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Thursday, 28 July 2016

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Community

Community News

Pray against wildlife crime in the KNP

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Tel: 013-007-1155 / 082-624-4098

Conservation & Wildlife

Effektiewe grondbestuur ‘n absolute noodsaaklikheid We are growing and expanding!

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Sport

Lanies ryer skop stof in oë van sy mededingers

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Mandela Day celebrated in Malalane with hope about the future, regardless of their abusive past. The children were treated not only to pearls of wisdom, but were spoilt Under the aegis of the late with pizza and other treats during Nelson Mandela’s former the ceremony which took place at the personal assistant, Zelda orphanage in town. la Grange, this day was Motorbikers such as Zelda herself, initiated to honour the former well-known radio personalities Alex Caige president and world icon. Madiba Day has grown into an and DJ Fresh took to the road with many supporters in tow after starting annual event benefitting many their charity drive earlier this charities. month in Gauteng. As patron of the 1st for Since the start of this Women Foundation, La charitable outreach in 2010, Grange’s aim of reaching 12 000 kilometres have been and assisting victims and driven on motorcycles to survivors of Gender Based teach and inspire communities Violence has catapulted All this to reach out to those who have into a lasting legacy for been harmed by abuse. this global icon. had been The bikers will eventually In Malalane, the undertaken profile awareness of vision of inspiring to pay tribute malaria in Mozambique women and girls to after visiting Nkomazi. restore their to a hero, This part of the trip confidence Mandela was in conjunction with after abuse, the Goodbye Malaria saw the purple team, an initiative started lady, Amanda by Nandos. Potgieter, Daan Stars such as Angie Khumalo, Erasmus of the Karen Zoid and Karlien van Jaarsveld, town’s Community were amongst those who appeared on Policing Forum stage in Mbombela in support of this and business people taking time off to do project. The team also visited Barberton where R50 000 was donated to a special just that. rape intervention project. During the event, La Grange said in a statement that all the local SAPS this had been undertaken to pay tribute to donated blankets to the residents of Grace a hero, Mandela. “We believe that every small action of Orphanage. goodwill leads to a larger movement in the Both Amanda and right direction,” concluded La Grange. Daan took the time to share, educate and imbue the children

Alex Rose-Innes

At Grace Orphanage in Malalane, the local SAPS donated blankets to the children

The annual Madiba Day bike run made a pit stop at Nando’s in Malalane. Photo: David Janse van Rensburg

For all advertising in Mpumalanga, contact: Kelly on 082-325-8467 or [email protected]

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Community News

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Dangerous thugs at work in the Onderberg Sam Nyalunga

Praising and worship lasted into the night.

Local gospel artists rocked the Nkomazi stage Dex Sibiya The Nkomazi Youth Night of Worship music extravaganza at the Kamhlushwa Community Hall proved to be a huge success and with the excellent artists, the crowd was praising and dancing the night away. This event was organised and hosted by Mthunzimhlophe Solutions enterprise, a local youth based and established group. A number of local gospel artists entertained and displayed their talents’ on the very stage which artists such as Nothando Hlophe, Ian Calf, Ernest Nkabinde and Joyous Celebration star Andiswa, were performing on.

Local artists shared the stage with gospel stars.

Police are geared to arrest a group of men suspected to be behind a spate of house robberies in the Nkomazi area recently. This follows the forceful entrance into Koekie Madonsela’s house by three armed men during the early hours of Mandela Day on Monday, police spokesman Lt. Mzwandile Nyambi said. For her, Mandela Day turned into a day of horror as she was not only robbed but raped as well. The suspects have reportedly threatened the victim with death before they stole a laptop, cell phones, bedding, TV and clothing after which they demanded her car keys. The robbers sped off in the victim’s company car. “We are searching for the white Ford Ranger bakkie owned by Tupperware in Sunnyside. There have been no arrests as yet but we have leads that we follow and believe it will bring the criminals to book,” vowed Nyambi. Nyambi believes that the same suspects were responsible for another house robbery

in Naas. “The latest criminal incident was committed by three armed suspects. Even in this one a laptop, tablet, amplifier and cash were stolen at gun point,” Nyambi explained. The modus operandi of the thugs suggests that the group was the same as the one involved in the earlier criminal incident, Nyambi told NewsHorn. “The number of suspect is three, they wore balaclavas and they were armed. This says a lot about the notorious group. “The latter incident was even more horrendous as the woman was raped by the thugs before they ran off with her belongings with an estimated value of R5 490,” Nyambi said. He said there were no arrests as yet but police were working tirelessly to apprehend and stop these perpetrators in the area. “Not even the vehicle has been recovered. However, I must assure you that soon we would have arrested the suspects,” he said. He added that they pleaded with community members to volunteer information on any suspected people.

Elderly disabled woman a drug dealer Dex Sibiya It seems that with age, wisdom is not a natural by-product. Tonga SAPS have taken a serious stance against the dealing of drugs and the illegal sale of alcohol and no matter who is the perpetrator, bring them to boot. This comes after a 66-year old woman was arrested on charges of possession of dagga and the illegal sale of liquor. After a tip-off, the disabled suspect was

The music got everyone into the spirit of the evening.

arrested in Mdladla Trust where dagga was found in her house. No licence for the sale of liquor could be produced and the elderly lady was taken into custody and has already appeared in court. Station commander of Tonga, Brig Velisiwe Mdaka is warning community members who are involved in selling drugs and liquor illegally that they will be arrested. The community is also encouraged to report if they see criminal activities happening around their area.

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Thursday, 28 July 2016

Community News

Pray against wildlife crime in the KNP hell-bent on killing and decimating our country’s wildlife population.” Items on the agenda will also include Glenn Phillips, managing prayers for relief from drought, the welfare executive of the Kruger of the KNP and its staff to boost morale and National Park (KNP) is spiritual wellbeing, against temptation to The hosting a special prayer become involved in illegal activities which purpose meeting at Skukuza and may harm the park and its animals and churches bordering the of the call special intercession for the security forces. KNP are urged to attend This will also act as a show of support for to prayer this important event on the rangers of SANParks countrywide who is to unite the 13th of August. are at the forefront of the escalating fight Phillips said in a against poaching. against wildlife media statement that This event was hosted for the first time in crime the purpose of the 2012 at Shingwedzi Camp in partnership call to prayer is to unite with the Malamulele Pastors Fraternal and against wildlife crime in has since become an annual event in the fight “against poachers the KNP.

Alex Rose-Innes

Glenn Phillips, CEO of KNP.

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Kom lag saam op Vrouedag

This year the event will be held at the Skukuza Soccer Stadium from 10am. • All churches are welcome and are requested to arrange their own transport. • Delegates will be provided with a light lunch. • It is very important that delegates and churches confirm their attendance and to submit a list of delegates in advance to ensure entry to the KNP. This can be done via fax 086-634-7993 for attention Lerato Mathole or email [email protected]. She can also be contacted on 013-735-4300 or 082-908-4328. Entry to the park will be free through the following gates: Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge. The main gates will open at 06:00.

Impak van die droogte op voedselpryse prentjie alles behalwe rooskleurig vir die voedselverbruiker. Volgens hierdie indeks is die grootste sonder jou Volgens die Buro vir groentekoste wat met Voedsel- en Landboubeleid 18,7% vermeerder se jongste prysindeks, het die het. Terwyl die kosmandjiekoste van die regering addisionele verbruiker in Maart hierdie belasting op suiker en jaar alreeds ‘n allemintige sout wil hef terwille 9,8% verhoging getoon. Dit is om gesondheidsredes, Die voorspelling is ‘n reuse word gesond eet ‘n duur dat dit tot 29% gaan onderneming. Vrugtepryse groei, wat ooreenstem impak het met dieselfde met Statistiek SA se op die persentasie as groente projeksie vir jaar-totgestyg, met olie en salaristrekker jaar vermeerdering. vette net ‘n kortkop Dit is ‘n reuse se huishoudelike agter, 18,1%. impak op die uitgawes Brood en salaristrekker se graanprodukte soos huishoudelike uitgawes, ontbytkos, kos nou veral duskant van die 13,3% meer, terwyl suiker N4 tolhek wat kostes verder en nageregte 11,7% in prys opjaag. vermeerder het. Mieliemeel, die Met die verwagte nul persent stapelvoedsel van ‘n groot deel van ekonomie groei wat voorspel die bevolking, het reeds in Januarie word vir die nuwe finansiële vanjaar met verhoging van 22% wat jaar, sal verdere inflasie hierdie kospryse verder negatief beinvloed. na verwagting na die droogte en die swak ekonomie, jaarliks met soveel Gekoppel aan swak oesjaar, lyk die

Alex Rose-Innes

Ian is sedert Mei 2009 die aanbieder van Middag op RSG en dié tydgleuf sluit natuurlik die gewilde Loslip in waartydens luisteraars regstreeks per telefoon, e-pos of SMS aan dié program kan deelneem. Sy filosofie is om te vergeet van wat die mense sal sê en om met oorgawe te wees wie jy reeds is. Hy sê die lewe gaan oor keuses en hoewel ‘n mens nie kan kies wat met jou gebeur nie, kan jy kies hoe jy daarop reageer. Daardie keuses bepaal jou toekoms. “Omring jouself met positiwiteit en vermy jammergatte en martelgatte,” sê hy. Vergeet van die swak ekonomie en die droogte en kom lag saam op Nasionale Vrouedag op 9 Augustus by die AGS kerk in Malalane. Coastal Hire se Danise Meiring bied die dag ten bate van die gemeente, aan. Die program beloof om iets heeltemal unieks na Malalane te bring en te verseker dat die martelgatte, jammergatte en skinderbekke nog laaaank iets sal hê om oor te swoeg en skinder.

persentasiepunte sal vermeerder. Daarenteen het visprodukte met heelwat minder gestyg, 6,4% en vleis met 6,1%. Dit ten spyte daarvan dat beesboere in die land toenemend die handdoek ingooi en Suid-Afrika hoender in groot maat moet invoer. Die produk wat die minste gestyg het is suiwelprodukte (waaronder eiers ook ingedeel word). Suiwelboere word toenemend ongelukkig omdat hulle voordeel hieruit so min as 23c per liter beloop en die vraag gevra word of dit die moeite werd is om hierdie duur boerdery voort te sit. Hierdie indeks toon ook hoe suiwel- en vleisverskaffing gedaal het as gevolg van boere wat hulle kuddes verminder het. Terwyl die regering groot gewag maak van die droogtehulp wat aan boere gebied is, is dit die kleinboer (voorheen benadeelde bevolkingsgroep) wat die grootste voordeel hieruit trek.

Tel: 013-790-1526

Photo: Sourced.

For news contact: Alex on 013-007-1155 / [email protected]

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Community

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Sibange protests continue “We will not vote” say residents Andries Ndlovu Residents of Sibange resumed protests after discussion for the construction of a new clinic did not bring the expected outcome. The community is up in arms, as the R7 million which were allegedly budgeted for a new clinic is now apparently being used to upgrade the existing tribal offices to serve as a clinic. “Patients have been getting poor service in the tribal offices which were said to be serving the purpose of a clinic, yet they could not even accommodate more than five people in its limited space inside”, Hlengiwe Sibiya, a resident of Sibange told NewsHorn. However, after meetings with the Health Department, Public Works, local municipality, Infrastructure and the councillor for the area, it was announced that a soil survey still needs to be done. “This will be a long process, hence we are not going to take part in the local government elections if construction has

not begun by the date of elections,” said Sibange. Meanwhile the head of Communications of the Department of Health in Mpumalanga, Dumisani Malamule, denied that an agreement had been reached pertaining to the construction of a new clinic. He said that it was based on the renovation of the present clinic with an additional Innovative Building Technology (IBT)structure as well. “Yes, we had a meeting with them [residents], but the agreement was that the present clinic will be renovated alongside an IBT structure to provide adequate space and conducive services for patients. We even went to show them an IBT structure of a clinic at Jerusalema which they liked,” said Malamule. According to him, the area where the residents wanted a clinic proved to be unsuitable. “They were informed that the area was not suitable for the construction, however a real clinic was to be placed on budget after elections since R7 million would not be enough for the whole building.”

The Crocodile River is dry, but who cares? Alex Rose-Innes

The new Mgobodzi- Somuhle community library.

New library to uplift literacy rate in Mawewe Andries Ndlovu The new Mgobodzi- Somuhle community library is expected to minimise illiteracy and increase academic results for learners of local schools from kaMawewe community. The library is located in just a stone throw distance from the Manzolwandle Secondary School. Construction began in September 2014 and is fast nearing completion. Previously, the community had to travel far in order to access libraries. The new local library will no doubt play a significant role in improving educational standards and bringing about development in the community. The main purpose of the library is to encourage local people to learn and ensure community development without any charges. The availability of computers in the library will further assist learners to make online

applications to tertiary institutions. Learners also believed the library will help them improve their performances. “We will learn to study on our own other than relying on teachers to spoon-feed us and by so doing, the results will be acceptable at the end of the year”, said Mzwandile Khoza. Welcome Mkhatshwa, a grade 12 student told NewsHorn that, “we will have more sources of information and a suitable environment to study.” The new library is also expected to encourage elders to study. Maria Mahlalela, a parent within the community said, “it is difficult for adults to go to school but it will be so easy for them to go to the library and study such that they can even go back to write metric. “We are also happy to have a structure like this one and as parents we will encourage both learners and community members to use it so that we increase the number of educated people in our community”.

What will it take for residents of Malalane to realise that the water situation is way past the point of no return? The Nkomazi Local Municipality recently sent out an sms informing residents of the town that they are planning to install water meters at schools, businesses and car washes as a measure to curb water usage. A little and too late perhaps? Maybe they truly hoped that as adult, responsible people, residents would do the right thing without having to be policed or fined. The NewsHorn has repeatedly reported on the state of the river, to no effect. The Democratic Alliance councillor for Ward 30, Mariette Preddy has been visiting those who still spray their gardens to request them to consider the severity of the situation. Unfortunately, it was like a lone voice in the desert. No fines and no consequences meant that certain home owners continued as if there will be no tomorrow. Drive around in Fish Eagle Bend, note whose lawns (those homes without sporting a sign to indicate there is a borehole on the premises) are green. Remember these addresses, because those are the people who will be responsible when the taps run dry. Home owners Newshorn spoke to were in some instances not even aware of the situation when confronted and made no effort to inform their gardeners to not use sprayers or hosepipes. At a house in Kroonarend Street, new grass was planted and the sprayer was left on overnight. By the next morning, the water was running down the street. This happened more than once. NewsHorn is aware of a tenant in Kroonarend Street whose landlord expects her to keep watering the garden and consider her “heartless” for letting his plants die. This lady uses buckets to water the garden from used bathwater, but is reported to the overseeing rental agency as not looking after the garden. The drought has not only severely affected agricultural crops, but is also

affecting unemployment with workers being laid off. In Zimbabwe, drought hunger and child deaths are increasing. Across the border in Mozambique, apart from the currency crisis, the sale of agricultural business items such as tractors to farmers from Mpumalanga vendors, have almost completely stopped and crop loss is the largest ever. Earlier this month, South African poultry producer Astral has to cut jobs under pressure from high feed prices due to drought and from an over-supplied domestic market. South African poultry producer Astral has to cut jobs, it said on Wednesday, under pressure from high feed prices due to drought and from an oversupplied domestic market. While cheap chicken imports flood in with the ending of punitive duties on US chicken imports in 2015. Analysts said production cuts were likely to be accompanied by mergers and acquisitions as companies across the food sector scramble to offset falling revenues. In a statement this week Astral said, “the impact of the planned production cutbacks will unfortunately negatively impact on the labour force due to the reduction in hours to be worked.” The company employs about 13 000 people across operations in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Swaziland, towns bordering Mpumalanga and from where a large amount of business to especially Komatipoort and Malalane originate from. El Nino has triggered the largest rainfall shortage in more than a century. This year’s sugarcane crop from RCL/TSB production has already showed a drop of 800 000 ton. Please understand the severity of the situation and yes, it will cost money to re-establish a new garden when the rains come, but it will cost more if the taps run dry. 2 Chron 7.13-14: When I shut off heaven and there is no rain…..(14) if my people who are called by My Name, humble themselves and seek my ways…I will forgive their sin and heal their land (shortened) NKJV 1982.

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Mananga serves the less privileged Sam Nyalunga MEC for public works, roads and transport, Dumisile Nhlengethwa donated food parcels and renovated the community hall as part of Mandela Month’s celebrations. Together with Nkomazi Local Municipality mayor, Thulisile Khoza, a team of senior officials from the department embarked on various activities in an effort to make a difference in the lives of the less privileged. The programme commenced at Mananga Drop-in Centre where Nhlengethwa donated food parcels to orphaned children. The Centre, which caters for 100 children has been in existence since 2008 and has six volunteers who cook for the little ones on daily basis. Centre manager Sam Masondo expressed appreciation through tears of joy. “We really appreciate what the government has done and we would like to encourage others to do the same because

it brings joy to the kids to know that somebody out there cares for them,” he said. The entourage proceeded to Mananga Community Hall where they rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty as they assisted in the renovation of the hall. The scope of work included the replacement of a damaged ceiling and window panes, resealing of the floor and painting. “We have decided to visit the Mananga community because we want to take part in changing the lives of our people for the better. “What we did here as a Department is an attempt to demonstrate the power of unity and sacrifice exemplified by Madiba through 67 years of selfless service to humanity. “We believe his legacy will continue to pave a way to liberate the masses not only politically but socially, economically and otherwise,” said Nhlengethwa.

Students to contend with new Tax Act in future Dex Sibiya The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has welcomed the amendment to the Tax Administration Act of 2011 made by the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan earlier this month. This comes after notice which will ensure that NSFAS is now included in the list of statutory bodies which can request the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to furnish them with contact details of identified tax payers. This promulgation makes provision for SARS to disclose to NSFAS debtors’ names, tax reference numbers, personal

contact details, employers’ details and contacts. This will include other non-financial information should the tax man be in possession of this information. SARS may in future not withhold any such information from this body. However, according to NSFAS spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo, “it does not mean that SARS will go after people who owe NSFAS.” According to him, this will only enable NSFAS to obtain information about non-paying students. NSFAS is currently owed around R14 billion by beneficiaries who completed their studies at TVET colleges and public universities.

Community News

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Tonga’s Madiba celebrations At Tonga in Nkomazi, the local SAPS and Community Policing Forum (CPF) donated their 67 minutes in celebration of Mandela Day to the disabled residents of Vulamehlo Centre in Steenbok. The crime fighters donated money and bought food which they then personally prepared to bless these residents. They did not stop there, but also donated groceries and blankets and painted the Centre where this group is taken care of. Photo: Dex Sibiya

Doen aansoek vir ‘n beurs - kinders kry hulp Solidariteit Helpende Hand se wat in ons land gebeur, nog Studiefondssentrum (SFS) bied steeds die positiewe raak sedert 2009 studielenings vir te sien en dankbaar te studente wat verder wil gaan wees daarvoor - ’n studeer. eenvoudige beginsel, Hierdie lenings is 100% maar nie rentevry en is dus baie altyd maklik gesog onder mense wat uitvoerbaar nie,” Hierdie nie kan bekostig om hul vertel de Lange. lenings is kinders te laat studeer “Die nie. Tot op hede is meer Studiefonds100% rentevry as R120 miljoen in sentrum het soveel en gesog onder studielenings uitbetaal positiewe kurwes mense wat nie aan verdienstelike behaal en is ons kan bekostig om hul Afrikanerkinders. vandag dankbaar kinders te laat Op die oomblik vir elkeen van studeer nie het Helpende Hand ons skenkers en 209 verskillende sakevennote wat studiefondse en in 2016 is ingekoop het in ons daar vir die eerste keer ooit studiefonds-strategie. toekennings ter waarde van meer Ek nooi ook graag nuwe as R31 miljoen gemaak. ’n Enorme donateurs uit om saam met 1 248 studente se lewens is deur die ons in die toekoms te glo!” Studiefondssentrum se belegging in hul toekoms, verander. Volgens Alisha de Lange, streekorganiseerder vir die Mpumalanga streek, is dit ’n geloofsdaad om in jongmense se opvoeding te belê. “Om positief te wees spruit vanuit ’n keuse om te midde van alles

Spesiaal vir leerders uit Mpumalanga Die Mpumalanga streek het ook ‘n Studiefonds beskikbaar vir ‘n kind vanuit die Mpumalanga streek. Indien iemand belangstel om aansoek te doen vir hierdie studiefonds, stuur gerus ‘n epos [email protected] of skakel 012-644-4390.

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Community

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Dis weer tyd vir Malalane se Boeremark!

We are growing! Alex Rose-Innes Not even one year after the Nkomazi NewsHorn saw its first edition on the streets of the Onderberg, the baby has grown up and moving to a bigger nest with a larger family, whilst still keeping the older one very much alive and thriving. The NewsHorn will soon also serve the larger Mpumalanga with good reads and advertising opportunities. Our focus will continue to be good news, conservation, agri news, community stories and the occasional not-so- good news. School news will always be top of our list as we continue to salute success in whatever form and support the important role educational institutes in all their forms, play in moving our nation forward. The staff complement has grown and we will in due time introduce our winning team to our readers. The existing paper which has become a leader in its field in Nkomazi will in future be known as Mpumalanga NewsHorn, but nothing else will change.

The faces you have come to associate with the NewsHorn are still at your service and some new ones, as well. The Onderberg and its people are very close to our hearts and we will continue to bring benefits to our advertisers and readers from Malalane to Mozambique. The local advertisers will now have an added benefit of going further at less cost. With the new, bigger paper, guest houses and lodges in the Onderberg will have the opportunity to market their products and services to a larger audience - our national and international visitors on their way to the Kruger National Park and the beaches of Mozambique. Never before did these enterprises in Nkomazi have a community paper as vehicle to drive their services. With the higher distribution figures, we can now take our news, your views and local advertisers further than the Malalane tollgate. The Mpumalanga NewsHorn will continue to be for the people by the people and YOU are the people. Let’s grow your business together.

e Asseblief boere, deel jull vars produkte met ons! Alex Rose-Innes

Einde van Julie kry almal weer kans om vars en spesiale produkte by die dorp se Boeremark aan te skaf. Eiers, groente en vrugte word vars en goedkoop te koop aangebied en die ander eetgoed is uit die boonste rakke. Ek het Gautenger hier op my werf wat steeds praat oor alles wat hy te ete kon kry by die vorige mark en soos ons almal weet is hulle maar vol nonsens!

Ek het selfs ‘n uitstekende tweedehandse verkyker spotgoedkoop aangeskaf. Die eerste, baie suksesvolle mark is onlangs op die gronde van die Hervormde Kerk in Malalane (Fish Eagle Bend) gehou en al was dit nog in sy kinderskoene, was dit ‘n besondere geleentheid met spesiale mense en daar is lekker tussendeur gekuier. Die volgende mark is op 30 Julie, weer by die Hervormde Kerk. Moet dit nie hierdie keer misloop nie. (Sien advertensie op bladsy 3 en as jy jou spesiale produkte aan ons mense bekend wil stel, hierdie is jou kans.) Vir die boere met hulle vars produkte, asseblief kom verkoop dit hier sodat ons ook die voordeel daarvan kan benut.

Advertorial

Malalane Toyota provides opportunities for avid artisans Alex Rose-Innes

this enthusiastic group of young men. It really inspired me as a manager to show them my knowledge as it is such a rewarding and humbling feeling to know that I can make a difference in their life and career”, said Werner.

Malalane Toyota’s workshop was approached by Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) to train eight of their students during the past holiday. At the hands of Werner Horn, whose team won the Best Workshop of the Year award recently, the students received hands-on experience and technical training. Those students who excelled could even in future secure a position with this winning dealership, one of the few privately-owned Toyota dealerships in the country. Much needed hands-on training was given. “I thoroughly enjoyed coaching

Students from the Ehlanzeni TVET College were trained at Malalane Toyota during the holidays.

For news stories and tips contact: Sam Nyalunga on 072-794-3458

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Laerskool Malalane MTB Cycle Challenge

Super prizes at annual Nkomazi MTB Cycle The route, which has been designed and laid out by local former SA cycling champ Dirk Lourens, will offer a 65, 35, 19 and 10km options, will start and finish at the It’s that time of the year again to get down school. and dirty for a good cause in Malalane. While the cyclists are battling it out, local Local school Laerskool Malalane, with main artists and well-known Pierre Breytenbach sponsorships by Malalane Toyota and RCL will entertain the crowd. A proper market Foods, is hosting the increasingly popular (as only the Onderberg residents can Nkomazi MTB Cycle Challenge for the third host) will be held on the sports field consecutive year. of the school and food stalls will This community project has grown into provide lip smacking food. one of the biggest races in Mpumalanga Two Entry to the event is free, but and every year, prizes are bigger and topparticipating cyclists will pay R50 better. (10km); R100(19km), R150 for This year, anyone can win a of-the(35km) and R200(65km). Those who brand new Venter trailer just by range are in possession of CSA licenses for being on the sports field of the bicycles the longer routes do not have to pay school! Register at the Malalane R35 extra for day licences. Toyota stall on the 13th of can be won Online entries can be made August, no entry fee! by buying a on the website www.nkomaziTwo top-of-the-range raffle ticket from mtb.co.za and win a goodie bicycles can be won by buying bag. Registration on the day can a raffle ticket from the school’s the school’s be done from 6h30 to 7h30 on learners. A Titan Explorer and a learners the 13th. The 65km race will start Titan BMX are to be won for only at 8h00. R20. Supporting businesses, apart from Participants can win big cash prizes, the main sponsors, will man the water as will the school that enters the most points along the route. cyclists. The school wants to extend a heartfelt The Lanies are challenging other schools thank you to all of them and everyone to take up this challenge but beware, they supporting the drive. have a SA champ and a contingent of top riders in their corner!

Alex Rose-Innes

Dont miss this highlight on the local MTB calender.

Lanies krieket uitslae Die Lanie Krieketspelers het die afgelope vakansie aan die krieketweek by Laerskool Witrivier deelgeneem.  Hul uitslae was as volg: O/9 • Malelane verloor met 69 lopies teen Uplands Prep • Wen met 2 paaltjies teen Laerskool Witrivier • Verloor met 10 paaltjies teen Nelspruit Primary • Verloor met 27 lopies teen

Laerskool Laeveld   O/11 • Verloor met 16 lopies teen Nelspruit Primary • Wen met 4 paaltjies teen Laerskool Laeveld • Wen met 5 paaltjies teen Laerskool • Wen met 7 paaltjies teen Laerskool  1ste Span • Wen met 10 paaltjies teen Laerskool • Verloor met 80 lopies teen Laerskool • Wen met 8 paaltjies teen Laerskool • Wen met 7 paaltjies teen Laerskool

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Property

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Marloth Park continues to lure national and international buyers.

The South African property market is still growing Alex Rose-Innes According to the latest The Study, the veritable bible of the property industry,

despite the cash strap and the flailing economy, South Africa’s property market remains remarkably resilient. The decision of the SA Reserve Bank to keep the repo rate at 7% for a second successive time brings a sigh of relief to many property owners. To those in the know, a further rate hike is not on the cards for the moment. According to property tycoon, Dr Andrew Golding, the country’s property outlook is encouraging. The national housing market reflect a continued demand for homes to buy or rent and especially in Mpumalanga, rental units are in very short supply. It is definitely a certain and trusted money spinner if one has a property to rent and a continued, safe investment for most people. The Study highlights the fact that smaller, more affordable homes which are conveniently located, will continue to drive demand and new homeowners are still entering the market. Properties for less than a million Rand are increasingly popular and will continue to be so in the near future. “Not surprisingly, property remains an investment asset of choice for South Africans. During periods of economic uncertainty and financial market volatility, individuals often become more cautious about their investments, often turning to more stable, ‘real’ assets like bricks and mortar. Research shows that a well-selected property can outperform inflation and generate a better return than equities, ” Golding said.

Thursday, 28 July 2016

9

Kruger Park News

The Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Annah Sono, Ward 14 Councillor in Phalaborwa, Ishmael Mpenyane and Mabasa plant a tree at the Centre.

Kruger Park shares on Mandela Day Alex Rose-Innes Kruger National Park (KNP) management and staff devoted their time for Mandela Day to distribute blankets to 106 people living with disabilities at Khomanani Centre for the Disabled at Phalaborwa in Lulekani.   William Mabasa, acting head of SANParks said “Mandela will forever remain an inspiration to nations all over the world and spending time with people at Khomanani was our way of embracing the late former President’s values and honouring his legacy. We would like to encourage everybody to make every day a Madiba Day by devoting

SANPark’s acting head of Communications, William Mabasa hands over a blanket to Agnes Nkuna at the Khomanani Centre for the Disabled.

their time to worthy causes which make a difference in the society on daily basis”.  The KNP staff, in conjunction with the Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, Annah Sono, also planted trees at the Centre and used the opportunity to educate and mobilise the community and in particular the youth, to raise awareness on issues affecting the environment. “As KNP, we would like to thank the management of the Centre for affording us the opportunity to give warmth to the people at Khomanani. Mabasa also thanked the Mayor of BaPhalaborwa and all colleagues who joined in the celebrations.

Kruger National Park receives major donation from Milkor Alex Rose-Innes In an effort to aid rangers in the Kruger National Park in their ongoing war against rhino poaching, Milkor donated 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) systems to South African National Parks (SANParks) for use in the KNP. Milkor is known for its products used in defence and police forces for more than 35 years and have sold 60 000 of its systems in more than 50 countries. Marius Roos, CEO of Milkor says “SANParks will be able to deploy these weapon systems as part of their arsenal of weapons to combat poaching activities nationally. He believes that the UBGLs’ light weight and durable characteristics along with its diverse less-lethal and lethal applications

such as flare, smoke, flash bang, impulse and rubber rounds will aid SANParks’ Anti-Poaching operations. SANParks is home to the largest population of rhino in the world and the majority of these rhino reside in the iconic KNP. SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni says that with the increased incursions in the KNP, SANParks will continue to look at new and innovative ways in fighting the relentless incursions that we are dealing with in order to protect the rhino. “The South African rhino population is one of the last viable rhino populations in the world which makes it extremely vulnerable. South Africa is therefore the remaining hope for the world in terms of rhino conservation and as such, we have no choice but to conquer this war.”

SANParks Receives 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) systems from Milkor. From Left: Maj Gen(ret) Johan Jooste, SANParks Head Special Projects, Nonhlanhla Mbatha SANParks Ranger Corps, Oupa Manzini SANParks Ranger Corps, William Mabasa, SANParks Acting Head of Communications and Marius Roos, CEO Milkor. (Photo: SANParks.)

Annual South African National Parks Week 2016 announced Alex Rose-Innes Since its inception in 2006, National Parks Week, under the theme Know Your National Parks, has seen an influx of over 225 104 day visitors in all participating parks. SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni says that the idea of a national parks focus week is a world-wide campaign. “The week was established in a bid to

cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, protected by the national parks system.”  The week grants free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities. This year it will be from 12 to 16 September. Some of the parks will be

Free entry to local communities

extending the week to include the weekend. For individual park dates please visit: http://www. sanparks.org/about/events/ parks_week/default.php  SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign in terms of education and awareness of conservation issues. “The survival of the South African

national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa. Environmental education and protection is the responsibility of everyone, not just a privileged few,” said Mketeni.   It should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

10

Conservation & Wildlife

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Staff members of Century21 in Malalane embarked on a drive to raise funds for the Marloth Park Honorary Rangers. At the recent Winter Fair in Marloth, tickets were sold to win luxury accommodation at guest lodges in the Onderberg. Here from left, Phillip Nel, Paulette van der Merwe and Germie Pienaar are enticing visitors to part with their money for a good cause. Tickets are still being sold at their offices at Potter’s Place in Air Street in Malalane. Do support them.

Century21 donates to Marloth Honorary Rangers The Century 21 Nelspruit and Kruger South team embarked on two projects in order to raise funds for Marloth Park’s Honourary Rangers (MPHR). The two initiatives they undertook were selling of lucerne bales and donating the profit to MPHR and secondly, obtaining sponsors of accommodation as prizes in a raffle.

Obaro in Malelane agreed to a discounted price for lucerne bales as their contribution to the stellar work the rangers do. This enabled Marion Ten Cate and her team to buy 40 bales which were sold at the town’s Winter Fair recently. All bales were sold on the day. The profit amounted to R1,230-00 with Century 21

Nelspruit adding a further R1,500 to the contribution, totalling R2730-00. More than 40 tickets were sold and so far an amount of R1025-00 has been raised. Tickets sales are still continuing and the first draw will be end October. The sponsors who gave accommodation prizes so generously are

Grand Kruger Lodge, Turaco Lodge, Jabula Lodge and Bateleur Lodge.

Tickets are sold from Century21’s offices in Air Street in Malalane as well as through pro-active initiatives undertaken by the property professionals. So far, Century21 has paid over almost R4000 to the MHR.

Effektiewe grondbestuur is ‘n absolute noodsaaklikheid Om met ‘n 4x4 voertuig in die veld te ry het die laaste paar jaar geweldig in gewildheid toegeneem. Suid-Afrika se grond is oor die algemeen vatbaar vir kompaksie, erosie en geneig tot korsvorming en beskik oor inherente lae herstelvermoë . Hierdie karaktertrekke beteken that selfs die kleinste foutjie ten opsigte van grondbestuur rampspoedige gevolge kan inhou. Die eienaars van wildsplase in die Onderberg waar wildbesigting vanuit swaargelaaide voertuie plaasvind, moet ernstig oor die toekoms van hulle grond besin. Wanneer die grondgehalte afneem is daar bittermin geleentheid om die situasie reg te stel. NewsHorn het met ‘n kenner, op dié gebied, Dr Gerhard Nortjé, oor die impak van veldritte gesels. Volgens Nortjé bewys navorsing dat swak ontwerpte veldroetes en dié wat nie behoorlik onderhou word nie, in die toekoms vir groot skade aan die bestaande ekostelsels verantwoordelik gaan wees. Omdat grond ‘n nie-herwinbare hulpbron is, kan verlies en die agteruitgang daarvan nie in ‘n mense leeftyd reggestel word nie. Onbeheerde veldritte het nie net ‘n negatiewe effek op die grond self nie, maar vernietig ook die plantbedekking wat die grond teen erosie moet beskerm. Erosie op sigself vererger wanneer die grond nat is en veroorsaak toenemende swak toestande veral op hellings. Terwyl die publiek deeglik bewus is van beskerming van fauna en flora, besef almal nie altyd hoe ‘n groot rol grond in die voortbestaan van ons ekosisteem speel nie. Suid-Afrika het spesifieke wette om

die land se sandduine te beskerm, maar soortgelyke regulasies ten opsigte van veldroetes bestaan nie. Volgens Nortjé is die huidige raad vir veldvoertuie, veral in parke waar wild besigtig word, die slegste vir die veld. Die idee bestaan dat veldvoertuie wat in ‘n ander se spore volg groter skade veroorsaak. Niks is verder van die waarheid nie. Negentig persent van die skade word gedurende die eerste rit aangerig. Om in dieselfde spore te ry is aansienlik minder skadelik as om elke keer nuwe ryoppervlaktes te skep. Navorsing in parke en wildsplase waar wildbesigtingsvoertuie swaar gelaai word, toon duidelik dat daar selfs groot skade aan die grond onder die oppervlak aangerig word en in soveel as 60% van alle gevalle, is daar duidelik merkbare skade. Dié is nie net tot wielspore beperk nie, maar versprei lateraal vanaf die spore na buite. Die gebruik om van bestaande roetes af te wyk om diere beter en nader te besigtig veroorsaak spoor-en veldskade wat tot 15 later jaar gesien kan word. “Beter roetes en netwerke kan ontwerp word deur die gebruik van ‘n grondsensitiewekaart wat gebiede soos vleie, brak gedeeltes, slik,- leem-en fynsandgrond areas aandui. Dit is ook belangrik om dorre gebiede waar geen grasbedekking is nie, in ag te neem tydens die beplanning. Dit is egter betwyfelbaar of veldroetes volhoubaar is ten spyte van intensiewe beheer en minder gereelde gebruik.” Waar gemeganiseerde oeste in die landbou plaasvind, is daar uiteraard ook skade aan die omliggende landerye en ontstaan ondergrondse verkeerpanne. Sy raad wat verseker ook die Onderberg

se suikerrietboere kan baat is dat ‘n eenvoudige verbouingsstelsel met beheerde verkeer geskep word en bewerkingsgebiede slegs van een spoor gebruik maak. Vragmotors, trekkers en sleepwaens moet onder geen omstandighede buite hierdie rygebiede beweeg nie. Waar veldroetes vir 4x4 voertuie en veldfietse geskep word verskil die toestande van dié in boerderygebiede. Veldroetes word op ongebruikte grond uitgelê. Nortjé waarsku egter dat die skade hier groter kan wees indien roetes op voorheen bewerkte landerye lê. Sy raad ten opsigte van veldroetes kan met groot sukses gevolg word en behoort die plesier van wildbesigtiging geensins te verminder nie. Bly in bestaande spore. In droë gebiede soos in die Onderberg kan slegs een wildvangoperasie onberekenbare skade aanrig; Indien roetes nie meer gebruik word nie moet dit gerehabiliteer word en nie net ongebruik gelaat word nie; Beplan behoorlik – moenie bloot roetes op die maklikste moontlike gebied uitlê nie;

Moenie ‘n nuwe roete met voertuie skep nie en wanneer die grond nat is, bly uit die veld uit met enige voertuig. Moet geensins ry wanneer grond nat is nie. Beplan voldoende dreinering tydens konstruksie, nie daarna nie. Met behoorlike leivore kan dié water vir wild en die grasgebiede aangewend word en Waar dit onmoontlik is om toegang tot die veld te beheer, moet skade deur behoorlike veldbestuur hanteer word, onder andere spoorverkeer. Dr Gerhard Nortjé (PhD; MSc; Mphil, BSc(Hon)Pr.Sci.Nat is ‘n kenner en eienaar van SoloVivo (lewende grond), ‘n omgewings- en grondkonsultasie maatskappy. Hy beskik oor 20 jaar se ervaring in en is bekend vir sy deurbraakwerk in SA, Botswana, Namibië en Tanzanië, waar hy in samewerking met beleidsmakers, bewaringsrolspelers en plaasboere, ‘n groot rol in grondbewaring gespeel het. Hy kan by +27 83 501 8680 of op faksnommer +27 86 459 2119 of per epos bereik word op [email protected].

Thursday, 28 July 2016

Conservation

Going nuts over Macadamia nut farming NewsHorn recently spoke to an avocado farmer close to Badplaas. He was uprooting all his trees and replacing them with macadamia nut trees. It seems he was spot on. It is predicted that nut production in South Africa will double in the next five to seven years because of worldwide demand. According to European market predictions, macadamia farmers can fetch more than R200 000 per ton. SA used to be the main producer of nuts (27% of worldwide production), but the drought has impacted the harvest this year. The country exports to South America and Europe. According to the Department of Agriculture, a good macadamia tree can produce nuts for 40 years. The trees required a hot subtropical climate without much humidity. In South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo were ideal areas. This market has also seen 3 000 new job opportunities created on macadamia farms over the last decade and another 1 000 jobs

11

Mpumalanga region is ideal for macadamia nut growing.

in cracking facilities across the country. There are currently 1000 farmers growing these nuts and yearly production amounts to more than 29 0000 tons. According to a Pretoria-based dietician, a worldwide shift has seen doctors reneging on their original belief that nuts lead to obesity

and today, with banting diets, macademia is at the top of the nut list. Science has now proved that it assists with weight loss, help alleviate arthritis symptoms, help to control high blood pressure and promote brain health.

Doen aansoek vir ‘n beurs - Afrikanerkinders kry hulp

Wannabe birders course in Marloth Park A well attended three - module, beginner’s bird course kicked off in Marloth Park earlier this month. The lecturer is senior Honorary Ranger Genie Retief. The full course will include topics such as bird watching, the resources needed, bird families and finally gardening to attract birds and the conservation of our feathered friends. The course is held on Saturdays to enable all interested parties to attend and each lasts three hours with tea and coffee served. The cost is a mere R30 per person per lecture. The next course is on 4 August and the final one on the 11 that Phumula Kruger Lodge in Marloth. Bird watching has gained an enormous following and we in the Onderberg are privileged to have experts on our doorstep. To book or possibly arrange for such a course in future, call Genie on 082 464 6618 or on email [email protected]

Become part of the Solidarity Helping Hand Care community in Onderberg Alex Rose-Innes A special request has been made by Solidarity to the residents of the Onderberg to join hands and become part of the Care community of this organisation in Komatipoort and Marloth Park. The major aim of this drive is to find sustainable solutions for minority group (white) poverty. According to statistics, as many as 98% of those who apply for assistance at Helping Hand have lost their jobs, especially bread winners. Problems resulting from this are the loss of a home, neglect of the aged and the situation of the disabled deteriorates as in many instances they have no supporting framework to obtain their social grants. Furthermore, school funds cannot be paid and no money is available for school wear.

Many children are neglected, learners have to forego extramural activities, no medical aid and mostly and no food, compound the situation. Helping Hand is collecting non-perishable foods to alleviate immediate food shortages. The organisation however believes that upliftment is possible through training. There are various levels of support and if anyone in the community has the ability to share skills and work opportunities, contact Mpumalanga’s regional co-ordinator, Alisha de Lange on 082 923 1438 or visit the webpage www.helpendehand.co.za. The people from the Onderberg are known for helping their fellowmen. Let us support this drive and make a difference, however small.

Solidariteit Helpende Hand se Studiefondssentrum (SFS) bied sedert 2009 studielenings vir studente wat verder wil gaan studeer. Hierdie lenings is 100% rentevry en is dus baie gesog onder mense wat nie kan bekostig om hul kinders te laat studeer nie. Tot op hede is meer as R120 miljoen in studielenings uitbetaal aan verdienstelike Afrikanerkinders. Op die oomblik het Helpende Hand 209 verskillende studiefondse en in 2016 is daar vir die eerste keer ooit toekennings ter waarde van meer as R31 miljoen gemaak. ’n Enorme 1 248 studente se lewens is deur die Studiefondssentrum se belegging in hul toekoms, verander. Volgens Alisha de Lange, streekorganiseerder vir die Mpumalanga streek, is dit ’n geloofsdaad om in jongmense se opvoeding te belê. “Om positief te wees spruit vanuit ’n keuse om te midde van alles wat in ons land gebeur, nog steeds die positiewe raak te sien en dankbaar te wees daarvoor – ’n eenvoudige beginsel, maar nie altyd maklik uitvoerbaar nie,” vertel de Lange. “Die Studiefondssentrum het soveel positiewe kurwes behaal en is ons vandag dankbaar vir elkeen van ons skenkers en sakevennote wat ingekoop het in ons studiefondsstrategie. Ek nooi ook graag nuwe donateurs uit om saam met ons in die toekoms te glo!” Spesiaal vir leerders uit Mpumalanga Die Mpumalanga streek  het ook ‘n Studiefonds beskikbaar vir ‘n kind vanuit die Mpumalanga streek.  Indien iemand belangstel om aansoek te doen vir hierdie studiefonds, stuur gerus ‘n epos aanofsfs@ helpendehand.co.za of kontak 012 644 4390.

SPORT Thursday, 28 July 2016

www.newshorn.co.za

Tel: 013-007-1155/082-624-4098

Lanies ryer wen groot Alex Rose-Innes

Voor: Nog ‘n klein Engelbrecht wys haar staal tydens die onlangse SA ringbal kampioenskappe in Pretoria. Agter: Sine Repinga met die bal.

South African Ringball

Jooste Coetzee het 16 Julie aan die Nasionale Cross Country Bergfiets Kampioenskappe wat in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal aangebied is, deelgeneem.  Jooste, wat reeds die SAbeker ingepalm het, het sy hele skool vakansie aan oefening ter voorbereiding vir dié nasionale kompetisie gewy.  Die kranige bergfietsryer was eerste geplaas by die wegspringlyn, maar sy voet het van die pedaal afgegly met die wegspring wat veroorsaak het dat hy eers 11de weggekom het.  Hy het egter goeie taktiek gebruik en uiteindelik opgevang met Alec Coleske van die Wes-Kaap.  Alec en Jooste was band aan band vir die eerste twee rondtes, waarna Jooste weggebreek het met die derde rondte en die finaal gewen het met ‘n tyd van 38:45. Alec Coleske het die tweede posisie behaal met ‘n tyd van 40:31. Jooste dra nou die titel van Nasionale Kampioen in die Sprog Afdeling.    Die Spur Skole-reeks het verlede naweek afgespring met die eerste wedren wat te Uplands College. Laerskool Malelane spog met 20 ryers wat hierdie jaar aan die reeks gaan deelneem.

Mpumalanga delivers gold medals and SA champion

WG Engelbrecht reaches for the ball. This young Komatipoort athlete received his SA colour during the SA ring ball tournament.

During the recent South African A ring ball tournament in Pretoria from 11 to 16 July, Mpumalanga was well presented. This national tour saw the cream of these athletes compete against each other. Mpumalanga was represented by Nelspruit, Malelane, Komatipoort and Barberton. The Mpumalanga women’s’ team took home a gold medal as the best performers in their age category in SA.

WG Engelbrecht of Komatie Akademie in Komatipoort played for the Gauteng under 15 team which also won gold. They were selected as the best performers in their age group countrywide. WG was also awarded his SA colours! This excellent sportsman wishes to thank Mascor and the Hurter family who generously contributed towards making his participation possible. The selected SA teams will compete in various nationals.

Jooste Coetzee is nou die nasionale SA Sprog kampioen.

For news contact: Daluxolo (Dex) Sibiya on 071-418-9770