleaning products, their toys and bedding, your deodorants/perfume or scented candles and the fumes of non-stick cookware might hold risks for pets too. Have you ever considered the health impact of what products you use on your lawn or in your garden? Anything applied to your lawn will end up in your pet. It is important, as their guardian (owner) to create a safe environment for them and to keep them healthy.
DR. KAREN SHARES WHAT YOU CAN DO.
Diet – Evaluate their diet and supplement it with essential fatty acids (EFA) and lauric acid.
Environmental factors – It’s important to remove the environmental factors that can negatively impact your dog’s immune system, including:
Poor water quality – make sure to provide fluoride- and chlorine-free drinking water.
Too many vaccines – you can ask your vet to run a titer test first instead of giving unnecessary vaccinations.
Toxic household chemical load – eliminate dog beds treated with PBDEs (flame retardants) and toxic household cleaners.
Yard chemicals – eliminate pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers around your home.
EMFs – provide your dog with a safe zone that’s free from toxic levels of electromagnetic fields from electrical devices in the home.
3. Talk to a trusted vet – Talk to your integrative veterinarian about giving your pet natural antihistamines, and if necessary, consider a desensitization protocol ideally initiated before the start of allergy season.
4. Baths & foot soaks –
Once warm weather arrives, rinse your pet regularly and do daily foot soaks and eye rinses. Since dogs and cats who are outside a lot collect millions of allergens, it’s just common sense to rinse them off, which can provide immediate relief for irritated, inflamed skin.
When it’s time to actually bathe pets (when they’re stinky, dirty, or have a skin infection), Dr. Karen recommends using only grain-free and pH-balanced shampoos. Oatmeal is a carbohydrate and carbs can feed yeast, she doesn’t recommend oatmeal shampoos for yeasty pets.
Follow up with a lemon juice or vinegar rinse to help manage yeast infections. Just add one cup of vinegar or one cup of lemon juice — or 10 drops of peppermint oil with 10 drops of lavender oil — to about 4 litres (a gallon) of water. Since lemon juice can also lighten fur, she usually recommends vinegar or the essential oil mixes for dogs with dark coats. Using cooled green tea as a soothing rinse can also help with inflamed and irritated skin. Do not try this if your pet is allergic to the ingredients.
See other health rinses here and images by Dr. Karen below.
ITCHY PAWS ALL-NATURAL PAW SOAK
This simple home remedy can dramatically reduce your pet’s intense itch by removing the allergens causing them and helping them enjoy life more!
For foot soaks use povidone-iodine (brand name, Betadine), which is an organic iodine solution found at local drug stores.
Add just enough water in the foot soak to cover your dog’s feet, and enough iodine to turn the water to the colour of iced tea.
Alternative – use white vinegar diluted 50/50 with water, especially if your dog’s coat or paws are light in colour, since Betadine may darken light fur.
Can use once a day.
There’s no need to rinse your dog’s feet after the soak. Just pat the paws dry and you’re done.
To receive the full benefit of the soak, your dog needs to stand in the solution for 2 to 5 minutes.
Keeping the paws submerged is key.
Don’t go more than 2 or 3 days using the same foot soak solution.
As with all this advice, please make sure your pet is not allergic to the products or ingredients and it shouldn’t cause unnecessary stress, so introduce it slowly and offer rewards for it.
Another great article by Dr. Karen Becker shared how, contrary to popular belief, pet allergies are not caused by pet hair. Rather, they’re often caused by pet dander, saliva or a specific protein found only in intact male dogs. If you or a family member loves dogs but is allergic to them, you’ve probably at least considered that a “hypoallergenic” dog might make sense for you. According to the science, there’s no truly hypoallergenic dog, however, there are certain breeds that are considered better for allergy sufferers than others.
A 2011 study published in The American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy concluded that the amount of dog allergens found in households with dogs does not vary depending on the breed. In other words, families with so-called “hypoallergenic” dogs are living with the same level of allergens in their homes as people with non-hypoallergenic pets.
Interestingly it appears that some people are allergic only to male dogs. In an interview with CNN, allergist Dr. Lakiea Wright of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston explains: “Up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to one specific protein that’s made in the prostate of a dog. If you’re allergic to only that specific protein in the male dog, you may be able to tolerate a female or a neutered dog.”
This is yet another good reason to get your pets spayed and neutered.
Keep your pets healthy and address the allergies as soon as possible to prevent any further discomfort or pain for your pets. Please choose to use cruelty-free products in your home too (cleaning & cosmetic).
Next week we will look at some basics about first aid for pets.
Pro-active Parenting Expo/ Pro-aktiewe Ouerskap Expo word aangebied deur terapeute op 20 Augustus 2022. Dit word by Kruik gehou en toegang tot die ekspo is gratis.
Navorsing, terapeute, onderwysers en ouers het dit eens: Ons jong kinders is onder geweldige druk, ervaar angs / depressie en ouers sukkel met hulle opvoedingstaak, omdat hulle nie almal goeie ouerleiding ontvang nie. Na aanleiding van hierdie behoefte -wat ook in ons dorp bestaan – word die volgende geleentheid aangebied:
Pro-active Parenting Expo/ Pro-aktiewe Ouerskap Expo word aangebied deur terapeute op 20 Augustus 2022. Dit word by Kruik gehou en toegang tot die ekspo is gratis. Tydens die gratis Expo wil ons graag ouers met mense/ondersteuningsgroepe/ verbind wat hulle moontlik kan bystaan. Daar sal talle van ons plaaslike terapeute beskikbaar wees by stalletjies wat hulle beman en hopelik kan hulle ‘n paar bekommerde ouers te woord staan. Ons nooi ook die voorskool aktwiteite, Gr R-klasse en laerskole uit om te kom wys watter bydrae hulle maak in die vroeë ontwikkeling van kinders – so bietjie van ‘n “Een-stop-geleentheid” vir ouers.
Marie Venter – Opvoedkundige Sielkundige en Nadine Dunn – Gesins en Spelterapeut gesels oor die Expo
Daar is ook ‘n tweetalige simposium tydens die oggend. Koste beloop R180 pp. Die onderwerpe van die simposium is gekies na aanleiding van ‘n behoeftebepaling:
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!
Bethal SAPS and Liquor Outlet Owners took crime to task by establishing a Liquor Forum
Today, Bethal SAPS Station Commander with Designated Liquor Official and the Vispol commander in partnership with liquor outlet owners established Liqour forum with the aim of curbing crime within their businesses and ensuring compliance with the liquor Act regulations.
After the meeting with the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, the owners of all the liquor outlets decided to form a forum which will strengthen the relationship with the police.
On the Picture(Back row from left to right): Mr Siyabonga Shoba, Mr Paul Da Silva, Mrs Lucia MacFarlane, Mr Ernest Ngwenya, Mr Bernd Moh, Mr Mario Henrique De Gouveiea and Mr Joseph Dhladhla. Front row(From left to right) Captain Mandla Maseko, Lieutenant Colonel Josias Keith Africa and Sergeant Absalom Mndebele
During the establishment of the forum, the following owners were elected to Bethal Liquor Forum Committee: Mr Ernest Ngwenya as Chairperson, Mrs Lucia MacFarlane as Deputy Chairperson and Mr Bernd Moh as Secretary, while Mr Paul Da Silva, Mr Siyabonga Shoba, Mr Joseph Dhladhla and Mr Mario Henrique De Gouveiea were elected as additional members.
The station commander Lt Colonel Josias Keith Africa thanked the liquor outlets owners for their positive participation and dedication towards working together with the police to curb crime within their businesses and Bethal in general. He further encouraged them to report any form of crime or suspected criminal activities in and outside their businesses to the police.
Police are urging anyone with information on any crime to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
CATS DON’T ADD, THEY MULTIPLY AND THAT IS WHY TNR PROGRAMS FOR FERAL CATS ARE SO IMPORTANT.
Did you know that a cat can fall pregnant at the young age of around 4 months and her 4-6 offspring will repeat this cycle? You can do the math! In 7 years, one pair of unfixed cats and their offspring can produce more than 300 000 kittens! Males can smell the females in heat from miles away. This is also why your unfixed male will walk around.
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.
DOMESTIC CATS
has an owner but may be lost or abandoned;
are often tame and vocal around people;
will try to make a home near humans in garages, porches, or backyards;
are reliant on humans for food;
may look dishevelled since they are not yet able to cope with life on the streets;
can be seen at all hours of the day.
FERAL CATS
are born in the wild & are independent beauties;
are primarily wild-raised or adapted to feral life;
are quiet and will not approach humans;
often live in groups called colonies, and take refuge wherever they can find food;
will wait for humans to leave before eating food that is left out;
will be more active at night;
are scared of human interaction;
will not survive in a caged environment for long;
they have to fight for survival every day.
Image by Boksburg SPCA
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FERAL CATCOLONIES
They live in colonies of which the size & temperament may vary, forming around food sources.
A matriarchal rule holds for cats which means a female is in charge.
They are territorial and seldom just let in a newcomer, so you can’t dump a cat with other cats in a colony as they will have to fight for survival.
Feral cats live in colonies of between 2 – 40 cats.
A school for example can have 4 separate colonies on its premises and malls easily around 8 different colonies.
Feral colonies usually start with irresponsible owners who didn’t spay or neuter their cats and allowed them to roam freely.
Because they multiply so fast, it is important to TNR them as soon as possible. It is no easy task, but we can’t just leave it and you can help!
WHAT DOES TNR MEAN?
Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is a humane and effective approach to feral cat overpopulation. Grounded in science, it provides many benefits for the cats as well as the community. It is exactly what it sounds like: Cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. After recovery, the cats are returned to their home – their colony – outdoors. Kittens and cats who are friendly and socialized with people may be adopted into homes.
Other methods like catch-and-kill, relocation and sanctuaries do not work. It usually creates what we refer to as the “vacuum effect”. The Vacuum Effect is a natural & scientifically-documented phenomenon that refers to, whenever cats are removed, new cats move in, or the surviving cats left behind, breed to capacity.
WHY TRAP-NEUTER-RELEASE?
Stabilizes feral cat colonies.
Ends reproduction, no new kittens.
No vacuum effect.
Relieves cats of the constant stresses of mating/pregnancy.
Sick cats can be treated & they are vaccinated against Rabies.
Cats become better neighbours because they become quieter.
Creates opportunities for outreach, education & cooperation.
Other methods just don’t work.
TIPPED EARS – BADGE OF HONOR!
During the spay/neuter process the ear is tipped humanely, so we can recognize the cats. A tipped ear is a worldwide accepted way to signify that a cat has been spayed/neutered and is cared for.
Imgae shared by The Paw Company
Feral Watch & TNR is a registered non-profit company (NPC 2020/065177/08) with PBO number 930070126. The organization was founded in 2018 after being a branch of Feral Care Friends since 2016. They run operations mainly in and around the Highveld Ridge area which has a large population of feral cats that reside in this area. Their main focus is to establish cared for, controlled & healthy feral cat colonies. They are a pro-life & pro-sterilization organization. This means that they do not euthanize healthy animals. Contact them via their website, Facebook or on 082 781 9435 about any feral cat concerns or to make a difference!
IMPORTANT
Never just remove kittens unless they are injured or in imminent danger, contact Feral Watch & TNR first to advise you. Sometimes the mother is moving the kittens and that is why they appear abandoned.
As temperatures are still low or even in stormy weather please remember that feral cats (or domestic cats) may find shelter for themselves or their kittens in and under your car. This is a reminder to tap on your hoods & wheels and blow your horns to let them get out. You can tap and stand back for a while, but still check as well! This happens often and just a while back another cat died of engine burns. Please take that extra minute before starting your car and save a life. Also, remember that feral cats are not used to cars, so don’t expect them to just move out of the way when you drive.
If you work at the mines, at any other business or school or even in your street where there are feral cats, please advocate for these cats so that they are not removed and killed! If you are feeding a colony, you need to have a plan to TNR them. If you tame them, you need to take responsibility for them.
Also read about what kinds of foods can your dog eat.
All animals deserve compassion including the street cats who were failed by humans! Support TNR programs by responsible and compassionate organizations, spay & neuter your cats and keep them safe in your yard.
Drug dealer sentenced in plea deal while the case against accomplices postponed
MPUMALANGA – The Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcome the sentence of one of the drug dealer syndicates. She hailed the investigation team for commendable efforts and further applauded the collaboration with our counterparts in ensuring that criminals are brought to book and then remain in custody.
The acclamation followed the arrest of a criminal group during the ‘Dream on’ project at Bethal in Mpumalanga between June 2021 and July 2022 respectively. They appeared before the Bethal Regional Court on Tuesday, 2 August 2022 for dealing in drugs.
Chibuzo Chicozie ‘Don’ Ogbunuku (36) entered a plea agreement with the State and was sentenced to eight years of direct imprisonment collectively for dealing in drugs, conspiracy to commit an offence, corruption, escaping from custody, illegal entry, departing or remaining in the country.
In his statement that was read in court by his lawyer, Ogbunuku admitted that he sold drugs to a police officer. He also admitted to trying to bribe a police officer by offering him R50000 to be released as well as trying to escape from custody.
The case against Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (36), Kadima Remy (30), Male Mokoko (34), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (35), Rudi Angel Kishuka (25), Bongiwe Malingela (42), David Enewere (35) and Hassanda Kaluwe (32) was postponed to 30 August 2022 for a legal representative.
Mbusho Janvier Kikaranga (35) who appeared in absentia was remanded to 15 August 2022 for bail application.
Seriti launches development programme empowering women in mining
A holistic development programme aiming at empowering woman entrepreneurs in the Emalahleni/Middelburg area was launched in May 2022 by Seriti. This programme will be run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment.
Managing Director of CVC, Wybrand Ganzevoort, says the Women in Mining programme’s twenty entrepreneurs will be skilled and their companies developed to grow, increasing their competitiveness and ability to attract further business.
Wybrand Ganzevoort
The majority of the ladies on the programme are established suppliers to the Seriti Power business and they have each been running their companies for a number of years. Some of the companies have gone through difficult times during the COVID:19 pandemic and these entrepreneurs are looking for renewed success in their businesses.
Although they have previously been part of entrepreneurial development programmes focussing on women, Ganzevoort stresses that this programme “specifically looks at the needs of women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated industry as well as the women in the context of the family, spouse and community.” With most programmes of this nature, immediate attention is provided to the business support needs, however, Women in Mining specifically addresses the holistic relationship between the female entrepreneur and all the various stakeholders. The aim is also to separate realistic from unrealistic expectations and establish which expectations require restoration.
Back row left to right: Zodwa Mlangeni; Merlin Kalikhan; Pinky Mahlangu; Phuti Sibanda; Puleng Mampana Front row left to right: Shamilla Rampersad; Ayanda Ngwane; Zoe Sibawu; Khuliso Munyembane
CVC’s Project Manager on the programme, Orla Ollewagen, said that “As women have unique needs and face diverse challenges, particularly as an entrepreneur, a common thread arose from workshopping these needs prior to designing the programme. Some core shared concerns include feelings of loneliness as a female leader; the daily struggle of juggling numerous roles and not being taken seriously as a woman in business. I have a passion for women’s development and am excited to see these ladies develop individually and collectively as they support one another to grow their own businesses as well as those of others.”
Speaking on the experience CVC brings to the programme, Ganzevoort mentions that they have recently run an executive women’s development programme through Collective Value Creation Botswana. It was during this time that the needs of business women owners and executives were emphasised.
From left to right: Pinky Sithole; Lifa Mafu; Prima Mtsweni; Minah Zulu; Linah Bakrak; Lebo Hlahla; Olivia Knoesen;
Bridget Seroka; Gladys Maseko; Tebogo Rametse; Eva Masemola
How will the programme be executed? Ganzevoort explains that the programme focuses firstly on developing the business owner, after which their business is supported through development workshops, backed up by one-on-one mentoring.
Each of the business owners will have access to specialists acting as mentors in various areas such as sales, marketing, finance and personal development. These specialists will also be consulting the participants in order to improve their business activities. Ninety percent of these mentors and business specialists on the programme are also female.
Minah Zulu, a participant in the Women in Mining programme, said that she is looking forward to personal growth and becoming more assertive and confident as a businesswoman. She is grateful to Seriti “for such a program that recognises that women in mining have a tremendous contribution to make to the business, by offering their support to unleash our hidden potential.”
Seriti’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes, aim to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain-ready businesses who can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise the scale and drive supplier diversity in our Supply chain.
