29 November 2013

Am I computelymad? – 15

Editorial: Redeemingthe time – 2

Lots ofMTB fun – 16

Edition / Uitgawe 16

Our

winner!

Read p. 3 & 4

Yorkbleeds – 9

Natasha: Graskopchampion – 5

SSAAIIddoollss22001133

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From the editorAt this time of the year, the ques­tion on everybody’s lips is: “Wheredid the time go?”

The year is rushing to an end, andthere are so many things still to dobefore we can sit back and relax.Hindsight is always best sight, andwe can argue: “Maybe if I did this orthat, it could have been better.” Myquestion is: “What did you do forother people around you?”

Philippians 2:4 says: “Let each ofyou look not only to his own in­terests, but also to the interests ofothers.” 1 John 3:17: “But if anyonehas the world’s goods and sees hisbrother in need, yet closes his heartagainst him, how does God’s loveabide in him?” Lastly James 2:14­17: “What good is it, my brothers, ifsomeone says he has faith but does

not have works? Can that faith savehim? If a brother or sister is poorlyclothed and lacking in daily food,and one of you says to them, ‘Go inpeace, be warmed and filled,’ with­out giving them the things neededfor the body, what good is that? Soalso faith by itself, if it does nothave works, is dead.”

Are we not so caught up in ourown survival and problems that westagnate and don’t see the realityaround us? There are so manypeople and organisations in our areathat assist the needy, and from myside I am humbled by what theyachieve. It may not always be aphysical need; sometimes an elderlyperson just needs a kind word or atouch. Maybe a child that is hurtingemotionally just needs a kind word

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

Michéle du Plessis (Sabie):

072 797 1 487

Editing and layout: Pedrie

Roberts

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29 November

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30 November

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30 November-1 December

Graskop Crafter’s Market. Graskop

town hall . Hand-crafted products,

food stal ls and tea garden.

1 December

Carols by candlel ight. St. Peter’s

Church, Sabie. 1 8:00.

5 December

Ignite Your Business. Guest

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My Spar Sabie Xperience mountain

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Graskop Christmas Fair. Carols by

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1 4 December

Free Form Music & Arts Festival.

Canimambo Restuarant, Graskop.

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gpsnews @editorKemp

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Aiming for high quality of serviceThe headline “Hope to see end of sewage spillage” appearedin a recent issue of GPS News. Unfortunately, one majorproblem remained unattended for eight weeks.

A 1,8 m deep excavation by the municipality left abroken pipe and a puddle of raw sewage unattended forover eight weeks. The resulting smell and plague of fliescreated a misery for the nearby homeowners. This was amajor health and safety hazard.

Koos Barnhoorn, whose commitment to the community iswell known, was approached and undertook to deal withthe situation. The repairs took about two days. On behalf ofthose affected our thanks are extended to Koos.

We are currently in discussion with the municipality andthe task force to establish a reliable, economical runningmaintenance approach to the care of the water supply sys­tem. We have some fine local contractors resident in Sabiecommitted and equipped to play a major role.

In preparing my contribution for this and associatedtechnical issues I record my grateful thanks to many.Prominent amongst these are Vernon Scrooby, York Tim­bers, James Sheard and his team in the Sabie Chamber,Bennie van Heerden, Herman Thom and Etienne Pretori­us.

We share a common objective with the municipality indelivering a high quality of efficient service to the com­munity. We all hope that we can arrive jointly at a creativeand sustainable outcome.

– Jeff Hawkes

from you to encourage them abouttheir future.

You be the judge if you walkedthe walk and talked the talk withHim this year. If so, thank you verymuch; if not, it is never too late!

Domestic workers raise complaintsAt a recent meeting held in Simile by the CCMA to raiseawareness of domestic workers’ rights to fair labourpractices, heart­wrenching tales of abuse and non­compliance with labour legislation by some employers wererelated.

Workers, mostly women who were the sole providers intheir households, told of a range of traumatic experiencesthey experience in their work. These included:

• Working excessive hours – up to 15­hour days –without being paid overtime. They spoke of being told: “Weare giving you food and accommodation – you should begrateful.”

• Not being granted annual or vacation leave for years.One related working seven years without being able to take

leave.• Having to “work­in” for any public holidays, sick or

family responsibility leave at no extra pay. In other wordsthey did not enjoy their legislated right to paid leave ofabsence.

• Having their work terminated if they wanted toexercise their right to maternity leave to have a child.

• Only being paid R1 000 a month for working a full 21­day month (eight hours a day for five days a week).

• Being shouted at if they do not clean­up the dog faecesimmediately – no regard for their constitutional right tohave their dignity respected.

• Working until 20:00 and not being given transportassistance to get home – despite there being no publictransport available at that time.

• No severance pay being offered when they areretrenched, or as they say: “I was told the job was finishedand I must go.” Workers spoke of working 7 to 14 years andbeing told: “Sorry, I can’t afford to pay you anymore – youhave to leave.”

• Not being allowed to take their annual leaveentitlement in consecutive days, only being able to take twoor three days leave at a time.

It is distressing that this is happening in Sabie – a townclaimed to be a Christian, God­loving town. These were notone or two isolated instances of abuse; approximately 50workers were present at the meeting. Let us correct theseshortcomings and treat our employees with the respectthey so richly deserve.

– Glen McCormack, CCMA

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BBrreennddeenn iiss ssttii ll ll oouurr hheerrooGerda van den Bos

Local singing sensation BrendenLedwaba has lost out on votesagainst Musa Sukwene in the

grand finale of SA Idols 2013 in whathas been described as the toughestseason to date. It was the first timethat two finalists from Mpumalangacompeted for the title.

Right at the beginning of the seasonBrenden said he wanted “to putGraskop on the map”. He has cer­tainly achieved that.

The community is extremely proudof him. Although he lost out on thetitle, his music career has been set onthe right path to success. Brenden’sfirst single, Fingerprints, has alreadybeen released, as well as his first mu­sic video.

The build­up to the finale saw manynerve­wrecking moments as the com­petitors were voted out one by one.During one of these shows, the host,ProVerb, took forever to announce ifBrenden was through or not, and Isent a message to his father, Past.Phineas Ledwaba that my nervescould not take it anymore. His answercame through very quickly: “Well, it’sall in God’s hand. If it’s meant to be,so let it be!” Seems his father has had

the right attitude.Our whole region loved Brenden

from the start and at first many voted

for him just because he is fromGraskop and had matriculated at Sy­brand van Niekerk High School in Sa­

bie, but by the time the competitionreached the final stages, all agreed“we are voting for Brenden because heis the best”.

Obviously most of South Africaagreed. More than 2 million voteswere casted for the top two contest­ants and finally a mere 1 000 votesseparated the two.

I received messages from Worcesterin the Western Cape and Jacobsdal inthe Free State to Groot Marico inNorth West declaring their support forBrenden.

He has won the hearts of young andold alike. Alet Metselaar fromGraskop even watched Idols on televi­sion while listening to the Springboksplaying Scotland on the radio. Nowthat’s what I call devotion.

Hours before the show on Tuesdaynight, Graskop went into panic modeas a typical thunder storm resulted ina power failure. Fortunately, thelights were back on an hour later orelse there might have been a riot.

Congratulations to our Idol,Brenden. You are a star and we willkeep on supporting you! Although youcame second, we know you will makea success of your career.

To the winner, Musa, may God blessyou and guide you in your career.

Brenden and Musa, the two finalists of the ninth season of SA Idols.

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Natasché du Plessis

The multi­talented BrendenPraise Ledwaba, the Graskopboy who is a finalist in this

year’s SA Idols competition, provedhimself once again when he stole mil­lions of hearts with his stunning soloperformance of “Lady in Red”, accom­panying himself on the piano. Idolsjudge Unathi Msengana exclaimedthat his performance was “nostalgic”.

GPS News interviewed him on theday of the filming his “homecoming”when he visited his old high school,Sybrand van Niekerk, in Sabie. Hedescribed his experiences on Idols sofar as “absolutely amazing”, eventhough he also had some negative ex­periences during the season.

“My journey on Idols is incredible,although it is up and down. It is def­initely a highlight in my life.”

He says that it is disappointing toget criticised when you know youworked so hard. The criticism is neg­ative but constructive, he says, andthe result is that “you work harder

and up your game”.One of his biggest highlights is

every time he is able to play the pianoand sing.

He said his fans mean the world tohim; they inspire him to keep goingand to work harder.

“It is amazing to have so manypeople support you and to know thatthey believe in you.”

He said his mom is probably hisnumber one fan. Brenden clearly winsthe popularity vote with more than22 000 Twitter followers – more than10 000 more than his fellow Idolscompetitors.

“Idols is a life­changing experience;it enables you to express yourself inmany different ways. The amount ofsupport and publicity you get isenormous. It gives you a platform togrow and learn to know yourself.”

He said there is no “specialsomeone” in his life, and explainedthat music is his everything.Brenden’s plans include becoming arecording artist and growing hisbrand.

Absolutely amazing,says Brenden

Brenden Ledwabaentertains hisfans at Sybrandvan Niekerk HighSchool in Sabie.

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SSppeeccttaaccuullaarr oonn bbootthh bbiiccyycclleess aanndd hhoorrsseessGerda van den Bos

To earn provincial colours inany sport is an achievement,but to get it in two totally dif­

ferent sporting codes when you areonly 18 years old, is astonishing.

Natasha Emmerick from Graskopdid just that. She has Mpumalangacolours in both mountain biking andequestrianism. She is a gr. 12 pupil atUplands College in White River whereshe recently was awarded the trophiesfor female cyclist of the year, horserider of the year and sport woman of

the year.Her mother, Shirley, says Natasha

has always loved sport. She did herfirst 20 km on a bicycle when she wasonly nine years old. Natasha hadqualified for the Spur Schools Moun­tain Biking League’s national eventfive years in a row, but could onlycompete twice as the event coincidedwith equestrian championships.

She adores horses and this year, sheand her horse, Sandman, has qualifiedfor Mpumalanga colours in showjumping, equitation, dressage andworking hunter at the South African

schools championships.Natasha is not the only one in the

Emmerick household that loves toparticipate in sport. Her brother, akeen cyclist himself, is currently fo­cusing on body building.

Her parents have just completed the94.7 cycle challenge in Johannesburg.Her father, Raymond, finished therace for the third time and in 4:21,and Shirley completed it for the fourthtime and in 4:04. They did the racethis year in preparation for the Argus,which will be held in Cape Town inMarch.

Shirley says they are actually moreinto mountain biking, but likes to takeon the challenge of road cycling aswell. They compete in the Sabie Clas­sic, the Barberton Classic and theForest 2 Falls races every year. Shelikes the last one best as it is one thatthey have initiated from Graskop toaid Shalom Christian School.

She encourages more people to takeup mountain biking as “it is a greatstress reliever and it helps to keepyour weight under control”. It also en­sures fun outings for the whole family,she says.

Natasha Emmerick onher horse, Sandman,completing a jump at theSouth African schoolschampionships.

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Cell phone returned... ‘the right thing to do’On a recent marketing visit toNelspruit, Tuané De La Rey andValerie Kemp of GPS News stoppedfor a well­deserved lunch andsomething cool to drink, seeing thatit was boiling hot. After lunch, theyvisited Lincoln Motors in Kaapsche­hoop Road... and that is where Tu­ané left her cell phone andsunglasses in the bathroom.

En route to White River, Tuanérealised that she had left her cell

phone in the restrooms. After rush­ing back, great was her relief whenshe learned that the general cleaner,Lindiwe Mabusa (27), had takenboth items to their admin office andhad advised the security guard thatit was there should the owner re­turn.

When we pulled in, he immedi­ately came to our vehicle and told usthat they had found the items andthat they were in the office. In the

times that we are living in, this is amiracle.

Asked why she did not simplytake it, because no one would haveknown, a calm and humble Lindiweanswered: “But I am a Christian,and it is the right thing to do.”

Lindiwe, a mother of two, travelsa long way to come to work every­day, and appreciates her job. LincolnMotors can be proud of staff of thisstature. Lindiwe Mabusa

International speaker brings guidance to the youth

The weekend of 8­10 November,Mountain of the Lord Minis­tries in Harmony Hill, Sabie,

held a youth festival. The guestspeaker was Dr. Shaun Johns and histeam from KwaZulu­Natal. Johns isan international speaker gifted in ad­dressing the youth on challenges thatthey face everyday.

Past. Roy Roach of Mountain of theLord Ministries said: “We started ofFriday night with the youth doinggum boot dancing and young girls do­ing spiritual dancing. A lecture bybrother Hermond was presented oneducating the youth about the dangerof different drugs and alcohol.”

Saturday morning, marches tookplace in the streets of Harmony Hill.Teenagers and children came from allover the community and Pola Park tojoin in. Christian tracts were handedout to every home. The team wit­nessed to many older people whoneeded healing.

Roach said: “People came runningout of their houses for prayer. I be­lieve that the atmosphere of HarmonyHill is now open so that God can workthere.”

Lunch was served to everyone thattook part in the march. The youngpeople had a workshop where Johnsspoke to them about the absent fatherfigure and the consequences thereof.Many young people were weeping

when he started to speak about beingrejected, becoming rebellious and nothaving received the love of a father. Itwas a very emotional lecture withtears flowing freely.

Saturday night’s service was packedwith young people. The Sunday morn­ing service concluded the weekend

where young people wanted more ofGod after spending the weekendemerged in the Word of God. The topicof the service was: We, the people, arethe church; church is not the building.Many people accepted Jesus Christ astheir Lord and Saviour.

Roach said: “I give God all the glory,

and I know that the Word of God willnot return void unto Him, but it willaccomplish that what it was sent todo. We as Mountain of the Lord Min­istries want to thank everyone thathad sown seed, worked and prayedinto this conference. May God blessyou.”

Evangelism in the streetsof Harmony Hill.

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Kry jou R’e regK en jy die storie van die ou

vrou wat die Liewe Here virKrismisete genooi het? Wel,

op Kersdag wag en wag sy en al watby haar aanklop, is drie mense watiets kom vra. Elke keer sê sy hullemoet loop – sy wag vir ’n baie belang­rike Gas om te kom eet. Dis nader­hand middernag en niks Liewe Heer­tjie nie. Naderhand vra sy nou maarhoekom en sy kry die antwoord dat Hydrie keer by haar deur was en elkekeer weggewys is.

Nou, hierdie storie keer my omhonger mense weg te jaag. Ek kan nie– so ek voer hulle maar. Soms is diekaste ook maar leeg, maar elke keerkry ek tog iets om te gee. Nou laat alhierdie dinge my dink aan reuse, re­duce en recycle. Ek reken nou só. MetKrismis om die draai kan ons mos

kindness en liefde reuse. Dit kos mosniks nie. En een kindness per daggaan nie jou kindness­spens leegmaaknie. Kindness kom in verskillendepakkies, nie net kospakkies nie.

Dan, reduce. Moenie daai duurchocolates koop nie. Koop cheapchocolates en ’n sak hondekos. Diechocolates gee jy vir ou tante Baby,wat anyway nie die difference sal spotnie. Die hondekos drop jy in diewinkel se bin vir minderbevoorregtehonde. Easy! Jy’t die hoeveelheid ver­minder wat jy sou spandeer en jy’t ’nhonger hond vir Krismis gevoer.

En recycle! Jy weet daai Krismisetewat jou ure gevat het om voor teberei? En nadat almal siek gevreetskeef lê, is die helfte nog oor? En nátwee dae is almal siek vir Krismiskos?Hierdie Krismis kan jy ander se dag

ook mooimaak. Laai daai baie kos injou kar en ry na die ashoop toe. Nee,ek sê nie dump dit nie! Daar is so baiemense wat daar skrop vir weg­gooidinge wat nooit nee dankie sal sênie. Of voer die kinders by ’n kinder­huis.

Whatever jy vir Krismis doen,onthou die drie R’e. Die bedelaar voorjou deur is dalk net ’n baie belangrikeGas.

Alternatiewe Anna

Michele du Plessis

Ada Spottiswoode van Sabie lyk virdié wat haar nie ken nie, soms na ’nerg befoeterde en uitgesproke oukoei (só noem sy haarself) wat haarvrou kan staan. Vir dié wat haar welken, is sy ’n wonderlike mens met ’nenorme, goue hart wat altyd bereidis om ander te help.

Daarvan kan die kinders getuigwat al by haar in pleegsorg geplaasis. Saam met die twee kinders watop 28 November in haar sorg ge­plaas word, het sy deur die jare alsowat 15 kinders versorg. Twee mei­sies bly reeds ongeveer drie weke byAda, waar hulle aanvanklik vir vei­lige bewaring geplaas is.

Ada vertel dat die twee kindersfisiek en emosioneel verwaarlooswas toe hulle by haar geplaas is. Dieeen kry nou weekliks arbeidsterapieby Sabie Hospitaal en sal van Janu­arie soms na ’n kleuterskool gaan.

“Sy moet leer hoe om tussen anderkinders te wees. Sy weet nie hoe omte speel nie en het feitlik geen so­siale ontwikkeling nie,” sê Ada.

Intussen is ’n 13­jarige seun byAda in veilige sorg geplaas, en eindeNovember sal ’n broer en suster van12 en 13 jaar by haar geplaas word.

Op die vraag hoekom sy ’n pleeg­ouer is, sê Ada: “As niemand bereidis om dit te doen nie, wat gaan vandie kinders word? Ek wil vir hierdiekinders ’n veilige blyplek gee metbaie liefde, stabiliteit en natuurlikook dissipline. Hierdie kinders ver­dien om hul menswaardigheid terugte kry en om gelief te voel, maak niesaak wat gebeur nie.”

• As jy ’n bababed of stapelbedjieshet wat jy nie meer gebruik nie, salAda dit nuttig vir die pleegkinderskan gebruik.

HHaarrtt vvaann ggoouudd rreeiikk uuiitt nnaa kkiinnddeerrss

Plek van liefde... Ada Spottiswoode met die meisies wat tans virveilige bewaring by haar is.

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Pampering with a personal touchA dream of many years has fi­

nally come true for MichelleLock of Sabie. On Monday

11 November, she officially openedSephora Health & Skin Care.

The opening took the form of acheese and wine evening whereguests could relax and enjoy a littletime off whilst walking through thesalon.

Michelle says the name Sephora isa combination of the words “sephos”(Greek for beauty) and the Greekform of tzipporah, which means“bird” in Hebrew.

She had studied at Northlink Col­lege in Cape Town, and did a twoyear international somatology andaesthetics course (also known asbeauty therapy). She had been atravelling beauty therapist for awhile in Sabie, but always dreamedabout opening her own salon.

At the salon, Michelle enjoys thepersonal touch with her clients andenjoys pampering them in a serene,calm environment. Michelle has apassion for people and to make themfeel good about themselves. Her ser­vices range from manicures and

pedicures to the more luxurious, in­dulging treatments like facials.These treatments are not only aimedat targeting your skin concerns, but

allow you the opportunity to unwindand take some time out in the se­rene surroundings.

Gift vouchers for your loved ones

are also available. For a more com­prehensive list of services offered,contact Michelle on 073 148 9369 orvisit the salon at 11 Mac Mac Street.

Left: Michelle Lock and herfiancé, Dylon de Jager, at theopening of Sephora Health &Skin Care in Sabie. They will getmarried in Cape Town on 15March next year.Below: Claudia van Aswegen,Michele Lock and Annelise Stry­dom enjoy the opening.

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SmallsTown house to rent

Sabie View. 2 beds, 2 baths, 1 garage.

R4 000/month. Prepaid electricity. N o

pets. Kerry: 083 51 4 21 84.

Driver available

H onest, driver with Code 1 0 PDP

seeking employment. Matriculated. Can

start immediately. N on-smoker and

doesn’t drink alcohol. Contact Valerie:

083 565 9458.

York drives blood donations

Michéle du Plessis

The South African National BloodService (SANBS) and York Timbershave formed a partnership to build upblood stocks for the upcoming Decem­ber holidays.

The York Blood Drive, held at SabieCountry Club on Monday 25 Novem­ber, was organised by Jackie Prinsloo,Community Development Manager atYork, and Whanita Parks fromSANBS. The whole idea of the blooddrive was to offer potential donors thechance to play their part in giving lifeto those in desperate need of blood.

November is always a difficultmonth for blood collection as mostschools are not available for blooddrives. It is also that time of year

when it is essential to build up stocksfor the festive season.

Jackie said their aim was to donate30 units of blood. A total of 55 peopleshowed up at the York Blood Driveand 46 units were donated.

“I am very thankful for the way thepeople supported this blood drive.They impacted the community by sav­ing lives. They not only signed up todonate blood, but also their time inthis effort to make a difference. Weshall definitely be doing this more infuture.”

Donating blood is a vital communityservice that saves lives. Parks said:“We are very thankful that York Tim­bers motivated their people to donateblood. We hope that the people whodonated will become regular donors.”

Nadine Harker of York, Jackie Prinsloo, York Blood Drive organiser,and Portia Nkambule of the SANBS.

Living Waters Christian Church in Sabie presented the Christmasconcert “Why was Jesus born?” on Sunday 17 November. The play waswritten by Danuelle Burger.

From left: Marina Daniel, Desi Robson and Danuelle Burger, part ofthe management team for the play. Absent on the photo are ClairVinson and Charmaine Botha. Firstly, they would like to thank Godfor the ability to have been able to do it, and would also like to thankeveryone for their part in making it such a success.

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Jock’s standard moves upFor over ten years, Jock Sabie

Lodge was owned by a busi­ness person that was based in

Pretoria. This changed on 1 August,when local business owner Con­stantine Kazandjis officially took overJock Sabie Lodge.

For the local tourism industry thisproved to be an excellent growthstrategy as a local business ownerclaimed trophy to this three­star lodgein the centre of town and close to allamenities.

The general manager at the lodge isAneska van Heerden. Aneska hasbeen in the hospitality business mostof her working life, starting at thebottom and working herself up. Shehas been employed previously at Roy­al Hotel in Pilgrim’s Rest, as well asvarious five­star lodges, like MountGrace in Magaliesburg.

She is a nature lover, people orient­ated and a busybody full of energy.Some of her hobbies are hiking andoutdoor activities. She was promotedfrom Floreat Riverside Lodge’s reser­vations and front office team.

Aneska’s aim is to raise Jock’sstandard to cater for the internationalmarket, but also to accommodate thelocals. Jock Sabie Lodge boasts beau­tiful scenic gardens with a sparklingpool and trampolines for the kids. Thefood on their menu is versatile andthey offer pizzas, steaks, seafood and

more, but their curries are their spe­ciality. The food is affordable and onpar with other restaurants.

They offer pub lunches on the deckoverlooking the pool as well as a full àla carte menu, and cater for confer­ences, special events and kiddies’birthday parties.

Aneska is planning a fantastic

Christmas lunch where the family canspend quality time together and Momcan be off for the day. She says: “Comeand join us to experience a relaxingtime and delicious meal. We only offerthe freshest and best quality food.Jock Sabie Lodge aims to become thebest accolade in the area, and withyour help, we will achieve it.”

Aneska van Heerden, general manager, and the Jock Sabie Lodge staff.

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200 compete inschools crosscountry raceMichéle du Plessis

Woodlands School in Sabie held across country race at Klipkraal Damon 13 November.

Despite the heat and the fact thatthe events started a tad late, every­body enjoyed the day immensely.

Seven independent schools – Wood­lands, Penryn, Uplands, Summerhill,Birchcroft, Curro and Riverview –participated and 200 athletes, fromu/7 to u/13, competed in the race. Theroute through the plantations was de­signed by Jaco van Staden of CycleJunkies, and some of the athletescommented on the beauty of the sur­roundings.

This year, Woodlands made use ofAsh Winters for the timekeeping, andthe results were immediately placedon the internet on Webscorer. Wood­lands also had a “minute to win it”stall, where three Woodlands pupilswon the prizes.

York Timbers sponsored the eventand helped with the organising.“Without York the day wouldn’t havebeen a success,” Elizca Davies, organ­iser said.

The results are available on www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=15688.

MopisaNkhoma

WWaatteerr ffuunn iinn tthhee ssuunnGerda van den Bos

Graskop Primary School ended theyear on a high note with a water funday that was held at the school at theend of October. It took some planning,but finally a day was found where theweather was just right, the slides andother equipment were available andthe fun could commence.

Eight huge water slides, wateryjumping castles and tall slides endingin foam splash pools adorned the

school grounds. Before the fun couldofficially start, a small problem oc­curred. The water wonderland usedtoo much power and suddenly theelectricity tripped. Fortunately, MrFixit was on standby and he quicklygot the school’s generator up and run­ning. (Mr Fixit is also known as MarkMatthee, principal.)

The children had a marvelous time,running, sliding and playing in thefoam. The teachers also had fun, andalso became wet, but they had the

task of ensuring that nobody got in­jured and that the slides had enoughwater and foam. They declared thatthey were very tired that afternoon.

The children were also fairly ex­hausted after the morning’s activities.As one teacher said with a smile:“They played so much, they actuallywere quiet at the end.”

The water fun day was the idealstress­reliever before the end of theyear exams, which commenced a weeklater.

Rati Mogane (gr. 5) gets ready to launch himself down the tube. Photo: MLM Photography

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Die droom van ’n mooi, skoon dorp ontwaak weerGerda van den Bos

Graskop is dalk stil en rustig,maar van die dorp se inwo­ners is altyd aan die gang.

Stilsit en niksdoen is nie op hulwoordelys nie. Johan en Alet Met­selaar is ’n voorbeeld hiervan. Sodrie en ’n half jaar terug het hulleGraskop hul tuiste gemaak.

Johan, ’n oudskoolhoof, het van­jaar 75 geword, maar van stoepsit isdaar nog geen sprake nie. Hy wasaan die stuur van sake met die op­knappingsprojek van die FanieStoltz­aftreeoord en dien in verskeieko­mitees, onder meer om Graskopse Kers­ en handwerkmark te reël.

Hy het ’n hoekhuis en ’n ruk terughet iemand die een stopteken, waar­van die paal deurgeroes was, onder­stebo gery. Toe hy sien die munisi­paliteit draai darem te lank om dieteken te herstel, het hy self inge­spring en die nodige herstelwerkgedoen – sommer so ’n ekstraplaatjie ook ingesit sodat die kwaai­jongens nie weer die teken dwarskan draai nie.

Verder is hy aan die gang omdromme te versamel en dit in die

dorp vas te ketting om as asblikke tedien. Hy en Alet tel gereeld die pa­piere op wat om die poskantoor lê.

Noudat die projek by die aftree­oord onder beheer is, gaan hy weersy aandag aan die Droom vir Gras­kop wy. Graskop is reeds deel vanRSG se Droom Suid­Afrika­projek, ’npoging om die land se dorpe weerskoon, netjies en mooi te maak. Diedroom is nie gebonde aan enige poli­tieke party of ’n spesifieke gedeeltevan die gemeenskap nie. Die doel isom almal te betrek om te help omGraskop ter ere te herstel.

As almal net inspring en hul eiesypaadjie netjies hou en papiereoptel en gebou­eienaars ’n slag diestraataansig opknap en verf, sal dital baie help.

Alet is lief vir tuinmaak en haarplante is haar trots. Sy kweeksteggies en nooi mense om by haarte kom steggies haal – op voorwaar­de dat hulle dit op hul sypaadjieplant.

Enigiemand wat die droom virGraskop deel of wat ekstra geld oftyd beskikbaar het om daaraan tewy, kan gerus die Metselaars by 013767 1234 kontak.

Johan en Alet Metselaar glo nie aan stoepsit en niksdoen nie. Methulle aan die voortou gaan Graskop se drome nog waar kan word.

Nikita van Heerden

Ons liggies kan maar gou dof word.Hoewel ons ’n lig vir die wêreld moetwees, kan ons dit soms nie eens reg­kry om vir onsself genoeg lig te maakom te sien waar om die volgende treete gee nie, wat nou nog te sê van ’n ligvir die wêreld om ons te wees.Ek lees nou die dag dat ons meer moetprobeer wees soos iets wat “glow inthe dark”, eerder as soos gloeilampe ofkerse. Die skrywer skets ’n wonderlikebeeld: ’n Voorwerp wat “glow in thedark”, kan net skyn wanneer dit ge­noeg tyd in die lig deurgebring het.Dit het my laat dink...

Ons kan net in die donker rondomons skyn wanneer ons tyd in die Ligdeurgebring het. Ons moet by God sevoete gaan sit. Selfs Moses het netgeskyn wanneer hy tyd alleen saammet die Here bo­op die berg deurge­

bring het. Wanneer hy dan na die volkteruggekeer het, kon hulle hom let­terlik sien gloei... skyn!

Die tweede ding wat ons van “glowin the dark” weet, is dat dit, nadat ditin die lig was, net ’n sekere tydperkkan skyn. Dit moet dan weer aan ligblootgestel word voordat dit genoegherlaai het om weer in die donker tekan skyn. Dus moet ons ook gereeld,elke dag, in God se teenwoordigheidtyd deurbing om sy Lig vir die donkerwêreld daar buite te kan wees.

Laastens, het jy al opgemerk hoe­veel nuuskierigheid, vreugde en opge­wondenheid iets wat “glow in thedark” by mense kan aansteek? Komons probeer om ook só te skyn en ’nvreugde rondom ons uit te straal so­dat mense nader sal wil kom en kykwat hierdie gloed in ons veroorsaak.Beter nog, dat hulle sal wil aansteekom ook te kan “glow in the dark”!

Om in die donker te gloei

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Glory Hill Primary’s top achievers awardedGerda van den Bos

Glory Hill Primary School held its prize­giving cere­mony on 12 and 13 November in the Graskop townhall, which was decorated with colorful paper plateflowers with smiling faces.

Past. Phineas Ledwaba opened the proceedingsand encouraged the parents to motivate and supporttheir children in whatever God­given talent theyhave. “If you want your child to become a doctor, butall that he wants to do is play soccer, forget yourdream for him and encourage him to play soccer.”

On the first day, the learners from gr. 4 to 7 re­ceived their certificates and prices, the new prefectswere announced and the outgoing head boy, headgirl and their deputies had the opportunity to saygoodbye to the school and to encourage the newleaders. These youngsters stood up before a hallpacked with parents and guests and spoke with theutmost confidence and skill.

When the new prefects were announced, theirparents were also called to the stage to pin theirpins on their collars under loud applause from theaudience.

On the second day, the little ones in gr. R to 3 re­ceived their prizes and awards, starting with the“graduation” of the two classes of gr. Rs, who weredressed for the occasion in black robes and gradu­ation hats. Daan Rossouw, principal, got them tosing “Oom Olifant” while they mimicked his ges­tures, causing lots of laughter in the hall.

Getting kids safely across the roadGerda van den Bos

The pupils from Glory Hill PrimarySchool have to cross the busiest streetin Graskop every day to get to school.Fortunately, they have a team of ded­icated scholar patrollers – under su­pervision of Anne Dennison of theschool governing body and teacherMashego. The scholar patrol works inclose cooperation with the local trafficdepartment to ensure that the chil­dren cross the road safely.

The patrollers consist of two teams,each with their captain and leader,and they are on their posts come rainor shine as early as 06:50 in themornings, regulating the traffic andchildren.

Most of the learners come from dis­tant places surrounding Graskop and

are transported by busses and taxis tothe school. Getting everybody on theright bus or taxi can be a problem, butthe children, under the watchful eyesof the teachers on duty, will form rowsin front of the school gate and wait(almost patiently) for the orders tomarch to their particular bus or taxi.Although some of the taxi drivers aretroublesome and not always on time,it was heartening to see a taxi driveractually came into the school groundsto fetch the children for his particulararea as most of his passengers weresmall children in gr. R to 3.

Motorists are advised to adhere tothe scholar patrollers’ signals. Theyclaim that they are quite capable ofgiving you a fine when you do notlisten to them. Drive carefullywhenever you are near a school.

Rather slow down and be over­cau­tious until you have passed becausealthough children are taught how to

cross a road safely, sometimes theycan be absentminded and do sillythings.

The scholar patrol leaders for 2014. Teacher Mashego, Patience Chilo­ane, Anne Dennison, Mpho Mann and Britney Dennison were all part ofthis year’s team and are ready to take on the work again next year.

The leaders of the leaders for 2014... Deputy head girl Maile Thatego, head girl Peeletso Malele,teacher Marule, deputy head boy Molaetši Mazwi and head boy Charles Motale.

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Web page andgroup promotelocal businessSabie local and Pets of Eden ownerAlexsander Rost is like many young­sters an active social media user. Topromote local businesses he started aFacebook page at www.facebook.com/LowveldMG.

“I started this page and group in or­der to draw attention to local busi­nesses and the local residents,” he says.“Although we live in a small town,there are so many entrepreneurs andbusinesses that people don’t knowabout. Just the other day I found outthat there is a girl that designs andproduces jewellery, a new boutique, agift and glass shop right here in littleSabie.

“I experience this myself – there aredaily still people entering my shop thatdid not know Sabie has a professionalpet shop, even though I’m celebratingmy first year in business this Decem­ber.”

Alexsander contemplated how to as­sist other businesses, and thought ofthe fact that many people use socialmedia like Facebook and Twittereveryday. Through these media peopleknow what is happening in and aroundother towns or what businesses, spe­cials and products they have, but fewresidents in Sabie know what is actu­ally on offer, and many think they haveto go to Nelspruit to find somethingwhile it may have been available loc­ally.

“That’s why I decided to start a pageand group to get the businesses, spe­cials and products promoted to the localand surrounding residents. We mustsupport local businesses in order tokeep our town vibrant and alive. Iwould like to invite all local businessesand surrounding towns’ residents tolike the page and start investing inyour town’s future.”

This service is free to all businesseson condition that it is legal and notderogative.

Sharon Mandy

I have a computer that is in love with Eskom. Shesits there smugly looking at me, because sheknows I simply can’t do without her, and then just

when I am really enjoying reading, or have an eurekamoment, she goes into “power saving mode”.

When she is in “power saving mode”, her screen goesblack and she takes a while to come on again. She thentells me that we have exited unexpectedly and asks meif I want to restore the previous programme. This usedto make me go into an immediate tantrum, but I notedthat she would merely get this gleam on her screen,and do it again.

I have had so many people look at her,knowledgeable people that are not technologicallyhandicapped like me, but no one seems to be able topick up the problem.

Nowadays when she goes into this mode, I take adeep breath and make myself a cup of coffee and wait. Iblame her for my recent caffeine addiction.

I know that she is doing it on purpose, because thereis no logic with the time she takes to go into this mode.At times I gleefully think that she is cured because Ihave been surfing the internet for two hours, and then

just when she thinks she may be spoiling me too much,or I find something which I have been looking for forages, there she does it again! Other times she does it asI am logging in, and several times after that for therest of the evening. The time she takes to come onagain also varies. Of course, the minute I call anyone into take a look at her, she refuses to do it, and they goaway shaking their heads and giving me pityingglances.

I made a huge mistake this morning when I let herlisten to the news. Eskom has requested consumers tocut down their electricity usage by about 10%, or it willhave to resort to load shedding. My computer has nowdecided to cooperate as any good citizen should and sheis going into “power saving mode” at every possibility.Either that or she is lonely and wants me to stay up allnight with the amount of coffee I have been forced toimbibe.

It is so trying to live with all these seeminglyinanimate objects that have an irascible sense ofhumour at my expense. First it is my GPS, although Ido get the feeling that at least she is on my side, then itis my phone, sometimes it is my car, and now it is alsomy computer! At least I know the problem does not liewith me.

Am Icomputely

mad?

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LLoottss ooff mmoouunnttaaiinnbbiikkee ffuunn oonn tthhee wwaayyThe tenth My Spar Sabie XperienceMTB Stage Race takes place this yearfrom 13 to 16 December.

To please the whole family, theorganisers have provided options forall levels of fitness and skills, from thetwo­day (80 km) Team Lite and thethree­day (140 km) Team Wannabethrough to the demanding four­day(200 km) SoloXperience. There aregreat goody bags and qualityColumbia sportswear for allparticipants.

Over the same weekend, there arethe options of riding either one or bothof the Valencia 60 km Xmas Xlassicand 33 km Xanadu one­day races (onsimilar routes). They are on offer forthose who decide they want a taste ofthe fun, but are unable to participatein full multi­day events.

Compared to other stage racesaround South Africa, MTB stageracers don’t have to rob a bank, sellthe wife’s car or take out another bondon the house to afford an entry to havesome fun in the mountains aroundSabie.

The race venue has changed. Allstages and races will start and finishat the brand new conference facilities

presently being completed at FloreatRiverside Lodge – a beautifullydesigned facility with everything athand, and much more easily accessiblefrom town.

Entries are filling up fast! Don’t loseout. Check out and enter on thewww.sabiexperience.co.za website formore details.