Edition / Uitgawe 1

26 April 2013

Noon @ Pilgrims

Sunrise @ Graskop
Bokkie visists with Safcol CEO 6 Nick is Sabies Sasol Rally champion 8 Gertie, our sister, we will miss you 9

Sunset @ Sabie
Why Sabie deserves to be Town of the Year 1 5

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What a blessing to be part of the communities of Graskop, Pilgrims and Sabie, hence GPS News. We live in such a beautiful part of country that God created. With that said you should be able to deduce what this newspaper is about. Our newspapers mission and vision statement is quite simple: The reporting and publishing of good news. It is to be used as an instrument whereby the reporting of positive news

GPS News

Introduction of our newspaper

can motivate and uplift us all in this negative world we have do deal with every day. Please feel free to contribute and be part of our newspaper by sending interesting articles and facts and share your experiences with us. We appreciate every person that wished us well and helped us to get the business off

the ground. Together with you as reader we aim to make this newspaper ours. To all the lads at Thaba Chweu News, thank you for your kind words, and may your newspaper prosper to serve the community. Our community is a very unique conglomerate of different nationalities and believes, and being in a small town environment, provides us with the opportunity to be there for each other.

Briewe / Letters
Texting whilst driving
many people text while they are driving their vehicle. Please refrain from it and wait until you stop. Those few extra minutes might just save your life. Is answering a bbm, text or whatever you are busy on your cellphone with, more important than your family losing you, or being crippled in an accident? Besides, talking on a cell while driving is against the law how much more must it be to text whilst driving. Dont wait until it is too late: stop now!

Residents of Sabie, Pilgrims and Graskop, as well as visitors, please read this letter and wake up! It is something that despite the immense danger it holds, is rapidly on the increase - texting whilst driving. During the recent Sasol rally with such an influx of cars in our town, it was alarming to see how

your way of handling the clients is such a benefit to our town. On behalf of all the clients of Standard Bank, a hearty thank you. We are fortunate to have you in our town. We just wish we could use you to teach some of Thaba Chweu employees in Sabie what it is to take your job seriously. We are proud of you, Chris!

Panorama Chalets & Ruskamp

Dit het alles met oupa Hennie Prinsloo begin. Panorama Chalets & Ruskamp in Graskop het ontstaan met die koop van die perseel in 1965. In 1968 is die eerste huisie gebou wat uit een vertrek bestaan het, met n gemeenskaplike ablusieblok. In 2007 is die chalets in n deeltitelskema verkoop. Ritte en Danie van Niekerk is die opsigters en verhuur die eenhede namens die eienaars. Daar is deeltiteleienaars van so ver as die Kaap en selfs Australi. Ritte is die derde generasie wat by die oord betrokke is. Eers was daar ouma Hetta, haar dogter Laetitia en nou Ritte. Die egpaar het drie kinders: Laetitia (13), Danie (11) en Antonie (6). Die oord is al in twee televisiereekse Ballade vir n enkeling en Skattejag gebruik. Daar is n restuarant op die perseel wat vir die publiek oop is. Die uitsig is sekerlik die oord se grootste aantrekkingskrag, s Danie en Ritte. Daar is ook n kunsgalery wat die werke van drie kunstenaars tentoonstel: Rina Burger, Nicol Cronje en Ritte. Almal word harlik genooi om n wyle by Panorama Chalets & Ruskamp te kom vertoef.

Sabie-kliniek s dankie
Sabie-kliniek se personeel
Ek wil net baie graag n hartlike dankie aan Van Wyks Plumbing s. Verder wil ek graag aan die publiek vertel watter wonderlike diens die maatskappy bied. Hulle help ons gereeld by Sabie-kliniek en hul diens is altyd professioneel en vriendelik. Hulle is altyd bereid om ekstra moeite te doen om ons te help. Christo, Linda en span, julle word opreg waardeer en ons sal julle diens enige tyd vir iemand aanbeveel.

Proud of Chris
To Chris, the security guard at Standard bank, we want to thank you. You are a true gentleman and

For sale: Antique

and other quality furniture owner relocating. All furniture to go. Call for appointment. Tel: 084 636 1 432.

GPS News

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L u c h el l e Marx before (left) and after she has won t he weight battle. Heerdens chemist in Sabie really supports me and keep me in line at work. My husband loves the new look and I feel like a new person. I have so much more energy and a zest for life, getting up in the morning looking forward to the day. Luchelle wants to encourage all the people struggling with their weight to start, just start. She said: Every day tell yourself that just for today, I am going to stick to the eating program and do it. After a while you will see the kilograms coming off and the clothes getting bigger. Losing weight and seeing how you body changes, really inspires me to lose more weight and to never pick it up again.

Luchelle wins the

uchelle Marx (36), a Sabie resident, has lost a whopping 25 kilograms and 94 centimetres in 7 months. Luchelle, a mother of two beautiful girls, Chan (15) and Sunel (12) , is married to Melchior. They relocated from Vereeniging 5 years ago. In an interview with GPS News, Luchelle said that she is just like other people that struggles with their weight, always had a weight problem, losing weight and picking up, never reaching target weight and maintaining it. She realized that she has to do something drastic about it. Mid 2012 she decided to start eating healthy and cut out all sugar and starches, but the progress were nearly like the municipality strike slow. She realized that if she do not look

weight battle

after her body, where else will she live in? The children, work and marriage has always been a priority to her, but she came to the conclusion that she was neglecting herself, and the effect thereof will in the end have an effect on her family as well. She was tired and not feeling well physically, battling to find feminine clothes and felt bad about herself emotionally. One day Luchelle realized that her daughters are now teenagers, and she has to set the example, and said enough is enough. After seeking guidance she changed her lifestyle by eating smaller more frequent meals and joined It is what you put in aqua aerobics presented by Valerie Kemp. Luchelle said:

Eating right is not enough, you have to exercise. Aqua aerobics is the best exercise regime focusing on all the muscle groups as well as making me fit, besides firming up all the muscles. The workout in the indoor heated pool provides me with the opportunity to get fit and slim whilst enjoying it thoroughly. My colleagues at Van

GPS News

Market Square vendors receive brand new stalls

Shirly Mathebula

or several years hawkers at the Sabie Market Square have operated their businesses in temporary mobile structures that were unhygienic and not safe for business. On Thursday 18 April, more that ten women danced in jubilation when representatives from Sasol, in partnership with York Timber, handed them access to the new permanent stalls. Sasol, working together with York Timber, took the initiative to invest in community upliftment projects and constructed 20 permanent stalls as part of a micro-enterprise development in the Mpumalanga region. GPS News conducted a survey to find out the views from Sabie residents about the permanent stalls constructed at the Sabie Market Square. Nancy Fakude (43), one of the hawkers at the market square who has been working at the market for three years, says she couldnt wait for the building to be finished. Fakude said, My only concern is whether we will be able to use the stalls for free or if we must pay rent if we have to pay rental fees we wont be able to afford it. We have not been advised on how it is going to operate. She showed her humbleness and said that: Our main role as vendors is not only to sell food and crafts but also to assist tourists when they visit our site and offer them good service. Linah Dibakoane (53), a retired worker who recently opened a stall at the Sabie Market, is delighted to see that a well built market will be provided for them. I retired from work last year as advised by the doctor. However, I couldnt sit

Market stall recipients with representatives of Sasol, York Timbers and Thaba Chweu municipality. at home and do nothing and I was inspired by the other businesses to start my own business. Lulu Ngomane (51), said she started trading in 1983, but her only concern was that the space was too limited. I wish the space was bigger. However, we are thankful for the work that the companies have done. Given Khoza, an employee at Midnite Espresso, said that the manmade stalls constructed of plastic and timber were not attractive but the new building would attract customers and the place would look more organised and professional. Ayesha Lashee-Bhana, a Sabie resident for 13 years from Ayeshas Deli at Sabie Market Square, added that the project is an incredible idea. It will bring a more village-fresh market feel to Sabie and be a good tourist attraction. Sphiwe Mthethwa, a resident from Sabie town, added that the new market building will have a hygienic appearance the market will attract tourists and customers. Even surrounding businesses such as Spar will get more customers because the Sabie Market Square will appear as a welcome shopping area. The sponsors have outdone themselves by implementing this project. The local women are given a means to improve their businesses and to be able to make money so that they can provide for their families. Sonet Douglas, a resident from Sabie town, said that the new marketplace is more organised and neat. The place will draw more customers. Riccardo Carbone, an employee at Sabie Kodak, said that The place looks more professional and the complex is very tidy. However, it would have been better if the market was built in a non-parking area where there was sufficient space. Nevertheless, the good thing is that the market is more visible where it is located. Randy Muller, a resident from Harmony Hill, said Sabie is a tourism area, a place that must attract tourists. The hawkers will be safe from storms now that there is shelter provided for them. The new building will serve as a commitment to empower the community as a way of easing poverty and unemployment.

GPS News

Help sportmense met klere

Rochelle Esterhuizen, hoofmeisie van Laerskool Sabie in 2009, is n leerling aan Nelspruit Horskool. Naweke en vakansies is sy nog by die Sabie-gemeenskap betrokke waar haar ouers woon. Rochelle het GPS Nuus genader om haar by te staan met n gemeenskapsprojek wat sy as deel van haar jaar as Mej. NHS (Neslpruit Horskool) aanpak. Rochelle en Cecil Harley, Mnr. NHS, is albei ywerige sportmense en het by sportbyeenkomste opgemerk dat daar onder die deelnemers n behoefte aan sporttoerusting en -klere is. Sy was geskok toe sy sienn dat daar deelnemers aan landloop, asook as netbal was wat tekkies moes deel omdat hulle nie finansieel daartoe in staat is om hul eie aan te skaf nie. Sy het n passie vir mense wat hulp nodig het en wil daarom vra dat al die ywerige sportmanne en -vroue enige ou sporttoerusting (krieketkolwe, balle van enige aard, skaakstelle, netbalballe... enige sporttoerusting) en sportklere skenk en by GPS Nuus in Hoofstraat, Sabie, laat. Die doel met die projek is om minderbevoorregtes in ons gemeenskap en omgewing van die nodige toerusting en klere te voorsien. Hulle kan dan ook op die korrekte manier sport beoefen en daardeur trots en n gesonde lewensuitkyk ontwikkel. Rochelle glo dat n gesonde liggaam n gesonde gees huisves, en as kinders sport beoefen, bly hulle uit die strate. Wie weet, miskien is daar n Tiger Woods of n Boris Becker wat met die voorraad wat geskenk word, hul loopbaan begin. Die projek het reeds begin en duur tot 20 Junie. Klere van enige grootte van laerskool tot volwassenes is welkom, asook sporttoerusting in enige toestand. Kontak Yolanda by 074 888 5094 of bel GPS Nuus by 013764 3127.

GPS News
Left to right: Annalize Nieuwoudt, LEFPA Bokkie and Nomkhita Mona.

Bokkies best friend

n March Nomkhita Mona, Group Chief Executive Officer of Safcol group addressed delegates of the Sabie Chamber of Commerce at the Komatiland Museum in Sabie. Me. Mona was invited and introduced by Debbie Moller, Communications Officer of the Sabie Chamber of Commerce, Debbie said: A very impressive curriculum vitae from an awesome lady, comprising of the following :Nomkhita Mona, new CEO of Safcol, joins the organisation from the Uitenhage Despatch Development Initiative (UDDI) where she was chief executive officer and served tenure of five years. Prior to that, she was associate consultant for an international consulting company as well as chief executive officer of Inkezo Land Company in Durban and chief executive officer of the Eastern Cape Tourism Board as well as Registrar of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Mpumalanga. Mona holds an MBA from Rhodes University as well as masters Degree in Labour Relations & Human Resources from UPE. She attained an Honours degree in Industrial Relations and a BA degree (Psychology & Sociology) from the University of Port Elizabeth. Nomkhita Mona is the first black woman to be appointed on the board of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings in South Africa. She is the immediate former Deputy President of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and a Commissioner of the Eastern Cape Planning Commission. She also serves on the boards of the Wilderness Foundation (SA), where she is also a trustee as well as on the Oliver Foundation board. Her leadership career spans over a period of more than 20 years. She brings a wealth of experience across a number of sectors. Mona asked the audience two questions: Why are you here and how did you get here? Was it hard work or sacrifice of others? She quoted an old Chinese saying: A fish rots from the head first, and

The four agreements Miguel Ruiz

Be impeccable with your word what you say is what you do. Do not make assumptions. Do not take anything personally. Always do your best.
mentioned that in any business or government, if the head is not healthy, then the whole body will be negatively affected. This saying is essentially about leadership, it refers to the importance of leadership in all spheres of life. If the head of an organization is not giving the necessary leadership, the whole organization does not stand a chance, if the head rots, the whole body follows suit. Leadership is not about a career, it is about you as a person. It would not necessarily mean a career, but what role you play, be it a leadership role at home, community or church. The question to ask is: what kind of leadership would ensure success for Sabie? What kind of leadership would inspire the citizens of Sabie to be their best and do what is right for the town? It is important that we have authentic leaders with sincerity and integrity. Integrity is usually referred to as doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. Importantly, we should be building relationships for the benefit of the greater good. This is not impossible, but difficult because we live in a country with serious leadership challenges, where there is a general lack of vision. We need leaders with a much longer type of vision leaders who plant trees whose shade they will never sit under. In well-led societies there are signs of ethical leadership, which shapes the culture. That is why a different type of mindset is usually required, which by the way, does not depend on the economic character of the place.

Please remember the meeting 8th May 201 3 at KLF Tweefontein Incident Command Centre at 09:00.

Interestingly, once the small things are taken care of, they affect the big things, and then the tipping point is reached. Leaders should apply themselves cognitively to what their strategy, visions and future should be. If this is not what underpins the actions we take on a day-to-day basis, you will find yourself rudderless. People will not focus on what they should be doing, the chamber will do what the municipality is supposed to do, while the municipality will do (if we are lucky) what the chamber and/or the business sector is supposed to be doing. Importantly, local citizens should be active in their own development and environment. It must be established what holds this area together, and rally around that central point. On a personal level, what is your contribution to your town? Where are you?

GPS News

GPS News

Rainy conditions complicate rally

Shirly Mathebula

asol Rally 2013 set off to misty conditions and light rain that made the first six stages in Sabie and Graskop exceptionally challenging for the teams on Friday 19 April. The event, marking its 22nd year, started on Friday in Sabie and finished on Saturday in Nelspruit. The Mpumalanga MEC of Culture, Sports and Recreation Sibongile Manana and Executive Mayor of Thaba Chweu Municipality Mike Ngcongwane were given an opportunity to wave a flag to start the race. Manana showed appreciation to Sasol for sponsoring and the event partners for staging the event in Mpumalanga as she acknowledged the great support that the rally brought to the province. The event creates an opportunity to improve the economy of the hosting towns and exposes the world to the tourism opportunities and beauty of these towns, said Manana. The Sasol Rally has been a noticeable event for the past 22 years to the people of Sabie and Graskop. Even though the rainy weather conditions were a big factor during the event, locals and people from all around arrived in great numbers to be part of the excitement of the special stage at Sabie Market Square on Friday evening. The street was crowded, with people standing next to the circuit watching the emblazoned racing cars. Reigning SA champions Mark Cronj and Robin Houghton achieved the best stage time of 1 minute 15.5 seconds. As the race continued, the

weather conditions worsened, with mist and rain that required competitors to use special driving techniques. The bad weather caused the last two gravel stages in the Hedriksdal area to be cancelled for safety reason. Cronj and Houghton, who were also the 2012 Sasol Rally winners, this year again triumphed in their all-wheel drive S2000 Ford Dealer Team Fiesta. Second overall were former World Rally Championship contenders Mark Wilson and Chris Patterson of the UK, also driving a Ford Fiesta. Leeroy Poulter and Elvne Coetzee came in third in their Castrol Team Toyota Yaris. The Sabie rally team of Nick and Patricia Theunissen won the Sasol Rally S16 class in their BMW.

Mpumalanga MEC of Culture, Sports and Recreation Sibongile Manana sends the cars on their way at the opening stage in Sabie.

GPS News

Gertie: humble, loyal, quiet sister

A
sister, she was like a sister to me, and her death was so sudden, commented Lynn Doyle about Gertrude Fakude. Lynn, owner of The Hair Square, a local hairdressing salon, said that Gertrude, or Gertie as she was lovingly called by all the friends and clients, was so much more than an employee. She had been involved with the family for 52 years and was married to Freddie, who died in 2011. Gertie started working for Lynns mother in Eileens Salon at the age of 16. After the salon closed, she stayed in touch with the family. Lynn moved to Sabie and opened up her own salon in 2001, whereupon Gertie became her shop assistant. Gertie died suddenly on 7 April 2013 as a result of a heart attack. A memorial service was held on Thursday 11 April at Lynns house. The service was led by Sarel Loots, spiritual leader of the NG Church in Graskop. The impact that Gertie made on everyone around her was evident from the turnout of mourners who came to pay her tribute. The place was packed with mourners from every walk of life, paying their last respects, said Sarel. us. She never complained, despite living with extreme pain in her hips and knees. She was always friendly and cared about other people. Lynn mentioned that Gertie remained a lady to the end and that she would be sorely missed. Lynn asked some of the regular clients to describe Gertie in one word, and some words were: special, sweetie pie, humble, quiet, perfect lady and loyal. Jessica Mathie, Lynns granddaughter, wrote a poem for Gertie: A sister, a mother, a friend, a wife, A silent strength throughout her life, Kind, loving, loyal, strong Memorable forever, like the sweetest song Safe and sound in mind and heart The humblest soul with an honest laugh Safe and sound from any harm Safe and sound in Freddies arms Now we wont shed a single sad tear For a woman as incredible as her She seemed far too good to stay on this earth And so to Freddies arms, she safely returns. Hamba Gahle, my dear sister.

He further mentioned that Gertie was a woman of integrity and loyalty, but mostly of humility. She was not only an assistant working at the salon but an example to all of

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GPS News

MTN Sabie Classic charity benefits

Handing over of cheques to MTN Sabie Classic beneficiaries. school children on their way to school - R 7 500 ( Pastor Roy Roach & wife Linda) Ubuntu - R7 500 - ( Myriam & Vicky Bryant) Best Waterpoint trophy went to Bedrock - Tony Hulett received the trophy. The annual race management team comprises of Brett Coates Race director, Dennis Lawrie - Course Director, Sandy Korb - Race Office, Joy Comley - Waterpoint co-ordinator & Sabie Chamber Events co-ordinator.

Save power
With the electricity prices escalating substantially every year, a lot of households are battling to carry the high living costs on their current income. GPS News spoke to Van Wyks Plumbing in Sabie enquiring how the readers can save on their electrical bills. Their suggestion was to install a domestic heat pump. A domestic heat pump is a very efficient water heating device meant to save electricity and costs. It uses a small amount of electricity to produce up to 4 times more heat energy. By connecting a heat pump to your existing hot water cylinder you can divide your hot water electrical consumption by 4. Unlike solar, a heat pump is not directly dependant on the sun and therefore it can operate day and night, winter and summer ensuring you the highest possible saving and piping hot water 24/7. Heat pumps have been around for decades (some of the hostels at Stellenbosch University for example have used heat pumps for hot water for more than 25 years), and is very widely used in Europe for central heating systems. Their popularity has however increased drastically due to the increase in the price of electricity in the recent years. How does a heat pump work? A heat pump works like an air conditioning unit in reverse. It extracts heat from the ambient air surrounding it, enabling it to beat the refrigerant which is then compressed causing it to get even hotter. This is then run through a heat exchange where this energy is drawn off to heat the water and then the refrigerant is allowed to expand again, thus cooling it down and enabling it again to absorb heat from the surrounding air. So electricity is only used to run a fan and compressor and the heat energy is provided indirectly by the sun. The most excellent news is the following: A rebate on installation costs is available, but only by following the guidelines and strict adherence to the criteria, will make you eligible for the rebate. The good news is that we have a local qualified installer Van Wyks Plumbing, Plant & Handyman Services that can assist you with obtaining and installing this energy saving device. For more details, see the advert on the front page.

On Wednesday 17 April 2013, a function was held at Merry Pebbles, Sabie. The funds generated by 2013 annual MTN Sabie Classic, driven by Nissan and powered by Stihl, and hosted by Lowveld Chain gang were distributed between three charities of their choice. The beneficiaries are: Nelspruit Lion's Club R10 000 ( Tony Clemens & Pat Nicholson) Mountain of the Lord Ministries in Harmony -Sandwiches for

If we cant find it, it does not exist Adele

Nsemani (Pty) Ltd, previously Basco Trading Sabie, bought the business from the Barnard family in March 2013. Adele Janse van Rensburg (38), a mother of two, was an employee working at said establishment. When the opportunity arose, she decided to take the leap and bought the business, together with her partner Arno Isemann (42). Adele has a passion for her business and will always go the extra mile for her customers. Adeles vision for the company is to provide excellent service to the community at good affordable prices. The firm sells fire fighting equipment, personal protective equipment, road safety equipment, hardware and many more. Good quality black bags and cleaning chemicals, industrial as well as household chemicals are sold. On stock pertaining to PPE (Personal Protective Clothing), Adele said the following: To allow the right type of PPE to be chosen, carefully consider the different hazards in the workplace. This will enable you to assess which type of PPE is suitable to protect you against hazards and injuries. Adele has always been a person full of energy and loves challenges and when the opportunity arose to buy the business, she knew it was what she wanted. They are actively involved in motor rallies as marshals and is very excited because it was the Sasol Rally on the 18th, 19th and 20th April. They love the adrenaline that rushes through their veins when participating in the rallies. Adele mentioned that owning your own business has pros and cons but so far the pros exceed the cons by far. What you put in, is what you get out. The company is committed in providing a service to the public and undertake to give their best. The companys slogan is: If we dont have it, we will find it for you, just come talk to us. Adele and Arno would like to invite all the readers of GPS News and Printing to visit their shop at the Cnr of Main and 9th Avenue, Sabie.

Sabie architect wins opportunity to stay in uemberk Castle, Slovenia

sic - based on the required theme Reaction. She forgot about the entry until a couple of days ago, when she received a mail from EASA: We are delighted to offer you a place in the EASA013 International team. We were really impressed with your entry and your enthusiasm about the assembly and are excited to meet you in person in Slovenia in August! The congress starts on the 4th August. They plan to leave earlier in order to fit in some sightseeing. It will be an intense two weeks filled with lectures, workshops, functions, exhibits, sports, concerts and even a beverage tasting evening where she will be required to Chironne Mller

Chironne Mller (23), a resident of Sabie studying at Tshwane University of Technology, is one of two architects who have been chosen to represent South Africa and attend the EASA013 (European Association of Students of Architecture) congress in Slovenia in August. The majority of the 500 delegates will be from European countries, each sending a team of ten. Only seven participants from international countries are invited. The 14 days of activities will take place in uemberk Castle and the participants stay in the castle for the duration of the event. Early in 2013, Chironne entered an overseas competition and submitted a 12 second video with mu-

provide a taste of a South African beverage for each of the 500 plus participants. Chironne will complete her Masters in Architecture in 2014.

GPS News

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GPS News

Lending a hand to pothole crisis

Shirly Mathebula

Incredible miracle crusade

Shirly Mathebula
A two-day Miracle Crusade on 4 and 5 April took place at the Sabie Faith Centre Church at Harmony Hill community hall, Sabie. Members of the church gathered in the presence of honourable guests Pastor Reuben Manda and his wife Surie Manda who reside in Durban. Pastor Reuben started his own church called the Rock of Ages Family Church in Durban two years ago with about 100 people in his congregation. Pastor Manda travelled from Durban to host a miracle crusade for the first time in Sabie and this had been an enormous privilege for him and the Sabie Faith Centre Church congregation. On the first day of the crusade the congregation gathered, but due to rain there were fewer people than expected. However, that didnt prevent them from proceeding with the crusade. One of the worship leaders, Sonja Barton said, God says in His word, it doesnt matter if we are two or three people in His house as long as we come together as one to praise and worship in His presence. With that spirit, the miracle crusade carried on in a positive atmosphere. Sabie Faith Centre Church, Pastor James Willis said that the crusade was a great success the ultimate goal of hosting church crusades was to minister to the people and to bless them with the word of God. Pastor Manda concluded that there was a positive response from the community and the people in Harmony Hill were extremely welcoming. It was incredible to see that the crusade had touched many people as they received healing and spiritual growth. The goal of the crusade had been achieved and the church aimed to host many more crusades.

The condition of unbearable street potholes still remains a crisis in Sabie and this has led to many complaints coming from Sabie residents. However, Pastor Roy Roach from the Mountain of the Lord Ministries is one of the residents living in Mount Anderson who decided to eradicate this crisis. Roach and other residents are exposed on a daily basis to driving over the same potholes that could cause premature damage to their cars, and endanger the lives of people who use the road. I became concerned about the danger that the potholes could cause. I collected stones and sand, bought cement and filled up the potholes at the corner of Anaboom and Milkwood Street, said Roach. It appears that the potholes were approximately half a meter deep and 5 meters wide, which could cause a lot of damage. Although fixing the potholes is the Thaba Chweu municipalitys responsibility, Roach said there is a role that each person can play in the community rather than pointing fingers at others. Its unproductive to sit on the sideline, criticize and do nothing. As residents we must start doing something to make a positive change. The fixing of the potholes has sparked such a positive feeling. Some grateful residents have donated cement to Roach so that he can continue with his good work.

Pastor Roy Roach (right) and Assistant Pastor Michael Manzini busy fixing potholes.

Smalls
For sale
Homemade bottled products: peppers, chutney, tomato, atchaar, curry cabbage and curried beans. Assorted jams. Call: 082 779 7422

Employment wanted

Gardener seeking part time employment. Reference available. Sidney: 076 570 7725

Caravan for sale

1 981 Gypsey 4-6 bed, crockery included, rally tent. One owner. Price: R30 000 o.n.c.o. Susan: 082 493 781 9

Aqua aerobic classes

Indoor heated pool, limited space. Valerie: 083 565 9458

Affordable handyman

Electrical, welding, maintenance. Any handyman work. Satisfaction guaranteed. References available. Call Gerhard: 076 598 5240

GPS News
Pastoor Antonie en Lizelle Nortje saam met Joy-Mari en Elraine.

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Nuwe pastoorspaar wil liefde met dade kom bewys

alarm, maar toe vra die dosent wat besig was om n kursus aan te bied, die volgende twee vrae: Antonie, is jy verseker van ewige lewe, en waarom as jy sou sterf, voel jy sal jy in die hemel toegelaat word? Dit het my lewe verander, s Antonie. My lewe het binne vyf minute 180 grade omgekeer. Ek het vir die toekoms kans gesien. In 2005 begin hy by die Volle Evangelie Kerk se Bybelskool studeer, en tree in 2008 tot die voltydse bediening toe. Antonie se doel in die plaaslike VEK-kerk is om n kerk te h waar vrugbaarheid gevind sal word en liefde deur dade bewys sal word. Sy vrou, Lizelle, meen dat daar as pastoorsvrou baie uitdagings is. Tog wil sy niks anders in die lewe doen nie. Dit is die beste beroep wat daar is, want dit wat jy doen, het ewigheidswaarde, s sy. Volgens Lizelle is elke vrou kosbaar in haar gesinsmilieu en verantwoor-

astoor Antonie en Lizelle Nortje is sedert Maart die nuwe leeraarspaar van die Volle Evangelie Kerk in Sabie. Hulle is al nege jaar getroud en is voltyds in die bediening. Die egpaar het twee dogtertjies: JoyMari (5) en Elraine (3). GPS Nuus het Antonie gevra hoe dit gebeur het dat hy besluit het om n pastoor te word, en waar sy liefde vir die evangelie vandaan kom. Hy het geantwoord: In Jesajsa 61 word daar genoem van die Gees van die Here wat op ons is, ons word gesalf om die evangelie te verkondig, die kerk skoon te maak. Antonie het volgens hom in sy lewe n tyd lank grondpad gery, bedoelende dat dinge moeilik gegaan het en dat hy nie in die wil van God geleef het nie. Hy het in 2003 by n sekuriteitsmaatskappy gewerk en is na n voorval by die Volle Evangelie Kerk in Vanderbijlpark uitgeroep. Dit was n vals

delik om die gesin met die Here se hulp aanmekaar te hou. N die uitnodiging om in Sabie te kom preek, het die egpaar na Winklespruit ATKV met vakansie gegaan, en terwyl Antonie een oggend op die strand sit, afgesonder vir stiltetyd, en om wysheid met die groot besluit vra, kom n man wat hy glad nie ken nie, met n profetiese woord na hom. Die man s: Die Here gaan jou na n klein dorpie stuur wat welgeplaas is met onvrugbare water (geestelik bedoel), en God gaan julle gebruik om n verskil in die dorp te maak. Oor die opmerkings van sommige mense oor die geskiedenis van die gemeente en die vraag wat ge-

stel is: En hoe lank gaan jy by die gemeente hou? antwoord Antonie net rustig: So lank dit Sy wil is. Daar word vir vanjaar baie kursusse vir die gemeente beplan en dit sal in die GPS Nuus se sosiale kalender geadverteer word. Van die onderwerpe wat behandel gaan word, is gees-dinamiese lewe, karakter-sielsrestourasie, heerskappy en vryheid, fisieke genesing en so meer. Antonie en Lizelle wil die inwoners van Sabie hartlik bedank vir die manier waarop hulle in die dorp ontvang is en nooi die gemeenskap uit om te kom kennis maak en n koppie koffie of tee te kom drink.

Ministers support each other at Sabie/Graskop forum

Way back in 1986 a group of Christian pastors and ministers of Sabie began meeting on a monthly basis with the idea of growing in friendship, fostering unity amongst the churches in town and of supporting one another as colleagues. The group, which was then known as the Ministers Fraternal, has been co-ordinated by Pastor Phil of Living Waters and has met continuously since those days. Over the years there have been many changing faces in the group and the group has grown in number and influence. Pastors from Simile and Harmony Hill have been an integral part for many years as well as members from further afield like Graskop, Maromela and Leroro. When some women ministers joined the group it was decided to change the name to the Sabie/ Graskop Ministers Forum. Monthly forum meetings move around to different churches. The gathering always begins with a time of sharing out of the Scriptures led by the hosting minister. This is followed by discussions around the topic of the Scripture reading. Matters of interest or concern in the towns and region are also raised. Forthcoming events and initiatives of the participating churches may be announced or united interdenominational events discussed and planned. Time is always set aside for corporate prayer for pressing needs and concerns and the wellbeing of the community. Last, but not least there is always time for fellowship over refreshments. Over the years, the Forum has been responsible for many programmes that have impacted the town profoundly. For example: For many years the Forum co-operated with Hennie Jordaan and the garden club in hosting the annual Town Christmas Carol Service. One year the event was even televised on SABC TV. There have been many prayer initiatives. In the earlier years there were three colourful Jesus prayer marches through the town to proclaim the love of God. Who could forget the massive interdenominational prayer gathering in the Town Hall prior to the 1994 elections? For several years, Sabie and Graskop joined in the Global Day of Prayer. When many Simile residents were being mugged near or on the footbridge between town and Simile, a prayer gathering was convened. The muggings stopped immediately! A forum task team also played a role in diffusing tensions during the service delivery strikes of 2010. After an interdenominational prayer gathering in Simile, crosses were planted at the four main entrances to the town along with prayers against crime and for the protection of residents. Then there was also a local is lekker town Passion Play held at the Sybrand van Niekerk. Forum churches were solidly behind the campaign to promote Sabie as Town of the Year. Forum Churches support one anothers initiatives to feed and clothe the poor and needy. See the May Social Calendar for details concerning a National Day of Prayer for the Nation on 19 May 2013. We are privileged to have such unity and co-operation between the churches of the region. May the Forum pray together, stay together and play a vital role in the community for many more years to come! Should anyone wish to join the Ministers Forum, they should contact Past. Phil Robson on 083 310 7466.

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GPS News

Chamber serves the needs

Debbie Mller Communications officer
The Sabie Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is a member based organisation put together to deal with the issues of the day. It is set up so that each sector draws up its own mandate to serve the needs of the members in that sector. The committee is made up of individuals who have made themselves available to serve on the main and various subcommittees, without any gain, remuneration, or special advantages, and it may surprise a number of members to know how many hours they sacrifice to make your town a success and a better place to live. The chamber is lead by chairperson James Sheard and its sectors include: Tourism (Janet Wills) Events (Joy Comley) Communication (Debbie Mller) Sabie PRIDE (Annelise Strydom) Sabie CARES (Pastor Phil Robson) Membership (Jackie Breckle) Business (George Georghiades) Work in progress/completed/ ongoing: Design, making and erection of the lollipop and its signboard. Welcome signboards. Sewage repair. Painted the railings. Replaced the paving across the road from the post office. Painted the post boxes. Pot plants on the steps of the Post Office sponsored by Barbara Scrooby Installed litter bins on the verandah of the post office (sponsor Vernon Scrooby) Sabie PRIDE Team cleans up at least two days per week. Sponsors an elite cycling team (Hein Engelbrecht). Takes Sabie to the Getaway Show. Builds relationships and works with event organisers. The Sabie Cares Division has brought NGOs together and the chamber will run drives to meet their needs. It also assists in the carrying out of projects such as Home of Hope Hampers, Ubuntu Fill-aBag and Masiba Mbane Christmas party. The chamber works very closely with the municipality and has set up meetings between interested parties to assist with: Retired Engineers (Vernon Scrooby & Jeff Hawkes) are working with TCM Technical Services giving advice, guidance and muscle. A large business in Sabie is looking at plans for skills training within TCM The chamber strives to initiate projects and find major sponsors for the projects. Promotes chamber members on its website. Source of News (www.sabiesourceofnews.weebly.com) is where you are kept updated with projects and activities. To receive the newsletter or join, send your details to communication@sabiechamber.co.za.

Op en wakker op 90
Andrea Prins

Tannie Nellie Broodryk van Sabie het verlede week 90 jaar oud geword. Sy is op 18 April 1923 gebore en het in 1942 besluit dat sy lank genoeg alleen was. Sy het op 19 met die liefde van haar lewe getrou. Tannie Nellie het nog n hangkas in haar huis wat sy as trougeskenk gekry het, en dit lyk nog net so goed versorg soos wat dit op haar troudag was. Die kas is sekerlik meer as 100 jaar oud, maar nes die eienaar is dit net die jare wat getel kan word, want al twee is nog baie bruikbaar en vol lewe dis nou die tannie wat so vol lewe is. Tannie Nellie doen nog alles wat sy tien jaar terug kon doen maar net n bietjie stadiger. Haar woonstel by Sabie Aftreeoord is altyd netjies en mens ruik gereeld die lekker boerekos wat sy voorberei. Die aftreeoord bied gereeld geleenthede aan en jy sal selde opmerk dat die tante nie daar is nie. Tannie Nellie s dis net geloof in die lewende God wat haar nog al die tyd dra. Sy gee al die eer aan Hom dat sy s hoe n ho ouder-

New Petenas brings back the best

Tannie Nellie Broodryk op 90. dom bereik het. Tannie Nellie kuier gereeld by haar seun aan die Oos-Rand en bly dan sommer n hele maand weg. Sy s sy geniet dit, maar haar huisie en plekkie is hier in Sabie. Sy reken dis hier waar sy hoort. Die aftreeoord het vir haar n groot koek bestel en almal was gretig om haar geluk te wens. Die koek... wel, nie veel het oorgebly nie, want op di ouderdom mag mens eet soveel jy wil. Sabie with its cool and rainy weather, with mist hanging over the mountains is an ideal setting for indulging oneself in pancakes, and not any pancakes, but the best. Petenas Pancakes, originally derived its name from the owners Peter and Ena. Petenas has been in existence since 1988. The success of the business can be attributed to the presence and personal attention given by the owners since the beginning. The good news is that there are new owners ready to make the best pancakes with unsurpassed service. Richard and Carol Corser and their daughter Bev, originating from Johannesburg, bought Petenas in November 2012 and have never looked back. The family would like to invite all the readers of GPS News to visit them for a succulent yummy pancake and delicious drinks. The portion size is substantially larger like it used to be in yesteryear and the service given is excellent. So guys and girls, go and treat yourself at Petenas, which is synonymous with Sabie.

Sharon Mandy

deserves to be
The thing that strikes me the most is how much people care about each other here

y h W S

GPS News

TOWN

BIE
OF THE

15

YEAR

have noticed a distinct petulance when it is mentioned that we are town of the year, there are mutterings about potholes and municipal strikes and the absence of shops and no variety inside the few shops that do exist, but allow me to tell you why I think that Sabie deserves to be the town of the year of 2013. It struck me as I was riding down the main street. Sabie only has two main streets and the one street is named Main Street and the other one is named Main Road. I think it was so named just to confuse the tourists and to provide extra entertainment as it were. The entertainment is actually for the benefit of the citizens living in the town but that is another story for another day, and I digress. The thought that struck me was triggered by two women that were strolling past each other on the pavement. When they saw one another their faces lit up and they greeted one another effusively and hugged with delight. I reflected

that this is not an unusual occurrence in this town. I arrived in this town eight years ago and when I arrived I was not a hugger, I was more of a nodder I would nod when I saw someone I knew. This town has made me a reformed hugger. In the eight years I have come to know so many people, and the thing that strikes me the most is how much people care about each other here. I have lived in other small towns and indeed there is always more of a bond with those around one, merely because when one goes out one is sure to meet at least three couples that one knows, but in Sabie everyone generally seems to accept one another without judgment or animosity. Like any other small town there is always great excitement when anyone receives a speeding fine, or has a baby, or tosses up his job, and people talk about it for days and surmise any dark deep undermining reason for things and some predict the future and often they

pronounce that it is going to be rather bleak, but it blows over and soon we relax and look for new excitement. By the way, the ones that forecast the most dire futures are often the ones that rally round when it is truly needed. The other day I was in our local supermarket and it always makes me think of the markets of yesteryear when all the housewives went out and bought their fresh produce of the day it was the highlight of the day for most of these women in those times as they generally caught up with their friends and exchanged gossip and advice, and there lo and be-

hold there was someone crying and about three or four women around her all comforting and reassuring and touching, and a little later I saw her in the queue next to me, comforted and secure in the knowledge that there were those that cared about her. Ah, yes, I thought, that is what Sabie town of the year is all about! We tend to call shops by their owners names instead of the actual shops name, so that someone local would generally say to another local: I will meet you at Kerrys, and then lets go to Elmaries and everyone will know exactly what one is talking about. One feels comfortable and safe and most of all one feels loved and accepted, and after all that is what most of us humans strive for at the end of the day. I will conclude by saying that to me that is why we deserve town of the year. Yes, there are potholes awful ones, and there are municipal strikes, but we have a wonderful local company taking care of the refuse, and yes, there are few shops in Sabie, but the people here are unsurpassed for their goodness and kindness and generosity. I, for one, feel privileged to live in Sabie town of the year 2012!

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GPS News

Pelgrims-gholfklub vier 101 jaar se bestaan

Hierdie pragtige, nostalgiese gholfbaan het verlede maand die wonderlike mylpaal van sy 101ste bestaansjaar gevier. Byna 50 spelers en hul gesinne het die gholfdag ondersteun en die dag is met n heerlike potjiekosete afgesluit. Dankie aan Henry vir al die relings. Die dag se wenner was Koos le Roux van Ohrigstad baie geluk aan hom.

Daar is Laerskool Sabie het op 10 April n netbalkliniek by die skool gehou. Sowat 50 meisies het die kliniek bygewoon. Chantelle, n onderwyser aan Horskool Nelspruit, het die meisies nuwe vaardighede en verdedigingsmetodes geleer. Die meisies het dit baie geniet en ook baie geleer. Baie dankie aan die onderwysers Elma, Eljo, Suzanne en Juliana wat die middag saam met die meisies bygewoon het. Julle is sterre!

Cyclist shines on international roads

Shirly Mathebula

Christopher Jennings (22), the son of proud parents Julie (56) and David Jennings (63) from Sabie, is taking his cycling career beyond international boarders. Jennings, a professional cyclists, is one of only two South Africans cyclists riding for the La Pomme Marseille international team in France. From 17th to 21st of April, Jennings and his La Pomme Marseille team-mates took part in the South African inaugural Mzansi Tours fivestage event that carried a 2.2 International Cycling Union (UCI) grading and hosted both South African and international teams. Jennings is known among cycling fans all over the world for his outstanding achievements. He was the first South African junior cyclist to win a UCI-rated race. He is a former National Junior Road Race Champion of South Africa, represented South Africa in the under-23 World Road Race Championships in Copenhagen in 2012, and best remembered as the winner of the Scotland 2012 Davie Bell Memorial race. The Mzansi Tour race started on the border of the Kruger National Park and finished at the Montecasino entertainment complex in Johannesburg. The race was scheduled to pass through Hazyview, Sabie, White River, Nelspruit, Lydenburg, Dullstroom, Belfast, Middelburg and Witbank. Due to Sabies main road blocked for the preparation of the Sasol Rally 2013 event, the Mzansi tour race route had to be rearranged, which meant that Sabie cycling fans missed out on the race. Jennings and his teammates captured a

Laerskool Sabie het op 13 April weer sy jaarlikse rugby-en-netbaldag aangebied. Nege skole het deelgeneem: Laerskool Wit-rivier, Nelspruit Primary, Komatipoort Akademie, Laerskool Ohrigstad, Laerskool Laeveld, Laerskool Bergland, Laerskool Burgersfort, Laerskool Steelpoort en Laerskool Sabie.

SPORT CALENDAR
Christopher Jennings during the Mzansi Tour. remarkable victory when Frances Julien Antomarchi won the first stage of the Mzansi Tour, covering 164 kilometres from Kruger Gate to Nelspruit. Jenningss mother Julie Jennings, a former cyclist herself, says Jennings started cycling at the age of nine. I always took him with me to races and he participated in junior races. Its amazing to see that this experience has groomed him into a professional cyclist as he is doing incredibly well internationally.

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GOLF

MOUNTAIN BIKE