Edition / Uitgawe 19

14 February 2014

Police divers inspected the Sabie River and pronounced it safe for the Round Table Tube Race, while the police and medical personnel were on stand-by at all the problem areas in the river. See p. 14. Photo: Michele du Plessis

Flower power 3

Long Tom Hill Climb 16

Happy Valentine from all of us

Misty Mountain turns 40 9

GPS News

GPS News Prints Business Cards

From the editor

wanted to be there for her, but I did not know. Our everyday saying is we dont have time... but time waits for no one. We never know when our last day on earth will be, and feelings of guilt afterwards do not change anything. Every parent or older person will tell stories of their hardships as a child and how different the world was, but one thing that was better in the old days, was time. Despite modern technology, faster cars, electronic devices to make our life easier, we are more in a hurry than ever before. I have made a decision to keep my word when saying to someone we must visit, to make sure it happens. If we all have the mindset of less of me, but more of you, wont our world be a better place to live in?

GPS News 22 Main Road, Sabie Tel: 01 3 764 31 27 Fax: 086 574 3454 Editorial/Advertising: Valerie Kemp, tel: 083 565 9458 E-mail: editor@gpsnews.co.za Reporters: Gerda van den Bos (Graskop): 083 324 7254 @GerdaGraskop Michle du Plessis (Sabie): 072 797 1 487 Graphic design: Belinda van der Sandt Editing and layout: Pedrie Roberts
There are so many lonely people out there, and a cup of coffee and a halfhour visit might just be what they need. Be there for others, because if you are in a bad place, would you not want someone to be there for you?

t all started with a SMS: The funeral of Hester Killian will be held on Friday 31 January. Immediately I thought: But it cannot be! I saw her briefly in Nelspruit towards the end of last year, with the usual animated chatter and greetings that we must visit, but it never happened. Feelings of guilt of not making a concerted effort to visit her will not change the outcome, but I wish it could. What hurts and bothers me the most is the fact that I missed out on an opportunity to show love and compassion. To not be present for someone in need, whether sickness, emotional of financial, robs you of the opportunity to demonstrate what or who lives inside you. I did not even know she had cancer, and having walked that road, I

Social Calendar Sosiale Kalender

Let us know about any events for placement in the Social Calendar. It is free! Graskop is 1 00 years old this year
If you want to be part of the festive committee contact GBTF secretary Susan van den Berg: 076 620 7826.

1 4 February

Happy Valentine to all patrons of Canimambo Restaurants in Graskop. Lots of specials for the day!

1 4 February

Deurnagbid, 1 9:00-07:00. Bombshelter Bikers-kerk, Sabie. Glynn Hall (langs Sabie Country Club). Almal welkom.

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1 5 February

Congratulations to Thaba Chweu

I was most impressed when I received a phone call from a lady, apparently from Thaba Chweu, reminding me to pay my electricity and rates, in the first half of January. I was actually in the act of doing that, and she requested proof of payment, so I altered my electronic payment to include her email address. The charge on my bank statement indicated that this was successful. Imagine my surprise, when, about two weeks later, my electricity was suddenly disconnected without any prior warning at 10:55 as I was working on my computer. A visit to the municipal offices confirmed my worst fears. Thaba Chweu had struck again. There was a cut-off list signed on January 23, many pages long. About three hours later we were reconnected, luckily before all the food could start to deteriorate. It seems that the lady who phoned is a contractor based elsewhere. Her company does not bother to inform Thaba Chweu about who has subsequently paid, meaning that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. All that well-intentioned effort has gone to waste. Meanwhile, the waste has been lying outside in the street for over a week, uncollected, rotting in the summer heat, attracting flies and rats etc. Not Amused, Sabie

To date, as a pensioner, it has cost me R521 to renew my licence. Never mind the petrol costs. My pension is R1200 a month. If you are 65 and over, be aware.

Sabie Flea Market. Covered area at Pets of Eden. Contact Alexsander: 073 706 1 027.

1 5 February

Ek het my antwoord gekry

Ek het na iets gesoek om te doen wat my sou laat beter lyk en voel sonder dat dit aan my rokgrootte, ouderdom of bankbalans gekoppel is. Om dit nog ingewikkelder te maak, was my rugprobleem ook n groot faktor. Ek het n klein advertensie in GPS Nuus oor callanetics gesien en nogal skepties gaan inloer. Groot was my verbasing egter, want die oefeninge is onder meer juis geskep vir mense met rugprobleme. Nou, n paar maande later, voel ek soos n ander mens. Ja, party dae sweet en blaas ek, maar ons is nou al vriende daar en doen dit saam en daar is altyd n sding op die regte tyd. Die bonus is dat ek dit baie geniet en dat my rugprobleem al s verbeter het dat die verskil merkbaar. Dankie, Anne, vir jou omgee en al die moeite met elke klas. Jy is een uit n miljoen. Ek hoop di briefie help iemand wat soekend is om ook daar uit te kom. Charlene

Ball and chain competition. Sabie Bowling Club. 1 3:00. Mixed pairs for married couples and partners. Prizes galore, food and drink. No divorce lawyers needed!

22-23 February

Mountain bike race, Sabie. MTN national MTB series #2, driven by Nissan.

1 March

Painting demonstration in oils by Louis Audie. The Loft at Trips ZA opposite St. Peters church. 09:30. Contact John: 01 3 764 11 77.

1 March

Pensioners exploited

Black leopard spotted again

In GPS News of 31 January you published an article about black leopards in the Sabie area. My wife and I saw a black leopard on the road from White River to Sabie in late December last year. It was crossing the road at the first pine tree block on the left. It actually stopped on the side of the road and looked at us. Gary Cornish

Fundraising for Pro Life Pet Rescue. Theme: 1 01 Dalmatians. Dress: black and white. Floreat Riverside Lodge, Sabie. 09:00. R1 00 per person (includes a light lunch). Contact: 084 764 9066.

29 March

Beginning of the year, I noted my drivers licence was due to expire middle January. I toddled off to the Sabie licence department to apply for a new licence. The lady behind the counter requested I fill in the application form and obtain four photographs. This I did, and after obtaining the four photographs at R40, submitted it. An eye test appointment was made for the next day, but on arriving for the eye test was informed that as I was over 65 years old and a pensioner, a medical clearance certificate was required. I duly went to Sabie Hospital to have the medical done and the form stamped by the admissions clerk. This cost R311 and four hours at the hospital. I returned to the traffic department to have my eye test, which I passed with flying colours. Finally I had all the documents, which I submitted to the licence department, and low and behold, was charged a further R170.

Donkey derby. SCCT fund raising event. Contact: 072 1 28 1 098.

23-25 Mei

Smalls
Mount Anderson. 1 ,5 slaapkamer. R1 700 p.m. Koopkrag. Eie ingang en afdak. Kobus: 083 251 41 46.

Vrouekamp: Aanvoerder van die stryd. Aan De Vliet. Spreker: dr. Leonie Jonker. Kontak Bets Steyn: 082 525 1 684.

Woonstel te huur

Needlework classes

1 st class: how to shorten your jeans. Corlia: 082 804 5524.

GPS News Prints Flyers

GPS News

My job is my love The plant man

f we dont work, we cant eat, and our children will go hungry, says Sinos Mavmbela (64), a Sabie entrepreneur with green fingers. Sinos, who was born and raised and has lived in Sabie his whole life, used to work for York Timbers for a long time at the tree-breeding farm outside town on the Wilgeboom road. This is where he learned about plants. When he retired, he and his wife, Onica (48), started an informal nursery at the corner of the Sabie/Graskop road and the Wilgeboom turnoff. I do what I love and I earn money to support my family, he says about his nursery. Sinos sells flowers, various herbs, chilli trees, fruit trees, like figs and grapes, and seedlings. Many of these he grows from cuttings. Some of his favourite plants are lavender, roses and begonias. He would like to invite keen gardeners to visit him and browse and discuss plants. To work with the plants is not only his job; it is his passion. It is up to you to make a differ-

Sinos Mavmbela with the other love in his life: plants at his informal nursery.

ence. You cannot rely on other people to look after you. You need to work hard and be an example.

Sinos says he would like to thank all the kind people who support him by bringing plants that he can then

use to make even more plants, thus ensuring a steady income for him and his family.

GPS News

GPS News Prints Carbonised Books

Bears have new names and homes!

GPS News four colourful bears that were nameless see issue 18 of 31 January have been named, and found their new owners. A record number of entries were received for this competition. Thank you to everyone who participated; it is heart-warming to experience such participation. If you were not one of the lucky winners, you still have a chance. See the advert of Van Heerden Pharmacy in this issue of GPS News. You can win a big, very big bear in their colouring competition. Just cut out the picture, colour it and take it to the pharmacy. Here are our winners: Green and gold bear: Won by Rivoningo Ngobeni (6). Her mom, Florence, who works at Casual Curls in Sabie, entered on her behalf. She called her bear Cutie Bear. Pink and blue bear: Won by Michaela Compaan (14 months). Her uncle Thys entered the competition for her. They called the bear Mallow Bear after marshmallows. Red bear: Won by a very excited Miemmie Smith, who works at Deon Potgieter Attorney in Sabie. She called the bear Kaspaas. Maroon and pink bear: Won by

Troyden Matsane (20 months). His granny, Hendrina van Niekerk, entered on his behalf. They called

their bear Baba because every time he sees a bear he wants to hold it and asks for the baba.

O Graskop, my Graskop
Gerda van den Bos

Graskop is nou nie Suid-Afrika se grootste dorp nie, en vir die meeste mense is dit mos die plekkie waar jy by Harries pannekoek gaan eet of moet deurry om by Gods Window of Bourkes Luck se kolkgate te kom. Maar moenie Graskop te vlak kyk nie. Die dorp is 100 jaar oud die jaar en het n poskantoor, munisipale kantoor, polisiestasie, biblioteek, lisensiekantoor, landdroshof, vier skole en n paar kerke. En dan is daar die mense. Nie di wat jy spitvakansietyd in die dorp sien nie dan is dit net toeriste. Ek

praat van die inwoners van die dorp. Kyk, die Verenigde Nasies sal op ons trots wees, want s n mengelmoes van kulture, tale, gelowe en standpunte in s n klein plekkie het jy lanklaas ervaar. Ons is almal hier... en almal het n storie. Om die mense van Graskop te leer ken, moet jy hier stilstaan en jy moet soek. Jy sien, Graskop se inwoners kruip in vakansietye half weg. Daar is n rede hoekom ons nie in die stad woon nie... die meeste van ons hou van stilte. Maar as jy nou sou soek, dan ontdek jy die mense: Die skoolhoofde met hul onblusbare passie vir onderwys, die haarkapper wat skilder, die kleuterskoolonderwyser wat met n glimlag oral uithelp, die weduwee wat vroualleen n sakeforum op die been gebring het, die bibliotekaresse wat in etenstyd sommer aftreeoord toe stap om vir haar mensies boeke te vat.

Daar is die stil kunstenaar wat maratons hardloop, die dokter se vrou met n ongelooflike kunstalent, die afgetrede lugmagoffisier wat vir n seuntjie n tennisraket gegee het. Die kunstenaar wat in n plantasie woon en so een maal per week dorp toe kom om by die kinderhuis uit te help. Gaan mens op n Saterdag brood by Spar koop, vat dit n uur, want dis dan dat jy almal raakloop en eers staan en so tussen die rakke stories deel. Ons groet almal op straat, kuier sommer so oor die hek en deur die karvenster; soms kom n paar bymekaar vir vergaderings of n lekker koffie. Maar ds waar dit bly... want elkeen het n storie oor hoekom hulle in Graskop is en die meeste stories het nie n goeie begin nie. En dt is n storie vir n ander dag. Genoeg om te s dat mense in Graskop kan heel word en dat hul siel hier weer kan asemhaal.

GPS News Prints Funeral Letters

GPS News

Valentyn: woorde uit die hart

Dink jy dis n kans vir omgee of uitgee? n Dag om te druk of bedruk te wees? n Geval van passie of passiwiteit? Natasch du Plessis het n paar plaaslike jong mense gevra wat hul mening oor Valentynsdag is.

Johan Maritz (17): Vir my gaan Valentynsdag nie oor iemand met wie jy n verhouding wil h nie, maar oor iemand naby aan jou hart wat jy liefhet om te wys dat jy die persoon liefhet en omgee vir daardie persoon.

Clarise Jansen van Vuuren (16): Valentynsdag is vol geluk en liefde vir die persoon vir wie jy omgee, al is dit net om n blommetjie te pluk en n drukkie te gee. Dit kan enigeen se dag spesiaal maak.

Naomi Ntabe (16): Valentines Day is a day of love and passion giving love and receiving love in return. It is not only for couples, because everyone deserves love. Love is not just about hugs and kisses, but about realising you cant go a day without someones perfect imperfections and cute stupidity, loving a persons persona no matter how crazy or shy. Love may hurt, but it can make you smile yourself stupid.

Bianca Botes (16): Ek dink dit is n dag van liefde, maar wat is die verskil tussen die 13de en die 14de? Jy moet jou geliefde elke dag liefh en bederf.

Janneke Pieterse (15): Valentines Day is about showing people you love and appreciate them.

Amri Burger (17): Dis nie vir my n lekker dag nie. Ek hou nie van rooi nie. Dis net iets wat ek eerder vermy. Die groot L-woord doen ek nie. Val-inni-tuins-dag vier ek net saam met my vriende.

Vanessa Marsh (18): My opinion on Valentines Day is that you dont have to buy presents for the opposite sex... The purpose is to show some love, regardless of to whom or what it is.

Evah Matabela (17): The day is meant for people who love each other meaning not specifically for couples, but also friends and family. It is just a day of love and exchanging gifts.

GPS News

GPS News Prints Valentines Cards

A brand you can count on

Coby
ductions. The laughing kids surrounded him, although some of them made sure that he did not come too close. This was really a big squirrel. Of course there were different types of yoghurts and other goodies that children love to eat, with the Squillos mans picture. Caroline, the representative from Honeydew Dairies, handed out some to the kids to taste. Some of the children made sure mom and dad will know which of these to buy for them in future. The Squillos man did not only attract the attention of the children. Now and then you could also see a grown-up woman posing with the Squillos man for a photo. Throngs of people attended the festGraskop Spar owner Raymond Emmerick congratulates one of the lucky draw winners. ival. Those that went shopping were surprised at the tills with gifts of Spar branded products, like 2,5 kg of maize meal given away by Sasco. Some of them aimed to get a chance to win a gift hamper by buying five Spar brand products or to buy for R250 or more. Their slips were put in a container and every now and then Raymond Emmerick, owner of Graskop Spar, chose a random person to draw a name. The winner was then phoned to come and collect his or her prize. The hampers were sponsored and made up by Lowveld Packaging. Pieter Eckerd, one of their representatives, said: "The hampers were packed with cake mixes, muffin and cup cake holders, colour fondants and many other Spar brand products. People will be surprised if they know what we as a packaging company are actually distributing. That is why we are here today to show them. Not even the rain could stop the customers from enjoying the Spar festival, and many went home with prizes and better knowledge of some of the 800 different Spar brand products that are sold also at Graskop Spar.

raskop Spar is known to be one of the Spar stores that serves its customers with a culture of caring, and on Friday 31 January at its fun festival, specialists from Sasco, Honeydew Dairies, Monteagle Merchandising Services and Lowveld Packaging showed Graskop Spar customers some special care, when they introduced some of the Spar brand ranges to the customers. Martin Davids, who represented Sasco bakery fresh lines, said: Our aim is to tell people more about the brands and to provide brands that are easy to cook, healthy and that save those who had a hard day at work some time so they dont have to stand in front of the stove for hours to cook for the family before they can finally relax. Martin said they also go to schools and spoil the children with the Spar brand products they introduce to them. Customers had the opportunity to taste some of the products, and various stalls were decorated with the enticing aroma of meat dishes and freshly-baked bread rolls, as well as a variety of sauces that teased the taste buds. Cool drinks and bottled water all of them Spar brands were displayed, and bowls of snacks for young and old could be enjoyed. The children made sure the bowls of snacks didnt stay full. But no Spar festival would be a festival without the Squillos man. He came on a special visit to Graskop and entertained the children by dancing to the beat provided by MM Music pro-

A new hero... The Squillos man entertains Graskop children.

GPS News Prints Wedding Invitations

GPS News

Brian toon al 25 jaar sy slag met vleis

O
Coby
m n slagter te wees en met vleis te werk, is in my bloed, s Brian Guest, wat nou al 25 jaar by Graskop Spar werk as die bestuurder van die vleisafdeling, of slaghuis, soos hy dit noem. Om met vleis in n slaghuis te werk, is Brian se passie. Daarby weet hy watter snitte om waarvoor te gebruik en met watter kruie om dit te kombineer, want hy het dit al soveel male self by die huis beproef. Jare terug het Brian maalvleis met kruie en ander geheime bestanddele gemeng totdat hy sy eie resep gevind het vir wat hy Brian se Boerewors noem. Di wors het hom in 2007 met die eerste prys laat wegstap toe hy n kompetisie vir die beste boerewors in die Laeveldstreek gewen het. Nes sy oupagrootjie, sy oupa en sy pa nie hul geheime worsresep gedeel het nie, s Brian ook nie veel daaroor nie. Hy weet net dit is n wenner en dat hy selfs van oorsee komplimente kry. My resep het ek geskep deur bietjies raad en kennis van ou tannies by die kerk te gebruik en dit te meng met wat ek self bygegooi het, s Brian. My pa het sy resep so geheim gehou dat hy as hy op verlof gegaan het, hy die helfte van die bestanddele se name vir sy blokman gegee het. n Vriend het dan die res van die bestanddele gebring, waarna hulle alles saamgegooi, die meule

Brian Guest... boereworskoning van Graskop. gedraai en die derms volgestop het. In die 1940s het Brian se pa die slaghuis op Pilgrims Rest besit. Hy het sy beeste gehou waar Jonkmansspruit vandag is. Daardie jare is die beeste nie aangery nie, maar beeswagters het hulle van Ohrigstad, deur Blydepoort en oor die berge na Pilgrims Rest aangejaag. Eers n 1970 is beeste op plekke soos Bethal en Belfast gekoop wat dan per trein in Graskop afgelewer is. Vandat ek kan onthou, het ek in n slaghuis gewerk, en skoolvakansies moes ek al my tyd in die slaghuis deurbring. Dit het my egter nooit moeg gemaak nie. My ma wou nie h dat ek ook n slagter word nie, want sy het ges dit is te harde werk. Daarom het ek n skool aptekerswese gaan studeer. Net n my tweede studiejaar is my pa egter oorlede en moes ek terugkom huis toe. Ek het toe by Standard Bank in Graskop werk gekry, en sewe jaar lank daar gewerk. Brian s sy oupagrootjie en sy oupa het by die bekende Smithfieldslaghuis in Engeland gewerk voordat hulle na Suid-Afrika verhuis en na Pilgrims Rest gekom het. In die 1940s het oom Piet Kruger my pa, Jimmy Guest, geleer watter gebiede maselareas was wat hy moes vermy wanneer hy beeste vir die slagpale gekoop het. My pa het weer vir Teelman Nieuwoudt, eienaar van Statewoud-slaghuis in Sabie, geleer.

GPS News

GPS News Prints Portfolios

Musings on Valentines Day

Sharon Mandy
the ladies and 48% for the men). 57% of unhappy couples still find their spouse extremely attractive. 68% of couples that find their marriages slightly unhappy are still happy to spend the rest of their lives together. Richer couples are more likely to fight than poorer ones. Valentines Day originated in honour of a priest that performed marriage ceremonies for soldiers that were forbidden to marry by Roman law. He was executed for his pains, but before he died he wrote a letter to the daughter of one of his jailers that he had treated for a simple malady, and it was said that they had fallen in love. He signed the letter: From your Valentine, and a new custom was born. Valentines Day gifts are much the same now as they were in Geoffrey Chaucers day, when love flourished at the court and Valentines Day was celebrated by sending anonymous gifts of flowers, confectionery or greeting cards to a perspective lover. Do not let Valentines Day become a commercialised day of extortion for you. Simple gifts given with love always touch the heart the most. Happy Valentines Day to you all!

don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentines Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. (Author unknown) There has been so much said about love through the ages. Plato considered it to be an acute mental disease, and Groucho Marx said that instead of ever marrying again he would find a woman he didnt like and give her a house. Others say that love is blind and marriage is an eye opener. Normally one would be quite pleased about regaining ones sight, but this has somewhat negative connotations. Love is universal, and a part of life that is as natural as breathing, and I am sure that it visits everyone at some stage of their lives. Once examined it transpires that no matter what era it is, or what nationality converses about the subject, love is always portrayed as being warm and beautiful, and marriage always as waking up to harsh reality. There are however, very happy marriages that prove the rule, and here are some surprising facts that I

unearthed: 33% more guys than girls around the world say that they wish that

their spouse was more romantic. Men are more likely than women to fall in love at first sight (28% for

GPS News Prints Certificates

GPS News

The three bags of dagga and seeds the police confiscated.

R200 000s dagga found in car

On Wednesday 5 February members of the polices flying squad from White River spotted a suspicious Maroon Volkswagen Polo on the Sabie/Long Tom Pass road. After stopping and searching the vehicle, they found three compressed bags of dagga with a total mass of 32,5 kg and an estimated street value of R200000. Two suspects (aged 29) were arrested, appeared in Sabie court on 6 February, and was released on bail of R500 each. The police appeals to the public to report any suspicious dealings in drugs or illegal substances to the nearest police station.

Week van slobberige soene

Ag ja. Dit is al weer daardie tyd van die jaar. Daai tyd wat almal verlief raak en blomme en chocolates koop en pregnant raak of weer skielik besef daar is iemand in jou lewe wat subtiel daaraan herinner moet word dat hy blomme of iets moet koop. Net om te s: I love you, n! Ek weet baie mense s dis geldmors en n bemarkingsfoefie en sal enige verskoning uitdink om nie die Valentine-ding te doen nie. Ek kom uit n lang lyn van onromantiese vroue. En ongelukkig is die swak gene oorgedra na my kinders toe. Die een giggle onbedaard as die rose-en-kerseding gedoen word, die ander een vra wat het jy nou weer verkeerd gedoen. So, dis n probleem. Old Man River is innerlik bly oor die stand van sake, want nou is daar niemand om hom drama te gee oor sulke dae wat hy van nature vergeet nie. Maar nou het n nuwe ding sy kop uitgesteek. Ek verstaan dat dit nou Vaalstertwk is. Bid jou aan! Dag een is nou rosedag; dag twee is propose day; dag drie s koop baie chocolates; dag vier moet jy teddies koop of gee; op dag vyf moet jy promises maak; dag ses is drukkiedag; dag sewe is soen almal; en op dag agt, die 14de, is jy broke en moeg gevry. Nou, op my gevorderde ouderdom,

Alternatiewe Anna
dink ek dis heeltemal te veel van alles. Die een dag is alreeds n onderbreking vir my normale persoonlikheid, want almal smile en hug en is tranerig verlief of vrek teleurgesteld oordat hulle nie kaartjies gekry het nie. Veral die lelike eendjies wat nooit swane sal word nie. Hulle verander in volstruise of dodos en hulle deksels is te klein vir die pot. Letterlik. Ek sal nou nie weet of romanse jou ding is of nie, en of jou deksel nou al skeef geleef is of nie, maar ek hoop dat al die dae van hierdie jaar vir jou spesiaal is. En miskien hierdie jaar, kry ek ook chocolates en rose. Van my 35 jaar lange Valentine...

Misty Mountain celebrates 40th birthday

Started by the Sheard family in 1974 and owned and operated by the family since then, Misty Mountain lodge, situated on the Long Tom Pass will celebrate its 40th birthday by offering lots of specials throughout the year. Owners James and Lisa Sheard say the number of guests returning over the years has been enormous. We have got to know our guests as their lives have progressed, says James. We have met people who came here as children and now bring their own children here. We have even met people who were conceived here. Lisa says: Celebrating 40 years of good times is our theme for the year. We offer specials around 1974 and our 40th year. The highlight is a threenight extravaganza in May where accommodation will be sold at 1974prices of R15 per person. We are grateful to all who contributed and look forward to the next 40.

10

GPS News

GPS News Prints Woodlands Directory

Waarom is dit moeilik om dissipline toe te pas?

lighied, sekuriteit, struktuur en rigting. Dit stel hulle ook in staat om te kan voorspel en voorsien hoe die ouer gaan reageer en optree. Toets jouself met hierdie vraag: Wat gebeur met jou as jy nie duidelike riglyne en grense vir die uitvoering van n opdrag ontvang nie? Hoeveel veiligheid beleef jy daarin? Hoe selfversekerd is jy in die beplanning en samestelling van jou opdrag? Hoeveel spanning gaan daarmee gepaard? Hoeveel onsekerheid? Val jy eenvoudig met die deur in die huis, begin die opdrag sonder om te besin oor wat die eintlike verwagting is? Vergelyk dit met opvoeding en dissipline. Wat leer die kind uit dissipline? Wanneer die ouer konsekwent is en voorspelbaar optree, weet die kind waar hy staan en raak hy nie hiperwaaksaam nie. Kinders voel veilig. Hulle weet presies wat hulle kan verwag en wat van hulle verwag word. Sou ons as ouers dan nie doen wat ons ges het ons gaan doen nie, ervaar die kind dat die ouer nie betroubaar is nie. Hulle kan nie op die ouer staatmaak nie. Hulle leer die wreld is onbetroubaar en onveilig. Daarom is so baie van ons onseker en waag ons nie graag nie. Ons is voortdurend bang vir mislukking en verwerping. Daar is metodes wat ons kan aanwend sonder om lyfstraf toe te pas. Gee vir die kind duidelike opdragte en hou daarby. Dui vir die kind aan wat die gevolge van die daad sal wees, hetsy positief of negatief. Wees konsekwent. Moenie grense stel waarby jy self nie kan hou nie, anders gaan die kind gou-gou agterkom dat jy nie daarby hou nie. Die gevolg is dat die kind al die ander grense gaan probeer skuif om jou te toets. Slaag die kind daarin om dit reg te kry, sal alle dissipline wat jy probeer toepas, gekelder wees. Wanneer jy disipline moet toepas, wees daarom ingesteld, beredeneerd. Hou die doel voor o. Hou die eindproduk in die oog. Ons word baiekeer mislei omdat ons vertrekpunt uit emosie kom. Wanneer ons emosioneel raak, sal ons beslis nie in ons einddoel slaag nie. Dissipline is nie noodwendig negatief nie. In n sin haat ons dissipline, maar tog gaan daar soveel veiligheid daarmee saam. As die riglyne konsekwent is, is die gevolglike nadeel of voordeel voor die hand liggend. Dissipline gee sin, rigting, sekuriteit en veiligheid. Ek hoop jy kyk met ander o na dissipline en begelei jou kind met veiligheid.

k het ondervind dat dit vir sommige ouers moeilik is om dissipline toe te pas. Dalk gaan dit oor die persepsie van wat met dissipline gepaardgaan. Dalk is dissipline en lyfstraf vir ons sinoniem. Dan onthou ons dat lyfstraf in SuidAfrika verbode is en dalk is dit juis daarom dat kinders vandag ongedissiplineerd is. Omdat ons dissipline met lyfstraf verbind, word dissipline agterwe gelaat en dink ons niemand dra meer die gevolge van hul dade nie. Kom ons bekyk gou n paar riglyne. Wat is die doel met dissipline? Wat is jou droom vir jou kind? Droom ons nie dat ons kinders suksesvol, gehoorsaam, gebalanseerd, verantwoordelik en betroubaar moet wees, met integriteit en n beginselvaste karakter nie? Waarheen is jy as ouer met jou kind op pad? Hoe gaan jy dit bereik? Dissipline is nie noodwendig sleg nie, maar omdat ons deur die eeue heen aan sekere metodes blootgestel is, is dit met positiewe of negatiewe ervaring as verwysingsraamwerk. Die konnotasie met dissipline kan dan goed of sleg wees. Vir die meeste van ons beteken dissipline in alle waarskynlikheid onregverdigheid of onredelike straf. Dit

Sarah-Jane Siebrits Geregistreerde private maatskaplike werker 084 500 6519

gaan ook met fisieke pyn gepaard; daarom is die meeste van ons traag om te dissiplineer. Ons gaan beslis nie toelaat dat ons kinders dieselfde beleef as wat ons beleef het nie. Dt is die meeste ouers se standpunt. Wanneer ons egter perspektief kry, kan dissipline n ander kleur kry. Kom ons bekyk gou n paar gevolge van dissipline. Wanneer kinders met konsekwente dissipline grootword, ervaar hulle vei-

GPS News Prints Stickers

GPS News

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Schools part of African languages pilot project

Gerda van den Bos
Graskop Primary School and Glory Hill Primary School in Graskop were chosen to form part of the pilot project of the Department of Basic Educations proposed Incremental Introduction of African Languages (IIAL). While the debate is still on about the IIAL policy itself, the children at Graskop Primary are already enjoying their new classes. Myleen Mashigo teaches the gr. 1s the basics of Sepedi for one period each day. She makes use of hand puppets and face masks, and the children are learning while having lots of fun. The IIAL policy will be implemented incrementally, commencing in gr. 1 next year, and will continue until 2026, when it will be implemented in gr. 12. According to a document released by the department, the IIAL policy aims to promote and strengthen the use of African languages by all learners in the school system. It aims to strengthen the development and increase the utility of African languages by introducing pupils incrementally to learning an African language from gr. 1 to 12 to ensure that all nonAfrican home language speakers speak an African language. It also aims to strengthen the use of African languages at the level of home language, and so increase the use of those languages for academic purposes. In so doing, it will improve proficiency in and utility of the previously marginalized African languages (at first additional language level) and raise the confidence of parents to choose their own languages as languages for learning and teaching, reads the report. The policy also aims to increase access to languages by all pupils beyond English and Afrikaans and promote social cohesion by expanding opportunities for the development of African languages as a significant way of preserving heritage and cultures. The policy is available at www.dbe.gov.za.

Past matriculants with certificates they received from Impumelelo Educational Trust.

Trust rewards Memeziles achievers

Michele du Plessis
musicians and movie makers, to mention but a few, Dibakwane said. The sources of the trusts funding are individual contributions from community members and interested parties, donations, monthly contributions from trustees and fundraising activities. The best teacher award for 2013 went to M.R. Maponya. All the teachers that obtained a 100% pass rate in their learning areas were awarded. Thokozile Mthombothi received the best learner award. Pupils who obtained exemption to study for a bachelors degree also received awards. The trust will enroll some of last years matriculants to pursue tertiary education. It will present extra teaching classes, a career expo, a winter school uniform dress-up, Mandela Day and a fundraising weekend. The trustees are professional individuals of Sabie: Sipho Dibakwane (policy analyst, Department of Transport), Victor Mbungela (lawyer, Mbungela Attorneys), Ethel Mdhluli (teacher, Lehlasedi High School), Penwell Mashego (plantation manager, Komatiland Forests) and Sibusiso Lekhuleni (auditor, Aveng Group). Find more about the trust at www.impumelelotrust.co.za, or contact them at info@impumelelotrust.co.za.

The Impumelelo Educational Trust hosted its inaugural matric award ceremony for the class of 2013 at Ekuthuleni Hall in Simile, Sabie. The ceremony was held to honour the pupils and teachers for the excellent work at Memezile High School in Simile last year. It is indeed a day to rejoice and give praise and accolades for the excellent work and results that our school, Memezile High, attained in the 2013 school calendar, particularly the matric results. The improvement from 48% in 2012 to 72% in 2013 is quite exceptional and a great success, said Sipho Dibakwane, founder and chairperson of Impumelelo Educational Trust. The trust is a registered non-profit organisation with the main objective of providing financial assistance to learners from poor backgrounds that pass their matric with exemption to study for a bachelors degree to further their tertiary studies. Our vision is to create a fountain of hope, inspiration and success for the dreams of the Sabie youth and community. We believe that this dream can be achieved. We believe that our community can produce a president, great doctors and engineers, excellent

Myleen Mashigo and the gr. 1s of Graskop Primary School enjoy their African language class. Photo: Petra Colsby

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GPS News

GPS News Prints Labels

Sybrand 6de beste in Mpumalanga

Michele du Plessis
fer, dit is hoeveel leerlinge toelating tot universiteitstudies het. Van die 123 Sybrand-leerlinge wat verlede jaar die matriekeksamen geskryf het, het 63 (51%) met universiteitstoelating geslaag. Deesdae moet n kandidaat 40% in drie vakke kry, waarvan een die huistaal moet wees, en 30% in nog drie om n matrieksertifikaat te kan kry. Om toelating tot graadstudie te verkry, moet n kandidaat 50% in vier vakke en 30% in die res kry, terwyl daar in die huistaal 40% behaal moet word. Kinders moet relevante vakke kies, soos wiskunde en fisieke wetenskap, wat in aanvraag is in die mark. Alle kinders kan nie universiteit toe gaan nie en intussen het die tegniese en ambagsmark leeggeloop. Ons het vragte universiteitsgegradueerdes wat niks met hul graad kan doen nie, s Francois.

Onder die 541 private en staatskole in Mpumalanga wat die nasionale seniorsertifikaat-eksamen geskryf het, is Horskool Sybrand van Niekerk in Sabie die skool wat verlede jaar sesde beste gevaar het. Dit is n groot prestasie vir Sybrand. Die eerste vyf plekke op die lys word beklee deur Horskool Nelspruit, Middelburg, Secunda, Ligbron en Patriot. Op die vraag wat di prestasie vir die skool beteken, s Francois du Toit, skoolhoof, dit verseker die onderwysers dat hulle op die regte pad is. Ons het die selfvertroue dat ons werkmetodes reg is. Ons voel egter dat dit jammer is dat daar landswyd te veel klem op die algehele slaagsyfer van matrikulante geplaas word, eerder as op die gehalte van die slaagsy-

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

Onderwyser vereer
Paul Maritz, onderwyser in sakestudie vir gr. 10-12 aan Horskool Sybrand van Niekerk, het n trofee en sertifikaat van die provinsiale departement van onderwys ontvang vir die beste sakestudie-onderwyser vir 2013 in die Bohlabela-skooldistrik. Die trofee en sertifikaat is toegeken vanwe die 100%-matriekslaagsyfer in sakestudie. Daarby het ses leerlinge n onderskeiding in die vak behaal. Michele du Plessis

The next issue of GPS News will be published on 28 February 2014. The deadline for adverts is 19 February.

En die bus sak in die modder weg

Gerda van den Bos

Die laaste week in Januarie het dit behoorlik in Graskop gesous. Die ren het teen 1 Februarie uiteindelik n bietjie bedaar en die son het kol-kol begin kop uitsteek. Dae n die week lange renbui was die enigste pad waarop die busse van twee van Graskop se skole na die hoofpad kan terugry, steeds erg verinneweer en die ene modder. Op Maandag 3 Februarie was Mark Matthee, hoof van Laerskool Graskop, en sy vrou, Louisa, op pad dorp toe. Omdat die skool al geruime tyd uit was, was hulle verbaas om van die skoolkinders wat in die Mkhulu-omgewing woon, in die strate te sien rondloop. Dit het geblyk dat hul bus vassit. Die busbestuurder het nog vir die insleepdiens gewag en daar kon nie

veel gedoen word nie. Omstreeks 18:00 het die Matthees weer n draai daar gaan maak. Heel toevallig het hulle saam met die insleepdiens opgedaag en die kinders is nou nog oortuig dat hul hoof en onderwysers hulle kom red het. Louisa het die kinders van hul huiswerk vir die volgende dag gevrywaar terwyl die bus uit die modder gehelp is. Niemand is beseer nie en almal het laataand veilig by die huis gekom.

WORD SEARCH STAR NAMES

ACHERNAR ADHAFERA ALDEBARAN BETELGEUSE CAPELLA DENEBOLA ETAMIN FOMALHAUT GRUMIUM HADAR IZAR KAFFALJIDHMA KORNEPHOROS PROCYON SADALACHBIA

GPS News Prints Posters

GPS News

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The friendly and professional at Trellidor White River (from left): Chris Kotze (franchisee), Johan Jacobs, Moses Selowa, Werner Steyn and Sias Stoltz (sales).

Put us to the test, says Trellidor

these certainly is Trellidor, called the ultimate crime barrier. One of the secrets of Trellidors success in the market is their locks. Often burglaries occur when perpetrators open a security gates lock area by using a variety of tools. Trellidor has developed two patented locking systems: the dead-lock system and the slam-lock system. The dead-lock is a draw-bolt locking system that has a single key point with two or three locking points, providing increased resistance against attempted break-ins with the turn of a single key. The slam-lock system incorporates the dead-lock technology as well as two other modes of operation slam-lock and open mode. An added benefit is that Trellidor now has a monthly payment plan, making it easier to protect your loved ones with the best security on the market. Chris, an accountant by trade, is very passionate about Trellidor. When choosing security for your family, investigate your needs and give us a call for a free, no-obligation quote, backed up with professional and friendly service, he says. Discussing security and what Trellidor has to offer and what makes it unique, Chris says: Trellidor is manufactured in Durban at our head office. Trellidors powder coating plant is state of the art and includes a pretreatment corrosion and UV-resistant process, ensuring increased protection against corrosion. It is SABS approved, has high aesthetic value, and is the only full-frame, loose-standing unit on the market. We have a vast selection of products, ranging from fixed, retractable and roller style to clear guard and cottage guard security, to name just a few. Our franchises also sell and install wooden and chromadeck garage doors as well as industrial roller shutters galvanised or powder-coated. Chris, who grew up in Hazyview, has always loved the Lowveld, and after having studied BCom Accountancy at Potchefstroom, where he met his wife, Louise, he relocated to White River. The couple has been married for 25 years and has been blessed with two daughters, Celeste (22) and Louise-Marie (19). The family loves country living and outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and the Kruger National Park is high on their list of chosen excursions. With both daughters pursuing their own careers, the empty nest certainly is very part of our house, jokes Chris.

e are all aware of the necessity to secure our homes in todays circumstances and criminal climate, but unfortunately tight budgets often mean we have to compromise. But no amount of money is worth your familys lives if you use inferior products or only secure selected areas, says Chris Kotze, franchise holder at Trellidor White River and Lydenburg. If you think you are not at risk of being a victim of burglary, think again. Burglaries are considered crimes of opportunity because the criminal is looking for an easy way to get into your home - the unlocked door, open garage door or open window. However, there are practical security measures you can take to make it so difficult for burglars that they will go somewhere else, and one of

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GPS News

GPS News Does Lamination

More than 1 000 takes on tube race

T
Michele du Plessis
he Round Table 89 Sabie Tube Race, held on 8 February, was, for the 39th time, a splashing success. With more than a 1 000 people that registered, the river was quite crowded with all shapes and sizes of people and tubes floating downstream. The rain of the last few days ensured that the river was flowing very fast, enhancing the thrill of the tubers. It was clear that the participants enjoyed this two-hour ride down the river. Exuberant shouts were heard from some groups of tubers and some people just drifted along, taking pleasure in the beautiful scenery. Some people made sure that their refreshments in cooler boxes were quite comfortable in their own special tubes, or securely tied to an arm or leg! Morn Roodt, one of the Round Table organisers, said that the police divers inspected the river and pronounced it safe. The police divers and medical personnel were on stand-by at all the problem areas in the river. This year we promoted the event more on social media such as Facebook. Thanks to the more than 1 000 entries, the whole town profits as well, Morn said. Round Table is not a charity, but a fellowship. Morn said. Service to the community and the attendant fund-raising projects has become very much a part of its activities. The Round Table has also sponsored equipment for the police divers and they have charities that they support. Tiger Wheel and Tyre Nelspruit, White River and Barberton donated 300 tubes for the race and they also had repair kits and air for the tubes. Sabie Round Table 89 said it wished to thank all the sponsors, the White River dive unit, medical personnel and all the people who helped to make the day memorable.

GPS News Prints Old Exam Papers

GPS News
Mongezi Lubisi, o.16-verspring.

15

Rekords spat op interhuis

Michele du Plessis

eesdriftige, kleurryke en opgewonde leerlinge het aan Horskool Sybrand van Niekerk se interhuisatletiekbyeenkoms deelgeneem. Drie spanne die groen, rooi en geel span het in die eerste atletiekbyeenkoms van die jaar meegeding. Die kinders het fantasties deelgeneem en almal het dit baie geniet, s Leonard de Kock, sportorganiseerder. Volgens hom wag hulle nog vir n fotobeslissing vir die afloswedloop tussen die onderwysers en die leerlingraad. Die nuwe leier het hul uitstekende van hul taak gekwyt met die relings vir en die gladde verloop van die dag. Nie net het die kinders die dag geniet nie, maar n paar rekords het gespat. Alexander Maartens het die rekords in die 100 m- en die 300 m-hekkies vir o.14-seuns verbeter in die 100 m van 17,97 tot 17,41 sekondes en in die 300 m van 52,75 tot net 48,00 sekondes. Casey Tapfira het ook twee rekords opgestel. In die 90 m-hekkies vir o.14-meisies stel sy n nuwe wentyd van 18,75 sekondes op, teenoor 20,84 sekondes, en in die 400 m verbeter sy die rekord van 1:16,69 tot 1:11,24. Die groen span het die byeenkoms gewen met 606 punte, teenoor die 494 van die geel span en die 493 van die rooi span.

Alexander Maartens, o.14. Sybrand van Niekerk het op 1 Februarie aan vriendskaplike atletiekbyeenkoms in Barberton deelgeneem. Tien skole het deelgeneem, waaronder Horskool Nelspruit, Bergvlam, Komatipoort, Lowveld, Curo en Penryn. Volgens Leonard het Sybrand uitstekend gevaar. Met die hulp van die leerlingraad was die atlete besonder netjies. Die prefekte het die atlete ondersteun en gesorg dat almal op die regte tyd op die regte plek was.

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GPS News

GPS News Prints Ticket Books

Power cars gun up Long Tom

Michele du Plessis

he fast and the furious came to the first Long Tom Hill Climb in Sabie on 25 and 26 January. The thunderous sound of highperformance engines racing up the mountain thrilled the spectators who came to experience the excitement of power cars, including a Ford Mustang, Nissan GT R, Subaru WRX Sti and more, competing to clock the fastest time on the 6,3 km uphill race. Unfortunately, the two Ferraris had withdrawn, while Bouwer Badenhorst, who was to compete in a Mercedes A45AMG, had a fatal accident in Nelspruit the day before. Wilhelm Baard, in a Nissan GT-R, achieved the fastest time of 02:18,4 and took the title Gun of the Long Tom. Desmond Gutzeit in a Nissan GTR 34 was second with a time of 02:24,6. Darron Gudmanz, also in a Nissan GTR, had the third best time of 02:27.4. Baard (47), who had also won the 2011 Knysna Hill Climb, crashed his Nissan GT-R on Saturday during the fourth run. There were no casualties and Baard attended the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday to receive his trophy. Read more at http://topcar.co.za/ road-tests/tested/nismo-nissan-gt-r/

Above: Wilhelm Baard, winner in his Nissan GT-R. Below right: Baards crashed Nissan being recovered. Photos: Michele du Plessis Below left: Mustang. Photo: Chris Colverd