Edition / Uitgawe 11

27 September 2013

Goodbye, Danny and Isabel 4 4 000 km for children 6 Locals finalists in SA competition 3 No cause for alarm 5 Brenden in top 10 Idols 7

If the Eskom plug is pulled...

Read page 3

GPS News

From the editor

GPS News vision is the following: The reporting and publishing of good news. This must be an instrument whereby the reporting of positive news can motivate and uplift us all in this negative world we have do deal with every day. Although this is our standard and we will not deter from it, we feel that the letter received by Eskom (see p. 3) has to be shared with the public, and to not publish it would be denying individuals and companies the opportunity to respond. We must refuse to respond negatively by just talking about it we need to do something. Write emails or visit Eskom, write letters to the mayor or contact Thaba Chweu, but dont do nothing. To not have electricity in our towns will cripple our economy and in the end we will all suffer, not only financially, but emotionally and health wise. Let us all start praying for a supernatural outcome and trust that God will give us wisdom in this situation.

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

Social Calendar Sosiale Kalender

Let us know about any events for placement in the Social Calendar. It is free!
Every Friday at 20:00 @ Caimambo drumming circle and drinks special.

28 September

www.gpsnews.co.za

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@editorKemp

gpsnewsblog. wordpress.com

Danie Botha-konsert by Panorama Secondary School, Graskop, ten bate van Fanie Stoltz-aftreeoord en Panorama-skool. Kontak Maria: 01 3 767 1 093.

26-29 September

If you need help I understand

For those still suffering, my name is Gert, and I am an alcoholic. I have been to Elim Clinic for rehabilitation, and then I joined Nelspruit AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) until 30 May 2002. We then opened an AA branch in Sabie. I have a lot of fine memories and made many dear friends, but unfortunately I am at a very sad crossroad in my life, and it breaks my heart. For nearly 14 years, I have been running the AA branch in Sabie, but now it seems to me there comes a time that I will have to say goodbye. We seem to have such a blessed town with no alcoholics living here. I sit alone at the AA meeting place week after week, waiting for someone that needs help, but no one turns up. We are in the process of negotiating to open an AA branch in Graskop since it is our calling to be there for the ones suffering that want to be helped. Keep your eye on the press or contact me on 072841 6389. If you need help I have walked the road and understand. Thank you for the past, and just a reminder: AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and support each other. There are no dues or fees and everything that is said stays between four walls that is why it is called Alcoholics Anonymous. Gert

Anyone interested in attending these courses can contact me on 082528 7824. To God be the glory. Past. Roy Roach, Mountain of the Lord Ministries

Advert was very successful

Dear Editor, GPS News I would like to let you know thatthe vacancy advert I placed in your last edition has been very successful, and I have received many mails from interested persons. Clearly your newspaper is widely read. I also did notrealise that there were so many excellent and well-qualified persons in the area. The CVs were in general of an exceptionally high standard.I have quite a difficult job ahead of me to draw up a short list. Thanks to all those who showed interest. The Owner: Chemit

Festival, street parade and South African National Gold Panning Championships in Pilgrims Rest. Wheelbarrow street racing as well as other fun things. Contact Judith Mason: 01 3 768 1 471 .

4-5 October

Annual Flower Festival @ St Peters Church. Entrance is R1 0 pp that includes cuppa tea and cake.

8 October

Sybrand van Niekerk Flinkdink general knowledge evening. 1 8:30. Join us for fun and learn facts you never knew. Did you know... armadillos have four babies at a time and all four babies are of the same sex.

Hulle help ander se lewe beter maak

Baie dankie aan almal wat gehelp het om Lelievlei in Lydenburg van kos te voorsien. Veral baie dankie aan Tony en Pat vir hul finansile bydrae, en aan Sandra Barnard vir haar insette om die lewe vir die mense beter te help maak. Dankie verder aan die boere van Hazyview vir die skenking van groente en die hulp wat in die toekoms verleen gaan word. Olive Steyn

1 9 October

Sabie Moth (Jock Shellhole) Golf Day. Sabie Country Club. 07:1 511 :00. Prize giving: 1 5:30. R1 50 per player (four-ball alliance), incl. snacks. Contact Jannie Pieterse: 076 596 31 64, Sabie Country Club: 01 3 764 2282.

4 November

TEN experience changes lives

First of all, I would like to thank everyone that supported and came to the Teach Every Nation (TEN) Bible school, launched by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson and Judea Harvest Ministry in Sabie. This took place from 11 to 14 September in Harmony Hill at Mountain of the Lord Church. There was a live satellite feed from Pretoria. It was well-attended by an average of 15 students per day. The youngest student was about 13 years, with a nurse and school principal attending the course on Saturday. There were also two police officers that attended all three courses. This has been a life-changing experience for all, and they cannot wait for the next courses in March and September next year. This will continue for the next four years, when all the students will graduate and receive a certificate. Anyone that could not attend these courses will get another chance as the courses will be available again before March next year. I would like to apologise for not being able to advertise the event sufficiently to the whole of Sabie, as we had limited time of only eight days to get our decoders and dish installed and to advertise, inform and visit schools, businesses, institutions and churches.

Stel jy belang in di ondersteuning?

Ek wil weet of daar dalk mense is wat belang sal stel in n ondersteuningsgroep vir mense wat kinders aan die dood afgestaan het. Dit sal ook wees vir kinders wat n boetie of n sussie aan die dood afgestaan het. Dit is net om te praat met ander mense wat dieselfde seer as ons het en wat verstaan. Dit sal glad nie in kerkverband of professionele hulp wees nie. Dis net om daaroor te praat en dalk kan jy ander help om die seer ligter te maak. Dit sal net een keer per maand wees. SMS my by 082925 0949 as jy belang stel. Wilna Volsteedt

Specialist speaker on Alzheimers, causes and facts. Sabie Methodist Church. 1 8:30. All welcome. Refreshments will be offered.

4-5 October

Annual Flower Festival @ St Peters Church. Entrance is R1 0 pp that includes cuppa tea and cake.

GPS News

Help stop the blackout

issued an official media release, saying: The Thaba Chweu municipality is in continuous engagement with Eskom regarding the debt the municipality was placed under administration twice and during that period the municipality was not generating sufficient income, which caused the debt to escalate. Eskom is better placed to respond on the cut-off, TCM will not speak on their behalf. Eskoms Fakude responded with the following: I have been reading comments from honest people and all that they are telling Eskom is that their accounts with the municipality are up to date. Some have prepaid meters, and one wonders where those payments then go to as it never reaches Eskom, hence the situation that we all find ourselves in today. GPS News says: Members of the public, this is not a hoax or hearsay. Let us stand together and contact

letter from Eskom, addressed to the Sabie Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, was forwarded to the offices of GPS News. This is regarding Thaba Chweu municipalitys outstanding debt of more than R146 million to Eskom and Eskoms threat to disconnect the whole municipalitys power supply if not paid by mid-October. According to the letter, Eskom would like to request response from all parties who are likely to be materially and adversely affected by the disconnection of the bulk electricity supply to Thaba Chweu municipality scheduled for 16 October. GPS News contacted Eskom to confirm this letter. An email from Eskom spokesperson Sabelo P. Fakude was received confirming it, and in a telephonic conversation mentioned that it will be the very last resort to take such drastic steps, but that they cannot continue allowing such large amounts of debt outstanding for such a long time. In response to Eskoms letter, Themba Sibiya, Thaba Chweu municipalitys Media Relations Officer,

Eskom. The contact details are in the letter above To try and envisage how it will be without electricity is unthinkable a solution must be

reached. Contact Eskom with suggestions, but please do not attack or complain to them because Eskom is not at fault here. This problem needs to be approached with a positive attitude to find a solution beneficial to all.

Two locals amongst top business women in the province

A school principal from Graskop and an employee of York Timbers are amongst the three Mpumalanga finalists of this years Business Woman of the Year (BWOY) competition, run by the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW). The finalists were announced on Friday 13 September. Those from Mpumalanga are Rachel Jacobs from Panorama Secondary School in Graskop, Jacqueline Prinsloo from York Timbers and Alison Blair from Two Red Pens. The finalists were successful in the previous rounds and have been selected to compete at the national judging level, which will be held during the SACBWs national congress on 16 October in Potchefstroom. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner on the same evening. The SACBW started the BWOY competition over 25 years ago to celebrate and acknowledge the success of women in business. There are three categories entrepreneur, corporate and professional and it is open to women in business in South Africa who have shown exceptional growth and success in their businesses and positions of leadership.

Hester de Bruyn (SACBW national vice-president, left) with the finalists from Mpumalanga Rachel Jacobs, Jacqueline Prinsloo and Alison Blair and SACBW president Melinda Stark.

GPS News

W o r t h t h eir w eig h t in g o l d
Pilgrims Rest says goodbye to Danny and Isabel Jacobs
Christine Rossouw
Danny and Isabel Jacobs... pillars of Pilgrims Rest.

t the end of the year, Pilgrims Rest will bid farewell to a couple whose contribution to the historic village has left a deep imprint. Danny and Isabel Jacobs moved to Pilgrims Rest from Port Elizabeth five and a half years ago after Danny was offered the management position at the local mine TGME, then owned by Simmer & Jack Mining Co. and since acquired by Stonewall Mining. For Danny, who has spent his whole life in the mining industry, the opportunity to come work at the Pilgrims Rest mine was appealing, and his term spent there very rewarding. I have been a mine manager for twenty years, but at Pilgrims it was the first time that I got technically involved in metallurgy, a field I had previously taken for granted. It was very interesting and fulfilling and I learnt so much, he says. In addition to metallurgy and the surface mining techniques employed at the mine, Danny says he got to know the history of the village and the geography of the area very well. Prior to moving to Pilgrims, the couple had only visited the village once a number of years before. It had been so picturesque then and we were really struck by the deterioration of the town and the unsightly view of hawkers selling wares at makeshift stalls at the entrance to the town, says Danny. Danny then approached Simmer & Jack, and under the companys social and labour plan, managed to have proper stalls erected at the entrance to town for the hawkers. He then approached the government about constructing stalls for the other hawkers throughout Pilgrims Rest. There are approximately 60 hawkers who are supporting entire families from their trade and this is very important for job creation, says Danny, who is still assisting the hawkers in Pilgrims Rest to this day. Most recently, he assisted the hawkers with the drawing up and finalisation of their constitution. Danny also assisted in the re-negotiation and re-establishment of the Pilgrims Rest Business Forum and was actively involved the past four years. He will now hand over the chairmanship of the business forum. While Dannys great contribution was made to the formal and informal

business community of the village, Isabels efforts were invested in the youth. Three years ago, she took on the role of coaching and personally funding the can can girls. I enjoyed it so much. We changed the costumes, choreography, music and routines. It was fantastic seeing the girls personalities and confidence blossoming, she said. Isabel became well-known in the area as freelance journalist and photographer for Ulusaba News, all on a voluntary basis. She felt it important to share news from Pilgrims Rest with the rest of the Lowveld. She is also the treasurer of the Friends of the Pilgrims Rest Museums. Isabel will leave a stunning legacy at the local schools. For four years she worked on a voluntary basis and assisted the Pilgrims Rest crche, primary and secondary schools with various initiatives. Over the past year (under TGMEs social and labour plan) she was able to organise some much-needed maintenance and repairs to the schools, erect fences and school signage, as well as sponsoring of calculators and printers. She also had badges made for the secondary schools Representative Council of Learners. In 2010, she organised the Pilgrims Rest City Secondary Schools matric

farewell function a tradition she has kept up for the past three years. This included not only the organisation of the posh function, but also sourcing all the clothes, jewellery, transport, entertainment, etc. etc. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt it was important to give back to the community, says Isabel. Rolling up their sleeves and making a difference in Pilgrims Rest came naturally to the couple, who found themselves in a community they felt very drawn to. The residents of Schoonplaas are truly appreciative and grateful. They are so genuine. They dont expect anything from you and we in turn have only received kindness from them. Thank you so much you are my extended family and I will miss you all so dearly, says Isabel. Isabel added they wouldnt have been able to do all they did without the assistance and support of their employees, Gertrude Maile and Jealous Mokoena. The couple, who are parents of four, with five grandchildren and another on the way, will move to Pretoria at the end of the year. GPS News wishes Danny and Isabel, who will be sorely missed, a blessed and prosperous new chapter in their lives.

Sharon Mandy

NO CAUSE FOR ALARM!

least he believes that someone is clubbing me to death, and using his marvelous powers of deduction, he calculates that he may not get here in time to stop them. When I do not set the alarm, he worries, and he phones me to remind me to set it. When I do set it he is usually asleep, as luck would have it, and he wakes up in a flat spin because he does not know if I have set the alarm or if the alarm has gone off. He phones me to see if someone is slitting my throat (he has the most overactive imagination ever) and I am usually brushing my teeth as it is the last thing I do before going to bed, so he is greeted by these indistinct gargling noises, so he thinks it is the death rattle evidently he has never heard a death rattle and once again he goes into a stress induced shouting fit. I found that when the alarm is left to its own devices, it often just goes off for no reason at all, and once my neighbour, who has a guest house, approached me and begged me not to set the alarm in the day as it kept going off, and he had checked, only to find there was no reason for this at all. Of course, I already realised that it had kept going off because my dear husband had been tirelessly phoning me

GPS News

am technologically handicapped. I admit this unreservedly, and although people have told me to just relax and embrace technology, I have tried, but when I hug my computer it doesnt hug back. I always attribute this handicap to my advanced age, and most people fall for it, but my husband is older than me and he loves technology. Before my husband left to go to Cape Town, he updated our house alarm so that it connects to his phone. I couldnt see the logic in this as he would be 2 000 kilometers away, but he said the reason I couldnt see the logic in it was that my brain has already shrunk from overuse. I could have taken offense, but coming from my husband it was a compliment he could have said my brain was shrinking from under use. I was quite touched really. This alarm makes his phone ring when I activate it. It also makes his phone ring when I deactivate it. It also makes his phone ring when the alarm goes off, and sometimes it makes his phone ring just for fun. Meantime he is 2 000 kilometers away and going crazy because at the very

every half hour in a state of near collapse. His voice had been reduced to an unintelligible croak. This has caused me to be very sneaky. I set the alarm, then I disconnect the connection to his phone, and I have to run because it is the other side of the room (and if it dares to go off, I can expect a panicked phone call), and I deactivate the alarm. When I come home I activate the alarm, run across the room and reconnect hubbys

phone, and then run across to deactivate it, only to repeat the process in the evening and again in the morning. Not bad for someone that is so technologically handicapped. It is almost like someone getting up and walking out of a wheelchair same miracle stuff. This way I keep my husband destressed and my neighbour happy. Who says that one cant keep all of the people happy all of the time?

GPS News
Dylan and Misty Weyer

4 000 km for children

tarting on 1 September, the Grahamstown couple Dylan and Misty Weyer has been mountain biking from Beit Bridge to Cape Point via Lesotho in order to raise funds for children with cerebral palsy. They travelled through Pilgrims Rest on 12 September and upon seeing GPS News at a shop, they visited the newspaper office in Sabie on Friday 13 September. They will be Riding the Dragons Spine for Cerebral Palsy and plan to complete the 4000 km route in less than 65 days, avoiding as much tarmac as possible and with no form of support crew. The Dragons Spine is a public mountain bike route that follows the edge of the escarpment as it runs through South Africa and Lesotho. Misty is an occupational therapist specialising in the treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). CP is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a childs birth, or during the first three to five years. The brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can also lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems, and learning disabilities. There is no cure for CP, but treatment, therapy, special equipment and, in some cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition. Misty and the other medical team members go to the rural areas to train the parents/caregivers in the various therapy methods enabling them to care for the children with CP. They provide basic comprehensive training that enables them to optimally care for the patient.

Sabie residents Monica and Andries Otto understand the challenges caring for a child with CP. Their son Morne (5) needs special treatment, like physio, speech and occupational therapy on an ongoing basis. They have another son, AJ (6). Monica works at Sabie Stationers to supplement their income, seeing that the treatment is extremely expensive. They have a medical aid, but the fund only pays for 11 physio sessions per year, and Morne

requires a minimum of three a week. An urgent treatment needed by Morne is speech therapy, but apparently there is no such service available in the Sabie area. Regular trips to White River are in the future plans should they not be able to obtain a qualified person to assist them in this area. Should you be able to assist in this manner, please contact the GPS News offices on 013764 3127 and speak to Valerie.

GPS News

Public screams Brenden into top 10

O
Gerda van den Bos
n Sunday 15 September the eight male finalists in this years SA Idols competition performed in front of a packed audience at the State Theatre in Pretoria. One by one they performed songs that have featured on the Top 40 charts this year, and nearly everyone received harsh comments from the judges. And then it was the turn of Brenden Ledwaba from Graskop. He sang Stay by Briana, and had most of the audience on their feet long before the song ended. After his performance the crowd kept on cheering for so long that Gareth Cliff, one of the judges, had to ask for silence just to get a word in. The reaction to his performance actually raised 100 dB on the Strepsils Scream-o-Meter the highest of the night. Idols judge Unathi Msengana said Brenden has a rare gift as he has the ability to make every song he tackles totally his own. You are a star, she said. Judge Randall Abrahams predicted that Brenden would go through to the top ten. After the show, the public voting lines opened for the first time in this years competition. Viewers got to vote for their favourites, as only five of the top eight men could go through to the top ten. On Tuesday 17 September, the results were made known in a live broadcast: Musa Sukwene, Sonke Mazibuko, Benjamin Tainton and Innocent Mabushe all received the green light. After the umpteenth ad break, there was only one space open and three guys left, one of them being Brenden. After a nerve-wrecking couple of moments when it felt like the presenter, Proverb, would never get to the point, Randalls prediction hit the mark, and GPS local boy Brenden took his place among this years Idols top ten. Brendens father, Past. Phineas Ledwaba of Christ for Life Ministries in Graskop thanked everybody for their continuous support. We will see Brenden again on Sunday 29 September. Tickets for the actual show at the auditorium of the Moreletapark NG Church on 27 September are available at Computicket for R20R40 per person. The eight female SA Idols finalists will compete for their positions in the top ten on Sunday 22 September.

Free vaccinations something to bark about

Gerda van den Bos
I dont take my dogs on car trips often, and recently I remembered why not. The Mpumalanga Veterinary Services gave free rabies vaccinations to the dogs in Graskop on 12 and 13 September. Knowing how dangerous this disease can be for dogs and humans alike, we decided to make use of this opportunity. Easier said than done. It took me half an hour just to get all of them into our double-cab bakkie no use trying to get them into the back they prefer the passengers seats, thank you! The largest and oldest of the lot, she is a Labrador mixed with something huge, loves to go for a drive, but unfortunately she wants to sit in front. The smaller German Pointer/Labrador doesnt like having her choke chain on and runs away when you want to put her into the car, while the smallest, a stray Jack Russell that decided to move in a couple of months ago, is simply terrified of going away from home. When we finally hit the streets, it was a sight to see... The Jack Russell on my lap, his legs around my neck, the Pointer trying her best to stick her nose through the front window, and the big old lady, trampling on everything, still upset because she wanted to sit next to her dad. Fortunately, it didnt take us long to get to the spot behind the library where the vaccinations were taking place. And those animal health technicians from the state veterinary in Lydenburg sure know what they are doing! Within two heartbeats and without the dogs even feeling a thing, they had all three vaccinated. Although, I do think I nearly got vaccinated as well, as by that time I was covered in black and white dog hairs, looking like some kind of huge doggy myself! Elana Bester, one of the animal health technicians on duty, said they had vaccinated well over a hundred dogs in the two days. Rabies is a big problem in our area, and they were glad so many people responded to their call for vaccinations. They have been providing this service for over 20 years now, and apparently their efforts are appreciated by dog owners. Although, next year I think I will take my dogs one at a time... I was exhausted by the time we got back home.

The friendly and efficient staff from the Mpumalanga Veterinary Services in Lydenburg. Standing are Petrus Msibi and Elana Bester. In front are Olga Makgetla and Kenneth Mashile.

GPS News

Hope to see end of sewage spills

Christine Rossouw
Its no secret that Sabie and the Sabie River have been plagued by sewage spills for years. At the end of 2011, after the issue was reported on extensively, the office of the Public Protector took note and began an investigation into the situation. However, little came of this and sewage has continued to spill into the precious Sabie River by three blocked manholes unabatedly. Another blocked manhole in Mount Anderson has been contaminating the surrounding wetland for years. Water test results taken at several points along the river in May this year, show extreme volumes of E.Coli, especially at the Sabie Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) discharge point, upstream from the WWTW and at the Sabie Falls. But finally the town have been given a glimmer of hope as the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and its monitoring agency ICMAs enforcement arm issued a directive to Thaba Chweu municipality on 26 July. According to Marcus Selepe of the ICMA, the municipality responded to the notice in writing by 30 July and indicated that repairs to five blocked manholes throughout town were underway. An inspection by ICMA officials on 13 August revealed that blockages at the Maritz Street and Living Waters manholes had been removed and reconstruction at two others at the caravan park and old bridge were in progress. While no work has been done at a fifth problem spot, the municipality has been instructed to address this as a matter of urgency. With a little bit of luck and the continued pressure exerted by the DWAF and the ICMA, Sabie may find itself sewage spill free in the near future.

Hawkers receive business training

Shirly Mathebula
To run a successful business is now the aim of the 20 hawkers at Sabie Market Square after they have received business training from York Timbers at Sabie town hall on 18-20 September. In appreciation for hosting the Sasol Rally for 22 years in Mpumalanga, Sasol, in partnership with The hawkers received their certificates after having York Timbers, invested in completed the programme. three community upliftment projects worth a total of R600 000. As part of the investment, not business to succeed, I must save the daily only were 20 permanent stalls built at Saprofit I make. I must make sure that I save bie Market Square, but the hawkers were the money in the bank and not misuse it. also offered business development training. Gerald Mavimbela (31), a hawker for the York Timbers Learnership Facilitator past seven years, said: The facilitator Victoria Mashele said: The training was taught us about setting goals for ourselves aimed at equipping the hawkers with and our businesses. knowledge on how to develop and sustain Inocentia Ntimane (32), who has been a their businesses. hawker for two years, said: After this The hawkers received training in finantraining we are now equipped to maintain cial literacy and business literacy. At the our businesses on a higher level than betraining, Maria Mokwena (55), a hawker for fore. four years, acknowledged that it was the Mashele said that they are grateful that first time she had attended training that the hawkers used the opportunity to take would equip her with the knowledge she part in the training programme and hoped needed to run her business. that the training had equipped them with Juliet Mashile (27), also a hawker for four the business skills that they need to run years, said: I have learned that for my their businesses successfully.

GPS News

Lower your ink and toner costs

The cartridge refilling business is a recession proof business. It is actually recession friendly: in difficult economic times, everyone tries harder to cut costs. Refilling printer cartridges and laser toners is, without a doubt, a great way to save money for both individuals and companies that rely on vast quantities of printing to run their businesses. The good news is that a business is opening up in Sabie early in October called Toner and Ink Dr. Eric and Elmarie Harper recently relocated to Sabie from Lydenburg with their two children. They had managed numerous franchise branches in the ink and toner refilling industry. Their dream was to become owners of their own business and prayed about it, but they had to wait two years before it became a reality. When visiting Sabie recently, divine intervention happened and within an hour, they found suitable premises for the business as well as a house to rent. Eric says: There is a misconception regarding ink and toner refills. Our method is not the same as the ones that you buy over the counter and fill yourself. What we do, is we open up the cartridge and then refill it after having removed all the old ink or toner. We only use original toner and ink and our product is guaranteed. Our product will not damage your printer. We also sell the generic ink cartridges and laser toners. Generic cartridges are imported from abroad and are either completely new in every aspect or at most have re-used plastic cores (even original cartridges are often made from remanufactured cores, as part of the green movement to recycle and save the earth). If you want to save money on ink or toner, bring your existing empty cartridge or laser toner and visit the Toner and Ink Dr. shop next to Nsemani, supplier of PPE requirements, and Coet-Lands. Another free service offered by Toner and Ink Dr. is giving professional advice on what printer to buy to suit your requirements.

Moet dit nie misloop nie! Dont miss it!

Sudoku: The objective is to fill the 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 33 sub-grids that compose the grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.

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GPS News

GPS News

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WORD SEARCH
KAKAMAS TONTELDOOS PHILIPPOLIS RIVIERSONDEREND HANKEY VREDENDAL PUTSONDERWATER POFADDER HENLEYONKLIP MABOPANE MAANHAARRAND SECUNDA AGGENEYS AUGRABIES DIBENG EKSTEENFONTEIN HOTAZEL KOOPMANSFONTEIN

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GPS News

Children at the centre in Simile learning more about computers.

Children get chance to learn computers

C
Shirly Mathebula
omputer skills training has come to the children of Simile, Sabie. The Sabie Blessing Community Computer Centre at a quiet location at 28 Ncancasane Street was officially opened in May. It is a non-profit organisation founded by Glen Cormark from Sabie Cares, a division of the Sabie Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Project leader Alice Masinga (24) said: The centre is the right place for children to learn how to use a computer and to assist them with their homework. The schools in Simile do not offer computer lessons, but the centre has already impacted the lives of dozens of children since its inception. We even installed educational software in an effort to improve the training and learning, said Alice. Graskop Primary School underwent some major changes over the last year. The grounds look immaculate the classrooms are neat and even the entrance shines with new paint. Another transformation took place in the gr. R class with the appointment of a new teacher in July. Michelle Barnard, originally from Memel in the Free State, says she enjoys living in Graskop. She loves the children in her class and looks forward to a long alliance with the school. Gerda van den Bos Not only are the learners getting basic education and a day-time shelter, but they are also given the opportunity to acquire basic skills that will help them become self-sufficient in the long term and ultimately employable. Computer knowledge and skills play significant roles in childrens education. Lacking a fundamental knowledge of how computers work and the ability to perform simple tasks with common applications, such as creating a word processor document, puts a child at a disadvantage and isolates them from the benefits enjoyed by computer literate people, said Alice. Students from grade R to grade 12 are invited to register at the centre at no cost. It is open from 13:00-16:30 from Monday to Friday. The centre is looking for more computer materials to improve its service, and will welcome donations in this regard.

GPS News

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A night to remember for Panoramas matrics

Gerda van den Bos

There was something magical in the air on the night of 23 August. After a few days of freezing weather, the evening was mild. The wind lulled itself into a gentle breeze, playing with the fairy lights that decorated the trees towards the main entrance of Krugers Gold Restaurant just outside Graskop. Small candles in glass holders decorated the pathway. Inside the restaurant, the tables were set for a feast music was playing and a warm fire awaited the arrival of the special guests the matrics of Graskops Panorama Secondary School. It was time for the schools annual matric farewell function... and they did it in style. The youngsters transformed into princes and princesses for the night, looking glorious in their evening wear. There were lots of laughter and fun throughout the evening, giving the learners a night to remember before digging into the final exams. GPS News wishes all the matrics the best of luck with their examinations. Stay focused, stay calm... and your hard work will be rewarded.

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Shirly Mathebula

GPS News

Committed to help fight hunger

Popwenner!
GPS Nuus se kompetisiepop het haar mamma gevind. In die vorige uitgawe van die koerant was daar skoenlappers weggesteek wat lesers moes soek en laat weet hoeveel hulle kry. n Ongelooflike 31 inskrywings is ontvang. Net vier het die regte antwoord van twaalf skoenlappers gehad. Ongelukkig kon daar net een wenner wees. Die wenner is Danette Bezuidenhout (9) van Laerskool Sabie. GPS Nuus het haar mamma, Sonette (wat toevallig ons eerste kompetisie vir n foto-onderskrif gewen het), gebel om haar in te lig dat Danette die wenner is. Sonette en haar man, David, het tjoepstil gebly en haar na GPS se kantoor gebring. Toe sy hoor dat sy inderdaad die wenner is, was haar vreugde oor die pop iets om te aanskou. Sy het summier haar pop die naam Nonna gegee.

he Ubuntu Community Care Centre, a non-profit organisation based in Simile, Sabie, is running a soup kitchen project that feeds about 300 vulnerable people a week in the informal settlements of Simile and Harmony Hill. Coordinator Hlengwa Malele (28) said: The soup kitchen project is a movement with the vision and commitment to fight hunger. The project was started three years ago and operates from Mondays to Thursdays. It feeds vulnerable people from the informal settlements, especially those who are sick or unemployed, as well as children from very poor families to provide them with at least one nutritional meal. Administrator Vicky Bryant said by taking the soup out to the settlements, they are able to identify the really needy. Ubuntu Community Care Centre Administrator Vicky Bryant giving It is a way for us to identi- soup to people in the informal settlements. fy people who are sick or unable to come to the [Ubuntu] centre, and to also 50 loaves of bread a week to be distributed with the promote the centre and give people hope that there soup and the retirement village in Sabie provides are those who care for them. one big pot of soup every week. She gave the assurance that this work will conThe centre will also continue with the fill-a-bag tinue. The project is partially funded by local project that has impacted many lives in the last churches, the retirement village in town and indithree years. Greenview Spar has allowed the centre viduals. to place a stand inside the shop. Anyone can buy a Hlengwa said: The vast majority of hungry bag, which is then filled by Spar with the non-perpeople live in the informal settlements. A person ishable food listed on the bag. It is estimated that who suffers from malnutrition is at risk of serious each filled bag can feed a family of four for ten days. health problems. In the informal settlement we have The centre collects the filled bags and distributes come across a child suffering from malnutrition. By them to the very needy. providing the soup we give them a nutritional meal Ubuntu Centre is now in dire need of bigger to ensure that they dont get sick. premises. For this, they hope to raise R10000. You According to Vicky, the centre was established in can help by making a financial contribution toward 2009 with the vision to bring the light and hope of the purchase of a new centre. Jesus Christ into the Sabie community, showing Absa account name: Ubuntu Community Care our faith by what we do and how we do it. Centre All the people working at the centre are volunAccount number: 9279939065 teers. The centre is currently running eight projects, Branch code: 6957 among them one for gogos, a school project and a For more information contact Vicky at vick.bryproject to help orphans that is sponsored by the ant7@gmail.com or 083489 1361 or centre manager Methodist Church in Sabie. Greenview Spar donates Myriam Bryant on 081 270 8673.

Danette Bezuidenhout met haar pop wat sy gewen het.

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15

Max brings his passion home

Christine Rossouw

PS News caught up with Sabie mountain biking hero Max Knox, who was in town for the York Enduro Mountain Bike challenge this month. The 25-year old Sabie local, who has become one of South Africas top mountain bike cyclists, has just returned from two months in Europe, where he competed in the Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, and the 800 km Trans-Alps (international off-road equivalent of the Tour de France) stage race, where he finished fifth and won one stage. Maxs mountain biking journey started at the age of nine when he received a bicycle from his father. At that stage, mountain biking as a sport had really started gaining in popularity and Max was a natural. He participated in his first race in 1997 a provincial cross-country race in KwaZulu-Natal. Max reached for the sky and has been a professional athlete since the age of 18. Max has competed in races all over South Africa, the United States, Europe and Canada, but he says his favourite race remains the Sabie Classic, which he won in 2009 after a dramatic sprint finish against then u/23 world champ Burry Stander. The international mountain bike legend, who Knox says was possibly South Africas best cyclist, was hit by a taxi and killed earlier this year. It was a great shock to the sporting community and a reminder of how one day you can be the world champion

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and the next day its over, said Knox. The possibility of having your career cut short prematurely is a harsh reality faced by sportsmen the world over. When your body is your tool, an injury can spell disaster and even cause your career to come grinding to a halt. But Knox, who recently suffered a fracture in his rotator cuff after a crash, says he doesnt let himself dwell on such thoughts. Thats sport and a reality you have to accept. I just enjoy riding. Its my passion and Im grateful that I get to do it as a career, he says. The dedicated sportsman, who last year was crowned the 2012 SA Marathon Mountain Bike Champ, may already have numerous trophies and highlights to his career, including the

record for most wins at the famous Barberton Marathon, but he says it is his goal to go to the Olympics in three years time and win the Absa Cape Epic. He trains between three and four hours a day, but his training schedule varies according to the race he is preparing for and the time of year. With racing seasons taking him all over the world, Max says he only gets to spend approximately three months in Sabie every year. I like to come home whenever I can. The area of Sabie has to be the best area for cyclists in the country and maybe even the world. The local cycling community is great and Im sure Ill live here for the rest of my life, he says.

Global training revolution reaches rural areas

Gerda van den Bos
History was made on 11 September, when Teach Every Nation (TEN) was simultaneously launched in seven African countries at over 500 sites, one of them the Emmanuel Assemblies of God church in Graskop. In Sabie it was presented at Mountain of the Lord Ministries in Harmony Hill. TEN is a new initiative by world-renowned author and church leader Dr. Bruce Wilkinson to train untrained pastors, their leaders and teachers to become all God dreamed they would. The first of these training sessions took place on 11 September, when Wilkinson presented the first course through live satellite streaming from Pretoria. All the registered students had workbooks and each site had trained deacons who facilitated the course. In Graskop, the facilitation was done by Past. Ken Scrimnger and Danie van Niekerk. The full-day courses looked at relevant topics such as How to double your church, business and personal productivity, Releasing Gods abundant blessing on your life, family, church and business, and Anyone can become a great communicator. They plan to have the satellite broadcasts biannually with continuous online education courses at minimal cost. Past. Ken said the course was a life-changing experience and that he wished someone had thought of this 20

The group of Teach Every Nation students from Graskop. They said they enjoyed the course and that it was a life-changing experience. years ago. For more information visit www.teacheverynation.org.

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GPS News

Panners find gold at world champs

Gerda van den Bos
The 2013 World Gold Panning Championships were held in Zubienna, Biella, Italy, from 19-15 August. The provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DSCR), in partnership with the South African Gold Panning Association (SAGPA), sponsored ten participants of the South African gold panning team, while five more South Africans joined the delegation of their own accord. The team, consisting of Bridgette Masheilanem, Chariman Kgwedi, Elna Gundry, Martin Sibusiso Nsimba, Albe de Nysschen, Matete Mokgotho, Mia Mason, Sharon Kahts, Surprise Tshepo Thulelo, Coen Vermaak, Sendra Nsimba, Andrew Mason, Thembi Mbuyane, Lois Peens and Sanjay Singh, all performed well at the world championships. In the team events, Coen, Sendra and Surprises three person team achieved gold, while the national team, consisting of Coen, Sendra, Lois, Sharon and Surprise, won a bronze medal. Lois Peens from

Team SA in Italy. Graskop also achieved gold as part of a five person team, while she won the silver medal in the proficient

Photos supplied by Judith Mason ladies (individual) category. Mia won the bronze medal in the juniors individual category. Martin Nsimba preparing to pan.