NEIGHBOURLY NOTES
IT’S the Bathurst Agricultural Show this weekend, so it’s time to put on your wellies and get down to the showgrounds for what promises to be one of the best shows ever. There’s always plenty to do and, with so many activities on offer, the kiddies will have a great day seeing all the animals and learning about the area’s rich agricultural traditions. This is the perfect way to spend a Friday, Saturday or Sunday (or all three days). DON’T forget the UWKSA National Karate Championships at the Fish River Sun Hotel on Friday and Saturday. These events are a highlight in the local karate calendar and are great fun for the kids and parents. IF you are a body building fan, you should get to Titi Jonas Multipurpose Community Centre on Saturday to see the Eastern Cape Natural Body Building Association’s Sunshine Coast Classic. The main event begins at 3pm. ON to national news, and it’s been another week of controversy. In case you haven’t heard it yet, on Monday the Eskom board was given 90 days to resolve an issue that its acting CEO, Matshela Koko's stepdaughter was awarded contracts with the power utility amounting to over R1-billion (one billion doesn’t sound much until you consider that one million seconds is 11.5 days, while a billion seconds is 31.5 years). THEN there was the Tweet by DA Western Cape premier Helen Zille, who wrote that colonialism wasn’t all bad. Thankfully, Zille has not kowtowed to the ANC’s ridiculous claims of racism when she reaffirmed her position, saying that ANC comrades should get rid of their fancy cars, their iPads and all other consequences of colonialism. Shame on the DA for bending to the political will of the ANC by holding an internal inquiry over the matter. AND what about the Gupta banking scandal, where Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan asked for an interdict to prevent the National Treasury from getting involved when leading South African banks suspended the accounts of Gupta-owned Oakbay Investments? At the North Gauteng High Court on Tuesday the Guptas’ bid to have Gordhan get involved in their disputes with the banks failed. STAYING with Gordhan, President Jacob Zuma ordered him to return from an overseas investment trip Gordhan and his entourage were attending. Whether this was to appease Zuma’s friends in the Gupta household or, more likely, in order to reshuffle his cabinet again (remember the last time Zuma sacked Nhlanhla Nene and replaced him with lightweight MP Des “weekend special” van Rooyen, the rand took around a 20% drop in value and cost several billions of rand on the stock exchange). Let us hope that Zuma is not going to make another ill-advised decision and sack Gordhan, or we will likely see further depreciation of the local currency. Mind you, if the cabinet allows this to happen, they should all probably put their hands in their deep pockets and make up the difference as they are all as guilty as the president. Perhaps they can sell some of the colonially inherited gains to cover costs. BIRTHDAY greetings, congratulations and good wishes to everyone celebrating a happy occasion in the week ahead, especially Christopher PhillipsPage, Jami Weeber, Jay-Leigh Taai, Hein Barnard, Scala Booi, Leon de Waal, Dorothy de Reuk, Noeleen Pretorius, Megan van de Merwe, Brendan Marais, Eloyse Meinzer, Anthony Gill, Roxy Simes, Kiki Hughes, Michelle Bowles, Maureen Spearman, Lance Parker, Eve Dombai,Vince McDuda, Shireen Hilpert, David Cooke, Daniella Swanepoel, Beryl Pancoust, Joyce Harrison, Charne Boshoff, Ashley Riddin, Fred Tyson, John Ball, Elbe van Heerden, Tamsanga Ntantiso, Max von Paul, Jovan van Aarde, Amy Wilmot, Kim Snyman, Annelize Everill, Luke Oosthuizen, Ntia Sylianou, Wendy Cock, Anthony Vivier, Linda Buchanan, Reuben Hayes, Tosca Spenceley, Ann Engler. EVERY success for many more years to follow is the wishes we are conveying to the following businesses and organisations on another anniversary, especially KTP Kitchens, Sports ‘n All, Red Leaf Nursery. ALTHOUGH the rand is holding its own at the time of going to press, we will have to wait and see if there are any changes to positions at the national treasury before we can congratulate ourselves. With last year’s figures in brackets for comparison the currency was trading at R13.08 (R15.05)/$, R16.62/£ (R21.65) and R14.13/ (R17.03). In the commodities department, Gold was trading at $1 252.38 per fine ounce ($1 238.94), platinum was trading at $955.60 ($946.50) per ounce and with Brent Crude Oil at of $51.65 ($39.60) per barrel. 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, June Hart, Linda Hulley, Dot Fetherstonhaugh, Ben Kember, Malcolm Cock, Myrna Keet, Barbara Tee, Brenda Shelton. CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes for many more years of happiness to all couples enjoying another anniversary, especially Jedd and Tania Reid, René and Eileen Denis, Jimmy and Julia Jamieson, Glenn and Jennifer Henning, Eric and Dawn McQuillan, Juan and Candice Pretorius, Gordon and Katie Japp, Glynn and June Barnes, Graham and Merrilee Strachan, Reegan and Wouné Muller. CONDOLENCES and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Llewellyn Wicks, who passed away March 23 after a long and painful illness, bravely borne. Llewellyn was a businessman of note, and also well known for his farming, and auctioneering talents. Special thoughts and prayers to his wife Ilse, children, and many friends. SINCERE condolences to the family and friends of former Port Alfred resident Edwin Randall who passed away on March 25. May happy memories of wonderful times together comfort you at this sad time in your lives. SO SORRY to hear of the death of Harvey Pike whose memorial service is on Wednesday April 5 at 10am in the hall at Settlers Park. AND finally, the death of struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada on Tuesday morning. “Uncle Kathy”, as he was affectionately known, was one of few remaining convicted felons at the Rivonia Treason Trial. Incidentally, and according to Uncle Kathy’s wishes, President Jacob Zuma did not attend his funeral yesterday, and that must speak volumes. THOUGHT for the week: “Harmony makes small things grow, but lack of it, can make great things decay”. BEST regards as always, The team.