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LIFE AND TIMES WITH COLLIN
Material Knowledge
For the sake of convenience we often divide history into periods, ages
or epochs. This is unfortunate as there is, more often than not, no
clear dividing line between one period and the next. In fact the
blurring can take place over many years if not centuries. However the
one constant is the impetus to improvement. A change for the better, to
use an idiom.
What I want to focus on this week are those years around 1815 to 1830.
The so-called Modern Era. I am fascinated by that time, that
window, as it served, like no other time in history, to aggressively
focus man's thoughts on harnessing the forces of nature. To tame and
utilize and master that force; those gifts from God, to his [man's]
benefit. And for the benefit of future generations.
A significant factor of this time was the strident advances in the
science of metallurgy. Up until then the maximum rate of land transport
was about 2 to 3 miles per hour. This was an inextricable part of the
fixed condition of human life since the first century A.D. In 1825 the
first railway between Stockton and Darlington in England was opened.
Stephenson's locomotive was aptly named the Rocket and reached a
speed of forty-four miles per hour.
The sheer awesomeness of this feat was no doubt as mind-boggling as the
day when I sat in the standard nine science class and listened over the
radio [set up by the teacher] to those words, 'One small step for man .
. .' And so new standards and expectations were, and are, established.
Back in 1813, after his defeat in Russia, it took Napoleon 312 hours to
travel (retreat) the 1400 miles from Vilna to Paris. Now with rail
transport it took only 48 hours to traverse that distance. Put another
way, distances were now being achieved in about a tenth of the time. In
America similar advances were being made with a network of railways
sprawling out, ever westward. In this way Washington was able to spread
its administrative tentacles wider.
In 1819 the first ship using steam (she also had sails), the Savannah,
crossed the Atlantic. Unfortunately these ships were paddle-wheelers
which were not suited to the high seas. The paddles were easily damaged;
disabling the boat. Eventually screws (propellers) were fitted and steam
overtook sail. For the first time man could cross the ocean with a
degree of accuracy as to his date of arrival. A transatlantic journey of
an uncertain few weeks could be achieved in a matter of five days.
Concurrently with the development of steam transport, the phenomena of
electricity were being investigated by the likes of Volta, Galvani, and
Faraday, with the electrical telegraph coming into existence in 1835.
The first undersea telegraph cable was laid in 1851 between France and
England. Seeing a massive steamship with its stacks bellowing smoke must
have been a wonderful sight. Far less conspicuous, however but not less
important, was the ability to process iron. Up until the middle of the
eighteenth century iron was reduced from its ores by means of
wood-charcoal. Only small amounts could be handled, with the upward
limit, that of a smooth-bore cannon.
This was the boundary of metallurgy. It took Nasmyth's hammer in 1838
and the Bessemer process in 1856 to enable scientists and engineers to
produce sheet-iron. At last here was the catalyst that would propel
man's advancement at a unprecedented rate. Vast bridges and high-rise
buildings were capable of construction. Before the nineteenth century
there were no ships in the world over 2000 tons. With the new processes
in metallurgy, ships of up to 50000 tons were being built. But with size
came new challenges. Metal fatigue and stress had to be contended with.
And they were contended with and overcome.
Space does not allow for a protracted discussion of that period between
1815 to 1830 the dawn of modernity. But man discovered that he was only
limited by the boundaries of his imagination. And the more he challenged
his imagination the more he could push back those impeding boundaries.
And back then speed was the currency.
Ever faster and quicker was the order of the day. Time was money. Men
became reckless and started taking risks. Risks that could cost lives.
This was no more poignant than with the sinking of the Titanic on
14 April 1912. Captain Edward J. Smith, one of Britain's most
distinguished mariners and no doubt at the apogee of his career, flush
with confidence, had ordered the ship at full steam ahead. After all,
the Titanic was unsinkable, according to the tabloids. Or so they
thought.
How often don't we find that, because of the sheer size of something,
it's infallible. Captain Smith might be forgiven for his
over-confidence. Caught up in all that media hype; the glowing
adulation; the greatness of it all. The rudder alone weighed more than
100 tons.
I would venture a guess and say there is a little bit of Captain Smith
in all of us. That, 'ain't nothing going to stop us now', feeling.
Confidence is a great attribute, but more often than not also serves as
an Achilles heel to bring us back to earth from time to time. Sometimes
with dire consequences.
Chat again next week.
Collin Hyman
YourProfile
Name: Gale Raubenheimer
Birthday: 23 November
Star Sign: On the cusp of Leo and Cancer
Occupation: Estate agent and now lately also jewellery consultant
and importer and distributor of beauty products
When I look into the mirror every morning i think: how blessed i am to
be alive
and healthy
My favourite people in the world are: my husband and family
My favourite quote is: success is getting what you want; happiness is
wanting what you get
Coco, my parrot makes me laugh.
The greatest lesson life has taught me so far is: success is 10%
inspiration
and 90% perspiration.
I'll do almost anything for: chocolate peanuts
When I get stressed I am most likely to throw my cell phone out a
window.
I want my tombstone to read: she strived to make her dreams a reality
and
Did her best to improve the lives of those less fortunate
I wouldn't mind being stuck in an elevator with: George Clooney
In three words I am: caring, loyal, honest
If I had a million rand to spare I would: give 20% to child welfare, the
elderly and the spca and spend the rest on a world cruise.
I live in Klerksdorp because: of the friendly people, absence of
rush-hour traffic and relatively low crime rate.
The first thing I would save from a house fire is: apart from my family
and pets my photos
My nickname is: Gayla (my husband & coco) and Fatti (my sister)
I love my job because: of all the lovely people I meet
Senwes
naaswenner in voorkeurwerksplek-kompetisie
The second group of the Community Development Workers (CDWs) from the
North West Province will jet off to India to participate in a
three-month long training on programmes that will build their capacity
in dealing with local economic development initiatives.
The training is part of the Indian Technical Economic Commission
programme and is a partnership with the Department of Public Service and
Administration and nine provincial administrations through the
departments who are implementing the CDWs programme.
The CDWs who have been included in this programme are Botsang Mooketsi
from Kgetleng Rivier, Donald Tefo from Moses Kotane, Dan Ramongalo from
Moretele, Moeng Mmamiki Selemane from Madibeng and Jimmy Botman from
City of Matlosana Local Municipality. They will leave in December and
January while the first group is scheduled to return to South Africa at
the end of the year.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa's Vulindlela Academy offered to
fund a training programme of the CDWs on Basic Economics and Project
Management, in order to build capacity on local economic development and
planning, monitoring and evaluation at the ward level. The training has
been scheduled to run from November 2008 to January 2009
.
Meanwhile, in order to ensure that the CDW programme makes the necessary
impact, the department is currently developing a provincial master-plan
which will ensure that the CDWs work in a more co-ordinated manner with
sector departments and agencies.
This is a process that is informed by disruptions of the programme
activities by ad hoc last minute requests for CDWs services by the
sector departments and agencies.
"This was brought about by a need to coordinate and integrate activities
that involved the CDWs as there were a lot of ad hoc last minute
requests for the CDWs services", said MEC for Developmental Local
Government and Housing, Howard Yawa
MEC Yawa also mentioned that a study has been undertaken to gauge the
impact that the CDW progamme has made since it was introduced in 2003.
The department is awaiting a report from Regenesys Consulting,i.e. the
consultants appointed by the DPSA to conduct the study. The North West
Province was one of the provinces considered for the sample.
JOINT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE SPENDING DURING THE
FESTIVE SEASON
Get started on your 2009 resolutions by resolving to consistently save
more throughout the year starting this festive season.
From 11 November 2008, the South African Savings Institute (SASI) will
launch its Annual Savings Campaign. As an extension of July's National
Savings Month, it partners with a number of key players for the November
and December campaign:
• Department of Trade and Industry
(the dti),
• Financial Services Board (FSB),
• National Credit Regulator (NCR),
• Council for Medical Schemes, and
• Nine provincial offices of Consumer
Affairs.
This campaign encourages consumers from all walks of life to spend
responsibly during the festive season and, at the same time, reminding
them of the importance to save for their future.
"The DTI wants to make sure that South Africans are armed with all
information they need in order to make informed decisions. This includes
spending wisely over the festive season and being careful about
borrowing money,” says Karin Coode, director for Consumer Affairs at the
DTI.
"We believe that when South Africans make their new year's resolutions
it should be for a fresh start and the start of a savings plan," says
Nomsa Motshegare, COO of the National Credit Regulator, a partner to the
campaign, and a board member of SASI.
Mmakgoshi Phetla-Lekhethe, CEO of SASI explained that the board and the
executive members of SASI are proud to be partners in this important
initiative. The campaign furthers the organisation's role in the
development and strengthening of savings networks. This also ensures
that each organisation's resources are put to optimal use and ensure the
effectiveness of these interventions.
Why Festive campaign:
“While we understand the importance of this period to individuals,
families and households, the festive season often leads to unnecessary
expenditure. Such consumption patterns often lead to high levels of
indebtedness. It is this tendency to spend that the joint partners of
this campaign would like to address. The message that we are sending out
to the public is that as we journey into this season let us be conscious
of the temptations that come with it and spend responsibly.”
Phetla-Lekhete adds.
SASI has identified the theme of “Slowdown, New Year Ahead” for their
campaign and hopes it helps consumers to manage their temptation to
overspend during this festive season. Consumers need to be conscious of
the need to save and ignore the SALE signs as New Year obligations
include school fees for many parents.“The lesson of savings needs to be
carried into each and every South African household to guide consumer
behaviour during the festive season,” Phetla-Lekhethe concludes.
MARIKANA DISASTER RELIEF
EFFORTS
The North West Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing
(DDLG&H) is finalising the appointment of a consultant to quantify
damage to housing infrastructure expected to run into millions after a
tornado left a trail of destruction in the mining settlement of Marikana
near Rustenburg. One hundred and fifty (150) families were displaced
after the tornado damaged three hundred and fifty (350) low cost houses
and blew away 56 shacks on Tuesday afternoon.
Thirty eight (38)
people were hospitalized at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital for serious
injuries sustained from collapsed walls and flying debris. Sixteen (16)
people were treated for minor injuries at Marikana and Tlhabane Health
Centres and discharged.
Rustenburg Local
Municipality has with the support of Bojanala Platinum District
Municipality h established a Joint Operation Centre to co-ordinate
relief efforts. Blankets, tents and roof/salvage sheets are being
distributed to alleviate the situation .The displaced families were
temporarily accommodated at Marikana Community Hall and served with
cooked meals Food parcels are being distributed to affected families.
A temporary
inconvenience for the residents is that electricity has been switched
off while Eskom repairs electrical wires and meter boxes that pose a
threat to the community to avoid casualties
Premier Edna Molewa,
MEC Howard Yawa (Developmental Local Government and Housing) and the
Executive Mayors of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and
Rustenburg Local Municipality visited the area on Wednesday afternoon to
appraise themselves of the extend of the disaster and assess further
intervention required.
The Department of
Developmental Local Government and Housing through its Provincial
Disaster Management Centre, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Lonmin, the
Royal Bafokeng Administration, The Departments of Health, Social
Development, South African Social Security Agency, South African Police
Service and Eskom are supporting relief efforts.
The Joint Task Team
has encouraged residents to seek temporary accommodation with neighbours
to be near their belongings to curb looting, theft and unnecessary loss
of property.
Meanwhile, Ditsobotla Local Municipality together with Ngaka Modiri
Molema District Municipality have distributed tents, blankets and
roof/salvage sheets to affected families in Kgomola(8), Phatsima(2),
Dithwaneng(9), Meetmekaar (3) and Itsoseng(2 and Hospice) after a storm
blew away roof tops and mud houses on Wednesday evening. Eskom is
working on restoration of electricity in the affected areas after
electric poles were also struck by lightning
DISASTER RISK
REDUCTION GIRLS TAKING THE LEAD
On 4 November the Executive Mayor of the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District,
Cllr. Boitumelo Moloi, honoured 21 adolescent girls from Sonderwater who
completed a journey of Girls in Risk Reduction Leadership programme
spearheaded by the North West University to benefit the community at
large.
According to the district, our society is under tremendous pressure in
raising girl children, but for the 21 learners from Sonderwater who
piloted the project of building and developing smart and resilient young
girls through their adolescent age, things could be better.
The G.I.R.R.L Project (Girls in Risk Reduction Leadership), was birthed
by a Jamaican born mentor, Kaylah Forbes Biggs whose passion is
empowering young girls to make a difference in their lives and of many
in their communities, has resulted in its tremendous success. “This
pilot project would not have worked well back home in Jamaica. I chose
the girls from Sonderwater in North West as they were much more
receptive to the idea and willing to become 'change agents' for Disaster
Risk Reduction in their respective communities,” said Kayla. “One of the
key lessons learned is the impact this project has had in promoting
gender equality in risk reduction in the community”
Kayla was invited to run the project by the Centre for Disaster Studies
(ACDS) at the North West University under the auspices of Dr. Dewald van
Niekerk. The centre commissioned Kaylah to conduct research aimed at
exploring the contributions of marginalized adolescent girls of the
Sonderwater settlement to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and community
resilience building. There is no other project like this in the world,
hence Kaylah saw the need to work with the University and Dr. Kenneth
Kaunda District Municipality.
“It made sense to approach the District Municipality for Technical and
administrative support and run it in Tlokwe. We have a niche market and
we are planning to expand it next year March and replicate it in similar
areas. We have already established our headquarters in Ikageng,” said
Dr. van Niekerk. The project received core funding through an award from
the Prevention Consortium as part of its Research and Action grants for
Young Professionals (2007-2008) supported by the World Bank.
The approach was based on a capacity building programme in critical
areas such as team building / decision making, physical health, mental
well-being, sexual health, first aid & fire safety, community based
disaster planning and effective communication. The girls took about nine
months to complete the courses and project dissemination took place from
September 16 November 7, 2008. Due to its significance, The United
Nations has agreed to list it under their Gender, disaster and reduction
projects.
The Executive Mayor Moloi encouraged the girls to “live life that
matters”. “I would also like to express our gratitude as a District and
are supportive of this project going forward. We are even more grateful
to Kaylah's commitment to the G.I.R.R.L Project and as we bid farewell
to her today. We would like to say that her contribution and effect will
be felt in the community of Sonderwater. We recognize her noble walk
among the poor and marginalized,” said Mayor Moloi. “We look forward to
the expansion of the project beyond our District and also thank
Councillor Ntombi Kolote's for her involvement.”
Puk Aftredings
Personeel met altesame 177 jaar diens by die Pukkampus van die
Noordwes-Universiteit het onlangs afgetree. Van links is proff. Annette
Combrink (kampusrektor van die NWU-Puk), Christien Strydom (direkteur
van die skool vir fisies- en chemiese wetenskappe), Corrie du Toit (vakgroep
chemie) met 33 jaar diens, Lena Bosman (vakgroep verbruikerswetenskappe),
dr. Marietjie Venter (vakgroep verbruikerswetenskappe) met 20 jaar diens,
proff. Elizabeth Hentschel (vakgroep Duits) met 36 jaar diens, Wannie
Carstens (skool vir tale), me. Elizabeth Tshabadira (inwoning- en
voedseldienste, Minjonet) met 29 jaar diens, me. Ester Botha (inwoning-
en voedseldienste), proff. Kobus Pienaar (dekaan van natuurwetenskappe)
en Koos Grobler (eenheid vir bedryfswiskunde en informatika) met 42 jaar
diens. Me. Susan Coetzee van die Ferdinand Postma-biblioteek met
sewentien jaar diens, was afwesig.
Summer time is EXTRA
protection time
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with almost 20 000
new cases every year and over 700 deaths annually, says the Cancer
Association of South Africa (CANSA).
The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented if people respect the
sun and learn how to be Sun Smart by following advice from CANSA, which
is a 77-year old non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting cancer to
save lives.
Due to global warming and other environmental changes, experts predict
an increase in skin cancers, meaning those living in sunny climates must
be extra cautious when outdoors. “South Africa has the fastest growing
rate of skin cancer in the world, after Australia,” says Martha Molete,
CANSA's Head of Communication. “Everyone must avoid sun burning and sun
tanning as there is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is a sign of
skin damage from the sun.”
The first method of protection is clothing. Thickly woven fabric
prevents the sun's harmful rays of reaching the skin. Wear a hat with a
brim to protect the ears, nose, back of the neck and the face. Look out
for UV protective swimsuits and beach wear, rash-vests, etc. that have
UV protection factors. The rating for fabric is UPF (Ultra Violet
Protection Factor) and they range from UPF20, 30, 40 and the maximum,
UPF50.
Always apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (Sun protection Factor) to all
exposed skin areas.
Protect your eyes against the sun by wearing sunglasses of at least
UV400 ultra violet rating. Wrap-sunglasses prevents less UV from
reaching the eyes.
Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm and seek shade where
possible.
A good quality umbrella will be made of thickly woven fabric to prevent
UV rays from penetrating through the fabric. Look out for umbrellas that
claim UV protection levels.
Clicks is the main sponsor for CANSA's Sun Smart campaign from November
to February and includes, talks, exhibitions, visits to schools, holiday
resorts and beaches. Skin clinics are also held at holiday destinations,
especially on the beaches where a dermatologist joins the CANSA staff
and volunteers to examine members of the public on request.
Many sunscreen manufacturers and suppliers have sponsored sunscreen
products to be used at these venues. These products all carry the CANSA
Seal of Recognition (CSOR) emblem on their products. Products are tested
and must pass the set standards for sunscreens before they are awarded
the CANSA Seal. Members of the public can use products bearing this
emblem with confidence, knowing that the products were tested locally
and have been approved for their protection abilities.
Note that sunscreens must have broad spectrum protection abilities,
meaning they must protect against UVA & UVB. UVA mainly causes ageing of
the skin and UVB causes burning. Both of these are responsible for skin
damage, skin spots, premature ageing and ultimately skin cancer.
To help fight skin cancer, CANSA advocates the following:
All schools should include hats as part of the uniform and move outdoor
activities outside the danger-period (between 11am and 3pm). Sufficient
shade must be provided for learners during breaks and outdoor
gatherings.
Everyone should avoid
using sun beds and sunlamps at all costs. They are dangerous and
research indicates that they double your risk of developing skin
melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Contrary to a popular
myth, sun beds do NOT prepare your skin for sun exposure!
All outside workers,
for example, farm workers and construction workers, should be provided
with protective clothing including hats.
All South Africans should check their skin regularly for changes,
unusual marks or moles. An annual medical check-up should include a skin
check to detect possible skin cancer early. Everyone exposed to the sun
is at risk of developing skin cancer whether you have light or dark
skin.
For more information, the public can contact CANSA toll free on 0800 22
66 22 or see www.cansa.org.za
'n
Netjiese en ruim Village Grocer vir Jan Kempdorp
Die gemeenskap van Jan Kempdorp en omgewing kan nou 'n moderne en
aangename inkopie-ervaring geniet, nadat die Village Grocer amptelik op
29 Oktober geopen is.
Die Village Grocer, voorheen bekend as die Jan Kemp Sentra, is die
eerste van sy soort wat Senwes in die Noord-Kaap provinsie geopen het.
“Die vernuwing van Senwes se handelsmerk gaan gepaard met die
opgradering van ons infrastruktuur, wat die Village Grocers insluit,”
het Francois Strydom (Direkteur: Bedryf) tydens die amptelike
openingsaand van die winkel gesê. Die eerste Village Grocer is aan die
einde van verlede jaar op Heilbron geopen, waarna die tweede een nou op
Jan Kempdorp geopen is.
Die vorige winkel het oudmodies begin raak en die vloer- en rakspasie
was te min. Van die veranderinge aan die winkel, is onder meer: 'n nuwe
deli, ingang en meer beweegruimte in die gange. Die bakkery,
vrugte-en-groente- en vleisafdeling het ook 'n opgekikkerde voorkoms
gekry.
“Dit is vir Village Grocer se personeel 'n uitdaging om Senwes se nuwe
korporatiewe identiteit te ondersteun met 'n aanpassing in die
onderliggende waardes wat daarmee gepaard gaan,” het Strydom gesê.
“Ek en my personeel is baie opgewonde oor die winkel. Die nuwe voorkoms
is fenomenaal,” het Manus Smith (Bestuurder: Village Grocer) gesê. 'n
Kompetisie sal oor die Kersseisoen by die winkel geloods word waar
kliënte die kans staan om 'n Plasmaskerm 42” HD Ready TV te wen.
Die winkel het lank bekendgestaan as Dienskoöp, waarna dit in die 1980's
na Sentra verander het en vandag as Village Grocer handel dryf.
CLARISE BEMARK KHS
Clarise Hattingh is pas aangestel as KHS se skakelpersoon en Bemarker.
Clarise, wat die afgelope jaar in Potchefstroom as bemarker gewerk het,
het haar studie aan die Noordwes Universiteit voltooi waar sy die kursus
BA Kommunikasiekunde en Toerisme gevolg het.
Sy het ook 'n praktiese sertifikaat in haar studierigting verwerf toe sy
in die Verenigde Koninkryk o.a by die Bembridge Hotel op die Isle of
Wight gewerk het.
MEER AS NET SPORTVROU VAN
2008
Asof Protea kleure vir karate en SA-span vir dans nie genoeg is nie is
Carla-Marié van Awegen ook nou aangewys as sportvrou vir 2008 in die
primêre skole afdeling deur die Sportsraad van Matlosana.
Van Aswegen het vroeër vanjaar deelgeneem aan die Statebond
Kampioenskappe vir karate in Skotland en Suid-Afrika verteenwoordig in
die Zone 6 Kampioenskappe teen lande soos Botswana, Zimbabwe en ander
lande.
Aangewys as die goue medalje wenner by die alle style karate
kampioenskap in haar ouderdom en gewig-safdeling. As danser kry sy 2
silwer en 1 brons medaljes op Beyond 2000 SA-kampion-skap in Rustenburg.
By die IFAA kampioenskappe dring sy deur na die Dia-
mantspan en tydens die Nasionale Eistedfod verwerf sy 5 diplomas en word
aangewys as alghele wenner in die “Hip Hop Funk” en “Any Other” style
vir die kategorie vir Graad 1-7.
KHS SE LEIERS INGEHULDIG
Die inhuldiging van KHS was vanjaar weer 'n spoggeleentheid waar ouers
trots kan wees op hul nuutverkose VLR-kinders.
Die aand het begin met dr. Amanda du Plessis as gasspreker. Sy het aan
elke VLR-lid 'n paar sleutels tot lewenssukses besorg.
Daarna is die koshuisleiers van beide Seuns- en Meisieskoshuis
bekendgestel, gevolg deur die bekendstelling van die VLR vir 2009.
Elke VLR-lid se ouers het die voorreg gehad om sy/haar kind se
kleurbaadjie aan te trek sowel as die balkie aan te steek. Elke ouer was
voorwaar trots op hul kind.
Die aand is afgesluit met 'n heerlike ete en saamkuier.
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