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20 March 2013

MORE COURT CASES FOR COUCIL

Ongoing challenges between Umvoti Council’s ANC; IFP and NFP resulted in High Court Acting Judge Stretch in her summing up stating that the “memorandum of understanding” between the ANC and NFP in KZN was not legally binding and could in fact be contrary to the interests of individuals in terms of the Constution (Section 19 ). In the judgement given by Judge Stretch she claims that the memorandum is not a contract and more of a ”gentleman’s agreement.”

Background to this Court case brought by the ANC and its councillors (applicants) against respondents, 9 IFP Councillors, 2 NFP and one DA Councillor is that on 26th November last year the High Court issued a rule nisi to interdict the respondents from tabling a motion at a Council meeting on 20th November for the removal of Exco members - Mayor Mavundla (ANC); deputy Mayor Xaba (NFP) and Councillor Maharaj (IFP). If passed the motion would have lead to the immediate replacement of the three. This rule nisi granted interim relief in that the respondents were interdicted from tabling the motion and the Speaker was directed to postpone the meeting pending the finalisation of their application.
Counsel for the respondents stated in an affidavit that the interim interdict “had the effect of thwarting the democratic process.”

In regard to the binding status of the standing orders of the Municipality Judge Stretch referred to the previous case in October 2011 when the IFP and its nine Councillors had brought an application to Court that the Exco committee of 2 ANC and only one IFP member was unconsitutional and invalid and all decisions made by Exco from 31st May 2011 be declared null and void. This was opposed by the Municipality which had thereafter demanded security from the applicants (IFP) - this application was opposed and then dismissed by Judge van Zyl. Nothing further has happened since the Municipality delivered an answering affidavit on 10th August 2012.

But the applicants stated that as a decision by a judicial or quasi-judicial body was pending the motion put forward by the Opposition had to be rejected by the chairperson as irregular in terms of Rule 21 of the Municipality’s standing orders. However in her ruling acting Judge Stretch said ”in my view there is no decision by a judicial or quasi-judicial body pending”.

In conclusion Judge Stretch said that in view of the culmative effect of the factors outlined in the judgement the appliction could not succeed and ordered that the rule nisi be discharged and the applicants pay the costs of the 8 individual IFP and 1 DA respondent.

ends


LICENCES AND STOLEN GOODS AT SAPS STATION.

An urgent appeal from SA Police Service Firearm Office Greytown to individuals who applied for firearm licences and competencies to collect these.

The office has various firearm licences and competency certificates which can be collected from Greytown SAPS Centre between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays or call(033) 413 9003 /
413 9067 - don’t forget your ID’s.

If applicable please respond to this notice as uncollected licence cards will now be returned .

Police have also recovered solar home units and a Blackberry cell. Please check these if you have had such items stolen -contact W/O Potgieter on 0334 413 9009.

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WORKING TOGETHER WORKS WELL

On the 22 March 2013 the Kranskop Farmers Association under the leadership of Heino Duval, assisted the Kranskop SAPS with a community Project at Mphise area. The cattle dipping tank is in a bad state of disrepair, and the original community “Branding of Cattle” programme was unable to be implemented.

Station Comannader Lieut Col Minnaar then approached the Kranskop Farmers Association with a request to assist the community by repairing the dipping tank .
Nick Zachariou from Kranskop Build It generously donated 10 pockets of cement; the Mphise community collected the stones and sand mixture, supplied the wheel barrows and spades, and the Maphumulo Department of Agriculture supplied the creosoted poles .
Kranskop farmers gave of their time, experience and expertise, they coached and taught the youngsters how deep to dig the holes, mix the cement and put in the poles in neat and straight lines! Then they filled up the holes, keeping a sharp eye out on how straight the poles were being planted.

The first stage of repairing the dipping tank was completed in record time with everyone, young and old pitching in to lend a helping hand. The women carried numerous buckets of water from the river to mix the cement with a smile in traditional style.

Lt Col Minnaar told the Greytown Gazette that she was extremely appreciative of the tremendous input from Kranskop Build IT and Heino Duval and his team from Kranskop Farmers association for their help, guidance and interaction with the community in completing this project .

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GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

Happy Easter to all our members.

Anelda Uys missed out on the cash from Friday night’s members draw as she was not present at the time. The next attendance draw will be on Friday (5 April) with R400 up for grabs. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner.

Please notice the date of our Happy hour function for this month has been moved to Thursday 28 March. The food is sponsored by Brokersure. Thank you to Mr. Rottcher and his team. R20 will place you in the draw to win R1000 or a bottle of Chivas regal. There will be a free meal to everybody that bought a ticket for the draw.

Notice to all golfers. The “Sunday 9@9” entry fee will be R35 to play 9 holes. Richard Chiazzari is sponsoring a chicken that will be up for the winning on Sunday mornings. The winner of the last Sunday’s 9@9 chicken run was Mr. G Schwarz on 20 points.

FNB Club Champs is playing on 6 and 7 April. Entry fee is R150 for 36 holes. T-off on Saturday will be from 11:30am and Sunday you can t-off from 7:30am. Entry form is on the notice board or phone the Club on 0334172441 to enter. Appealing to everybody to please support our generous sponsors.

Dates to diarize
Tues 26 March – Cheap-as-Tuesday
Thurs 28 March – Happy Hour Sponsored by Brokersure
6 & 7 April – FNB Club Champs

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DOCTORS AFTER HOURS CONTACT NUMBERS

Greytown doctors have set up a call register to ensure that if anyone needs after hours assistance, and their own doctor is not available, they can contact the doctors on call. 911 Ops Centre and Arcadia will have list which is also printed in the Greytown Gazette each month.
Please cut out and keep accessible:
Cell numbers:
Dr Ally: 083 786 7138
Dr Mkhize: 079 645 5964
Dr Ntombela: 082 751 7024
Dr Owen: 082 859 9307
Dr A. Smith:071 676 6810 (Locum for Dr M.Roodt)
Greytown Hospital:033 413 9400

CALL DATES FOR APRIL

Greytown Hospital: 29th;30th;31st;1st;(EASTER WEEKEND)
Dr Owen:2nd;5th;8th;12th;15th;16th;19th;22nd;
23rd;29th;30th
Dr Smith: 3rd;10th;17th;24th;27th;28th;
Dr Ally:4th;9th;11th;18th;20th;21st;25th;26th
Dr Mkhize:6th;7th;
Dr Ntombela: 13th;14th
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HIGH SPEED POLICE CHASE...THREE ARRESTS

A high speed chase by Police resulted in three of four robbers being arrested shortly after they had committed the crime.

On Sunday 17th, round about 1.30 p.m. four men, one armed with a handgun held up the owner of a shop in New Hanover.They ransacked the shop grabbing cell phones, cigarettes, cash, a laptop and camera.

New Hanover SAPS members immediately alerted Wartburg Police who kept observation on the R33 soon after the vehicle was spotted. After a high-speed chase the Audi driver lost control of vehicle and was forced to stop.The four men leapt out and ran into the nearby sugarcane fields.

The area was cordoned off. Wartburg and New Hanover Police, together with Pietermaritzburg K-9 and Flying Squad Units conducted a search - three of the suspects were arrested in the plantation but the fourth man escaped.

All the property was recovered. An unlicensed 9mm Norinco pistol was found in one of the suspects’ possession.

The suspects are believed to be positively linked to several cases of armed robbery in KZN and other provinces. One of the men is under Police guard in hospital having been tackled by a Police dog.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt. General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the dedication of the members especially the K-9 and Flying Squad members for the arrests of a total of seven armed robbery suspects in the Midlands area last week. She said “we are committed to eradicate the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the confiscation of these firearms prevented the future commission of serious and violent crime.”

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FROM THE DITCH

Accent was on away games this weekend. Playing in the NIBA pairs, Omo Dinkelman and Andre Roberts lost their game - but Andre played really well even though a novice bowler and this was his first competition.Chris and Erika Fischer lost a close game by three points whilst Tony Smith and Karen Cordy won both their games against Natal A and Natal B players and move on to the next round.

Easter is upon us, and there will be play on Easter Saturday afternoon and on Easter Monday afternoon when a special guest is the Easter Bunny who always makes a point of dropping off an array of Easter eggs. This is a fun social bowls afternoon - so do come along for the start at 2 p.m.

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St Cathryn’s news

The evenings are getting cooler at St Cathryn’s and autumn is definitely here.The next weekend of golf at St Cathryn's will be the two days of the TUTA Carriers Club Champs that will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April. Members who would like to stay over please contact the club so that we can plan for your accommodation. Camping and caravans are also allowed.This is usually a fun weekend of good golf and is also a social time for members to get to know one another better.

Please remember to let Piet know if you would like to play. We will be playing in Mens A, B and C Divisions and also Ladies and Juniors divisions. We also have the Tee2pin division and players in this division can become the Club Champion.

This Friday 29th March we will not be open. We wish all our members and friends a peaceful Easter and a happy holiday time with their families.

To book for golf please phone Piet 0832691661

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READERS WRITE

LIVING IN DARKNESS

Sir,

I would like to complain about our street lights in Enahlalakahle namely Maphanga Road. I think its over a year that we’ve been walking in darkness.

Please could the Municipal electricity staff fix this mess for us because we pay our rates. We have asked them many times to restore these lights. If we have to continue in darkness it is only a matter of time before someone is raped or killed by people we cannot see.

Very concerned resident.

Lousy Litter-bugs

Sir

Last week Greytown was alive with sporting activity in King Edward Park and Greytown High School hosting a well supported rugby festival. The organisers of these events are to be commended on their initiative and it was great to hear the cheering supporters and sounds of people enjoying themselves. However, why is it that on Friday morning after the soccer played on Thursday, King Edward Park was a disgusting mess littered with bottles, cans and take-away packaging yet by Saturday morning after the Rugby Festival ended on Friday evening the grounds of Greytown High School were spotless?

The Municipality has erected clear signage regarding behaviour in the public area of the park and it is law that drinking in public is prohibited. But what is the good of this lip service if it is not followed by action? Considering the number of condom packets, alcohol bottles and cans amongst the litter left in King Edward Park on Friday morning the Municipal coffers could have been substantially boosted had a contingent of officers from the Traffic department been dispatched to monitor the event and fine out of line behaviour of spectators, participants and organisers of the tournament.

Despite the misguided view that “littering creates jobs”, in reality it is indicative of a mindless lack of respect for self, others and the environment. .

Jen Cowie

ends

20 March 2013

AWARDS FOR TOP SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS

Top schools and teachers were recognised by Umvoti Circuit Management in the first matric award function held in the GHS hall last Thursday. Schools and teachers in the five circuits, Indlovana, Umvoti, Umvozana, Kranskop North and Keates Drift were included in this project to award the best performances in the 2012 matric year.

First of the three categories was the announcement of the top ten schools in the CMC. These are: Greytown High; Mgwempisi; Mzoniwe; Makhosonke (all 100% pass rates); Mhlakothi; Ophofini; Esokheni; Makhedama; Upper Umvoti; Greytown Secondary (from 93.66 to 98.48%).

Trophies were also awarded to the best teacher in 11 subjects. Greytown Secondary was very proud to have three of their teachers awarded: P.Ramlakan (accounting) P.Moonsamy (life science); N.Mudzingwa (mathematics): Busana High received two; M.Mngonyama for business studies and M.N. Mhlongo for English FAL; D.E. Jali of Mount Ernestina Combined for Economics; R.Gurjena of Cabangokuhle High for geography; S.Bondesio of Greytown High for history; MM.M. Mchunu of Ophofini for mathematical literacy; J.R. Myaka of Muden Combined for physical sciences; and S.S.D. Benya of Spakheme Combined for Zulu HL.

Third category was for teachers who achieved the most A’s in their subjects. Schools with the highest in this category are Greytown High School, Busana and Greytown Secondary School. In the photo the ten Greytown Secondary School teachers who were awarded for their outstanding performances in this category are:

Mrs P.Moonsamy (life science); Mrs P.Ramlakan (accounting); Mr.N.M. Bhagrette (geography); Miss T.R. Naidoo (physical science); Mrs S.Bachoolal (business studies); Mrs O.Bhagrette(afrikaans); Miss N.P. Zondi/Mr S.Nqaki (isiZulu); Mr K.Govender (maths literacy); the late Mrs M.K. Halulaman (English); Mr N.Mudzingwa (mathematics).

Circuit Manager, Indlovana, Ms M.E. Mkhize expressed her thanks to all who had participated in this very successful event held for the first time ever in this district.

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GRUESOME DOUBLE KILLING

A gruesome killing of two men who could have been hijacked in Greytown occurred in the Emakhabeleni area in the early hours of Sunday. Police found the body of an unknown man on the ground approximately 8 meters from the edge of a cliff. His legs were tied with rope and a pair of shoe laces around his neck. Another seriously injured man was found nearby -both had multiple stab wounds .

Police believe that early on Sunday the two victims might have been hi-jacked when driving a white Nissan 1400 bakkie with unknown registration, in the Greytown area. The suspects then allegedly tied up the one victim and stabbed him multiple times, fatally wounding him. It is believed that the second man may have been forced to drive the vehicle to the Emakhabeleni area and thereafter was also stabbed multiple times. The suspects then threw both victims off the cliff and fled. At this stage it is alleged that the victims could be foreigners who lived in the Greytown area.

Police are making an urgent appeal to anyone with any information on the incident or who can identify the victims to contact the Matimatola SAPS Branch Commander - Det W/O Mandla Khumalo at (033) 445 9332 or 082 462 9075.; or Captain Mzila on 082 673 8107

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GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

l

Mrs. C. Oehme missed out on the cash from Friday night’s members draw as she was not present at the time. The next attendance draw will be on Friday with R300 up for grabs. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner.

.

Reminder to all our members to attend the AGM on Wednesday 20 March from 6pm. The Club will be closed for the duration of the AGM-free food and a free drink for all attending the AGM.

Please note Happy hour function for this month has been moved to Thursday 28 March.

Dates to diarize

Wed 20 March – Club AGM

Tues 26 March – Cheap-as-Tuesday

Thurs 28 March – Happy Hour

6 & 7 April – FNB Club Champs

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ST CATHRYN’S NEWS

Although it was a great weekend for sport in South Africa, with some major unexpected rugby and cricket results recorded it was at St Cathryn’s where the real action was. Seven of the best dressed, well groomed, super fit and handsome golfers took on Mandini and Darnall in the first leg of the triangular. The morning started off with sunshine at 6h00 only to be replaced by a thick Kranskop mist for a while and then clearing partially. Captain Paul and Liekie had a conference call on the phone and decided the game would start as soon as the mist clears – with a light rain was forecasted for the day. Some of these golfers also played in the Farmers Agri -Care monthly mug the day before and it was a good test of character and fitness because on the sixth and seventh of April all golfers will be playing in the Tuta Carriers St Cathryn’s Club championship over two days.

True to the club spirit, the St Cathryn’s team played their best and took victory over these two teams coming from the coast and southern tip of Zululand. The current holder of the Trophy, Mandini were quite convinced that they would retain the trophy, they left it in their trophy cabinet, and captain Paul had to settle only for a handshake and no silverware to display. Best home based golfers was Sakkie Marais with thirty six points on a count out from his sister Liekie.

First time visitors were impressed with the course, its tough rough and slowish greens. The country hospitality provided by all team members and catering staff Cathy, Annette and Kevin Williams made for great socializing out on the deck in the late afternoon, when the sun broke through. Kevin produced a world class beef potjie and all visitors drove home safely and promised to come back to visit.

Results: 1st St Cathryn’s 30.85 points.:2nd Darnall 28.75 points:3rd Mandini 28.45 points.

Individual Results:1st Shane Ramkaoor 39 points;2nd Sakkie Marais 36 points oco;3rd Liekie Steyn. (Longest Drive 10th)

Longest drive Men 10th Andre van Rooyen

Nearest to Pin 9/18th Paul Els;Nearest to Pin for 2 on the 12th (very cheeky and tight pin position) Ren Jugmohan.

On Saturday, eight golfers played in the March Farmers Agri-care Monthly Mug and although fellow golfers were distracted by a Ricky Fowler look a like sporting a bright orange outfit from head to toe ( even this colourful outfit couldn’t hand Dieter Meyer his first Mug victory! ) A real sight for sore eyes and was clearly visible from space.

Results:

1st Merwin Rabe Nett 66;2nd Liekie Steyn Nett 67;3rd Sakkie Marais Nett 71.

Nearest to Pin 9/18th (Day Glow Orange) Dieter Meyer.

Captains Putter Brent Barkhuizen oco Piet Nel.

This Friday 22 March the pub will be open for drinks but no meal will be served - we are expecting a group of brave Crusaders Canoe club members who will be enjoying their annual two day trip down the mighty Tugela river. The course will be open for golf so please phone 083 269 1661 to book.

BONSAI FASCINATE AT garden club

Umvoti Garden Club members enjoyed an excellent talk from Jürgen Nuss, an expert on the fascinating subject of Bonsai!.

From Pietermaritzburg Jurgen started collecting and growing Bonsai trees in 1968 - his passion and enthusiasm shone through in his presentation.

Bonsai has always fascinated him – even when growing up, he used to collect the tiny trees and plants he found growing in crevices around his family farm, plant them – only to go back to boarding school and find them shrivelled on his return home! . One day he met an old lady who successfully grew her own trees, which inspired him to start and so was born a hobby that has stayed with him for decades. .

Jürgen’s talk was filled with useful information about growing Bonsai; how to select trees; to prune; as well as to how to wire so that the trees grow into different styles and shapes.

His ease with his subject made it seem quite possible for even the most amateur of gardeners to try this beautiful art form!.

Anyone who needs help with their Bonsai, wants to purchase some trees or wishes to give this fascinating hobby a go, is very welcome to contact Jurgen on 083 745-6078.

ENDS

MASCOR umvoti POLOCROSSE NEWS

Caroline Minnaar has been chosen for the National Blue side to play in an exciting polocrosse test against a touring Zambian side and Irish side at Mooi River during July.

.All the squads played in a very exciting tournament at Mooi River over the weekend. Under Caroline’s leadership and experience, her team narrowly lost by one goal to the National A squad and also lost by one goal to the Presidential squad..

Jacquie Minnaar, Kira-lee Grant and Colin Storey, Mascor Umvoti A section, cleaned up the C division and won the Championships. Camryn Minnaar, Thembi Mandonsela and Andrew Grant in the Mascor Umvoti B section played good polocrosse all weekend to get into the finals of the C division to be narrowly beaten by their A side. .

Umvoti polocrosse club under the strong leadership of Patrick O Sullivan is set to have a quiet but fun year with all the main players moving to play at Phezulu club at Bishopstowe.

The concentration will be on coaching the youngsters, bringing on young horses and most of all having fun this year.

Mascor Umvoti will be hosting a friendly tournament on 27th and 28th April at Lake Merthley .

ENDS

Check lost goods at Police station

If you have lost items in a theft please check the following list of goods recovered and being stored by SAPS Greytown.:

.

*. 2 suitcases containing various clothes – left at CSC by unknown white male

* 1 garden fork

* 2 spades

* 1 Ideas Iron.

* Doors

* Computer screens

* Computer towers

* Computer keyboards

* Clothes

* Fishing rods and reels

Please contact Warrant/Officer V. Potgieter on 033 413 9009 between 8 and 4 p.m. to view the items at Greytown Police Station .

ENDS

Hundereds of mourners at the funeral of 6 Muden men

 

13 March 2013

 MUDEN MASSACRE

Life will never be the same again for the Mkhize family and residents of Tshekane village following the brutal and callous shooting of six male members of the Mkhize clan in the early hours of last Saturday morning. Three youngsters were also critically injured in the attacks.

Round about 2 a.m. Mrs Ntombi Mkhize said there had been a banging on the door as a man said “open, its the police.” When her husband opened the door he was shot. The attackers, who were reported to be dressed in Police uniforms, used assault rifles to massacre execution style a further five 5 male members of the Mkhize family living in adjacent huts.

Three teenagers, Lungisani and Sbu Mkhize and a cousin Sizwe Zondi , all pupils at the nearby Mount Ernestina School were also killed.

Three youngsters who were injured were taken to hospital -the youngest three year old Fika Mkhize is in a critical condition.

The Mkhize homestead, is 20 km from Greytown. It consists of nine units -only the three occupied by men were targeted - nine women and five young boys were left unharmed.35 year old Bongumuzi Mkize escaped from his hut when he heard the shooting and hid  naked in the nearby river - three of his brothers and three of his nephews were killed execution style.

A special Police Task team, headed by Brigadier  Clifford Marion and Colonel Dennis  Khumalo(Greytown Police Cluster) has been established to investigate and focus on these appalling killings - they are working round the clock to track the killers.In a telephonic interview with the Greytown Gazette, Colonel Khumalo appealed to anyone out there with any information to contact him urgently on 082 826 8991. He also issued an appeal to members of the public to keep calm and give the Police the chance to work on finding the killers.

Although  the motive behind the massacre has not been established it is claimed it was related to stock theft. However  it is alleged  that the the Mkhize family had apparently been linked to continuous stock theft in the area and that the incidences of this crime and others in the district was high.

A number of residents in the Muden area, who  asked to remain anonymous, said that the community had no confidence  or trust in the Police- they claim there is continuing harassment during illegal firearm raids. One of the victims, Mhlengi Mkize had been taken by the Police in a raid in February allegedly for possessing an illegal firearm  -he had been released without charge and had told his family that the Police had demanded a R1500 bribe.

 KZN Police Commissioner Lt General Ngobeni who visited the village on Monday  has set up a high powered Investigation team to look into the claims that Police were involved in any illegal activity in regard to firearms and raids.

The surviving members of the Mkhize family are extremely traumatised and have expressed their fears that the killers might return.

The Police task team is confident of tracking down and arresting the killers soon. As mentioned above anyone with any information should contact the Police to assist in the arrest of these criminals.

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Volcano damage...claim!

For motorists who have damaged tyres or other parts of their cars as a result of the deep potholes and volcanic eruptions on Provincial roads in and around Greytown (e.g. Muden, Rietvlei etc.) don’t don’t just mutter...claim .

Claim forms headed”Claim against the State due to dm age to vehicle” are obtainable for the local Department of Transport offices in Bell Street.. According to a visiting motorist who visited the offices to query damage to his vehicle - 10 claims have been lodged so far this year!

Very detailed information is required by the Department which submits the claim form to the Legal and Mechanical section for a decision as to whether the claim will be honoured or repudiated...claims can take 4 -6 months to be processed.

Wouldn’t it be simpler and better all round if the Department of Transport made sure that the contractors fixing the roads actually did so properly and on a permanent basis?

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READERS WRITE

SMILEY IMAGES Sir,

May I through the medium of your newspaper take this opportunity to present a metaphorical bouquet to our Municipality for the efforts they have made this past month in tidying up our town. It is all too easy to let off steam in the media when things are going badly and brickbats are necessary yet we often forget to applaud successful efforts in trying to right wrongs.

The initiative of Mayor PG Mavundla over a month ago to interact with residents at public meetings to hear our concerns has clearly borne fruit. His commitment to rectify issues like the electricity and water supply, cleaning up of the environment, illegal businesses spilling over onto pavements, improving security and control in King Edward VII Park, traffic controls, renewing and ensuring implementation and compliance of bylaws, maintenance of roads etc is clearly evident and apparently sincere. His passion for the town is also obvious and one must laud his efforts in imparting this energy onto his departmental managers and staff.

During all my years here I have never seen any of our previous Mayors out and about together with the work teams, in fact even dressed like them! Excuse me for initially not recognising you Mr Mayor, when you passed though my precinct!

h.

All residents and ratepayers will be hopeful that the promises will be fulfilled, that there will be consistency of service levels in the future, that the SAPS will raise their game and that whoever fills the Mayoral hot-seat in future will take the reins with the same level of intensity as the incumbent.

Ivo Wüst

Greytown

ENDS

MY FAVOURITE POTHOLE.

Sir

Is it that collection on the road up to the Lake Merthley turn off or the great collection on the way to Rietvlei?

Those on the way to Rietvlei as you approach the bridge never had the benefit of a re-tar. I always wondered why.

Then there is just beyond Rietvlei, on the newly tarred stretch, a truly beaut of a hole the deepest and most lethal

I have yet to see.

The Lake Merthley potholes I imagine will shortly be fixed as the road construction currently approaching Mispah continues on towards Muden.

This construction has a truly professional appearance which leads me to wonder who will be paying for the repairs now necessary on the Greytown-Mooi River road. Those that issued the specifications, those that undertook the job, or US.

I wonder

Shock Absorber.

ENDS

Greytown country club news
 
Ewald Kohne missed out on the cash from Friday night’s members draw as he was not present at the time. The next attendance draw will be on Friday  with R200 up for grabs. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner
It seems they do not make golfers as tough as they used to be. A little bit of drizzle in the morning and most stay indoors! As it turned out Saturday afternoon was great golfing weather and the eleven players who pitched for the Mascor Monthly Mug/Business League were eventually all winners. The golf committee is seriously considering a “Kamp Staaldraad” of sorts to toughen up our local golfers! The results were as follows: A div - 1st O Ndawonde 76 net oco, 2nd - B Mlangeni 76 net. B div - 1st B Oehme 73 net 2nd - G Ngubane 34 net
Notice to all golf members to sharpen up their games for our Club Champs which is taking place on the 6th and 7th of April. Reminder to all our members to attend the AGM on Wednesday 20 March from 6pm. The Club will be closed during the AGM. Afterwards The Club will be supplying free food and  drinks for everybody  attending the AGM.  We are looking forward to a very exciting AGM with lots of changes in the Club’s future.
 
Dates to diarize
Wed 20 March – Club AGM
6  and 7 April – FNB Club Champs
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St Cathryn’s News

A small golfing fest awaits golfers this weekend with Farmers Agricare monthly mug on Saturday and on Sunday 17th, the Triangular! This is now in its eighth year with some changes along the way -when four clubs were involved it was call the Bill Howard floating trophy but it is now the three, Mandini , Darnall and St Cathryn’s.

Emphasis is on social competitive golf and it is also a way of getting golfers from different parts of KZN to come, see and play in one of the gems of the Midlands!

The format being individual stableford and all scores of each club are then added together and divided by the average number of golfers from each club. The club with the highest Stableford points is the winning team and keeps the “Ryder Cup look-a-like trophy until the next competition to take place at Mandeni on Sunday 23rd June.

This is a very sociable day and with the competition format it brings together a bunch of golf loving players in a sociable but yet competitive way.

Cost is R150 per player including green fees, halftime, prizes and a lunch -this Sunday it is beef potjie.Non members are invited to be part of the golfing fest -please contact Piet if you would like to play,

Supper this Friday, devilled chicken, rice and salads -please phone Piet on 083 269 1661 to book not later than Thursday 6 p.m.

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St Patrick’s day

“Tis the wearing of the green throughout the world on St Patrick’s Day, March 17th. Although totally synonymous with Ireland. of which he is the Patron saint, Patrick was actually born in Britain and until the age of 16 considered himself a pagan. But he was then abducted and enslaved by Irish marauders and taken to Ireland where he turned to Christianity.He eventually landed up in a monastery in France - then receiving a celestial visitation he return to Ireland in the year 432 AD!

The king of Laoghaire gave him the freedom to spread Christianity in Ireland after Patrick had plucked a shamrock from the ground to explain that the three leaves were like the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost .

Patrick was successful in his mission establishing monasteries , schools and churches over thirty years throughout Ireland. He died on March 17th sometime between 463 and 493 AD. One theory is that his jawbone was preserved in a silver shrine while another claims that his hand was enshrined in silver and placed in a high altar in the Abbey church -water was poured through to heal sores!

St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is his feast day of the patron saint of Ireland.

Legend has it that St Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. However the cynics say there were never any snakes there because it is surrounded by icy seas and no snake would have braved the trip from Britain! Another theory is that the snakes were the pagans who were driven out through St Patrick’s conversion of so many to Christianity

.

The phrase, “Drowning The Shamrock” is from the custom of floating the shamrock on the top of of a glass of whiskey before drinking it. The Irish state that if you do this then you will have a prosperous year!

Finding a four leaf clover on this day brings much luck

But the chances are about the same as winning Lotto - it is estimated that there are about 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.

Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Closely associated with the Irish lore is the leprechaun seen in many St Patrick day pictures. The leprechaun is shown as a type of fairy , usually in the form of a mischievous old man. Leprechauns spend all their time busily making shoes, and store away all their coins in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, the Leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release!

ends

MAD AS A MARCH HARE

The March Hare is best known is a character taking part in the tea party in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice says “The March Hare will be much the most interesting, and perhaps as this is May it won’t be raving mad -- at least not so mad as it was in March.” In Alice because the Hatter supposedly “murdered the time” while singing for the Queen of Hearts the March Hare feels compelled to behave as though it was teatime always.

Wellknown illustrator Sir John Tenniel’s March Hare shows him with straw on his head which was a used as a way to depict madness in Victorian Times

The popular saying “mad as a March hare” originally appeared in a collection of proverbs by John Heywood published in 1546!It was reported that it was based on the popular belief that during the long breeding season of hares, from February to September,unreceptive females used to used their forelegs to repel over enthusiastic males! It was wrongly assumed that these were two males fighting

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EARLY ALERT FOR EARLY DEADLINES

Its that time of the year again with a slew of public holidays affecting the normal flow of business activities -great if you can include them in a holiday package but for those who can’t ...extra pressure!

So an urgent appeal to advertisers to please take early note of the following:

Deadline for Greytown Gazette of 27th March : 12 noon Friday 22nd March .

But Thursday 21st is Human Rights Day and a public holiday -so please if you are taking an extra long weekend submit adverts before you leave. Thank you.

Deadline for Greytown Gazette 3rd April display and classified advertisements is Wednesday 27th March at 1 p.m.

Good Friday is 29th March and Family Day Monday 1st April (NO its not joke) so Graphics, which sets the ads will be closed from Thursday until Tuesday!

Things don’t really get any better at the end of the month and beginning of May with Family Day and Workers Day. Deadlines for these issues will be published closer to the time!

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TRIBUTE TO MICHELLE HALUMAN CONTRIBUTED

It is said that life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be. A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths, along the way. We all were meant to learn something but never meant to stay.

To say our goodbyes and pay tribute to a beautiful soul like Michelle Haluman, words fail us. As words seem inadequate to express the sadness we at Greytown Secondary School feel about such a great loss!

Michelle was the kind of person that you meet once in a lifetime, but impacts on your life forever. Her memory will live on in each and everyone of us that have come to know and love her. She had a generous soul and I am sure many of you can attest to that. Mrs. Haluman never met a person in need whom she didn’t find some way of helping.

Michelle joined the GSS family on the 17th of January 1995 and was promoted in 2000 as an HOD for the languages department. Her vocation for languages was one of her greatest passions and she put in tireless hours into playing the role of an educator, counselor and guardian to many of our learners and educators, always making sure that her learners were never without. She gave everything to her chosen profession, led by example and did not expect anyone to do anything that she herself would not do first. Her meticulous nature and zest for life will be hard to match. Always ready to offer a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, she was our pillar of strength.

She was an inspiration to all of us. Her tenacity, fearlessness, selflessness and compassion, will forever be etched in our hearts and memories, this was evident as she always had the best interests of the underprivileged and vulnerable learners at heart. This saw her embarking on a feeding scheme so that no learner would go hungry and she frequently carried the cost. I am sure that she is making heaven smile, as her presence always added a special kind of value wherever she went.

Mrs Haluman stayed true to the saying by Mahatma Gandhi “ You must be the change you want to see in the world”

ends

 

 

6 March 2013

 

MAYOR, MANAGEMENT MOTIVATE CLEAN-UP

Umvoti Mayor Godfrey Mavundla once again showed that leading from the front and setting an example is the right route to follow. Last week following up comments that the town clean up was not up to standard he took the entire Municipal management team on a tour of the town.

The unkempt overgrown problem areas were highlighted and on Saturday it was all on board. Management together with 120 workers from the 11 co-ops got stuck in. Ride on mowers, spades, hoes, etc flashed in and out, up and down in the first of the three zones.  Tractors loaned by the Mayor did  a great job.

The weekend clean up was  for the areas above  Shepstone Street and the next mammoth clean up is below Shepstone Street areas.

As has been done with all the town residents the Mayor will soon call a public meeting with the residents of Enhlalakahle for them to list complaints and queries and what action needs to be taken.An appeal to all residents to attend these public meetings.  At the report back on Monday for the above Shepstone Street residents, most of the issues raised at the first public meeting a month ago had been seen to.

The next report back meeting is the follow on to the public meeting in the Town Hall

Hats off to the Mayor, management and the staff for undertaking this huge task of restoring Greytown to the clean and beautiful town it used to be.And to  really listening to  all the ratepayers and residents .

Even more hats off in three months time if the areas now mown and cleaned are kept like that!

 

February weather update

Greytonians who thought that February was diabolically hot were quite right

In the records kept by PANNAR Seed research a total of 11 days were over 30 degrees! Highest temperature recorded was 36.56 on Valentine Day ; 36.15 on 26th February; and 35.67 on 19th!

Lowest maximum temperature recorded was right after the Valentine scorcher, on the 15th - a mere 19.15!

Minimums went that minimum either! Lowest was 12.73 on the 1st but generally were in the mid and high teens!

On the rainfall front, Grant Gifford recorded a generous 106 mm in Greytown itself.

The PANNAR records show 55.8mm for the month but Mr R. Bhagdath told the Greytown Gazette that there had been a computer malfunction on the 16th and 17th so no information had been recorded on those two day but would be supplied by Durban Weather bureau at a later date.

A five year comparison of February rainfall from the Research department shows:

2008:43.8;

2009

191.1

2010

64.3

2011

29.4

2012

88.2

2013

55.8

February 39 year average:102.9

ends

Clean up Saturday

Following the successful clean up of Greytown Botanical Gardens last month Greytown Environmental Team (GET) has organised with the Municipality to clean up banks and surrounds of the Greytown stream.

Meet at the lower end of Scott Street at 9 a.m. (till 12 noon)and please make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes, gloves and a hat and bring along water to drink.

The GET vision is to restore Greytown to its original beauty and to involve residents with the assistance of the Municipality to achieve this. Bring the family along and join in the fun .

Many years ago the Greytown river was a sparkling clean and flowing stretch of water where youngsters used to swim and families picnicked along its bank. Now it is a sluggish dirty dumping ground of a river with overgrown banks filled with litter .

For more information on Saturday’s clean please contact Geoff on 076 810 0697

ends

DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

Don’t miss the boat! The Ursa Maris sets sail from the Leuchar’s Hall on Friday 15th. March at 6.30 p.m. – or rather the story behind the sailing of the Ursa Maris.

All are invited to share this evening when Helen Bryant will share their exciting ‘maiden’ voyage on their yacht Ursa Maris as they sailed around the British Isles. The evening is a pot luck affair, so come and sail with the crew of St. James’ Anglican Church; a bring and share supper (also bring own drinks) but crockery, cutlery and glasses will be provided and tea/coffee will be served. This fun – fund raising evening is a revival of social evenings, tickets are R 50 and for children 12 and under R 25 – available from the Parish Office (mornings) or from Sue Swan Tel. 033 507 0132.

 

ends

ST CATHRYN’S NEWS

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St Cathryn’s golf captain, Paul Els, played in Howick on Sunday in the Howick Open, a 36 Hole stroke play event. It was an early start for Paul as he was first off the tee at 6:30 and thoroughly enjoyed the day. His final results reads as follows, bearing in mind other top amateurs in Kwa Zulu Natal also played and mention names like Shaun Pollock who also was in the field, not as fast bowler or as cricket commentator but as a player. Paul playing off a four handicap rubbed shoulders with other golfers playing off scratch and other players with handicaps of plus three and plus four.

Stroke play ( for those that don’t know ) is when you count every shot you played of the thirty six hole event and your handicap is subtracted after each eighteen holes.

Paul shot a 75 on the first eighteen holes and replied with a 79 on the second eighteen holes giving Paul a nett 71 and 75 respectively, giving Paul the best nett over eighteen holes and wait for it …….overall on the day Paul ended second with combined nett of 146…. Eish this boytjie can play! Congratulations to Paul from the whole Umvoti County and fellow members of St Cathryn’s congratulate Paul on this achievement.

Next Farmers Agri- Care Monthly mug will be played on Saturday 16th March and on Sunday 17th we take on the Golf clubs of Mandini and Darnall - that are the current holders of the Triangular trophy. It is the St Cathryn’s leg of the triangular so we invite as many members as possible to come and stay, bring your caravan, pitch your tent and camp or squat on the course because it’s going to be fun. Even non- members with an official handicap may play over both days.

Supper on Friday 8th will be a bring and braai, please let us know if you would like to join us. 083 269 1661.

ends

GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB

Congratulations to Vijay Roopai, he walked away with the cash on Friday night’s members’ draw. The next attendance draw will be on Friday with R100 up for grabs. Be here at 6:30 – 7pm and you could be the lucky winner.

The golf committee would like to welcome two new members on the committee. Corne Hattingh and Robin Furniss, we are looking forward to your valuable input.

On Saturday the Mascor Monthly Mug/Business league will be playing. Your golf committee has decided to split the competition into 2 divisions. There will be prizes for an A Division and a B division. Entry is R50 and that includes your half time snack. T-off will start from 11:30am. Entry list is up on the board or phone 033 417 2441 to enter.

.

The Club is requesting all members to attend the AGM on Wednesday 20 March. The Club will be supplying free food and drinks for everybody who attends the AGM. Please diarize this date. We are looking forward to a very exciting AGM with lots of changes in the Club’s future.

Dates to diarize

Sat 9 Mar – Mascor monthly mug

Tues 12 March – Cheap-as-Tuesday

Wed 20 March – Club AGM

6 & 7 April – FNB Club Champs

ends

MARCH INTO THE GARDEN

It’s never too late to start green practices in your garden and every small bit helps the planet.

*Harvest mature pumpkins and other winter squash and chop the vines into the compost.

*Portulacaria afra is a great addition to your green garden because of its carbon reducing properties. They can they be used for hedging, as a pot plant or form plant and their leaves are edible and rich in vitamin C too!

*Use kitchen and garden waste rather than sending it all off to the dump. A bin or two in a corner of the garden filled with organic waste will compost down quickly with the addition of a commercial compost activator. Add the results to purchased mulch or compost – a garden can never have too much of either!

*Set a sunny section of the garden aside as a kitchen garden or plant veggies and fruits in among the flowers, or plant a sidewalk food garden to share with passers by.

Brussels sprouts and broccoli produce huge, soft grey leaves that look great in a flower border. They could do with a dressing of fertiliser this month too.

*Sow seed of kale, lettuce, onion and peas as well as root vegetables like carrots, beets and radishes. Check with staff at your local garden centre about best sowing and planting times for your part of the country.

*Feed asparagus plants if the foliage has not yet yellowed. Cut foliage back when it does die down.

MARCH TO DO LIST!

*Cut down on the amount of water given to houseplants and adjust the settings on automated irrigation systems too.

*Prepare beds for autumn sowing and planting. Clear faded summer annuals and bedding plants and replenish the soil with a good dressing of well-rotted compost.

*Plan your fragrant spring sweet-pea display – a trellis or bamboo teepee for the tall varieties to climb up, pots, beds or even hanging baskets to enjoy the dwarf varieties in the patio or balcony garden.

*Spent perennials should be cut back and tidied. If you have a shredder, run the clippings through the machine before adding them to the compost bin.

*March is the time to start browsing the array of spring bulbs available for autumn planting. This month is the best time to plant gorgeous lachenalia in window sill pots or as pathway edgings and then there are showy ranunculus, sparaxis and anenomes, perfumed freesias and narcissus, cheerful daffodils for mass display, and many more.

*Assess the lawns and check if areas have been damaged during the summer and need to be replanted or just generally revived with an early autumn dose of fertiliser.

*Begin direct sowing Namaqualand and other indigenous daisy seed as space is freed up in the beds to ensure your own splendid show to welcome the spring.

For further information contact:www:life is a garden.co.za

ends

Wonderful World Of Miniature Trees

“I walked away And left the bright moon

 With my bonsai and their shadows.”

On Tuesday 12th March Umvoti Garden Club members and guests will be treated to a presentation by Jurgen Nuss on the wonderful art form of Bonsai. Jurgen, who was educated at Hermannsburg then pursued a career in banking, entered the fascinating world of growing Bonsai in 1968. His hobby grew into a passion and he is now the custodian of one of the most extensive collections of Bonsai in South Africa, having 600 specimens under his care. He will share his wealth of knowledge on the intriguing history, styles and practicalities of growing trees in miniature which may well tempt some members to try their hands at Bonsai work. As with any art living art form, the bonsai creation is never perfected because it goes on growing and developing so there is much more to bonsai that merely planting a tree in a container. For those who feel the yen to enter into the world of Bonsai for themselves, Jurgen will have a selection of suitable trees on sale and offer advice on how to get started. The meeting will be held at 9h00 for 9h30 at “Longwood”, the scenic home of Clive and Jenny Tedder, on the Muden Road. As parking space is limited, members and guests are requested to share travelling and, because the meeting is being held at a private venue, please bring along a chair for seating.

ends

Two suspects arrested in Harburg farm attack

A second suspect, wanted for the attack on Harburg farmer, Bruno Muhl Friday 22nd February was arrested on last Tuesday night, his partner in crime having been arrested the day before. On Tuesday evening, a dedicated team of SAPS Dalton members, proceeded to a tavern in the area where they arrested the second suspect in connection with the attack and robbery at Boiling Fountain Farm in Harburg ,

The attack took place last Friday - Nicole Coetzee had left Noodsberg Club,where she works, on Friday evening, just before 9 pm. On entering the gates of the farm she was confronted by two armed men who demanded money and forced her into the house at gunpoint and tied her hands together with cable. The attackers demanded cash and the keys to the safe . She then handed over a set of keys and her handbag with R5 800.00 in cash. They then forced Coetzee into a cupboard ,locked her inside =they ransacked the bedroom taking some cash and also attempted to open the safe.

Unable to open the safe , the two demanded the right keys to the safe but Coetzee told them she did not have them , her fiance, she said, who would only be returning around midnight would have the keys.

The two decided to lie in wait for him and as he was parking his vehicle he was confronted by the same two. armed men. At about 23:45 , Bruno Muhl home and and was in the process of parking his vehicle when he was confronted by the same two (2) suspects.

One of the suspects produced a firearm and fired s shot at Muhl, seriously wounding him. The suspects thereafter fled.

Muhl sustained a gunshot wound to his left upper arm. He is believed to be in a stable condition at a hospital in the city.

The arrested suspect is expected to make his first court appearance in the New Hanover Magistrate’s Court shortly.

Police investigations continue.

ends

believe it or not!!!!!!!!

The following collection of medical problems or complaints have been collected from the records of a number of hospitals:

.

.* The patient has no previous history of suicides.

* Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.

*. Patient’s medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only 11kgs weight gain in the past three days.

* She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

*. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

* On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.

* The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.

* The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

*Discharge status: Alive but without my permission.

* Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert but forgetful.

* Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.

*. She is numb from her toes down.

* While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.

* The skin was moist and dry.

*. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.

* Patient was alert and unresponsive.

*. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

* She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.

*. I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.

* Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.

* The patient refused autopsy.

*. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

* Skin: somewhat pale but present.

* Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities

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REMEMBER TO SWITCH OFF!!!

An 8% increase in electricity is yet another unwelcome hike in the daily cost of living. There are ways to cut down on electricity costs as follows:

*Do not leave any appliance on standby.This actually means the appliance is still using up electricity and wastes a considerable amount of energy. By switching off at the main power button, or even the socket, you could be saving both energy and money.

Items left on standby use up to 85% of the energy they would use if fully switched on. An extra million tonnes of carbon will be released into the atmosphere through this power wastage.

*Electric tumble dryers are commonly the second biggest energy user in the home, using a huge amount of electricity when switched on.

Avoid using the dryer by line drying clothes whenever possible or using an indoor clothes dryer when the weather is bad.

If you do need to use the dryer, then ensure the clothes are as dry as possible after washing, eg, they have gone through a fast spin so that there is minimum excess water. This will reduce drying time considerably.

*Energy saving light bulbs can cut your costs considerably. Traditional bulbs waste a lot of energy by turning it into heat but energy saving bulbs work in the same way as fluorescent lights, the tubes coating glows brightly as an electric current passed through gas in the tube.More expensive to buy than traditional bulbs, they are worth the investment as last over 10 times longer and use up to 4 times less energy. In place of a 100w ordinary bulb, you would only need a 20-25w energy saving bulb. With savings like this, changing bulbs throughout your house could really cut your electricity costs.

No matter what type of lighting you are using, always turn the lights off when you leave a room.

Geysers

• Set thermostat of electrical geysers at 55 – 60 degrees C. Make sure the geyser and all hot water steel pipes in the

roof are well insulated with fibreglass or even newspaper.

.

Heating

• Use the correct heaters. Infrared electricity heaters are more efficient. An oil filled heater is the safest type of

heater.• Insulate the ceiling and seal air gaps in the home.

• Ensure that heaters have thermostats.

Dishwasher

• Fill the dishwasher completely before operating.

• Turn off before drying cycle and wipe dishes clean with a dry cloth.

• Connect the dishwasher to the cold water supply.

• Clean filters.

• When purchasing a dishwasher, look for energy saving features i.e. a short wash cycle.

• Install your dishwasher away from your refrigerator. The dishwasher’s heat and moisture makes the refrigerator

work harder.

.

Stoves

• Use pressure cookers when preparing foods that take a long time to cook.

• Match pots and pans to stove plates. Small pots on large plates waste electricity.

• Do not use pots with distorted bottoms.

• Switch off the plates or oven before food is fully cooked, allowing completion of cooking at a diminishing heat.

• Keep oven doors closed until food is cooked.

• Do not preheat the oven. It isn’t necessary to preheat the oven except for food requiring high temperatures and slow

cooking times.

• Make use of the oven’s leftover heat. Your oven retains heat for 15 to 30 minutes after it is turned off. Use that free

heat to warm up desserts, rolls or freshen crackers and cookies.

.

Microwave Ovens

• When you defrost food, leave it in the fridge overnight. You will use less electricity than defrosting food in the

microwave.

• Use the microwave to cook small to medium quantities of food. For larger portions of meat, it is better to use a

conventional oven or pressure cooker.

ends

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