It was an upbeat positive gathering of businessmen, role players and traditional leaders at last Wednesday’s breakfast meeting with South African president Jacob Zuma and KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize in Greytown as part of a whistle stop tour of Umvoti and Msinga.
He referred to his close links with Greytown saying after retirement I am planning to do something in this town to make it more vibrant - it is a town with great history and appealed to businesspeople to do more to market the town to investors and tourists.
President Zuma in responding to concern expressed on Julius Malema’s recent statements on the nationalisation of farms and the possible expropriation of farms by the Government said that nationalisation of farms and mines is not ANC policy. He said that farmers should allay their fears about such statements as policy was discussed and consolidated through national policy conferences and not by individuals.
The President explained that the South African constitution was clear on private property and for the ANC to nationalise land the constitution would have to be amended.
Continuing on the campaign the President and his entourage went onto Enhlalakahle and Msinga where he addressed large crowds.
Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Youth Choir is to perform in Greytown on 2nd June at Wembley College.
The aim of the choir is to give children in Grade 9 – 12 the opportunity to expand their musical horizons through singing music more challenging than that which they might ordinarily encounter in their school choirs
This choir was instituted in 2007 and represents children from 16 different schools in PMB and the Midlands and they practice weekly in PMB. The current conductor is William Silk who has a B Mus (Performance) specializing in Opera and Conducting. He has conducted numerous choirs including the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, The South African National Youth Choir, Durban Chamber Choir, Newcastle High School Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs, Ferrum High School Choir and the NKZN Youth Choir. He is currently also the Choral Director of the Michaelhouse Chapel and Chamber Choirs.
Last week the choir competed in the CANTATUKS in Pretoria and received a gold medal in one of the categories. Final results will be known after all 35 Youth Choirs have competed in Pretoria.
Since 2008 Wembley College have had the privilege of having pupils as members of this choir and currently Mark Reineke and Devon Hull are members. This choir will be performing at Wembley on Thursday 2nd June starting at 19:00 and all are welcome to attend
Many people wonder what the fascination is about pigeon racing and tend to question fanciers’ sanity!
To try to explain this phenomenon I would like to quote the words of a blind fancier from England, who describes the thrill a non fancier friend of his felt on watching the arrival of a race bird as follows:
He picked up my first arrival some distance away at about 300 feet and within moments of being spotted she clipped back her wings and stooped as a predator to its prey to the welcome landing board below. He was almost incoherent with excitement and is it any wonder?
For in that 12 seconds stoop is contained all the ingredients that make pigeon racing the exciting sport that it is. It embodies the mystique, the magic, the incredible and at times the impossible.
The novice thrills to the spectacle and the watery eyed grizzle headed old veteran who has witnessed the scene times out of number is visibly moved by it. If by some divine power I were granted one moment’s sight, the controlled motion of a plummeting pigeon at the termination of a lengthy flight, would rank high on my short list of the treasured spectacles I would most like to experience.”
Sheer poetry and after fifty years I still experience that feeling states Greytown’s own old grizzle.”
Excitement is building for the LETCEE walk down the hill from the Bracken loading zone on Matimatolo road to the Lilani Hot Springs which will take place this Sunday (22nd May). Entries have been received from Greytown and further afield, including 3 from the UK!
The walk offers some of the most spectacular views into the valley and down to the coast, and there are little water falls and patches of indigenous forest to admire.
There will be 5 refreshment tables along the route and places to stop and look out at our beautiful country.
Walkers who discover they unable to cope with the full 10 kms have the option of starting at the half way point, but there will be vehicles to pick up those who bail” en route. After the walk there will be regular trips back to the car park.
A variety of food and drinks will be on sale at the finish and there will be games for the children, and all participants are welcome to enjoy the pools.
You can enter now by SMSing WALK and your name to 0825293150, or emailing your name to ecd@letcee.org .(Use WALK in the subject line.) Entry forms can also be obtained from the LETCEE office, 130 Voortrekker Street.
For more details please contact Mary James on 082 8580819 or 033 4132736.
Use of Water Features in the Garden” was the fascinating topic presented to members of Umvoti Garden Club who travelled to Hilton for the meeting last Tuesday. Landscaper and gardener extraordinaire, Sue Tarr, encouraged members not to shy away from including water in the garden but to exercise caution if young children are regular visitors.
However, if one decides to install a water feature, whether it be formal in design or a more natural pond, do it properly or not at all, was the over-riding message. Sue elaborated on the variety of both exotic and indigenous plants that can be used successfully in and around water features. She also emphasised those scourges that may under no circumstances be planted such as Water lettuce, Water Hyacinth and Parrot’s Feather that so severely threaten our water courses.
A sumptuous tea with fresh cream scones was enjoyed followed by a guided tour through Sue’s magnificent home garden. The grandeur of massive old trees framing spectacular views over the Karkloof, a formal veggie garden producing in abundance and interesting combinations of exotic and indigenous plants, colours and textures were an inspiration to all.
Garden Club members are reminded that the next meeting takes place in Greytown on Tuesday 14 June. As this will be the Annual General Meeting after which the new year’s programme will be co-ordinated, members are encouraged to attend and to bring along suggestions of topics and/or speakers for the year ahead.
The Mascor Umvoti polocrosse club held a very successful Southern KZN tournament this past weekend. The weather was kind and proved what an awesome venue Lake Merthley can be.
The polocrosse played was of a particularly good standard. All the players enjoyed their games and Umvoti members played well and did the club proud.
The A team played in a nail biting final which, unfortunately. they lost to Richmond A by one goal. The B and C teams were both put through their paces, as they were forced to play in the bottom of their respective divisions, The D section came third in the D division where they played very well and had the crowds enthralled with their performance.
On Friday evening Louise Yeadon lost out on the attendance draw prize money as she was not present, which means that R500 will be up for grabs on Friday, 20 May. Be at the Club at 6.30pm to see if you are the lucky winner.
The Ladies Invitation Day will take place on Sunday, 22 May. We urge all lady golfers out there to enter, get your guys together and come and enjoy a day of golf. R120 entry includes halftime teas and a lovely lunch.
Shotgun goes off at 8.30am.
Please note that the TWK Golf Day has been postponed to June or July.
On Friday, 27 May we will be having our monthly Happy Hour. All SAB products will be sold at half price for an hour once we start the draw - thank you to Greytown Beer Distributors. KM Hydraulics is sponsoring the meal -thank you Ingrid & Karsten Meyer. Bring your family and friends and come and enjoy an evening at the Club. R20 will get you into the draw to win R1 000 or a bottle of Chivas Regal and it will ensure you a plate of very delicious food prepared by Joanne.
On a perfect Sunday morning the 16th very popular and hotly contested town versus farm tennis tournament took place with the farmers geared up to defend their title. Play started with men’s and ladies’ doubles and after playing 5 matches each, farmers were leading with 186 games to 164 games. The townies showed their determination and after some serious team effort and motivation from supporters managed to win the mixed doubles round by, believe it or not, 186 games to 164 games. For the first time in all the years that the tournament has been played there was a tie - 350 games each. Well done to all the players who joined in and helped to make this such an enjoyable event. Thank you to all the ladies for the lovely tea eats which kept us going strong during the day. At the end of the tournament all players enjoyed hamburgers and chips served up by the tournament sponsor Wimpy and owner Keith Cowie . A special thank you to Keith who also sponsored the prizes awarded to the winners of the different sections. -definitely Wimpy all the way!
Club championships will start next Saturday and social tennis will still carry on Saturday afternoons.
Just add water and within months the elusive 492 houses (now 497) which have been in the pipeline for years actually start to happen.
Thanks to a special intervention by the Department of Housing Human Settlements together with COGTA, AB Projects, FC Consultants, Umzinyathi, Uthukela and Umvoti Water Committee there are now 3 boreholes which will pump up to 25 000 litres an hour through a water purifier into three mega interlinked tanks.
The scale and proficiency of all this is very impressive and even more so as this has come about just in the past six months!
To the families who have been living in shacks for so many years with the dream of actually moving into one of the 497 houses -it should not be too long before this actually comes about.
Also of considerable interest in contrast to all the bad coverage over the years of the shoddy building standards of RDP houses -these new two roomed houses, with separate shower and toilet and an open plan/living area are exceptionally well planned and built, thanks to Stedone Mechanicos Building, Bigen Africa and Umsulungi Project management!
Greytown High School provided the venue for the popular WESSA Mondi inter-school enviro quiz this year. Ten teams entered from Hermannsburg, Wembley, Greytown High School, Domino Servite and Greytown Secondary School.
Kevin Cockburn was the quiz master, who provided a fabulous variety of questions, pictures, plants and riddles for the teams to deal with. The competition was extremely keen and by half time it was anybody’s contest.
The final result was that Hermannsburg’s A team snatched victory from the Hermannsburg B team with two points’ difference, closely followed by Wembley College’s A team in third place. The top three teams were all presented with beautifully framed certificates and book prizes, all pertaining to an environmental theme of sorts.
E-info boxes from WESSA were presented to the two most deserving teams, who had made a huge effort to be there and to participate in the quiz. These prizes went to Domino Servite and Greytown Secondary School’s A teams respectively.
Cliff Walton, Umvoti’s WESSA representative and quiz co-ordinator, commended all teams on their efforts and encouraged the participants to continue to keep their ears and eyes open, whenever they were outdoors and to continue to take good care of the environment.
Mondi’s area manager, Mr. Michael Shuttleworth presented the prizes, which had been sponsored by Mondi. The support of the spectators is much appreciated and the team who puts together the quiz once again, did a fine job - well done and thank you!
The national finals will be held at the Harry Webb Hall at UKZN on Friday, the 29th July 2011 - all spectators are most welcome to attend and support your local team.
Sincere thanks go to Mr. Scholz and Greytown High School for hosting the contest and for their generous hospitality.
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MAYOR’S PA ON FRAUD CHARGES
Police from Kwa Dukuza last Thursday afternoon arrested Dudu Mabaso Shangase, Umvoti Mayor’s personal assistant at the Town Offices on two charges of fraud. She appeared before the Kwa Dukuza magistrate on Friday morning and was retained in custody until Thursday 12th when a bail application will be heard.
At the time of going to press no further details were available.
However in an article published in The New Age Online” on 14th April, headlined Scammed in get-rich schemes” Greytown resident, Gugu Ntuli who had lost R64 000 she invested in TVI Express claimed that Dudu had convinced her to join the scheme which offered a R108 000 return on every R21 600 invested. The company deducted R8 000 from that amount for office expenses she said. However Gugu said she had not received a single cent.
Another investor, Sandile Mnguni of Kranskop claimed that he had borrowed R21 600 from African Bank, which he is repaying at R1 500 per month and had not received a cent from TVI Express. He claimed that a bank statement he and other investors were given by Shangase revealed that hundreds of investors from Greytown, Kranskop and Msinga had put in R2 million -the money had apparently been transferred to other accounts.
New Age reporter, Chris Hlongwa quotes Shangase as saying there were problems at TVI Express .She admitted that angry people wanted their money back and that loans were being raised to pay them back. Shangase had appealed to investors to be patient and not lay charges against her.
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SOUTHERN KZN POLOCROSSE CHAMPS IN GREYTOWN
Lake Merthley is the venue for the Southern KZN Polocrosse championships to take place this weekend, 14th and 15 th May. Hopefully the weather will be good for the many teams entering the tournament. Mascor Umvoti Polocrosse club is fortunate to be entering 3.5 teams, that is 7 sections.
Mascor Umvoti A team will consist of Andrew Heynes, Mark Scott, Jarryd Jacklin, Dean Flowers, Steve Gilson and Wesley Flowers.
Mascor Umvoti B team is Damien O’Sullivan, Thembi Madonsela, Caroline Minnaar, Janine Meyer, Vanessa
Williams,Jenny Firth.
Mascor Umvoti C team is Colin Storey, Jacquie Minnaar,
Jessica Gilson, Cavan O’Sullivan, Alice Gilmore and Sean Gilson.
Mascor Umvoti D team is Ruth O’Sullivan, Camryn Minnaar and Samantha Gilson.
Please come along to support your local team -there will be catering at the fields throughout the event.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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readers write
You can fool some of the people...
Sir
As a longstanding resident of Greytown , an activist, businessperson and property holder, I am obliged to respond to Umvoti Municipality’s budget consultation process. After spending R2.7 million for this process which included the hiring of professional singing artists at R90 000 a shot the final meeting took place at Greytown Country Club (without professional musicians) but plenty food and soft drinks last Wednesday.
The Chief Financial Officer eloquently presented the 2010/11 and proposed 2011/2012 budgets, In terms of the Municipal Finance management Act Section 16(2) Council must consider and adopt this proposal before the end of February and within 90 days thereafter following on community consultation ,that is public participation,a further meeting at which the revised edition is adopted.
At question time the CFO not only reacted aggressively but could not explain how he intends balancing the 2010/11 budget as we are over R20 million in deficit and six weeks from the closure of Council’s financial year on 30th June.The CFO indicated that this budget will balance -on being asked ho and after much prodding he indicated that the deficit will be funded from Reserves.
The 2011/12 proposed budget also reflects a deficit exceeding R23 million. He indicated once again that he will balance this by further dipping into our Reserves (if there is any left).
It is illegal to budget for a deficit. And furthermore what financial techniques are to be used to generate millions and millions of rand each year to top up the reserves!
The Municipality should be reminded that you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all the people all the time!
Ahmed Shaikh
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TIME IS STANDING STILL IN GREYTOWN
Sir
It may have been for a reason that I took a moment to listen to the Town clock! heard no chime, no bell but a distinct whisper from this old time keeper.
It knows more about this small town and its manbaers than they would like the world to know.
The dial indicates either 2 a.m. or 2 p.m. and the hands stopped. When did the clock stop? Was it dawn or just during the lunch siesta?
Prophetic or symbolic or maybe both? Listen to the whisper of the wise timepiece.
No repairs on the clock have been done because either no work has been done or has been left unfinished. This is indicative of all work and projects and the running of the town at large.
The clock is saying that the hands are still stuck because it has not dawned on the management to start doing what is to be done and the long siesta has caused a lot of work to be left unfinished or has not been done.
Time is standing still nothing is happening as yet and there is a lot of unfinished business in this town and many are sleeping on their jobs”- this is the whisper I heard from the Old Timer”
Let us all listen intently. More whispers may still be heard if we stop a while to listen as time stands still.
Tandiwe Gcisa.
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PET POISONER COULD BE CHILD KILLER!
As the parent of any toddler knows any item lying on the ground gets picked up ...and straight into the mouth. So the callous irresponsible evil person who has once again reverted to pet poisoning could actually become a child killer.
Just over a year ago the Greytown Gazette reported on 7 cases of pets having been poisoned -kittens and dogs. The poison was identified by the Veterinary Pathology Services as Temik -a pesticide which has now been withdrawn from the market countrywide. Previously Temik could only be sold or purchased or stocked under the most strict conditions. Unfortunately however there appears to be a widespread illegal distribution of this product as a domestic rat poison . And obviously the pet poisoner still has a supply.
Sadly the poisoner has once again surfaced and a young and much loved cat suffered a cruel and unnecessary death as a result . It could just be a matter of time before a young child suffers the same fate - a teaspoon of Temik is enough to kill a grown rhino!
An urgent appeal , before any more pets suffer, whoever is carrying out this cowardly deed - flush whatever Temik you have down the drain and become a responsible human being and not a killer.
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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 Roodt: 084 679 6300
Dr Yusouff: 072 565 2044
CALL DATES FOR MAY
11th;18th;25th; Dr Mkhize
12th;24th;Dr Ntombela
13th;14th;15th;19th;26th;Dr Ally
16th:23rd;30th:Dr Owen
17th;27th;28th;29th;31st;Dr Roodt
20th;21st;22nd:Dr Yousouff
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BUDGET BRIEF
Greytown ratepayers actually got their act together and about fifty turned out for the public participation meeting held last Wednesday to discuss the 2011/12 draft budget.And amazingly enough the meeting started just a mere ten minutes past the scheduled 4 p.m.
Although a number of valid points were raised from the floor it was not a particularly productive meeting. However it was quickly pointed out that the Greytown Gazette had got the figures wrong and Umvoti budget was R158 million and not R98 million as stated in last week’s issue - apologies. Hovered there is still apparently a draft deficit of 23 million and 7% rates increase.
Proceedings almost ground to a half when it was realised that before moving onto the next budget the current 2010 one, apparently will be R20 million in deficit. CFO Sipho Ndabandaba eventually indicated that this was not really a problem as the deficit would be covered by the Municipality’s Reserves which accumulated from surpluses each year he claimed. Ad infinitum?
Suggestions from the floor that expenditure be reduced by cutting back on food, music, presents, profession artists etc at the events organised by the Municipality were not really considered.
It was very apparent from the comments made that lack of communication , contact and understanding between the Municipality and residents is a major problem. It was finally decided that the most productive way of sorting out and solving the multiple problem areas was to form a small committee representing ratepayers and farmers to meet with the Municipal officials prior to the final budget for 2011/12 being prepared and presented.
This meeting took place last night and hopefully there will be a feedback in the interests of all concerned.
Despite the repeated emphasis that Municipality should cut back on unnecessary expenditure this week it advertised in Ilanga, Umvoti Light and The Witness the important public meeting to approve the budget to be held this Friday. The Greytown Gazette, which is the most widely distributed and read medium in Umvoti was not used.
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STARKE AYRES GREYTOWN MTB FESTIVAL
Greytown Mountain Bike (MTB) Club hosted the Starke Ayres Greytown MTB Festival this past weekend. Despite the unfortunate weather conditions, the weekend turned out to be enormously successful and enjoyable. Congratulations to the organisers on a really well organised event.
Mountain bikers of all ages and abilities had the opportunity to enjoy the superb Greytown landscape. From experienced cyclist to novice, the varied terrain offered a challenge to all participants.
The event was based on the format of a two-day stage race or a one-day event. Cyclists who completed the full stage did a 60 km ride on Saturday and the challenging 45 km course on Sunday. Those who took up the Half Stage” alternative completed a 31 km ride on Saturday and/or a 26 km ride on Sunday. On both Saturday and Sunday many enthusiastic children and their parents participated in the 3 km and 10 km fun rides.
The Beehive proved to be an excellent facility once again – as always Gary and Corola Redinger were very accommodating hosts. The mountain bikers and their families as well as the families of some 60 Greytown MTB Club members enjoyed the festive vibe and camaraderie which prevailed all weekend.
This successful event was the culmination of a huge amount of preparation which involved various landowners, MTB Club members and the Greytown community. The MTB Club would like to express their appreciation to everybody involved. It was very heartening to experience the continuing good will and enthusiasm for our sport displayed over the past weekend. This event is community-focused and the beneficiaries include three local schools, Golf 911 Centre and Arcadia.
This two-day event was filmed for SuperSport and should be aired in the near future.
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ST CATHRYNS NEWS
There were no Mothers to be seen on the course this past Sunday, for that matter there were no Fathers to be seen on the course on Saturday, they all must have been shopping for Mother’s day on Sunday.
We also had some un-seasonal rain this week-end that must have put every-one else off golf for the week-end.
The re-built 12th green is coming along well, with only a few humps and bumps to be found. A slight verti-cutting was done this past weekend, which is not usual for winter.
The bookings for the Classic - Saturday 28th May - are rolling in, and there is still place available for players who would like to play. This week-end coming there is a Choir Festival at the Hermannsburg Congregational Church, all Choristers who would like to play golf during the breaks - we won’t mind if you sing while you play !!
Saturday 21 May at the Schulfest at Hermannsburg School, we will host the chipping Competition. So come and support the school and try to win a prize.
This Saturday 14 May , we will play the Farmers Agri-Care Monthly Mug from 10h00 onwards, winter time now. All who would to play please contact Piet 033 4441945 or 083 269 1661.
Supper on Friday night will be a roast on the spit. R 85.00 and booking essential with Paul please on 084 5966 292.
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ELECTION NEWS
A total of 461 special vote applications have been approved by the IEC with a breakdown of 377 home visits to ill or disabled voters who will not be able to get to the polling station son the 18th and 84 voters who will not be in Umvoti or will be working on 18th May. According to Greytown IEC a further 40 applications were rejected for various reasons.
Special voting takes place at homes on the 16th and 17th and at the polling station where the voter is registered on 17th May. Voters must have their ID books with them.
For special votes and on Election Day voters are required to vote three times as follows:
White ballot paper: This is for the individual Ward Council candidates for Umvoti Municipal Council as list on this white form - not in alphabetical order. Voter is required to make a cross next to the candidate of choice.
Yellow ballot paper:This is for the Proportional Representation (PR) ballot. Voter is required to make a cross next to political party of choice. The parties are listed in alphabetical order.
Green ballot paper: This is the PR ballot for Umzinyathi District Council .Voter is required to make a cross next to political party of choice. Parties are in alphabetical order.
All ballot papers have the party logo or symbol alongside the names.
In Umvoti five political parties have candidates in all eleven Municipal wards. The parties are:ANC;D.A.;IFP; MF and NFP.
On Election Day the polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Campaigning has accelerated with top political figures touring Umvoti over the weekend and scheduled for this week -President Zuma is expected in Greytown and district on Wednesday.
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GRREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS
Wednesday, 9 May golf winners were S Clarke, C Odendaal and G de Nysschen on 78 points, J de Nysschen, R Chiazzari and J Crowe came in second. l
On the evening of Friday, 29 April Peter Meintjies’s name came out the hat, but unfortunately he was not in attendance and lost out on the prize money.
On Friday, 6 May Adrian Channing-Pearce also lost out as was not present, so R400 will be up for grabs on Friday, 13 May. Be at the Club at 6.30pm to see if you are the lucky winner.
The Mascor Monthly Mug took place on Saturday, 7 May. Thank you to Mascor for the sponsorship.
Results as follows:
1st – G Ngubane on 67 points
2nd – S van der Merwe on 68 points
3rd – B Zuma on 69 points
Best stableford: C. Hibbert on 38 points
Captain’s Putter: E Kassier
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who braved the weather to support the event.
On Wednesday, 11 May Joanne will be hosting an oyster evening as the Wednesday special. Booking is essential. Jo – 072 330 3140.
Dates to diarise
Sun 22 May – Ladies Invitation
Fri 27 May – Happy Hour
Sat 28 May – TWK Golf Day
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BAIL AND HOUSE ARREST FOR FIVE MURDER ACCUSED
All five Police and reservists charged with the murder of 45 year old Zamakwakhe Mchunu have been granted bail in the
Greytown Magistrate’s court and placed under house arrest under the supervision of the Department of Correctional Services.
The five accused, Pietermaritzburg Public Order Policing constables Sanele Ngcobo, Makhosini Hlongwane and Mondli Mlotshwa and Police reservists Hlangani Mchunu and Zakhona Ngcobo were arrested by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) on April 1st in connection with Mchunu’s death on 18th March.
They first appeared in Court on 1st April, the case was remanded for a bail hearing and the terms were handed down on Friday 29th April by Greytown Chief Magistrate Mr G.van Rooyen. The three Policemen were granted bail of R4 000 each and the reservists R2 000. In terms of their house arrest they are not permitted to leave their houses in the Pietermaritzburg area except for urgent medical purposes or to attend Court proceedings. They have been suspended from work with pay pending the outcome of the case.
It is reported that 18th March Mchunu was picked up from his work at Ballito by the five accused to point out a firearm at his home.When the gun was not found they took him to Ngome to find the firearm. When it was not found he was allegedly severely assaulted .The police later phoned in a report to the Greytown Police that they had been involved in a shooting and that Mchunu had grabbed an officer’s gun and fired two shots. They claimed they had returned fire and Mchunu was killed.
However during the ICD investigation a post mortem conducted by a specialist forensic pathologist revealed that Mchunu was already dead when he was shot.
The case was adjourned to 27th May and the suspects were ordered to keep away from State witnesses.
ends
LONG DISTANCE HELP
A couple from Germany who visited Umvoti in 2007 were so impressed with the work being done at Fabeni Primary School they started to raise funds for the school.
Fabeni Primary, has 370 learners and is situated between Keates Drift and Tugela Ferry. About ten years ago, the school which was in a church building had to relocate. Principal Mrs Dlamini mobilised the mothers and one large wattle and daub classroom was built with all the classes together.
Fundraising was ongoing and when the couple from Germany, Klaus and Rosmarie Leinweber toured the area, five classrooms had been built. They were so impress that at home for their 60th birthdays they asked family and friends to donate cash to the school , rather than gifts. A grand total of R35 000 was raised -this was used to purchase 5 computers, a television set and a photocopier.
Three years later they donated a further R16 000 which has been put towards maths, science and English computer programmes.
The Leinwebers recently toured the area again with Vic Schutte and donated another R11 000 to be used to pur chase television monitors for the classrooms. They have been so impressed with the way in which the donations have been put to use by the school that they are now hoping to enlist their local Lions Club to take on Fabeni Primary as one of their fund raising projects.
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4 May 2011
MORE QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED ON DRAFT BUDGET
A reminder to all ratepayers and role players of the important Umvoti Municipal budget meeting this afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Greytown Country Club to discuss the draft budget for 2011/2012 which currently stands at R98 million with a R23 million rand deficit.
Following on the front page report in last week’s Greytown Gazette a number of ratepayers have contacted the Greytown Gazette with a number of queries including is there any point in trying to put our views forward as the Municipality apparently just does what it wants?” In terms of the various Municipal Structure/Systems/Finance acts public participation is a definite legal requirement for the final budget which will not be accepted by Province unless this requirement has been fully met.
So to be of assistance to the Municipality and Umvoti residents to ensure a viable future for the entire area - some aspects which need to be looked at and explanations or answers given:
*Current budget (2010/2011) on Greytown roads is R3 million - according to the actual R00000 has been spent. Is the R3 million to be spent on the deplorable roads in the town itself by the end of June? As R3 million was budgeted and not spent how valid is the R5 million in the draft budget?
*Last year a forensic audit was undertaken by KPMG. Recommendation that the Supply Procurement manager be suspended and disciplinary action taken by Municipality.The Municipality has chosen to ignore the recommendation as the manager was briefly suspended; reinstated but no disciplinary action implemented Yet a senior financial official, suspended three years ago, has not been permitted to work by the Municipality even though his re-instatement order was issued by the Bargaining Council after a disciplinary hearing. This official is paid his monthly salary but is prevented from working.
*Municipal’s legal fees budgetted R210 000 -actual expenditure for this financial year:R610 000!
*R53 million is budgeted in the draft for capital expenditure of which R23 million is to be financed from revenue and the rest from grants. This year R13 million was funded from revenue. Is the proposed rate increase of 7% and tariff increases of 10% supposed to cover this amount?
*R600 00 was budgetted for Local Economic Development (LED) and R765 000 was spent. If this includes the Mayoral and entourage trips to China -what economic benefit and employment in Umvoti have resulted from this expenditure?
*Brief queries: R308 000 spent on publicity?R1.1 million on youth, culture,sports?R127 000 on Women development?R436 000 spent on delegation fees ? What concrete results or information has been reported to Council and the public
These are just a few of the items in the draft budget which need clarification -Wednesday’s meeting is a good opportunity for Umvoti residents who have the future interests of this area at heart to be there and actively participate.
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ST CATHRYN’S NEWS
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The last Farmers Agri-Care Monthly Mug played on Saturday 23 April, was chaotic !! With golfers hunting easter eggs, trying to putt for birdies and dodging eagles it was a busy afternoon. The Easter Bunny was not found at all.
St Cathryn's members are sad to hear of the loss of Deon Dedekind who was a good friend to the Club. We extend our condolences to his family.
Results of the Mug :
1st: Merwin Rabe 65 nett
2nd: Klaus Kluver 68 nett
3rd: Steve Nel 71 nett
Nearest to pin 9/18: Klaus Kluver
Two clubs : Mbongeni Khumalo
Captains Putter: Carina Rommelspacher.
It has been a busy weekend on the golf course, with residents, guests and visitors enjoying the good weather.
Friday before last ( 15/4/) the Rosebud Society held a meeting and a report back was given by Cliff Buss on the Roses of Namibia, after his epic African adventure. The talk was short and sweet and unfortunately his camera was stolen so we could not view the pictures. The Bookclub will be held on Friday 6th May.
Next golf will be the Farmers Agri-Care monthly mug to be held on Saturday 14 May .
The chipping competition to be held at Schulfest at Hermannsburg School on Saturday 21 May and St Cathryns Classic to be held on Saturday 28 May . Please phone Piet on 033 4441945 or 083 269 1661 to enter and to book meals please phone Paul 084 5966 292.
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readers write
Enough is enough!
Sir,
Enough is enough! The residents of Greytown, who live near the park, have over recent weekends been subjected to a veritable barrage of noise, drunkenness and associated misbehaviour!
It is extremely unfair to the ratepayers who are continually being subjected to what can only be described as inconsiderate behaviour in what is strictly a residential area. The time has arrived when the use of these facilities must be strictly managed, to ensure that future functions in no way, interfere with the solace of the surroundings! It is critical that that the rights of the residents are not abused in any way. After all, they are entitled to peace & quiet in their homes - especially at weekends!
I trust that the Municipality will take note of this complaint.
The citizens in the neighbourhood have for more than a decade, been obliged to put up with excessive noise from the park. Surely it is now time to take action in this matter. I encourage like minded people to where necessary, follow the legal route and to lay charges against the Municipality for permitting these functions to take place in a residential area!
K.D. Simpson
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Where are the traffic police?
Sir,
As a visitor from Gauteng to family here in Greytown I would like to express my dismay at the appalling behaviour of drivers in this town. Admittedly the worst appeared to be out of town number plates but NUM and NKK don’t do too badly either.
Pine Street appears to be racing track and the number of vehicles I saw U turning over the middle barrier or at the Drugstore corner would boost the traffic fine intake by huge amounts -but I not once in the three weeks I was in Greytown saw an active traffic cop working the streets.
Another favourite I noted was not stopping at stops streets and just about every second driver was chatting away on a cellphone.
On hearing my moans, a neighbour suggested I visit Sargeant Street - I still have nightmares at the total disregard for traffic laws - and not a traffic cop in sight.
I am writing this to you from my home in Johannesburg -and you cannot believe what a pleasure it is to be back driving here!
A law abiding stop streeter!
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SAPS SERVICE DELIVERY COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
Dear community member :
The SAP continuously strives to render the highest quality of service at all times. Should you for any reason not be satisfied with the services rendered by the Police station, you are requested to adhere to the following protocol of reporting your complaints if you choose to do so telephonically of in writing.
Kindly take note and know your direct service provides at SAPS Greytown.
1. COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE
Supervisor : Capt M A Mbatha;CELL : 082 662 5521;Office: 033-413 9033/18
RESPONSIBILITY : CSC issues , attending of complaints and all issues related to CSC
2. CRIME PREVENTION
Section Commander : Capt M Naicker Cell : 082 9263 254;Office : 033-413 9048
RESPONSIBILITY : Crime prevention duties and all issues related to increase of crime in the station area.
3. DFO/FIREARMS
Section Commander : W/Off T W Mzila:Cell : 082 7658 838;Office : 033-413 9003
RESPONSIBILTY : Issues related to the firearms applications
4. PDP/ CLEARANCE
Section Commander : W/Off F P Thusi;Cell : 079 9306 036;Office : 033-413 9033
RESPONSIBILITY : All issues pertaining to PDP application and clearances
5. VISPOL COMMANDER: Lt Col N P Mzila :Cell : 073 0292 117;Office : 033-413 9033
RESPONSIBILITY : Overall Commander of all the above components [ CSC, Crime Prevention, DFO, PDP/Clearance]
6. DETECTIVES
Commander : Capt N Maharaj;Cell : 082 4116 512;Office : 033-413 9034
RESPONSIBILITY : For investigation/ general investigation of case dockets, progress and feedback on investigation of case dockets.
GREYTOWN UNITS
7. STOCK THEFT UNIT
Commander : Lt Col P S Shezi:Cell : 082 2658 243;Office : 033-413 9062
RESPONSIBILTY : All stock theft related cases
8. FCS UNIT
Commander : W/Off K Budloo;Office : 033-413 9034/35
STATION COMMANDER : LT COL S P MAPHALALA
Tel : 033-413 9017/32 ;Cell : 082 5568 259
Station Commander’s Secretary : Miss Z Jiyane
Office Tel : 033-413 9019
Kindly note that the purpose of this communiqué and protocol arrangement is to ensure that your concern is addressed in the shortest possible time at the level that is closest to the issue.
In terms of the Batho Pele principles, the SAPS is committed to address any wrongs in the most appropriate manner and trusts a lasting relationship will be secured with yourself.
It will be sincerely appreciated if you would also use this medium of communication to bring to our attention any matters will assist us to improve the Safety and Security of all people in our Station.
Yours in delivering a safe and secure environment to all
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FROM THE DITCH
18 Bowlers graced the magnificent greens last Wednesday afternoon - the good rains and hard work our green keeper, Wilhelm Brunkhorst has put in has made the greens an absolute pleasure. Wilhelm can be justly proud. All augers well for the first tournament on 22nd May. The long weekend kept bowlers away and only 2 rinks were played on Saturday afternoon.
It is hoped that the club championships will start soon, please check the notice board to see the draw!
Please remember that there is social bowls every Friday afternoon starting at 5.00p.m. Winter is rapidly approaching and should it get too dark the flood lights will be switched on!!
Visitors and new bowlers are most welcome - Wednesday at 2, Friday at 5 and Saturday at 2.
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WORM WIZZARDRY!.
Greytown has become wellknown for a wide range of interesting goods, items, people, etc. but one of the most talked about attractions...worms! But not just any worms, they have to be Wizzard Worms.
This vermiculture and wormery business was started over a decade ago by Don Blacklaw of Greytown and has become wellknown and popular throughout South Africa.
Basically a wormery is an easy, cheap and efficient mechanism for converting organic waste into liquid feed (worm wee or plantonic) and rich organic compost (vermicompost), using the natural action of earthworms.
Each wormery houses a large number of rapidly breeding earthworms whilst they process organic waste. The products of the wormery (vermicompost or worm castings and vermileachate or worm wee) are easily harvested and can be used in your garden or farm through direct application or irrigation.
Worm Wee is a slang name for the liquid that is produced when worms work on organic matter.Worm Wee (Plantonic) contains most of the vital nutrients your plants need for optimal growth. It is an outstanding tonic to feed and revitalise your garden, vegetable patch or farm!
An opportunity to see for yourself and have a day out in the country with the family is to take place at the Wizzard Worms down to earth open day on Saturday 7th May from 9 a.m. at Kennilworth Farm on the Greytown /Mooi River road(D221). Take along a picnic and learn about the worms - fun for the youngsters too.
Just contact Darryl on 072 192 1636 to say you will be there.
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Are you diabetic?
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The incidence of diabetes in the world is growing. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms, writes KATE BRISTOW
DIABETES is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin, or does not use the insulin which the pancreas is producing in an efficient manner. A little bit of biology may help to put this in perspective. The pancreas is responsible for producing the hormone insulin. But due to various system failures, sometimes this does not happen as effectively as it should. In a non diabetic person who has had a meal, the meal is digested and the starch in the meal is converted to glucose and sent into the bloodstream. From there the insulin assists the cells to take up the glucose into the body cells where it is used for energy. If there is no insulin, or poor use of insulin, the glucose circulates in the bloodstream, doing damage to nerve endings in the body, while the cells of the body have little or no energy to function, hence the feeling of tiredness experienced by a person with insulin resistance or diabetes.
So, let’s start at the beginning. Your diagnosis of diabetes. You are feeling tired, you lack energy, you may be continuously thirsty and you go to the toilet often. These are signs of diabetes that you need to be aware of, particularly if there is a history of diabetes or insulin resistance in your family. You know it’s time to see your doctor, who will do a full physical and run the initial tests. This is when your doctor may say to you that your blood sugar levels are running too high and you need to have further blood tests to confirm a provisionary diagnosis of diabetes. You head off to the lab, where an oral glucose tolerance test is done. This test involves an initial blood test to determine baseline blood sugar levels. You are then asked to drink a glucose solution, and further blood tests are done to establish the effect of the glucose on your body. The results of this are sent to your doctors, and your diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed. So what are considered normal blood sugar levels? Blood sugars are measured in millimols per litre, and the normal range is from 4 to 8 mmol/l. Anything higher or lower than this is damaging to your body.
Your doctor will confirm the diabetes in another appointment and explain what this diagnosis means for the future. He will probably also start you on some form of medication. The decision as to what medication is used, depends on how high your blood sugar levels are when you are diagnosed. Some tablets help the body use the insulin that is produced, whereas others assist the pancreas to produce further quantities of insulin. Another option, and by no means the last resort is the supplementation of insulin in the form of insulin injections, which are often the means of achieving better control of blood sugars overall. Your doctor will also ask you to see other members of the diabetes care team. These include the diabetes educator, the dietician, a biokineticist, an ophthalmologist and a podiatrist. This is essential in order for you to learn as much as you can about your condition and how to manage it to the best of your ability.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT WE KNOW ABOUT DIABETES?
Some interesting facts and figures:
• In 1985 the number of people with diabetes worldwide was 30 million.
• Today there are more than 345 million people with diabetes, over a seven-fold increase in just 20 years.
• The African region is expected to experience the highest increase.
• If nothing is done to slow down the epidemic, the numbers will reach 380 million within 20 years.
• The largest age group currently affected by diabetes lies between 40 and 59 years.
• Diabetes is one of the major causes of premature illness and death worldwide.
• In developing countries less than half of people with diabetes are diagnosed.
• Undiagnosed diabetes accounted for 85% of those with diabetes in studies done in South Africa.
• 80% of Type 2 diabetes is preventable by changing diet, increasing physical activity and improving the living environment.
• Without effective programmes for control, the incidence of diabetes is likely to continue to rise globally. It is fast becoming a pandemic.
• Diabetes is the main cause of partial loss of sight and blindness in adults in developed countries.
• Diabetes accounts for the vast majority of limb amputations that are not the result of an accident.
• People with diabetes are much more likely to have a heart attack, a stroke or to develop kidney disease.
• It is estimated that the cost of diabetes complications accounts for between five percent and 10% of healthcare spending worldwide, and this does not take into account the day-to-day financial burden of ongoing diabetes care.
— Statistics courtesy of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Kate Bristow is a professional nursing sister who has specialised in the field of diabetes and diabetic education. She runs a diabetes managed-care programme as part of her diabetic services, and readers can contact her for more information at 082 406 8707. She writes a monthly column in The Witness.
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Peerless Primulas
For those with lightly shaded gardens, primulas are a must. There are a number of cultivars available to the gardener, the three most notable being the Fairy primula” (P. malacoides), the English Primrose” (P. aculusis) and the German Primrose (P. obconica).
Fairy primula flowers profusely throughout winter and spring and are ideal for inter planting with spring flowering bulbs and Iceland poppies. When selecting Primroses choose quality F1 hybrids for best results. These will give you masses of brightly coloured, long lasting blooms. They look stunning in terracotta pots or in tight groups where their gorgeous colours can be fully appreciated.
Information Supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association.
LIFE IS A GARDEN!
The long winter months are often associated with bleak, bare and colourless spaces in the garden. This need not be the case. The solution is to fill the gaps with winter-flowering bedding plants. These are now available at nurseries and garden centres. Plant these annuals during the autumn months of April and May to guarantee glorious colour from winter into spring.
When choosing plants, find out the height they reach at maturity. Create a layered effect in the border by planting the taller varieties like foxgloves at the back. Medium height plants such as poppies work well when planted in the middle. Low growing annuals like pansies, fairy primula and lobelia look stunning as edging plants at the front of the border.
Bedding plants make a greater impact when mass planted. Also remember that you can create a more colourful effect when spring-flowering bulbs are planted in-between bedding plants. For a colourful patio or front entrance plant the bedding plants in containers.
Tips for success
*Before planting the annuals, prepare the soil well. Add lots of compost to the soil. Before digging over the flowerbed, sprinkle one handful of planting fertilizer over each square metre.
* Avoid transplanting the plants in the heat of the day. Water both the plant and the soil thoroughly. Carefully remove each tiny plant but don’t pulling it up by the stem; rather push it gently from below. Place the plant in a hole plant it at the same depth as it was in the tray. After they have all been planted, water well using a fine sprinkler.
* To promote healthy growth, fertilise bedding plants every two weeks.
* Throughout flowering time, remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
What to plant for winter colour
There are bedding plants that are suitable for both sunny and shady positions.
* For sun: Alyssum, calendula, candytuft, cornflower, dianthus, Bokbaai vygie, Iceland poppy, lavatera, lobelia, ornamental kale, pansy, petunia, phlox, snapdragons, stock, sweet pea, sweet William, viola.
* For light shade: English daisy, forget-me-not, pansy, fairy primula, primrose.
This press release is brought to you by the ‘Life is a Garden’ Campaign on behalf of the SA Nursery Association in the interests of promoting gardening as a leisure time activity.
For more information go to www.lifeisagarden.co.za
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