200 000 EXPECTED AT MIGHTY MEN CONFERENCE
The following press release has been issued by the Mighty Men Conference (MMC) 2009 committee
"The weekend of the 24th of April is drawing closer and the MMC 09 committee are busy preparing to accommodate the 200 000 men that are expected on Shalom for the men’s conference.
This year a group of industrial engineers are handling the logistics of the event which will streamline operations and ultimately minimize traffic congestion. There will be five entrances which will direct the 30 – 50 000 expected vehicles to the selected campsites. We are working with the municipality, RTI and Disaster Management are also involved in putting safety measures in place where needed. Transport hubs have been arranged in Durban, Pietermaritzburg Johannesburg and Cape Town to minimize the amount of vehicles travelling to the farm.
A large volume of men are expected to start arriving from the Monday 20th with the majority expected on the Friday. The favored departure day will be on Monday 27th. To avoid any frustration before and on the weekend, it is recommended that the Greytown community try to ensure that cars are filled with fuel and grocery shopping is done in advance so as to avoid the crowds and possible shortages. For more information about the MMC, please visit the website www.mmc09.co.za or email us at info@mmc09.co.za .
The Greytown Gazette will keep Greytown and district residents updated on the MMC."
ends
photo cap: This was Durban Street last year as 67 000 plus men attended the Mighty Men Conference at Shalom. Greytown and access to Shalom was grid locked on the Friday but the committee is confident that, this year, even with increased numbers, the traffic flow will be much smoother and faster.
ends
Having missed two issues it is good to be back. Fishing has not been the best over the last while due mainly topsy turvey weather patterns with the rain bringing in a lot of discoloured water.
So maybe this is a good time to look at how weather conditions and water clarity affect the choice of bait colour.
Water Clarity
Bass have a better chance of recognizing bait in clear water where visibility is around 8 ft or more therefore natural colours like green pumpkin or watermelon will produce better results. As visibility lessens,darker colours such as
june bug purples or blacks are a better option. Use small to medium baits in clearer water and medium to large in cloudy water. So too with water depths as there is better light penetration in shallower water up to about 10 ft use natural coloured lures and darker colours in deeper water. The same applies to size using bigger baits as you fish deeper. Weather conditions will also affect colour choice with natural coloured smaller baits working better on sunny calm days and larger darker baits for overcast and windy
days. Seasonal changes could call for smaller baits during summer and bigger baits in winter and autumn and spring.
An almost contradictory situation is to try white or Chartreuse colours in dark water, cloudy or windy conditions instead of the usual dark coloured baits.
Weightless rigging as opposed to Texas or Carolina rigged baits is often a better option for shallow and clearwater fishing. Try also trick sticks fished without retrieving, allowing the water motion to provide bait movement. This works particularly well in deeper water where you would increase the size of the trick stick the deeper you fish.
A good all round colour would be a baby bass, shad, arkansawshiner or smoke for most conditions.
Just a reminder to club members to please renew their fees to be eligible for competition points and an invitation to prospective members to hurry up and join. Membership fees are R300.00 per annum for adults and R200.00 per junior. These fees can be paid in two payments to make it easier if necessary. The club has currently got access to 6 private dams which can currently be fished by non members by obtaining a permit from "on The Edge " tackle shop, but will soon only be open to club members.
So we are looking forward to new members,the stronger our club, the more we can do for the club members./
Our next Bass Competition will be at Smallhoek dam( open to non members ) on Saturday 21st February starting at 2pm till 6pm. Entrance is R40.00 per adult and R20 per junior under 16yrs.For more info contact Edge on 0825548235. Till next week "keep it in the water"
ENDS
Waterwise GardeningNonstop coverage of the impact of global warming and global water shortages emphasizes the importance of waterwise gardening which was the focus of the Umvoti Garden Club meeting held last Tuesday on Keith and Jen Cowie's farm. A large crowd listened to Jen talk eloquently on waterwise gardening outlining the water needs of differing soil types and how to improve the water retention thereof.. She mentioned the various products be used and,of course, the vital importance of compost and mulch.The many present appreciated the useful tips on planting methods to promote water retention and the importance of grouping plants according to water needs when drawing up a garden plan.
Despite the overhanging threat of rain, it held off long enough for an interesting stroll round Jen's large garden and nursery.
The March meeting will be held on the third Tuesday,17th March.
.
ends
St Cathryns
News.
The golf course is experiencing ideal growing conditions, with all these wonderful rains. The problem is the ideal conditions are causing the grass to grow so fast - we can almost hear it growing!! This has resulted in a problem of " thatch " on the greens. So we are having to "de-thatch" the greens on a weekly basis. This is adding to the old greenkeeper's woes, as he also has to work with old equipment. We don't know which is older - the greenkeeper or his equipment!!
All at St Cathryns wish Duggie and Sandra Rheeder well in their move to Howick. Thank you for your support and friendship to our club, and for all the golf lessons you gave us. We look forward to visiting you in Howick. " Totsiens en groetnis van ons almal ".
A reminder to all members that this Saturday 21 February we will be playing the Farmers Agri-Care monthly Mug, from 10h30 onwards. All those who wish to play please contact Piet, on 083 269 1661.
ends
happy ghosts and costly policies
Ghosts of Municipal officials and councillors who served Greytown over the past eighty years or so must have collectively heaved a sigh of relief last Friday, when a proposal to remove their photographs from the Council Chamber to the local Museum was rejected.
Put forward by the Municipal officials, the proposal generated a
strong negative response from the ANC and DA Councillors who stressed that those whose pictures lined the walls had contributed greatly to the history and heritage of the town and district - regardless of race or politics.
In a press statement to the Greytown Gazette ANC spokesperson Councillor Ahmed Shaikh repudiated the claim made by the Mayor Councillor P.M.S. Ngubane that the A.N.C. had proposed several years ago, when the IFP and DA were linked, that the photos be removed. However in the ANC statement Councillor Shaikh says: "The ANC wishes to record the fact that during its tenure in Council it has never advocated the removal of the pictures of past Councillors and officials from the Council Chamber. It is an undeniable fact that those individuals have played a fundamental role in developing this beautiful town ."
One of the main objectives of the meeting was to accept the draft policies of Umvoti Municipality which had been drafted at the two day workshop held at Drakensberg Gardens for Councillors in January. According to reports, the workshop had to be held out of town otherwise Councillors did not remain for the entire proceedings. So 35 bed and breakfast accommodation was booked at the Drakensberg Gardens hotel at a cost of R38 325 - this was for 21 Councillors and 14 HODS and staff - 8 did not turn up for their prepaid accommodation.
These policies were not drawn up by Umvoti Municipality which has appointed a consultant, Mr Andre Els, who developed and presented the following policies to Council and officials at the Drakensberg workshop:
Borrowing policy:
Recruitment and selection policy
Reimbursement of out of pocket and travel expenses for Councillors
Subsistence and travel policy
Sexual harassment policy
Virement (transfer of budgetary provision from one budget head or vote to another budget head or vote)
Information Technology security policy
Fixed asset management and accounting policy
Grant in aid policy
Housing policy
Information and technology
Indigent support policy
Overtime and standby policy
Pauper burial and indigent burials at the cemetery policy
Banking and Investment policy
Firearm policy
Cellular telephone policy
Vehicle policy
Fleet management policy
Dress code for traffic officials
As these policies run into several hundred pages the Greytown Gazette would suggest that anyone interested in the specific details of any of the above contact the Municipal Manager.
ANC Councillors queried why property rates was not listed as an item for discussion in view of the importance of this matter. Speaker Maharaj reported that the Valuation Roll had not yet been signed off but it was expected that it would be on the Municipal website on Wednesday 18th and ratepayers would have until the end of March to lodge any objections.
ends
Greytown Country Club News
Friday's Chicken run was won by D Brown. Friday night's attendance draw was won by W Khone.
On Saturday only 4 golfers played.
We are very sad to see Duggie Rheeder leaving. Good luck in Howick. The Greytown Country Club will miss you.
ends
PM
APPALLING CONDITIONS AT LINDILANI
There are over two thousand, young and old, living in Lindelani in somewhat appalling and very basic conditions.They live normal lives - a number go to work everyday and the children go to creche and schools.
But these everyday achievements do not happen easily in Lindelani. Open areas have become muddy quagmires; there are ever increasing piles of rubbish; primitive toilets - the Municipal portable ones no longer operate so residents have built their own; maximum of four//five working taps(for over 2 000 plus young and old).
Its actually a miracle that there have been no serious disease outbreaks.
Life Centre and Shalom have come together to assist in whatever way possible to improve the quality of life of these residents.
Walking through the Lindelani maze last Friday with Hans Holst of Khayalami it was obvious to this Greytown Gazette reporter that the problems outlined by Hans were very real. Because of the areas of soil, mud has become a major problem - specially after the amount of rainfall recorded. He is looking for a considerable amount of gravel which could be heaped around the camp so that residents could have mud free areas to walk in. Residents have to put plastic bags over their shoes to leave the house so as to appear mud free when turning up for work.
Currently the young children play in the mud and sewerage -yes that's right. There are a couple of old Municipal portable loos dotted around - these have not been serviced so cannot be used. The residents have built a number themselves but more solid structured toilets are urgently required.
Piles of rubbish are dotted round - there is no rubbish collection by the Municipality . Hans said that maybe a rubbish burner would be a solution to this problem.
Despite the unappealing surrounds most of the residents do whatever they can to lead "normal" lives and to earn an honest living (there are some who do not but they are in the minority). One is running a tuckshop; another provides a child care service for ten littlies whose mothers work in town -she desperately needs better premises and assistance as the mothers can only afford to pay her a minimal amount for looking after their children.
This reporter was sad when two bright eyed young children, who should have been at school, said they had not been able to go -the one "because it was civvy day and he had nothing to wear" and the other, because with the rain, his school clothes had not dried in time.
Life Centre personnel, and Shalom, hold a meeting every Wednesday in Lindelani where the residents raise matters of concern -a Church service is held nearby every Sunday too. A number are helped to obtain IDs, pensions, grants etc and Hans said he obtained a lot of support from Umvoti Aids Centre personnel.
Apart from the gravel, loos and rubbish burner, with winter soon on the cards, donations of track suits for the children and blankets would be greatly appreciated. These can be dropped off at the Greytown Gazette.
Anyone who would like more information please phone Hans Holst (Life Centre is the church organization and Khayalami the orphanage run by Hans and his team)on 082 951 1312.
ends
WITNESS SAYS HE LIED.
Three men appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court last week on charges of a murder in March 2006 in which an ANC candidate in the local government elections was shot and killed.
Mosquito Mzila, a PR candidate for the ANC in the local government elections lived and owned a shop at Nthembisweni. The three, 22 year old Sabelo Zondi, and brothers Sbelo and Thokozani Ntuli are appearing before Judge Piet Koen and assessors on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances
They have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On the night of the killing, 22nd March 2006, the armed men went to Mzila's shop claiming that they were there to buy liquor and other goods.
They opened fire on Mzila who died on the spot. The gang then ransacked the shop and the area where the victim lived. They stole several items, including Mzila's cell phone, R2 800 in cash, liquor and other items, including a number of pairs of shoes.
In a turnaround, State witness, Siyabonga Ntombela told the Court that he had fabricated his statement to the Police and that, in fact, he knew nothing about the killing. The prosecution alleged that Ntombela had been an accomplice to the murder and was offered indemnity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony.
A reward of R25 000 was offered at the time of the killing for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mzilsa's killers.
In its indictment the State alleges that a certain IFP Councillor had instigated Mzila's murder - the councillor's name appears in the indictment but he has not been charged due to insufficient evidence.
ends
11 February 2009
NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS FOR THEM!
Two years ago, on a visit to PANNAR, Professor Sakkie Pretorious of the University of the Free State, noticed the many children walking to and from school carrying their books in plastic bags.
Determined to take some positive action the Professor approached Dr Rikus Kloppers of PANNAR to collect the conference bags PANNAR and UFS researchers received at conferences and meetings throughout the world.
At the start of the 2009 school year enough bags had been collected to donate one to each Grade 1 learner at Khulekani Primary School, which neighbours PANNAR’s Redgates Research Farm.
Dr Kloppers, Antony Jarvie, Patrick Maluwa and Ash Babooram from Greytown Research paid the school a surprise visit on 22 January to present the class 1 pupils with the donation.
The delighted and appreciative Principal, Mrs Nene afforded PANNAR the opportunity to talk to the class about the agricultural research being conducted on the neighbouring farm and about the importance of such research for food security in South Africa. “We also encouraged them to attend school every day and study hard so that in 12 years’ time they may also attend a great academic institution like the University of the Free State,” says Dr Kloppers.
Both PANNAR and the UFS believe that education is the responsibility of the entire community and hope that these donations will enhance the learners’ learning experiences and subsequent learning outcomes.
ENDS
BRAND NEW BRIDGE
Three years ago the Greytown Gazette, together with then Greytown Police Chief Superintendent Caroline Minnaar, inspected the access bridge to Lembede School at the request of the community and concerned officials.
The crumbling structure with huge gaps between the slats, gaping sides was extremely dangerous for the hundreds of school children and members of the Lembede community who were forced to cross it daily to attend school or to transport food and water.
In rainy weather the danger element multiplied as the non-creosoted slats became more and more slippery. The Gazette reporter listed walking on the swaying bridge about 100 metres above the strong flowing Mooi River as a nightmarish not-to-be-repeated experience.
The Greytown Gazette attempted to find out whether the bridge was the responsibility of Umvoti Municipality; Department of Education; Department of Transport; Umzinyathi District Council or the community itself. But to no avail - it apparently fell into a limbo of "not our responsibility"
But sometimes someone out there does listen -and when Greytown Road Transport Forum also started putting the pressure on...R14 million later and a co-operative Department of Transport (Roads) a brand new solid bridge now makes going to school, fetching food and water and transporting the sick and elderly, a walk in the park.
A spokesman for the Lembede community expressed thanks on their behalf to the Police and Greytown Gazette for publicising the issue. It was a miracle over the years, especially in the rainy season, that only one child had fallen off the bridge into the river below.
The Greytown Gazette is delighted to have been part of a feel good happy ending event!
ENDS
Expensive diaries and calendars
There has been considerable comment throughout Umvoti and further afield on the R56 000 cost of the 100 diaries and 100 calendars produced as promotional material by the Municipality.
First raised by DA Councillor Paul Buss in a letter to the editor which was published in the Greytown Gazette three weeks ago, the saga was then taken up by The Witness last Tuesday. Headlined "Umvoti accused of waste" with sub heading "Contractor put huge mark-up on diaries, calendars" the report referred to the accusation by the DA that R56 000 had been squandered on these items.
In the photograph both the diary and calendar are shown but unfortunately the camera did not catch the poor quality of these two items.
The calendar is printed on a light inexpensive board - the diary is an ordinary A5 size produced in the hundreds of thousands by a well known Cape Town printing firm. A blotchy "gold leaf" Umvoti Municipal logo has been stamped on the cover. The copy shown to the Greytown Gazette had black spots on some of the pages and was probably a reject from the original printer.
Both items bear the photographs of the Mayor, Councillor P.M.S. Ngubane; the deputy Mayor Councillor S.V. Zondi and the Speaker Councillor R. Maharaj - the diary on the front page and the calendar neatly in the middle..
BUT the deputy Mayor's name was incorrectly printed as "S. S. Ndlovu" on the calendar and diary and, believe it or not, corrected with a piece of white paper which has been pasted over the wrong name with "S.V. Zondi" printed on it.
This immediately raises the query as to why, apart from the poor quality of these products, with such a blatant and unacceptable error, were they accepted by the Municipality?
In discussions with printers, the average cost given for printing such a basic calendar was from R16,60 to R31,00 and a similar diary with pseudo leather cover and already peeling "gold leaf " maximum R75. Taking the highest prices this would be a cost of R10 600 - R46 000 cheaper than the "quoted" amount.
The calendar, which has an interesting approach in placing the end of the month...normally when the 30th and 31st fall on a Monday or Tuesday these are printed at the end of each month so the dates flow on . BUT not on these calendars - the end of the month dates, 30th and 31st appear at the top of the new month. Maybe a new fashionable trend in calendars!
The calendar has the name "Queen's Printing" which is based in Chatsworth. The firm was apparently given the calendar job by Zanozi Trading, the owner of which claims that as the lowest bidder she was given the job. On Googling Zanozi it is listed as a company in the construction industry.
Questions which need to be answered by the Municipality in the interests of all ratepayers are:
* Was this issue ever discussed and approved at an Exco or Council meeting.
* Was the Supply Chain management procedure followed as required in terms of the Municipality's policy. This is that a job over R10 000 in value is subject to open tender -i.e. an advertisement calling for quotations. At closing date the quotations are considered by the Supply Chain committee; then the Evaluation committee and finally the adjudication committee which awards the tender.
To further insure that tenders awarded are totally above board and honest suppliers need to be on the Municipal data base;
*why was no local printer requested to quote.
In response to a request from the Greytown Gazette for a statement from the Mayor as to what the Municipality was doing in regard to this debacle, the Mayor said that the matter was under intense investigation.
ends
UMVOTI VOTER REGISTRATION
A grand total of 32 723 new and registered voters visited the 56 polling stations in Umvoti this past weekend and during the earlier first voting registration weekend in November last year.
With the date of the General Election expected to be announced any day now voters were obviously making sure they would be able to make their mark when required.
This past weekend, according to Umvoti IEC spokesman, Chris Naidoo a total of 14 895 visited the polling stations. Of these 5 628 registered as new voters whilst the balance checked that they were registered correctly.
In the November weekend a total of 17 781 visited the stations - a grand total of 7 783 registered on the voting roll to be able to cast their first vote in the forthcoming election.
Important notice to ex- pats:
The Pretoria High Court has ruled that ALL South African citizens living abroad are entitled to vote. Previously it was limited to only citizens temporarily out of the country. The issue has been referred to the Constitutional Court.
Watch this space!!
Read more
ends.
GREYTOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL MATRIC RESULTS
Greytown Secondary School entered 75 matriculants for the 2008 NSC exams and they achieved a total of 79 subject distinctions. This was a remarkable achievement as most schools have grappled to come to terms with the new curriculum.
Top student was Sthandwa Ngubane with 5 distinctions.
Verlan Moodley and Patrick Nene also performed well and achieved 3 distinctions.
Well done to the class of 2008 and everything of the best to the class of 2009.
ends
EX TRAFFIC CHIEF DIES IN CRASH
In a tragic car accident on Sunday night, Sats Reddy, former Umvoti Municipality traffic chief was killed and his wife Narena critically injured.
According to reports the Reddy family were on their way home to Richards Bay having dropped their eldest daughter at University . The two youngest daughters, who were also in the vehicle were injured but are reported to be in a stable condition but totally shocked.
Among the many to express their shock and sadness at the sad news was Umvoti Municipality and the Mayor Councillor P.M.S. Ngubane, on behalf of the Council and Municipal staff expressed deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. The Mayor went on to say:
"Sats was employed by Umvoti Municipality as Chief of Protection Services and served with great dedication and unstinting service. He rallied around during times of disaster and emergencies and was very popular with his fellow colleagues and many friends."
ends
GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB
There were no Chicken Run played on Friday. Friday night's attendance draw was not won, bad luck Mrs. D Rottcher who lost out on R1000.
On Saturday 17 golfers took on the monthly mug competition. Winner on 65 nett Duggie Rheeder, second on a count out M Zakwe, 66 from M Steyn. Best stableford went to G Schwartz.
Remember Valentines Supper on Saturday night - it is essential to book. Please phone Joanne 0723303140
AGM is on 5 March at 18h30 at the Club.
ENDS
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Its a double whammy this week -triskaidekaphobes have their day on Friday 13th...and together with everyone else can be romantic on Valentine's Day..Saturday the 14th.
Over the years much has been written, surmised or imagined as to why Friday the 13th is regarded with fear by so many.
Among the theories - the biblical reference that Judas who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. There is also the belief that Jesus was crucified on Friday ;that Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on Friday and that Cain slayed Abel on Friday the 13th.
In the middle ages, on Friday 13th 1306, King Philip of France arrested the Knights Templar and tortured them.
In ancient Rome twelve witches made up a coven and the 13th was believed to be the devil!
Both Friday and 13 have been closely associated with capital punishment in Britain where Friday was the day for public hangings and there were supposed to be 13 steps leading up to the noose.
If you are a triskaidekaphobia and want to be cured then the suggestion is to either refocus your thoughts away from the negative fear; if that doesn't do the trick it is recommended that you climb to the top of a mountain or skyscraper and burn all the socks you own that have holes! Secondly equally inane suggestion is to stand on your head and eat a piece of gristle!
This fear of 13 is still very prevalent; no 13th floor in high rises; no 13th gate at airports and hotels skip room number 13. In Florence, Italy, a house between 12 and 14 is addressed as 12 and a half. In France people known as the "quatorziens" (fourteerners) used to make themselves available as the 14 th guest to keep a dinner party from suffering an unlucky fate!
For those with the phobia - gear up - there is another Friday 13th next month, March, and yet again in November!
From a more romantic point of view people throughout the world will be celebrating Valentine's Day.
Again there are a number of versions as to why, where and how Valentine's day came about.
One theory is that it originated from the pagan customs in Ancient Rome between 13th and 18th February when festivals of purification and fertility were celebrated. During this week, the names of willing young women were placed in a box and drawn out by lot by every young unmarried man.
Another theory, also from ancient Rome, is that hordes of ravenous wolves roamed the immense wilderness area outside Rome where shepherds kept their flocks. Lupercus was said to watch over the herdsmen and their animals and keep them safe from the hungry predators. Every February Romans celebrated a feast to honor Lupercus and this continued to be held long after wolves no longer presented a problem.
Yet another theory on the ceremonial source of this day is that the festival was actually held to honor Faunus who, like the Greek god Pan, was a god of herds and crops.
As with the advent of Christianity, priests attempted to replace such ancient heathen practices. In the Fifth Century A.D., the Church resolved to abolish this pagan celebration by creating its own holiday around the same date and selecting a saint who was remembered for his devotion to love. To give this a Christian and eliminate the pagan overtones, the drawing of saints' names were substituted for the names of unmarried girls. During the year the youths and maidens were supposed to emulate the life of the Saint whose name they had drawn.
Nonetheless, young Roman males, who had been hoping to meet potential mates during the time of the Festival, were not totally satisfied with now having a lottery of saints' names instead, and instituted their own custom of offering women whom they admired and wished to court handwritten greetings of affection on February 14.
By the Fourteenth Century, the Church had reverted back to the use of girls' names.. Eventually, the Church looked for a suitable Patron Saint of Love to take the place of the heathen Lupercus. They found an appropriate choice in Saint Valentine.
During the medieval era of chivalry, the names of English maidens and bachelors were put into boxes and drawn out in pairs. Each couple exchanged gifts and the girl became the man's sweetheart for a year. He wore her name on his sleeve and was bound by duty to attend and protect her (the accepted origin of the phrase, "to wear one's heart on one's sleeve").
In 1537, King Henry VIII declared, by Royal Charter, that all England would celebrate February 14 as "Saint Valentine's Day" and with the passage of time, February 14 became the traditional date for exchanging love messages and simple gifts (such as flowers or candy), with Saint Valentine becoming the accepted Patron Saint of Lovers.
For the useless info file:
*Approximately one billion Valentine cards are exchanged each year...the largest seasonal card-selling occasion of the year next to Christmas.
*February 14 is the most important holiday for florists, accounting for 32% of annual sales.
*Approximately 110 million roses...the majority of them being red...will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period during the Valentine's Day celebrations in America
*Approximately 3% of pet owners(in USA)will give a Valentine's Day gift to their pet.
*Alexander Graham Bell applied for his patent on the telephone on Valentine's Day in 1876.
*The chief colors associated with Valentine's Day are pink, red and white. Pink is a delicate, almost innocent shade of red and is also connected with Saint Valentine, whose burial was said to have caused the pink almond tree to blossom. Red is a symbol of warmth and feeling...the color of the heart, while white represents purity and faith...a faith between two who love each other.
ends
4 February
Country Club News
Friday Chicken run was won by Duggie Rheeder. Friday night R1000 was won by Kinan du Plessis & the bottle Chivas Regal was won by Wendy Edkins.
Saturday morning 27 Golfers (PUGS) played Golf & they enjoyed the day very much. Local golf was won by Paul Els on a 68 nett second Martinus Steyn on 69 nett.
Reminder for Saturday Monthly mug T- off 12:30.
Valentines Supper essential to Book at Club if you interested in spoiling your partner. Attendance draw for Friday night is worth R1000.
ends
19 YEARS FOR MURDER
A sentence of 19 years imprisonment was imposed on Sobelo Phungulu for a murder he was found guilty of committing just on two years ago. Appearing in the Greytown Magistrate's Court, Phungulu was found guilty of murdering Zinhle Lorraine Mngadi in France on the 18th December 2007.
ends
PROPERTY RATES
Public meetings were held last week by Umvoti Municipality with existing Municipal ratepayers and ratepayers to be - i.e. farmers, smallholders etc. At these meetings an outline of the Municipal rates policy and by-laws was given. Any comment on matters of concern must be submitted in writing to the Municipality not later than 20th February . The final rates policy will be tabled at Council in March.
Although it was hoped that the new valuation roll would be available this week, it still has be signed off by the Municipal Manager so will be available for viewing on the website www.umvoti.org.za from next week.
All ratepayers will individually receive details of their assessments in terms of the new valuation roll.
ends
Inkosi Zondi Funeral
Thousands of mourners shared their grief at the tragic death of Inkosi Mbongeleni Zondi at the memorial service in Greytown last Thursday and the funeral service at Ngome on Saturday. There were many dignitaries present at both as well as thousands of locals, young and old,from the Umvoti communities
who were there to grieve the loss of a man who had done his utmost to uplift his people.
Whilst the memorial service marquee was dominated by ANC colours, flags, posters etc, the state funeral, in accordance with the family's wishes was almost totally non-political. It is reported that some IFP supporters in party regalia tried to disrupt the proceedings. However the enormous presence of Police and security forces ensured that all the traditional requirements were met while keeping under control any unnecessary and rowdy behaviour.
Inkosi Zondi was brutally gunned down on Thursday 22nd January in while visiting Umlazi. Police are conducting an intensive manhunt to find the killers - reported to be three.
Many high profile people attended both service. Among those present at the memorial service was MEC Local Government Mike Mabuyakhulu who appealed for calm
, stating "Let us not become too emotional. Let us allow the facts to dictate who the perpetrators are and we will then deal without fear or favour." Other ANC and alliance leaders were deputy provincial chairman Willies Mchunu; Cosatu provincial secretary; Zet Luzipho and many more.
Top IFP officials also paid tribute to the Inkosi including the Mayor of Greytown, Councillor P;.M. Ngubane; and IFP MPL Wiseman both of whom paid tribute, the latter making the point that the Inkosi had embraced everyone, regardless of his political affiliations.
Sandile Zondi, brother of the dead man, said that if the family had not believed in the rule of law, they would have hunted down the killers like the dogs they were. He urged the community to stop speculating as to who the Inkosi's successor would be.
The keynote address was delivered by Willies Mchunu who said that the ANC felt it was appropriate to honour the Inkosi for he had supported them.
There was tight security for the funeral at eNgome Msinga.
There was a great turn out of political dignitaries. ANC president Jacob Zuma said he had lost a great ally. Zondi had understood "that being an Inkosi meant he had to work with all people regardless of their political affiliation. Also present were National cabinet ministers; Provincial legislature members; local government officials as well as church and community leaders.
In delivering the eulogy IFP secretary general Musa Zondi acknowledged that Inkosi Zondi had been a loyal and member of the ANC. He had been totally committed to the development of his people and the area. A ten million rand multi-purpose centre which the Inkosi had been instrumental in getting off the ground would be named after him -it is due to be officially opened on Zondi's birthday, 13th February.
stop press:
One suspect was arrested by Police on Tuesday morning.
ends
BACK TO SCHOOL 2009
There are several thousand uniformed youngsters doing their five day a week routine work out at the different schools in and around Greytown.This year the intake all round is up on last year.
Details as follows:
Indlovana Junior: 1065
Tholinhlanla: 920
Greytown Primary School: 876
Greytown Secondary: 956
Buhlebuyeza High School:960
Greytown Junior School: 447
Greytown High School : 390
Wembley College: 268
Hermannsburg:200
St David's:129
Kammaland:90
ends
Waterwise Gardening
With the emphasis more and more on saving water this month's garden club talk by Jen Cowie on "waterwise gardening" is a very topical topic. During the talk Jen will highlight the different aspects in a walkabout through her garden.
This talk comes at a time when Department of Water Affairs & Forestry is running a campaign "Greytown Water Conservation & Water Demand Awareness Education".
Date is Tuesday 10th February .Follow the signs on the Mooi River road, turn left at the second district road when leaving Greytown, D 220 and then first farm on the right.
All members and visitors welcome, please bring chairs to sit on.
Plants from Jen Cowie's nursery, Insingisi Indigenous Nursery, as well as a selection of plants and trees from Franklin Nursery will be available to purchase on the day.
ENDS
FROM THE COURTS
This Saturday is family day at the Greytown Tennis Club, and in addition all regular players, irregular players and their families are invited to tennis for an afternoon of both fun and serious tennis.
Serious tennis starts at 2.00pm, and courts will be set aside for adults as well as kids. There is a bring and braai afterwards, with drinks on sale for the thirsty.
The club has had a recent upswing in players who have discovered how much fun tennis can be on a Saturday afternoon, and how much their kids have enjoyed an afternoon with all their friends doing all sorts of outdoor activities, with not a TV/play station/video/cell phone in sight.
Do yourselves and your kids a favour and get there!
ENDS
SA Champ.
Barecho making waves at White Squall (Import Sweden), affectionately known as Markus, owned and handled by Louis Kruger of Greytown, won the prestigious Hill's KwaZulu-Natal Supreme Dog 2008 title on Saturday at Kearsney College. This event is held in recognition of all dogs who have consistently achieved throughout the year and KZN's top-winning 35 adult dogs competed for this year's title under All-Breeds International Judge, Doreen Powell from Cape Town.
Markus was imported from Sweden in January 2007 and has been a consistent winner since his first debut in the show ring.
In 2007, Markus won the KZN Top Puppy award and finished the 2008 Show Season as the top English Springer Spaniel and top Gundog in South Africa.
Louis and Markus were also awarded their KZN Colours for outstanding achievement and in recognition for ably representing the province of KwaZulu-Natal over the last two years.
ends
HERMANNSBURG HAPPENINGS
MUDMAN EVENT HAS ITS 10th BIRTHDAY at HERMANNSBURG
Hermannsburg School hosted the first aQuelle MUDMAN event in 1999, having adopted and adapted the MUDMAN concept from well-known and successful multi-sport trainer and competitor,Russell White,who has participated in the event as often as he has been able to since then.
This year was one of those years, where he was able to participate and it was no surprise that Russell won the men's individual vets' category. Since 1999 MUDMAN has grown into a superbly successful event at Hermannsburg and now the event is a four-part series, with Epworth, Cordwalles and Durban Prep having come on board to make it an exciting event, in which each leg has individual prizes, but series prizes are also much sought after by the committed participants.
This year Hermannsburg celebrated the tenth birthday of the MUDMAN event at Hermannsburg. aQuelle has been the principal sponsor since the Hermannsburg MUDMAN was first hosted at Hermannsburg and is now part of the series sponsorship. The number of entrants this year was up on last year and there is a growing interest from spectators, which is also pleasing.
The venue lends itself beautifully for spectators. Families camp out for the day and some even make a weekend of it, camping at Hermannsburg's shady and comfortable sports complex.
Comments on the day ranged from: to "Wow, that was such an amazing course!" "I can't wait for the next one." "I love my prize!" "aQuelle is so generous!"
Results as follows:
In the ladies' full individual (swim) event, Rebecca van der Linde (Stamp) was placed second between the Scott sisters, all of who enjoyed the challenging full distance triathlon.
In the men's open full individual (swim) event, JP van der Linde took the first place, followed by Ryan Redman and Andre Booyens was in third place.
Russell White won the men's vets' full individual (swim) event, while Monica Botha took first place in the ladies' vets' full individual (swim) event.
Caroline Minnaar won the ladies' vets' full individual (canoe) event.
The Primary School event was won by Hermannsburg's team, Stephan Kuesel, Daniel Lindsey and Simon Hoffmann were the team members.
The school participation challenge was won by Hillcrest Primary School who receive R1000 for their school for the best participation (excluding the hosting school) and they go home with a floating trophy.
The business challenge was won by the Mondi 2 team. Mondi entered an admirable three teams in the business challenge. The support from Mondi has been tremendous with the regard to the event - access to plantations, help with the track and general support. They deserved to win, but a bit of competition from other businesses in area would be great! The prizes are worth it!
The High School team from Hermannsburg was placed 2nd in the U18 team event and won the high school challenge.
A pleasing number of family teams entered this year in various combinations of father and sons, father, mother and child, brothers, sisters, etc. We have yet to have a three generation grandparent, parent and child combination - maybe next year? Mike Terry thanked sponsors, especially aQuelle,athletes and founder members of the MUDMAN organising team at a cocktail party after the event at Hermannsburg on Saturday.
Mike and Sonja Terry have been chief organisers of the event at Hermannsburg since the first event in 1999 and have fine-tuned the event to its present successful standing. Thanks go to them for the many hours spent planning, recording, marking the track (re-marking after the storm!) and just co-ordinating all the various aspects of the multi-faceted event. All at Hermannsburg would like to express sincere thanks to all sponsors and MUDMAN supporters, who have walked the road with us over the past ten years. We welcome the schools, who have become part of the series and appreciate the mutual support we give each other.
The next MUDMAN event will be hosted by Epworth School on 1st March 2009, at Albert Falls Dam.
ends
|
