Umvoti unemployed, and there are hundreds of them, must be delighted at the news that Umvoti Mayor Councillor Petros Ngubane,  has flown to China on his third trip, at the expense of ratepayers with the express purpose, he claims,  to woo investors to Umvoti just like President Zuma had done for South Africa! This trip is a repeat of the  two previous ones in 2002 and 2009 which resulted in the only positive employment  being for  the Immigration officials who stamped "in and out" in the Mayor's passport!  Admittedly there has been talk of the Municipality acting as distributors for a solar power manufacturer in China-obviously not  a job intensive proposition!

With the Mayor, is CFO Sipho Ndabandaba. An  offer by ANC Councillor Godfrey Mavundla at a Council meeting in July   to pay for the Mayor's flight to China in order to save the ratepayers' money was spurned by the Mayor. So its the same old story - two return tickets to China for the Mayor and his CFO to attend the 1st World Emerging Industries Summit plus S and T  of 200 American dollars a day (just under R 1500)  which admittedly will not go very far in covering five star accomodation. But at least there are three free nights and meals for the duration of the summit! 

Also attending the Summit, but at his own expense -Speaker Councillor R. Maharaj who  travelled independently of the Mayor. The Mayor's personal assistant, Dudu Mabaso, covering her own costs,  accompanied the Mayor and CFO -

At the same time Umvoti Municipality is being investigated by the KZN MEC for Local Government in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act which empowers the MEC to investigate a Municipality  where there is reason to believe there is maladministration, fraud, corruption, or any other serious malpractice. This follows hard on the heels of the  forensic audit undertaken by KPMG the report of which was tabled at a Special Council  meeting last Thursday. KPMG was appointed to investigate some specific matters by Council including  the printing of diaries and calendars last year for Councillors. At the time the Greytown Gazette queried how the original invoice of R54 080 was reduced to R30 540 which was the final  amount paid to the supplier who informed KPMG that she been "asked to drop her price because of pressure from Umvoti Municipality and the media attention."

Supply Chain manager at the time, Zakithi Magubane, who was suspended two months ago, said she reported to the CFO Ndabandaba  who claimed that when the items were delivered they were substandard and he had instructed that the supplier be "persuaded to reduce their price". The three quotes received were remarkably similar, but the CFO said he could not recall how the quotations were received or which Muniicpalities had suggested these suppliers

In yet another deal, an amount of R29 640 was paid for the  supply of 100 tracksuits to a firm which was not the one approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee-but the minutes of this meeting which were taken  by Ms Magubane could not be found .

However there was one positive finding for the CFO -the query in regard to an amount of R50 000 he was reported to have taken for his last trip to China with the Mayor in 2009 proved to be a legitimate allocation of the S and T allowance of 200 US dollars a day - the Mayor's allowance was credited to his account because of time constraints .

In a press release  on the KPMG findings issued  by ANC Councillor Ahmed Shaikh, on behalf of the Inkosi Bhambatha region, the immediate suspension of the CFO is called for as well the supply chain management committees; that the mandate given to KPMG be extended to all procurements since 2006; and KPMG, together with independent consulting engineers investigate building and road projects in regard to the award of tenders and the quality of the projects instituted  by the Muniicpality; investigation  of criminal and civil charges against the suspended procurement officer.

After the tabling of the KPMG report the ANC proposed the above in the form of a motion which was defeated by the IFP majority.

So stand by for the next episode in this series of how to spend  large sums of money (preferably ratepayers) without providing any tangible benefits in return! 

ENDS

 

 ST CATHRYNS NEWS

This past Saturday 27th August, the Farmers Agri- Care Monthly Mug drew a smaller field of players, as the somewhat windy conditions kept the farmers on their farms.

A new record was set on hole 12, the par four across the corner of the dam. A player wishing to remain anonymous, took 21 shots on that hole...eish! Determined to hit across the water even after hitting three balls into the water, in succession and the problem was that Player X hit the ball into the water straight in front of him. Partners kept on passing golfballs and eventually they got off the teebox !!

Results:

1st: Merwin Rabe 65 nett

2nd: Peter Rommelspacher 65 nett o.c.o.

3rd: Paul Els 69 nett.

Nearest to pin 9/18: Barry Oehme

Two Clubs: Merwin Rabe and Barry Oehme

Captains putter : Piet Nel.

As a result of the strikes, the golf day and fishing competition due to be held this Saturday, in aid of Greytown Secondary School has had to be postponed.

A reminder to all of the Hermannsburg Golf Day on Saturday 18 September, 4BBBS, with shotgun starts at 07h30 and 12h30. There is also a Friday afternoon field on the 17th from 12h30 onwards.

This is always a fun day, where families are welcome and the delicious German meal in the evening is open to all. To book for golf please phone Piet 033 4441945 or 083 269 1661. Meals can be booked through the school 033 4450601 ext 11.

The greens at St Cathryns have been treated with Gramoxone, and are snow white in colour. This is to treat all winter weeds. A light verti-cutting has also been done. Now we await the new growth that will come with Spring. Please note that tee-boxes 2, 4 /13 and 14 have been levelled, so please make use of the temporary tee- boxes provided.

To book for golf please phone Piet and for meals, including delicious Sunday Lunch, please phone Paul 084 5966 292.

ENDS

GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

The golf course is open and all golfers are welcome to play now that the spring treatment is over.

Friday evening’s Happy Hour was very well supported. Thank you to the sponsors KM Hydraulics for the food and Greytown Beer Distributors for the SAB beer. The winner of the draw was Pete Anderson, Eagon Kassier took home the bottle of Chivas Regal. Wally Kohne and Craig Johnson won the consolation prizes. winners. Enjoy your prizes.

The Mascor Monthly Mug will take place on Saturday. Please support. T-off from 12pm.

Satisfy your curiosity and come and see what is happening at the Baby Expo on Saturday, 4 September.

Dates to diarise:

Fri 3 Sept - Attendance Draw (R400 up for grabs)

Sat 4 Sept - Mascor Monthly Mug

Sat 18 Sept – Spot-On Golf Day

Thurs 30 Sept – Ladies’ Open Day

ENDS

STRIKE UPDATE

Its hitting the sick and vulnerable hard,especially the many who are desparately struggling to find essential medication to balance illnesses such as AIDS, TB, diabetes etc etc.

As the strike now enters its third week negotiations were re-opened and on Monday evening a Government offer of 7.5% and R800 proposed housing allowance - COSATU members have to be consulted. On Thursday there will be a major national strike of all unions if the revised offer is not accepted.

KZN Education Department has decided to postpone matric trials to 8th September, 6 days later than originally scheduled.

Timetables are available at learning centres (parents and pupils should call 086 059 6363 for their nearest centre); district offices or www.kzneducation.gov.za

ENDS

GREYTOWN SADTU BRANCH NEWS

In a press release on Monday Greytown SADTU branch calls all communities, progressive community based organizations and public at large, to support public workers during this challenging time SADTU spokesman states

.’’SADTU and all COSATU unions still believe that labour demands of 8, 6% salary increment, R1000 housing allowance, equalization of medical aid and 1st April 2010 implementation is a reasonable demand. The employer is still standing at below offer, claiming that it can not meet the demand from labour, COSATU unions believe that Government has money to meet labour demand, because :

. *KZN legislature has agreed to set aside R500 000 for a state of the art gymnasium, exclusively for Members of Parliament - they also agreed to give each other R20 000 for studying. The public must remember that MPs earns not less than R500 000 per annum, which means they can afford to pay for their studies and gymnasium fees.

*Our country spent billions of rand in preparation of world cup, putting in place infrastructure. Initially, building stadiums alone was budgeted about 19 billion rand, but in completion about 40 billion rand was used. Where did the extra billions did came from? Also during world cup government departments spent millions of rand in match tickets and freely gave them to those who were closer to their hearts.

*When Eskom was in the red, our government rescued it, and not long ago Eskom gave its workers 9% salary increment and R1500 housing subsidy. Government did the same with SABC and SAA.

A secondary strike, where other unions which are in government will join in to support striking workers is planned for tomorrow Thursday, if no agreement is reached. Once again SADTU calls the public to support the strike and to all Public servants, as SADTU we say, “The struggle for better salary increment and housing allowance is continuing. Let us ensure that we peacefully shut down all government institutions, up until our demands are met.”

For further details on strike developments contact SADTU Greytown Branch secretary at 082 705 6140 fax: 086 638 6891 E-mail: thandajila@ymail.com or Chairperson: 082 422 0610’’

ENDS

ANYTHING GOES...

Living, singing and dancing proof that growing older is definitely not a reason to stop enjoying life can be seen in Greytown on Friday 8th October when the Golden Entertainers from Durban will be presenting “Anything Goes” in the MOTH Hall as a fundraiser for the Methodist Church. This talented group have performed in many centres from KZN to Gauteng and are guaranteed to give an evening of enjoyment and good quality entertainment.

For further information (tickets are R50 per person) please phone Libby Churchill on 033 417 2122

ENDS

PRESIDENT ZUMA’S VISIT TO GREYTOWN

The State President and Chairperson of the AmaNxamalala Clans Council, His Excellency Dr. JG Zuma, will be the guest of honour at the annual Inkosi Matomela Memorial lecture and gala dinner at the Greytown Town Hall on Saturday, 4 September. This event celebrates the cultural heritage and historical legacy left by Inkosi Matomela, who was the great-grandfather of the Zuma (Nxamalala ) people, who are an integral part of the Zulu nation and descendants of Inkosi Matomela.

Event Manager Dennis Ngxongo said the people of Greytown are honoured and very excited to host the President and he encouraged local business to become involved by buying a table for the gala dinner or sponsoring one of the earmarked projects. “The expected number of guests this year has been increased to 800 due to the popularity and overwhelming success of this event last year,” he noted.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Jacob Zuma Educational Trust, with the aim of benefitting young minds who have the capacity, but not the means, to fulfill their educational dreams.

In addition, some community projects have been identified in the area that need urgent CSI intervention and on Saturday morning, President Zuma will lead a tour of these projects for local, national and international investors. That evening the President will attend the gala dinner in the Greytown City Hall, Companies, groups and individuals can buy tables at the event in Platinum, Gold and Silver categories - contact 031 261 8418.

ROAD CLOSURES DURING PRESIDENT’S VISIT

STREETS ADJACENT TO TOWN HALL WILL BE CORDONED OFF AS FOLLOWS FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY:

BELL STREET :BETWEEN PINE AND CATHCART STREETS

PINE STREET;BETWEEN BELL AND MAITLAND STREETS.

ENDS

SHRI VISHNU MANDIR CENTENARY AND 1860 CELEBRATIONS

Greytown’s Shri Vishnu Mandir Vidya Pracharni Sabha has successfully completed several of its major functions celebrating its Centenary year. Currently, in this season of special worship the Birth of Lord Krishna (Gita week) followed by Puruttasi and Pitr Paksha, Navarathree and Durga Pooja take precedence. Diwali follows soon afterwards on 5th November. The Diwali acitivities will be celebrated on a much larger scale this year. The distribution of grocery hampers, special prayer gatherings and relevant cultural items are planned.

The launching and presentation of a special brochure commemorating its history is scheduled for early December at a special Gala dinner. We are grateful to the local public and businesses for their contributions - the indenture Indians have been associated with them since their arrival from 1860 onwards. We look forward to messages of goodwill from all concerned.

A reminder to all those associated with the Temple and their forefathers who settled in the area to submit contributions - articles, photographs, historical details etc. by 24th September.

Details of all future major functions will be announced for the information of all closer to each event.

The Sabha appeals to all well wishers across the communiuty to join them in this very special once in a lifetime opportunity.

ENDS

 

HIDING THE TRUTH.

The proposed Protection of Information Bill appears not to take into account that imitating the “Apartheid laws” on strangling freedom of information will take South Africa back into the dark ages of the last century.

In what appears to be an attempt to prevent investigations into wrong doings and corruption by politicians and officials, the Government wants to introduce a law that will limit the public’s right to know what is happening by declaring confidential almost everything that could be damaging to those in power, because it is supposedly in the “national interest” to do so. If journalists or investigators seek to reveal the truth in such matters, they are to be threatened with up to five years in prison.

Because a free press is a cornerstone of a free country, its role is enshrined in this country’s Constitution. And if newspapers (and other media bodies) act unreasonably or unlawfully, they are held accountable by the Press Ombudsman and the courts. Although there will always be specific areas where genuine national interest will require confidentiality, if South Africa’s democracy is to flourish, apartheid-style gagging laws cannot be allowed. It should never be permissable, in a self proclaimed democracy, for a government to deny its mistakes and prevent the media from publishing them.

There is a great need to create an awareness of this threat to freedom of information. It is vital to be aware that the current issue is less about the complaints of the government and the rights of the press, than it is about the freedom of every citizen, and about the reputation and stability of South Africa.

`Together with other concerned citizens, Greytown Gazette opposes the proposed Protection of Information Bill.

ENDS

2011 COMRADES MARATHON ENTRIES OPEN

Entries for the 2011 Comrades Marathon, an up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 29 May 2011, opened today, Wednesday 1 September for all athletes, novices and former Comrades athletes. Athletes can enter at all Mr Price Home, Sport and Clothing outlets countrywide as well as posting their completed entry forms and proof of payment to the Comrades Marathon office in Pietermaritzburg. Entries can also be hand delivered to Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg. Entry forms will be obtainable from local running clubs, provincial federations, Sportsman Warehouse outlets and Mr Price outlets or can be requested from the Comrades Marathon office.

Comrades athletes and aspiring entrants are reminded that entry numbers will be limited to a maximum of 18,000 entries and that entry requirements must be strictly adhered to at all times – these are clearly spelled out on the entry form. Entries will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

Following on the success of this year’s Marathon a surge in interest from novices from all over the world, but mostly from South African athletes is expected as Comrades Marathon becomes a “must do” for sportsmen and women.

ENDS