The Community News
Published by the Walkerville Agricultural Society - November / December 2009 Issue 63
Walkerville Business Forum Update
The construction of the R82 has been put on hold until July 2010. Construction will start in Eikenhof and is expected to take 2 ½ years to reach Walkerville and another 2 years to reach De Deur. The fact that it will by bypass Walkerville from Thyme Square to the Randvaal Road is of great concern to our local businesses, many of whom rely heavily on the passing trade. For this reason the Walkerville Business Forum was formed so that together with Midvaal Council and all our local businesses an action plan can be formulated.
This article contains a draft Land-Use Policy that was compiled by the committee of The Walkerville Business Forum after several meetings with residents, business owners and Council officials. Comments and suggestions either in favor of or against the proposed policy are welcome from all residents and business owners in The Greater Walkerville area. After careful perusal of these comments, a revised Land-Use Policy will be prepared for submission to the Midvaal Local Municipality together with copies of comments received. This policy, once accepted by Council, will then determine what development takes place in the relevant area as all applications for re-zoning or consent use will be evaluated by the council in accordance with these policy guidelines. Kindly address all comments to the Chairman, Walkerville Business Forum, and drop them off in the box provided at The Walkerville Community Pharmacy at The Midway Centre before 30th November 2009. Membership of The Walkerville Business Forum is open to all property and business owners throughout The Greater Walkerville area and indeed is encouraged. Membership application forms available from Walkerville Pharmacy, Yellowley’s, Remax, Canterbury and Thyme Square.
At a recent meeting of Business and property owners and officials of The Midvaal Local Municipality to discuss the negative effect the re-routing of the R82 would have on existing businesses, the MLM suggested that the Walkerville residents and business owners who would be affected by the re-routing of the R82, formulate a framework plan for the development of a Business and Tourist district in Walkerville, very much in line with the R82 framework plan submitted to the Midvaal Local Municipality in January 2006.
The development plan area covers all properties with frontage on the R82, between the P1313 (Thyme Square) to the North and R1073 (Randvaal Road) to the South. In total 48 properties are affected, with a total area of approximately 300 acres. This area will be referred to as The Walkerville Business & Tourism Hub.
The Objectives of the WBF are to formulate guidelines and policies to be adopted by the Midvaal Local Municipality in promoting the development and regulate the land use of the area to create an environment that will attract day and week-end visitors from throughout Gauteng, and in so doing:
Create a tourist mecca similar to what has been done at Hartebeespoort Dam, Parys, Dullstroom, Clarens, Cullinan, etc...
Ensure enough traffic through the area to sustain the existing businesses that would otherwise be detrimentally affected by the by-pass.
Ensure that the existing rural lifestyle throughout the rest of Walkerville is not detrimentally affected by this development, and at the same time providing a shop-front for all Walkerville businesses.
Existing businesses in the area include retail shops, garage/filling station, workshop, plant hire, nursery/garden centre, estate agents, hair dresser/beauty salon, antique dealer, pubs/restaurants, electronics/surveillance retailer, engineering works, fencing contractor, carwash, specialized auto spares, auto museum, koi fish breeders/retailers, security company, furniture factory, tea garden, veterinary clinics, auction venue, equestrian centre, exotic birds & aviaries. Annexure A shows properties already used for business purposes.
The area is environmentally sensitive and in addition to the following list NO pollution generating uses to be allowed: Noxious Industry (as defined in the Town Planning Scheme), Transport Business, Scrap Yards (both motor and scarp metal), Demolition Yards/Builders Yards, Hostels, Dormitories, Factories (as defined in the Town Planning Scheme), Panel Beaters/Spray Painters, Warehousing, Uses that result in high traffic generation of vehicles over 2 tons, Second hand car dealers (except in De Deur)
The following uses will be encouraged and supported: Restaurants, Pubs and Tea-Gardens, Craft Markets / Curio Stalls, Organic / Fresh Produce / Farmers Markets, Garden Centres / Nurseries / Fresh Flowers, Suppliers of Garden and Farmers requirements, Convention / Wedding / Party Venues, Pet Shops, Bird Parks, Reptile Parks, Fish Farms, Archery Range with Clubhouse, Sports Venues – Squash, Tennis, Bowls, Action Cricket, Gymnasium / Health Center, Pottery, Art Studio and Exhibition Centres “Artists in the Sun”, Paint Ball Venue, Bed and Breakfast / Guesthouses, Club House and venue for Hikers / Runners / Cyclists, Wine Cellar / Home Brewery, Service Industry (as defined in the Town Planning Scheme), Offices / Professional Suites, Dairy / Cheese Factory, Creche / Day Care Centres , Museum / Information Center, Children’s Petting Zoos, Driving Range / Putt-Putt Course, Day Spa / Beauty Salons, Antique Shops, Equestrian Centres, Extreme Sports / Waterslide / Bungee Jumping, Tourist Related uses, Specialty Services / Supplies e.g. Computers, Sound System, Music Shop.
The following guidelines will apply to all applications for approval of rights (applications for Consent Usage). Only non-polluting uses to be allowed (pollution to include air, water, noise and visual). All relevant by-laws must be adhered to (i.e. building lines, building plan approval, bulk service contributions, etc.). A site development plan must accompany all applications. Maximum height of buildings will be restricted to 7 meters or 2 storeys. Properties to be fenced to the satisfaction of the council, preferably with palisade or similar transparent fencing along the road boundaries. The colour and design of the fence should be sensitive to the aesthetic appearance of the area, and to be detailed on the site development plan. Advertising signage to be indicated on the site development plan and to be approved by the Council. A 16m building line will apply to the road boundary and this area to be landscaped to the satisfaction of the Council. Applications to be supported by the WBF.
All local businesses are encouraged to become legal. It is a drawn out process that will require several visits to Midvaal Municipality, and lots of documents to be submitted! Just because a business is situated on the R82 will not automatically make it ‘legal’.
The existing R82 is a Provincial Road and therefore the Council cannot, as per their by-laws, maintain or upgrade the road in any way whatsoever. It is also unlikely that Province will do anything to improve the aesthetics of the road verge, which leaves the community, to do what they can within the ambits of relevant by-laws to make the route through Walkerville as clean and attractive as possible.
Pursuant to these objectives, the WBF started the clean-up by enlisting the help of local businesses and upgrading the vacant plot at the 4-way stop. This has already made a marked difference at the intersection and is a compliment to the commitment and willingness of the community to get involved.
We now also have a team of cleaners, sponsored by the WBF who will be cleaning the R82 verge from Plantation Road to Thyme Square on a weekly basis. Never again must the road through Walkerville be an embarrassment to local residents because of the amount of accumulated litter. The first Clean-up in August arranged by the Walkerville Agricultural Society and supported by members of the WBF and our local Conservancies resulted in approx 730 bags of litter picked up in one morning.
It is the intention to have the road verge on both sides of the R82 leveled and/or contoured for storm water drainage, in order to eliminate the hills, bumps and dongas along the road. This will enable the easy cutting of grass which will again enhance the overall appearance of the road through Walkerville. As the leveling of the verges progresses we would like to start, together with local businesses, residents and the council, an indigenous tree planting campaign along both sides of the road. The Midvaal Chamber of Commerce have already offered to donate the first batch of trees, and some of the local nurseries have agreed to make trees available for this project at cost. Here we would like to ask the relevant property to get involved and contact the WBF if help is needed in grading the verge and planting of trees. Signs will be erected at both ends of the Hub, which again have been sponsored by a local business, to help to promote awareness of The Walkerville Hub.
The Council, through their consultants, have started negotiations with province to have the R82 de-registered as a provincial road as soon as the by-pass is completed through Walkerville. The expected starting date for work to commence on the by-pass is now set for July 2010 with a completion date estimated for 3 years later. It is the Council’s intention that once the road falls under the control to develop traffic circles with raised gardens and water features – instead of 4-way stops, cyclist/pedestrian tracks and possibly even a bridle trail along the route. The entire route would then be ideal for annual night markets, exhibitions, night parties etc, similar to the Annual Makita held in Meyerton.
Walkerville is our “Home Town” and truly is Gauteng’s best kept secret. Be Part of it and help the WBF in promoting development in an orderly fashion and in such a way that everyone can benefit without losing the tranquility and rural character of the area. Public participation is critical to the success of this venture!
Editorial by Elaine Potgieter
In the blink of an eye the year has raced by! The AgSoc committee is already busy planning the 2010 Tour de Walkerville (yes, that means the donations book is open, and we would welcome any amount that those lucky folk who receive bonuses feel they can share, contact 082 573 2780 for the bank details)
While on the subject of charitable works, now is a good time to say a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful people of our area who donated clothes, toys, books, bedding, food, money and their time to assist the many charities active in our area. We were constantly collecting, sorting and dropping of at the various homes. Nothing went to waste, what was not needed was sold and the funds raised were used for food parcels and medicines. And it is not too late if you still have “clutter” in your home which you would like to give away to a good cause. Give me a call on the number above, and we will arrange to collect. To all the people out there who work so hard for our charities, may you have a Blessed Christmas.
I would also like to say a very special thank you to all our advertiser’s - without you there would not be a Community News. Your support in bringing the news to our readers is invaluable!
Bits & Pieces
The Moulting Pot
Dave and Lesley Moult have finally retired from the Moulting Pot. We thank our loyal supporters over the past 8 years, and wish you all well. (We wish the Moults everything of the best for their future plans - I’d be curious to see how long those two busy beavers can stay retired)
Christmas Night Market
Join us at the Walkerville Showgrounds on Saturday 12th December from 17h30 till about 22h00 for some last minute Christmas shopping and bargain hunting. Free entry, secure parking, entertainment and good meals. We have a few stalls still available, call 082 573 2780 or e-mail info@walkervillesa.co.za.
Canterbury Country Restaurant Kiddies Christmas Tree
Saturday 5th December. Bring the children for a fun day with loads of entertainment. Christmas Tree with Santa, Jumping Castle, Face Painters, One Man Band, Crazy Competitions, Great Prizes! Loads of Give aways. Bring along your Kiddies Christmas presents for Santa to hand out. This is our annual charity event where we sponsor underprivileged children who will only be getting what Santa brings them on this day. R40 per child, includes a Party Pack filled with Sweets & a coldrink, a Hot Dog & chips & candyfloss. For enquiries, or to make a reservation, please phone Tracy on (011) 949-1343 or 082-553-0121
Letterbox
Letters will be published provided a name and address is supplied. You may use a nom de plume if you wish. Letters that are too scathing or controversial will be printed with a reply from the second party. The Editors may edit material if necessary. Write to Box 861 Walkerville 1876, or e-mail info@walkervillesa.co.za.
Dear Editor,
On behalf of my family I wish to thank Dr Rokebrand for the way in which he cared for Estelle Rassmann during the last difficult days of her life. His expertise, advice and willingness to call twice a day set our minds at rest and enabled us to nurse her at home. May the Lord continue to bless and use him in his calling as a doctor. The community he serves, enjoys a rare privilege! A big thank you goes to the many people in Walkerville who showed an interest and gave support. Individuals like Annette Montgomery, Jenny Boswell and the members of the local Anglican Church proved to be invaluable during this time. Many thanks!
Cecile Sparks (Estelle’s sister)
Dear Cecile,
Estelle was a valued member of our community and will be missed by many.
Dear Cllr. Hack,
Thank you for the flyer in my PO Box. I might sound like the uncouth cynic I am, but don’t you also notice that after four and half years of silence the politicians suddenly crawl out of the woodwork, prior to an election; making promises and committing themselves to matters that should have been attended to over the last number of years.
I wrote a letter to the council a few years ago with a relatively long list of complaints and problems. Receipt of this letter was acknowledged with a promise of follow up communication, that was that, never a word again!
Although I am a registered voter in your ward, I actually do live outside it. I do claim vehemently that it is due to no fault of mine, I have nothing to do with drawing up the voter’s role! Apple Orchards also falls under the Meyerton council, which is DA controlled, therefore I have no guilty feelings throwing stones at our not so beloved council.
Our rates are upped, without much consultation to my knowledge. This being considered a rural area, I would have thought that plot dwellers would be encouraged to use their land for agricultural purposes, producing food for the hungry multitudes. Other councils do discount rates to people who actually do use their land for farming. Johannesburg for instance? I am also told that Johannesburg discount rates to pensioners. Is that true?
I am sure you are fully aware of the expensive ‘forced upon us’ rubbish collection non-negotiated decision by your council? It used to cost me four litres of petrol a month to take it to the dump myself, and no dogs or poor passersby tore open my bags searching for a bread crust.
Shopping facilities in the area are distant for those poorest of the poor, without transport. The council is very quick to reject any request for a licence to open a tuck shop, and that without being prepared to supply a reason for the rejection. The application was done in writing; the reply was verbal when the applicant phoned to enquire about the status of the application.
The big trucking operation in the heart of Apple Orchards, has a licence been granted? If so, were the correct procedures for the issue of such a licence followed? If not, why is it still running 22 wheelers from the plot on our little roads not built for carrying such heavy vehicles?
There are a lot of new ‘developments’ in our area. Me, and many others, have the distinct impression that negotiations between the council and the developers were rather secretive. Was this to hide the true impact of these ‘development’ from the existing residents and electorate?
The Meyerton traffic department is not a law enforcing unit; it is a cash cow for the council! Once in a while you see two traffic officers in the shade under a tree on the AR82, manning a speed camera. Where the hell are they when drivers ignore stop signs, ignore solid white lines, stop anywhere on a road, etc. etc.
Your so-called law officers exclusively gun for the easy targets, the real dangerous drivers and vehicles are far too much trouble for them. I am stating categorically, the Meyerton so-called traffic officers, from the top ranks down, do not have much knowledge of the laws they are supposed to enforce! They are cash collectors, not law officers.
I have complained many times about the fact that roads such as Road No. 8, 7 and 6, in Apple Orchards stretch for about three kilometers straight and narrow, without any stops, and are used as race tracks. This is a rural area; there are animals and children on these narrow roads! The Meyerton ‘Traffic Department’ told me that the volumes on these roads do not justify speed traps! You get my Point? Henley-on-Klip is covered by speed humps! Why not feasible in Apple Orchards?
Mr. Hack, at this stage in the election race I can guarantee you that you won’t be getting my vote! I can also promise you that I will work very hard in discouraging fellow voters to vote DA. I am in full support of those in the area that want to put up independents.
F Wepener - HAO
Mr Wepener,
You are correct in saying that there are politicians who suddenly crawl out and try to be effective. I continuously hold meetings in my ward and keep people abreast of happenings in an attempt to account to the residents of Ward 7. You state that you reside in Ward 6 - which is represented by Councillor Madubedube of the ANC.
We acknowledge that Midvaal’s complaints system was not up to standard. That is why we designed a new centralised complaints system which generates reference numbers and can track the progress in resolving the complaint. People can submit complaints to Mrs Mitchell at (016) 360 7400 or complaints@midvaal.gov.za. Please forward a copy of your letter of complaint to me so that I can follow it up and hold the correct person accountable.
Each year there are budget and IDP public meetings held. The meetings are advertised in the local media. Your allegation that there is no consultation regarding the budget is therefore incorrect. You are also incorrect in saying that Midvaal does not make any allowance for agricultural properties in our tariffs. The tariffs for agricultural holdings and large farms are greatly discounted (by about 75%) in comparison to residential 1 tariffs.
The new refuse collection is a contentious issue to those persons who previously buried their refuse (and polluted underground water) or to those who burnt it (and polluted the air) or to those who live close to the dump site. For various reasons, the dump site may have to be moved in future. Paying the Council’s tariff is far less than the fuel and effort you would have to use to take your refuse to Henley-on-Klip or some other distant site. The refuse tariff includes the cost to collect refuse and also the compacting and covering of refuse, as well as security at the site. If we do not compact refuse then our dump sites will fill up even faster and in the long run it will cost ratepayers more to buy out larger tracts of land.
You say that there are a lot of new “developments” in our area that are negotiated behind the scenes. Environmental Impact Assessments are advertised for public comments and we have seen how residents have reacted in great numbers to these applications. There have even been numerous public meetings held so I cannot understand why you say that these processes take place in secret. Please contact me regarding the application that was refused verbally so that I can find out which employee is responsible for that action.
Yes, it is true that irregularities do sometimes occur. Midvaal has dismissed a number of employees over the years where sufficient proof could be found and we will continue to do so. The message has reverberated throughout the Council that the DA will not allow shenanigans to jeopardise the future of our area.
The roads in Apple Orchards are a huge concern to us as illegal trucking operations are destroying them. Advise me of the business you are referring to and I will check what action Midvaal has taken. If an illegal operation is taken to task it may result in court action which is lengthy and the costs involved are also staggering. All legal action must be weighed-up against the cost implications to residents in the form of assessment rates.
It is true that speed humps are not an ideal solution, they simply divert heavy traffic along parallel roads. Just ask the people of Henley-on-Klip! Speed humps also hinder emergency vehicles - this is a reality when lives are in danger and every second counts. Your suggestion for more stop streets is probably more feasible.
No Traffic Department will ever be popular amongst residents. Officers will always be operating in the wrong place (where you or I are breaking the law). It would help if the Traffic Department was a “cash cow” but the reality is that our annual traffic fine income is equal to what Johannesburg earns in fines over a period of 1 week! The DA has no intention of setting a higher target for fines because road blocks and vehicle inspections are just as important as curbing speed.
Unfortunately there will always be people who prefer to sit on the side and complaint based on incorrect information. I just hope that when people go out to vote that they will choose based on facts and track-records as false rumours will cost our community dearly!
Malcolm Hack
(Both letters edited due to space constraints—Ed.)
Die Boeretroos Hoekie deur John Stephens
Dagsê Vriende, Hierdie tyd van die jaar is dit seker goed dat ons ‘n slaggie met mekaar oor belangrike sake praat. Elke jaar, in die verlede, was daar op of naby 10 Oktober, aandag gegee aan die Turffonteinsekonsen-trasiekampkerkhof. Dan het Volksgenote daar saamgetrek om hulde te bring aan Volksgenote wat die hoogste prys betaal het vir Volk en Vaderland. Kan dit dan nie volgende jaar weer gebeur nie?
Hierdie konsentrasiekampkerkhof is geleë op die hoek van Columbine-weg en Malutistraat, Mondeor, Johannesburg. Die kerkhof het sy ontstaan te wyte aan die Johannesburgse konsentrasiekamp wat voor Desember 1900 op die Turffonteinse resiesbaan gestig is. Dis gedurende die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog deur die Britte gebruik om Afrikaanse vrouens en kinders daar te huisves. Aanvanklik is 3,500 persone daar gehuisves. In Februarie 1901 was daar egter reeds 5,144 en teen einde Maart 1901 5,487 persone daar. Ons mense is gehuisves in die swakste moontlike huisvesting wat bestaan het uit kasernes, perdestalle, buitegeboue, selfs onder die hoofpawiljoen. Omdat die resiesbaan oorbevolk was is mense selfs in voorstede soos Ophirton, Rosettenville en Booysens in huise en selfs in die kampongs van die Robinson Deep en Village Deepmyne gehuisves. Kosrantsoene is uitgedeel op die basis van ‘n A en skaal. A-skaal rantsoene is gegee aan die mense van hensoppers. B-skaal rantsoene was ‘n halwe rantsoen en is aan ons mense gee. Hierdie B-skaal rantsoen het daartoe bygedra dat mense diarree gekry het as gevolg van die feit dat daar geen vleis in hierdie rantsoen was nie. Dit het die mediese beampte genoop om te verklaar dat hy vleis byvoeg, al was dit teen die regulasies. Die vleis was egter ewe swak, in so ‘n mate dat die dokter verklaar het: ...” About fifteen sheep per day are discarded as unfit for human consumption.”
Die algemene superintendent van die kamp, ene Goodwin, verklaar op 17 Februarie 1901 dat daar ‘n toename in siektes, onder andere masels, diarree en seeroë, in die kamp is. Die kamphospitaal het net plek gehad vir 20 mense. Een enkele dokter moes na al die siekes omsien. In April en Mei 1901 was die sterfgetal op sy hoogste. 90 en 80 onderskeidelik uit 3379 mense sterf in hierdie maande. Van April 1901 tot April 1902 was die maandelikse aantal sterftes: 90, 80, 41, 38, 82, 39, 27, 14, 28, 13, 8, 9 en 6. Hierdie aantal strook nie met die name soos in die konsentrasiekampkerkhof aangegee nie. Dis ‘n totaal van 475 terwyl daar volgens amptelike opgawes 692 begrawe is. Net 370 grafte kon in die kerkhof getel word. Indeling van sterfouderdomme soos aangeteken in die kerkhof: Binne ure na geboorte – 5; binne 24 dae na geboorte – 19; binne 11 maande na geboorte – 124; op 5 jaar ouderdom – 277; op 10 jaar – 67; 15 jaar- 27; 20 jaar 24; 30 jaar -22; 40 jaar – 19; 50 jaar - 11; 60 jaar – 7; 70 jaar – 13; 80 jaar – 3. Totaal 470. Van minstens 90 word geen melding gemaak nie. By net 12 grafte was daar ‘n grafsteen. Die feit dat net 370 grafte getel kon word kan te wyte wees aan die feit dat die kerkhof vir 20 Jaar in wind en weer gelê het sonder dat daar aandag daaraan gegee is. In sommige grafte is daar meer as een persoon begrawe. So is daar getuig dat in een graf nie minder as 8 kinders saam begrawe is nie. Die groep wat die ergste gely het was die kindertjies onder 5 jaar, naamlik 425. Die grootste getal sterftes was uit Heidelberg, naamlik 110; Potchefstroom – 108; Krugersdorp – 81; Pretoria – 47; Johannesburg – 44; Rustenburg – 29; Bethal – 24; Klerksdorp – 18; Middelburg – 14, plus kleiner getalle uit ander distrikte. Die kerkhof was onversorgd tot in 1920 toe ene Mnr. Bester Howell van Tuffontein daarop afgekom het. As Voortrekker-kommandant het hy dit onder die aandag van die Nasionale Party en die kerke gebring. Die kerkhof is toe opgeknap en op 10 Oktober 1920 oop gestel. Die grond waarop die kerkhof geleë is, is deur mnr. J.P.Meyer geskenk. ‘n Kerkhof-kommissie is in die lewe geroep en elke jaar op 10 Oktober is daar ‘n kranslegging gehou. Op 16 Desember 1941 is die grafte weer opgeknap en ‘n gedenkteken daar opgerig. Aan die voorkant is ‘n wit marmerblad aangebring, geskenk deur die Spoorweg Onderlinge Begrafnisgenootskap van Germiston. Daarop verskyn die teks: Jeremia 31 vers 5: “’n Stem word gehoor in Rama, geklaag, bitter geween; sy weier om getroos te word oor haar kinders, omdat hulle daar nie is nie.” Agter die marmerblad, in ‘n holte, is ‘n naamlys van al die oorledenes geplaas. Ook teen die gedenkteken is ‘n geelkoperblad aangebring met die volle besonderhede van almal wat daar begrawe lê.
In 1951 is ‘n Konsentrasiekampkerkhofkuratorium gestig waarop elke kerkraad van die drie Afrikaaanse kerke twee verteenwoordigers gehad het. Die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk Turffontein is die liggaam met regspersoonlikheid en bewaar die transportakte en die amptelike kaart van die kerkhof. Die gedenkteken is drie keer geskend. Die ergste was egter in Maart 1957 tot grafstene omgegooi en een aan skerwe gegooi is. Die marmergedenkplaat is in drie stukke gebreek. Blykbaar was daar ‘n poging aangewend om die gedenkteken met dinamiet in die lug te blaas. Onder die geskende grafte was daar die grafte van die ses Bekkerkinders wat langs mekaar begrawe was. Al ses is binne ‘n kort tydjie van mekaar af dood. Die skending is deur mnr. Michiel van Straaten van Haddon ontdek. Sy Pa het Die Transvaler geskakel en hiervan vertel. Die skenker van die marmerblad het dadelik weer een geskenk. Hierdie keer een van graniet. Die stukke en stukkies grafstene is onder Afrikaanse skole van die omgewing uitgedeel as gedenkstukke wat bewaar moet word. Toe verskyn die Raad vir Suid-Afrikaanse Oorlogsgrafte op die toneel: Die grafte is volgens ‘n goedgekeurde ontwerp, soos dit tans daar uitsien, herbeplan en uitgelê. Op 10 Oktober 1962 is die herstelde kerkhof amptelik geopen deur mnr. B.J.Vorster. Drie vroue uit die dae van die konsentrasiekamp, naamlik mevv. M.M.van Zyl, F.Steyn en H. Nieuwoudt het die gedenkteken saam onthul. Mev. Nieuwoudt is as pasgebore baba in die kamp opgeneem; mev. Van Zyl is as veertienjarige meisie daar opgeneem. Mev. Steyn het daar verpleeg en die smarte daar in die kamp aanskou. Die totale koste het R41,000 beloop. Mnr. Louw van Suidheuwels het die vlagpaal gemaak, geskenk en ingeplant. Vir baie jare was Mnr. F. Viljoen die sekretaris. Hy is later opgevolg deur mnr. Danie Stander van Southdale. En vandag? Wat presies die situasie vandag is weet ek nie, behalwe dat daar nie meer elke jaar ‘n kranslegging en huldiging van hierdie te vroeg afgestorwe Afrikaners is nie. Waar die drie Afrikaanse kerke in die suide altyd die geleentheid onderling gereël het, gebeur dit klaarblyklik gladnie meer nie.
(Hierdie stuk is ‘n opsomming van die boekie van F.Viljoen: Turffonteinse Kampkerkhof)
‘n oproep: Afrikaners, kom op 10 Oktober saam en huldig hierdie Volkshelde! Kerke van die suide: Steek weer die hande uit die moue en bring hulde aan hierdie Volksgenote!
Crime Watch
To all our hardworking and dedicated Police Officers, Reservists, Police Forum Members, Security Officers and Patrollers - may you have a peaceful and crime free Festive Season.
From Drumblade, to Apple Orchards, from Walkers Fruit Farms to Eikenhof, Peels Farm to De Deur, we hope you have time off to spend with your family and loved ones. No call-outs, no crisis, no highway accidents to attend to. Just peace and quiet.
For everyone going away, have a safe journey and please don’t forget the security basics. Don’t leave lights burning day and night - rather install a timer switch or get a house sitter or your neighbours to pop past each day. Let your vet know that you will be away, and to please attend to your animals if someone else brings them in. Check you house to ensure there is no easy access for criminals. Make sure your fences are secure. Give your servants a list of emergency telephone numbers, or better still give them a panic button (if you are linked to a security company) which they can use in case of an emergency.
If you are staying at home for the holidays, make sure you are secure at night - it is after all the silly season and crime is expected to increase - don’t become a statistic!
Down Country Roads by Louise Southey
Change of season has come around again – hooray, time to splash out on a few items of clothing! I love Pick and Pay’s range of cotton slacks and tops, so that’s usually my first call. However, their sizing varies according to cut so everything has to be tried on. That raises the problem of their fitting rooms, which are usually hidden in some remote corner of the store and often used as storage space. It’s a tight squeeze but I am determined to have those brown slacks! Just as I’m almost undressed, the attendant (who was eyeing me as she yapped to her friend at the end of the aisle) bangs on the door demanding to know how many items I’ve smuggled in! I’m about to protest when I remember my previous visit: that attendant obligingly searched every shelf and even went to the back room to find my size. So I bite my tongue and extend my arm out for the precious items to be counted …. Today my request for another size in those really nice slacks is met with an indifferent “ Sold out.”
Mr. Price’s clothing range is definitely made for midgets but desperation drives me in and I feel rather embarrassed as I hone in on the larger sizes. (How silly - who actually cares what size I wear?) There are plenty of spacious fitting rooms, and a smiling young lady counts my garments and gives me a corresponding metal tag. The great try-on begins - but my enthusiasm is soon drained by the thumping music. Making a hasty escape, I make a mental note that if I don’t like the music in a store – their clothes are not likely to suit my tastes either! A sortie into the serenely quiet Jeep outlet is brief – the sight of the first price tag sends me hurrying out again.
I head for my favourite, up-market store (I seldom leave Walkerville so Woolies is very upmarket …) And their sizing is spot on: I know that their size 8 pants and size10 tops always fit perfectly!! Armed with the maximum 6 items I eventually find a fitting room that’s not locked. The attendant is sleeping so soundly that only a cattle prod will wake her so I reach over her to take a disc and head inside. The clothes are superb – the cut is good, the colours great, the fabrics soft - but the image mirrored back to me under the fluorescent lights is ghastly!!! The lined face is dominated by black rings under the eyes and framed by a fuzz of unruly hair. Worse still, the body underneath it, is held up by two cellulite-padded columns! I hastily yank the jeans on, pull the zip up and then see the white mass bulging above the waistband…. (Okay, I lied about the size 8 pants!) My self esteem is at it’s lowest ebb as I leave – empty handed.
As I drive home, I fondly think of the “clothes chain!” It works like this: a more buxom friend passes on a blouse or t-shirt that’s shrunk (some things really DO shrink after the first wash, you know!) This is quite exciting because the clothes I get this way are more colourful and have more ‘bling’ than the boring things I habitually choose myself. And trying on clothes is no strain when done over a good cup of coffee and some light chit-chat. The things that have ‘shrunk’ in my cupboard get passed along to the petite friend down the road and unwanted items are taken to the SPCA. And so it is, that as the seasons change, we all have ‘new’ clothes even if we are not exactly fashion icons!