The Greytown Gazette

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Following on the “stop the carnage “ petition launched in January by a concerned regular user of the Greytown/Pietermaritzburg a meeting was held on 18th April at RTI Pietermaritzburg to discuss the petition which had been signed by 1600 residents throughout Umvoti. Present at the meeting were RTI Greytown, Regional Commander, Ladysmith and Head RTI KZN and staff - all round reaction to the petition was constructive and co-operative .

Good news is that the R33 (Pietermaritzburg/Greytown road) will now be patrolled by RTI for 36 hours per week and there will be road blocks... and this is already on the go.

Drivers who continue to display a blatant disregard of the rules of the roads, who drive unroadworthy vehicles and who are not licensed thus putting so many lives in danger will be monitored, checked and penalised according to the law.

To enhance this positive policing in reducing the many problems on Umvoti roads statistics will be provided at the end each month to indicate how effective the increased policing is.

In the full and frank discussions at the meeting, in response to the complaints on limited policing it was pointed out that Government staff quota to RTI KZN is a mere 800 officers. These traffic officers are required to police all national routes, such as the N3 and all provincial roads, such as the R33, escort abnormal loads, check permits, do road blocks, office duties etc. Double this quota would make obviously make an enormous difference in improving the levels of safety on all KZN roads. The employment of additional traffic officers has to be done by Government, not Provincial RTI

“A”(abnormal) loads are a huge problem, both to the motorist and RTI. RTI is fully aware of the lawlessness, alleged corruption and damage to the roads. “A” loads should not travel in convoy and should always be accompanied by escort vehicles. Plans of action to enforce these requirements are in progress.

Problems with the Muden road were also discussed. Although the pavement along the side of a section of the road, does safeguard children and pedestrians, it is a danger to motorists, especially the “A” loads. Engineers are to look into the problem and wide loads will be directed onto the N2.

It is hoped by all road users of Umvoti roads that the positive approach by the traffic authorities will enhance safety on our roads.

An email address will shortly be made available for the submission of photos of reckless driving - in the meantime please continue to email these to greytowngazette@gmail.com

Grant Goble lost out on the draw money on Friday as he was not present at the time of the draw. The next draw will be on Friday 4 May and R1600 can be yours, but you have to be at the Club between 6:30pm - 7pm to find out if you are the lucky winner.

The past weekend we had our Club Championship competition and we would like to say Thank you to Glynn from FNB for sponsoring this event.

The “Chicken run” is playing every Friday afternoon with t-off starting from 4pm.6 holes is all you have to get through, to play in this social competition. Entry is R30 for members and non members. New Generation Lubricants is the sponsor of the chicken.

Friday 27 April is Happy Hour. Thank you to Neeran Aheer who is sponsoring the meal and Greytown Beer Distributors for sponsoring the SAB beer. A R20 ticket puts you into the draw to win R1000 or a bottle of Chivas Regal. Everybody is welcome to come and join us. DJ ROB will be providing the music so put on your dancing shoes!

Mexican Cocktail evening is coming on Friday 4 May. R100 p\p. Eat as much Mexican food as you like and get a cocktail on arrival. Dress up as Poncho and come and enjoy the evening with DJ ROB!

The TUTA Carriers, St Cathryn’s Club Championships were played over the weekend in almost perfect weather. Sunday morning greeted the first two three balls with a quick wake-up, shake- up shower, but otherwise perfect golfing weather.

There was a feeling of tenseness and anticipation in the air when golfers arrived and were greeted on the tee box, and set off by the official starter – just like in the US PGA.

In the setup of the course, areas of concern were marked out. Casual water was marked and ground under repair was marked with white paint. Distance markers were checked and with large amounts of adrenalin flowing around the course, golfers constantly remarked on the correctness of these distances. A temporary water feature was made by the green keeper to re-inforce the lateral water hazard.

Over and above the TUTA Carriers sponsorship, prizes were received from NMI DSM commercial vehicles Pinetown and sponsorship from Klaus Kluver. All St Cathryns members are very grateful to the generous sponsors and appreciated the prizes won. Winners received the Division Trophy as well as meat hampers or leatherman or golf bag.

For the first time in St Cathryn’s twelve year Club Championships, history was made. A division’s result had to be determined by Sudden Death play- off. This was played over holes, nine, one and five. Only one play- off hole was needed, when Merwin Rabe and Oscar Ndawonde, played. Merwin tee’d off first and put his ball to the right of the green. Oscar’s ball skimmed the hole and was he left with a two meter putt. Merwin chipped his ball within a foot of the hole, but Oscar calmly sank his two meter putt….. for a birdie two.

( Shank of the Day : JP Ackerman – the best one of his 4 shanks of the week end.)

This week end the “Nomakanjani Team” will be staying at St Cathryns while they participate in a Fund Raising Adventure Race. The Golf Course and Pub will be open all weekend – to book for golf please phone 083 269 1661. As we have had our phone lines stolen please also use 082 555 2661.

An urgent reminder that its early deadlines again for next week’s issue, that is Wednesday 2nd May.

As Friday is a holiday absolute cut off time for display advertising is 12 noon Thursday 26th April (that’s tomorrow!)!

Friday, 27th April is Freedom Day which commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa 18 years ago on 27 April 1994. Freedom Day celebrations are a reminder of the struggle for a free, just and democratic South Africa, It is a day for all South Africans to celebrate the transition from apartheid to an inclusive democracy, which has been internationally acclaimed. On this day, South Africans should once again make and renew a commitment to heal the divisions of the past and firmly establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and respect for fundamental human rights.

Umvoti Municipality will be commemorating Freedom Day with a “long walk to Freedom” fun walk starting from the Mispah turnoff on Greytown/Pietermaritzburg road and finishing at King Edward Park. Starting time is 7 a.m.

For the safety and convenience of the walkers, the following road will be closed in Greytown from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.:

Pietermaritzburg/Greytown road from the Mispah turnoff to McCullum Street -only one lane will be open under the control of RTI and Municipal traffic officers.

Through the medium of your newspaper may I draw attention to the fact that our rivers in this area are being polluted almost on a daily basis by one of our leading timber companies, but I suspect by all timber companies to a lesser degree.

I have lived in this valley for over 40 years and during that time I have witnessed environmental practices specifically by timber companies that cannot be described as anything other than appalling, the effects of which we are all beginning to see in global warming and adverse weather conditions.

We own a small property at the top end of the Umvoti catchments area into which I travel on a daily basis and I see environmental practices by Sappi that quite simply make my blood boil. These practices include: lip service to alien weed control along river banks, wetlands and open spaces; extraction practices by their contractors totally disregarding erosion of top soil into the river; not one single toilet facility for the millions of man hours that are required for their plantations; hauling timber during heavy or consistent rain periods that not only totally destroys their own roads but cause increasing damage to the P151 that now has in excess of 170 potholes in the 14 kilometers of tar and has rendered the gravel section unusable except for motor bikes and four wheel drive vehicles

I have over the years complained bitterly to Sappi regarding the practice of washing vehicles in the river; these include bakkies, labor transporters and taxis that bring workers in on a daily basis, bell loaders, skidders and short haul vehicles---I’ve seen them all in the river polluting the water at some stage or other. Thus the pollution of our river that is the lifeblood of the area, that children drink and wildlife rely on was complete. The oil slick and detergent bubbles were thick on the water.

To my mind we cannot afford to tolerate such blatant disregard of what is rapidly becoming our most limiting resource in this country. Were I to hold the whip, I would demand an apology from Sappi to the thousands of people who use and rely on this river, and insure that heads roll as a lesson to others that this sort of behavior cannot be accepted.

Its been a tough time for teachers and learners at a number of Muden schools which have not been able to operate at full strength because of the daily road blockades. A group of teachers had been advised on Friday morning that all the access roads were blocked - some of them, during the week, had managed to get to their schools from Greytown via Keates Drift but that road too had been blockaded on Friday.

According to reports the Muden road was clear on Monday and will be so until Saturday following a meeting last Friday between the Police, Department of Rural Development, Umvoti Mayor PG Mavundla and community members. Greytown Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Mapala told the Greytown Gazette that the Department representatives had indicated that negotiations were been carried out between representatives of the Department and the property, Lot 194 Marina Beach. In view of this the protestors had agreed not to blockade the road with the report back happening this Saturday.

Reports were received on Monday of road blockages at Thebisweni where the community were objecting to price hikes in fares by the taxis operating in that area.

Over R10 000 worth of goods was stolen in a break in at Shalom Ministries on Sunday 15th April. Acting on information that the stolen goods were at Lindelani squatter camp, Field Security personnel found the goods in the possession of two people who were apprehended and will appear in Greytown Magistrate’s Court this week on charges of being in the possession of stolen property.

A spokesman for Field Security issued an appeal to the public not to buy stolen property from anyone - rather alert 911 Ops Centre, Field or the SAPS and help to fight crime.

ANC CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

There was great excitement late last Saturday afternoon as the motorcade transporting the ANC Centenary torch arrived in Durban Street .Although considerably later than scheduled the large crowd reacted with tremendous and voluble enthusiasm at their first sight of the flame

The torch, commemorating the centenary of the founding of the ANC, is being transported throughout the country. It was formally handed over to the leadership of the Inkosi Bhambatha region by KwaDukuza on Saturday at the gala dinner in the Town Hall.

On Sunday morning the ANC motorcade proceeded from Greytown to iNadi to honour the three Ngubane brothers who died in the 1998 massacre. Then onto Somashu High School where top Provincial and District leaders spoke on various aspects of the ANC. The speakers included KZN Provincial Speaker, Peggy Nyeni; MEC for Health Dr Dlomo; Umzinyathi Mayor and Regional head Rev Mthethwa; Regional Secretary Lucky Moloi and Judge Madonda. The flame was then carried to Bhambatha’s ambush rock and a memorial prayer was held at the grave of Inkosi Mbongeleni Zondi.

Pomeroy was the next stop and then on to Dundee as the torch makes its historic journey through South Africa. Also at the gala dinner, Ishwar Ramltchman of Sivaanda World Peace movement unveiled the plinth in the Town gardens to honour “Unity in diversity to promote peace”

ENDS

FIRST FORENSIC AUDIT BRIEFING

Umvoti Council, at its Statutory meeting on 10th April, took a resolution on the intention to suspend certain senior managers in terms of the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Management. Letters of this intention were given to those concern who in turn were given the opportunity to respond to Council with reasons as to why they should not be suspended. These submissions have been received by Council and are in the process of being studied.

A summary of the KPMG preliminary investigation which was tabled, implicates senior management, certain staff and service providers.

The previous Municipal management, appointed a service provider to conduct a VAT review dating five years back to ensure that all VAT claims had been correctly submitted and monies due to Council claimed. KPMG revealed abnormalities with the review conducted and recommended that the Municipality now does a voluntary disclosure to SARS for this matter to be investigated. A disclosure has been made to the SARS office in Durban and the outcome is awaited.

Other matters raised broadly covered various service providers;procurement issues;use of Council assets etc. Certain reports from KPMG on various issues are still outstanding but should be finalised soon.

Once the final reports have been received the Umvoti Municipal legal department will study the contents thereof and make recommendations to Council for possible action to be instituted such as the recovery of money etc.

As the matters recorded in the KPMG report are sub judice the Greytown Gazette has reported in general terms only.

ENDS

READERS WRITE

Poor service at Greytown Hospital

Sir,

Kindly help me convey my sincere disappointment to the Greytown hospital management:

On Sunday the 8th of April 2012, I was in Greytown with my family. my wife got a stomach bug, I rushed her to Greytown hospital. On arrival I was asked to pay R65 - which I paid.

I arrived there at 12 midnight - then I was told that there was no doctor to attend to us (I waited for 90 minutes) - there was a gentleman with a broken arm also waiting who told me he had been there for more than two hours - a lot earlier than I got there myself.

I then called ER24 (thanks to their swift service); ER24 vehicle was dispatched from Pietermaritzburg, it arrived at Greytown hospital at 2:30am, my wife was then moved to St Anne’s Hospital.

I asked for my R65 back (refund) - was told that only the manager could effect the refund. There was no manager on duty. I would like to be refunded, please.

The concern is not for me and or my wife, I was able to get out of the queue and go somewhere else, but what about the poorest of the poor who rely on this institution.

Few things:

* nurses were unhelpful

*nurses found everything to be funny - they were shouting from a distance “Umithi?” and laughing - I found it offensive (wondered about their qualifications)

*someone who was obviously dehydrated received no first aid at the hospital

*does the hospital have a manager at night

* patients (especially, the guy with the broken arm) were waiting in the cold, while the nurses had a heater in their room.

I have always been proud of this institution since one was born in this very hospital - the service was appalling.

Yours sincerely

Prof. K Mzolo

Wits University

mzolo.family@yahoo.com

readers write reply: REPLY FROM GREYTOWN HOSPITAL

This media release serves to address the issues that were raised by one of your readers regarding the poor service at Greytown Hospital:

1.The clerk on duty should have refunded the patient there and there if he did not receive the service he required. It was a serious omission on his part. We have unsuccessfully tried to get hold of him on the contact details that he left with the Admitting Officer. Notwithstanding that, we are waiting for him to come with a R65.00 receipt of payment and he will be refunded.

2.We also like to inform the community that the hospital has a Matron in-charge during the night and the day to address and manage any problems in the hospital. A member of Executive Management is on call to assist with problems that are beyond their management capabilities.

3.A complaints mechanism is in place and all complaints are investigated and corrective action taken.

4.The incident will be fully investigated and the staff concerned will be counseled and disciplined if guilty of misconduct. The night Matrons have been requested to do rounds in OPD more frequently.

5.The two doctors who were on call on Sunday were in theatre from 22h30 until 02h00 performing a caesarean section. Patients at Greytown hospital are seen according to the Triage system. The red coded patients are seen immediately, yellow coded patients within 15 minutes and green coded can wait up to 4 hours. The first point of entry for all patients is to attend the local PHC or Gateway clinic. However those patients that have been triaged and have found to be red coded or yellow coded will be seen to immediately at the Emergency/ Casualty Department in Greytown hospital at all hours.

ENDS

WORLD HAEMOPHILIA DAY

On the 17th April every year people with haemophilia celebrate World Haemophilia Day. Haemophilia is an inherited sex linked bleeding disorder caused by lack of essential clotting factors. It affect males - females are the carriers.

World Haemophilia day is geared at building an awareness of the condition which will ensure that health care workers as well as the public are well informed about to ensure correct treatment.

Umvoti Ward 9 councillor,Linda Chonco is a haemophiliac and is willing to answer any queries in regard to haemophilia -for further information phone Linda on

071 6130 892.

ENDS

ANGUS BUCHAN’S ORDINARY PEOPLE...THE MOVIE

Audiences have responded positively to the recently released movie “Angus Buchan Ordinary People” , which focuses on the beginnings of Shalom church leading to the build up of the Mighty Men gatherings. Angus actually plays himself in this section of the film which highlights the extraordinary impact on three very different men who attended the final Mighty Men at Shalom.

Directed and co-written by FC Hamman the movie is on the Nu-Metro circuit and opened on 5th April .

Greytonians will recognise familiar sights with the flashback to how Angus rededicated his life to the church with the founding of Shalom in 1979. The major part of the movie features the impact of the far reaching Mighty Men sermons on three men, Lucky Nzimande,played by Lucky Koza ,Andre Cloete with Jaco Muller in the part and John Peters played by Anton Dekker -their stories are told separately.

This is the second movie featuring aspects of Angus Buchan’s life - the first “Faith Like Potatoes” was well received in South Africa and internationally.

“The Mighty Men Journey” the most recent book written by Angus was launched in bookshops throughout the country earlier this month.

ENDS

ST CATHRYN’S NEWS

Golfers were chipping, putting, driving and playing out of the rough in preparation for this coming weekend’s Tuta Carriers club championship to be played on Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 April . The other golfers not practising we were told were mentally preparing!

Tuta Carriers was established in 1996 and has been involved with the sponsoring of the club championship since 2000. With a humble start with one truck the company has grown to a fleet of nine trucks and transports sugarcane, timber and bark from the Umvoti area to markets at Dalton, Durban , Richards Bay, Mandini and Gledhow Mills. MD of the company moves over 100 000 tons timber, up to 90 000 tons of cane and lately a lot of blocks and cement. Come and meet Geoff Newlands on Sunday where he will be our Guest of Honour.

All golfers wishing to enter please note that entry into this prestigious event will close on Thursday night at 18HOO. All divisions will be contested and the bring and braai function will be held after the prize giving on Sunday. As the tradition has been over the past few years, the New Club champion for the coming year will be crowned as soon as the tournament is over and the traditional first two rounds of drinks will be bought by him or her…..

The Kranskop Farmers Association will hold their AGM and members function, this Friday 20 April 2012, so the club house will be closed for the private function.

To book for golf and meals please phone 083 269 1661. Members are reminded to book with Piet by 18h00 on Thursday to enter Club Champs.

ENDS

UMVOTI POLOCROSSE ROUNDUP

A very successful Tegwaans Polocrosse tournament was held at Noodsberg over the Easter weekend with school and varsity teams ,as well as the veterans ,all playing in their respective divisions against each other.

Caroline Minnaar, Gordon Shaw and Debbie Dick won the veterans A division during the weekend. Many goals were scored and they won convincingly in the final against Phezulu team from Bishopstowe. James Kent ,Mark Scott and Andrew Haynes were the runners up in the veterans division, having lost one match and winning 2 matches throughout the weekend.

Thembi Madonsela, Collin Storey and Mathew During played extremely well throughout the weekend to win their schools division.

Jacquie Minnaar, Courtney Odell and Paula Maclerty also won their division ,combining well which resulted in them not loosing a single match throughout the tournament. All three were selected to represent South Africa to play against the under 14 Zimbabwean touring team.

Special mention must be made of all the Umvoti Pee Wees - Lolly Haynes , Jake and Callam Shaw had lots of fun and showed improvement with each chukka played. .

Mascor Umvoti Polocrosse club members have once again started the season with a bang, and the youth policy adopted several seasons ago is now paying dividends. .

Patrick O’Sullivan, Jane O’Sullivan, Caroline Minnaar and Vanessa Williams have all been included in the SA Veteran teams to play against Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ireland in May .

Jaryyd Jacklin and Wesley Flowers have been selected for the SA U25 teams.

Thembi Madonsela, Damien O’Sullivan, Dean Flowers and Colin Storey have been selected for the SA U19 teams.

Jacquie Minnaar has been selected for the SA U14 team.

Patrick O’Sullivan, Andrew Heynes and Caroline Minnaar have also been selected to coach the above teams.

Apart from all the above representative selections, a few tournaments have been attended so far. At Mooiriver, Kargs Post and Noodsberg, almost all the Umvoti players have excelled.

A weekend to keep open is that of 2nd and 3rd June when the Mascor Polocrosse tournament takes place .The ongoing challenge of the fastest Mascor vehicle pitted against the trusty horse which feature... score line at present is 1 – 0 to Mascor!

Umvoti polocrosse players are extremely appreciative of the ongoing generous sponsorship received from Mascor.

ENDS

Greytown Country Club News

Marthinus Steyn lost out on the draw money on Friday as he was not present at the time of the draw. The next draw will be on Friday 20 April and R1500 can be yours, but you have to be at the Club between 6:30pm - 7pm to find out if you are the lucky winner.

The Chicken run is played every Friday afternoon with t-off starting from 4pm.6 holes is all you have to get through, to play in this social competition. Entry is R30 for members and non members. New Generation Lubricants sponsor the chicken. .

On Saturday 7th April Mascor monthly mug was played -results were:

1st – P Hardy on 61

2nd – M Caldicott on 68

3rd – B Zuma on 70

4th – F Botha on 72

Best stableford points was M Caldicott on 40

Nearest pin ; B Zuma

Pannar golf day played on Saturday 14th and with a record field of 88 players the day turned out to be a great success. Thank you to Pannar for all the time and efforts that went into organizing this very successful day. The weather played along nicely and between the dinks on the course and the 19th hole, fun was the order of the day. The prizes were great and the battle began as the word spread about what the first prize was!

Results:

1st – S Bondesio and E Schwarz and S v\d Merwe and F Botha on 92 points

2nd – M Khumalo and S Khumalo & B Mlangeni and M Msomi on 87 points

3rd – D Meyer and M Steyn and K Price and P O’Sullivan on 86 points, oco to 4th – D Corbishley and G Meter and S Pride and J Breytenbach on 86 points

Nearest pin 3rd – J Nloble; on 8th – DS Ndlela; on 12th – T Egner;on 17th – V Xaba .Hit the Pannar square – J Mason and T Larkan.Best dressed team D Hall and R Pessenbacher and M Drury and N Symes

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the golfers that contributed to a great day of golf.

Dates to diarize

Sat 21 Apr – Club Champs

Sun 22 Apr – Club Champs

ENDS

EARLY DEADLINES(AGAIN) ALERT!

For the lucky there is another long long weekend hovering at the end of this month. Friday 27th April is Freedom Day and Tuesday 1st May, Worker’s Day -obviously those who can will take Monday as a holiday too.

To all the advertisers who responded so well to the early Easter deadlines - thank you and please do it again for the issue of Wednesday 2nd May.

Cut off for display advertising is 12 noon on Thursday 26th April. Classified advertising is as normal on Monday 30th April at 10 a.m.

An urgent plea to schools, sports clubs etc. -please submit your copy early -your co-operation is really appreciated.

Apologies for non-use of a number of photographs in this week’s issue. Computer glitches turned the day into never mind a blue Monday it was the deepest of black. So apologies -pix will be published in the next issue or two!

ENDS

MUDEN ROAD BLOCKADE CREATES CHAOS

”We will continue to block the road until the Government fulfils its promises to us” a spokesman for the Muden protesters told the Greytown Gazette on Monday after blocking the road with rocks and burning tyres since last Thursday .

132 protesters were arrested at 5.30 last Thursday morning after illegally blockading the R74 between Muden and Greytown -they spent Thursday night in jail and were released without charge round about noon on Friday.

As reported previously this Muden community has suffered frustration and disappointment at the failure of the officials, in particular Department of Rural Development, to follow through with positive action on the land claims and a total lack of service delivery.

Discussions and negotiations have been held for the past 12 years between the Department, community and the land owners, Lot 194 Marina Beach (Pty) Ltd -the owners have clearly stated that they were willing to sell substantial portions of land to resolve the claim .Once the land was bought the services, about which the community were protesting, would be implemented.

This issue has been going on for 14 years and understandably the community is totally frustrated at all talk and no action from the officials. There have been marches and petitions to the highest levels of Government -to no avail. Conversely the area’s land owners are also seriously frustrated at the total lack of action on the part of the Government departments concerned

While sympathising with these residents’ frustration this protest is having an adverse and serious impact on members of the community living in Muden and working in Greytown as well as the number of children who attend schools in Greytown. With the forced closure of the road daily motorists have either had to travel round via Keates Drift or wait until the rocks have been cleared -which takes considerable time.The loosening of rocks from the high sides along “dead man’s corner” could lead to potential dangers in heavy rains.

The impact of the rocks, burning tyres being dragged away will also cause considerable long term damage to the road surface. Abnormal loads are been forced to queue to wait the opening of the road- on Monday 15 abnormal loads were on this stretch.

What further action has to be taken to get the message through to the Government departments concerned that 12 -14 years of negotiations is not acceptable at any level.

STOP PRESS:Tuesday morning Muden road blocked again and in what appears to be political move as is totally cut off from original protest, the protestors blockaded Ntabenzima community Trust farm(alongside Santa Maria)and Siyabusa Primary School stopping all access

.ENDS

The rhino is being hunted to extinction and could disappear forever unless action is taken now. Last year 440 rhinos were brutally killed in South Africa alone. As of March 135 rhino had been poached in Kwazulu-Natal. The increase in poaching incidents is being driven by the dramatic increase in demand for ground rhino horn in the East. Fuelling this devastation is the belief, particularly in the Far East, that the horns can cure cancer, hangovers and bring good luck. The price of Rhino horn is estimated at R540 000/kg, which means it is currently worth more than gold.

No single organisation has the resources or manpower to fully address the issues involved in reducing rhino poaching - poaching syndicates are highly sophisticated operations, involving highly resourced individuals and sadly even vets.

In response to this serious challenge, Wildlands Conservation Trust and 12 other conservation organizations launched Project Rhino KZN (www.projectrhinokzn.org) on World Rhino Day, 22nd September last year, to support the development and co-ordination of rhino conservation interventions, aimed at eliminating rhino poaching and securing rhino populations in KZN. These organisations have collectively identified the priority projects to fund, both within state-owned, private and communal protected areas. Their focus is on increasing intelligence, surveillance, field ranger competence, advocacy, communication sharing, public awareness and education.

Project Rhino Tracker makes use of GSM based systems, which will ensure key rhino populations are monitored remotely and will allow for a far more rapid anti-poaching unit response. Project Rhino Aerial Support. a new initiative that Wildlands has launched with a view to eventually support effective helicopter and light aircraft for rhino conservation efforts. To this end, Project Rhino KZN has formed a benchmark partnership through which a Cheetah Light Aircraft has been secured which will be based in the Mkhuze area. WWF secured the funds to cover the purchase costs of the new aircraft, African Conservation Trust (ACT) have undertaken to cover the associated insurance costs and to manage the use and maintenance of the aircraft, and Wildlands have undertaken to raise the funds required to employ a fulltime pilot / operations co-ordinator. The other Project Rhino partners will share responsibility for raising the funds required to run and maintain the aircraft. This is an amazing collective response by the Project Rhino KZN partners.

A petition to take global action to save the rhino can be found on http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_rhinos/?vl .You are requested to sign and forward it. Organiser, Avaaz will present the petition to the European Union in July emphasising the urgent need for action to save the Rhino.

A concerned member of the public spotted this abnormal load on the Greytown road, near the Dalton turnoff ,last Tuesday and was surprised to see such an enormous load without Police escort. He contacted Greytown RTI which investigated and subsequently impounded the vehicle and another abnormal which had been travelling in convoy.

The permit for the monster container stated it was 4.7 metres in size, in actual fact when measured by the officials in Greytown it was found to be 5.8 metres which meant that there should have been two Police vehicles escorting. The driver of the escort vehicle told the Greytown Gazette that she was supposed to be “delivering this abnormal load to Harare on Good Friday!”.

The container had been loaded at Durban Harbor and the permit(incorrect) issued in Pietermaritzburg for transport to the border of KZN.

Finally on Wednesday, a permit with the correct information was obtained from the authorities, costing R23 000, and, with the legal escort of two Greytown RTI vehicles the load was on its way to Zimbabwe,

Checking the permit of the second vehicle, it was found that it had expired the previous day! The owner was contacted to supply an up to date permit before the vehicle could proceed. This was done fairly promptly.

There appears to be no slackening off in the number of abnormal loads travelling through Greytown resulting in considerable damage to the already severely potholed roads. This increase has compounded the problems on the Greytown/Pietermaritzburg road, as drivers loose patience and pull out to pass abnormal loads in unsafe and dangerous stretches.

A further problem is the tendency of these abnormal load drivers to convoy making it almost impossible to pass - even in a safe area.

It is hoped that this report will inspire other public spirited motorists to report flagrant flaunting of the rules of the road to the RTI or 911 Centre on 033 417 2911.

Easter weekend traffic flow through Greytown was constant. Traffic authorities, RTI and Municipal and SAPS manned roadblocks checking over 5 000 vehicles. Charges of drunken driving, no licence, unroadworthy vehicles were load.The driver of a fully loaded taxi was jailed, when it was found not only did he not have a driver’s licence but was also drunk.

The rhino is being hunted to extinction and could disappear forever unless action is taken now. Last year 440 rhinos were brutally killed in South Africa alone.As of March 135 rhino had been poached in Kwazulu-Natal. The increase in poaching incidents is being driven by the dramatic increase in demand for ground rhino horn in the East. Fuelling this devastation is the belief, particularly in the Far East, that the horns can cure cancer, hangovers and bring good luck. The price of Rhino horn is estimated at R540 000/kg, which means it is currently worth more than gold.

In response to this serious challenge, Wildlands Conservation Trust and 12 other conservation organizations launched Project Rhino KZN (www.projectrhinokzn.org) on World Rhino Day, 22nd September last year, to support the development and co-ordination of rhino conservation interventions, aimed at eliminating rhino poaching and securing rhino populations in KZN. These organisations have collectively identified the priority projects to fund, both within state-owned, private and communal protected areas. Their focus is on increasing intelligence, surveillance,field ranger competence,advocacy,communication sharing, public awareness and education.

.Project Rhino Tracker makes use of GSM based systems, which will ensure key rhino populations are monitored remotely and will allow for a far more rapid anti-poaching unit response. Project Rhino Aerial Support. a new initiative that Wildlands has launched with a view to eventually support effective helicopter and light aircraft for rhino conservation efforts. To this end, Project Rhino KZN has formed a benchmark partnership through which a Cheetah Light Aircraft has been secured which will be based in the Mkhuze area. WWF secured the funds to cover the purchase costs of the new aircraft, African Conservation Trust (ACT) have undertaken to cover the associated insurance costs and to manage the use and maintenance of the aircraft, and Wildlands have undertaken to raise the funds required to employ a fulltime pilot / operations co-ordinator. The other Project Rhino partners will share responsibility for raising the funds required to run and maintain the aircraft. This is an amazing collective response by the Project Rhino KZN partners.

A confused Easter Bunny was found strolling around a somewhat busy St Cathryn’s golf course over the Easter weekend. Golfers and visitors were a plenty and the short supply of golf carts prompted many a golfer to walk around the course pulling and carrying their bags and trolleys. Not only was the Farmers Agri- Care Monthly Mug played but visitors travelling past popped into the “Tee and Sandwedges “ for a toasted sandwich.

Back to the Bunny…His “Easter Eggs” were put on the line when a serious contender for the C Division, made an offer to give all golfers beating him in the mug a Marshmallow egg. The result was that four golfers collected an egg at prize giving.

One Two Club was recorded by Merwin Rabe who chipped in on the 15th for an Eagle two…just as spectacular as Louis Oosthuizen,s chip in on the par 5 second hole at Augusta, to end Second, after a two hole play off against Bubba Watson. After speaking to a few members, who stayed up until two o”clock to witness Louis, “ almost bag his second Major. “ How good would it have been for South African golf if he had received his green jacket from fellow South African Charl Scwartzel, who had won the title last year.

The golf committee is now hard at work in preparing for the Tuta Carriers Club Championships -- to be played over weekend of 21 and 22 April. One of the biggest rule changes over club championship weekend is the Saturday when we go of in three balls, and Sunday teeing of will commence 45 minutes later and then golfers will be sent off in three ball’s again. The course set up will have three easy, three medium and three tight pin positions.

The different divisions to be contested for A, B ,C , Junior and Ladies divisions, St Cathryn’s Home Owners , Tee to Pin and then the Ultimate is to be named “ The 2012 Tuta Carriers St Cathryn’s Club Champion “. For the next two weeks leading up to the championships, ALL 18 holes of golf will be charged at nine hole rates.

Supper this Friday: Chicken Curry and Rice To book for golf and meals – Please phone 0832691661.

A teenager had a narrow escape last Wednesday when an unknown man was shot dead on a taxi and later he “walked into” the three suspected attackers.

The teenager, whose identity is known but is not being revealed for his safety, was driving with a taxi driver friend .Passengers had been dropped off in Greytown and the taxi was going to New Hanover. It was dark, when the driver, stopped to pick up a male hitch hiker who asked to be dropped off at Seven Oaks crossroads. Another two males boarded and sat at the back.

At Seven Oaks the driver stopped -next thing the hitch hiker had a firearm and there were shots fired -apparently the three were together.

The teenager jumped off and hid -when he decided it was safe the taxi had gone. He made his way by foot to New Hanover and while walking alongside a cane field, came across the three from the taxi.They demanded money and cellphone, which he did not have but took his jacket and shoes, and kicked him as he lay down -they then told him to run while shooting at him. He escaped and managed to get home safely.

Police are investigating the shootings and the identity of the dead man, presumably a passenger in the taxi

HEALTH ENEWS Beware of hidden caffeine...an evening cup of coffee might disrupt your sleep. Even moderate caffeine can cause sleep disturbances. But don’t forget about less obvious caffeine sources, like chocolate, cola, tea, and decaffeinated coffee. For better sleep, cut all caffeine from your diet four to six hours before bedtime.

If your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone, you’re probably feeling tired, weak, cold, and gaining weight. Without enough thyroid hormone, the metabolism slows, making weight gain more likely.

Time Your Meals. Set a timer for 20 minutes and reinvent yourself as a slow eater. This is one of the top habits for slimming down without a complicated diet plan. Savor each bite and make it last until the bell chimes. Paced meals offer great pleasure from smaller portions and trigger the body’s fullness hormones. Wolfing your food down in a hurry blocks those signals and causes overeating.

Stir a teaspoon of sunflower seeds into 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt. The seeds add plenty of texture but only 19 calories. The yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium. Make sure to use unsalted sunflower seeds, especially if you are watching your sodium.

When you want a large snack with a small calorie count, popcorn delivers. Check labels, most pop corn brands are fairly low in calories. It can be more satisfying as it takes longer to eat and because of its high fibre content, it keeps you full.

The ANC Centenary flame will be in Umvoti, the Inkosi Bhambatha region, this weekend to commemorate the 100 years of the organisation.

Arriving from the Ilembe district on Saturday 14th, escorted by MK veterans, Police and ANC top Provincial and regional personnel, it will be taken to Greytown Town Hall adjacent to the statue King Dinizulu where it will be presented to ANC leadership and personnel . Thereafter the celebrations move to Enhlalakahle where at the New Hall, the Centenary flame will again be on view. A meeting of the Cadre Forum will take place and will be addressed by National and Provincial leaders..By 7 p.m. the flame will be in the care of the Police at the Greytown Police station .

On Sunday the Torch will be again be formally paraded to iNadi where the September 1998 massacre will be remembered with the unveiling of the tombstone of George Ngubane, who was killed in the massacre, and the placing of wreaths on the graves of other victims.

Later on Sunday morning the torch motorcade will pass through Greytown onto Ngome to Bhambatha Ambush rock to honour Inkosi Bhambatha Zondi and Inkosi Mbongeleni Zondi -the memorial of the latter, will be unveiled at the Emkhontweni Royal homestead.

Late on Sunday afternoon the Torch will be move on to the next stage of its national journey to Pomeroy

A large number of descendants of Christoph and Marie Düvel descended on Hermannsburg over the weekend of 31 March and 1 April 2012 to celebrate the arrival in this country of the founding father of the family. From all over South Africa participants arrived to enjoy a full programme of activities and family reminiscences.

On Saturday morning the Mission Museum was visited which provided much information about the early days. Then after everyone had registered and partaken of some hearty soup and pretzels, followed by cake - notably “Butterkuchen” - everyone was entertained with presentations covering the historical roots of the family in Germany and the early days in South Africa. A wealth of information on the Düvel descendents in South Africa was given with the aid of a photograph presentation, some photographs being quite old. A display of family heirlooms, including some artefacts from before the family’s arrival in South Africa, was much appreciated. Saturday’s proceedings were finished-off with a splendid meal served by Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg.

Sunday was mostly spent in reflection with a visit to the cemetery alongside Hermannsburg Kirche where many Düvel descendants are buried. Everyone then attended the Palm Sunday Gottesdienst and Communion in the Church and this was a fitting manner to bring to a close a most memorable and certainly unforgettable family celebration.

The guiding and protecting Hand of the Heavenly Father over the past 150 years was noted as having been an ever present Presence in the homes of the multiple branches of the Düvel family.

A DVD of the Fest is planned as well as a commemorative brochure. More information in this regard may be obtained at email address: sesolo@worldonline.co.za

Umvoti 911 centre, is a non-political, non-profit, voluntary organization based in Greytown, serving the community of Umvoti as a whole.

Members of the public need only phone or radio the centre with an emergency or other problem, and the necessary will be done on a 24 hour basis. Fire assistance during the fire season is provided with FDI reports given 3 times per day.

Should any of the following emergencies’ need reporting, please phone 033 417 2911:

G911 relies entirely on the community for its funding, with contributors subscribing at a nominal monthly fee.

What a lovely time of the year to catch up on the chores we overlooked when the hot temperatures outside were not conducive to gardening!

I was lucky enough to be given a large load of stable manure with lots of wood shavings that make it an ideal mulch. This was quickly spread all over my tiny garden much to neighbours’ consternation as it has brought flies!

!Then I made the trip to a garden nursery and bought a large tray of the most beautiful yellow and blue violas. As a border they are ideal and you really

.I feel really good now the roses have their winter blanket, not only does it keep the soil warm in the cold times but also saves such a lot of water.

Herbs needed replanting so I planted lots of parsley and thyme. Parsley is probably one of the best sources of iron and should be used daily in your diet. Plant lots so that you can utilise this versatile herb all the time.

The flower garden needs lots of TLC to ensure a wonderful spring garden. Once Delphiniums and Foxgloves are available, if you have dappled shade in

your garden I can strongly recommend you plant these glorious flowers. The delphiniums come in different heights and the Giant variety which is so magnificent will need staking but they are worth the bother.

Perennials need to be split up now. Take them out then dig in lots of lovely Kraal manure and compost in the bed then replant. Any left overs give away to friends, they will remember you by them for years!

Namaqualand Daisies can be planted now, I try to stagger the planting over a couple of weeks to try and extend the flowering period. As we are encouraged to plant indigenous, last year I planted Ixia. They were so

lovely and so I have planted a few more this year just in case last years do not come up.!

Please visit your local Nursery who I am sure will help you and advise to what will be a suitable choice for a Spring Garden in your area.

CAPTION: Throughout South Africa civil society and media have protested on the negative impact of the controversial Protection of State Information Bill which was passed by Parliament on "Black Tuesday" last year. For the first time ever, Opposition parties voted together to oppose the Bill. Public hearings continue and the Bill has to be considered by NCOP before returning to Parliament. Greytown DA protested last month on the Bill which could ciminalise whistleblowing;instill a fear of reporting corruption and removing the right of the public to be free to inform and be informed.

STOP THE CARNAGE

Nationwide road safety campaigns have once again been launched as large numbers of South Africans travel on the roads over the Easter holiday - despite this the carnage on the roads continues as reported in the media daily. Everyone travelling is urged to drive safely and carefully -taking risks in order to save a couple of minutes is just not worth a life.

Over the years the Greytown Gazette has, on behalf of the thousands of users of the Greytown /Pietermaritzburg road, urged that action be taken by the authorities to make the road safer and police the blatant daily traffic infringements. In January this year, a concerned road user drew up a petition which was circulated throughout Umvoti and surrounds. A summing up of petition as follows: “Stop the Carnage petition has been completed and dispatched to the relevant authorities. Over 1600 people signed the petition, which is disappointing considering the huge area it covered – Umvoti district, New Hanover and Cramond. The delay in finishing this petition was caused by getting the signed pages back. Each one was coded with the area and numbered for accurate retrieval. Some were lost and some not signed at all.

A big thank you to all those who spent a lot of time asking people to sign and thank you to all who did sign.

The covering letter to the authorities extends the petition from not only the Pietermaritzburg/Greytown road, to all Umvoti area roads, Dalton and Wartburg.

The threat posed by Abnormal Load vehicles and reckless drivers, taxis, etc has been emphasised.

Traffic police are not allowed to talk to the media. This petition requests dialogue with the public. ”

The petition and lists of signatures will now be submitted to the Minister of Transport for action.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution at night on the “killer road”. Round about 10.45 last Friday night, the driver of a vehicle coming from Pietermaritzburg back to Greytown, saw a fair size rock on the road, near the silos -the driver and passengers saw a group of men alongside the road. Fortunately the driver could get round the rock - the potentially dangerous situation was reported to 911 Ops Centre immediately -911 contacted the Greytown Police WHO REMOVED THE ROCK.

A warning to motorists -please make sure your car is locked if you use a remote. The “remote thieves” are now targetting vehicles in Greytown -so after you have locked double check that it is to prevent the thieves from using a remote to open just as you are using your remote to close.

ENDS

Life for murder

Appearing in the Pietermaritzburg High Court last Friday, 42 year old Sihle Khulumani Hlongwa of Silverstream, Kranskop, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, plus 7 years for attempted murder and 15 years for robbery.

On August 10 2009, he shot and killed 60 year old Jabulusiwe Ngema. In Court Hlongwa stated that the dead woman’s brother had offered him money to kill her -he alleged the motive was jealousy. The accused had gone to Ngema’s home in the afternoon shot and killed her and then had shot at the daughter who managed to escape and run away. Hlongwa claimed that he was the daughter’s boyfriend. He stole cash and a bank card from Ngema.

The case was investigated by Kranskop SAPS with the suspect, who went on the run, being arrested in Johannesburg last year.

ENDS

READERS WRITE \

LITTER IS NOT LEKKER!

Sir

Last Saturday a successful soccer tournament was hosted in the park where, despite the rain the young participants played valiantly throughout the day. All are to be commended for their efforts but yet again a successful event was marred by the volume of litter left strewn about the venue. Conversely, less than a kilometre away is the Shembe church site where a large gathering is held every Saturday morning. After worshipping the congregants leave this venue impeccably clean and litter free. I would imagine this stems from a level of mindfulness and respect for the environment and others who share it which unfortunately apparently does not apply to those who use the park for events and so mindlessly throw their litter right next to the bins the Municipality has provided.

It is obvious from the constant littering that takes place after many an event that participants need to be educated to the fact that the bins are there for litter to be placed in, and to the hazards of leaving piles of rubbish lying about such as an exploding rat problem and the spread of disease. Contrary to popular belief littering does not create jobs but indicates mindlessness, a lack of self-respect and education.

A suggestion to the organisers of future events held anywhere in Greytown is to allocate a few minutes, before the prize-giving or conclusion, to instruct the participants in the hazards of litter and ask each to pick up their own rubbish and place it in the receptacles provided. In the event of no response simply delay the awards until an effort is made and the venue is clean. This would encourage a win-win situation and add educational value to an event.

Jen Cowie

ENDS

2012...and no communications!

Sir,

This message is sent via our new Blackberry, by the grace of Vodacom service. I had to walk 4kms to send it.

If you have travelled any of the rural roads lately and seen the condition of the Telkom landlines, you will not be surprised that their service to long established customers has collapsed completely. In fact, they have abandoned us!

There seems no attempt to straighten poles or clear trees from lines that hang drunkenly or drag on the ground. Where are the technicians?

It is an absolute joke and even if your line is dead for months the account for line rentals arrives, complete with a cheery little advertisement of their land line services

Just totally Cloud Cuckoo Land ...I am disgusted!

Joy Alcock

Mhlopeni

Muden

Abnormal truck whistleblower!

Sir,

I am an abnormal truck driver and am tired of living on the edge as I don’t get paid if I don’t do what my boss says I must do.The firms do not pay for permits so make us drive through the night and most times without escorts. How come these transporters still get paid without permits.

In many towns, including yours, officials involved take a back hander of money and the illegal trucks may travel through with false number plates and discs. Lives are endangered as the drivers are rushing through the nights with wide abnormal trailers so that their bosses can make a lot of extra money .

No abnormal loads with a height problem can travel to Johannesburg/Middleburg etc without passing through Greytown where the police do a 50/50 job.The correct procedure is for an abnormal to stop at the weighbridge where the escort shows the permit and pays the fee for the traffic police to guide the vehicle on the road to Colenso. If the truck owner is saving on these legal costs, he will give the driver up to R2000 for bribes for the entire journey. “The driver will hang out at the Greytown siding, pay a cop R300 and in a flash with the good guys he may go! Its a norm from 5pm to 6pm .

How come the big wellknown firms such as Barloworld, Transnet, Vodacome etc just pay on invoice on receipt of the loads - there should be a legal copy of the load permit attached with the driver’s signature...as it is each permit must be signed by the driver confirming he will follow the route laid out and safe driving hours!

Why is there no place on permit for police to sign with date, time and correct location en route.

I am jobless because I refused the bribe money and would not use the alternative route.

To compound an already out of hand situation ”while taking bribes or doing it the real way”

Police forget to inspect number plates’ license disks!

antwap@gmail.com

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD!

Be on time or fork out R100. Leave early and pay other R100. This was the message loud and clear to Umvoti Councillors at the statutory meeting held last Wednesday...and which started 20 minutes late! No matter who you are or what political party you belong to - be on time or pay up!

This very important meeting was to table the first draft of the Budget for the forthcoming financial year to enable Councillors to obtain a feedback from their Wards on the preliminary document and to debate and resolve many of the issues . A series of public meetings will be held to give residents throughout the 11 wards the opportunity of commenting on the Budget before it is finalised,

However before matters financial could be raised considerable time was spent on the correct procedures when applying for leave of absence in terms of the Standing Orders --apparently a reason has to be given by the Councillor concerned not just “sorry won’t be there”. Standing orders were once again to the fore as it was reported that if a Councillor was absent from three or more meetings he or she would be removed from office. This was then applied to Councillor Dudu Zondi 9 who was given full special leave of absence by the Council and left the meeting. A multi party Code of Conduct committee met on Monday to deliberate Councillor Zondi’s case in terms of the Standing Orders and the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

By the time the above was finalised, plus a few other minor matters, time fflew past with first IFP requesting a caucus and then an ANC caucus and then a chorus of repeats!...This reporter decided enough was enough and departed from the meeting at 12 noon - it apparently finished at 6.30 that evening!

But most important for all residents is the outline from acting CFO Martin Swanlow on the first, and somewhat depressing, draft of the Budget as presented...and what needs to be done to lift Umvoti out of its financial morass as follows:

”Council was advised that according to calculations anticipated cash available as at end of the financial year, 30th June 2012 would be R201,381. The current draft operating budget shows a deficit of R26,123,009 which the Council cannot afford as the only cash funding available amounts to R201,381

. A capital budget amounting to R142,362,374 was also tabled. As the budget needs to be funded the Council was advised that the only projects which could be approved when the budget is adopted would be projects where funding has been committed from the National and Provincial Fiscus. This means that currently the Capital Budget is funded to the tune of R118,044,494 and the balance of R24,317,880 currently remain unfunded which could mean these projects would not be implemented.

Based on the cash situation of the Municipality the following proposals were made:

*Council to revisit the staff requirements of the organization as acting CFO indicated that he is of the view that the administration has become bloated which had contributed greatly to the financial crisis.

*All vacant post be frozen with immediate effect and only critical and legislative post be filled.

*Council consider cutting down on non-core functions eg. youth and sports.

*Consideration be given to reduce the expenditure on attending meetings and conferences.

*Tariff for waste removal from residents to remain unchanged but the collection will be done once a week instead of twice a week.

*Businesses to be issued with skips or trolley bins that have been micro chipped and they would be paying for the amount of waste generated as the consumers are currently subsidizing business.

*To investigate the possibility of constructing tolls at all entrances to Greytown with rated residents to be given free passage into town” Compounding this extremely serious situation, is the possibility of a 10% rates increase as well as the ESKOM tariff increase of 16 or so percent.

It has been made very clear by the Mayor, Council and acting CFO that positive input, recommendations and ideas on the budget would be most welcome. So ratepayers, don’t just sit back and wring your hands - get involved positively!

ENDS

Greytown Country Club news

All members please note that the Club will be closed on Good Friday 6 April. Attendance draw on Friday 13 April is R1400, that can be yours, but you have to be at the Club between 6:30pm - 7pm to find out if you are the lucky winner.

Friday was the monthly Happy hour! Sue Norton walked away with the cash and Jaimie took the bottle of Chivas Regal. The Ladies golf section and François Fichser took the consolation prizes. Big thank you to the sponsors of the evening: Kwa no1 and Greytown Beer.

The “Chicken run” is playing every Friday afternoon with t-off starting from 4pm.6 holes is all you have to get through to play in this social competition. Entry is R30 for members and non members. New Generation Lubricants is the sponsor of the chicken, thank you Richard!

Results from Friday 30 March: Congratulations to Juanita Mason, she walked away with the chicken!

There will be no Chicken run on Friday 6 April as the Club will be closed.

Saturday 7 April is Mascor monthly mug time again. Entry is R110 including halftime - T-off from around 12pm. Come and join in the fun! Mascor is going big with the prizes so come and see what you can win.

Pannar Golf day is happening on 14th April and entry is R120 that includes your halftime and supper. 4BBB is the format. There is a morning and afternoon field but hurry as the field is already filling up. Entry form is up on the notice board or you can phone Elmarie 0334172441 to enter.

Mexican Cocktail evening is on Friday 4 May. R100 per person and eat as much Mexican food as you like and get a cocktail on arrival. Dress up as Poncho and come and enjoy the evening with DJ ROB!

Dates to diarize

Fri 6 Apr – CLUB CLOSED

Sat 7 Apr – Mascor Monthly Mug

Sat 14 Apr – Pannar Golf day

Sat 21 Apr – Club Champs

Sun 22 Apr – Club Champs

ENDS

COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM FUNCTIONS AND BENEFITS

Throughout South Africa there are many Community Policing Forums (CPT) which have proved very sucessful in the prevention of crime. The CPF is a means of facilitating the partnership between the Police and the community to participate in joint problem idenitfication, consultaiton and problem solving.

The CPF improves the delivery of public service to the community ensuring Police accountability and transparency as well as enhancing the Police’s ability to combat and prevent crime.

Through this partnership the public can monitor services as well as advise on possible improvements.

It is an accepted factor that the Police cannot alone effectively control crime and address the causes. What is needed is the development of a joint cpaacity to prevent and combat crime, so that the Police can plan and manage policing problems with the community through the CPF which is one of the most effective mechanisms in join planning and problem solving.

The CPF is a one stop against crime.

Community members who fail to co-operate and do not report criminals or criminal activities to the Police are in fact protecting the criminals and creating a paradise for them.

For more information contact CPF PRO, I. Moola on 072 874 7445 or Greytiown Station Commander Lt Col Maphala on 082 556 8259.