Edition / Uitgawe 12 11 October 2013

SSuuppaa QQuuiicckk SSaabbiieeTTeell:: 001133 776644 22111111MMaaiinn RRooaadd,, SSaabbiiee

Progress withSabie mines – 3

TToouucchheeddbbyy bbeeaauuttyyJesus touches the lame man’s feet.A creation by Rachel Kinghorn atSt. Peter’s annual flower festivalin Sabie. Read page 9.

Braai inthe USA – 5

Pro­Life needsyour help – 13

Junior VLUeerste in SA – 14

Law anddisorder – 10

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From the editorWhile the sword of darkness hangsover our heads due to the possibleEskom power cuts, there still islight in the darkness. Those lights,although we cannot name them all,are the heroes of today.

We are thinking of all the indi­viduals and companies that, withoutexpecting anything in return, makea difference in our towns. There areso many “angels” out there workingunseen that do not publicly get anyacknowledgement.

They assist with many of ThabaChweu’s duties without any form ofremuneration, giving their time,knowledge and sometimes their ownmoney, or do fundraising to be able

to achieve their goals. A good ex­ample of this is the committee of theSabie Chamber of Commerce andTourism. They relentlessly workhard to promote our towns and theyreceive no money for it.

Why do people like that do it?What makes the difference betweenthem and the gimmes (“give memore and more”) and the moaners?The moaners usually are the first tocomplain loudly if things don’t gotheir way, but when push comes toshove, they are nowhere to be seen.

From my side, thank you to eachperson walking that extra mile tomake a difference. There is so muchthat can be done to assist to build

GPS News

22 Main Road, Sabie

Tel: 01 3 764 31 27

Fax: 086 57 43454

Editorial/Advertising:

Valerie Kemp, tel: 083 565 9458

E-mail: editor@gpsnews.co.za

Reporters:

Christine Roussouw (Sabie,

Pilgrims): 079 233 4801

Gerda van den Bos (Graskop): 083

324 7254

Shirly Mathebula: 083 331 7695

Editing and layout: Pedrie Roberts

Every Friday at 20:00 @

Canimambo – drumming circle and

drinks special

1 2 October

National Bandana Day. Support

bone marrow. Register to help

cancer patients.

1 2 Oktober

VLU-vergadering in Graskop. Ons

hou vergadering en kuier saam om

te deel en te leer. Kom loer gerus in

en geniet ’n aandjie uit. Kontak

Jubil ie Smit: 081 270 7409.

1 6 October

Blood donation day:

Sabie Country Club – 1 5:00-1 8:00

Graskop Town Hall – 1 5:00-1 7:00

Pilgrim’s Info Centre – 1 0:00-1 4:00

1 9 October

Sabie Moth (Jock Shellhole) Golf

Day. Sabie Country Club. 07:1 5-

11 :00. Prize giving: 1 5:30. R1 50

per player (four ball al l iance),

includes snacks. Contact Jannie

Pieterse: 076 596 31 64, Sabie

Country Club: 01 3 764 2282.

24-27 October

Sabie Primary’s centenary

celebration. Van toeka tot nou.

www.laerskoolsabie.co.za.

26 October

Sabie Shenanigan. Contact:

Brettc@lantic.net.

26 October

Environmental Games Day at the

Graskop Environmental Centre. By

WESSA Eco Schools. For young

and old. Entrance free. Contact

Yamkela Madikiza at 078 698 0809.

28 October

National matric exams start.

4 November

Special ist speaker on Alzheimer’s,

causes and facts. Sabie Methodist

Church. 1 8:30. All welcome.

Refreshments wil l be offered.

Let us know about any

events for placement in the

Social Calendar. It is free!

SSoocciiaall CCaalleennddaarrSSoossiiaallee KKaalleennddeerr

gpsnews @editorKemp

gpsnewsblog.

wordpress.comwww.gpsnews.co.za

Impressed with hospitalityThis past long weekend, the Johannesburg Mountain Bi­cycle Club stayed at Merry Pebbles. The hospitality shownby some community members needs acknowledgement.

Madeleine Potgieter arrived with such passion for Sabie,making sure that we had information brochures and thelocal newspaper with a report on the Sabie Experience. Shearranged permits, ride leaders and even a bowls contact formy husband, Dudley. André and Madeleine Potgieter, Den­nis, Richard and Rodney led out various ride groups andDennis even returned for a night ride. It was Ann who ar­ranged the bowls team. Everyone had lots to tell us aboutSabie and surrounds.

We all had a wonderful weekend and the cycling was

up our towns to help us prosper.Change begins with you – be theexample to others and uplift them.

Local business recommendedTo the Sabie community

We normally think that local companies are not thatgood and we tend to support others just because they aresomewhere else. But my recent experience has proven mewrong.

Two weeks ago, my bakkie shut down and I could not getanyone to help. After a while, my local network of friendgave me a number to phone. I did so, and in no more thanfive minutes they where on the scene and towed my bakkiein for repairs.

I was sceptical at first, with a lot of thoughts goingaround in my mind, such as: will the bakkie be OK? Will itbe of the same standard it was before?

I have just received my bakkie from the garage and it isrunning beautifully. Therefore I would recommend SabiePanelbeaters to everyone in our area. Be amazed at whatservices the local businesses have on offer.

With a big thank you for their professional and support­ive services.

– A. Rost

Dankbaar oor betrokkenheidBaie dankie aan die gemeenskap van Graskop vir hul heel­hartige ondersteuning van die Danie Botha­uitreikingsak­sie, wat suksesvol afgeloop het. Dankie ook aan almal watby die reëlings betrokke was en diegene wat kaartjies ge­borg het, asook diegene wat kaartjies verkoop het.

Ons glo en vertrou dat dit die eerste van vele meer salwees.

– Maria Koch Jansen van Vuuren

LLoovvee mmaakkeess yyoouurr ssoouull ccrraawwll oouutt ffrroomm iittsshhiiddiinngg ppllaaccee.. –– ZZoorraa NNeeaallee HHuurrssttoonn

awesome – the long uphills were worth the effort as theviews and the waterfalls are spectacular. Even the non­cyclists enjoyed visiting the waterfalls and the bowls.

Merry Pebbles was an ideal place to stay and from whereto start the rides, and the facilities are excellent. Walterwas very accommodating regarding payment arrange­ments.

Many thanks to all who made sure that our stay was en­joyable and memorable. We’ll certainly recommend Sabieand many will be back.

– Melody Maddocks, JMBC

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SSaabbiiee’’ss RRiieettffoonntteeiinn MMiinnee iiss ooppeerraattiioonnaallChristine Rossouw

Gold mining activities in Sabie – that cameto a halt more than 60 years ago – areonce again flourishing.

These activities form part of Stonewall Re­sources’ TGME project, which consists of two dis­tinct mining operations: TGME to the north andSabie Mines to the south. TGME has numerousmining and prospecting rights granted within its62 000 ha tenement, with 43 historic mines con­taining various ore bodies and resources. As partof the TGME and Sabie Mines operations, fourkey near­term targets covering 46 241 ha wereidentified for exploration. These are Beta, Vaal­hoek, Rietfontein and Glynn’s Mines.

These activities are situated within the histor­ical Sabie­Pilgrim’s Rest goldfield, one of SouthAfrica’s oldest gold mining districts, with historic­al production estimated at 200 tons of gold.

According to Stonewall spokesperson JeaniqueMcNaught, the pre­feasibility study into the re­opening of the Rietfontein underground mine justoutside Sabie was concluded in April. With thefeasibility study, mining and mine plan com­pleted, production at Rietfontein has alreadycommenced, albeit on a small scale – two yearsahead of schedule.

It is the first project for Sabie Mines. SabieMines holds the mining rights to a number ofmines surrounding the town. The Sabie Minescomplex includes the Rietfontein and Glynn’scomplex, and includes five sections: Rietfontein,

South Werf, Malieveld, Compound Hill and Oli­fantsgeraamte. This area was extensively minedfrom 1895. Production ceased in the area in 1950and it is estimated the area produced 1,6 millionounces of gold during that time.

“The Stonewall approach has been to commencewith bulk test work and small­scale mining andthen upgrade production steadily. Commencingmining on a small scale allows us to build theright team, conduct underground exploration,gain a comprehensive understanding of the geo­logy and metallurgy and learn about the working

conditions,” Stonewall CEO Lloyd Birrell said.Production at Rietfontein is projected to cont­

inue until 2022.Stonewall has also announced that Frankfort to

the north has been reopened and commissioninghas commenced – six months ahead of schedule.

Additionally, Stonewall has announced the dis­covery of new potential economic gold bearingreefs at its TGME surface drilling explorationproject, which took place during the first half ofthis year.

“Historical indicators and physical explorationat the southern section of Beta Mine show excitingresults that, if commercially viable, will speed upthe opening of Beta Mine, as well as prove to bean additional mineral resource,” McNaught said.

The southern section of Beta Mine was openedin February. Extensive analysis of existing infra­structure and underground workings took place,while physical exploration commenced in April.

In commenting on the discovery of new poten­tial reefs, Birrell said: “The drilling program hasyielded new potential discoveries at Beta. Histor­ically, our current resource for Beta was based onthe assessment of a single reef, namely the Betatarget reef. The intersection of multiple reef hori­zons and additional sulphide bearing zones mayhave significant economic value. Multiple reefsare also present at Vaalhoek. The challenge andfocus will shift from the drilling programme to as­sessing and quantifying these additional potentialmineralised horizons, particularly with a view toassessing their economic viability.”

Beta Mine exploration at Pilgrim’s Rest.

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GPS News congratulates Sarel formaking the first national team torepresent South Africa in the USAand wish him an extraordinary andblessed experience.

BRAAIIN THE

U.S.A.Christine Rossouw

Chef Sarel van Sabie has beenselected for the very firstSouth African team to be in­

vited to compete in two major foodcompetitions in the United States.The team – Team ChesaNyamaBraai­B­Que – will represent SouthAfrica at the upcoming Jack Daniel’sWorld Championship InvitationalBarbeque in Tennessee on 26 Octo­ber. After “The Jack”, they willtravel to Las Vegas to compete inthe World Food Championships from7 to 10 November.

This was announced at The GoodFood and Wine Show in Johannes­burg on Heritage Day, where ahotly­contested battle of superiorbraai skills took place in order to se­lect the final team.

Regional contests were heldaround the country, with 13 indi­viduals making it through to the fi­nals. The possibility of becoming amember of the team to represent

South Africa saw some stiff competi­tion on the day, with the braggingrights of winning in the US beingthe ultimate goal of the hopefulbraai masters.

The judges praised all the finalistsfor the high standards to which theyhad prepared their dishes, but therewas only place for four finalists onthe team.

“I am very excited to be selectedand look forward to being able torepresent Sabie on a grand scale,”Sarel told GPS News in aninterview.

The team is scheduled to leave forTennessee on 21 October and willtravel the 2 000 miles between thetwo competitions in RVs, which willallow them not only to braai everyday during their trip, but also tospread a little South African cultureon the way.“We are proud to be the lead spon­sors and cherish the opportunity toannounce celebrity chef Sarel Lootsas the official ChesaNyama repres­

Sarel van Sabiegoes all the way...

to Tennessee.

Colourful art in the bushGerda van den Bos

If you take the Panorama route pastBerlin and Lisbon Falls near Graskop,you’ll find the Boskombuis, a restaur­ant snuggled between the rocks withwooden decks and tree trunks forchairs. It was here that a special artexhibition was held over the weekendof 21 to 23 September.

Original paintings from four local

artists – Louis Audie, Signè, Koba andAnts – transformed the rocks into acolourful display. Although theweather didn’t quite play along, theorganiser, Christine Lester, said theyhave received positive feedback fromthe visitors.

Christine said they hope to regu­larly have similar events where allkinds of original creative works fromlocals can be on display.

Boskombuis displayed original paintings by four local artists.

entative to join the team.It is going to be anincredible trip andwe wish the entireteam all of thevery best as theytake on the bestthe world has tooffer,” said StelioNathanael, CEOof ChesaNyama.

“I am so excitedabout being selected,especially with it be­ing the first time aSouth African team isgoing to be competingbut I think it is going tobe quite challenging as it’sa completely different set ofrules over there. BBQing isquite different to the SouthAfrican tradition of braaiing. Overthere it’s a slower process ofsmoking the meat, and you’re alsodealing with different flavours andtastes,” Sarel says.

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FFiigghhtt ttoo cchhaannggee yyoouunnggwwoommeenn’’ss aattttiittuuddeessShirly Mathebula

Sabie was graced with the pres­ence of Miss Mpumalanga2013, Thandoyenkosi Kunene,

when she accompanied MEC forHealth and Social Development, Can­dith Mashego­Dlamini, to a provincialZazi girls’ camp at Floreat RiversideLodge from 26­28 September.

The Zazi campaign was introducedearlier this year by national DeputyMinister of Women, Children andPeople with Disability, HendriettaBogopane­Zulu, and launched in theprovince by Mashego­Dlamini at GertSibande end of June. The campaignwas meant to encourage young womento draw on their inner strength, powerand self­confidence to know them­selves and what they stand for in or­der to guide their decisions abouttheir future.

During the camp, intensive dia­logues were held with the 90 girlsbetween the ages of 16 and 24 fromEhlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkan­gala districts.

During her keynote address on Fri­day, Mashego­Dlamini said: “The Zazicampaign is especially relevant for usin Mpumalanga because our provincehas the second highest HIV rate in thecountry with 36,7% people in theprovince being HIV positive, afterKwaZulu­Natal with 37,4%.

“We do not want to be number one,

but number nine, and this campaignhelps to attain that goal.”

She added that: “Alcohol and drugabuse leads young women to unpro­tected sexual encounters. We havesituations where older men (the sugardaddies) are playing a major role inproviding our beautiful girls withmoney to indulge in drugs and alcohol.They then take advantage of thesebeautiful flowers of our nation. Todaywe are here to say: your innerstrength and power will guide you tomake good decisions about your fu­ture.”

Kunene, who is an ambassador forthe Zazi campaign, encouraged theattendees by saying: “As young wo­men we must take charge of our lives,get educated and set positive goals.

“Make the decision to change andlearn from your mistakes.”

She further reminded the girls toknow their HIV status and protectthemselves from HIV/Aids infections.In her conclusion she encouraged theyoung women to have confidence and“to go out there and do better”.

Mashego­Dlamini concluded by say­ing: “It would have been a wastefulexercise if by the end of this sessionand after the three months of dia­logues we still have not taken a turnin our behaviour and changed for thebetter.

“Be transformed by the renewing ofyour mind.”

Miss Mpumalanga, Thandoyenkosi Kunene, interacts with the youngwomen at the Zazi camp in Sabie.

Administrative team dispatchedto Thaba Chweu municipalityChristine Rossouw

The provincial government dis­patched an administrative team tobeef up the administration ofThaba Chweu Local Municipality,which government has declared isnow close to a total collapse.

The decision for such interven­tion was announced on Wednesday25 September at a special prem­ier’s coordinating forum that tookplace in Nelspruit.

The meeting focused on progressmade by the municipalities in im­plementing their plans and assess­ing their performance with regardsto expenditure. It transpired dur­ing the meeting that Thaba Chweuhad serious administrative andfinancial problems as it cannot im­plement its projects.

The municipality will not beplaced under administration;however, the provincial govern­ment will give dedicated supportby dispatching a team of expertsthat will work closely with the offi­cials from the council.

Challenges currently faced bythe municipality include ineffectu­al financial management as it had

no chief financial officer, whilemunicipal manager was operatingon an acting basis.

Zibonele Mncwango, spokesper­son for the Mpumalanga Premier,stated: “Due to the seriousness oflack of funds, the municipality wasnow shockingly utilising the muni­cipal infrastructure grants to paysalaries. Such funds are not to beutilised for anything else butshould be ring­fenced and be usedsolely for public infrastructureprojects. The municipality furtherowes Eskom R147 million for elec­tricity, which makes the financialsituation worse. The municipalityhas not been honouring its debt.”

Mpumalanga Premier DavidMabuza asked the Department ofCooperative Governance and Tra­ditional Affairs, the provincialtreasury and Ehlanzeni DistrictMunicipality to intervene urgentlyin the matter.

“These problems appear to bevery serious. We need to establisha mechanism and find a solutionthat will help us to quickly rescuethe municipality. Indeed, the fin­ancial situation of the municipalityis on the rocks,” Mabuza said.

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TAKE METO YOURPRINTER!

DDuupplliiccaattee aanndd ttrriipplliiccaattee bbooookkss ‐‐ FFllyyeerrss

‐‐ BBuussiinneessss ccaarrddss ‐‐ PPoosstteerrss ‐‐ FFuunneerraall

lleetttteerrss ‐‐ IInnvviittaattiioonnss ‐‐ IInntteerrppllaanneettaarryy

fflliigghhtt ttiicckkeettss ‐‐ EEttcc..

GPS News & PrintingMain Street, Sabie ‐ Tel: 013 764 3127 ‐ editor@gpsnews.co.za

The objective is to fill the 9x9 grid with digits so thateach column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 sub­grids that compose the grid contains all of the digitsfrom 1 to 9.

Sudoku

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IIddooll BBrreennddeenn:: ssttiillll ggooiinngg ssttrroonnggGerda van den Bos

Local contender Brenden Ledwaba has sur­vived the first round of eliminations for thetop ten in this year’s SA Idols competition.To be more precise, he sailed through withflying colours.

On Sunday 29 September, the finalists allhad to perform a “cheesy” song. “Cheesy”,according to the judges, means songs thatare overly sentimental and that have beenplayed over and over again on the radio, atweddings and all other kinds of romanticcelebrations.

AKA, South Africa’s Prince of Rap, helpedthe finalists to prepare for the show and hesaid that Brenden was his favourite.Graskop’s Idol kicked off the show with alively performance of “You Sexy Thing” byHot Chocolate. All the judges agreed thatSouth Africa loves him, for the audiencegave him tremendous applause. On Tuesday1 October, when the results of the StrepsilsScream­o­meter were revealed, Brendenonce again topped the charts.

The elimination programme on Tuesdayturned out to be a breeze for the five menwhen ProVerb announced early on that oneof the girls were up for elimination.

The eliminations will be on a weeklybasis, and as GPS News is published bi­weekly, we will now keep you up to date onBrenden’s progress on our Facebook page,GPS News.

Graskop’sBrendenLedwaba...now one ofthe Idols SAtop nine.

No light yet inpower tunnel

GPS News regrets to inform the public that,at the time of going to press, no positive res­olution has been found regarding the pro­posed cut­off of the bulk supply of electricityby Eskom to Thaba Chweu municipality, asreported in issue 11 dated 27 September.

Eskom representative Algie Kiewitz saidin an official statement:

• Thaba Chweu’s “arrear debt” situationremains unchanged.

• Eskom published its notice for publiccomments on 11 September.

• The closing date for comments is 11 Oc­tober.

• The planned date for disconnection is 16October.

On Friday 4 October, a meeting was heldin Lydenburg with various stakeholders inthe business sector regarding the problem.Thaba Chweu was represented by newly­appointed Municipal Manager ThumelaRatua as well as Executive Mayor MichaelNcongwane. The task team (read the storyon page 6) appointed by the Premier’s officewas not present.

A meeting between Thaba Chweu andEskom will take place on Tuesday 8 Octoberto try and resolve the matter.

Both Ratua and Ncongwane said: “Thematter will be resolved and the power won’tbe cut off.” Asked if they may be quoted bythe media on this, both agreed.

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BBeeaauuttyy aanndd ffuunn aatt fflloowweerr ffeessttiivvaallBBeeaauuttyy aanndd ffuunn aatt fflloowweerr ffeessttiivvaallThe annual St. Peter’s Flower

Festival was held in Sabie on 4and 5 October.

“An unbelievable 18 contributorsmade this festival a huge success,”said Barbara Scrooby, organiser of theshow, which has been active since the70s. Barbara said that she received alot of help from the St. Peter’s con­gregation.

On Saturday, there was a carnivalatmosphere, with exhibitors sellingtheir ware. There were arts and craftson sale, pancakes (what is a festivalwithout one or two of those?), beauti­ful colourful roses all the way fromBloemfontein, as well as a lavenderstand with soap, sprays, sachets andmore.

Residents and visitors were lollingaround, talking and having a cuppawith some eats, which was included inthe entrance fee of R10.

Each arrangement depicted a spe­cific Bible verse and each entrant hadtheir own, unique style. Some of thecomments heard by spectators were:“Wow! This is awesome, beautiful,soulful and Holy Spirit­inspired.”

Barbara and Vernon Scrooby... believe in flower power.

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aa llaaww uunnttoo iittsseellffSharon Mandy

People are never happy with thepowers that be, and ever sinceI can remember, people have

poked fun and complained about thecurrent government in power. I don’tbelieve there will ever be a perfectgovernment, just as there will neverbe perfect parents, but before I get allglum and deep, let me tell you about afew laws that have been made aroundthe world from the year dot.

In Israel it is forbidden to bringbears to the beach. One can imaginean old Jewish man bathing in the sunand saying: “Oy Vey, Esther, thereMiriam is, bringing her bears to thebeach again, and they’re taking all mysun! Is an old man to have no peace?”

In Germany a pillow can be con­sidered a “passive” weapon – bet theEnglish princes of yesteryear in thetower would fully agree with this.

In Belgium a driver who needs toturn through oncoming traffic has theright of way unless he slows down orstops. I find this law mind boggling.

In Switzerland it is illegal for a manto relieve himself while standing upafter ten at night. No wonder theystayed neutral – who could argue withthat!

In Alabama it is illegal to wear afake moustache that causes laughter

in church. Wonder what promptedthat law!

In Alaska one is not allowed towake a sleeping bear for the purposeof taking a photograph. Who doesthat?

It is considered an offence to shower

naked in Florida. Do all the people inFlorida shower when fully clothed –what is the point?

In Zimbabwe a citizen is prohibitedfrom making offensive gestures at apassing state motorcar. (Surprise,surprise – bet Mugabe brought thatone in!)

In Singapore the traffic police arerequired to report all bribes that theyreceive from motorists. I am so surethat they all do this religiously.

In the UK interfering with the mailis categorized right along with sleep­ing with the consort of the Queen –they both constitute treason and carrythe maximum penalty of death. One isallowed, however to shoot a Welshperson with a bow and arrow insidethe city, as long as it is after mid­night.

In Australia it is illegal to wear hotpink pants after midday on a Sunday.(One can only think the harsh sunburns their brains – we all know whatthey do with sheep, right?)

In France one can legally marry a

dead person as long as it can beproven that there was intent to marrybefore the person died. It is also herethat no pig may be addressed by itsowner as “Napoleon”; one can, how­ever, get away with addressing it as“Emperor Bonaparte”. Lastly, one isforbidden to die in the territory of thecommune if one does not own acemetery plot in said territory. I amnot sure what happens if one trans­gresses this law. Vivre le France!

I have saved my favourite for last.In Samoa it is a crime to forget yourwife’s birthday. This excellent lawshould be adopted throughout theworld!

May all governments everywherekeep making laws – they provide suchgood entertainment!

Not on a Sunday in Australia...

Let the dead marry the dead. But only if you’re French.

Let sleeping bears lie... when you’re in Alaska.

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WORD SEARCH

Danie Botha hou lekker, geseënde saamsingaandGerda van den Bos

Buite was die wind ongewoon koud vir’n aand laat in September, maar Pano­rama Secondary School se saal wasdié Saterdagaand lekker warm. Partyhet ’n bietjie laat opgedaag… ’n manmoes darem eers die rugbytoets tus­sen die Springbokke en die Wallabieskyk! Maar uiteindelik het meer as 80mense hul sitplek gekry en reggemaakvir ’n groot aand saam met die sangerDanie Botha.

En wat ’n geseënde aand was ditnie! Botha het weggetrek met bekendeliedjies, sommige daarvan verwer­kings van ou Psalms en gesange, endie gehoor het uit die staanspoorsaamgesing. Meer as een het ’n traan

weggepik toe sy seuntjie en dogtertjieby hom op die verhoog kom staan enhy vir hulle “Elke dag as ek bid, bid ekvir jou” sing.

Dit was ook Danie en sy vrou se22ste huweliksherdenking, wat grootapplous van die gehoor uitgelok het.Twee uur later, toe die saaldeure oop­gaan, was almal verbaas om te siendit het intussen begin reën.

Maria van Vuuren, wat saam metRachel Jacobs, hoof van Panorama,gewerskaf het om Botha in Graskop tekry, het gesê die reën was “ ’n seën en’n bevestiging van die Vader dat diesaadjies wat tydens die evangelisasie­aand geplant is, sal groei”.

Die geleentheid is ten bate van dieFanie Stoltz­aftreeoord aangebied.

Esther Geldenhuys van die Fanie Stoltz­aftreeoord in Graskop, DanieBotha, Rachel Jacobs en Maria van Vuuren ná die vertoning.

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Leeftyd se kosbare herinneringeOns is baiekeer op mylpale in die lewe ingestel: 10, 20, 30,40... 50 jaar.

Watter verskil maak sewe maande in ’n leeftyd wat jymet iemand gedeel het as jy die persoon verloor het?

Wanneer jy ’n glas halfvol water voor mense neersit,gaan daar mense wees wat sê: “Daar staan ’n glas wathalfleeg is.” Ander sal sê: “Daar staan ’n glas wat halfvolis.”

In hierdie tyd wil ons as gemeente saam met SannieBornman terugkyk na ’n lewe van 49 jaar en 5 maande watvol pragtige herinnering is, en nie na die hartseer van sewemaande wat “kort” nie.

Piet Bornman is op 4 Februarie baie skielik oorlede. Pieten Sannie sou op Sondag 6 Oktober 50 jaar getroud geweeshet.

Sannie, julle was ’n pragtige paar wat ons altyd salonthou – twee karperde wat hul lewenskarretjie sierlikgetrek het. Ons dink aan jou in hierdie tyd.

– Met liefde van jou gemeente, NG kerk Sabie

Prayer in bereavementLord, as the numbness passes, the pain gets sharper.

I expect to hear a familiar voice. I walk into a room, seean empty chair, and can hardly hold back the tears. I turnto share something, an item of news, an anxiety, somethingI saw when I was out, and there is no one to share it with.

I don’t want to be eaten up with self­pity, but, Lord, Ineed your pity. I’m not asking to be brave, just to survivethis awful emptiness – this grief.

They tell me that one day the pain will get easier, oneday I will finally be able to let go. That day hasn’t come yet,Lord.

Until then, let me know that You are near.

Snywerk maak pad veiligerWanneer ’n gesin op reis gaan, hoop en bid almal dat hullehul bestemming veilig sal bereik. Alle Suid­Afrikanersweet in watter haglike toestand ons land se paaie is. DieLong Tom­pas is om sy pragtige uitsig en uiters gevaarlikedraaie beken. Baie van die draaie is egter so toegegroeidat motoriste se sig belemmer word. Jy kan glad nieaankomende verkeer sien voordat hulle letterlik by jou isnie.

Ons wil aan Midfran Roads en die span wat die draaieoopsny, baie dankie sê vir hul goeie werk. Die doeltreffendewerk sal waarskynlik ernstige en noodlottige ongelukkeverminder. Die goeie werk word regtig gewaardeer.

Ons rig egter ’n versoek aan alle motoriste om die pad­tekens te gehoorsaam en die werkers op die pad in ag teneem. Elkeen doen dit vir sy eie sowel as sy medemens seveiligheid.

– Reinier du Preez

Christine Rowe lost herbracelet in Sabie betweenFNB and Engen at the endof August. She will give areward for getting it back.Contact her onchristinevwr@gmail.com.

Letters * Briewe

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Awesome serviceSabie Midas and its staff, thank you for your professionalmanner and the service you always provide to customers.

A special thank you to Francois for helping us afterhours in an emergency. Without your help we would havehad a crisis with our broken vehicle!

It is a pleasure to live in a town where the businesses gothe extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction and toalways be prepared to help.

– Thys and Valerie Kemp

1133GGPPSS NNeewwss

PPrroo--LLiiffee nneeeeddss yyoouurr hheellppChristine Rossouw

Sabie’s Pro­Life activist AnnelizeCloete and three volunteers onSaturday 28 September held a

boerewors sale fundraiser in a bid toraise much­needed funds for theanimal rescue and rehabilitationorganisation.

Despite eventually finding premisesthat could be utilised as an animalshelter in June this year, the organi­sation has since had to start theirsearch all over again. A burglary inthe vicinity of the premises promptedAnnelize to pursue a different locationfor the shelter. “We are back to squareone,” she said.

While the absence of a shelter is agreat hindrance to the work Pro­Lifeis able to carry out in the Sabie area,the pet rescue and rehabilitationorganisation is currently facing agreat many challenges. Lack of fundsand funding, a high veterinary billthat the not­for profit organisation isworking hard to pay off, lack of fosterhomes for their rescued dogs and cats,and a lack of active representativesfor the Sabie operations that currentlyinclude only Annelize.

Anzel Roux, Ernest Mthethwa andDebbie Möller jumped in to lendAnnelize a hand with the fundraiseron Saturday.

Volunteers willing to assist with

fund­raising, the establishing of ashelter, or who are able to act asfoster homes for rescued pets will begreatly appreciated and will greatlycontribute to the organisation’ssuccess.

Pro­Life will supply the food andmedicine (where necessary) to fosterhomes while permanent homes arefound for their rescued cats and dogs.In this way, people willing to providea temporary home for the rescued petare not burdened financially, and thedog or cat can enjoy the warmth andcomfort of a temporary home.

In support of the fundraiser, LoneCreek River Lodge offered a prize of adinner for two at the exquisite five­star establishment for Saturday’slucky draw. All customers whopurchased three or more boereworsrolls could go into a lucky draw thattook place on Monday at Lone CreekRiver Lodge. Resident dog Zoe took itupon herself to stick her muzzle intothe basket and to select the winner,who was André Möller.

Annelize thanks everyone whosupported the fundraiser and theefforts of Anzel, Ernest and Debbie,“without whom the event could neverhave taken place”.

Anyone willing to act as a fosterhome, or offer their support in anyway to the Sabie operations cancontact Annelize on 084 764 9066.

Anzel Roux, Debbie Möller, Annelize Cloete and Ernest Mthethwa at thePro­life fundraiser on 28 September.

HHeerriittaaggee DDaayy wweellll cceelleebbrraatteeddSabie community library celebrated Heritage Day on Wednesday25 September by having the staff members and learners dressed upin traditional clothes.

Kowyn’s Pass cleanedGerda van den Bos

Ramanas Farms, situated just belowKowyn’s Pass near Graskop, recentlytrained community members in fireprevention and fire fighting in cooper­ation with the Bushbuckridge fire de­partment.

One of the projects they tackled wasto pick up litter and clear some of theinvader plants on Kowyn’s Pass at theend of September. Rusty Mouton,

Ramanas Representative, said in astretch of one kilometre they managedto fill 30 rubbish bags.

This project, as well as the trainingof the community members, formspart of Ramanas Farms’ efforts to­wards community development. Theyalso give talks on littering and fireprevention at schools and are envi­sioning the possibility of donatingtrees to their local community in orderto establish a community plantation.

The volunteers who helped to clean up Kowyn’s Pass.

1144 GGPPSS NNeewwss

‘One of the best rabies vaccination points’

One of the health technicians injecting a dog with rabies vaccine atthe Sabie vaccination point.

Shirly Mathebula

When World Rabies Day,which this year was on 28September, approached, it

was an opportunity for peoplearound the world to unite in rabiesprevention. Veterinary Servicesfrom the Department of Agriculturecarried out free mass rabies vaccin­ation of household animals, includ­ing dogs and cats, at the Attiliosparking area in Sabie and at Har­mony Hill clinic on 26 and 27September.

According to Control AnimalHealth Technician Johan Engel­brecht, Sabie was one of the bestvaccination points during the cam­paign. He said the turnout was atleast 60%. The vaccination campaignis being carried out in response torecent reported rabies cases in Mod­derspruit (between Graskop andBushbuckridge). Sabie and Graskopare high­risk areas, and it is there­fore important for pet owners to gettheir pets vaccinated.

Engelbrecht emphasised thatstopping rabies in animals is the keyto preventing the disease in people.Domestic dogs should be vaccinatedat three months old, and then once a

year after that. Providing free rabiesvaccination in various towns is apowerful way to prevent the spreadof the virus.

When asked by GPS News if thereare any challenges that they en­countered during the vaccinationprocess, Engelbrecht said: “One ofthe health technicians was bitten bya dog when he was about to inject adog, but we immediately respondedto the crisis.

“In case of any suspicious animalbite, immediately seek medical at­tention. If you get bitten by an an­imal, the first thing to do is to washthe wound with bath soap and wa­ter. Secondly, you should go to yourlocal clinic, which will report the in­cident to the district surgeon. Thedog’s condition must be investigatedto ensure that the dog had been vac­cinated. It is very crucial to completethe medical treatment.”

The Veterinary Services teamwould like to thank the people of Sa­bie for their good response to thecampaign.

“They were very friendly and wel­coming,” Engelbrecht said.

To find out more about the ser­vices offered by Veterinary Servicescontact: 013 235 2072.

VVLLUU ssee jjuunniioorr ttaakk ’’nn eeeerrsstteeDie gegis, gewonder en gefluister iswaar: Die Vrouelandbou­unie (VLU)se Visarend­tak van Sabie het op 21September ’n junior tak gestig – dieeerste in sy soort in Suid­Afrika.

’n Uitvoerende komitee is gekieswat bestaan uit Melizka Jordaan(voorsitter), Monche­Lee Prins (te­sourier), Clarise Janse van Rensburg(sekretaresse), Nicoleen Jordaan(skakelbeampte) en Bianca Botes(sameroepster).

Melizka sê: “Daar word groot dingebeplan en die doel is om ons as jongdames vir die toekoms toe te rus. Inons verwysingsraamwerk is daar ’nleemte omdat daar nie meer soosvoorheen vakke op skool is wat ons diebasiese vaardigehede leer nie. Ver­

skeie kursusse en stokperdjies salaangebied word deur lede van dieVLU­tak, asook ander mense vanbuite. Ons gaan op uitstappies gaanen allerlei prettige dinge doen.”

Die tak se volgende vergaderingword op 19 Oktober om 10:00 in SabiePanelbeaters se vertoonlokaal (die ouToyota­vertoonlokaal) gehou.

“Alle jong dames vanaf 13 jaar watbetrokke wil raak, is welkom om byons aan te sluit. Julle word almal uit­genooi om deel van hierdie baan­breker­ junior tak te wees,” sêMelizka.

Vir meer inligting kontak Elize Pot­gieter (079 573 6038), Lorinda Jor­daan (083 765 7900), Melizka (072 6356646) of Nicoleen (079 368 1454).

Die uitvoerende komitee van die VLU se junior tak: Monche­Lee Prins,Nicoleen Jordaan, Melizka Jordaan en Clarise Janse van Rensburg.Afwesig: Bianca Botes.

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1155GGPPSS NNeewwss

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Public Works department triumphs with a big pushGerda van den Bos

Great excitement reigned in thestreets of Pilgrims’ Rest on 27September. It was time for thewheelbarrow race – a beloved partof the annual gold panning champ­ionship festivities.

This year, five teams lined up forthe 2,4 km relay. At the startingplace, the smallest members of theteams took their seats in the modi­fied wheelbarrows while the“drivers” stood ready for the bigpush.

The first half of the race wentfairly easy as it was all downhill,but the second half turned out to bean uphill battle for four of theteams.

However, the Department of Pub­lic Works’ team proved to be fit andfast. Long before the others were insight, they trotted up the hill to

finish in an amazing time of 7minutes and 55 seconds. More thantwo minutes later, the teams fromTGME Rietfontein, Royal Hotel andTGME Frankfort came rushing up

the hill, battling for second, thirdand fourth places… finishingseconds apart. The TGME Plantteam was the last to cross the line,spurred on by the crowd.

The team from the Department of Public Works aiming for the finishline – way ahead of their closest competitors.

BBlliinnkk ttooeekkoommss wwaaggoopp ddiiéé ddeellwweerrttjjiieess

Gerda van den Bos

Die goudpangogga byt partymense heelwat vroeër as an­der. Dít is by die nasionale

goudpankampioenskappe in Pilgrim’sRest bewys toe sowat 60 kleuters indie Pikkie­afdeling gewys het hoemens nou eintlik goud moet soek.

Net om die lotjie vir die kompetisiegereed te kry, was al ’n groot taak. ’nPaar pa’s moes eers agter hul delwer­tjies aanhardloop, terwyl van die ma’sgesukkel het om die genommerdejurke aan die klein lyfies te kry, ter­wyl kleinboet en ­sus eintlik net by diewater wou uitkom.

Uiteindelik was hulle gereed en hethulle (almal omtrent net bakstene en’n bietjie hoog) waardig hul plek by dieputte gaan inneem. In dié afdeling krydie panners sommer baie hulp… Sooswafferse BBP’s het hulle net ingestapterwyl hul “helpers” – meestal hulma’s, pa’s en so hier en daar ’n ouerboetie of sussie – die emmers metsand gedra het. Toe is hulle gehelp omin die putte te klim… nie dat almalgedink het die modderige water is so’n lekker speelplek nie, maar teneinde laas was hulle slaggereed.

Die helpers het die sand in diepanne uitgegooi en toe is daar yweriggepan op soek na die ronde goudbal­letjies wat in die sand versteek is.Trots is elke gevonde balletjie dan indie buisie gegooi… net soos hulle ge­sien het die grootmense doen.

Daarna is hulle na die beoordelaars,waar hul tyd aangeteken en die bal­

letjies getel is voordat elkeen met ’nPikkie­groote medalje beloon is.

Hulle is ware wennertjies wat oor ’n

dekade of wat Suid­Afrika by diewêreldkampioenskappe gaan verteen­woordig.

Só soek ’n man na goud... met groot konsentrasie.

1166 GGPPSS NNeewwss

Gerda van den Bos

Pilgrim’s Rest was the place tobe from 26 to 29 September.Teams from all over South

Africa descended on the town for theNational Gold Panning Champion­ships. The official festivities startedwith a street parade on Thursday 26September and an opening ceremonygraced with can can girls and theMEC for Culture, Sports and Recre­ation, Sibongile Manana.

The serious panning started earlyon Friday morning. There were vari­ous categories – from beginners toproficient, juniors, children and thepikkies, to the team efforts, which in­cluded funny couples, jokers, threeand five person teams. The teams hadinteresting names, and it was fun tohear the announcer looking for DieBosvarke, the Mac Mac Smugglersand U Funny 2.

While the serious competition wasgoing on, young panners­to­be triedout their skills on the side. Inside thefence, some of the gold panners wentto extreme efforts to get hold of that

elusive speck of gold in a hurry. Lick­ing your finger to get the gold stuck toit was one measure frequently used.

The Beginners Men category waswon by Jason Chang, while AntoinetteCoetzee took gold in Beginners Ladies.

The Proficient Men division was wonby Coen Vermaak, who also won theVeterans division. René Reinders tookthe honours in the Proficient Ladiescategory. Essie Mogane won Tradi­tional Pan in a time of 2 minutes and53 seconds. In the team competitions,team SS won the two­persons teamevent, Die Bosvarke took gold in thethree­persons team event, while theMac Mac Smugglers managed to beatteam Dam Good with a mere second inthe five­persons team category.

Gold panning is a sport for thewhole family. If you would like to jointhe ranks, visit www.sagoldpanning.co.za or www.macmacgoldpanning.com.

Right: The Junior champions...Albe de Nysschen, Jané Vermaak(gold) and Henko de Nysschen.Below: The five­person team win­ners: The Mac Mac Smugglers,Dam Good and Girl Power.

Photos from Mac Mac GoldPanning Club’s Facebook

page. Used with permission.

GGoolldd ppaannnniinngg...... iitt’’ssffiinnggeerr--lliicckkiinngg ggoooodd!!