Edition / Uitgawe 15

15 November 2013

Editorial: local support 2 Almal se probleem 11

You make us proud, Brenden p. 3

Roof of Africa 16 Light up your Christmas 7

GPS News

From the editor

Being a local business owner myself, there is something I want to talk about something that lies very close to my heart and that I feel very strong about. That is supporting the local businesses in our towns. Locally-owned businesses build strong communities, linking neighbours in a web of economic and social relationships, contributing to local causes. Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impact of those decisions. Locally-owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. They create more jobs locally. But here is the problem: Many local people dont support local businesses. They will rather drive all the way to Nelspruit for a shopping spree. Granted, you cannot find all the commodities you need in our small towns, but let me ask you this: when your childs school has a function, or if you have a fundraising of any kind, who is approached first for a contribution? I will tell you... the local grocer, chemist, restaurant, stationer or any other local business. Have the businesses in other towns that we support ever contributed to our fundraising attempts? Do they allow you to have a hotdog or pancake sale on their front stoep in the mall to do fundraising? No, all they want is your money. Our local businesses however, are not supported in the manner that they should be; still they are expected to contribute. And no, dont use the old line of but our towns prices are way more than that of Nelspruit or White River. In many cases that is simply a perception and not reality at all. Otherwise it is because we do not support local business owners as we should, and so in effect it is our own fault. The higher the turnover, the more prices may come down. If something is genuinely not available and your local business cannot order it, then granted, we do have to buy elsewhere. But I am ashamed to say that there are some people in our towns that dont even know what is available in our shops. If you have a problem finding something in the local stores, speak to the owners. I daily hear mumbling and rumbling about our lack of shops, but many close down because WE do not support them in the manner that we

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: Gerda van den Bos (Graskop): 083 324 7254 Michle du Plessis (Sabie): 072 797 1 487 Editing and layout: Pedrie Roberts
should. In the final analysis, it is our choice to stay in this small community, and yes, it is your money, but think of the consequences. I know I will probably be in trouble because of this editorial, but as a small community, if we cannot support each other and cover each others backs, we wont survive. Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. Just imagine if we can become a community that stand together and support our businesses to flourish and become strong, we will all benefit by it. Our towns will flourish and it will become an Utopia to live in.

Social Calendar Sosiale Kalender

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

21 November

Ngwenya Forestry and Thaba Chweu municipality request you to make a difference. Join them promoting #greenworldpeace. Clean up from 09:00 till late, starting in Harmony Hill, Sabie CBD, then Simile. For info contact: Simangele at 072 328 2447 or Ngwenya on 079 272 7671 .

23 November 30 November

Pilgrims Rest Golf Clubs annual Christmas competition. Noon2Moon mountain bike race. Contact: 01 3 764 3500 or pinocchio@lantic.net.

30 November-1 December 4 December

Graskop Crafters Market. Graskop town hall. Public schools close.

www.gpsnews.co.za

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@editorKemp

gpsnewsblog. wordpress.com

1 3-1 6 December

Amazing reaction from ad

I would like to thank GPS News and its staff for the fantastic publicity and exposure that you have created for my company, Servimate89 CC (trading as MC Fine Food & Catering Services), over the past five months. When I first partnered with your newspaper, I honestly did not know what to expect as I knew this paper was new and only concentrated on the Sabie, Pilgrims Rest and Graskop areas, but after speaking to you and realising that you have put God in your first line, I was touched as my company is also established on the Word of God (Matthew 6:33). To my amazement I have received and continue to receive calls, emails and faxes from new clients. Rest assured that I would want to continue and establish a personal relationship between your newspaper and my company for the longest period possible. Mavin, head chef: MC Fine Food & Catering Services

broken clutches will mean downtime for the company, and in the end the staff will be affected because of financial constraints.

My Spar Sabie Xperience mountain bike stage race and Valencia Xmas Xclassic & Xanadu. www.sabiexperience.co.za

Congratulations, Ben and Sandra

To our son Ben and Sandra With this letter we would like to congratulate our son Ben and Sandra on their engagement held at Living Waters Christian Church on Sunday 3 November. May God bless your relationship and may you only know happiness and prosperity. Sandra, we welcome you with love into our family. Ben and Annatjie van Jaarsveld

1 4 December

Free Form Music & Arts Festival. Canimambo Restuarant, Graskop.

1 4-1 6 December

Sabie X Trail Run. www.sabiextrailrun.co.za. Contact: forestrun@ york.co.za.

Sabie Festival

Request to traffic officers

Smalls
Wardrobes wanted
Urgently seeking wardrobes. Moved into a house with no cupboards in bedrooms. If you have some to discard or sell at affordable prices please contact me: 076 064 7939.

20-21 December 201 3 UNFORTUNATELY THIS FESTIVAL HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

As a business owner employing several people, I have a request to the provincial traffic officers in and around Sabie, Pilgrims Rest and Graskop. The majority of heavy vehicles are used in the timber industry, and when a double-diff or rigid truck is fully loaded, it is immensely heavy. We are law-abiding citizens that pay our taxes. A request (and perhaps some education) is to please not stop heavilyloaded trucks on an uphill. To get that heavy truck moving again, puts immense pressure on the clutch and damage may occur. We are more than willing to stop to be inspected, but

Cot wanted

Foster parent received two small children unexpectedly and need a cot urgently. If you can help, call Ada on 072 777 4688.

Vehicle for sale

Renault C40 Sport RS2000. 6-speed. 2011 . 46 000 km. R1 40 000. Contact: Henry 079 811 9848 or Liz 083 227 3446.

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H o m e t ow n we l co m e s I d o l s s u pe rs t a r

Gerda van den Bos

he crowd gathered in front of the Graskop municipal offices from just before 13:00 on Sunday. They stood in typical Graskop rainy weather, but it didnt seem to bother anyone. There were smiles all around, because local SA Idols finalist, Brenden Ledwaba, was on his way just for a visit, though, because he is still in the running to take top honours in this years SA Idols competition. Fortunately, the long wait was livened up by music and impromptu dancing competitions. It was clear that Brendens fans come from all walks of life. Some came from as far as Malelane, Lydenburg and Nelspruit to catch a glimpse of the young singing sensation. When a presenter from Mashi FM finally announced that Brenden has arrived, the people went crazy, storming down the road to welcome him as he got out of the vehicle. Our Idol walked up, holding his proud mothers hand. He looked a bit overwhelmed by all the attention, but he smiled all the way. Before any formalities could start, he was handed the microphone to greet his fans. Im lost for words, he said. Ive missed you guys. Graskop is my home. Thank you for your support. Graskop is now on the map. It took a while before the crowd was quiet enough for the national anthem to be sung and Michael Ncongwane, Executive Mayor of Thaba Chweu, could have his say. He encouraged the people to vote

Brenden in action in Graskop... the rain did not deter him from performing for his fans. for Brenden in the final stages of the competition. He needs your vote now more than ever, he said. We are very proud to have a son called Brenden. The crowd started to chant Brendens name as he took to the stage. He had to ask for more volume for the people were making so much noise that he could not hear the music. There was only time for two quick songs, but he had the crowd eating out of his hand. His father, Past. Phineas Ledwaba, thanked the people for their support. And then Brenden was whisked away like a real Hollywood superstar, surrounded by police members, for his next appointment.

Brenden into top 4

Gerda van den Bos
Our local Idol, Brenden Ledwaba, has made it into the top four of this years SA Idols competition. He sailed through the last couple of rounds, with only a slight slip in voting numbers after the top six episode. After having delivered another brilliant performance on Sunday 3 November, he was announced to be in the top four on 5 November. By the time you read this, he might even be one of the top three and heading for the finals. If he is still in the run for top honours, vote for him. Just SMS 01 to 37400. Over the last couple of months, Brenden has transformed from a shy, young man into a real

Brenden with his parents, Past. Phineas and Debrah Ledwaba. star. In the top five episode, he surprised everyone by turning his final song into a jam session, casually taking over the keyboard in the middle of the song.

These young fans from Graskop all agreed that Brenden is going to win SA Idols. Asked why, they almost spoke in unison: Because he can sing. He is representing Graskop. He is putting Graskop on the map and they all agreed: Hes got the looks!

Chamber struggles to implement reduced fixed power charges G

G PS N ew s

etting the reduced fixed electricity charges implemented with Thaba Chweu municipality remains an uphill battle, says Leon de Jager, chairman of the Lydenburg/Mashishing Business Chamber. The chamber recently managed to negotiate a reduced fixed rate of R185 per month for businesses buying electricity on the prepaid basis and having a main circuit breaker not bigger than 40 A. Getting that implemented, however, is not so easy, De Jager says. According to Mike Mashilo, municipal revenue manager, the council wanted the chamber to supply it with a list of all the businesses that would qualify; they then wanted to go and inspect the premises to verify the circuit breaker sizes, and then adjust the charges accordingly. Quite frankly, Mr Revenue Manager, De Jager wrote in a press release, this is not our job or responsibility! Your records should have all this information ready and available to you. For the chamber to compile such a list would be a mammoth task as there are a few hundred businesses in the three towns buying prepaid electricity. This would defeat the whole object of getting the reduced fixed charge in place as soon as possible. The chamber suggested that all the businesses in Lydenburg/Mashishing, Sabie and Graskop that qualify (having a 40 A circuit breaker) to do the following: write a letter to the municipal manager or unit manager in the case of Sabie and Graskop giving your full business details, and state

that you have a 40 A circuit breaker at your premises, asking them to come and verify it as soon as possible. Take this letter by hand, let them sign for it, and keep your signed copy. When they inspect your premises, let them write their finding on your copy and sign it, and put the inspectors full name and date on your copy. You must then take this signed copy with your receipt(s) for any electricity bought since 1 October 2013 and demand that they refund you. Your credit for every purchase should be R365 + VAT = R416,10 If you presently have a breaker larger than 40 A and your business can function on a 40 A breaker, get it changed by a qualified electrical contractor. Let him issue you with a certificate to that effect and present this to the municipality. You should then qualify for the reduced charge from your next purchase. Further good news is that if you for instance have a 60 A circuit breaker at your premises, council should have charged you R400 plus VAT = R456, and not the R627 that you have been paying an overcharge of R171. This goes back to 1 July 2013, when the new rates were implemented. So for every purchase since 1 July you are entitled to a refund of R171. We as business chamber can negotiate and facilitate these things on your behalf, De Jager says. It is now up to you to go to the municipality and demand that your records be updated and to insist on your refunds. Or you can decide it is too much of a hassle and keep on paying the excessive charges the choice is yours.

Babsie McNelly, chairperson of the Graskop Business and Tourism Forum, Jacques Blaauw, chairperson of the Thabazimbi Business Chamber, and Corinus du Toit of the AHI. Photo: AHI

GBTF scoops second place

Gerda van den Bos
The Graskop Business and Tourism Forum (GBTF) was awarded second place in the Upcoming Business Chamber of the Year category at the AHIs annual congress, which was held in Potchefstroom on 17 and 18 October. The Thabazimbi Business Chamber came first. Business chambers that were formed in the last two years competed against each other for the first time this year. The GBTF managed to beat several business chambers from larger towns.

Business forum for whole of Thaba Chweu created

Gerda van den Bos
History was made on Wednesday 30 October when the Thaba Chweu Business Forum (TCBF) was established. The forum currently consists of the business chambers of Lydenburg/Mashishing, Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrims Rest. The aim of the TCBF is to address issues that negatively impact on the business environment in the region. Leon de Jager from Lydenburg was elected as the first chairperson of the TCBF. He said they hope to work closely with the Thaba Chweu municipality, and that better cooperation among the business sectors of the different towns will help to enhance service delivery and also boost the tourism industry. De Jager invited other local organisations to join the TCBF. Contact him at leondj@fraseralexander.co.za.

To advertise in GPS News call 013 764 3127

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~ Martin Luther King Jnr.

GPS News

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petition on Saturday 30 November. All entries must be at the council chamber by 08:30 as the judging will take place from 09:00 to 10:00. All the baked items for the competition will be for sale at the tea garden to raise funds for the centenary celebrations. There are five categories: Cakes (two to five layers). Tarts (baked, round dish or unbaked, rectangular dish). Cupcakes or muffins (12 regular or six giant size per flavour). Breads (loaf tin). Rusks or biscuits (12 per flavour). The recipes of the three winners per category will be published in the centenary cook book. For more information on the market or the bake competition, contact Rezne Deeks at 076 666 8003. Louisa Matthee explains to the children the difference between a laptop and a PC.

Bake for fun and place in book

Gerda van den Bos
The Graskop Crafters Market promises to be bigger and better than ever before. It will be held in front of the Graskop town hall on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December. This years theme is Graskop in Silk, as there will be a silk extravaganza on display in the town hall where the full life and production cycle of silkworms and silk products will be exhibited. Among the exciting things planned over the two days is the Graskop Bake 4 Fun competition. 2014 will see Graskops centenary celebrations, and the organising committee is envisioning a centenary cook book. To ensure that your recipes are published in this book, you have to enter the bake com-

From left: Melinda Stark, SACBW national president, Rachel Jacobs, principal of Panorama Secondary School, Leon Kruger, Mari Landman and Retha Rossouw.

Lowveld women win in business

The Lowveld branch of the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) has won the organisations prestigious award of Branch of the Year for the third consecutive year. The Lowveld also brought another award home. Rachel Jacobs, principal of Panorama Secondary School in Graskop, received the judges Special Recognition Award. She was commended for the professional and business-orientated strategies she follows in the school that make it a star performing school in Mpumalanga. The announcements were made during the national organisations annual congress that was held in Potchefstroom on 17 and 18 October. Business women from all over the country joined the event to exchange business ideas and do plenty of networking. The organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary at the congress, and was privileged to have the founding president of the SACBW, Rika Venter, present as a special guest of honour.

Jumble sale boosts makeover fund

Gerda van den Bos
and kitchen. The makeover project is well underway. The once dreary corridor leading from the front door is now a bright yellow, while colourful curtains and a new rug have transformed the sitting room into a cozy living area. There are still lots to be done before Christmas, with the bathrooms being the biggest challenge. Anyone who has some spare time on their hands and who is in the mood for some tiling and painting can give Melinda a call on 082 254 2904.

Gr. 6 pupils learn computers

Gerda van den Bos
On a recent visit to Graskop Primary School, I was privileged to attend the gr. 6s first computer class. The school recently acquired 40 PCs, which will be used in its interactive centre to optimise the clickerclass concept to its full potential. However, the first challenge is to ensure that all the children from gr. 4 to 7 understand the basics of working on a computer. Some of the gr. 6 pupils declared themselves to be computer experts, while others looked a bit scared of the black screens in front of them. But soon they were all happily typing and deleting away under the guidance of teacher Louisa Matthee. Louisa said apart from the basics, the children will also learn how to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The Emmanuel Family Home in Graskop held a jumble sale on 2 November. More than R3 100 was collected for the homes makeover project. Melinda Carr, project manager, said the jumble sale was well supported by the community of Glory Hill. She is also grateful towards Graskop Conservancy members who came to help on the morning of the sale. The funds raised were used to buy much-needed blinds for the corridors

GPS News

Goggabos steel harte op konsert

Natasch du Plessis
Mariette Cronje, eienaar en stigter van Goggabos, het trots vertel dat dit die derde konsert was. Die eerste een is in n motorhuis gehou en die tweede onder n afdak by die skooltjie self. Ek is trots om te kan s dat ons skooltjie jaar n jaar groei. Die kinders het almal baie hard geoefen; tog het Mariette vooraf gewaarsku: Die kans is baie groot dat hulle absoluut niks gaan doen wat ons hulle geleer het nie, maar ons is gereed daarvoor, en altyd trots op ons kindertjies. Die intreeklassie het die eerste helfte van die konsert opgevoer. Wollerige stertjies, haasoortjies en sonbrilletjies het die kleuters net ng ouliker gemaak terwyl hulle hul heupies geswaai en op die verhoog rondgedraai het. Net nou en dan het een of twee n oomblik verward rondgestaan. Die tweede helfte was vir die groter kindertjies. Met verskillende helderkleurige hempies en haarstyle het hulle paddas, seerowers en meerminne, katjies, hoenders, oupas, eende en n spul ander kreatuurtjies voorgestel. Lizelle Morsner en Rochelle Busney het met hasieore aan op die verhoog geassisteer en dit het gelyk asof hulle dit net soveel soos die kleuters geniet het. Die juffrouens het hulle hande vol gehad met die kleuters. Sommige het net weier om van die verhoog af te klim. Met bre glimlaggies, glinsterende ogies, deurmekaar hare en n traan hier en daar het 32 kleuters almal se hart gesteel en betower.

ie opvoedkundige speelskool Goggabos het sy jaarlikse konsert op 7 November in Laerskool Sabie se saal gehou alles in n bos vol goggas. Familielede het van heinde en verre selfs van Nelspruit en Pretoria gery om hul sterretjie op die verhoog te sien. Die saal was vol mammas en pappas, oupas en oumas en plek-plek oupa- en oumagrootjies.

GPS News

Light up your Christmas spirit and win

GPS News and Sizabantu Electrical are running an electrifying competition for all businesses and residents in Sabie. Decorate your home or business with lights and decorations in the Christmas scene and spirit on the outside for the public to see. We want to see how creative you can get. Awesome prizes and a floating trophy are up for grabs. There are two categories business and residential and a first and runner-up prize will be awarded in each category. Entry forms will be available from 22 November at the GPS News office (Main Street, near Capitec) and at Glam O Shop near Standard Bank. Or email sizabantu. lowveld@gmail.com with the words Entry form in the subject line and we will mail you an entry form. Completed entry forms should be dropped off at GPS News together with a tin or packet of dog or cat food, which will be donated to Pro-life Pet Rescue Sabie. The closing date is 10 December, and judging will take place on 11 and 12 December. The winners will be announced in the GPS News issue of 20 December and on the Facebook page whats happening in Sabie.

Rain Fairies... Jan le Roux, Shanique Sam en Zanli van Heerden.

Muke: passie in beweging

Michle du Plessis
Muke van Maanen, dansinstrukteur, het jare lange ondervinding in verskeie dansgenres. Sy het in 1988 begin dans toe sy drie jaar oud was. Sy het met ballet begin en in 1991 ook met moderne, klop- en akrobatiese danse. Ek dans dus nou al 25 jaar. In 1995 gaan dans ek in n kompetisie in Australi, waar ek twee bronsmedaljes en n silwermedalje wen. Ek kry my NoordTransvaalse kleure in akrobatiese danse in 1997 vir die eerste keer en daarna drie agtereenvolgende jare. In 1999 word sy as die danser van die jaar aangewys en in 2000 verwerf sy haar Springbok-kleure in akrobatiese danse. Muke wen verskeie goue en silwermedaljes in verskeie afdelings op die Dance Art Festival. Daarna begin sy n dansgeselskap op universiteit en stig die begin van die jaar die Muke van Maanen Dansskool. Ek het tans 32 leerlinge van 3 tot 16 jaar. Hulle het in Junie vanjaar IDF- geaffilieerde eksamens gedans waarin hulle uitstekend gevaar het. Al die leerlinge het bo 75% behaal. Die dansskool is by die IDF (International Dance Federation) geaffilieer, en leerlinge kan later, namate hulle verbeter, oorsee gaan deelneem. Muke beplan om items na die Dance Art Festival in Pretoria te bring. Dans is my lewe en my passie. Without dance I cannot feel my heart or hear my soul. ~ Muke van Maanen

Sterre skyn op dansverhoog

Michle du Plesses
gekry om met hul sambreeltjies en vlerkies op die verhoog rond te trippel. Chris Erasmus, die enigste haan onder die henne, het die volgende item op die verhoog gelei as Ken saam met die Barbie Girls. Die Uptown Girls het in hul blou uitrustings die gehoor met hulle danspassies vermaak, terwyl die Cowgirls, die grootse groep, aan die einde van hul item hul blou cowboyblinkertjiehoedens in die lug gegooi het. Closing Act die item deur Natasch du Plessis en Chan Marx het beslis vanwe hul lemmetjiegroen hemde en swaaiende heupe aandag getrek. Muke het met haar optrede staande applous verdien. N die konsert is sertifikate aan die dansers uitgedeel.

Dit was voorwaar n aand saam met Sabie se jong sterre! Die konsert wat Muke van Maanen en leerlinge aan haar plaaslike dansskool op Vrydag 1 November in die Glynn-saal aangebied het, het van harde werk en toewyding getuig. Die saal was taamlik vol mas en pas, oumas en oupas wat gewag het dat hul jong sterretjie op die verhoog verskyn. Nadat Zani Jansen van Vuuren die konsert geopen het, het die Sunshine Fairies Carla Coetzee, Emily du Plessis en Hannah Schoombie die verhoog aangedurf. Uitgedos in oranje klere met n groot silwerhart voorop, het hulle die gehoor se hart gesteel. Daarna het die Rain Fairies n beurt

GPS News

Sean en Amanda Bushney van Bombshelter Bikers Church Sabie.

Bombshelter se Bushneys nou pastore

Sean en Amanda Bushney van Bombshelter Bikers Church Sabie is op 3 November deur New Beginnings Church in Boksburg as pastore georden. Hulle het albei hul internasionale pastoorsertifikaat deur WEMI (World Evangelical Mission International) verwerf. Die egpaar het Bombshelter Bikers Church in Augustus 2011 gestig nadat God hulle met n motorfiets gesen het. Ons het besef dis God se hart en droom vir ons. Die kerk is hoofsaaklik vir bikers, maar non-bikers is ook welkom, en ons deure staan oop vir almal wat die Here liefhet of n plekkie nodig het om die Here te loof en prys. N drie jaar van die kerk se bestaan s hulle: Dit is wonderlik om te sien hoe die Here mense se lewe aanraak en verander. God is steeds n God van wonderwerke. Ons leuse is: A hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Mens besef Sondag n Sondag dat almal van ons stukkend is, maar God is so getrou om ons vir mekaar te gee om mekaar op te help en te dra. Ons is al n groot familie en dis wonderlik om God se liefde met almal te deel. Die kerk se dienste word tans Sondae om 09:30 in die ou Toyotagebou oorkant Wimpy gehou. Hulle s egter omdat hulle nie n tradisonele kerk is nie, reik hulle baie Sondae na ander gemeentes uit en hou dan die dienste daar. Vir meer inligting besoek die Facebook-blad Bombshelter Bikers Church Sabie of kontak Sean by 072455 6565 of Amanda by 076565 6885.

Anika van Aswegen (voorheen van Sabie) en Terence van den Heever het op Saterdag 2 November in Secunda getrou. Claudia van Aswegen, die bruid se ma, woon in Sabie. Die egpaar vestig hul in Secunda.

Hennie van Wyk (57) en Annalize Nieuwoudt (52) is op Saterdag 26 Oktober in die huwelik bevestig. N n verhouding van 14 jaar, en met die kinders nou groot, het hulle besluit om te trou. Die troue is by Silver Mist Country Lodge in Kaapschehoop gehou. Op die vraag hoekom hulle 14 jaar gewag het, het Hennie geantwoord: Ons het uiteindelik toestemming by God gekry. Die egpaar vestig hul in Graskop.

In order to be big, you have to think big. If you think small, youre going to be small. ~ Emeril Lagasse

Andr Nel, eienaar van Attilios Steak Ranch in Sabie, en Karinzke Liebenberg het op Saterdag 9 November getrou. Past. Phil Robson het die diens in Living Waters Christian Church waargeneem.

GPS News

Walking while having fun to aid childrens home

Gerda van den Bos
Some of the athletes who competed in the 12-hour walkathon. while the athletes did their rounds. An impromptu dance competition resulted in lots of fun, with everybody trying the Charlie Brown. Some of the children from Emmanuel Family Home also came along to enjoy the day and the youngsters even walked a couple of rounds. They enjoyed the day so much that they did not want to leave until everything was over. The children were thoroughly treated with food, cool drinks and sweets, and had a marvelous time playing games next to the field. One of the star walkers of the day was Bonnie from Graskop who did 50 rounds in less than three hours. Loock says they are planning to present the walkathon on an annual basis. For next years event they hope to get more businesses and schools involved to compete against each to see which team can do the most rounds.

Sacrifice some time to change the future

Debbie Mller
A couple of hours in the hair salon with Mail & Guardian (my favorite newspaper second to GPS News of course!) will make your hair curl. Front page news covered the kidnapping trend of people who look wealthy in Mozambique. I sent my husband (who is on business there) an SMS: Dress like a tramp and look poor! Infighting vs. crime fighting within the police force. Whos gunning for whom in South Africas law enforcement? One step forward and two steps back! Zuma involved with the 2002 Zimbabwe elections. We overcompensated for apartheid. Efforts to address past injustices have lowered the bar for education in South Africa, says Mamphela Ramphele. What she says is true, but talking does not change anything actions do! So while we await the government to act, Sabie has already gotten itself into gear. Joy Comley is rounding up volunteers to assist the Ubuntu Community Care Centre, which is doing an amazing job offering aftercare and homework assistance for kids who want to improve their education. Can you afford to give two hours per month up for this great cause? You do not have to teach the kids. Vicky Bryant is doing a great job (although there is room for more educators). There is other work that needs to be done while the kids are being taught. For more information contact Joy on 082493 3814. At Home of Hope, a childrens home in Harmony Hill, Past. Phil and Desi Robson of Living Waters Christian Church have dedicated their time and effort to find people to assist the children with homework. The community has really stepped up here, and there are enough volunteers at the moment. Sacrifice some of your time to changing the future.

Many a company has struggled with a serious question: how to raise funds for a worthy cause and have fun at the same time. A couple of months ago, the people at the local security company Tusk Security had exactly the same problem. Then Janice Smith, their PRO in Graskop, and Pierre Nothnagel, one of their managers, came up with the idea to have a walkathon in aid of Emmanuel Family Home in Graskop. Willem Loock, owner of Tusk Security, says he was pleasantly surprised by the response they received from businesses in Graskop and Sabie. All were willing to donate something towards this worthy cause. The walkathon was held on Saturday 26 October at Graskop Primary School. The aim was to walk at least 1 000 times around the athletics track from 06:00 to 18:00. By 18:00, they had, in fact, managed 1 164 rounds, in the process raising R7 600 for the childrens home. DJ Chilliefish from Baseline Rejects Discos and a DJ in Graskop provided the music and sideline entertainment

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Sharon Mandy

L o ve m e , l o ve m y D O G

GPS News

have a chug, which I totally love, but every day I wonder if she does not come from that hot place down under, and I am not referring to Australia. A chug (for those of you who do not know what a chug is) is a cross between a Chihuahua and a pug, and yes, the word has actually been coined, although the breed is not yet recognised officially. They also sometimes call them pugwawas, although I find the first term more endearing somehow. I first had an inkling of what she may be like when I first got her as an adorable tiny puppy, and googled pug and typed in why does my pug and it finished the sentence off for me by saying smell like a fish. I do not want to expand on why pugs actually do smell like fish as those readers with sensitive stomachs will not appreciate the answer. Suffice to say

that as chugs usually have the characteristics of both the Chihuahua and the pug, my chug has inherited this particular trait. Although she is bathed regularly, she continues to smell like redbait that has been in the sun for a while. Another description of chug is a dull and explosive sound usually short and repeated. Although this actually refers to a noise in an engine, anyone that has heard a chug bark knows that this is a good name for this type of dog, with one exception the noise made by a chug is not dull, it is high pitched and excited, but the part about it being a short and repeated sound is very accurate. My chug is a yapper, and she can go on tirelessly all day, when one lets her. My gardener poor soul comes in the day when I am at work, so I am not here to tone down her highpitched and continual soliloquy, and he is subjected to her running to every window in the house and setting up

such a cacophony of noise that the birds fly to the next garden in alarm. When I get home, she has jumped off every cushion on the couch in her efforts to obtain a better view, as she continues her tirade, every now and then bursting through the flap at the back door just to prove to him that she can get out if she wants to... and that murder is on her mind. My best friend will not come to my house because once when I invited her to lunch, my sweet chug rushed across the garden, making a noise like a rabid Alsatian and bit her on the hand. We locked her outside for the duration of the lunch and were entertained by the chug tirelessly jumping up and down outside the three windows that are in my lounge/dining room while

keeping up a continual stream of high, excited barking. Any attempts to quiet her only excited her more, so we eventually settled down and pretended that it was a new sound that Beethoven had brought to his music in the 19th century. (I had music in the background.) Sad to say, my friend has never been back since. I either go to her or we meet for coffee at a local restaurant. In a nutshell, I have this horrendously smelly dog that barks all day and whose favourite thing to do is to eat as much as she possibly can, or sleep on my lap if I ever dare to sit down, and snore like a man in a drunken stupor. In spite of all this, she is one of the cutest dogs I have ever known and I will love her forever.

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Almal se probleem
Alternatiewe Anna
dat sy hom herinner aan sy eie afgeleefde voorkoms, sy eie sterfbaarheid? Maar, terug na my hare toe. Die hot flushes sal uitstekend by die shirazrooi hare pas; die pienk kuif kan die night sweats versteek; en die blou deel kan ek maar na die wreld draai as die blou bliksems my pla. So uit simpatie vir die Sagmoedige Saartjies wat geduldig, gedienstig, gedwee wag dat die blonde bimbo uitgekuier raak. Nou, ek gaan nie val vir die jeugdige kleredrag nie. Dit sal nou wees soos om n russian in n vienna se casing te probeer kry. Klere wat knyp, staan my glad nie aan nie, en high poffaaitjies gaan my laat huil. Kyk, ek is eksentriek, nie stupid nie. Eks ook nie n vreeslike feminis nie, net n gewone een. Tussen die wroeging deur oor die onregverdighede van die lewe, is daar een bietjie troos wat my regop hou. Oudword is almal se probleem. Nie net myne nie.

Face the real world again

Gerda van den Bos
Almost everybody has one. Teenagers love it and many an adult is hooked to it... that marvelous, wondrous thing called Facebook. Through Facebook businesses can reach new audiences, friends can stay in touch, you can play games, load photographs, share all kinds of stuff, but, as with most things in life, it has its downside. One major problem is that it can eat your time, and Im not just talking about your airtime either. More and more teachers are complaining that pupils, especially the teenagers, spend all their time on Facebook and other social technology devices of the 21st century instead of focusing on their school work. Recently, the principal of one of the local schools said all the children in that particular school have top-of-the-line cell phones and that most of them got it by convincing their parents that they need the cell phones for school. That is, off course, not true. Im not against Facebook Ive got two pages myself but parents should really keep an eye on how much time their children spend on

angename kennis, mense! Ek is Alternatiewe Anna, ou inwoner van hierdie dorpie. Jare lank al aanskou ek alles so van die kant af en wonder... oor mense en hul dinge, polemiek om die politiek, korrupsie en skinderstories oor deurmekaar sleutels. En oor uitlaatkleppe. Sien, die anderdag s ek vir my dogter ek gaan my hare sny. So kort agter en lank voor met n slap kuif. Kleur ook! Blou, pienk en shirazrooi. Kleurvol, soos my persoonlikheid. Nadat sy haar stem teruggekry het en die skok en afgryse van haar gesig afgevee het, s sy dis nie vir ou mense nie! Verbeel jou! Almal weet ek is bietjie eksentriek. Kyk, ek dink dis nou maar die menopouseding. Party mans kry so n gevoelvolle trek om die mond en n kriewelrigheidjie in die ingewande en sien net rooi sportmotortjies en slap blondines raak. Koop klere wat by jong latte pas, nie oor dawerende boeppense nie! En, heaven forbid, daai sonbrille. En die ou preskripsie vir die blou pilletjie. Foeitog! Sagmoedige Saartjie wat haar jare lank al voor die stoof afsloof, die kinders grootmaak, huis skoonmaak, is nou skielik nie meer goed genoeg nie. Of is dit dalk

Facebook and what kind of information they share on there. You are not infringing on your childs rights to privacy; you are being a good parent. When one of the schools investigated their pupils Facebook pages, they were shocked with what they found. Girls posted naked pictures of themselves. Cyber bullying took place, and teenagers total disrespect for themselves and authority was crystal clear. Parents should take charge of their children again. Teach them what is right and wrong. Teach them ethics. Join Facebook yourself so that you can know and understand what your child is doing. Most importantly, lay down the rules for internet usage and ensure that your children still know how to communicate and play in the real world and not only with text messages in a virtual world.

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GPS News

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13

Skool vier eeu met fees, revue

Michle du Plessis

Sandy en Danny van Grease (Engela van der Walt en Bennie Wessels). n Kaskarkompetisie het amptelik om 11:00 begin, en aan die einde het van die oudleerlinge ook kaskar gery! Terwyl die juniors kaskar gestoot het, het die seniors koek versier. Die aand is die skool se revue opgevoer waar elke dekade met n ander musiektema uitgebeeld is. Saterdagoggend teen 10:00 is die vleisbraaivure aangesteek, terwyl van die skool se oudleerlinge geelhoutbome geplant het. Baie staaltjies is oor Laerskool Sabie vertel. Waterglybane het baie pret aan die kinders verskaf en vir die grootmense was daar n biertent, pannekoeke, pregos en allerlei stalletjies wat n verskeidenheid van ware aangebied het. Van die oudleerlinge het n toer deur die skool meegemaak en daar is vertel dat die kantoor destyds n eetsaal was en waar verskillende onderwysers se klasse was. Saterdagaand het genooide gaste die revue geniet. Helena Kruger, vrou van die skoolhoof, Johan Kruger, het die gedenkmuur onthul, waarna ou en nuwe vriende om n kaas-en-wyn-tafel gekuier het. Laerskool Sabie wil almal wat by sy fees betrokke was, vir hul ondersteuning en bydraes bedank.

aerskool Sabie het met die 100-jarige herdenking van die skool se ontstaan behoorlik feesgevier. Op Vrydag 25 Oktober is die fees met n vlaghysingsparade begin, waarna n optog deur Sabie se strate gevolg het. Kleurryke kostuums is gedra en daar is blik geskud om geld in te samel.

Uitblinkers se harde werk beloon

Michle du Plessis
Laerskool Sabie het die presteerders onder sy leerlinge middel Oktober op die twee jaarlikse merieteaande vir hul harde werk deur die jaar beloon. Die junior prysuitdeling is op Woensdag 16 Oktober gehou en elke klas se akademiese presteerders is uitgelig. Ook op sportgebied het leerlinge uitgeblink: Sandra Mudavanhu as sowel die beste junior atleet as die beste junior netbalspeler, De la Rey Terblanche as beste junior rugbyspeler, Luthendo Modau as beste landloopatleet en Gerhardus Vermaak as beste junior mini-krieketspeler. Engela van der Walt het die toekenning vir die beste skaakspeler ontvang en is ook die akademiese toppresteerder in die grondslagfase. Die senior prysuitdeling is op 17 Oktober gehou. Die atleet van die jaar is Padney Mogane, terwyl Alexander Maartens die toekennings as rugbyspeler, krieketspeler, tennisspeler en skaakspeler van die jaar ontvang het. Hy is ook as die sportseun van die jaar aangewys. Anja Cronje is die netbalspeler van die jaar en Casey Tapfira die hokkiespeler van die jaar en ook die sportmeisie van die jaar. Die sokkerspeler van die jaar is Clement Nyambi. Die leerling wat die beste op kultuurgebied gevorder het, is KeesPiet Barnhoorn. Anja Cronje en Estian Schroeder het toekennings vir uitstekende leierskap ontvang, terwyl die Laureate-toekenning ook aan Estian as die beste leerling in die senior fase gegee is.

Alexander Maartens

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GPS News

Topgeleentheid vir top-10 gehou

Michle du Plessis
Letitia Bushney en Jaco Heroldt van Barloworld.

n Skittergeleentheid is vir skitterleerlinge gehou toe Horskool Sybrand van Niekerk vir die agste keer sy tien matrikulante wat akademies uittroon, op die toptien-dinee vir 12 jaar se harde werk vereer het. Francois du Toit, skoolhoof, het ges die rede hoekom die geleentheid aangebied word, is om akademiese uitmuntendheid te vier. Ons is baie trots op die leerlinge wat akademies voorloop. Baie dankie vir al jul harde werk. Volgens Lesley Dhne, onderwyser, wedywer die studente om die tien topposisies. Die posisies word bepaal deur die uitslae van die Junie-eksamen. Vanjaar was daar 11 leerlinge onder die tien voorstes, want twee het dieselfde punte behaal. Die voorste leerling in gr. 11 en gr. 10 is ook beloon en aangemoedig om die volgende paar jaar s hard te bly werk. Christopher Maartens in gr. 11 is bestempel as iemand wat stil-stil sy ding doen, maar tog groot golwe maak. Hy blink uit in sport en akademie en is tot onderhoofseun vir aanstaande jaar verkies. In gr. 10 het Natasch du Plessis n vol program wat talle buitemuurse aktiwiteite insluit terwyl sy haar akademiese

prestasie volhou. Ben Bothma van Komatiland Forests het hul geskenkpakkies oorhandig. Maar die werklike sterre was die gr. 12-leerlinge. Jaco Heroldt van Barloworld het die geskenkpakke van Leroy Selekane

(73,7%), Letitia Bushney (73,9%), Thando Mashele (74%), Sibongiseni Masina (76,4%) en Ebenezer Makukule (78%) oorhandig. Francois het self die vyf topleerlinge se geskenke oorhandig. Hulle is Mpilo Nkuna (78%), Rita de Kock (80,6%),

Natasha Kamffer (81,1%) en Skhulile Mdaka (83,3%), met Dorris Tshwane (83,4%), wat vanjaar ook die hoofmeisie was, die toppresteerder in gr. 12. Lesley het die verrigtinge met die gedig Inside You Lies Greatness deur Paul Bauer afgesluit.

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15

Leaders reveal all

Michle du Plessis
effort in to making the school systems run smoothly, but not to prevent creativity and fun. Shernice Ground said they should be a communication channel between teachers and pupils and maintain discipline. Thabang Chawane said you must be able to control a crowd and be someone people can rely on. According to Terrence Gazide, he will support younger learners so that older pupils do not take advantage of them and to ensure that their opinions count. Lerato Makhubedu said: I will be there to listen to them, be their speaker and lead them in a positive way. Event organising is an aspect of a prefects life. Brian Mdhluli said: As the management committee, we work as a unit and allocate duties. I will help by ensuring my given duty is completed by the time it is supposed to be done. Ripfumelo Nkuna said that brainstorming is needed to organize events. How the school is portrayed in public, is also very important to the MCs. According to Oratile Ntimane, the school uniform must always be neat and behaviour in public must always be proper. Asked what they aim to do for their school during their year as prefects, Christopher Maartens said: To build a layer of respect and loyalty, to try and make the school stand out above all and so that learners will be focused on the academic part of school too. Thobile Tsela said: My aim is that, instead of bringing in new things that

midst deafening applause and cheering, Sybrand van Niekerk High Schools new management committee of the representative council of learners was anounced at the schools merit evening. These leaders are chosen by popular vote of the pupils, and it was clear from the shouting of names that the learners had their firm favourites for whom they had voted. A total of 14 boys and girls were called to the stage, and then the head boy and girl and deputy head boy and girl were announced. But what made them so popular? The new prefects were so kind to complete a GPS News questionnaire. This is what they had to say. Except for Democracy Malaka and Princess Marimane, all of them said they were very surprised, shocked even, to be called to the stage. Democracy wasnt surprised because I am ready to serve, and said that he had confidence in himself. In response to the question of what their best qualities are, they listed confidence, hardworking, honesty, integrity, respect, love, commitment, trustworthiness, humility, dedication and good listening skills. Karen Tapfira said: I am a reliable and humble person. It helps me look to other peoples needs and respect authority. They believe the role of a school prefect is to assist, support and serve both staff members and the pupils. Nomcebo Mdluli said: To put a lot of

might eventually break down, I want to bring out the good in everybody using simple and old tactics. I want to leave a fingerprint on everyones lives. It is said that the mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, but the great teacher inspires. Clive Sekgobela said deputy principal Dawie Oberholzer is his role model because he reminds me of my father: strict and dignified. He is highly respected because he respects others, doesnt judge and treats everybody fairly. All the leaders are very opposed to drugs and gangs in the school. All re-

gard these as definite problems that destroy lives. Thelene Rees stated that the learners should be taught a lesson and the teachers must be strict with learners who use and sell drugs at school. Xolile Mzabe said that drugs must be prevented by all means and gang activities are very dangerous. Thabo Ngwenya said that gangs promote violence and should be eliminated from school. The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.

Groot presteerders droom groot

Horskool Sybrand van Niekerk het sy tien topleerlinge by sy jaarlikse prestigegeleentheid vereer (lees bl. 14), maar wat is di leerlinge se toekomsdrome? Dorris Tshwane was vanjaar die hoofmeisie, maar het ook die eerste plek met n gemiddelde van 83,4% beklee. Sy beplan om drie jaar lank te studeer en dan n jaar as leerling te werk. Dorris wil oor 20 jaar medisyne wat vigs en verskeie ander siektes gesond maak, in Afrika versprei. Die persoon wat die grootse invloed op haar gehad het, is haar pa, Sarel Loots. Die manier waarop hy sy lewe lei, is vir haar n inspirasie. Skhulile Mdaka is tweede en het onder meer 100% vir wiskunde gekry. Hy gaan aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch studeer om n aktuaris te word. Hy sien homself oor 20 jaar as n werknemer by n groot versekeringsmaatskappy en as n gesinsman. Natasha Kamffer is derde. Sy wil BSc Geologie aan die Universiteit van Pretoria studeer. Sy s haar gesin benvloed haar die meeste en dat sy dankbaar is dat die Here haar met n wonderlike familie gesen het. Rita de Kock, vierde en vanjaar se onderhoofmeisie, gaan meganiese ingenieurswese aan Noordwesuniversiteit studeer. Vir haar is dit belangrik om oor 20 jaar in haar beroep gevestig te wees en hopelik getroud en met n gesin. Mpilo Nkuna, vyfde, s wiskunde is sy beste vak en dat hy nie goed is in Afrikaans nie. Hy wil rekenaaringenieurswese aan die Universiteit van Pretoria studeer en eendag sy eie rekenaarmaatskappy besit. Ebenezer Makukule, sesde, beplan om BCom te studeer en wil n geoktrooieerde rekenmeester word. Sy hoop om later een van die invloedrykste vroue in die land te wees en beslis Mej. Onafhanklik. In die sewende plek is Sibongiseni Masina. Sy gaan aan die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand regte studeer en wil n prokureur word. Mev. Booysen is die onderwyser wat

haar die meeste benvloed en in haar geglo het. Thando Mashile, agste, is n kranige skaakspeler en wil aan Wits of Tukkies gaan studeer en hom as n rekenmeester bekwaam. Sy ma en sy tannie Tryphina het hom die meeste ondersteun en was altyd daar vir hom. Die negende plek behoort aan Letitia Bushney, wat erekleure vir hokkie verwerf het. Sy gaan BSc Chemie studeer en sien haarself oor 20 jaar as n suksesvolle gesinsvrou. In die tiende plek is Leroy Selekane, wat medies aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch gaan studeer. Daarna wil hy in neurologie en kardiografie spesialiseer. Hy wil ook eendag sy eie praktyk begin en gratis klinieke oor die land heen oopmaak.

SPPG PG BGSJDB
Michle du Plessis

Two take on the challenge on the

16

G PS N ew s

rom 13 to 16 November, Sabie residents Denzil Lawrie and Geoff Good compete in the Roof of Africa Extreme Enduro race in Lesotho. Roof of Africa is one of the most challenging and sometimes dangerous off-road motorbike races in the world. Not only is the physical conditions of racing through the mountains of Lesotho extremely challenging, but the weather is also very unpredictable, with scorching sunshine at the base camp at Maseru and a full-out snowstorm covering the mountain tops. This is the 46th annual race, with 400 competitors from around the world, which means it is one of the worlds oldest races, and it is one of the five most extreme enduros in the world. There are designated refuel stops where pit crews can attend to the teams, while there are also just refuel stops where a can of fuel is loaded onto a vehicle the night before and teams hope their can will arrive at its destination the next day somewhere on a mountain in Lesotho. Geoff told GPS News: The last thing you want is to arrive on top of some mountain at 2 000 m altitude, only to discover that your can of fuel has been misplaced. Many people over the years have spent the night in the mountains for many reasons out of their control. On Thursday 13 November there are round the houses and a time trial. Round the houses means three laps flat-out on the streets of Maseru for the entertainment of the thousands of spectators. Denzil says: You start your time trial approximately 30 km into the mountains and it can take up to three hours to complete. This determines the starting order for day two. Early Friday morning they start a 135 km route, which is slightly marked, and you have to use your GPS a lot to make sure you get back home before dark. Saturday is an early start again on 112 km of extremely difficult enduro terrain to the finish. This is the first year that Denzil will compete in the Roof of Africa Extreme Enduro race. After finishing school, he started and owned Bike Doc bicycle shop for five years before selling it. He then went into forestry contracting Midnight Spark Trad-

ing, and he still does forestry enumerations, GIS work and biological control. His whole family is very fit. Dad Dennis and brother Graham compete in mountain bike racing, while his mom, Ilsa, runs races. I started taking part in adventure bike events in 2010, when I competed in the BMW GS Trophy African Heroes, where I came sixth. Denzils racing highlights are being the winner of this years BMW GS Trophy qualifying event and also winning overall in silver class in the Rudamans enduro series this year. He is looking forward to this race because of the whole experience of taking part in one of the worlds toughest enduro races. It is called the mother of all enduros. Some of the difficulties that he foresees are the long hours in the seat and the unpredictable weather. Denzil will be accompanied by his wife, Lizaan (food and nutrition), Rupert Culwick and Johan Oosthuisen (technical service crew). Asked how his family feels about his racing, he said: My moms nerves are finished long ago, but my wife supports me tremendously and Im very grateful for all her understanding. I love pushing my body to its limits and Im a real adrenaline junky. Geoff is one of three directors of the timber harvesting company GDH Harvesting in Sabie. He says he is happily married to Marina for the last 18 years and we have two boys,

Denzil Lawrie in action. aged 13 and 10, who also both ride dirt bikes. This will be his fourth Roof of Africa Enduro race. Hestarted riding when he was 11 years old and racing in 2007/8. My first race was in Natal. I rode with friends from Nelspruit and have been addicted ever since. Its still basically the same friends that I ride with today. I currently ride in the regional series in KwaZulu-Natal (WFO) and Mpumalanga (Rudamans racing). In 2013, I ended the series third in KwaZulu-Natal and second in Mpumalanga. Highlights are all the friends you meet and places you ride. His greatest disappointment is that he never raced when he was younger due to work commitments. According to Geoff, fitness is a problem when running a business and family are priorities. He tries to cycle for between four and six hours a week and does core training twice a week. He also rides the scoot once or twice a month with my kids or friends. Geoff says that finishing safely is the main challenge at Roof of Africa. Its very demanding, and many things can go wrong from navigation (GPS), injury and mechanical problems to dehydration and weather four seasons in one day. Heat, rain and stamina are some of the problems foreseen. Ryan Conolly and Jason Myburg are his pit crew. My biggest sponsors are my wife and kids. They allow me to train and race, which takes time away from them. They support me 100%. Future plans include racing only for the fun of it, and maybe doing the national series and not just the regionals. I do this to compete and have fun, Geoff says. Regen and Sabie business Nsemani sponsor the two riders energy drinks.

Geoff Good and son.