Edition / Uitgawe 16

29 November 2013

Am I computely mad? 15
Editorial: Redeeming the time 2

York bleeds 9 Lots of MTB fun 16 Natasha: Graskop champion 5

SA Idols 2 01 3

Our winner!
Read p. 3 & 4

GPS News

From the editor

At this time of the year, the question on everybodys lips is: Where did the time go? The year is rushing to an end, and there are so many things still to do before we can sit back and relax. Hindsight is always best sight, and we can argue: Maybe if I did this or that, it could have been better. My question is: What did you do for other people around you? Philippians 2:4 says: Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 1 John 3:17: But if anyone has the worlds goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does Gods love abide in him? Lastly James 2:1417: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Are we not so caught up in our own survival and problems that we stagnate and dont see the reality around us? There are so many people and organisations in our area that assist the needy, and from my side I am humbled by what they achieve. It may not always be a physical need; sometimes an elderly person just needs a kind word or a touch. Maybe a child that is hurting emotionally 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 Michle du Plessis (Sabie): 072 797 1 487 Editing and layout: Pedrie Roberts
from you to encourage them about their future. You be the judge if you walked the walk and talked the talk with Him this year. If so, thank you very much; if not, it is never too late!

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.

Every day when open: 29 November

Divine cuisine to tempt the taste buds @ Canimambo in Graskop. Kom fliek saam! Nasionale uitreiking van oom Karolus en Lente se nuwe fliek, Die Moewie. NG kerk Sabie. Deure maak 1 7:00 oop. R30 per kaartjie. Snoepie.

30 November 30 November

www.gpsnews.co.za

gpsnews

@editorKemp

gpsnewsblog. wordpress.com

Noon2Moon mountain bike race. Contact: 01 3 764 3500. VLU se Kerksmark. Sabie Market Square. Kom koop handwerkitems.

Aiming for high quality of service

The headline Hope to see end of sewage spillage appeared in a recent issue of GPS News. Unfortunately, one major problem remained unattended for eight weeks. A 1,8 m deep excavation by the municipality left a broken pipe and a puddle of raw sewage unattended for over eight weeks. The resulting smell and plague of flies created a misery for the nearby homeowners. This was a major health and safety hazard. Koos Barnhoorn, whose commitment to the community is well known, was approached and undertook to deal with the situation. The repairs took about two days. On behalf of those affected our thanks are extended to Koos. We are currently in discussion with the municipality and the task force to establish a reliable, economical running maintenance approach to the care of the water supply system. We have some fine local contractors resident in Sabie committed and equipped to play a major role. In preparing my contribution for this and associated technical 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 in delivering a high quality of efficient service to the community. We all hope that we can arrive jointly at a creative and sustainable outcome. Jeff Hawkes

leave. Having to work-in for any public holidays, sick or family responsibility leave at no extra pay. In other words they did not enjoy their legislated right to paid leave of absence. Having their work terminated if they wanted to exercise their right to maternity leave to have a child. Only being paid R1000 a month for working a full 21day month (eight hours a day for five days a week). Being shouted at if they do not clean-up the dog faeces immediately no regard for their constitutional right to have their dignity respected. Working until 20:00 and not being given transport assistance to get home despite there being no public transport available at that time. No severance pay being offered when they are retrenched, or as they say: I was told the job was finished and I must go. Workers spoke of working 7 to 14 years and being told: Sorry, I cant afford to pay you anymore you have to leave. Not being allowed to take their annual leave entitlement in consecutive days, only being able to take two or three days leave at a time. It is distressing that this is happening in Sabie a town claimed to be a Christian, God-loving town. These were not one or two isolated instances of abuse; approximately 50 workers were present at the meeting. Let us correct these shortcomings and treat our employees with the respect they so richly deserve. Glen McCormack, CCMA

30 November-1 December

Graskop Crafters Market. Graskop town hall. Hand-crafted products, food stalls and tea garden.

1 December 5 December

Carols by candlelight. St. Peters Church, Sabie. 1 8:00. Ignite Your Business. Guest speaker: Past. Jannie Venter. Sabie Country Club. 1 8:30. Contact: 076 688 6765.

1 3-1 6 December

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

1 3 -1 6 December

Graskop Christmas Fair. Carols by candlelight on Friday night. Boeresport and entertainment Saturday and Sunday. Graskop town hall.

1 4 December

Domestic workers raise complaints

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

At a recent meeting held in Simile by the CCMA to raise awareness of domestic workers rights to fair labour practices, heart-wrenching tales of abuse and noncompliance with labour legislation by some employers were related. Workers, mostly women who were the sole providers in their households, told of a range of traumatic experiences they experience in their work. These included: Working excessive hours up to 15-hour days without being paid overtime. They spoke of being told: We are giving you food and accommodation you should be grateful. Not being granted annual or vacation leave for years. One related working seven years without being able to take

1 4-1 6 December

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

G PS N ew s

Gerda van den Bos

B re n d e n i s s t i l l o u r h e ro

ocal singing sensation Brenden Ledwaba has lost out on votes against Musa Sukwene in the grand finale of SA Idols 2013 in what has been described as the toughest season to date. It was the first time that two finalists from Mpumalanga competed for the title. Right at the beginning of the season Brenden said he wanted to put Graskop on the map. He has certainly achieved that. The community is extremely proud of him. Although he lost out on the title, his music career has been set on the right path to success. Brendens first single, Fingerprints, has already been released, as well as his first music video. The build-up to the finale saw many nerve-wrecking moments as the competitors were voted out one by one. During one of these shows, the host, ProVerb, took forever to announce if Brenden was through or not, and I sent a message to his father, Past. Phineas Ledwaba that my nerves could not take it anymore. His answer came through very quickly: Well, its all in Gods hand. If its meant to be, so let it be! Seems his father has had

Brenden and Musa, the two finalists of the ninth season of SA Idols. the right attitude. Our whole region loved Brenden from the start and at first many voted for him just because he is from Graskop and had matriculated at Sybrand van Niekerk High School in Sa-

bie, but by the time the competition reached the final stages, all agreed we are voting for Brenden because he is the best. Obviously most of South Africa agreed. More than 2 million votes were casted for the top two contestants and finally a mere 1 000 votes separated the two. I received messages from Worcester in the Western Cape and Jacobsdal in the Free State to Groot Marico in North West declaring their support for Brenden. He has won the hearts of young and old alike. Alet Metselaar from Graskop even watched Idols on television while listening to the Springboks playing Scotland on the radio. Now thats what I call devotion. Hours before the show on Tuesday night, Graskop went into panic mode as a typical thunder storm resulted in a power failure. Fortunately, the lights were back on an hour later or else there might have been a riot. Congratulations to our Idol, Brenden. You are a star and we will keep on supporting you! Although you came second, we know you will make a success of your career. To the winner, Musa, may God bless you and guide you in your career.

GPS News
Brenden Ledwaba entertains his fans at Sybrand van Niekerk High School in Sabie.

Absolutely amazing, says Brenden

Natasch du Plessis
and up your game. One of his biggest highlights is every time he is able to play the piano and sing. He said his fans mean the world to him; they inspire him to keep going and to work harder. It is amazing to have so many people support you and to know that they believe in you. He said his mom is probably his number one fan. Brenden clearly wins the popularity vote with more than 22 000 Twitter followers more than 10000 more than his fellow Idols competitors. Idols is a life-changing experience; it enables you to express yourself in many different ways. The amount of support and publicity you get is enormous. It gives you a platform to grow and learn to know yourself. He said there is no special someone in his life, and explained that music is his everything. Brendens plans include becoming a recording artist and growing his brand.

he multi-talented Brenden Praise Ledwaba, the Graskop boy who is a finalist in this years SA Idols competition, proved himself once again when he stole millions of hearts with his stunning solo performance of Lady in Red, accompanying himself on the piano. Idols judge Unathi Msengana exclaimed that his performance was nostalgic. GPS News interviewed him on the day of the filming his homecoming when he visited his old high school, Sybrand van Niekerk, in Sabie. He described his experiences on Idols so far as absolutely amazing, even though 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 to get criticised when you know you worked so hard. The criticism is negative but constructive, he says, and the result is that you work harder

GPS News
Natasha Emmerick on her horse, Sandman, completing a jump at the South African schools championships.

Spectacular on both bicycles and horses

Gerda van den Bos
the year. Her mother, Shirley, says Natasha has always loved sport. She did her first 20 km on a bicycle when she was only nine years old. Natasha had qualified for the Spur Schools Mountain Biking Leagues national event five years in a row, but could only compete twice as the event coincided with equestrian championships. She adores horses and this year, she and her horse, Sandman, has qualified for Mpumalanga colours in show jumping, equitation, dressage and working hunter at the South African schools championships. Natasha is not the only one in the Emmerick household that loves to participate in sport. Her brother, a keen cyclist himself, is currently focusing on body building. Her parents have just completed the 94.7 cycle challenge in Johannesburg. Her father, Raymond, finished the race for the third time and in 4:21, and Shirley completed it for the fourth time and in 4:04. They did the race this year in preparation for the Argus, which will be held in Cape Town in March. Shirley says they are actually more into mountain biking, but likes to take on the challenge of road cycling as well. They compete in the Sabie Classic, the Barberton Classic and the Forest 2 Falls races every year. She likes the last one best as it is one that they have initiated from Graskop to aid Shalom Christian School. She encourages more people to take up mountain biking as it is a great stress reliever and it helps to keep your weight under control. It also ensures fun outings for the whole family, she says.

o earn provincial colours in any sport is an achievement, but to get it in two totally different sporting codes when you are only 18 years old, is astonishing. Natasha Emmerick from Graskop did just that. She has Mpumalanga colours in both mountain biking and equestrianism. She is a gr. 12 pupil at Uplands College in White River where she recently was awarded the trophies for female cyclist of the year, horse rider of the year and sport woman of

GPS News

International speaker brings guidance to the youth

he weekend of 8-10 November, Mountain of the Lord Ministries in Harmony Hill, Sabie, held a youth festival. The guest speaker was Dr. Shaun Johns and his team from KwaZulu-Natal. Johns is an international speaker gifted in addressing the youth on challenges that they face everyday. Past. Roy Roach of Mountain of the Lord Ministries said: We started of Friday night with the youth doing gum boot dancing and young girls doing spiritual dancing. A lecture by brother Hermond was presented on educating the youth about the danger of different drugs and alcohol. Saturday morning, marches took place in the streets of Harmony Hill. Teenagers and children came from all over the community and Pola Park to join in. Christian tracts were handed out to every home. The team witnessed to many older people who needed healing. Roach said: People came running out of their houses for prayer. I believe that the atmosphere of Harmony Hill is now open so that God can work there. Lunch was served to everyone that took part in the march. The young people had a workshop where Johns spoke to them about the absent father figure and the consequences thereof. Many young people were weeping

Evangelism in the streets of Harmony Hill.

when he started to speak about being rejected, becoming rebellious and not having received the love of a father. It was a very emotional lecture with tears flowing freely. Saturday nights service was packed with young people. The Sunday morning service concluded the weekend

where young people wanted more of God after spending the weekend emerged in the Word of God. The topic of the service was: We, the people, are the church; church is not the building. Many people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Roach said: I give God all the glory,

and I know that the Word of God will not return void unto Him, but it will accomplish that what it was sent to do. We as Mountain of the Lord Ministries want to thank everyone that had sown seed, worked and prayed into this conference. May God bless you.

Cell phone returned... the right thing to do

On a recent marketing visit to Nelspruit, Tuan De La Rey and Valerie Kemp of GPS News stopped for a well-deserved lunch and something cool to drink, seeing that it was boiling hot. After lunch, they visited Lincoln Motors in Kaapschehoop Road... and that is where Tuan left her cell phone and sunglasses in the bathroom. En route to White River, Tuan realised that she had left her cell phone in the restrooms. After rushing back, great was her relief when she learned that the general cleaner, Lindiwe Mabusa (27), had taken both items to their admin office and had advised the security guard that it was there should the owner return. When we pulled in, he immediately came to our vehicle and told us that they had found the items and that they were in the office. In the times that we are living in, this is a miracle. Asked why she did not simply take it, because no one would have known, a calm and humble Lindiwe answered: But I am a Christian, and it is the right thing to do. Lindiwe, a mother of two, travels a long way to come to work everyday, and appreciates her job. Lincoln Motors can be proud of staff of this stature.

Lindiwe Mabusa

GPS News

Kry jou Re reg

kindness en liefde reuse. Dit kos mos niks nie. En een kindness per dag gaan nie jou kindness-spens leegmaak nie. Kindness kom in verskillende pakkies, nie net kospakkies nie. Dan, reduce. Moenie daai duur chocolates koop nie. Koop cheap chocolates en n sak hondekos. Die chocolates gee jy vir ou tante Baby, wat anyway nie die difference sal spot nie. Die hondekos drop jy in die winkel se bin vir minderbevoorregte honde. Easy! Jyt die hoeveelheid verminder wat jy sou spandeer en jyt n honger hond vir Krismis gevoer. En recycle! Jy weet daai Krismisete wat jou ure gevat het om voor te berei? En nadat almal siek gevreet skeef l, is die helfte nog oor? En n twee dae is almal siek vir Krismiskos? Hierdie Krismis kan jy ander se dag

en jy die storie van die ou vrou wat die Liewe Here vir Krismisete genooi het? Wel, op Kersdag wag en wag sy en al wat by haar aanklop, is drie mense wat iets kom vra. Elke keer s sy hulle moet loop sy wag vir n baie belangrike Gas om te kom eet. Dis naderhand middernag en niks Liewe Heertjie nie. Naderhand vra sy nou maar hoekom en sy kry die antwoord dat Hy drie keer by haar deur was en elke keer weggewys is. Nou, hierdie storie keer my om honger mense weg te jaag. Ek kan nie so ek voer hulle maar. Soms is die kaste ook maar leeg, maar elke keer kry ek tog iets om te gee. Nou laat al hierdie dinge my dink aan reuse, reduce en recycle. Ek reken nou s. Met Krismis om die draai kan ons mos

Alternatiewe Anna
ook mooimaak. Laai daai baie kos in jou kar en ry na die ashoop toe. Nee, ek s nie dump dit nie! Daar is so baie mense wat daar skrop vir weggooidinge wat nooit nee dankie sal s nie. Of voer die kinders by n kinderhuis. Whatever jy vir Krismis doen, onthou die drie Re. Die bedelaar voor jou deur is dalk net n baie belangrike Gas.

Hart van goud reik uit na kinders

Michele du Plessis
Ada Spottiswoode van Sabie lyk vir di wat haar nie ken nie, soms na n erg befoeterde en uitgesproke ou koei (s noem sy haarself) wat haar vrou kan staan. Vir di wat haar wel ken, is sy n wonderlike mens met n enorme, goue hart wat altyd bereid is om ander te help. Daarvan kan die kinders getuig wat al by haar in pleegsorg geplaas is. Saam met die twee kinders wat op 28 November in haar sorg geplaas word, het sy deur die jare al sowat 15 kinders versorg. Twee meisies bly reeds ongeveer drie weke by Ada, waar hulle aanvanklik vir veilige bewaring geplaas is. Ada vertel dat die twee kinders fisiek en emosioneel verwaarloos was toe hulle by haar geplaas is. Die een kry nou weekliks arbeidsterapie by Sabie Hospitaal en sal van Januarie soms na n kleuterskool gaan. Sy moet leer hoe om tussen ander kinders te wees. Sy weet nie hoe om te speel nie en het feitlik geen sosiale ontwikkeling nie, s Ada. Intussen is n 13-jarige seun by Ada in veilige sorg geplaas, en einde November sal n broer en suster van 12 en 13 jaar by haar geplaas word. Op die vraag hoekom sy n pleegouer is, s Ada: As niemand bereid is om dit te doen nie, wat gaan van die kinders word? Ek wil vir hierdie kinders n veilige blyplek gee met baie liefde, stabiliteit en natuurlik ook dissipline. Hierdie kinders verdien om hul menswaardigheid terug te kry en om gelief te voel, maak nie saak wat gebeur nie. As jy n bababed of stapelbedjies het wat jy nie meer gebruik nie, sal Ada dit nuttig vir die pleegkinders kan gebruik.

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

Pampering with a personal touch

GPS News

dream of many years has finally come true for Michelle Lock of Sabie. On Monday 11 November, she officially opened Sephora Health & Skin Care. The opening took the form of a cheese and wine evening where guests could relax and enjoy a little time off whilst walking through the salon. Michelle says the name Sephora is a combination of the words sephos (Greek for beauty) and the Greek form of tzipporah, which means bird in Hebrew. She had studied at Northlink College in Cape Town, and did a two year international somatology and aesthetics course (also known as beauty therapy). She had been a travelling beauty therapist for a while in Sabie, but always dreamed about opening her own salon. At the salon, Michelle enjoys the personal touch with her clients and enjoys pampering them in a serene, calm environment. Michelle has a passion for people and to make them feel good about themselves. Her services range from manicures and

Left: Michelle Lock and her fianc, Dylon de Jager, at the opening of Sephora Health & Skin Care in Sabie. They will get married in Cape Town on 15 March next year. Below: Claudia van Aswegen, Michele Lock and Annelise Strydom enjoy the opening. pedicures to the more luxurious, indulging treatments like facials. These treatments are not only aimed at targeting your skin concerns, but allow you the opportunity to unwind and 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 073148 9369 or visit the salon at 11 Mac Mac Street.

G PS N ew s

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

York drives blood donations

Michle du Plessis
when it is essential to build up stocks for the festive season. Jackie said their aim was to donate 30 units of blood. A total of 55 people showed up at the York Blood Drive and 46 units were donated. I am very thankful for the way the people supported this blood drive. They impacted the community by saving lives. They not only signed up to donate blood, but also their time in this effort to make a difference. We shall definitely be doing this more in future. Donating blood is a vital community service that saves lives. Parks said: We are very thankful that York Timbers motivated their people to donate blood. We hope that the people who donated will become regular donors.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and York Timbers have formed a partnership to build up blood stocks for the upcoming December holidays. The York Blood Drive, held at Sabie Country Club on Monday 25 November, was organised by Jackie Prinsloo, Community Development Manager at York, and Whanita Parks from SANBS. The whole idea of the blood drive was to offer potential donors the chance to play their part in giving life to those in desperate need of blood. November is always a difficult month for blood collection as most schools are not available for blood drives. It is also that time of year

Smalls
Town house to rent Sabie View. 2 beds, 2 baths, 1 garage. R4 000/month. Prepaid electricity. No pets. Kerry: 083 51 4 21 84. Driver available Honest, driver with Code 1 0 PDP seeking employment. Matriculated. Can

start immediately. Non-smoker and doesnt drink alcohol. Contact Valerie: 083 565 9458.

Living Waters Christian Church in Sabie presented the Christmas concert Why was Jesus born? on Sunday 17 November. The play was written by Danuelle Burger.

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

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GPS News

Jocks standard moves up

or 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 over Jock Sabie Lodge. For the local tourism industry this proved to be an excellent growth strategy as a local business owner claimed trophy to this three-star lodge in the centre of town and close to all amenities. The general manager at the lodge is Aneska van Heerden. Aneska has been in the hospitality business most of her working life, starting at the bottom and working herself up. She has been employed previously at Royal Hotel in Pilgrims Rest, as well as various five-star lodges, like Mount Grace in Magaliesburg. She is a nature lover, people orientated and a busybody full of energy. Some of her hobbies are hiking and outdoor activities. She was promoted from Floreat Riverside Lodges reservations and front office team. Aneskas aim is to raise Jocks standard to cater for the international market, but also to accommodate the locals. Jock Sabie Lodge boasts beautiful scenic gardens with a sparkling pool and trampolines for the kids. The food on their menu is versatile and they offer pizzas, steaks, seafood and

Aneska van Heerden, general manager, and the Jock Sabie Lodge staff. more, but their curries are their speciality. The food is affordable and on par with other restaurants. They offer pub lunches on the deck overlooking the pool as well as a full la carte menu, and cater for conferences, special events and kiddies birthday parties. Aneska is planning a fantastic Christmas lunch where the family can spend quality time together and Mom can be off for the day. She says: Come and join us to experience a relaxing time and delicious meal. We only offer the freshest and best quality food. Jock Sabie Lodge aims to become the best accolade in the area, and with your help, we will achieve it.

GPS News

11

Mopisa Nkhoma

200 compete in schools cross country race

Michle du Plessis
Woodlands School in Sabie held a cross country race at Klipkraal Dam on 13 November. Despite the heat and the fact that the 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, from u/7 to u/13, competed in the race. The route through the plantations was designed by Jaco van Staden of Cycle Junkies, and some of the athletes commented on the beauty of the surroundings. This year, Woodlands made use of Ash Winters for the timekeeping, and the results were immediately placed on the internet on Webscorer. Woodlands also had a minute to win it stall, where three Woodlands pupils won the prizes. York Timbers sponsored the event and helped with the organising. Without York the day wouldnt have been a success, Elizca Davies, organiser said. The results are available on www. webscorer.com/race?raceid=15688.

Rati Mogane (gr. 5) gets ready to launch himself down the tube.

Photo: MLM Photography

Water fun in the sun

Gerda van den Bos
school grounds. Before the fun could officially start, a small problem occurred. The water wonderland used too much power and suddenly the electricity tripped. Fortunately, Mr Fixit was on standby and he quickly got the schools generator up and running. (Mr Fixit is also known as Mark Matthee, principal.) The children had a marvelous time, running, sliding and playing in the foam. The teachers also had fun, and also became wet, but they had the task of ensuring that nobody got injured and that the slides had enough water and foam. They declared that they were very tired that afternoon. The children were also fairly exhausted after the mornings activities. As one teacher said with a smile: They played so much, they actually were quiet at the end. The water fun day was the ideal stress-reliever before the end of the year exams, which commenced a week later.

Graskop Primary School ended the year on a high note with a water fun day that was held at the school at the end of October. It took some planning, but finally a day was found where the weather was just right, the slides and other equipment were available and the fun could commence. Eight huge water slides, watery jumping castles and tall slides ending in foam splash pools adorned the

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GPS News

GPS News

13

Om in die donker te gloei

Nikita van Heerden
bring het. Wanneer hy dan na die volk teruggekeer het, kon hulle hom letterlik sien gloei... skyn! Die tweede ding wat ons van glow in the dark weet, is dat dit, nadat dit in die lig was, net n sekere tydperk kan skyn. Dit moet dan weer aan lig blootgestel word voordat dit genoeg herlaai het om weer in die donker te kan skyn. Dus moet ons ook gereeld, elke dag, in God se teenwoordigheid tyd deurbing om sy Lig vir die donker wreld daar buite te kan wees. Laastens, het jy al opgemerk hoeveel nuuskierigheid, vreugde en opgewondenheid iets wat glow in the dark by mense kan aansteek? Kom ons probeer om ook s te skyn en n vreugde rondom ons uit te straal sodat mense nader sal wil kom en kyk wat hierdie gloed in ons veroorsaak. Beter nog, dat hulle sal wil aansteek om ook te kan glow in the dark!

Ons liggies kan maar gou dof word. Hoewel ons n lig vir die wreld moet wees, kan ons dit soms nie eens regkry om vir onsself genoeg lig te maak om te sien waar om die volgende tree te gee nie, wat nou nog te s van n lig vir die wreld om ons te wees. Ek lees nou die dag dat ons meer moet probeer wees soos iets wat glow in the dark, eerder as soos gloeilampe of kerse. Die skrywer skets n wonderlike beeld: n Voorwerp wat glow in the dark, kan net skyn wanneer dit genoeg tyd in die lig deurgebring het. Dit het my laat dink... Ons kan net in die donker rondom ons skyn wanneer ons tyd in die Lig deurgebring het. Ons moet by God se voete gaan sit. Selfs Moses het net geskyn wanneer hy tyd alleen saam met die Here bo-op die berg deurge-

Die droom van n mooi, skoon dorp ontwaak weer

Gerda van den Bos

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

raskop is dalk stil en rustig, maar van die dorp se inwoners is altyd aan die gang. Stilsit en niksdoen is nie op hul woordelys nie. Johan en Alet Metselaar is n voorbeeld hiervan. So drie en n half jaar terug het hulle Graskop hul tuiste gemaak. Johan, n oudskoolhoof, het vanjaar 75 geword, maar van stoepsit is daar nog geen sprake nie. Hy was aan die stuur van sake met die opknappingsprojek van die Fanie Stoltz-aftreeoord en dien in verskeie ko-mitees, onder meer om Graskop se Kers- en handwerkmark te rel. Hy het n hoekhuis en n ruk terug het iemand die een stopteken, waarvan die paal deurgeroes was, onderstebo gery. Toe hy sien die munisipaliteit draai darem te lank om die teken te herstel, het hy self ingespring en die nodige herstelwerk gedoen sommer so n ekstra plaatjie ook ingesit sodat die kwaaijongens nie weer die teken dwars kan draai nie. Verder is hy aan die gang om dromme te versamel en dit in die

dorp vas te ketting om as asblikke te dien. Hy en Alet tel gereeld die papiere op wat om die poskantoor l. Noudat die projek by die aftreeoord onder beheer is, gaan hy weer sy aandag aan die Droom vir Graskop wy. Graskop is reeds deel van RSG se Droom Suid-Afrika-projek, n poging om die land se dorpe weer skoon, netjies en mooi te maak. Die droom is nie gebonde aan enige politieke party of n spesifieke gedeelte van die gemeenskap nie. Die doel is om almal te betrek om te help om Graskop ter ere te herstel. As almal net inspring en hul eie sypaadjie netjies hou en papiere optel en gebou-eienaars n slag die straataansig opknap en verf, sal dit al baie help. Alet is lief vir tuinmaak en haar plante is haar trots. Sy kweek steggies en nooi mense om by haar te kom steggies haal op voorwaarde dat hulle dit op hul sypaadjie plant. Enigiemand wat die droom vir Graskop deel of wat ekstra geld of tyd beskikbaar het om daaraan te wy, kan gerus die Metselaars by 013 767 1234 kontak.

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GPS News

Glory Hill Primarys top achievers awarded

Gerda van den Bos

Glory Hill Primary School held its prize-giving ceremony on 12 and 13 November in the Graskop town hall, which was decorated with colorful paper plate flowers with smiling faces. Past. Phineas Ledwaba opened the proceedings and encouraged the parents to motivate and support their children in whatever God-given talent they have. If you want your child to become a doctor, but all that he wants to do is play soccer, forget your dream 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 prefects were announced and the outgoing head boy, head girl and their deputies had the opportunity to say goodbye to the school and to encourage the new leaders. These youngsters stood up before a hall packed with parents and guests and spoke with the utmost confidence and skill. When the new prefects were announced, their parents were also called to the stage to pin their pins on their collars under loud applause from the audience. 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 were dressed for the occasion in black robes and graduation hats. Daan Rossouw, principal, got them to sing Oom Olifant while they mimicked his gestures, causing lots of laughter in the hall.

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

Getting kids safely across the road

Gerda van den Bos
are transported by busses and taxis to the school. Getting everybody on the right bus or taxi can be a problem, but the children, under the watchful eyes of the teachers on duty, will form rows in front of the school gate and wait (almost patiently) for the orders to march to their particular bus or taxi. Although some of the taxi drivers are troublesome and not always on time, it was heartening to see a taxi driver actually came into the school grounds to fetch the children for his particular area as most of his passengers were small children in gr. R to 3. Motorists are advised to adhere to the scholar patrollers signals. They claim that they are quite capable of giving you a fine when you do not listen to them. Drive carefully whenever you are near a school.

The pupils from Glory Hill Primary School have to cross the busiest street in Graskop every day to get to school. Fortunately, they have a team of dedicated scholar patrollers under supervision of Anne Dennison of the school governing body and teacher Mashego. The scholar patrol works in close cooperation with the local traffic department 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 rain or shine as early as 06:50 in the mornings, regulating the traffic and children. Most of the learners come from distant places surrounding Graskop and

The scholar patrol leaders for 2014. Teacher Mashego, Patience Chiloane, Anne Dennison, Mpho Mann and Britney Dennison were all part of this years team and are ready to take on the work again next year. Rather slow down and be over-cautious until you have passed because although children are taught how to cross a road safely, sometimes they can be absentminded and do silly things.

GPS News

15

Web page and group promote local business

Sabie local and Pets of Eden owner Alexsander Rost is like many youngsters an active social media user. To promote local businesses he started a Facebook 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 and businesses that people dont know about. Just the other day I found out that there is a girl that designs and produces jewellery, a new boutique, a gift and glass shop right here in little Sabie. I experience this myself there are daily still people entering my shop that did not know Sabie has a professional pet shop, even though Im celebrating my first year in business this December. Alexsander contemplated how to assist other businesses, and thought of the fact that many people use social media like Facebook and Twitter everyday. Through these media people know what is happening in and around other towns or what businesses, specials and products they have, but few residents in Sabie know what is actually on offer, and many think they have to go to Nelspruit to find something while it may have been available locally. Thats why I decided to start a page and group to get the businesses, specials and products promoted to the local and surrounding residents. We must support local businesses in order to keep our town vibrant and alive. I would like to invite all local businesses and surrounding towns residents to like the page and start investing in your towns future. This service is free to all businesses on condition that it is legal and not derogative.

Am I computely mad?
Sharon Mandy
just when she thinks she may be spoiling me too much, or I find something which I have been looking for for ages, there she does it again! Other times she does it as I am logging in, and several times after that for the rest of the evening. The time she takes to come on again also varies. Of course, the minute I call anyone in to take a look at her, she refuses to do it, and they go away shaking their heads and giving me pitying glances. I made a huge mistake this morning when I let her listen to the news. Eskom has requested consumers to cut down their electricity usage by about 10%, or it will have to resort to load shedding. My computer has now decided to cooperate as any good citizen should and she is going into power saving mode at every possibility. Either that or she is lonely and wants me to stay up all night with the amount of coffee I have been forced to imbibe. It is so trying to live with all these seemingly inanimate objects that have an irascible sense of humour at my expense. First it is my GPS, although I do get the feeling that at least she is on my side, then it is my phone, sometimes it is my car, and now it is also my computer! At least I know the problem does not lie with me.

have a computer that is in love with Eskom. She sits there smugly looking at me, because she knows I simply cant do without her, and then just when I am really enjoying reading, or have an eureka moment, she goes into power saving mode. When she is in power saving mode, her screen goes black and she takes a while to come on again. She then tells me that we have exited unexpectedly and asks me if I want to restore the previous programme. This used to make me go into an immediate tantrum, but I noted that 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 technologically handicapped like me, but no one seems to be able to pick up the problem. Nowadays when she goes into this mode, I take a deep breath and make myself a cup of coffee and wait. I blame her for my recent caffeine addiction. I know that she is doing it on purpose, because there is no logic with the time she takes to go into this mode. At times I gleefully think that she is cured because I have been surfing the internet for two hours, and then

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GPS News

Lots of mountain bike fun on the way

The tenth My Spar Sabie Xperience MTB Stage Race takes place this year from 13 to 16 December. To please the whole family, the organisers have provided options for all levels of fitness and skills, from the two-day (80 km) Team Lite and the three-day (140 km) Team Wannabe through to the demanding four-day (200 km) SoloXperience. There are great goody bags and quality Columbia sportswear for all participants. Over the same weekend, there are the options of riding either one or both of the Valencia 60 km Xmas Xlassic and 33 km Xanadu one-day races (on similar routes). They are on offer for those who decide they want a taste of the fun, but are unable to participate in full multi-day events. Compared to other stage races around South Africa, MTB stage racers dont have to rob a bank, sell the wifes car or take out another bond on the house to afford an entry to have some fun in the mountains around Sabie. The race venue has changed. All stages and races will start and finish at the brand new conference facilities

presently being completed at Floreat Riverside Lodge a beautifully designed facility with everything at hand, and much more easily accessible from town. Entries are filling up fast! Dont lose out. Check out and enter on the www.sabiexperience.co.za website for more details.