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Storms causes Havoc in the
City
Klerksdorp residents are still assessing the damage caused by
flash-floods after the Klerksdorp was hit by successive storms last
week. The Protea Lodge Hotel, next to the N12 freeway, was flooded and
severe damages were caused by the rain.
A number of roads in the area were also severely flooded, leaving the
streets full of mud, bricks and other things that flooded from some of
the resident's yards. These included Austin road as well as Readman
street. The Pick 'n Pay parking lot were also flooded and customers
couldn't even get to their vehicles, seeing that the cars were covered
in water up to their bonnets.
The storms caused havoc throughout the whole city and townships! More
rain can be expected.
LIFE AND
TIMES WITH COLLIN
A little nostalgia
Around 1960/61 the total onslaught took on a more grave spectre. The
government of the day (and the night!) thought it wise, if not prudent,
to house the more serious enemies of the state on Robben Island. Up to
that point we had lived on the Island. It had served as a military base
with both my mom and dad serving in the South African Navy. We, and many
of the Island families were moved to various naval bases around the
country. Our family ended up in a small naval village known as Da Gama
Park, situated in a mountain valley just out of Simonstown.
We kids went to school either in Simonstown, Fish Hoek or St James. I
even met some kids who went to a school with the odd-sounding name of
Bishops. These guys were different - they spoke a different English to
the rest of us. But we got along alright. These were our formative
years. Years in which we as youngsters, were hugely influenced by the
older children. I remember witnessing a puff adder being killed one
afternoon. I looked on in awe, stuck behind the older and bigger boys.
It was late afternoon, with the sun getting ready to give up it's last
rays. The headless snake was still writhing furiously. One of the older
wiseguy's commented rather matter-of-factly, 'I read somewhere that a
snake cant die until sunset. At sunset it will give up it's soul'. Wow,
my introduction to the great beyond. It was readily agreed that we would
sit this one out. So we sat . . . and sat. The sun had gone and the poor
puff adder was still moving. Disappointed, my younger brother and I went
home. We agreed not to tell our parents about the snake incident. This,
for fear of getting a hiding or, not being able to play with older boys
anymore. Worse, having to a pay a visit to the local naval parson, to
get ourselves purged.
What got me thinking about my youth was my son Craig, who paid us a
visit last week. He had just returned from a trip to England and wanted
to see his old man again. After unpacking, he casually dropped a book in
front of me, 'Recognize this?' What I was holding was a collection of
Battle Picture Library stories. If you are fifty-something, you will
probably recall these little Readers Digest size books that brought so
much fun and satisfaction to one and all who read them. It was at Da
Gama Park that I was introduced to these little gems. There were
stirring titles such as: 'The Island of Guilt; The Ghost Battalion; The
Silver-plated Luger, and The Rats of Tobruk. The publishers called them
'graphic novels'. No doubt to impress school principals who in all
probability questioned their contribution to academia. We just called
them 'war comics'. They came out regularly, monthly, if I remember
correctly. In no time they were currency, a store of value. In Da Gama
Park, they were an economy on their own.
Every kid worth his salt had a collection of Battle Picture Library
books (other publications such as Air Ace Picture Library and War at
Sea, followed later). We had a swap market going. A new book fetched two
or three older books. Quality was paramount. Coffee stains and cigarette
burns seriously affected value. Dog-ears, torn covers and missing pages
were a definite no-no. As the market matured, I can still recall the
more advanced aspects of marketing coming to the fore, 'You can 'smell'
the cordite in this one'. Or 'You can 'sense' the fear in that one'.
'You can 'hear' the sweat dripping. I want two books for it.'
It wasn't long before the Battle Picture Library craze starting taking
on sinister proportions. Our homework starting suffering. We were
limited to reading the books over weekends. To counter this new threat,
we went underground and read the books during the week by torch under
our blankets. I couldn't understand my mom's hostility, as I found my
vocabulary was notably improved. I learnt such words as: Achtung, Himmel,
Schnell, Kamikaze and Nippon.
But we started getting older, and as teenagers, a new-found fad took us
in Cape Town surfing. The Battle Picture Library books took a backseat,
and soon I, and many of my age, lost interest.
For reading, other than the compulsory Shakespeare, there was another
publication in circulation. It was also graphic, and it went by the name
of Playboy. Heaven forbid if you got caught with one of those. Still,
you could add to your mathematical acumen. You got a clearer
understanding of size and proportion.
WORLD CANCER DAY 4 FEBRUARY
On World Cancer Day, UICC will launch “I love my healthy active
childhood”, the second full-year theme in our today's children,
tomorrow's world cancer prevention campaign.
Overweight or obesity can lead to cancer. Children must be encouraged to
balanced food and drink choices with physical activity, thereby reducing
their risk of developing cancer later in life.
CANSA is encouraging all members of the public to become active and
implement an energy-balanced lifestyle.
Healthy habits established early in life have a significant impact in
later years. Behaviour is already formed before adolescence.
The environment in which children grow up - at home, in school, and in
the community - powerfully influences their behaviour later on, whether
this regards tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke, diet and
physical activity, or smart behaviour in the sun.
Parents have a key role in influencing healthy habits in their children.
For more information visit World Cancer Campaign 2009
Www.worldcancercampaign.org
or contact your nearest CANSA office
at 018 468 2038 or 018 294 8253
YourProfile
Name: Inge Olivier
Birthday: 15 October 1984
Star Sign: Libra
Occupation: Owner and Principle Dance Teacher of Le Danze Dance School
When I look into the mirror every morning I think: : “I am blessed”
My favourite people in the world are: “People that accept and love me
for who I am and what I do unconditionally”
My favourite quote is: “nothing ventured, nothing gained”
“Simba” makes me laugh please DON'T ask me who simba is . . . .
The greatest lesson life has taught me so far is: : “Patience comes with
age and cannot be bought”
I'll do almost anything for: “CHEESECAKE” from Rosemary's not just any
cheesecake!
When I get stressed I am most likely to throw my cell phone out the
window.
I want my tombstone to read:
“The world will be my tombstone. As I have chosen to be cremated”
I wouldn't mind being stuck in an elevator with: “Robbie Williams”
In three words I am: 'Spontaneous; sincere; surrealist'
If I had a million rand to spend I would: “Travel with my partner to
Vietnam; Madagascar; Kenya and finally teach dancing in Japan”
I live in Klerksdorp because: Klerksdorp provides me with the best of
both worlds the Biz Hub of the City and just 5km out, the tranquillity
of the great outdoors that can be shared with friends and family”
The first thing I would save from a house fire is: Myself and Shilo (my
dog)
My nickname is: “teacha Inge” said as spelt by my dear, sweet, little
dancers.
I love my job because: It is my God given talent; my passion, and
because I get to go shopping and eat cheesecake in the mornings.
Protea Hotel Herleef
2002 Verspoeling
21 Januarie is beslis 'n dag wat die Protea Hotel nie weer wil beleef
nie. Net soos in 2002 het die hotel weereens verspoel nadat tonne reen
van Woensdagmiddag 21 Januarie af op Klerksdorp en omliggende gebiede
neergestort het.
Op sommige plekke in die hotel was die water tot heuphoogte en van die
motors was tot by hulle dakke onder water. Dwars deur die nag is daar
rondgeskarrel om die hotel te ontruim en te red wat te redde was. Almal
het ingespring en gehelp om water te keer waar hulle kon, maar meeste
van die hotel en sy kamers was reeds onder water.
Die hotel het darem die volgende dag bietjie 'n sonstraal in die donker
beleef toe Centurion Akademie in Klerksdorp hulle verras het en 70
studente gestuur het om te help om die hotel weer reg te kry! Matte is
uitgeruk, kamers is ontruim en selfs die water is alles uitgevee. Sonder
Centurion Akademie Kleksdorp sou dit nie moontlik gewees het om die
hotel so gou weer reg te kry nie.
Ook het Oase Gemeente hulle altyd helpende hand bygesit en al die gaste
die volgende oggend ontbyt aangebied by die kerkgebou op hulle eie
onkostes.
Protea Hotel wil graag Centurion Akademie Klerksdorp asook die Oase
Gemeente bedank vir al hulle hulp en bystand.
Die Oase
Tabernakel - Plek van Aanbidding
Oase Gemeent het hul beoogde Tabernakel op 25 Januarie geopen.
Die leierskap het in Oktober 2008 besluit om in geloof op te tree en
ruimte te skep wat vir die groeiende behoeftes van die gemeente vir
Kinderkerk, jeug, omgee groepe, opleiding ensovoorts gebruik kan word.
Die Tent Tabernakel is opgerig en kan 'n kapasiteit van 2500 mense
akkommodeer. Daar word na die tent verwys as die “Oase Tabernakel”,
gebasseer op die Ou Testamentiese instelling van die Tabernakel van
Moses en Dawid, wat tydelike plek van aanbidding was totdat die “Tempel”
gevestig is, wat dan 'n meer permanente struktuur is.
Taung Heritage Site
The famous Taung Heritage Site is the archaeological site where the
fossilized skull of a young child was discovered by miners in 1924. The
skull was taken to the noted Australian archaeologist, Dr Raymond Dart
who named it “Australopithecus Africanus”, meaning the southern ape of
Africa.
This discovery led many scientists to believe that the origin of early
man was initiated on the African continent.
The finding of the Taung skull at the Buxton quarry in the North West
Province was noted to be one of the most significant archaeological
accomplishments of time. Due to this discovery, the Taung site was
proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage site.
Taung, meaning “the place of the lion” was named after Tau, the chief of
the Bataung people. Today this town is home to the famous Taung skull. A
monument to the discovery of the Taung skull has been set up and an old
mine tunnel has been opened for exploration. The Buxton quarry, which is
no longer being mined, remains an important scientific research site.
The azure Blue Pools are situated at the Buxton quarry and are
surrounded by picturesque caves and streams. The pools were apparently
discovered after a dynamite explosion in a mountain in which lime was
being mined. This is a popular hiking, abseiling and picnic venue with
barbecue facilities set alongside this pristine spring winding through
the ancient limestone valley.
Besides for the archaeological significant sites, the Taung Heritage
site and the village of Taung present numerous alternative spots that
regularly attract tourists. The Taung Dam is an attractive picnic area
situated a short distance from the village. On the outskirts of the
village is the Mmabana Arts and Culture Centre. This Centre is a modern
social and educational centre offering locally produced arts and crafts.
Dinkwaneng is located a short distance from the town near the village of
Manthestas and hosts some fine examples of San art.
THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is
47,000 hectares large and apart from the fossil sites, the surrounding
area has a wide range of activities from horse-riding, game drives,
gliding, game reserves, other caves, arts and crafts venues and much
more to offer.
Location Taung is situated about 48km from Vryburg on the R49 to
Warrenton. The Taung Heritage Site and the Blue Pools are located to the
West of the village of Taung at the Buxton Quarry.
At the Taung crossroad, turn to the west for 4km then left to
Pampierstad for 6,5km then right for 3,8km to the Buxton quarry.
Indicator boards will lead you to the gates.
Era voltooi
met onthulling van Eloff-skildery
Die nuwe jaar se bedrywighede in die rektorskantoor op die
Potchefstroomkampus het 'n luisterryke geleentheid ingesluit waartydens
die skildery van die vorige rektor amptelik onthul is.
Die spoggerige skildery van dr. Theuns Eloff, die sewende rektor van die
voormalige Potchefstroomse Universiteit en tans visekanselier van die (nuwe)
Noordwes-Universiteit, hang nou saam met die ses ander vorige rektore in
die ontvangsgedeelte by die kantoor van die rektor op die tweede vloer
van die Joon van Rooy-gebou.
Lede van die NWU se institusionele bestuur was teenwoordig toe prof.
Annette Combrink, huidige rektor, die skildery bekendgestel het. Sy is
bygestaan deur prof. Mariëtte Lowes, viserektor akademie.
Combrink het tydens die geleentheid elkeen van die vorige rektore
kortliks beskryf.
Prof. Ferdinand Postma wat van 1919 tot 1950 rektor was is bestempel as
die man wat 'n enorme groot rol in die vestiging van die universiteit
gespeel het. Hy het veral tyd spandeer om geld vir die instelling
bymekaar te kry en as 'n boer nie geld kon gee nie, is 'n koei aanvaar.
Vandaar die sogenaamde “koeifonds”.
Na hom was prof. Joon van Rooy vir drie jaar die rektor. Hy is in 1953
opgevolg deur prof. J Chris Coetzee, wat vir tien jaar in die
rektorstoel gesit het.
Daarna het prof. Hennie Bingle aan die beurt gekom. Sy bynaam was
Klipoog, hy was baie streng en 'n opvoedkundige in die ware sin van die
woord. Bingle was van 1964 tot 1977 aan die bestuur van sake.
Prof. Tjaart van der Walt, 'n teoloog, het sy intrek in 1977 in die
rektorskantoor geneem en die universiteit tot in 1988 bestuur. Hy is
opgevolg deur prof. Carools Reinecke wat van 1989 tot 2001 die leisels
in sy hande gehou het.
Combrink het na Reinecke se bynaam verwys as CSS… Carools sê so. Ook 'n
streng man, maar iemand wat daarin geslaag het om die universiteit se
navorsing goed op dreef te kry.
Eloff was vanaf 2002 tot 2003, die kort tyd voor die stigting van die
nuwe universiteit, in die rektorstoel.
Hy het Combrink bedank vir die gebaar en sy “plekkie in die hoek”.
Volgens hom is dit beduidend dat daar nie 'n streep deur die verlede
getrek word nie, maar eerder 'n pad van samewerking aandui.
Sy skildery is gedoen deur Diane McLean. Die meeste van die vorige
skilderye is die werk van Fleur Ferri, wat afgetree het.
Gholfdag verstewig
kanselierstrustfondse
Die onlangse kanselierstrust-gholfdag waarin die voormalige
staatspresident, mnr. FW de Klerk gespeel het, het sowat R50 000 vir dié
fonds opgelewer. Mnr. De Klerk het tydens die prysuitdeling gesê hy het
destyds besluit om 'n substansiële deel van sy Nobelprys in die Puk te
belê. Hy het dié fonds in September 1994 gestig om die funksionele
status van Afrikaans te behou en uit te bou.
“Ek is trots op die kreatiewe wyse waarop fondse aangewen is. Afrikaans
staan sterk as 'n eerste en tweede taal in die land, maar moet nog 'n
paar struikelblokke oorkom. Ons met planne maak om jong mense met
innoverende projekte sover te kry om Afrikaans na aan hul bors te dra.”
Die visekanselier van die NWU, dr. Theuns Eloff, het gesê die trust het
die afgelope dertien jaar meer as R1 miljoen aan voetsoolprojekte vir
Afrikaans buite die akademiese wêreld aangewend. Die wenners van die
gholfdag was twee gaste van die Vaaldriehoek, Camm Dickson en Bronkie
Bronkhorst.
Peermont steps up
hotel expansion in SA
The owner, developer and operator of a number of hotels, casinos and
resorts in South Africa and Botswana, Peermont, was planning to further
expand its hotel group, after the completion of two hotels this year and
another in 2010.
Peermont chief commercial officer Mark Jakins said on Tuesday that the
group was confident and proud of its brand.
"We believe there is a space for this brand in South African society,"
he commented, adding that there was "huge potential" for a rollout of
the Peermont Metcourt hotel brand, to all "key" business and leisure
centres across the country.
The group on Tuesday gave journalists a preview of the R170-million
Peermont Metcourt hotel at Emperor's Palace, in Johannesburg, and the
R73,5-million Peermont Metcourt Rio hotel, in Klerksdrop, which would
officially open their doors in March.
Peermont also planned to build another Peermont Metcourt hotel in
Richard's Bay in 2010.
The construction of the three-star Peermont Metcourt hotel at Emperor's
Palace took 14 months and was designed specifically for businesspeople
flying in to the OR Tambo International Airport.
Peermont's deputy-GM for hotels and resort operations at Emperor's
Palace Wayne Hill explained that the working spaces in the rooms had
been made larger to accommodate businesspeople, while internet
connections were available in each room and in all public spaces of the
hotel.
The 248-room hotel also featured a business centre, a deli and provided
shuttle services to and from the airport.
Construction firm Wilson Bayley Homes Ovcon (WBHO) were the contractors
on the project, with CPRO Construction Professionals having undertaken
the project management.
Through the development of this project, the accommodation at Emperor's
Palace had increased to 674 rooms.
Peermont already operated the D'oreale Grande hotel, the Mondior hotel
and the Metcourt Laurel hotel at Emperor's Palace.
Meanwhile, the 70-room Peermont Metcourt Rio hotel was constructed at
the existing Rio casino resort in Klerksdorp, where the contractors,
Rainbow Construction, also built a new convention centre.
GM for the Rio hotel and casino resort Johan Raubenheimer explained that
this was the first convention centre to be built in the area, with only
one other hotel group offering conference facilities.
The convention centre included conferencing and banqueting facilities
for 400 people, two breakaway rooms that could accommodate between ten
and 30 people, and a tent platform for larger functions that could
accommodate about a thousand people.
The hotel had been designed more for leisure and specifically for people
wanting to make use of the casino resort.
The design also incorporated the potential to expand the number of rooms
in future.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
With the construction of its two newest hotels, Peermont, had
incorporated a number of "green" measures to ensure that the hotels run
more energy efficiently and were more environmentally friendly.
The Peermont Metcourt hotel at Emperor's Palace did not have its own air
conditioning system, but shared this with the Emperor's Palace resort.
The hotel used an electronic flow unit, which managed the energy usage
of the hotel and cut this by about 14%.
The design of the hotel also allowed for the installation of a vincard
power saving unit, which would automatically switch on the lights and
airconditioning in a room when an access keycard was swiped, and
automatically switch off again when everybody left the room.
Energy efficient lighting and water-saving showerheads were also used
throughout the two new hotels.
Jakins said that the group would incorporate this in all of its
new-build hotels, while it has also energy efficient lighting and grey
water treatment at all of its existing hotels and resorts.
Peermont also owned and operated the Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country
Club, in Secunda, the Mondazur Resort Hotel at San Lameer, in KwaZulu-Natal,
the Frontier Inn & Casino, in Bethlehem, the Tusk Umfolozi Casino
Resort, in Empangeni, the Khoroni Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort in
Thohoyandou, and the Tusk Mmabatho Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort,
in Mafikeng.
In Botswana, Peermont owned and managed the Grand Palm Hotel, Casino and
Convention Resort and the Mondior hotel, in Gaborone, the Metcourt hotel
and the Sedibeng Casino, in Francistown and the Syringa Casino, in
Selebi Phikwe.
KHS'ERS PRESTEER OP SASOL
Ondanks die feit dat KHS se atlete nog nie 'n volledige uitdun
geleentheid gehad het nie, kon hulle 24 Januarie by die
Uitnodigingsbyeenkoms op Sasolburg 24 eerste plekke en 35 tweede plekke
verower.
Van die atlete wat die beste gevaar het, is Garry Ollewagen (S/17) wat
die 100m en 200m gewen het en Schani Moore (M/17) wat die verspring en
driesprong gewen het.
KHS se ster, Tazmin Brits, het 24 Januarie in Potchefstroom deelgeneem
waar sy 'n silwer medalje verower het.
RANKED NR 37 IN SOUTH AFRICA
Rayne Roselt is a twelve year old pupil from St Conrads College. Roselt
was selected to be part of the South African Squad that went to Egypt
during the recent holidays.
He participated at Wadi Degla Sporting Club situated on the outskirts of
Cairo at the Tennis Academy of Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain.
For fitness, he was trained by the Egyptian Davis Cup trainer. At the
international tournament that the squad participated in Rayne reached
the round of 16. This was the best result for boys in the S.A. Squad.
Rayne is presently ranked No. 37 in South Africa under 14 and No. 1 in
the North West Province under 14.
PMR AWARD FOR LOCAL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
The prestigious PMR (Professional Management Review) Africa North West
Leaders and Achievers Award were presented to Saint Conrad's College -
Brothers of Charity at a PMR Africa North West Leaders and Achievers
Breakfast in December 2008.
For more than 10 years, PMR Africa has initiated annual surveys of all
nine South African Provinces and neighbouring countries, to showcase
companies, government departments and people perceived as contributors
to a specific area's economic growth and development.
As a result of the survey, Saint Conrad's College received the Golden
Arrow Award of excellence.
The excellent overall rating that Saint Conrad's College achieved is
certainly something we are exceptionally proud of.
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