Learners from Hoërskool Oosterland were hosted by Secunda Toyota this week for the MISA Career expo.
More than eight hundred learners, nationwide, participated in the Career Expo of MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, aimed at raising awareness about what the motor retail industry entails as possible career opportunities.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union believes that learners must have knowledge and understanding of the variety of careers and growth opportunities in a vital industry, employing more than 300 000 workers, over seven sectors.
“I believe that Youth Development must be one of the core issues tackled by unions and we must make it a priority if we want a better future for our youth and young workers. This is the eleventh year MISA’s Women’s Forum and Young Workers’ Forum hosted the Career Expo in partnership with dealerships nationwide.
“I am overwhelmed by the success and grateful for the keen interest shown by the Grade 11 learners at this very important stage of their lives, having to consider possible careers. Notwithstanding all the troubles and tribulations, the motor industry is still the best sector to work in,” says Keyter.
Michelle Vorster, Chairperson of the Young Workers’ Forum, told learners at the Hoërskool Hans Moore in Benoni how she started working in the industry as a service advisor. Today she is a portfolio manager without a post-graduate degree.
“I want to motivate and encourage those learners who cannot or do not want to go to university by telling them about my journey. I love my job,” says Vorster.
Amandla Kuse, MISA’s Training Officer, explained to learners how they should draw up a curriculum vitae, so they know what to include and what not.
Keyter would like to thank all the dealerships who participated in the Expo.
“MISA continues to grow in whatever the Union is doing. The aim is to reach more than a thousand learners in 2023,” says Keyter.
ELEPHANTS FROM MOZAMBIQUE SUCCESSFULLY CAPTURED AND RELOCATED
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) in partnership with SANParks successfully captured and relocated five of the eleven elephants that were roaming the Madadeni area in the Nkomazi region on Saturday, 7 May 2022. The elephants entered South Africa from Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) after having moved from Mozambique.
GENERAL PIC OF ELEPHANTS IN THE KNP
The elephants have been released in the Shingwedzi Section North of the Kruger National Park. This operation was successfully conducted with the assistance of the SANParks Veterinary Wildlife Services (Game Capture) operations team and Ranger Services. This saw the provision of their Fixed Wing and Helicopter for Air Wing Support, Game Capture trucks, Loading Ramps, and all the other necessary resources required to ensure a safe and successful Game Capture operation.
The operation was conducted in a safe and secure manner under the authority of the MTPA to ensure that the elephants were captured in a safe manner and were not a threat to human life.
GENERAL PIC OF ELEPHANTS IN THE KNP
“We are grateful for the assistance received from the SANParks management and the KNP Ranger Services. The collaboration between the two conservation authorities made this operation a success. We are delighted that the elephants are safe and have been captured and relocated safely. Our Wildlife Management team will continue to monitor the situation on the ground and look out for the remaining elephants which it is believed to be with the breeding herds”, said Mduduzi Vilakazi, Acting CEO of the MTPA.
The Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman commended everyone who was involved in the operation “This was a difficult and stressful operation, but we are happy at the turn of events and that the animals have been relocated to a safe area away from communities. We urge communities to alert officials when they observe animals outside the protected areas to stay away from these animals and allow conservation authorities the space to carry out their duties unhindered for the safety of both animals and humans,” concluded Coleman.
Since the elephants made their way to Mpumalanga, a number of people have been following their journey and there has been an appeal to ensure their safe passage back to Mozambique.
ANIMALS 101 – HOW YOU CAN ENCOURAGE A RELUCTANT EATER.
Last week we looked at some tips for when your cat is reluctant to drink and today we will look at some tips for reluctant eaters. 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.
TWO MAIN REASONS WHY YOUR CAT MIGHT NOT BE EATING.
STRESS
Cats who are stressed can lose their appetite. Has something in your cat’s life changed?
New family members (human or animal)?
Have you moved?
Sometimes it can be too few resources or the placement thereof. We suggest a water and food bowl for each cat plus an extra one, as well as with the litter box and neither the bowls or the litter box should be placed close to the other.
This is a situation pet parents can often resolve without consulting a veterinarian.
2. UNDERLYING ILLNESS
Several underlying diseases can cause kitties to lose interest in eating and it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat is ill. Remember not all vets are good with cats, so find one with a special interests in cats.
TIPS TO TEMPT KITTY’S TASTEBUDS (Dr. Karen Becker & The Cat Nurse)
There are things you can do to try to entice your cat to eat; however, veterinary intervention is necessary if, despite your best efforts, your cat isn’t eating. Helping a cat who is refusing to eat stay nourished is an exercise in creativity, gentle prodding, and patience.
Warm her meals to bring out the aroma as cats respond to the smell of food before the taste.
Lure her with species-appropriate “people food” she has enjoyed in the past, for example, warm baked chicken or salmon.
Offer her canned food with a strong smell or a sardine (packed in water).
Buy a small selection of different flavours and textures of canned cat food or use home-cooked meat or bone broth and see if one catches her interest.
If she’s hooked on kibble and refuses everything else, try adding warm water to the food or an aromatic enticement like tuna juice or chicken broth.
Double bowls tend to be small, quite deep and are of course joined together, which could risk aggravating your cat’s sensitive whiskers. Try using a large flat bowl that gives plenty of room for your cat’s whiskers. Offer new food from a paper plate (in case she associates a bad memory with her food bowl). Whisker fatigue plays a role if the bowl is too small or deep.
If you are changing your cat’s food bowl, offer food in the old bowl and original location as well as using the new bowl and in a slightly different location. This allows your cat to have a choice. You can then remove the old bowl once your cat starts using the new one.
Raised bowls can help encourage some cats to eat. This means that your cat doesn’t have to dip its head down into the bowl to eat or drink, meaning he/she can still keep watch for any threats. Consider raising the bowl, especially if your cat is elderly and/or has arthritis as it may be more comfortable for your cat to eat that way (less pressure on its joints and less flexion of the neck).
Consider offering food in ceramic or glass bowls. Plastic holds odours and metal is reflective.
Keep the food and water stations separate. Being survivalists, cats like to eat in one place and drink in another. Cats living in the wild do this to prevent food (blood and tissue from prey) from contaminating their water (a sick cat is a vulnerable cat) and because it helps to keep the location of their food (and them) a secret.
STILL NOT EATING?
If despite your best efforts you can’t get sufficient calories into your cat, call your veterinarian, who may prescribe an appetite stimulant, a homeopathic remedy, or a vitamin B12 injection.
5 TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE FELINE DINING IN GENERAL (Dr. Karen Becker)
Offer food in a variety of ways that gives your cat more control over her environment. When possible, feed smaller, frequent meals throughout the day, instead of two larger meals. Use food puzzles, hunting feeders, or other novel methods that encourage her to actively look for food and burn calories in the process.
In a multi-cat household, feed everyone separately. Establish multiple feeding locations that provide solitary access to food. Food puzzles, hunting feeders and regular bowls/saucers containing small amounts of food can be placed in different spots around the house to help satisfy the natural feline desire to dine in different locations. It also encourages cats to spend time hunting for food and allows them to be in control of their food intake.
If feasible, feed your kitty from an elevated location, since cats tend to feel safer in high spots where they can see what’s going on around them. These platforms should only be large enough for one cat. Do not put their bowls in a corner as they feel safer when they can view the area for threats, as in nature.
Try to place your cat’s food in areas with minimal human activity and away from loud noises and visual threats like a window where your kitty might catch a glimpse of another cat outside.
Put food in locations that encourage climbing and set aside time to play with your cat each day, which will provide him with both physical and mental stimulation.
CHECK THE POOP
It sounds weird to some, but it is important to regularly check their poop as it can indicate health concerns. Watch this video about it. Urine is discussed with drinking in last weeks’ article.
Keep your cat healthy and fed by following these tips. Next week we will look at post-operative care for your pet.
DA takes legal action to remove Speaker who refuses to vacate her seat
Voiceclip by Cllr James Masango
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is instituting legal action to remove the Speaker of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality who has officially been voted out of council but refuses to vacate her seat.
Speaker Fikile Magagamela was voted out at a council meeting on the 31st of March 2022 after a motion was passed, but the Speaker refuses to vacate.
Embattled Ex-Speaker Cllr Fikile Magagamela
“We have instructed our lawyers to submit a letter to the Acting Municipal Manager, demanding that she calls and presides over a council meeting to elect a new Speaker by no later than 16 May 2022,” said James Masamgo, Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council, “Failure to accede to the demand, we will institute legal proceedings against the Acting Municipal Manager. The DA will also seek a cost order against the Acting Municipal Manager.”
DA Councillor and Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council, James Masango
“The DA regards all council meetings, that took place after the 31st of March 2022, presided by Fikile Magagamela as null and void.”
“The DA is a party that stands for the Rule of Law. We will therefore do everything in our power to ensure that the laws of this country are applied accordingly.” James concluded.
The council meeting was marred by continued efforts by the ANC to derail the proceedings. The Speaker preceded over an item that was clearly implicating herself, she then refused to vacate her seat after the council voted on the motion and accepted the motion. She then continued to preside over further proceedings as if nothing had happened.
The DA and other opposition parties withdrew from that meeting after the speaker refused to leave.
Die Arc en Ciel naam het al vir verskeie verrassings gesorg soos met die uitstaande prestasie om slegs die tweede stoet te word wat met 4 Nationale Kampioene bekroon te word. Die Arc en Ciel stoet stof gereëld ander boerdery uit op skoue met die hoë gehalte diere.
Die beeste word met baie groot sorg gehanteer en die skou beeste is baie mak. Tydens die onderhoud met Cor Loggenberg, Kudde bestuurder, het die beeste stil gestaan en kon maklik aan geraak word. Hulle hou van die aandag.
Kampioen Bul!
Brahman beeste is baie nuuskierig en sal maklik nader loop om ons kameras te beruik en te lek. Hulle is ook baie intelegente beeste. Brahmane is ‘n goeie keuse om mee te boer omdat hulle ‘n hoë toleransie het vir Hitte, sonlig en humiditeit, hulle het ook ‘n hoë weerstand teen parasiete. (wikipedia)
Die Brahman is nie eie aan Suid Afrika nie en sy oorsprong kom van Amerika af.
The Brahman is the first cattle breed to have been developed in the United States and is now part of the beef production in South Africa. European breeds struggled to reach their full genetic potential under the harsh climatic and veld conditions of states, such as California, Louisiana and Texas. To overcome this, hardier humped cattle (Bos indicus), which are breeds that trace their ancestry back to India and Pakistan, were imported into the States from India, Mexico and Brazil between 1854 and 1926.
Fewer than three hundred cattle were imported over this time, with most of these animals being either from the Guzerat, the Nelore and Gyr and to a lesser extent the Krishna Valley breeds, which are all purebred Zebu types in their country of origin. These animals were crossed with the local European breeds and by the fifth generation produced cattle that were generally superior to the original imported animals; both Bos indicus and Bos taurus types.
The American Brahman Breeders Society was formed in 1924, after farmers started to realise the value of the breed, and since then the breed has been exported to almost everywhere across the world. The breed’s name refers to the Eastern heritage of the breed, suggested by the Society’s first chairman, JW Sartwell from Houston. The word Brahmin is used in India for a spiritual or holy person and cattle are seen as being holy in this country.
Production in South Africa
Namibian farmer, Jürgen Cranz is seen as the “father” of the Southern African Brahman, as he was the first to import the cattle in 1954. According to the Brahman Breeders Society of South Africa, Jürgen went to the United States on his honeymoon with his wife Vera. While there, they bought seven Brahman bulls and ten calves from JD Hudgins and three bulls from Vernon Frost.
The couple travelled with the cattle on a ship from New Orleans to Cape Town, where the animals created havoc after breaking loose in Cape Town harbour. Everybody tried desperately to recapture the bewildered animals, until a policeman, who grew up on a farm, came to their aid. After quarantine, the cattle were transported by truck to Namibia, with Jürgen on lucerne bales between the animals.
James Gregory was the first to bring the Brahman to South Africa, buying his first bull from Jürgen. The Brahman Cattle Breeders Society was established in 1957 in Kroonstad, by which time 260 Brahmans had already been imported to South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Attributes
The Brahman is a medium-sized beef breed, with bulls weighing between 700 to 1000 kg and cows weighing between 450 kg to 650 kg. Calves are generally small, with a birth weight averaging between 25 to 35 kg, but grow rapidly and wean at weights comparable to other breeds.
Brahman cattle vary in colour from very light grey or red to almost black. Their short glossy hair and pigmented skin help to reflect sunlight, which allows the animals to adapt in very hot and humid conditions. They also have more sweat glands than most of the European breeds, and lots of loose skin, which increases their body surface area and helps with temperature regulation.
They are also extremely hardy, with their short hair making it difficult for parasites to attach to it and the cattle secreting an oily substance that repels insects.
The cows can have long productive lives, lasting up to twenty years, and have excellent maternal traits, making them sought after in crossbreeding programmes. The South African Brahman Breeders Society describes the Brahman as “an intelligent animal that adapts well to routine and develops a mild temperament when treated gently.”
Secunda Digi Mag Rugby Club dominated their counterparts from Middelburg in their first league game this season.
Secunda beat Middelburg 49-7 in front of a packed pavilion. Everybody was eager to see some rugby again and they were treated to an excellent game of running rugby.
Middelburg started the game with a kick-off and attacked immediately but Secunda retaliated with a move that nearly resulted in a try. Unfortunately, poor handling resulted in a knock-on and the try was averted.
A second possible try was also lost due to poor handling by Secunda.
Secunda’s lineouts were executed with precision and only one lineout was lost but one was won from their opponents. Middelburg contested well in the lineouts but was no real match for the long Secunda jumpers. Secunda’s first try came from a well-executed line out.
Middelburg put up a brave fight and attacked Secunda with determination but the defences were a little too good and they struggled to break through. Middelburg managed to run a few good line balls but Secunda’s defenced managed to stop any tries.
The handling of Secunda improved after the initial few fumbles and only a few incidents of poor handling were noted as the game progressed. The second try was a result of good ball handling by Secunda.
Middelburg managed to force Secunda to commit a few fouls by falling over the ball, in the rucks and were awarded penalties against Secunda.
The scrums were a bit shaky at the beginning with the scrum going to the ground once or twice. Secunda managed to push Middelburg back a few times and put a lot of pressure on Middelburg’s backline. Middelburg managed to still run the ball even if they were under pressure although Secunda managed to catch some players with the ball.
Both teams’ packs mauled well and drove into their opponents, testing the defences. Secunda’s front pack pushed into Middelburg’s pack creating space for the backline to score yet another try.
Most of the tries scored were not converted and Secunda will have to address the issue. A good and reliable kicker is essential in winning games.
The team from Middelburg managed to score a consolation try near the end of the game. This came with a clear lapse in concentration from Secunda.
Secunda is known for discipline on the field and in a bizarre few minutes managed to receive several penalties directed against them while attacking in their opponent’s quarter.
Middelburg never gave up although they were playing against a stronger team.
The overall performance of the teams was good without major problems. Secunda must look at their play on the ground when securing the ball as this was the biggest receiver of penalties.
The scrums were strong and Secunda managed to push their counterparts back on several occasions.
The lineouts were contested well by both teams but Secunda managed to disrupt most of Middelburg’s lineouts while securing nearly all of their own.
In the back, the backline impressed with their determination. The ball handling was good overall with only a few incidents where the ball was lost due to poor handling.
The ball was cleared fast and accurate around the scrums and the backline always had plans to run with the ball.
Well done to Secunda Digi Mag Rugby Club on a well-deserved win.
The next game will be played this Saturday against Newcastle in Secunda’s first away game of the season.
The Bulletin has taken note of several negative comments over the past year or two regarding the state of the facilities in the Kruger National Park (KNP). People took to social media to voice their disappointment.
The following statement by SANParks shows some commitment to improving facilities within the Kruger National Park.
South African National Parks (SANParks) is pleased to announce the start of an R370 million upgrading and refurbishment infrastructure programme in the Kruger National Park (KNP) over the next three years.
Hyena dragging a Zebra carcass in KNP. (photo – NC van Huyssteen)
Funds for the upgrade include payments from insurers, and contributions from the National Department of Tourism but are predominantly from an Infrastructure Development Programme allocation to SANParks from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
The Managing Executive of KNP, Gareth Coleman indicated that “the first phase of the programme will provide important impetus to upgrading infrastructure and improving the visitor experience. The decline in tourist revenues under Covid-19 has impacted our revenue but the need to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure is ever-present. The infrastructure programme will also help provide much-needed employment in the area.
We are currently finalising contracts and works packages with successful contractors for civil and building works and this should be completed by the end of May 2022. Contractors will move onsite during May and June 2022 and we will start seeing the results of these investments in the second half of 2022”.
The tourism facilities prioritised for launching in 2022 include:
· Rebuilding of the burnt Letaba Shop and Fencing.
· Rebuilding of the Lower Sabie Petrol Station also destroyed by fire.
· Construction of the Shingwedzi Main Building Roof which had been removed due to termites.
· Phalaborwa Wildlife Activity Hub (Phase I).
· Shangoni (Phase I) which includes a Picnic Spot, Camping Site and Shangoni Reception facility.
· Punda Maria Tent Upgrades.
· Upgrade of 5 Entrance Gates at Pafuri, Punda Maria, Orpen, Phabeni and Numbi.
· Renovation/Upgrade of more than 110 Tourism Accommodation units at camps across the Park.
· Upgrading of Sweni Trails camp.
· Repair and upgrading of the viewing deck at Skukuza camp impacted by termites.
· Repair and upgrade of restaurant viewing deck and handrails at Olifants camp impacted by termites.
Funds have also been allocated to the upgrading of selected Staff accommodation, the resurfacing of identified tar roads, and the re-gravelling of selected gravel roads.
Further projects will be launched in 2023.
“We will do our utmost to minimise the impact on visitor experience and request patience and understanding from our clients during the refurbishment period for any inconvenience caused. We would also like to urge visitors to take note of additional signage placed in the affected locations and note the advice from our staff members”; concluded Coleman.
TWO ALLEGED ROBBERS SHOT DEAD AFTER REPORTEDLY ATTEMPTING TO ROB A HITCH-HIKER
Nelspruit: 05 May 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has pleaded with members of the public to avoid hitch-hiking. The plea by the General comes in a wake of a shocking incident in which two alleged robbers were fatally shot whilst reportedly trying to rob a man this morning, Thursday 05 May 2022 near N4 Road in Nelspruit.
According to the report, two alleged suspects were driving in a silver-grey VW Polo towards the direction of Malelane whereby they offered a lift to a man who was hitch-hiking in Valencia outside Nelspruit CBD. Apparently, along the way, they diverted to Croc Valley farm where one of them reportedly drew a knife in an attempt to rob the man who was given a lift. Further reports indicate that the man also drew out his firearm and allegedly shot both men. One died at the scene meanwhile the other succumbed a few meters away from the scene whilst he was being driven to the hospital. The two are yet to be identified.
Police were informed about the incident and a case of robbery with another weapon was opened with two counts of inquest. The firearm used has since been confiscated as well as the knife and the vehicle. The items will form part of the investigation.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the VW Polo may be linked to other reported incidents of armed robberies where hitch-hikers were robbed at various hiking spots around Nelspruit.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further urged people to refrain from asking for lifts but rather use other available safe modes of transport to reach their destinations with minimum risk.
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.
ANIMALS 101 – WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CAT TO DRINK MORE WATER.
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.
Ensure there are enough water stations both inside and outside of the home. These should be spaced out so that each cat indoors has easy access without risking confrontation with another cat.
A ratio of one water station per cat and a spare is recommended. Various water stations can be offered outside, as long as they are within easy reach of the resident cat.
Hiding water behind a plant pot (as long as your cat has easy access) or on a raised table might help encourage use.
Keep the water cool in shaded areas.
Offer a variety of water stations. Cats like to have a choice, so offering a large bowl, water fountain, tap or even a glass filled with water can be helpful. Once you know your cat’s preferred water receptacle you could try offering more of that type.
Animals, especially cats like drinking from moving water sources like a water fountain.
Bowls should not be pushed into a corner. It helps if they can see 360 degrees around them and look out for any threats, while they drink.
Keep the water away from the litter box area.
Offer large water bowls as most cats prefer this. However, some cats like drinking from a glass. I expect this is more about location though.
Older cats are prone to dehydration, so offering extra water stations within easy reach can help keep them stay hydrated.
Don’t add anything into your pet’s drinking water without offering plain water, in addition to “medicated” water. Most additions to the water can cause the water to have a subtle but unpalatable taste and pets may not consume as much water as they need.
Urine colour tells a story about your pet’s health. A urinalysis should be performed by your veterinarian yearly for healthy pets, and more often for older animals and those with existing or chronic health issues.
There are three categories of colours:
1. Clear to light yellow (normal)
2. Bright or dark yellow (possibly dehydrated or other medical problem)
3. Brown, orange, or reddish-pink (possibly medical conditions and bleeding)
The colour you want is clear to light yellow. This means your pet is well hydrated. You do want to see some yellow in there because pee that looks consistently like water with no yellow at all is a sign that your pet is drinking too much water or is unable to concentrate their urine (reflective of a medical problem).
Make it a habit to check your pet’s urine colour. If a pet’s urine is any colour other than clear or yellow, you should visit a veterinarian immediately.
Cats’ whiskers are thick hairs that protrude from a cat’s cheeks, above their eyes, their chins and from the backs of their front legs. They are filled with sensory collecting nerves that collect information about objects, vibrations, and wind currents around the cat. They aid cats to hunt in the dark and are an integral part of their communication system.
Whisker fatigue happens to some cats when their sensitive whiskers are routinely being brushed up against something such as food or water bowls that are too small. It causes discomfort and even pain and it makes eating and drinking stressful.
How Can You Fight Feline Whisker Fatigue?
Choosing shallow, wide bowls that allow your cat to get food and water from the bowl without their whiskers making contact with its sides can help end whisker fatigue.
Make sure your pet always has fresh, clean, cool, safe, drinking water available at all times and if they refuse to drink or the colour of her urine doesn’t improve, it’s time to call your veterinarian.
Next week we will look at reluctant eaters (cats).
