UMVOTI MAYORS .... PAST AND PRESENT IN DEFAMATION CASE

Umvoti Mayor PG Mavundla is claiming R250 000 in damages from previous Umvoti Mayor P.Ngubane for alleged defamation -the case was heard in Pietermaritzburg High Court last week. .Acting Judge Piet Bezuidenhout reserved judgment in the matter. Ex Mayor Ngubane did not oppose the application and was not present in Court. He has previously denied making the comments about which Mavundla has complained.

In his application before the Court, Mavundla alleged that he had been defamed by Ngubane when in 2009 he had published statements that Mavundla had “engineered” attacks on IFP members in Umvoti as well as accusing him of “buying “ the votes of Amakhosi during a leadership election in May 2009 in the house of Traditional Leaders.

It is alleged that these comments portrayed Mavundla as a ”ruthless person who engages in or engineers actual violence and murder to advance the interests of ANC members at the expense of the IFP”, and an “unethical and corrupt” person who would resort to corrupt practices to wrest political control from the IFP.

In giving oral evidence Mavundla told the Court that up till now Ngubane had not apologised or retracted his alleged statement which had been published in the press and broadcast on radio.

.At the funeral of assassinated Umvoti IFP Councillor, Ntuthuko Ngcobo, in May 2009,Mavundla alleged that in a speech at the funeral, which had been broadcast, Ngubane had stated was that he (Mavundla) was behind efforts to eliminate members of the IFP. He testified that he regard this as an inflammatory statement “which was going to cause problems.” The situation in Umvoti at the time had been extremely volatile at the time with a number of people dying in political violence. Similar comments had been published in the press at the time.

Mavundla confirmed to Acting Judge Bezuidenhout that, he had then obtained a High Court interdict to prevent Ngubane from continuing to make these allegations which had put him and his family in danger. In addition he was adversely affected in his business and political activities as it was dangerous for him to enter certain areas.He said “I couldn’t go about my normal business as an ANC leader and councillor in the area ...I was scared for my life,”

Advocate, Chris Hattingh, appearing for Mavundla, said the slander must be seen in a very serious light as it put Mavundla in harm’s way.

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CAR SOUND COMPETITION

Car sound competitions are proving to be more and more popular and the next one is to be held in Greytown on Sunday 2nd December at 2 p.m. in front of Emergency Auto Spares.

In the competition sound pressure level is measured using a decibel meter that is placed inside the vehicle on the front windscreen. A commercial track is played over a period of 30 seconds and the meter captures the highest decibels. Competitors are placed in different categories according to woofer ,port and car size and number of amplifiers.

There is also a bass boxing category where a competitor plays a commercial track with one door open and the meter averages the decibel reading over 30 seconds. Vocals must be loud enough for the judge to identify the soundtrack!

There are nine categories -the loudest three vehicles in each category receive a trophy.

All welcome -for information or assistance in setting up your vehicle contact 083 642 3655

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DOMESTIC WORKERS ANNUAL WAGE INCREASES

Annual minimum wage increases for domestic workers have been officially gazetted and are operative as from 1st December 2012 until 30th November 2013.

For Umvoti, which is classified as Area B, the minimum wage for domestic workers who work more than 27 hours per week is as follows:

Hourly rate :R7.65 (previously 7.06)

Weekly rate:R344.30(previously R317.62)

Monthly rate:R1491.86 (previously R1376.25)

Minimum wage for domestic workers who work 27 ordinary hours per week or less:

Hourly rate:R9.03 (previously 8.33)

Weekly rate:R243.80 (previously 224.90)

Monthly rate:R1056.35 (previously 974.49)

Formula for the increase”wages will be subjected to a CPI plus 2% increase from 1st December to 30th November 2013. The CPI (for the lowest quintile) 6 weeks prior to 1st December has been 6.4%. This means wages for this period calculated as follows :CPI (for the lowest quintile)plus 2% for Area B = 6.4% +2% =8.4%”

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SHADOW COLUMN

GREYTOWN Gazette publishes a monthly Shadow Column listing events to take place

throughout the year. Main objective is to notify the public of what is scheduled to take

place, or about to, and to avoid,as far as possible, “double dating” -that is two events on

the same day which could create problems not only for the organisers but also for the

public. An appeal therefore to all Churches, ngo’s, sports bodies, clubs etc. to submit

dates and event details to the Greytown Gazette for publication asap. Please send in whatever 2013 functions and dates you have already planned

DECEMBER

1st:World AIDS day

4th:Hmb Primary awards

4th:Greytown Junior awards

4th:Wembley moonlight market

5th:Hmb High School awards

6th:Deadline for Greytown Gazette Christmas adverts

7th:Schools close

16th:Day of Reconciliation

16th:Hmb Kindergarten graduation

18th: Community Carol Service Lutheran Church

19th: Xmas issue Greytown Gazette

20th:Greytown Gazette office closes

25th:Christmas Day

26th:Day of Goodwill

2013

JANUARY

10th:Greytown Gazette office opens

16TH: First issue 2013 Greytown Gazette

16th: School open for first term

FEBRUARY

2nd:Mudman Hmb

MARCH

21st/22nd:Open day Hmb school

21st:Human Rights Day(Thursday)

28th:Schools close for Easter holidays

29th:Good Friday

APRIL

1st: Family Day

8th:Second school term starts

27th:Freedom day(Saturday)

MAY

1st:Workers Day(Wednesday)

4th:Hermannsburg Schulfest

JUNE

16th:Youth Day(Sunday)

21st:Schools close for June holidays

JULY

15th:Schools open for third term

AUGUST

9th: Women’s Day (Friday)

SEPTEMBER

20th: Schools close for Michaelmas holidays

24th:Heritage Day (Tuesday)

OCTOBER

1st:Schools open for last term

DECEMBER

4th:Schools close for Christmas holidays

16th:Day of Reconciliation (Monday)

25th:Christmas Day (Wednesday)

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Drug dealer nabbed in Greytown

Acting on information received Investigating Crime Intelligence personnel in Greytown set up a surveillance two months ago on suspected drug traffickers.

An undercover agent obtained some of the drugs being sold - tested by Police Forensics the results were that the drugs being marketed were Mandrax.

Last Tuesday afternoon, someone was sent in undercover to do a buy. R10 000 worth of Mandrax was found on the suspect who also had five thousand rand in cash in his back pocket. The drug dealer was arrested and appeared in Greytown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday

on charges of drug trafficking - the case has been remanded for a bail application.

An appeal has been made by Crime Intelligence for anyone with any information on any aspects of drug dealing, selling, usage etc to please contact Crime Stop crimeline - either SMS 32211 or phone 086 001 0111 or email steyntimothy@saps.gov.za - all sources will be treated as confidential.

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READERS WRITE

Chaning-Pearce Thank-You

Sir,

We would like to send our sincere thanks to all our neighbours, friends, the 911 team and members of the community who responded immediately and selflessly to Adrian’s distress call on the night of 7th November when he was brutally attacked.

We have been truly humbled by the support, thoughts, prayers, visits and kind gestures we have received from every sector of the community and beyond. From our own farm staff members’ shock and outrage, to our neighbours, friends, family, (within South Africa and abroad), Greytown community members and our suppliers and customers scattered all over South Africa. You have all given us so much strength and support to see this through. It is not yet over, there is still a long way to go, so please don’t stop your prayers and thoughts, we cannot possibly describe the effect they have.

To try and thank everyone individually would be very difficult, and we are certain to leave someone out. A certain few must however be mentioned; Mel Taylor and Wally Gevers who got to Adrian first and to Mel for driving Adrian through to Arcadia. The outstanding staff at Arcadia along with Dr Roodt who were ready and waiting to tend to Adrian. Julian and Kelly for driving Adrian through to St Anne's along with Mike Barrow who assisted greatly with moving Adrian in and out of the vehicle, monitoring his breathing and drip on the way, as well as his help in Casualty. And certainly to all those who spent many hours driving around looking for the vehicle and perpetrators involved.

We are eternally grateful.

The Chaning-Pearce Family

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FROM THE COURTS

The annual Roley Hill mens’ doubles tennis tournament will be held in Greytown on Sunday 9 December

This year the tournament will be sponsored by Mascor and Umvoti Tyres We look forward to receiving your entries and seeing you on the day.Cost is R120 per racket and includes lunch and tea eats. Numerous prizes will be awarded to each section and players will be seeded according to strength. Please contact :

Pierre Steyn: 033 413 9528, 082 772 5504; pierre.steyn@pannar.co.za

or Ashley Cotterrell: 033 4139571, 082 415 0525

ashley.cotterrell@pannar.co.za to enter.

Weather predictions for this coming Saturday look promising, i.e. no rain -so see you at social tennis which will start as usual at 2 p.m..

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RAPIST PUT AWAY FOR LIFE

25 year old Avelo Tuswa was sentenced to life imprisonment for the callous rape of an 82 year old woman in New Hanover - acting High Court judge Igna Stretch said that she felt no unease in imposing the minimum life sentence for the rape which she ruled involved the infliction of grievous bodily harm. The frail “gogo” still suffers pain from her injuries and and in fact collapsed in the Court just before sentence was passed and is suffering pain and trauma.

In imposing sentence the Judge found that Tuswa’s most likely motivation for the rape was the desire for power, control and destruction, rather than sexual arousal as he claimed in his written plea. She went on to say that the children and elderly were soft targets and “they demand and deserve our equal protection.”

A reminder that 16 days of Activism for no violence against women and children began on Sunday 25th -the them this year”From peace in the home to peace in the world. Lets challenge militarism and end violence against women.”

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ST CATHRYN’S NEWS

While farmers were meant to be baling, planting, harvesting or moving timber to keep the economy going - local farmers took to the golf course on Saturday 24th in near perfect farming and golfing weather. They arrived on time, dressed in their golfing best with limited equipment in their possession, they tee-ed off in the annual Kranskop Farmers Association - American scramble three ball alliance.

The golfing members were paired with the farmers, as some said ‘ we have never played before’ but were the stars of the day. You know farmers ….they read their scores like their rain gauges always a little more…..

Results:

1st Paul Els, Carl and Erich Ortmann 23 Points

2nd Rikus Kloppers, Liekie Steyn and Shaun Govinsamy oco

3rd Steve and Daniel Richardson and Darren Braithwaite

4th Heino and Karl Heinz Duval and Bodo Ortmann

5th Barnabas Vroegop, Phillip Gathman An Other 25 points

6th Edmund Duval, Rolf Königkrämer and Deon Joubert 28 points oco

7th Peter and Carina Rommelspacher and Gunther Meyer

8th Piet Nel , HT Ortmann and Geoff-tuta Newlands.

Nearest to pin 2/11th : Piet Nel

Nearest to Pin 9/18 : Darren Braithwaite.

The fun filled day was played in good spirits, lots of laughter and some magnificent looking ( but vrot ) shots. The sponsored prizes were a bonus on the day- and much appreciated by the wives - as the farmers enjoyed the braai and the rain that fell later over a beer or two. Thanks to the generous sponsors on the day : Mondi , Landbank, PSG Consulting, NCT, Logquip and Pannar – thank you for your support to help the farmers support a very worthy cause – “ Golf 911.”

Thank you to all the golf members who played and the farmers and their families for the fun day – see you again next year.

Due to a private function this Friday 30 November the pub will not be open. Please phone Piet to book for golf 083 269 1661.

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GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

Nick Goble lost out on the money from the attendance draw as he was not present at the time of the draw. Next attendance draw will be on Friday ,7 December with R800 up for grabs. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner.

Friday 30 November is Happy Hour. SASCO is sponsoring the meal and the hampers & goodie bags. Get your R20 ticket so you don’t miss out on this special edition of Happy hour. .

The tombstone challenge on Sat 1 Dec will be a very interesting and a fun challenge to be part of. Golfers will be “dying” all over the golf course is this challenge, Sponsored by Mike van der Berg. Details to follow….

. everybody is welcome to come and enjoy this excellent special. .

Dates to diarize

Fri 30 Nov – Happy Hour sponsored by SASCO

Sat 1 Dec – Tombstone challenge

Tues 4 Dec – Cheap-as-Tuesday

Sat 8 Dec – Mascor Monthly Mug

Sat 15 Dec – Bring & Take golf day

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High Court costs ...apologies!

The Greytown Gazette apologises for an incorrect statement in last week’s report on High Court proceedings between the ANC(applicant) and the IFP,NFP and DA(respondents).

Judge van Zyl ordered the NFP only to pay the costs of the Court hearings-that is the NFP as first respondent and Councillors Xaba and Shange as second and third respondents. The DA and IFP were not included in the Judge’s ruling of the payment of costs.

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CHRISTMAS GARDEN CLUB MEETING ...A WINNER

It was a great start to the Christmas season -the Garden club meeting at the Beehive with a traditional German Christmas as its theme .

The committee ,directed by Karen Schroeder, did an amazing job of turning the venue into a Christmas wonderland with Christmas trees which were beautifully decorated in Christmas colours of gold, red and green. The tables echoed this theme with candles and Christmas greenery.

Guests were thrilled to listen to the Hermannsburg junior school choir which sang a medley of German music. The choir dressed traditional dirndles and lederhosen looked delightful. Thank you to the choir mistress Mrs Johannes who played the keyboard and conducted the choir.

Pastor Brand was the speaker for the morning. He had the audience riveted with his wealth of knowledge about German culture and history.. He highlighted the important elements of a German Christmas.

The talk set the tone for a warm, festive family Christmas. We would like to extend our thanks to both Pastor Brandt and the choir.

We all enjoyed tasting the festive treats which had been baked by various people in the community. The black forest cake from Kwa Sizabantu was a decadent treat!

We wish all the garden club members a happy festive season. We look forward to an exciting program for next year.

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Make sure the kids are security aware

Children often spend time alone at home but are often forgotten when home security is discussed and planned. With many dual income households, children spend a lot of time without their parents at home. Chubb Fire and Security point out:

*Many home burglaries or hold-ups occur as children have not been told what to do in such situations.

* Remember your children when planning for your home’s security, especially when they are at home alone or during weekend or holiday periods.

.

*Children must be taught never to allow unannounced visitors onto the property. As well as not going to the gate to investigate an unannounced visitor, no matter how persuasive.

*Children should be taught how to answer a telephone or gate intercom without letting on that they are alone. Rather than acknowledging that their parents are away from the property, they should say that the required person is not available and ask the caller to leave a message.

*Children should know the location of your panic buttons, and more importantly, how to use them. If you have remote panic buttons, make sure your children have one at their disposal.

* An easily accessible list of emergency contact numbers such as parents’ work and cell phone numbers as well as those of the immediate neighbours, your security company, the South African Police Service and other emergency services, such as the Fire Department, should be left near the home’s main phone.Most children have cell phones – input these numbers into their phones and if they have the facility, show your children how to use the speed dial facility on their phone.

.

Issued behalf of Chubb Fire &Security South Africa by:

Alison Bull Communications NS

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Since the 2001 census Umvoti population has increased by 5% and the breakdown can be seen in this Census graphic designed by Matthew le Cordeur of The Witness

 

WETTEST OCTOBER IN 5 YEARS

October 2012 was the wettest October since 2007 with 190.4mm recorded by Pannar Research Department which was way over the 39 year mean of 89.53mm.Last year just 69.88mm was recorded whilst 2008 was a low of 35.2mm. To all those who moaned that it never stopped raining last month - they weren’t too far out!According to the records rain fell on 25 out of the 31 days!Even though on some days it was just a spit and a spat. Most rainfall was 39.4 mm on 21st and 30.4 on 29th. Hail and high winds were experienced during last week’s storms with reportedly not too much damage in the area.

However Greytown Museum’s famous 133 year old magnificent wild fig tree lost a branch which destroyed part of the heritage Museum’s roof. This tree, one of two, was planted in 1879 when the house was built! Part of Greytown history they were planted by General Louis Botha’s sister, a Mrs Birtwell!

In contrast to this amount of precipitation - temperatures of over 30 degrees were recorded on the first four days of October -the highest being 34.57 on the 3rd -the lowest maximum was 14.85 on the 31st.

The good news is that Lake Merthley is now 79%full and 0.740m below the wall!

Pannar Research Department recorded 6mm rainfall for the first four days of November with Sunday a scorching 32.50 degrees maximum. But Internet weather forecasts for Greytown predict that there is still a lot of rain hovering around and a few days with temperatures in the low low teens!

Hope someone found that pot of gold at the bottom of this rainbow last Wednesday! Photo:

For 133 years this magnificent wild fig tree has stood and shaded the Museum but last Tuesday night a branch blew off and damaged the roof and verandah.

ENDS

INFO WANTED BY SAPS ON MURDERS

 Residents in Wartburg expressed their fears following the shooting of two men by unknown gunmen last Wednesday evening. The two, from Langeni, 33 year old Sijingabe Hadebe and 31 year old Sithunywa Goqo were walking home when they were shot and stabbed after an altercation with a group of unknown men. Hadebe was shot in the head and leg and stabbed in the chest and died on the scene. Goqo who was shot in the chest was crying for help but then also died on the scene. The attackers fled the scene - motive for the killing is unknown. An appeal has been issued by Police spokesman Lieutenant Joey Jeevan for information from anyone who might have witnessed the attack or who might have any information - contact branch commander, Warrant Officer Nicholas Ndlela on 082 459 7352  

ENDS

Jackie Cameron to launch Wembley cookbook

Wellknown chef, Jackie Cameron of Harford House, is to launch the second edition of the Wembley College Foundation Phase cookbook on Saturday 16 November at 10.30 a.m.

Internationally and nationally famous for her cooking

skills, Jackie will demonstrate some special dishes for entertaining over the festive period. Tickets at R100 per person include a free cookbook,tea ,refreshments and the demonstration ...please phone the school on 033 413 2677 for tickets. The cookbook, full of tried and tested recipes from parents,will make a great Christmas present.

ENDS

ST CATHRYN’S NEWS

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St Cathryn’s members of the Interclub teams are busy with their final preparations for their trip down to Margate, Port Shepstone and should they reach the finals on Sunday, Southbroom. The team is setting off this Thursday leaving the club house at 2pm, and picking up members on the way.

Mike Harrison , ( Master Chef from Pmb) , stood in the queue for hours doing the last minute shopping so that team members can have delicious meals prepared by him. On the menu: roasts , bacon and eggs and good old traditional braais. Mike, even though a Manchester United fan, has left out meals the Pommies love - bangers and mash and tea and scones.

Member Paul du Preez , vice captain, Frog team A, at a team meeting on Friday night worked on the smaller details of golf tour with captain Paul Els. Each member will be allocated two beers and one Old Brown sherry should the weather turn foul on the weekend. Captain Paul Els also secured excellent accommodation and thank you very much Jack and Di Mason. The boys have promised to be in bed early, to mow the lawn and do gardening in between their busy golfing schedule.

Zane Padoa will be in charge of security of all members, their clubs and vehicles and being the oldest member in team A, he seems to be the most responsible fellow in the team and must ensure all members of both teams are in bed by nine.

Next on their allocated duties are Piet, the driver and sports writer on tour. Follow the golfers via sms for updates and a tee box to tee box live report.

The Rookie on tour will be Warrick Pitout. Now there is a gentleman. He has taken on the responsibility of finding sponsors. Warrick also found a clothing sponsor in the name of Duane Corbishley. Wow, these boys look good in their clothing and golfing attire. golf shirts, golf bags, caps and even a handsome shirt to wear at the evening functions. Thank you Duane and Pannar. The embroidery is out of this world and Mel Taylor you did an excellent job. The rest of St Cathryn’s wish the teams a fun weekend and thank you all for flying the St Cathryn’s flag. Good Luck !!

One of the world’s greatest golfers and sporting hero, Mr Gary Player had his birthday last week. Mr Player turned 75,and on behalf of all at St Cathryn’s, “ Happy Birthday and thank you for being such an gentleman, golfing legend and thank you for what you have done for Golf in South Africa.”

It feels like it has been ages since our last Farmers Agri- Care Monthly Mug, don’t despair, our next mug is to be played on Saturday the 17th of November 2012.

This Friday 9th we will bring and braai, please RSVP to 0825552661 should you like to join us, all welcome.

ENDS

READERS WRITE

Sir

I drive into Greytown every morning past the Greytown High School round about 7 -there is always a constant stream of vehicles to drop the kids off; schoolchildren walking up to the school and drivers , like myself on the way to work.

Imagine my total disbelief last Friday when a red Merc, with an NKK registration, overtook me just after the so called traffic calmer at the Tranquility entrance,

pushed into a non-existent gap between me and the car in front of me -all of this on the blind corner driving down the hill into Durban Street. I was so taken aback did not register who was driving or whether there perhaps were younger schoolchildren still in the vehicle and the driver was stupidly rushing to get them to school on time.

Whatever traffic cops are in the vicinity seem to be blissfully unaware of the almost daily flagrant disregard for the safety of roadusers and the children.

I sincerely hope this particular driver will in future refrain from such reckless driving which puts all concerned at risk.

Thank you

Very angry (and frightened) driver!

ENDS

From the ditch

Saturday afternoon heralded the beginning of the sunny break in the weather -then bowlers could not believe their luck after the last couple of weeks of rain!

Then Sunday burst upon us! Blue sky headed the day as thirty six people crowded onto the greens for two games of ten ends, with a tea break between them while winners drew winners and losers played losers for the second game! There were shrieks of laughter, banter, wrong biases, and hitting the jack before all retired from the sun and enjoyed the braai lunch.

Many thanks to Umvoti Tyres for a great day and for the prizes won by:

1st session:Bryan Paul;Angela Wheeler and Corne Nefdt;2nd session:Ernie Weyks;Wendy Edkins and June Litterick. Second overall was Annette Williams; Wolfie and Betsie van Rooyen

Overall winners were:Jack Drew;Kobus Uys and Kelsey Edkins.

But bowls was the winner, and thanks to everyone for their support - a most enjoyable day for all.To all those who could not make it -there will be more fun days and you are very welcome to come along to play bowls any Wednesday or Saturday afternoon.

Interesting facts -bowls is considered as old man marbles, yet the Australian bowls team is younger than their cricket team, while the ladies team captain is 19 and the UK ladies captain is 21! South Africa’s world champion Doug Watson was 27 when he won the title!

ENDS

DEEPAVALI MESSAGE : MRS R. AHEER - PRESIDENT SHRI VISHNU MANDIR

Deepavali, meaning a row of lights, has once again dawned upon us and as we progress on our spiritual journey, we come across many obstacles. Be like that lamp that burns not for one’s self, but for the benefit of others ...this dispels our own darkness. Bring joy to others...be like the tree that does not eat its fruit or the river that does not drink its water but without any quest for reward to their duty. This is the message of Deepavali.

Hindu women play a major role in all our festivals and Deepavali showcases their talent at baking, preparing sweetmeats and decorating our homes. Adorned in their loveliest finery in anticipation of the daylong festivities,which include prayer, exchanging of gifts, sweetmeats and greetings, our ladies become Laxmi, the Goddess of abundance, light and love. Whether it be the return of Shri Raam and Mother Sita to Ayodhya or the defeat of Narkasure by Shri Krishna ,the message is universal “Let the light of love, unity and happiness permeate continuously.”

At this juncture I, on behalf of the officials and members of the Shri Vishnu Mandir, extend best wishes to all on this very auspicious festival of Deepavali.May Shri Raam bless and guide you always!

Deepavali hawan will be conducted at the Temple on Tuesday 13th November at 1 p.m. Inder Govardhan pooja (prayer for rain) will be observed on Wednesday 14th, commencing at 6 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The Sabha also thanks all donors who contributed to the food hampers which were distributed to the needy.

ENDS

GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

We would like to start off with a big apology to TWK for not being on our sponsorship list for the Classic golf day. Thank you TWK for your support we really appreciate it.

Tammy Meter lost out on the money from the attendance draw as she was not present at the time of the draw. Next attendance draw will be on Friday with R500 up for grabs. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner.

Mascor monthly mug and NLDTF Business league played on Saturday. The weather held up nicely and the day was enjoyed by all.

RESULTS:

1st – M Thusi on 61 net

2nd – J Rawstorne on 63 nett

3rd – S Muna on 65 nett

Stableford winner was D Meyer on 41points

Congratulations to all the winner and thank you to all the sponsors & the loyal golfers for all their support.

MOTH golf day is this Saturday 10 Nov. Entry is R150 and it includes your green fee ,halftime and supper. 4BBB ... please enter with a partner. List is up on the notice board at the Club. Please support this very worthy cause.

This month there will be a special treat for those who attend the happy hour on Friday 30 November. SASCO is sponsoring with hampers and goodie bags to add to our draw. Get your R20 ticket so you don’t miss out on this special edition of Happy hour. They will also be sponsoring the meal.

Dates to diarize

Sat 10 Nov – Moth Golf Day

Sat 17 Nov – Umvoti Tyres golf day

Fri 30 Nov – Happy Hour sponsored by SASCO

ENDS

MOTH GOLF DAY THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday 10thNovember the annual golf fundraiser,to support local Moths and Mothwas takes place at Greytown golf club. Today,they are the ones so easily forgotten for their sacrifices in previous wars and protecting this country .Many are living on a pension only

so support for this day means assistance for really worthy beneficaries. Grey town Moths and Mothwas as a group try to raise enough funds every year to maintain the Moths cottages,and appreciate and are grateful for anything at all.

An appeal to golfers and non golfers to come to play on Saturday. T ee offs from 11am,put your names up on the board...it will cost you R150 for teas, golf and supper and some really fantastic prizes.Come and have some fun on Saturday and then the Bokke play Ireland afterwards.

ENDS

BROTHERS PEDAL INTO GREYTOWN

.brothers- headline later

Two brothers from Clarens slept Greytown Police station verandah last Sunday night on their way home after cycling their way from Egypt .Their epic 11 000kms cycle ride started in March -Quintin Beukes, who wrote matric last year initiated the ride. The family then decided he was too “young” to travel by himself, so 17 year old brother Charles, who turned 18 on the trip accompanied him. Charles took his gap year early and will return to his matric class at Grey College next year.

Quintin said that he had wanted to do something different and the trip had given them so much - learning about life, people, how to communicate and most important getting to know oneself. Carrying about 25 kgs on their bikes the brothers, on a tight budget, slept at police stations in the 8 countries they rode through, or were invited to homes or just slept out!

Quintin said that not only had the journey been inspiring for them , he hoped it would be for others to take up challenges. He will be at the University of Free State next year. On being asked whether they had been any brotherly fights -the reply was minor ones which were soon patched up!

They are on facebook:Afrikatoerbeukesborthers for more information and photos of the trip.

Quintin and Charles Beukes on their way back home to Clarens.

ENDS

FIREARM LICENCES FOR COLLECTION

A final notice has been issued by SAPS service firearm office in Greytown for the collection of firearm licences and competency cards .If these are not collected th. as the 90 day period has expired, cards will be returned to CCRCR Pretoria.

As a matter of urgency therefore, members of the public who have applied for firearm licences /competencies at Greytown are asked to check by phoning or 033 413 9003 or call at the SAPS centre between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. -please take along IDs and old licence cards.

Applicants have been notified by the National Office Pretoria by SMS and are requested to respond

by enquiring at Greytown whether their cards are there for collection.

ENDS

NTE NEWS

It plays such an important role in the economy of the district yet most Greytown Gazette readers are probably not even aware of this dynamic industry...NTE Company Ltd which has a factory at Hermannsburg and also Iswepe. The NTE village at Hermannsburg published its own newsletter for the first time last month to give an overview of activities.

In the village, the tennis courts have been upgraded;swings installed for the youngsters; a bird hide alongside the dam; and the roads have been repaired.

A brief history of NTE which was established in 1920 as Natal Tanning Extract - growing wattles and the manufacturing extract for the leather tanning industry -later gum and pine pulpwood for Mondi paper mills were included.

In 1989 NTE merged with Mondi to be known as Mondi Forests South. In 1993 Mondi Forests South Industrial was formed and was known as NTE with the two factories.

Then in 1997, a co-operative of wattle growers purchased NTE as a going concern with all its employees from Mondi.

Now NTE is the largest vegetable extract producing company in the world.Its own marketing company, Mimosa Extract Company in Pietermaritzburg was recently awarded the internationally recognised ISO 9001 accreditation enabling it to sell quality products in international markets, of which China, India and Italy are at present, the most import.

NTE Chairman Ewald Kohne said that the company also continually involves itself in community development and upliftment as part of its social responsibility initiative.

ENDS

GOLF 911 BASS FISHING COMPeTITION

This popular Bass fishing competition, a fund-raiser Golf 911 takes place on Saturday 10th November , hosted by Umvoti Agricultural Society

Cost of entry is R60 per angler (irrespective of age). with registration at Scope Dam gazebo (Umvozana) between 6:00 – 6:30am .Its lines in at 7:00am and lines up at 4.30pm. Prize-giving will be at 5.30pm.

First prize for longest bass: R2,000 with numerous prizes to be won in different categories and many lucky draw prizes.

Maps will be available at registration for the 6 large dams that are available. Kick boats, float tubes, small boats and sneaker motors are allowed. The dams are not equipped with slipways, therefore no large boats and launching is done at own risk.

A bass fishing clinic/demonstration will be held for the junior bass fishermen (children) at 1pm .

Bacon and egg rolls will be sold in the morning and wors rolls in the afternoon. Cooldrinks will be sold.

For more information or should anyone be interested in donating prizes: contact David – 082 564 3289 or Rob – 083 779 3506.

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TOP OF THE WORLD ...ALMOST!

Wellknown Greytonian, local vet, Dr Mike Caldicott recently scaled the highest walking pass in the world- Thorong-la with a summit height of 5420m! Mike, with two friends from varsity days at Pietermaritzburg (in 1969) completed the Annapurna circuit trek in the Himalayas.

This tough 250km trek started from Khatmandu and finished 18 days later in Phokara in Nepal!The route is about 250 kms over rough mountain trails started at 1800m to the summit height of 5420m at Thorong-La. This is about 200m higher than Everest Base Camp,another favourite nearby destination for trekkers which unfortunately has become overpopulated and polluted due to the number of people who are drawn to the Everest name.

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Mike is on the far left in the photograph , with his two friends, the Nepalese mountain guide and two porters -this was taken ten days into the trek.