WITH the rain pouring down in buckets at the time of writing and the dams filling nicely, the farmers are happy along with everyone else. Well, perhaps not everyone, as there have been a number of road accidents in the last few days. The weather conditions and the Stop/Go on the main R72 arterial road through town, seem to be causing some drivers problems. We urge all drivers to be cautious when driving through town and to be careful of flooded roads that always occur whenever it rains for more than a few minutes in Port Alfred.
AS IS now the custom, please assist the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) on its drive to stock its shelves and fridges with much-needed blood, specifically with the holiday season fast approaching and considering the number of units that will be required over this period. SANBS will be at the Port Alfred Girl Guide Hall (close to the municipal hall and the library) on Tuesday November 21 from 1pm to 6pm.
MOTORISTS are in for another fuel increase before the end of the month, but this has far more impact on citizens in general because, as transportation costs rise, so do the prices on the supermarket’s shelves. According to the Automobile Association, illuminating paraffin is projected to increase by 75 cents a litre‚ petrol is set for a 74-cent rise‚ and diesel 63 cents.
IN national news, President Zuma, speaking on the (previously, or is it?) Gupta-owned news channel ANN7, said on Monday evening that he will lead the fight against corruption and state capture. His commission of enquiry is intended to root out corruption and, as he said, “if Zuma is corrupt‚ it is going to be found by this commission”. In the same interview, Zuma also spoke of the assassination attempt on his life by poisoning. It is difficult to know who is fooling who in this political landscape.
DEPUTY president of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa, is fighting hard in the race for presidency of the ANC, and has already produced his manifesto and plan to create one-million jobs and have the economy showing growth of 5% by 2023. The question must be, will Ramaphosa be elected to the presidency of the ANC at the 2017 conference, running from December 16 to December 20, to enable him to change the ANC and, in turn, the government’s policies, or is this just electioneering?
MINISTER for Public Enterprises, Lynne Brown, was in the hot seat on Tuesday when she was accused of having been “captured” by the Guptas at the Eskom board inquiry by Eskom spokesman Khulani Qoma. In fact, Qoma was particularly damning in his criticism of the minister and said, “she lies all the time,” and, “she is an atrocious minister”.
AND, with the deadline for transferring the grants payments to another body, Bathabile Dlamini is still umming and ahhing about the ability of the SA Post Office to handle the job. These are very worrying times and they don’t appear to be getting any easier, with the ratings agencies just waiting to pounce and plunge the country into financial ruin. Please, Mr president, fix this mess your ministers have caused. Your duty is surely to protect the people of the country, even though you have previously stated that you put the ANC first.
ALSO, on our borders, it is a tumultuous time in Zimbabwe at the moment, and we hope that the “coup” (if that is what it is) is resolved quickly and without bloodshed.
ANOTHER year has passed, so it’s time to wish everyone having a birthday especially to Zoey Harris, Blake Botha, Ian Sawers, Bella Metcalf, Jenny Hoseck, Amy Wilmot, Jenny Nel, Peter Godson, Andre Crous, Denise van der Merwe, Jacques Westraadt, Shelley Handley, Des Spenceley, Clive Haworth, Sandra Hayward, Fiona Timm, Ruan Cannon, Kathleen Hill, Cordelia Quma, Michael Millard, Buks de Kock, Tarryn Hickman, Lettie Plaatjie, Kayleigh Anne Parsons, Deleste Van den Meulen, Cindy Charter, Lynn Roberts, Graham Strachan, Duncan Minott, Jill Bax, Colette Reid, Hilpert twin sisters Michaela and Monique, Lydia Atteridge, Lisa Tarr, Anne McCann, Josh Alexandre, Chan Kahn, Gary Gailey, Susan Gombert, Basil Terry.
CONGRATULATIONS and even more success for the future, to all businesses celebrating an anniversary, especially the Christie’s Complex in Campbell Street, The Bathurst Farmers Market on 18 marvellous years, The Goat Shed Bush Bistro at Woodlands in Kenton.
IT is a highly volatile market and always is as we approach the New Year, but internal problems in the country are seeing the rand fall dramatically against most international currencies. As we go to press, the Rand was trading at a lower R14.37/$ (was R14.34), R18.91/£ (R17.85), with the Euro at R17.02 (R15.33). Commodities such as gold were trading at $1285.67 per fine ounce ($1 226.33), platinum trading at $929.00 per ounce ($940.10) and Brent Crude now trading at $61.44 per barrel ($45.23)
SPECIAL thoughts and prayers are with all those folk who are not well, who are having or have already had tests, operations and treatments. “Sterkte” to Roy Potter, Andrew de Vries, Dot Fetherstonhaugh, Howard Dredge.
SINCERE condolences to the family and friends of Ryin Von Schanke who passed away Saturday November 11. May cherished memories of all the happy times spent together comfort all the family during your bereavement.
SINCERE condolences and kind thoughts to the family and friends of Charles Edward Coetzer who passed away on Wednesday, November 1. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife Reta, family and friends. May you feel the warm embrace of loving memories and hear happy echoes of all the good times and many years you shared together. Our condolences also go the friends and family of Eden Bradfield, especially his children Grant, Bev, Candice and his grandchildren who passed away suddenly on November 10. A memorial service will be held to honour Eden Bradfield on Monday November 20 at the Wesley Methodist Church at 11am.
WEDDING anniversary congratulations and all good wishes for many more to all couples celebrating this special occasion next week. Especially Mark and Suzanne Wyllie, Malcolm and Carole Christie, John and Jaida Ball. Tim and Imare Patterson, John and Sharon Dailkin, Jaco and Cheryl Delport, Leon and Reonette Jansen van Rensburg.
WE must speak about the virtues of the last few Springbok games. What, nothing to say? And Bafana Bafana? Not a great sporting week for the country.
THOUGHT for the week: “Success, happiness, peace of mind and fulfilment…are available to all among us, without exception, who make things happen…in the world around them.”
BEST regards as always,
The Team
