Although this was the final MMC at Shalom Angus is definitely not retiring - he has many preaching commitments in various parts of the world and will be seen regularly on television as he continues to deliver his message of hope.
Danie Liebenberg on the last leg of his mission carrying a cross from Gauteng to the Mighty Men Conference.
Tragedy struck a young man on his way home from MMC2010 when travelling on his motorbike he hit a pothole and was thrown off. The accident occurred on Sunday morning round about 10 on the R74 about 15 kms from Greytown.
For many months many road users have complained about the appalling state of the roads and the number of potholes - some of which are filled on a temporary basis but as soon the first rains come-a deeper pothole develops.
Will it take the tragic and unnecessary death of this man for the authorities to finally take positive action on all the roads in the area?
BUTTERFLY CENSUS
Mhlopeni Nature Reserve Muden is the focus in the district for the national butterfly census taking place this weekend.
Anyone interested in taking an active part in this very special event is asked to please phone Joy Alcock at Mhlopeni on 033 496 1722
ENDS
GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS
Wednesday Golf was won by R Chiazzari and S van der Merwe on 42 points.
At Friday evening’s attendance draw Jenny Cowie lost out on the prize money. The next draw is on Friday, 23 April with R600 for the taking.
At the weekend we had 113 visitors take on our lovely golf course. Thank you Mighty Men, our weekend was a great success.
PANNAR golf day takes place on Saturday, 1 May. The tournament will be scored in a 4BBB format. The entry fee is only R100 and includes halftime refreshments and dinner. To enter please phone Elmarie on 033 417 2441 or place your name on entry form on the notice board at the Club. There will be great prizes to be won, so come and enjoy the day with us.
Dates to diarise:
1 May - PANNAR Golf Day
8 May - Monthly Mug
29 May - Sanlam Cancer Challenge
30 May - Ladies Invitation
ENDS
A WAKE UP CALL FOR RATEPAYERS
Two meetings to be held in Greytown this week are of great financial importance to all ratepayers and residents, as well as to the future development of Umvoti, and the Greytown Gazette would like to urge all ratepayers to attend them.
On Wednesday at 4 p.m. a meeting to discuss the 2010/11 draft budget and IDP has been called although Council has not yet discussed a rates policy or rate increases. Although this item was on the agenda for discussion at the Council meeting on 29 March, it was not discussed. This was in spite of the fact that DA Councillor Paul Buss had pointed out that the budget was shown incorrectly as if it was for 2009/10 and that there were a number of other errors.
In their wisdom, the Mayor and his officials have decided to use out-of-town newspapers to advertise Wednesday’s meeting, as well as an important Municipal Turnaround strategy meeting on Friday.
These advertisements have been placed in two limited-circulation out of Umvoti papers at a total cost to ratepayers of R33 521.86. These advertisements, over four full pages, were also placed in Umvoti Light, at a cost that has not been declared..
The same advertisements in the Greytown Gazette would have cost R2 655.70.
Out of concern for ratepayers, the Greytown Gazette has written to the Speaker and opposition party Councillors to point out this excessive and unnecessary expenditure, but at no stage did the Editor state that the Greytown Gazette should have been used instead of any other newspaper. The Gazette’s main concern is that the communities of Umvoti should be kept informed of what is happening.
However, Acting Municipal Manager (Head of Protection Services) Mr K. Simelane responded as follows:
”We understand that Greytown Gazette is a local newspaper but note that as the person advertising we have the right to choose which papers we advertise in as explained to you by the previous Acting Municipal Manager.
“The reason we advertise in the Witness, Illanga and the Mercury is that we can get people outside Umvoti taking an interest in Umvoti and hopefully uplifting us economically. The Umvoti Light is also a local newspaper and we feel that everyone, in this case, newspapers, should we given equal business and therefore we also advertise in the Umvoti Light. You will also notice that we are to date still advertising in the Greytown Gazette.
“As for the cost of the advert, each newspaper has its own tariff and if we wish to reach our target audience will have to pay that price as mentioned before. If we want to bring people and business into Umvoti we will have to advertise in outside newspapers. Once again I wish to remind you that we reserve the right to advertise. “
The Editor reiterates that at no stage - now, previously or in the future - has the Greytown Gazette insisted, demanded or claimed that the Municipality must advertise in it. As it has a circulation of 10 000 throughout Umvoti, with a readership of up to six people per copy in the rural areas, it probably has the widest coverage of any newspaper among the local community.
Comment from the ANC on the calling of a budget meeting is as follows: “ANC Councillors are shocked by the IFP’s unilateral action to advertise the proposed rate increases without these being discussed in Council and that the legislative requirement of a rates policy has not been tabled or discussed. We are very perturbed at this high handed action and will certainly take further action.”
DA Councillor Paul Buss views with grave concern the wasteful expenditure by the Municipality in using out-of-town newspapers, thus not performing one of its core functions to keep residents and ratepayers fully informed of matters of importance to them.
The Greytown Gazette appeals to all interested parties to please attend these important meetings to ensure, through their input, a viable economic future for Umvoti.
ENDS
READERS WRITE
Woes of the communication network:
Sir,
First a query for Telkom - what has happened to having pride in your work? Driving around Umvoti telephone poles are lying on the ground, sagging, dangling wires, burnt poles, rotten poles, trees over poles for months on end and so on. Surely when the Telkom chaps drive past damaged lines they could make a plan to get them fixed
I have been without a phone for 3 months, it has been reported over and over again - last time I reported was 26th March and then a miracle happened it was repaired on 14th April
I have forwarded my cell phone account to Telkom for payment. I signed a contract with Telkom to provide me with a service, they charge line charges every month which did not work. I will pay for the services provided, but have come to the conclusion as Telkom has breached the contract it is liable for all costs incurred by me in order to have communication.
I signed a contract with Vodacom for 2 years to be able to use the internet and my cellphone. For 3 weeks I was without internet and had limited use of the cellphone. Who has breached the contract? The towers are giving massive problems. To think I am supposed to be living in civilization in the Dalton area but the only means of any communication at all I have is to get in my car and drive along the road to see if I can get lucky and pick up a signal to phone.
I have reported this to Vodacom customer care with little success, for a few days it works and then its back to dark ages again.
I have contacted Icasa, Minister of Telecommunications National and Provincial, Vodacom and Telkom Chairmen. “ nou eis ek my pond vleis van die 2 firmas”
Gertie Kotze
ENDS
FROM THE DITCH
The week end was filled with Club Singles Championships.
In the first round of the champs Chris Fisher had a walk over against Ernie Weykes, Brian Paul lost to Jacques Minnaar in a closely contested match. Tom Redfern had a bye and went through to the second round and Roy Thomson lost his match to Gerhard Balzer.
On Saturday afternoon it was Chris Fischer against Jacques Minnaar in the first of the semi finals with Chris eventually winning the game 21 - 17. The other semi final match was Tom Redfern against Gerhard Balzer, Tom played magnificent bowls but just could not match the more experienced Gerhard who won the game 21 - 13. Gerhard Balzer and Chris Fischer faced each other in the finals on Sunday afternoon. Chris was up 13 - 5 when the Sunday afternoon hail storm interrupted play! At the time of going to press it had not been decided when the finals will be played.
Our thoughts and wishes go to Ernie Weykes’ wife who underwent a back operation recently.
Sannie Balzer teamed up with Gina Gebers and Anne Williams from Wartburg over the weekend to compete in the Underberg “Trips” tournament. Sannie reported that the girls had a fantastic weekend of competitive bowls as well as enjoying the social side.
From the ditch
ENDS
14 April 2010
A SPATE OF ARMED ROBBERIES IN DISTRICT
Armed robbers attacked four different targets in Greytown and district on Monday injuring three people and getting away with an unknown amount of cash.
Round about ten a.m. shoppers and staff dived for cover as a gang of at least 12 armed men started shooting at random to get to their target -the G4S security vehicle collecting cash from Aheers Powertrade in Durban Street.
Two people were hit and injured by the flying bullets -security guard, Jakob Duffy who was later rushed through to a Pietermaritzburg hospital and a shopper Ms Slindile Mhlongwa. Another G4S employee Johan Steenberg was slightly injured by shrapnel ricochet
.As three cases of cash were in the process of being loaded at least of the six robbers opened fire and two of the boxes were taken. There were another six members of the gang who were also shooting-they made their escape in a gold Mercedes 180 Kompressor with ND number plates and a black Corsa bakkie which had been parked in the forecourt. The vehicles had driven off in the direction of Kranskop.
A witness, Jacob van Niekerk said that he had been outside for a smoke, had seen the security vehicle draw up and then heard a bang - he said ”I thought the boxes had been dropped but then saw a lady lying on the ground and screaming.” `He said people were running around in fear - a number of vehicles were hit by stray bullets.
Police personnel, and a Police helicopter and Field Security responded to the alert and chased the gang. The two vehicles were found abandoned on the Nadi road later that afternoon. An intensive search is underway for the robbers.
Police recovered recovered 21 9mm cartridges and 4 AK 47 bullet points.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Investigating Officer Captain Bobby Naicker on 082 469 9189.
On Monday evening at 6 p.m. wellknown Ahrens businessman Abie Surendorff was shot and seriously injured during an armed robbery at the Welgegund Garage. According to a Police spokesman the security guard had been frogmarched at gunpoint by two armed robbers to the office to get money.Abie had come out of the office into the passage and had punched the one robber who then fired at him. He is in a stable condition - Field Security personnel and Police were rapidly on the scene and Field’s Sudesh Maharaj took Abie to hospital for treatment.
An intensive search is underway for the robbers - any information to Inspector Mbambo 033 413 9134.
Kranskop Chief of Police Caroline Minnaar said that on Monday a tavern owner in Kranskop had been held up by armed robbers who took a considerable amount of cash and a tuck shop at Olifantshoek had also been held up by armed robbers.
ends
GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS
Welcome back to everyone who went away for the holidays. We hope that you had a wonderful time and are well rested and happy to be back safely.
Mascor Monthly Mug was played on Saturday 3 April and the results are:
1st - B Oehme on 68 points (count out)
2nd - D Khumalo on 68 points
3rd - B Zuma on 69 points
Best Stableford: S van der Merwe on 36 points.
Results of Wednesday’s golf competition on 7 ApriL:
Winner: M Steyn on 44 points
2nd: S Bondesio on 42 points.
On Friday evening Roy Harris lost out on the attendance draw prize money. The next draw is on Friday 16 April at 18:30. There is R500 for the taking, but remember you have to be in attendance to win.
Club Championships were played on Saturday 10 April and Sunday 11 April. We would like to thank everyone who entered this event.
RESULTS:A Division
1st: R Mhlangeni on 149 points
2nd: M Zakwe on 155
B Division
1st: MP Khumalo on 176 points
2nd: S Bondesio on 178
C Division
1st: S van der Merwe on 186 points
2nd: G Larkan (jnr) on 188
Seniors
1st: B Oehme on 74 points
The Umvoti Cup went to R Mhlangeni on 141 points. Congratulations to all the winners and a very big thank you to Stan Clarke for his contributions to the competition.
The annual PANNAR Golf Day will take place on Saturday 1 May. It takes a 4BBB format and entry is only R100, which includes refreshments and supper. Please contact Elmarie on 033 4172441 to enter or write your name on the entry form on the notice board at the Club. There are great prizes to be won. Please support this day.
Dates to diarise:
1 May - PANNAR Golf Day
8 May - Mascor Monthly Mug
29 May - Sanlam Cancer Challenge
30 May – Ladies’ Invitation Day
ends
UMVOTI RESIDENTS WELCOME MMC2010 T0 GREYTOWN
Thousands and thousands of men from South Africa, Africa and Europe are on their way to Greytown to spend this weekend at the seventh and final Mighty Men Conference at Shalom to listen to Angus Buchan who has selected “Watchmen of the house” as the theme this year.
Estimates at the time of going to press are that 300 to 400 000 men could be present at this very unique event. From Durban to Stanger, and all posts in between, accommodation is totally booked out -hotels, bed and breakfasts and a number of private homes which have been let out. At Shalom itself the five camping sites are filling up, as are the tent towns at Greytown High School, New Hanover School, Hermannsburg School and private camping land.
To ensure the smooth running of the conference with as little disruption as possible to the community, main organiser Andy Buchan and his team have been at it since July last year. Last Saturday Andy took time out from his hectic schedule to brief a group of interested residents on the intensive action that has been undertaken.
There are five colour coded camp sites - on surrounding farmlands. These campers pay R150 for the weekend which goes to the farmers who have not planted crops so that there is enough land available for the thousands who attend. Access to these camps is identified through the colour and direction e.g. from Colenso; from Dundee; Mooi River, Pietermaritzburg etc. Provincial RTI will be assisting with traffic flow, in addition to locals and have made two helicopters available to monitor the flow and prevent any buildups in Greytown or on the access roads.
Security is well taken care of. SAPS are honing their skills here in anticipation of the World Cup! There will be mounted Police, Police on Motorbikes and private security.
Because of the number expected no food will be served -snacks and cooldrinks only. Fast food outlets in Greytown and supermarkets can expect to be exceptionally busy from Friday. Campers have been requested to take their own food and gas cooking equipment - no open fires are allowed.
Two thousand shower heads have been set up on the sites - campers will be allocated a shower time slot and special biological soap so as not to pollute the environment. Plastic lined bacterial toilets have been set up .
Day visitors are requested to obtain their colour coded pink sticker from Engen Garage in Durban Street - special day visitors parking is along D220 and on the Mispah (silo) road at Shalom. There are also special facilities for handicapped visitors and on the big screens round the stage and the ampitheatre the hearing disadvantaged will be able to “hear” Angus through sign language being shown in the corner of the screens.
As can be imagined in between the sessions thousands of cellphones are brought into operation- to ensure continuous service Vodacom has installed 72 dishes and MTN 24 ! Shalom personnel and volunteers will communicate via radio-3 repeaters with 5 frequencies and 45 channels will be in operation.
First session is on Friday night at 7; Saturday 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. and on Sunday there is a family service, women welcome, at 9 a.m. Because of the volume of traffic expected the organisers have requested that there will be no exit from Shalom from 6 a.m. on Friday until 11 a.m. on Saturday-obviously excluding emergencies.
Residents are reminded to fill up vehicles with petrol by Thursday the latest; to stock up on basic fooodstuffs and water ; and to welcome the thousands of visitors to Greytown and district. Through Angus Buchan and Shalom Greytown has become known throughout the world hopefully together with the MMC message of peace. love, discipline and care
Its non stop as all the facets slot in for this year’s MMC staring on Friday evening. Overall MMC co-ordinator Andy Buchan briefed a group on the various facilities last Saturday. The stage has been moved to a natural ampitheatre ...three giant television , weighing 3 and half tonnes each will be mounted on the stage to ensure that all can see and hear Angus as he preaches and prays.
ends
EASTER POLOCROSSE TOURNAMENT
.
The new polocrosse season got off to an excellent start with the Tegwaans Easter Tournament held at Noodsberg over the Easter weekend.
Congratulations to Damien O’Sullivan on his selection to the South African U/16 squad to play Australia in July. Damien already has his National Colours, having played U/14 against Ireland. The Australians, however, will be much stronger than the Irish and will be a real test of the standard of South African junior polocrosse. With Damien in the U/16 squad are Graeme Mc Larty. Johann Strauss and Ross Beukes.
Of the many Umvoti players who participated in the various divisions only Cavan O’Sullivan’s section and Dean Flower’s section had any success. Cavan had Angus Fitton and Tim Halley in his section. Playing in Maritzburg College colours, they won all their games to take the Junior C division title. Dean played with Ryan Gibbs and Mathew During. Playing in Weston colours they won the Junior B Division.
Steve Gilson, Patrick O’Sullivan and Jarryd Jacklin had the worst possible draw, the bottom of the A division. Losing their first two games, they did well to win their final game against the very powerful Richmond A side of Gavin Cocker, Scott Hosking and Tony Higgs.
Damien O’Sullivan joined Alister Armitage and Ross Beukes and came third in the Junior A division. Alice Gilmore, Ulrich Bosse and Thembi Madonsela were in the same division. Things did not go well for Alice’s section and they will be hoping for a much improved performance on their next outing.
Caroline Minnaar, Vanessa Williams and Jane O’Sullivan won their first two games to reach the final of the C division. They were unfortunate to lose the final in a sudden death play-off. Playing in Wembley College colours, Camryn Minnaar , Ruth O’Sullivan and Sam Gilson played in the junior D division. Surprise winners of that division were the Dunboy team of Skumbuza Xaba, Trent Cocker and Jacquie Minnaar. Skumbuza, a product of the Dunboy Riding School development programme, was playing in his first tournament and did exceptionally well. At the closing function, he was presented with a new helmet and a polocrosse racquet.
A tournament to look forward to is the Southern Natal Championships which will be held at Noodsberg on the weekend of April 24/25. Coming up also is the Umvoti tournament which will be held at Merthley Lake on the weekend of the 29/30 May. The Umvoti tournament is very popular and well attended. Visitors seem to enjoy the pleasant surroundings, the relaxed atmosphere and the high-standard but fun polocrosse.
ends
readers write
PLEASE CONTACT DON’T ABANDON!
Sir,
We can only hope that that the black and white kitten (with collar) found outside our gate last week has been lost by someone – if so please contact SPCA.
If not, it would appear that this kitten was callously abandoned outside our gate, thrown away like some unwanted rubbish – if this is the case, where is your conscience or humanity? If we had not found the kitten he could have starved to death, strangled himself by his un-elasticized collar hooking on some object, or been killed by marauding dogs.
There is no need for animals to be thrown over our fence – all that is needed is to bring the animal to us or merely to phone us on 033-4172274 and we will collect your unwanted animal.
Sylvan Havemann
Greytown SPCA
ends
HAS TELKOM “LOST” SEVEN OAKS?
Sir
On 8th March 2010 the telephone lines serving the Seven Oaks area were stolen. The poles had been cut, and these were replaced in a matter of days. There is however, still no telephone service to the many farmers in the area.
It is incomprehensible that an organisation which boasts the ability to provide a world class service to the world during the forthcoming World Cup, can take so long to replace a line in open country!
Perhaps Telkom have been led to believe that Seven Oaks does not exist - please let them know otherwise. People are living there!
TONY DUTTON
”Came”
SEVEN OAKS.
ends
A Conservation thank you
Sir,
For many years, the Greytown Honorary Officers, on behalf of the Wildlands Trust, (previously known as the KZN Conservation Trust), have collected the money from the collection boxes placed at the tills of some local retail outlets.
Until March 2009, the total sum collected was paid over to the Trust. Subsequent to this date, arrangements were made for half the proceeds to be returned to the Honorary Officers to provide funding for projects in this area.
So Umvoti’s half share of the funds raised for conservation will be directed towards such projects as: building of a new bird hide on the Umvoti Vlei, as the existing one is almost inaccessible, as a result of the walkway having been destroyed by fire; a projected cleanup of the Greytown stream including eradication of alien vegetation on the banks ; as well as a clean up in the area of the Wild Flower Reserve at Lake Merthley.
For readers who are not acquainted with the aims and objectives of the Ezemvelo Honorary Officers, they embody the following:
To promote the interests of EKZNW in all possible spheres;
To render all possible assistance to EKZNW
To promote the learning and understanding of all aspects of the environment amongst its members and the public
Honorary Officers volunteer their services, gratis, to supplement and support the staff of EKZNW
We wish to thank those who support the fundraising efforts for conservation by dropping their small change into the boxes and the rhino, and would like to assure them that the funds will be put to good use in our district and further afield through the Wildlands Trust.
Vic Schutte
Nic Klaprott
On behalf of Ezemvelo Honorary Officers
ends
St Cathryn’s News
With most of the “ Big Guns” out of town or injured the green keeper snatched the opportunity to win the Farmers Agri- Care Monthly Mug, played on Saturday 10 April . He had to grab and run because Paul Els and Piet Coetzee pushed him to the limit.
The “ Big Guns”.....Rikus Kloppers - over in the UK, Klaus Kluver with work pressures , Merwin Rabe, on leave, Kevin Williams, nursing an injury, Barry Oehme and Mbongeni Khumalo, both playing in Greytown.
The weather started with very low cloud, low temperatures and misty conditions which cleared up later in the day, somewhat different from Friday’s Berg wind conditions.
Results :
1st : Piet Nel nett 65
2nd : Paul Els nett 68
3rd : Brian James nett 69 oco from Steve Nel.
Nearest to Pin 9/18th : Steve Nel
Captains Putter : Maria Beijers.
Two Club : Liekie Steyn a marvelous chip in on the 9th.
All our members are awaiting the arrival of the” mighty men golfers “ who have made bookings for Friday morning tee off times.
May fixtures:
1st May: Chipping Competition at Schulfest.
8th May: Greytown Feeding Project Golf Day.
15th May Farmers Agri-Care Monthly Mug.
To book for golf please phone Piet : 033 4441945 and 083 269 1661 and to book for meals please phone Paul and Tanya : 084 5966 292.
ends
No respect for law states Judge
In handing down a life sentence to the man responsible for the Wartburgerhof Hotel murders Judge Kate Pillay said “society was fed-up with violent crime”. Although 35 year old Muntukayise Ngubane had not pulled the trigger himself, the Judge said that he had instigated the crime which had resulted in the senseless killing of Siggie and Ingrid Schadle -it had been at his request that at least one firearm was carried into the robbery.
Ngubane, his co-accused, Funokwakhe Nxwane who was found not guilty and acquitted last week, Lucky Mbonami who turned State witness and three others, two of whom were still on the run whilst the third was dead, had planned to rob the hotel.The accused had worked at the hotel but had been fired after allegations that he had stolen meat .
Judge Pillay said that Ngubane had planned the robbery meticulously and carefully and knew that the victims would be easy targets.
On the day of the killings, 7th November 2007, the gang had entered the hotel -Nxwane had pointed a gun at Ingrid Schadle who was behind the front counter, whilst Ngubane had walked through to an office where he knew the safe was kept. On hearing gunshots he had rushed to the front counter where he had seen one of the gang, who was still on the run, shoot Ingrid. Ngubane claimed he had then run outside.
Ngubane’s lawyer, Kelvin Singh, had urged the court to find compelling and substantial circumstances to justify less than life imprisonment but the Judge said she had given earnest consideration to these submissions but the Court had to measure the seriousness of the offences and their impact on society against these factors. The whole machinery which led to the death of these two defenseless people had been set in motion by the accused. She believed therefore that taking everything into account there were no circumstances to justify anything less than life.
The accused was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Judge Pillay said in her summing up “there is absolutely no respect for law in this country. It is sad had to constantly live in fear.”
ends
7 April 2010
WARTBURG AND GREYTOWN KILLERS FOUND GUILTY OF BRUTAL SHOOTINGS
One of the two men accused of the murder of Ingrid and Siggie Schadle at their Wartburg hotel in November 2007,was found guilty by Judge Kate Pillay , sitting with assessors, in the High Court Pietermaritzburg last Wednesday. 35 year old Muntukayise Ngubane, a former employee at Wartburger Hof, was convicted of the murders as well as attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Ngubane and his co-accused Funokwakhwe Nxwane, aged 42, had both pleaded not guilty. Judge Pillay acquitted Nxwane ,stating that the evidence against him fell short of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he was involved in the offences .
Ngubane had admitted in his evidence, that he, Nc wane, and three others, two of whom are on still on the run and a third who had died, had planned to rob the hotel. He admitted that he had planned the attempted robbery but maintained he had told the men not to harm the couple as they were old and would not put up any resistance. Judge Pillay submitted that in her view, Ngubane must have foreseen that something could go horribly wrong if a firearm was taken into a volatile situation like a robbery. If they intended not to use a firearm , why then was Ngubane’s initial instruction that no one was to be killed queried the Judge who rejected his version as false and said he was an “unmitigated liar.”
Arguing for the State, advocate Mcanyana said that the evidence against Ngubane was overwhelming and he should be handed the life sentence. Ngubane’s attorney ,Kelvin Singh called for the Court to impose a lesser sentence, submitting that there were compelling and substantial mitigating factors - Ngubane had been fairly young at the time; he was a first offender ; had co-operated with the Police after his arrest and had not fired the fatal shots. In reply to this Judge Pillay remarked that if Ngubane had not planned the robbery the Schadles would be alive today. She found the murders “sad and senseless” -an elderly totally defenseless couple from whom the robbers could easily have taken what they wanted in the hotel without any killing or violence.
Sentencing will take place today, Wednesday 7th April.
Last Thursday, two men were convicted of the “brutal and senseless” murder of Rinesh Maharaj of Greytown and were sentenced to life plus 15 years imprisonment in Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Judge Gregory Kruger sentenced Mondli Nxumalo and Jabulani Chonco to life plus 15 years each and Bongani Sibisi who was convicted of being an accessory after the fact and of robbery with aggravating circumstances was given an effective 15 years.
Evidence led by state witness showed that Nxumalo and Chonco assaulted Maharaj and then forced him to accompany them in his employer’s vehicle , which he had been driving, in order to extract his bank card number. Having done this they left the bank card for Sibisi to take . After informing Sibisi where the card was, he had with two women in his company, found the card and withdrawn R 1 000 from an ATM.
Nxumalo and Chonco drove Maharaj to a deserted place and shot him. Judge Kruger said they “they could easily had just left him there” and had said the that the accused had used an R4or R5 assault rifle to commit the murder had aggravated this senseless and brutal killing. As these weapons were reserved exclusively for the armed services or Police the Judge queried how the killers had come into possession of such a weapon.
Rinesh , who was 30 years old when he was killed on 30 June 2006 was a wellknown and popular Greytown resident.
ends
MDR PATIENTS SUCESSFULLY COMPLETE TREATMENT
There was a feeling of joy and hope as MDR TB patients at the Greytown Hospital were presented with certificates to show that they had completed the two years of treatment and are living normal lives as members of their communities.
As it was World TB day on 31st March, it was felt it was an apt time to congratulate the 18 patients who had completed the treatment for multi drug resistant tuberculosis. Since Greytown MDR TB hospital and clinic opened two years ago it has had a successful rate of completed treatment.
Greytown is part of the innovative approach whereby patients are only hospitalised until they are clinically well and are then treated at their homes by injection teams who visit on a daily basis. The injection teams are made up of nurses and homebased carers as well as the MDR hospital staff and TB DOTS representatives,This has contributed considerably to the success rate in that patients do not have to spend the full two years of treatment in hospital.
Currently 194 patients are being treated through the Greytown MDR TB clinic - this is in addition to the 18 successful men and women.
Emphasis by health officials is that tuberculosis can be cured -the theme “stop TB because you can” is being promoted throughout the country. It is estimated that mi8llions in South Africa are suffering from TB and that the rate is compounded by the high incidence of HIV/AIDS. But the important thing is that if action is taken early and treatment initiated and followed through there can be complete recovery.
For further information please phone Sister Ena Taljaard on (033) 413 8540
ends
COUNCIL GRANTED COSTS BY APPEAL COURT
Umvoti’s ongoing Municipal Manager saga reached a peak three years ago when the MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs applied to Pietermaritzburg High Court Pietermaritzburg for an urgent order to set aside a resolution taken by Umvoti Council to appoint Mr M. Yengwa (Umzinyathi District Mayor) as Municipal Manager of Umvoti. The MEC brought the case on the grounds that certain Councillors had voted contrary to his directions in appointing Mr Yengwa to the position as he did not qualify in that he did not have the required qualifications as specified in r38(1) of Local Government Municipal Systems Act regulations.
However the 11 IFP Councillors had considered Yengwa to be appropriately qualified, despite his lack of academic qualifications. At this meeting Umvoti ANC and DA Councillors recorded that they would not be party to any illegal action on the part of Council and in view of possible legal action and resulting costs requested that the names of the Councillors in favour of the appointment be recorded.
The High Court dismissed the MEC’s application for costs as well as finding that the regulation (r38(1)) for appointment to the post was unconstitutional. He then took the matter on to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein which , last month, rejected the appeal by the MEC to obtain costs against the Umvoti Municipal Councillors. The Supreme Court held that since the issue between the parties had ceased to exist as Yengwa had withdrawn by the time of the case, it was no longer necessary for the court to deal with the validity of the regulation. The appellant was ordered to pay the costs of the 11 Councillors involved.
Appeal Court Judge J.A. Mthiyane in delivering judgement stated “this appeal is about costs, in fact much ado about nothing, because if the appellant had brought reason to bear on the matter from the outset, this case would not have come to this court”
The Greytown Gazette approached Umvoti Mayor Petros Ngubane for comment on the Appeal Court ruling but at the time of going to press no statement had been received.
As mentioned at the start of this report the position of Municipal Manager in Umvoti appears to be jinxed. After the resignation of Dr Len Mortimer in June 2005 the position was advertised three times prior to the approval of Mr M.S. Yengwa in May 2007. The Umvoti Mayor, Mr P. Ngubane applied for the position of Municipal Manager in July 2006 and was included in the final list of candidates. This was then put on hold by the KZN Minister of Local Government who in February 2007 stated that “Councillor Ngubane’s application be excluded from the recruitment process.”
As a result the position was again advertised and out of 36 applicants, Yengwa was chosen as the successful candidate by the IFP majority of Umvoti Council ...despite his eventual non-acceptance this led to the High Court and Supreme Court action through Province.
So it was back to the old familiar governance of acting Municipal Managers. But then in September 2009, after another series of advertisements Hamilton Nothings was appointed to the post on the recommendation of the Council interview committee (no ANC or DA Councillors) which claimed that it was aware of the fact that Mr Shangase had been suspended by the Department of Arts and Culture on being found guilty of R1.2 million rand misdemeanours whilst serving as deputy Director.
But in September 2009 the IFP led Council decided not to renew Ntshangase’s one year contract...and since then, on the strength of an EXCO recommendation, the various HOD’s are taking it in three months spells to serve as acting Municipal Manager. It is understood that with the local Government elections looming in 2011 that no permanent Municipal Manager will be appointed in Umvoti until after the elections!
And so the saga continues...
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AMAZING ANTIRRHINUMS AKA SNAPDRAGONS!
Ideal for bringing striking colour into the garden
antirrhinums can be grown throughout the year in most parts of the country. March, April and May are ideal months to plant out the seedlings. They have just enough time to settle themselves in before the depths of winter, readying themselves for a glorious spring and early summer display. Snapdragons tolerate light frost so can still be planted in the colder parts of the country.
Antirrhinums are easy to grow in any well-drained, reasonably fertile, garden soil, but prefer a light or medium loam – so add in plenty of compost when preparing the bed. The soil needs to be kept relatively moist, so water deeply every 5 days or so. They like a warm, sunny location, but in a hot climate perform better in partial shade. Put the plants where they will receive good air movement to prevent the fungal disease or rust taking hold.
Information Supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association. Visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za for more.
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A GEM IN NEW HANOVER by Salome Starke
No, no diamonds have been discovered here, but we do have gems in other forms. If you turn off the Pmburg/Greytown road after the garage and take the Dalton road, you might notice a church steeple amongst the trees near the top of the rise. A few surprises await you there in the form of a unique “village” which has developed around the New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is not a village in the sense of having shopping facilities but I doubt you would find anything quite like it anywhere in South Africa. We in New Hanover are very proud of what has been achieved.
It was decided by the congregation to build a facility to care for our aged and the new part of the project was unveiled by its first resident, Mrs. Sieglinde Bartels ,in 2003. Many visitors have expressed their delighted surprise when they see the residence for the first time and many have commented that it is a real home from home.
The new building , built adjacent to the original school hostel, was designed around a centre court and now also includes a frail care facility. There are two live-in nursing sisters and the matron, Mrs. Sonja Ortmann, lives only a few minutes drive away.
Further conversions took place when the old hostel had to close as it was no longer financially viable and flatlets were built for couples with their own dining room which serves up good old-fashioned home cooking lovingly and imaginatively prepared.
Of course finances are always a problem. The congregation proceeded in faith, loans were taken out and a huge amount of fund raising goes on continuously as there are no subsidies to rely on. Careful budgeting by dedicated volunteers from the congregation ensures that the fees are as affordable as possible but there are always special needs which have to be covered. Many activities take place organised by various people including the residents themselves who take great delight in doing fund raising themselves!
“Brunfelsia” is the Botanical name for what is commonly known as the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow shrub. Its a fitting name as there are two schools in the church grounds as well as a retirement complex known as Brunfelsia Park. Instead of being isolated ,our senior citizens can interact with the children as they are free to stroll around the sportsfields , listen to happy laughter from the swimming pool & attend school concerts on a regular basis.
The nursing staff are loving , caring and dedicated volunteers from the congregation are always available to” fill in “should the need arise.All this has come about because of a “can do” attitude and all the hard work ( which is ongoing ) has paid off to the extent that there is now a waiting list with congregants having first choice. Of course the cherry on top is the fact that residents can walk to services in the Church and newly inducted pastor (Dieter Klee ) takes a special interest in the wellbeing of our elderly.
A visiting speaker from PMB who came to talk to the residents recently paid the ultimate compliment when she said it was the best residence for the aged she had ever seen! With the well cared for gardens, happy residents and many visitors, you can feel the love which after all is what we all need and deserve in our twilight years.
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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 also as far as possible avoid “double dating” -i.e. two events on the same day which could create problems not only for the organisers but also the public.
An appeal therefore to all schools, Churches, ngo’s ,municipalities,sports bodies,clubs etc. etc. to submit dates and event details to the Greytown Gazette for publication.
Please note this is a FREE service to the community.
APRIL
2nd: Good Friday
3rd: Monthly Mug Greytown
5th:Family Day
10-11:Greytown club championships
16th-18th: Mighty Men Conference
23rd:Wembley Matric dance
24th:Friends Wembley dance
24th and 25th: National Butterfly census at Mhlopeni nature reserve.
26th:Wembley matric fashion show
27th :Freedom Day
MAY
1st: Workers Day
1st: Hermannsburg Schulfest
1st May:Fiddler on the Roof: Hermannsburg School
1st:PANNAR golf day
8th:Monthly Mug golf
11th: Greytown Garden Club meeting
13/14th:Wembley H/S play
29th:GHS Old Scholars day
29th:SANLAM -Cancer golf day
30th:Ladies invitation golf
JUNE
5th:Monthly Mug
8th:Greytown Garden Club annual general meeting
16th; Youth day
JULY
3rd: Monthly Mug
14th:Interhouse athletics GHS
17-18th:Greytown sports foundation GHS
17th:Aheers Development golf day Greytown
24th:GHS Matric farewell
26th: GHS fashion show
31st:Spot On golf day Greytown
August1st: Monthly Mug
4/5:Wembley SP play
9th:Women’s Day
10th:Greytown Garden Club
14th:FNB golf day Greytown
20th:Speech and drama evening Wembley
21-28:Spring treatment Greytown
25th;Quadrangular schools athletics
28th:Co-ed athletics
SEPTEMBER
2nd:Wembley Golden awards evening
4th: Monthly Mug Greytown
17-18th: Hermannsburg sponsored golf St Cathryns
23rd: GHS Market Day
24th:Heritage day
25th:Wembley golf day Greytown
30th Ladies open golf
OCTOBER
2nd: Monthly Mug
16:Greytown Classic
30th: Nguni Festival
NOVEMBER
5TH:GHS prizegiving
6th:Monthly Mug Greytown
9th:SAGES golf Greytown
20th:Umvoti Tyres golf day Greytown
26th:Wembley JP graduation
DECEMBER
4th: Monthly Mug Greytown
7th Carol evening at Wembley
9th:Wembley prizegiving
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THIS TAX REFUND COULD COST YOU!
Many people out there treat tax matters with extreme caution and regard SARS as the proverbial all-seeing powerful not-to-be-trifled-with entity. So any demand document ion is treated with respect whilst refunds are greeted with joy.
BUT BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scamming conmen have cottoned on to this and are now targetting unsuspecting taxpayers through email
Using a SARS logo the email headed”tax refund notification” lists a credible amount and tells you to “click here to submit your tax refund request”
Do that and an official looking page ,the tax refund portal, is downloaded with the SARS logo;bank logos and you are then asked to click on your bank. Do this and up comes a request for your credit card number and its pin!
PLEASE WHATEVER YOU DO ...DO NOT ENTER AND SUBMIT THESE DETAILS.
If you still think that this cynical reporter is wrong - please print these documents and show them to your bank, friendly accountant or even the friendly taxman etc. before you succumb.
The scammers even go as far as to put this statement at the bottom of the page:
”Important security alert! Standard(NedbankFNB or ABSA) Bank will never ask you to access internet banking through a link in an email. Don’t fall victim to fraud!”
The alert however does not mention that neither the SARS nor the banks would follow such a procedure !
If you ignore the warnings and are switched off enough to enter and submit these details you will find all sorts of weird and wonderfully exotic items purchased on your credit card.
BE WARNED!
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READERS WRITE ROAD OF DEATH!
Sir,
I weep in sadness for the unimaginable loss of the Mahabeer family.
I scream in anger at the arrogant incompetence of those who should police our roads.
This road is almost continuously in the news
Can they not read?
Can they read?
Do they care?
It would be good if your newspaper could clearly identify the split of responsibility between the Provincial Traffic Police and that of the local Municipal Police.
I travel the road very often and have yet to see a cruising patrol vehicle - they are either hurtling along going somewhere, or parked in a pleasant shady spot waiting for the unwary.
TONY DUTTON
”Came”
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