STOCK THEFT UNIT UPDATE

Greytown Stock Theft Unit serves a total of fifteen stations in the Greytown and Kwadukuza Police Clusters -which means it covers a vast area and really appreciates the assistance of the communities.

It is very important for animals to be branded, as required by law. Unbranded animals cause a number of problems whilst branding stock actually acts as a deterrent.

Stock Theft spokesman told the Greytown Gazette that a lot of goats have been stolen in Msinga over the past months, but only a few cases have been solved.

The STU appeals to the community to unite with them in the fight against this crime. Stock theft must be reported as there have been cases, where because the theft was not reported, the animals have been auctioned at the Weenen pound. The STU is looking at improving communications by centralising all reported cases as well as recoveries.

Stock Theft information forums are about to be introduced at all stations - stakeholders on the forums, Station Commander, representatives of commercial farmers;emerging farmers; indunas; and the Department of Agriculture.

Lieutenant Colonel Shezi, Greytown STU chief, on behalf of the Unit wished W/O Bobby Pistor who retires at the end of Septmeber, having served in Greytown from 1971, many years of good health and enjoyment.

Lt Col Shezi’s contact number is 079 500 0805.

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CRIME STATS RELATING  TO GREYTOWN AREA

Crime statistics released last week for the year ending 31st March reveal whilst the overall trend is slowing there has been a significant rise in drug related crimes and business robberies. There is still a long long way to go ... about 40 people (including children) being murdered each day and 25 000 children sexually assaulted every year. KZN still has the highest murder rate in the country - 22% and has the second highest incidence of sexual crimes.

Detailed statistics relating to Greytown and surrounding Police areas are:

murder rate in Greytown and Kranskop is up, but decreased in Msinga, Matimatolo and Wartburg. Attempted murders increased in Msinga, Matimatolo and Wartburg, decreased in Kranskop and New Hanover and in Greytown remained the same as the previous year,.

Aggravated robbery, defined as any unlawful and intentional taking of another’s possession using force, increased in Greytown, New Hanover, Matimatolo and Wartburg and decreased in Msinga and Kranskop.

Sexual crimes, which are notoriously underreported particularly in the rural areas reflect an increase or decrease of 1 except for Msinga which jumped from 54 to 82.

KZN MEC community Safety, Willies Mchunu welcomed the drop in major crime but said serious attention and intervention was still needed. He was very concerned about crime targetting women and children and drug related crimes.

A message that comes over loud and clear in statements made by community roleplayers on the publication of the stats is that in order prevent and reduce crime, communities must work together with the Police

An armed robbery victim, whose Greytown business has been robbed three times -the most recent last week, expressed his disappointment at the reaction of the local Police. He said they had been provided with CCTV footage and information on the suspects, who were known, had been given to the Police, but the suspects were still at large.

During this robbery about R100 000 in cash and R65 000 airtime had been stolen - a reward of R50 000 has been offered for the information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.

A Greytown Gazette reporter was told on Sunday, by security personnel, that one of the suspects had been seen during the week playing cards in Bell Street!

Greytown Community Policing Forum chairperson, Strike Buthelezi told the Greytown Gazette that the Forum would investigate this complaint and report back. He appealed to residents, businesses and the Municipality to get involved with the CPF and attend the monthly meetings at which a wide range of Policing matters were discussed.

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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.

From now, until the end of the year, there is an increase in the number of functions so please schools, churches, organisations etc. which have not yet submitted dates and details for publication in the Shadow Column are requested to do so for the next issue.

2013 is just around the corner -so school holidays have been added to the list.

SEPTEMBER

27th:Supper Theatre Hmsbg

28th:Schools close

OCTOBER

9th:Schools reopen for fourth term

9th Garden Club open day at home of Deon and Esther van Rooyen.

16th:Boss’ Day

20th:Greytown Classic

24th/25th:Open Days at Concordia

27th:Braam Malherbe to talk at dinner

NOVEMBER

2nd and 3rd:Strawberry Festival

13th:Garden Club meeting -German Christmas at Beehive

24th:Wartburg Chrismas market

DECEMBER

4th:Hmsbg Primary awards

4th:Greytown Junior awards

5th:Hmsbg High School awards

7th:Schools close

16th:Day of Reconciliation

16th:Hmsbg Kindergarten graduation

18th: Community Carol Service Lutheran Church

19th: Xmas issue Greytown Gazette

25th:Christmas Day

26th:Day of Goodwill

2013

JANUARY

16TH: First issue Greytown Gazette

16th: School open for first term

FEBRUARY

2nd:Mudman Hmsbg

MARCH

21-22:Open day Hmsbg 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)

ENDS

Wellknown businessman dies

Wellknown and popular businessman Klaus Kluver died on Sunday after a long illness. Klaus was much respected for his business skills and the engineering business he built up and ran . A great golfer who loved the game to such an extent that he was one of the first to build a home on the St Catherine’s golf estate -he will be much missed by the many both on and off the course.

A memorial service for Klaus will be held this Sunday 30th September at 12 noon at Greytown Lutheran Church.

ENDS

WEBSITE WANTED FOR SPCA

Somewhere out there is a computer fundi who can help...please! Greytown SPCA needs a volunteer to set up a Website - it has been found this a good way of generating donations by other SPCA’s , Greytown SPCA is urgently in need of funds but with no fundraiser, needs to try this means of fund-raising.

The website would feature the wide ranging work being carried out by the SPCA to make the public aware of what we are doing and hopefully generate income to do perform the vairous services.

It would be greatly appreciated if someone could volunteer to do this -please contact Sylvan Havemann on 072-0969634.\

ENDS

Cellphone thefts on the increase

Cellphone thefts increased by nearly 25% in the first six months of this year not so much taken by force but opportunistic criminals such as pickpockets, off desks etc. These figures were released by Dial Direct Insurance -the company suggests the following security tips: to protect your mobile device::

· .Conceal your cellphone when you are in a public place.

· Don’t leave your phone in clear view on a table or car dashboard.

· Do not leave cellphones unattended in your office or any other public place.

· Put your phone on silent or vibrate when you are in a public place and only answer when it is safe to do so.

· When you do pull out your mobile handset in public, make sure you are in an environment you feel comfortable in. Ideally, you should check your surroundings while you talk.

· Keep a safe record of your phone’s PUK and serial numbers.

· If your phone is stolen, report it to your operator immediately and obtain a blacklisting reference number. If the phone is blacklisted, the thief will not be able to use your phone and run up your bill.

· If you use your phone for business purposes or to store sensitive information, take the necessary measures to back-up and protect the content, as well as wipe the device clean should it land in the wrong hands.

· Make sure you have adequate insurance.

Source: I Heart PR

ENDS

SPECIAL SPRING GARDEN

Spring was very much in the air for the garden club meeting held at Springkloof Farm, the home of Louise, Ian and Lolly Hill on 11th September. Guest speaker was the renowned Peter Bretherton, on how to revive a mature garden. Peter first began work on Lolly’s garden in 1987. It has been a 25 year project. All this work can be seen in a glorious spring garden which is bursting with colour and form. As Peter said the garden is no longer young, but like him, it is fabulous! In life our needs change as we get older - our gardens need to change with these needs.

What tends to happen in an old garden is the shadow becomes too dominant and there are too many trees which could make the garden become dark and oppressive. Peter suggested pruning heavily in an old garden to bring light in-to create spaces for the sky to come into the garden. If grass is not growing under the trees give them a sever prune so you are able to see through the trees.

Another problem with an older garden is it tends to become overplanted Shrubs need to be cut back shrubs and ground covers replanted. .

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Peter’s talk and look forward to applying his advice in their gardens.

Next garden club meeting is at Esther and Deon Van Rooyen’s home, 260 Pine Street, on 9 October , 9 – 9h30. Speaker is Trish Barrow on using edible flowers in cooking. . Don’t forget a chair and a hat.

ENDS

MICRO DOT YOUR VEHICLES

Vehicle owners who apply for Police Clearance for their vehicles are asked to note that as from this month all vehicles have to be micro dotted, at the owner’s expense. The procedure is that the Department of Transport will issue the owner with a Request Police Clearance (RPC) form and thereafter the vehicle must be micro-dotted by a registered private company, who will issue the owner with a certificate, and only thereafter the vehicle can be inspected and cleared by the SAPS. ;

In Greytown and for the district, the approved Micro Data MicroDot fitment centre is Vee’s -phone 033413354 or 083 630 1770

Microdot is a procedure whereby a company affixes thousands of microdots by means of specialized equipment to the vehicle. These dots will not be visible to the naked eye and can only be examined by the SAPS specialized units.

ENDS

OUTREACH KZN -SPECIAL SPAYING CAMPAIGN

In an innovative and exciting project, Outreach KZN, a spaying and educational programme, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs,took place over three days in Greytown last week.

The team of 6 veterinarians, vet nurses, administrative support etc , and in the three days spayed 170 bitches and 14 cats. Pet owners streamed in from Greytown and surrounds to benefit from this free service.

A Greytown Gazette reporter who visited the project in the Enhlahlakahle hall last Wednesday was very impressed with the slick, professional and caring approach of the 16 member team and the top quality equipment in use. Each animal was tagged and details recorded; examined, given anti rabies, dewormed and other medication as required; prepped for the spaying op; after which into the recovery section to be monitored until ready. No animal was allowed to walk home after the op - if no transport was available, State Vet personnel transported them, The owners were advised on how to handle their dogs, not only post op, but daily care.

Project Manager of Outreach KZN., is Hilda Hermanns, who after working for an SPCA , realised the need for such a campaign and put a proposal to the Department-head of Veterinary Services (South Region), Dr Themba Sikhakhane, gave it his full support . The project has been funded until October next year and concentrates on the rural areas of KZN

ENDS

 

SASOL SLOLAR -Local link

So exciting - Sasol solar challenge teams with their own built innovative vehicles passing through Greytown on Thursday morning from Pietermartizburg on their way to Dundee...they leave PMBG at 8.30. Greytown link with these exciting renewable energy vehicles is Kyle Edkins , who has just completed his Masters in mechanical engineering at University of Johannesburg and is one of the drivers in this very exciting futuristic UJ vehicle seen in the photo. Held every two years, the vehicles have travelled from Pretoria to Capetwon and are on their way back to Pretoria.

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HUNT ON FOR ARMED ROBBERS

 

 It took just three minutes for a gang of 6 armed men to rob FMA store of cash and airtime while they held customers and staff at gunpoint. At 10 a.m. last Saturday the store, opposite the Post Office, was busy with its usual Saturday rush - about 9 customers and 8 staff. Four men came in and jumped over the counters - whilst one stood guard at the door and the other forced the customers to lie down at gunpoint. Three were armed with guns and two with knives. The robbers grabbed money from the tills and safe, took airtime, two cellphones and a firearm from a customer. The gang members wore back packs and as they took the goods packed them into these.

 

Three minutes later at 10.03 they ran out, down Bell Street and jumped into a waiting taxi. A spokesman for SMA said that Field Security were on the scene by 10.05 a.m. and the Police were informed that information was available in regard to the identification of the robbers - however there was no follow up until Monday. It is reported that the gang members are from Thembisweni and are known. A reward of up to R50 000 has been offered by FMA for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.

Non stop investigation by the SAPS PMBG Tactical Response Team (TRT) led to six arrests within 24 hours after an armed robbery on a Wartburg farm as well as the recovery of the gang’s getaway vehicle, an unlicensed firearm and goods taken during the robbery. The armed attack occurred last Wednesday just before 2 p.m. when Mr Rudolf Meyer of the farm Vierquellen was robbed and attacked by a six man band of robbers.

 

It is reported that Mr Meyer was in his office, when a man approached requesting work. Shortly afterwards a GP registered silver Golf drew up and three men got out -one threatened Meyer with a gun and demanded cash. They then forced him into the house to open a safe and took cash and firearms. In another section of the house.

 

Later that day ,TRT members came across a broken down silver Golf in Church Street, with two occupants. On searching the vehicle they found a large number of .22 live rounds and cash -the two were arrested. TRT members proceeded to Greytown and arrested another three suspects walking along the main road. A sixth male was arrested in Msinga and a .38 special Rossi revolver, alleged to have been used in the robbery, was recovered.

 

The three firearms stolen from the farm were recovered from a sugarcane field just outside Wartburg. The six have appeared in the New Hanover’s Magistrate Court .

ENDS

 

INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURER IN GREYTOWN!

Make a note of the date right now -Saturday 27th October when Wembley College is hosting Braam Malherbe, one of the country’s most sought after motivational speakers!

ENDS.

 

TRIBUTE TO MBONGENI ‘DOC’ KHUMALO

The sudden death of wellknown Greytonian Mbongeni Khumalo (wellknown as “Doc”) on the golfcourse on Saturday morning was a huge shock to his family and friends. He was playing with his grandson Mcebisi and two others when he collapsed and despite intensive CPR could not be revived.

He grew up in Greytown, attending Tholinhlanhla and Buhlebuyeza schools then worked as a an ambulance driver at Greytown Hospital until his retirement in 2009.

A man with a real passion for the game of golf, which began in his youth when he used to caddy, “Doc’ was a very popular member of Greytown Golf club and St Cathryn’s -and he played to a 12 handicap! He passed his love of the game on to many others having been instrumental in the promotion of Greytown Development golf.

‘Doc’ leaves his wife, Nomsa, daughter Thandeka and four grandchildren. A service will be held in Greytown Town Hall on Saturday 22nd at 11 a.m.

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SPRING IS SPRUNG...

Date of this year’ Spring Equinox is Saturday 22nd September at 14.49 - just three weeks after the “official” start of Spring on 1st September. Actually the Equinox is the first day of spring season but the 1st seems to have become the more popular indication.

What is an Equinox? The term is from Latin “aequus “ meaning equal and “nox” meaning night. Because the sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world . This is due to the 23.4 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis , as a result of which the sun’s rays are most direct in sumer. In winter as the earth is tilted away from the sun, the rays pass through the atmosphere at a greater slant, bring lower temperatures.

Equinoxes occur when the axis of rotation of the earth is exactly parallel to the the direction of motion of the earth around the sun. They do not occur on the same day each year because the earth takes approximately 365.25 days to go round the sun, but our year is 365 days. Every four years is leap year when another day is added to the calendar to make up for the missing quarters so that there is not a gradual drift of date through the seasons.

This year, the winter equinox was 20th March at 5.14a.m. -next year, 2013 it will be at 11.02 onn 20th March and the Spring equinox 22nd September at 20.44

ZUMA FAMILY GATHER IN GREYTOWN

Members of the Zuma clan, led by President Jacob Zuma, were present in large numbers in Greytown over the weekend to celebrate the fourth annual Inkosi Matomela lecture and gala dinner on Saturday. KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize, deputy Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, Amakhosi, Umzinyathi District Mayor, Umvoti Mayor and many other dignitaries were present.

A delegation of Chinese businessman, led by the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa attended the dinner.

For the first time all the activities on Saturday took place during the day at Lake Merthley .Festivities were started off by the burning of incense to communicate with the Zuma ancestors.

Creating a vibrant and happy atmosphere the ladies dressed in bright traditional outfits mingled and enjoyed the action. Amabutho were bussed in from various parts of KZN to take part and also in traditional gear showed their stick fighting skills. There was dancing by the maidens and others and singing.

The Lake was abuzz with excitement throughout the day as the get together of the entire Zuma clan proceeded. Several beasts were slaughtered - the cows had been donated by the eight regions representing the Zuma clan, two donated by amakhosi in Nkandla and Impendle and the President donated 6.

Although newly appointed African Union Commission chairperson, and Home Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was not present, many gifts were given to her to wish her well in her new position.

In his speech, President Zuma emphasised the need of preserving the history of “where we came from as Africans” and urged other families to promote similar functions. He said the unity of the group in celebrating their ancestry helped the younger generation to understand who they were and where they came from.

At the gala dinner held in Greytown Town Hall on Saturday night, the fourth annual Inkosi Matomela lecture was delivered.

Proceeds from the dinner, which was attended by several hundred guests, go towards the Matomela Trust established to ensure that every child of the Zuma clan will be educated.

Police and security personnel told the Greytown Gazette that even though there was a tremendous increase in traffic count and people, the weekend had run smoothly without any problems.

ends

DON'T BUY STOLEN GOODS

An urgent appeal from ex-Greytonian, Wendy Moss -if you are offered a petrol water pump and fuel container by a non-recognised seller, please do not purchase this item but contact the Police.

The pump, as well as carpets, cement and roof timber, tools and other items were taken in two break ins to a house in Muden over the last couple of weeks.

A distraught Wendy told the Greytown Gazette that she had spent the whole of Saturday attempting to contact the Muden Police Station to report the burglary and investigate - she confirmed with Ops 911 that she was dialling the correct number - but to date no reply and no-one has contacted her despite a 911 request!

So please if you are offered any article which you think could have been stolen - don’t buy - report to Greytown Police immediately.

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FROM THE DITCH

Greytown Bowling club is holding a soup evening this Friday - all different soups with croutons and tasty bits with some sweet finger snacks to follow! Don’t miss out on the fun bowls either that day -from 4 p.m. onwards!

Another date to remember the fun day of bowls on Sunday 30th September. Lots of prizes thanks to the generous sponsorship of PANNAR -contact Bryan Paul on 033 413 2157 soon to enter.

Also remember to diarise now the Umvoti Tyres bowls day on Sunday 28th October - another fun day of bowls.

There is a memorial service for Hazel Wulfsohn this Saturday, 15th September, at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Church.

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GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

Martin Eggers walked away with the cash on Friday. Next draw will be on Friday (14 Sept) with R100 up for the winning. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner.

Due to the rugby test between the Bokke and the Aussies on Saturday the 8th, we had a 07h30and a 11h30 tee-off for the NLDTF/Mascor Monthly Mug and Business League. A good field of 36 players took to the course on a beautiful day. It always amazes how quickly nature reacts to good rains, with green bursting forth on the fairways and greens, and trees budding all over the course. Gary Schwarz certainly enjoys early Spring because his winning score was a magnificent 62 net! Close on his heels came Patrick O’Sullivan with 63 net. Third was Paul du Preez (64 net). Stableford points winner was S Buthelezi (41 pts).and Bracken team won the team prize. Our sincere gratitude to our main sponsors NLDTF, Mascor as well as Katkor (a new electrical supply company) who sponsored the nearest to the pin prizes.

Congratulations to Flip Botha who won the national Sanlam competition in the C section at Prince’s Grant and he is now moving on to the next round and will be playing in Sun City at the finals.

Squash results:

The 3rd league won against Epworth, 9-7, the 5th league lost to Lynwood 10-5, 7th league lost to Howick 12-2 and the 9th league lost to Hilton village 12-1. Next week all the teams have a bye. A big thank you to Farmers Agri Care one of our sponsors this year.

Please take note that the golf course will be closed from Mon 17 Sept due to Spring Treatment.

Dates to diarize

Fri 28 Sept – Happy Hour Sponsored by Platt plant

17 – 29 Sept: Course closed for SPRING TREATMENT

Sat 6 Oct – Mascor Monthly mug

Sun 14 Oct – Midlands League

Sat 20 Oct – Greytown Classic

Fri 26 Oct – Beer Festival

ends

WELCOME SPRING RAINS

Although traditional weather patterns throughout the world seem to have lost the plot Umvoti , much to the delight of farmers and gardeners, reverted to type with early Spring rains. From the 1st to 9th September a total of 79.4mm was recorded at the Pannar research station.

According to the stats received from Ram Bhagdath at Pannar, 38.4mm was recorded on Wednesday 5th followed by 25.8mm the next day. Temperatures were not very high on those two days either -maximum 12.3 and 12 !

To date this month the highest temperature recorded was on Sunday -27.16 and the latest minimum 6.64 on Sunday 2nd September!

Kranskop however had tremendous downpours last week with over 170mm recorded!

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GUILTY PLEA - 18 YEARS SENTENCE

28 year old Khawulani Mkhize was jailed for 18 years in Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday for his role in the murder of NFP Councillor Isaac Nhlebela. Khawulani Mkhize and former Umzinyathi District deputy Mayor Felamandla Mkhize had appeared in Dundee Magistrate’s Court last week charged with the murder of Nhlebela on 6th July and were remanded in custody

Khawulani Mkhize however had pleaded guilty before Acting Judge M.T. Ncube. In a statement to the Court he stated that he had been hired by the deputy mayor to drive the killers after he had approached him for a job as his family was starving.

On July 6th he had driven two men, Madondo and Nyambose (who have been charged with murder) to Nquthu where they told him to stop on a farm road and they jumped out- Madondo was armed. The two told him to wait until they called him when they were finished - they called about 30 minutes later on his cell and he drove them back to Dundee. On the way he heard Nyambose tell someone on the cell that “everything was alright.”

Khawulani said that that evening deputy mayor Mkhize had thanked him for driving and two days later had paid him R5 000.

In sentencing Judge Ncube said he had taken into account that Khawulani had played a secondary role in the murder and appeared to be remorseful.

Deputy Mayor Mkhize and four others will face charges of the murder of Nhlebela.

ENDS

FROM THE COURTS

Perfect tennis weather and 12 teams lead to a fun filled four-a-side tennis tournament sponsored by Daddy’s Service Station last Sunday. Every team played all the other teams – 88 games in all, so after a day of serious exercise, laughter and some good shots everybody really enjoyed the tea, eats and the lunch and braai. Thank you very much to the members who provided these.

Mrs. Lynn English handed out the prizes on behalf of Daddy’s - a big thank you for the generous sponsorship for this popular tournament.

Winners were “One hit and three misses" Martin Platt and Wendy Edkins, Trish Köhne and Ingrid Surendorff. Runners up- “Fieresome Foursome” lead by Lynne English with Lags English and Peter and Maggie Hardy.

Best dressed team. were the “Tennis Tarts” - Steve and Cathy Cope and Ian and Louise Hill. If their wives hadn't been with them the "Greytown Tennis Tarts" would have remained unrecongised and unidentifiable!

The best named team was The Wimbledon Originals of Jack and Ruth Drew and Brian and Naomi Armour.

Players are also reminded to play the outstanding Handicap matches .

ENDS

ST CATHRYNS NEWS

Rain rain rain…..a total of 170mm rain was measured during last week’s torrential rainfall. Fairways were water logged, rough areas were swamps and greens…well they were just wet. The course was closed for Thursday and Friday with one or two golfers venturing out over the weekend. The bass dam released water through the perennial pipe and even had water gushing over the spillway . If you sit quietly ….shh ..shh…… you can hear the grass grow!!!!

All green keeping staff are hard at work with mowing cutting raking and preparing for the Hermannsburg Golf day to be played either on Friday 14th field or Saturday 15th September field. Unlike other years, there will be no shotgun start and the field has attracted well over the budgeted number of golfers. Sponsors and players from all over KZN will be playing and they look forward to good German hospitality and a Golfer friendly golf course. Learners will be on hand to caddy and we are working with the school to allow the scholars to caddy both days. The money raised from the caddying is for their German exchange program next year.

Supper on Friday will be delicious gammon, salads and rolls and must be booked for non- players and parents and the Rosebud society can also look forward to the excellent meal on Friday. Cost R 50.00 for adults and R 25.00 for junior school learners. To book for meals for Friday and / or Saturday please phone Annette at HMB 0741250054 or 0741577913. To book for golf please phone Piet 0832691661.

ENDS

A DOCTOR IN THE FIELD

Hermannsburg’s old scholar, Hermann Reuter, left Hermannsburg School, in 1985, matriculating with flying colours then studied medicine at Stellenbosch University.

After completing his studies and housemanship, he joined with Doctors Without Borders (Medicine sans frontiers) and started working in the Eastern Cape in the 1990s. During this time wellknown author Jonny Steinberg “shadowed” Reuter for a number of months and published the thought-provoking book “The Three Letter Plague” on Reuter and his groundbreaking work in the Lusikisiki area in the Eastern Cape, treating patients with ARVs long before the Government had woken up to the fact that this was the way to go, in the fight against the HIV-pandemic in southern Africa.

The message of the book is a positive one and although the tragedy of HIV-Aids is a reality, the way in which Reuter and his colleagues were able to reach out to rural Xhosa people in the remote clinics in the greater Lusikisiki area is heartening and to this day, the positive effects of the work done there has had a tremendous lasting influence.

He is now stationed at Mbongolwane Hospital, near Eshowe and continues his fight against HIV and Aids. Hermann lives in Eshowe with his Ethiopian doctor wife and their two daughters.

It is indeed heartening to see the results of dedicated people like Hermann Reuter, who started in Hermannsburg as a boarder coming from Namibia. The book, “The Three letter Plague” written by Jonny Steinberg, who also wrote the intriguing book “Midlands”, is a good read and leaves one with a feeling of hope for all of us, who are aware of the severity of the HIV-pandemic.

Hermannsburg School is very proud of yet another one of its successful old scholars.

ENDS

HIY AND RUN DEATH

A man who was knocked over and killed in a hit and run accident just outside Greytown has to date, not been identified. Greytown Police are urgently requesting information from anyone who might be able to identify the man.

Approximately 35 years old he was dressed in a khaki jacket and black trousers. The man was found on the left hand side of the road near the silos and from his injuries it was obviously he had been the victim of a hit and run.

Police also believe that the vehicle involved was damaged in the impact - any panelbeaters who have any information in this regard are urged to come forward.

Whatever information available please contact Detective Warrant/Officer Khoza urgently on 073 648 7438

ENDS

EXCITING EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE

Over 100 schools in the Umvoti circuit management cluster will benefit from the new Education Resource Centre at Indlovana Primary School. Launched last Thursday on literacy day, the event was also to highlight the importance of reading, particularly with understanding which would contribute to positive academic change.

Learners from Indlovana, Tholinhlanhla, Mount Ernestina, Kranskop and Greytown Primary Schools took part in the programme, reading poetry, stories and choral verses. At the end of the function these learners were each presented with a “digital dictionary”. Principals and teachers present were very excited about the strategies outlined to promote reading in their schools.

The Education Resource Centre will provide a comprehensive range of services to schools and principals were urged to make full use of it - the resources are in line with the latest curriculum requirements.

Among the invited guests were Ms Nombulelo Skosana of READ; Ms G,D Masikane of SADTU, Greytown; Mrs NE Ndlovu of the Premier’s office; Ms Dlungwane of Dancing Pencils project; Mr Mavundla District office, ELITS; Ms Sbongiseni Mbongwa, Head Office, ELITS; and Mr Ntombela of Msinga circuit management cluster.

Umvoti circuit management cluster expressed its appreciation to all who attended; the organizing team and sponsors, READ; Indlovana; Gangai Bus; Min Cash Foodtown and Aheers supermarket for their support in making the function so successful.

'WORST ACCIDENT EVER' SAYS POLICE CHIEF

Yet another fatal bus accident !Two dead; 8 seriously injured and 50 with slight injuries when a bus SASSA crashed on a dirt road near Ntunjambili hospital just before noon last Wednesday. It is alleged that the driver lost control when swerving to avoid a goat on the steep hill with sharp bends - the bus actually fell on top of some of the passengers who had been thrown out .

The passengers were permanent and temporary members of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) on their way to rural stations to carry out the re-registering of social grant beneficiaries for new cards.

”It was the worst accident I have ever attended” said Kranskop Police chief Lt Colonel Caroline Minnaar, who together with other Kranskop Police used brute force and strength to save the lives of seven of the passengers who were entrapped -in the photo Police and Rural Metro personnel can be seen working their way into the vehicle. Caroline actually bent a steel bar while Warrant/Officer Tim Steyn pulled off the metal sheeting at the back of the bus. Together with Constable Patricia Cele, they rescued, dug out and gave life and hope to seven passengers including digging one out of the ground who had been trapped by a window frame and a pregnant lady!

As a result of their super heroic efforts six of the seven entrapped passengers actually walked away, under their own steam, from the scene

Once Rural Metro were on the scene, the jaws of life were used to free those still trapped.

Also on the scene were members of the Search and Rescue unit from Richards Bay who had been attending a meeting in Greytown and responded to the call out. The leader told Caroline that he had never in his life seen Police work so tirelessly to rescue and save lives.

Passengers said that they clung to their seats and to each other as they prayed for their safety when bus went out of control.

A case of culpable homicide is being investigated against the driver.

GARDEN DESIGN AT GARDEN CLUB

Top decorator and landscaper, Peter Bretherton, is the speaker at the next Umvoti Garden Club meeting to be held Tuesday 11th September at 9h00 for 9h30. This meeting will be held in the beautiful gardens of Lolly, Ian and Louise Hill at Springkloof - about 4 km out of Greytown on the Mooi River road.

With temperatures warming and the anticipation of imminent Spring rains, many gardens are already bursting into bloom. What better time to begin casting one’s thoughts toward getting into the garden and developing new areas or making changes to dull or uninteresting areas. Peter Bretherton is no stranger to Greytown, having spoken at a previous Garden Club meeting and been instrumental in the design of a number of beautiful gardens in the district. Garden Club members can look forward to hearing of the latest gardening and décor trends and gain a wealth of interesting new ideas from this highly sought after and talented speaker. After the talk members will be able to enjoy tea and a stroll through the beautiful gardens of Springkloof.

As the meeting will take place in the garden please remember to bring a chair for seating and a hat as protection against the sun. Members are also requested to bring along empty plastic 2 lt ice-cream containers or 1 lt yoghurt tubs with lids for a LETCEE project.

END

 

from the ditch