Eskom gets new board  

BONUS - RUSTENBURG - The board of state power utility Eskom Holdings has been revamped. Mpho Makwana has been named as its new chairman, as the government searches for solutions to end a worsening energy crisis that’s crippling the economy. Eskom, which supplies more than 90% of the power used in Africa’s most industrialised economy, has imposed record power cuts this year, despite a program to improve maintenance on its old and unreliable coal-fired plants. The addition of several board members with technical expertise is the latest move by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration to desperately try and improve its performance. Other members of the new board, which will took office on Saturday, are Busisiwe Vilakazi, Lwazi Goqwana, Clive le Roux, Leslie Mkhabela, Mteto Nyati, Fathima Gany, Ayanda Mafuleka, Tsakani Mthombeni, Claudelle von Eck, Tryphosa Ramano and Bheki Ntshalintshali. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan made the announcement in an online briefing on Friday (30 September). Makwana serves on a number of other boards including as a non-executive chairman of Arcelor Mittal South Africa. Several of the new appointees have technical backgrounds, including Le Roux, Eskom’s chief nuclear officer, and Goqwana, an engineer. Rod Crompton, who served on the previous board will retain his post, as will chief executive officer Andre de Ruyter and chief financial officer Calib Cassim. Efforts to disrupt operations, which have include sabotage, continue at the utility, said Gordhan, who expects outages to decline next week. Ramaphosa has called for the rapid procurement of more power from privately owned plants for the past two years, but that initiative has encountered procedural and legal delays and new plants will take months if not years to be brought online. De Ruyter has said that as much as 6 000 megawatts of capacity is needed to stabilise the system. Most of Eskom’s previous board members were appointed in December 2017. They include its Chairman Malegapuru Makgoba, a molecular immunologist, Tshepo Mongalo, a law professor, and Banothile Makhubela, who has a doctorate in chemistry. Before Friday’s announcement, the number of board members was down to just five, after several resignations.

National Championships in Rustenburg

BONUS - RUSTENBURG - On 3 October to 8 October 2022, Integrated Artistic Acrobatic Association of South Africa’s (IAAASA) National Championships will take place at Selly Park Secondary School in Rustenburg. 
There will be eleven Acrobatic dance studios competing at the competition.

Dance studios from Stilbaai, Durban, Middelburg, Standerton, Ermelo, Heidelberg, Randfontein, Magaliesburg, Rustenburg and Stilfontein will be competing. It is open to the public and everyone is welcome. They will start at 08:00 and will finish every night at about 20:00. 

On Saturday 8 October in the afternoon they will have a showcase and awards ceremony. For more information, you may also visit their Facebook page. It is a week packed with Acrobatic dancing ranging from solos, duets, trios, quartets, characters and groups. Entrance fees: R50 per day or R40 per session. Half price for pensioners and children under 12 years.

💍 Troukiekie-kompetisie 💍

Jan 2020-Junie 2022: Bruide skryf só in!

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Is jy enige tyd sedert die begin van 2020 getroud? 

Indien wel, wil ons vir jou R10 000 gee as lesers jou troufoto kies as die wenner van ons Troukiekie-kompetisie. 

Dit is wat op die spel is indien jy sedert 1 Januarie 2020 is, of voor, of op 30 Junie 2022 die ja-woord gee. 

Die enigste vangplek is dat jy steeds getroud moet wees teen die einde van die kompetisie om vir die prys in aanmerking te kom.

Volg die skakel om nou in te skryf vir net R66.00 per foto!      

 Skryf Nou In!

 The latest edition of this week’s Rustenburg Herald is now available on street and in shops. 

24 June 2022

Get yours now for all the latest news, events, achievements and sport.

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Tough competition in Production Vehicle Category and three days of greulling racing on the menu for TGRSA 1000 Desert Race.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing SA (TGRSA) 1000 Desert Race, the second round of the South African Rally-Raid Championship that takes place over three days, from 24 to 26 June, and almost a thousand kilometres in the Upington area in the Northern Cape, has drawn a starstudded field in the Production Vehicle Category, as the already high level of competition has been lifted another bar with the inclusion of a class for vehicles that will revel in the desert conditions.

Read more here

 Help die kindertjies - Care 2b Kind

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Care 2b Kind wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om elke “engel” wat sover vir hulle ‘n bydrae gemaak het, te bedank. 

Daar is al amper R7 000 ingesamel en hulle vra asseblief dat elkeen wat hier lees, ‘n bydrae moet maak, sodat daar R45 000 ingesamel kan word. Hulle kan nie sekere gesinne uitsonder en slegs vir hulle kos gee en nie vir die ander nie en daarom vra hulle asseblief maak u harte oop vir die kindertjies in hierdie gesinne. Care 2b Kind het R45 000 per maand nodig om gedeeltelik in die behoeftige gesinne se behoeftes te kan voorsien. Dan is daar nog die melk en doeke wat aangekoop moet word - meer as 15 mammas wat op hulle staatmaak. 

Bankbesonderhede: Care 2b Kind, Absa-spaarrekening 9309 832 892, 632-005.

 Rules homeowners should know before installing solar power

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - There are several pitfalls when using solar power that can result in things going wrong during the insurance claims stage, warns Tarina Vlok, Managing Director of a specialist high net worth insurer. 

Wealthy South Africans are reducing their reliance on Eskom’s national grid by partially or fully converting their households to solar energy. Some wish to escape the ever-increasing price hikes, and others want a reliable power supply free from load-shedding interruptions. Many want to do their part for the planet by using cleaner energy.

However, homeowners should ensure their solar installations comply with regulations, so they do not run into issues with their insurer down the line.

“The installation of solar geyser systems differ immensely from that of an electrical system and is subject to strict regulations,” said Vlok.

“We often have to reject claims or are unable to replace geysers because the previous installation did not comply with regulation.”

Full solar energy installations are expensive — ranging from R80,000 for small grid-tied systems to over R500,000 to take a larger house completely off-grid.

“If you are spending this kind of money on a solar system, then it makes sense to work with qualified technicians and installers who know what they are doing,” added Vlok.

“You don’t want any regrets should you need to ever claim from your insurer.”

Vlok noted that an engineer’s certificate must be issued for all solar geyser installations of 300 litres or more. She also encouraged clients to ensure that their solar geyser systems are installed by technicians who are well versed with the regulations and supported by the appropriate engineering professionals.

“Policyholders should make sure that their installer demonstrates that they are familiar with the technical regulations relating to solar installations,” said Vlok.

She summarised them as follows:

* Installers must ensure that the roof structure can support the solar system. Where it is impossible to comply, a professional engineer or registered technologist must design the installation so that the standard’s safety and performance principles are incorporated. 

* Water heaters or storage tanks with a capacity of 200 litres or more may not be attached to a wall. 

* The solar system must be installed so that it does not accelerate the deterioration of the roof. To avoid catastrophes when it comes to the claims stage, Vlok encouraged policyholders to use their insurer’s network to find accredited technicians and installers who can put the right solutions in place.

“If your electrical geyser bursts and you want to replace it, some specialist insurers will offer you the opportunity to use the claim payment to pay either in part or full for a solar geyser system instead of a new electric geyser,” Vlok concluded.

 Workers have spoken and we must listen: Ramaphosa

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG – On Sunday (1 May), South Africa’s workers joined millions across the globe in marking Workers Day, also known as May Day. This is a day on which workers celebrate the victories they have achieved in the fight for their rights and reaffirm their commitment to struggle for the improvement of the conditions under which they work and live.

Marikana VLU-tak vier 63ste bestaansjaar

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - En so word Marikana VLU-tak stil-stil 63 jaar oud. Marikana VLU-tak is op 23 April 1959 gestig, daar is soveel voetspore in sy bestaansjare al getrap. Net een oorspronklike lid bly oor, al die stigsterslede is reeds oorlede. Soos die jare aangestap het, het lede gekom en gegaan.

Vlatert in ‘n japtrap

Ek gaan nou oop kaarte speel: Ek het nog nooit in my hele lewe ‘n vlatert probeer maak nie. Die plan vir die tert het ontstaan nadat ‘n kollega verlede week verjaar het en ons met só tert kom bederf het. Maar het ek gesukkel om ‘n resep in die hande te kry! 

Ek het eindelik op een afgekom, maar dit so klein bietjie na my eie smaak aangepas. So klein bietjie raad: maak baie seker dat die vla heeltemal afgekoel is voor jy dit op die suurlemoenkondensmelklaag gooi. Indien dit nog warm is, gaan jy met ‘n loperige tert opgeskeep sit.

Bestanddele:

1l volroom Melk

80ml Suiker

200ml Vlapoeier

100ml Botter (gesmelt)

160ml Suurlemoensap (of na smaak)

Skil van 1 Suurlemoen (gerasper)

2 blikke Kondensmelk

2 pakkies Tennisbeskuitjies

Metode:

- Breek die tennisbeskuitjies fyn en meng met gesmelte botter.
- Druk dan helfte van die beskuitjies as kors in ‘n tertbak.
- Sit in yskas tot vulsels gereed is.
- Kook 800ml van die melk, terwyl die vlapoeier met die ander 200ml aangemaak word.
- Sodra die melk kookpunt bereik, gooi ‘n bietjie van die warm melk by die vlapasta en gooi alles dan      terug in die pot by die res van die kookmelk.
- Roer tot die vla verdik.
- Haal van die hitte af en sit eenkant om deeglik af te koel.
- Gooi nou die kondensmelk in ‘n mengbak en voeg die suurlemoensap, asook gerasperde skil by.             Meng deeglik.
- Gooi jou kondensmelkmengsel oor die voorbereide kors.
- Volg met ‘n lagie van die van die gekrummelde beskuitjies. Hou bietjie oor om bo-oor te strooi.
- Gooi nou die afgekoelde vla oor en dan die laaste van die beskuitjiekrummels.
- Plaas terug n die yskas en verkoel goed voor opdiening. 

 

Deel 2: Is die mens sy troeteldiere se grootste vyand?

Die redakteur,

In die tweede aflewering van die mens wat sy eie huisdiere verwaarloos en verstoot, wil ek die volgende verhaal met u deel vanuit ‘n hond se belewenis: “My mense was so lief vir my toe ek klein was, hulle het my gekoester, my liefde gegee en met my gespeel. Toe word ek ouer, alles was nog reg, maar toe word ek in die motor gelaai. Min het ek geweet dat dit my laaste keer is dat my eienaars my ooit weer sal sien. Ek was nog opgewonde want vir die eerste keer ry ek saam, dit voel so lekker om saam te ry. Iewers stop die motor en ek voel dat dinge nie reg is nie. Die deur word oopgemaak en my eienaar haal my uit die motor uit. Ek hoor baie diere blaf en huil en toe raak ek vreesbevange. My eienaar hou my nog vir ‘n rukkie vas en sit my in ‘n hok buite ‘n vreemde plek waar die hekkie gesluit word.

Ek is so verward en met blydskap waai ek tog my stert en ek sien hoe my eienaar verdwyn en wegry. Ek hoor hoe almal huil om my en met my stert tussen my bene beleef ek ‘n vrees. Ek gaan lê op die kombersie wat in die hok neergelê is. Meteens sien ek ‘n vreemde mens naderkom. Ek blaf en knor maar ‘n hand reik uit en vryf my oor my kop en lyf. Ek is bang en kruip al hoe dieper in die hok in om weg te kruip. Die persoon praat met my en streel my en daarom kruip ek nader en wonder of sy my gaan seermaak of nie. Ek voel tog verlig, maar bang. Sy sit ‘n rukkie by my en dit voel so goed en lekker - dalk gee sy vir my om.

Later staan sy op en verlaat die hok met die hekkie wat sy agter haar toemaak. Nou is ek weer op my eie, alleen, kry nie geslaap nie want almal om my huil vir hulle eienaars en ek huil vir myne. Dit voel in die nagtelike ure so koud en alleen.

Al het ek genoeg kos en water, voel dit so alleen hier in die hok. Ek begin depressief raak want mense stap by my hok verby sonder om aandag te gee. In my gedagtes wonder ek wat moet ek doen om raakgesien te word, om net ‘n bietjie liefde te kry?

So gaan dae verby en weke en elke aand huil almal om my en elke dag blaf almal om my. Gaan iemand my kom haal, of gaan ek vir ewig alleen wees?”.

Spreuke 12:10 sê: “’n Goeie mens sien om na die welsyn (behoeftes) van sy diere, maar die goedheid van die goddelose is wreed teenoor sy diere”.

Pastoor Jackie Gouws

G-om Projek is dankbaar vir ou skryfbehoeftes

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Benewens G-om Projek se voedingskema, stimuleringsprogram vir voorskolers, toerusting vir al die nuwe graad 1-leerdertjies, kospakkies, ensovoorts, bedien hulle ook die afgelope ses jaar skole soos Moedwil, Duka, Kgalegatsane en Karlienpark met skryfbehoefte-pakkies wat kinders van vooraanstaande skole in Rustenburg aan hulle projek skenk, na afloop van hul akademiese jaar. 

Die gebruikte skryfbehoeftes word dan deur die toegewyde G-om span vrywilligers mooi versorg en verpak, sodat ander, wat nie so bevoorreg is nie, dit weer kan gebruik. Baie dankie Hoërskool Rustenburg dat jul inisiatief neem met die rooi sakkie-projek vir liefde en omgee. Hulle daag ook ander skole uit om in hierdie maand van liefde dit ook te wys met `n soortgelyke inisiatief, asseblief?

G-om Projek vind plaas vanuit die NG Kerk Rustenburg-Suid se kerksaal (wat hulle gratis beskikbaar stel ) vanaf Maandag tot Vrydag – 08:00 – 11:00. In hierdie tydsgleuf word voorskoolse kindertjies gestimuleer met `n opvoedkundige program om hul skoolgereed te maak en vaardighede te leer bemeester. Hulle benodig deurentyd vrywilligers op vele terreine. Alle gebruikte of nuwe skryfbehoeftes kan direk by die skooltjie afgelewer word gedurende die maand, sodat hulle so gou moontlik leerders wat nog skryfbehoefte-loos is, kan toerus vir hul akademiese jaar.

Kom raak betrokke! Jy sal verbaas wees oor hoeveel dit jou verander.

Vir meer inligting kan Linda Grobler (voorsitter en stigter) - 083 292 5654 of Marietha Hebst (sekretaresse) – 063 705 0304 gekontak word.

Municipal Valuation Roll a diplomatic approach to the truth

It it mind boggling why a world-class city such as Rustenburg (a favourite but obviously dubious description by former Rustenburg Mayor - Mpho Khunou of a city where almost everything goes wrong all the time) simply cannot manage to do the right thing at the right time. In this column we have repeatedly pointed out the inexplicable ability of our government - whether local, provincial or national, to say the most wonderful things in the most imaginative, almost fairy tale ways. But without exception one is tempted to say, this is as far as it usually goes. When it comes to getting the elbows greased or to see people putting their backs into something, that is an entirely different story - something rarely encountered. When it comes to the proverbial, “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going”, it is a cliche often employed lavishly by means of expression, but when it comes to putting our shoulders to it, we are not that extravagant. 

Take the Rustenburg Municipality’s controversial Valuation Roll for instance. For at least the past two years the Rustenburg Municipality has been struggling to get a new Valuation Roll adopted and running smoothly in collaboration with its surrounding community that is - or let’s be bold - the goose that lays the golden eggs. For by far the biggest part of two years however, the Valuation Roll has become a symbol of deception, of untruths, of promises and hopes that have not materialised and as a result of all of thus - something that is still incomplete and lacking in sincerity. It must be clear to everyone that the new, unrealistic and over-inflated Valuation Roll was nothing but a strategy to boost the coffers and income of the Rustenburg Municipality. Perhaps it would have been better for the Rustenburg Municipality to admit that it is practically bankrupt and that it desperately needs alternative sources of income to keep the boat afloat - it is with intent that we do not say to keep the wheels rolling because more often than not - they simply are not... 

Nonetheless, instead of being honest with its community, the municipality chose the path that we’ve seen during the past two years. (No, we are not referring to the sun scorched “new” Yellow Fleet earth moving equipment in Lucas Street). From the outset a lot of undertakings around the Valuation Roll has been promised. After the first wave of protests “the Valuation Roll would have been revised”, then that “certain changes would be made”, that an alternative Municipal Valuer would be appointed and that the former valuer would be dismissed without payment. The last of these undertakings were “personal engagement” with property owners and now out of the blue property owners must learn that the process has been concluded without any of these undertakings being met, though the relevant department chooses to insists that each and every landowner has been engaged in the process. 

One cannot help to come to the conclusion that the processed has been marred by dark motives, underhandedness and an extremely diplomatic approach to truthfulness.

 Viewpoint by Waldie Volschenk, 13 Coetzer Street, Rustenburg. 

Entries open for 2022 Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic and Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run!

 BONUS - RUSTENBURG - Entries are open for the 2022 Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic and Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run that will take place at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Saturday 4 June and Sunday 5 June 2022 respectively. “We are excited to open 2022 entries for two of the North-West Province’s most iconic off-road events,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. 

“Taking place on the Saturday (MTB Classic) and Sunday (Trail Run), this is the perfect weekend getaway for adventure seeking families. Both events boast routes that incorporate the best trails on offer in the Magliesberg. Irrespective of the distance entered, mountain bikers and trail runners can expect an exciting on-route challenge.

Both events also feature a 2.5km distance for junior adventure seekers. Families can look forward to spending the entire weekend outdoors celebrating health and wellness.”
Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic on Saturday 4 June 2022 at ATKV Buffelspoort: Full Marathon/±65km/R475; Half Marathon/±35km/R375; Fun Ride/±16km/R250; Kids/2.5km/R100.
Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run on Sunday 5 June 2022 at ATKV Buffelspoort: Long/±24km/R375; Short/±12km/R275; Fun±8km/ R175; Kids/2.5km/R100.
For more information and/or to enter the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic or Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run visit www.stillwatersports.com or email entries@stillwatersports.com.

Court declares AARTO unconstitutional and invalid

BONUS - RUSTENBURG - The High Court declared the AARTO Amendment Act, on which the planned demerit system for traffic offences is based, unconstitutional and invalid. The Pretoria High Court on Thursday delivered its ruling on the constitutionality of the AARTO Acts. OUTA challenged the constitutional validity of AARTO and the AARTO Amendment Act, and asked the court in October 2021 to declare both the main act and the amendment act unconstitutional.

Judge Annali Basson found in favour of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) and agreed with OUTA’s position that the legislation unlawfully intrudes upon the exclusive executive and legislative competence of the local and provincial governments envisaged in the Constitution, preventing local and provincial governments from regulating their own affairs.
The respondents in the case were the Minister of Transport, the Minister Of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) and the Appeals Tribunal. The court ordered the Minister of Transport and the RTIA to pay OUTA’s costs, including the costs of two counsel.
OUTA has raised its concerns and objections about the AARTO Act and the published AARTO Amendment Act for a number of years, and shared their concerns with relevant authorities before the Amendment Act was published. The organisation said they believe that these pieces of traffic legislation are unconstitutional and will also not assist with the curbing of road traffic fatalities in South African.
In her judgement, honourable Judge Basson concluded the following: “It therefore follows in my view that the AARTO Act and the Amendment Act must be declared to be inconsistent with the Constitution in its entirety. It is therefore declared that the AARTO Act and the Amendment Acts are unconstitutional and invalid.”
“We are very pleased with the court’s decision. OUTA believes that AARTO in its current format does nothing to improve road safety, nor does it reduce the scourge of road fatalities in South Africa. We are satisfied that the judgment will be sending government back to the drawing board. This time around, we trust the relevant departments will engage meaningfully with civil society to obtain our input when developing such important policies for the country. South Africa needs effective processes enabled by fair adjudication that complies with the Constitution,” says Adv Stefanie Fick, Executive Director of the Accountability and Governance Divisions at OUTA.
Adv Fick added that the court’s judgement signals another important win for civil society, and yet again points out that government is out of touch with reality. “It is unfortunate that government once again chose to ignore valid concerns and well researched input, and pushed ahead with the amendment. Not only did they waste a lot of time, but also valid resources, as the AARTO roll out will have to be stopped while the act is once again amended and taken through the legislative process. Only then can it be implemented.”
OUTA has repeatedly pointed out the problems with the AARTO Acts, which are also administratively complicated and relies on chaotic municipal systems. (More information on OUTA’s criticism of AARTO can be found here.)
Adv Fick said the battle to protect motorists from the ill-conceived act is not yet over. “OUTA urges government to listen to the input given by organisations such as OUTA when reviewing these acts. We can assure the public that we will carefully monitor the process to ensure that any revised AARTO acts are constitutional and truly aimed at increased road safety and saving lives.” Adv Matthew Chaskalson SC and Adv Emma Webber, on instruction from Jennings Inc., acted for OUTA.

Martie Jacobs in ‘n klas van haar eie - ‘n ware engel...

 Deur Hanlery Bouwer

RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Martie Jacobs het in Rustenburg grootgeword en was in haar kinderjare 'n egte plaasnooi hoewel sy vir 'n groot deel van haar lewe eintlik in die kollig gehoort het en honderde meisies met modeldrome gehelp het om hul drome in die kollig te verwesenlik. 

Martie en Hanlery Bouwer wat hierdie huldeblyk geskryf het, was vir dekades lank hegte vriendinne - 'n mooi vriendskap wat toevallig ook in die skaduwee van die kollig ontstaan het. 

"As jong vrou het sy graag vir my gewys waar hulle familieplaas hier in Rustenburg was en waar sy as kind met haar perd gery het", vertel Hanlery. Die plaas het van die Rustenburg Kloof tot anderkant die grond waarop die Waterfall Mall vandag geleë is, gestrek. Sy was 'n pragtige vrou met 'n ewemooi hart en ek het altyd gedink haar ster gaan verewig skyn", gaan Hanlery voort. 

Op haar stil, minsame manier het sy in baie koerante verskyn, as model asook as modeljuffrou en organiseerder van baie groot kompetisies. Sy het vir 38 jaar en langer modelle opgelei en afgerig en topprestasies behaal wat baie ander nou nog nie kon ewenaar nie. Sy was 23 jaar betrokke by die Rustenburg Skou en Mej Rustenburg Skou. Ek het Martie 35 jaar terug ontmoet, toe ek met 'n kombi vol modelle van Johannesburg af gery het om aan haar prestige kompetisie - Mej Bosveld Sjampanjenooi - te kom deelneem. Soos hulle in Engels sê "history was made" en ons was dadelik maatjies "through thick and thin". 

Martie het in haar lewe honderde mense, indien nie duisende nie, se lewens aangeraak. Sy het meisies geleer om mooi te loop, mooi houdings te hê en selfvertroue het sy beslis in almal ingeboesem. Haar pragtige maniere en vriendelikheid het harte aangeraak oral waar sy gegaan het. Haar modelle het in Suid-Afrika en oorsee presteer, sy was selfs in 'n stadium vir 'n lang tyd 'n modelagent vir modelle in en van Italië. 

Martie se professionele benadering tot die bedryf het daartoe gelei dat baie van haar modelle later in hul lewens hul eie modelskole geopen het. Sy was 'n "volmaakte engel" sê Koos wat haar in haar laaste maande bygestaan het. Haar seuns, Dirkie en Rhyno, met hulle vrouens en haar kleinkinders was alles in haar lewe. Suid-Afrika en nie net Rustenburg nie, het inderdaad 'n ware legende verloor. Haar stem en daardie laggie is nou stil, maar nooit, ooit die harte wat sy aangeraak het nie. "Hierdie geliefde vriendin van my het 'n verskil in baie mense se lewens gemaak. Haar goue hart skitter na haar afsterwe gewis in die hemel en ek weet soos ek haar ken, gesels sy met almal en vertel vir hulle hoe "pragtig" hulle is. Pragtig was haar gunsteling woord. "Pragtig" som haar goed op maar ook ander woorde soos "mooi", "stylvol", "behulpsaam" - sy het mense nooit geoordeel nie en haarself altyd laaste geplaas - ander mense was altyd eerste. Min mense het geweet hoe sy met haar stukkende hart en pyn nooit nee gesê het nie. Die voorbeeld wat Martie gestel het, behoortlik vir die meeste van ons die ideale voorbeeld te wees. "I and numerous models and beautiful women salute the biggest modelling legend in South Africa". 

Haar nalatenskap sal waarskynlik voortleef in Rustenburg aangesien haar skoondogter belangstel om met Martionette Modelskool hier in Rustenburg voort te gaan. Sy het reeds 'n tak waar sy in Pretoria woon, maar tyd sal leer. "Ons lig ons hoede hoog vir 'n ware dame wat vir langer as 40 jaar gehelp het om honderde meisies en jong vroue se modeldrome laat skitter het".

Ons geld is al wat ooit goedkoper geword het

Dit lyk asof Suid-Afrikaanse vuisvoosverbruikers die gordels van sommer vroeg vanjaar af sal moet stywer intrek. Die paar handjievol Suid-Afrikaners (ons meen tog daar was heelwat van hulle) wat oor die afgelope feesgety verkies het om vir die eerste keer in ‘n lang tyd tuis te bly of dalk aansienlik minder oordadig te wees en met ‘n veel meer beskeie vakansie tevrede was, was in alle waarskynlikheid die wyse manne onder ons. 
Dan kan verbruikers hulself ook maar begin staal vir die “gebruiklike” verhoging in elektrisiteitstariewe terwyl ‘n styging in rentekoerse ook nog in dieselfde kwartaal verwag word. ‘n Mens kan nie help om te dink aan die ouers van leerders wat vanjaar vir die eerste skool toe, of vir die eerste keer hoërskool toe gaan nie. Die prys van skoolklere en ander benodigdhede steek lankal glad nie meer af by dié van gewone klere nie, maar dit is nie hier waar dit ophou nie. Dan wil Boeta of Sus vanjaar sekerlik ook hul merk op die sportveld maak en almal weet wat sporttoerusting deesdae kos. ‘n Mens weet deesdae nie aldag meer watter kant toe nie - alles kos by die dag net veel duurder terwyl dit wat jy vir jou geld kry, by die dag net kleiner of minder word. Party van ons sal seker nog goed kan onthou - die oumense het in ‘n stadium dikwels al suggend opgemerk: “Al wat nog ooit in hierdie land goedkoper geword het, is ons geld!” ‘n Mens kan in hierdie tyd amper nie aan ‘n groter waarheid dink nie...

Sommer hier in die tweede maand van die nuwe jaar is daar reeds talle aanduidings dat brandstofpryse, elektrisiteitstariewe en na verwagting ook rentekoerse gaan styg wat beteken dat die eerste kwartaal van 2022 nie ‘n verbruikersvriendelike periode gaan wees nie. Aan die ander kant, dalk het diegene wat die afgelope feesgety die bekers laat oorloop het en die tafels laat kreun het ‘n beter blik op die toekoms gehad omdat hulle dalk besef het dat hierdie waarskynlik die laaste oorvloedigheid in ‘n bitter lang tyd sou wees. Met die brandstofprys wat die afgelope paar jaar reeds omtrent elke maand of twee ‘n styging toon behoort dit nie ‘n verrassing te wees dat die volgende brandstofprysstyging sommer met die intrapslag van die eerste Woensdag in Februarie 2022 verwag word nie.