Christmas Lights Switched On

On Friday 5th December the Christmas lights were switched on in Aberdeen.

Father Christmas handed out sweets and gifts to the children.

This event was attended by the Mayor.

Article By:
Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Garden Club Christmas Gathering

On Thursday 4th December, the members of Aberdeen Garden Club met for a morning tea and early lunch. Here the club bid farewell to the outgoing chairperson Annie Featherstone. This event was held at Pagel House, where Lynn Dugmore kindly made available, her beautiful garden, surrounded by green lawns and enormously shady trees. This setting was more like a garden party, with the florally decorated garden hats of the members, and the tables set under the trees for tea and lunch.
Annie was presented with a book of press cuttings kept over the years, which represented all of Annie’s and Tony Featherstone’s community activities in Aberdeen. This gift was a sincere ‘thank you’ to Annie, who has made this club and all it’s successful activities over the past year, one of her main priorities.
A new committee was elected, with Annie agreeing to be a serving member. The club will meet again later in the New Year.

Article By: Joan Tinker

A.B.E.T. Learners Receive Certificates

A celebration of heartwarming academic achievement was acknowledged by The Adult Basic Education Satellite Centre, in the Kamdebo Primary School Hall, in Lotusville on Wednesday 3rd December. These hard won diplomas were presented to adults of between 30-50 years of age, who before entering this program, could neither read nor write. Diplomas were also presented to young adults, now equipped with advanced training in tourism and environmental studies, for hard work and dedication.
For these adults denied a formal education, due to poverty, or distance from schools, or the necessity to work and put food on the table at an early age, the ability to read and write is a “god-send”.
For these ‘formally-uneducated’ people, who sell newspapers without being able to read them, for those who are unable to draw money from an A.T.M., unable to sign for their pension, read letters from their children, or assist them with their homework. For those who cannot read books, notices, or road signs, or the labels on tinned food, A.B.E.T. is their savior. Classes are taught in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
The A.B.E.T. Educators in this area of Aberdeen, Mrs Jillian Rafferty being the Supervisor, are dedicated instructors, who are devoted to assisting people in the communities of Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe to upgrade themselves.The educators go into the communities, seeking out these disadvantaged people, and for three afternoons of every week, they work tirelessly to give their learners basic skills.
The task of the educator is to bring the level of education to a Level 4, which is the equivalent of Grade 9, and they regularly attend workshops to keep themselves updated on education.
Mr Mintoor, who was the M.C. at this occasion, instructs learners how to operate a computer. This skill, gives the young adult learners a necessary basic advantage in the general workplace.
Mr Safers, of Kamdebo Primary School, declared that there was ‘no-excuse’ for children not to work hard at school.
Ms Shirley Jaftha, the Centre Manager from Graaff-Reinet, gave an inspirational talk. She told of a priest who was now able to read his own Bible. She sincerely hoped that A.B.E.T. would assist in breaking this cycle of ‘no education’.
Mr May. the Graaff-Reinet Coordinator, explained that the A.B.E.T. program would be expanding next year, if it continues to be successful. This program would go beyond Level 4, and studying would be assisted by means of tapes and cassettes. Mr May told the learners, this program was a government priority, as specified by the President of South Africa.
This inspiring occasion was brought to a close by the singing of Christmas carols, by candlelight.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Ebervet C.V.C Veterinarians Arrive In Aberdeen “Powered By Legends”

“We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give”.

These words by Sir Winston Churchill fully describe the “Powered by Legends” animal health care service. This project “Ebervet Community Veterinary Care” was started 2 years ago by Dr Hilldidge Beer, and other Cape based veterinarians, who perform healthcare procedures throughout the Western Cape, and now the Karoo.
The Ebervet Veterinarians made their third visit to Aberdeen on November 26th, where local welfare organizations work in unison with them.
K.A.P.S. the local animal welfare society in Aberdeen, contact this very giving group of Vets, advising them when animals in the areas of Lotusville, Thembalisizwe and Aberdeen, have been selected, and are ready for treatment. This comprises of sterilization, de-worming, vaccinations, flea and tick control and minor injuries.
A project in each town visited, will run for 2 days. Two veterinarians, an attendant nurse to anaesthetize the animal, and to give after care, are required for each trip.
All expenses are paid for by Ebervet C.V.C., and the local organization with whom they work.
Ebervet C.V.C. only charge 10% of the normal rate, and this fee is paid by local welfare organizations, from donations received. The vets aim, is to do 300 sterilizations in total in the Karoo towns. A small fee is requested from each animal owner, but no one is turned away if they cannot pay.
Neglect and abuse of an animal, is mainly due to ignorance, and people’s perception that animals do not have the same ability to feel pain as humans do.
S.V.D. Science Veterinarian Diet, have donated 250 bags of animal food for this trip.
These amazing woman veterinarians arrived in Aberdeen on two gleaming Harley Davidson motorbikes, and a Landrover Defender with trailer, as their back-up vehicle. So, the concept of “Powered by Legends” was initiated, as both vehicles have 165 years of history between them.
Sponsored technical assistance for the Harley Davidson’s is given by a Tygervallei motor-bike concern. The Landover’s servicing and technical telephonic support is sponsored by a Somerset West firm.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Karoo Animal Protection Society Presented With Cheque

A donation was presented to Lynn Holdt of K.A.P.S. by Dr. Hilldidge Beer of the “Powered by Legions” veterinary care organization, at a dinner given at the Camdeboo Art’s Gallery and Restaurant on Wednesday 19th November. This financial donation represented a percentage of the profits, from the sale of art work by Sandi “Yaffa” Esterhuizen of Aberdeen.

Seen in the photograph is Dr Hilldidge Beer presenting Lynn Holdt of K.A.P.S. with a cheque, Dr Hilana Steyn, Elizma Duvenage Public Relations Officer and Wendy Abbott Veterinary Assistant.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Thiofhi Ravele Of “Open Africa” Visits Aberdeen

Thiofhi Ravele is a Route Networker for ‘Open Africa’. This organization based in Claremont, Cape Town, researches areas where tourism can be promoted throughout the community. This assists in creating employment and helps to alleviate poverty, through the medium of tourism. They identify key players in the local communities, involve municipalities, and identify attractions such as flora and fauna which are unique to that specific area. Open Africa facilitates the establishment of these routes through conducting workshops in the communities, where they also identify local like-minded people who are able to form structured committees to ascertain where their specific area of interest in tourism lies. They then assist further by linking these committees with the support organisations, government agencies and corporate companies for ongoing support.
Various sponsors are approached for funding to develop routes such as businesses in the local areas, The World Bank, The European Union, and corporate companies such as De Beers.
The Open Africa Website http://www.openafrica.org/ assists in promoting local tourism, by placing photographs on the website, giving a GPS reading of the destination, and providing descriptions of all the attractions and products available, before the route is launched to the media and other stakeholders. All these services are performed with no financial charge to the community.
Retired SABC journalist and friend of Open Africa, Charl Pauw, conducts interviews with route participants that are posted on the Open Africa website. The website receives approximately 10,500 visitors a month with the majority of visitors coming from South Africa, Europe and the U.S.A. The approximately 200 participants, who are listed on the website, have benefited substantially from the additional marketing.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Artist Amanda Oosthuizen In Aberdeen

Amanda Oosthuizen, who is an artist, lives in Wynberg in the Cape. She was recently in Aberdeen, where her paintings are now on display at “Moer-toe”, a local coffee shop/restaurant in Aberdeen. Amanda, who is a full time artist, studied textile design but painting has always been her first love.
Two years ago, at Amanda’s first showing in a gallery called ‘Vanilla Canvas’ in Cape Town, all her work was sold in the first two days of the showing. Amanda’s paintings have a wonderfully soft pastel look. Her style is French Classic, and all her paintings are original. Apart from her present style, Amanda is also known for her paintings of white roses. She has a wide appeal to private collectors, and to galleries around the Cape, and at times finds it difficult to satisfy all the demand.
In the 1970’s Amanda’s mother lived in Rabie Street in Aberdeen.

Article By: Joan Tinker

What A Party!

Seldom has Aberdeen been a spectator to such a bash! Against a brilliant Karoo sunset, guests began to arrive at “Moer-toe”, for a private party. This party was to celebrate the opening on Saturday 29th November, by the owner Helena “Poppy” Troske.
“Moer-toe” is an old Karoo home built next to the cemetery. Thus, its name and the resulting theme.
Smartly dressed security personal checked names against the guest-list, as elegantly dressed ladies and their partners were shown into this wonderfully Karoo inspired coffee/restaurant for snacks and pre-dinner drinks.
Here in this old Karoo house, an incredible transformation has taken place. Hung on walls around the coffee shop are paintings by Amanda Oosthuizen. These have been painted in soft pastel shades in French Classic style. Photographs of local celebrities are also featured throughout the house. A theme of brightly coloured hats as a wall hanging is an eye catching item, as is the classic antique furniture mixed with modern antiqued dressers and sofas.

Above a smartly laid dinner table, silver spoons are stuck into the ceiling. This procedure is an old tradition, which marks the passing on of a family member. Above another beautifully laid table, is an amazing chandelier, it is made of a farm implement, festooned with hundreds of hanging red crystals of all sizes and shapes.
The outer the walls of “Moer-toe” are also decorated with strategically placed old farm implements.
A choir of singers then entertained the guests, and then, still singing, the choir proceeded to lead a hearse carrying Helena to the Aberdeen Club. Still maintaining her theme, her guests walked in a procession behind her.
At the Aberdeen Club, tables were laid for Helena’s eighty guests, where a Karoo dinner was served. Live music entertained the guests, who all danced and partied until the small hours.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Deon and Petro Hurter with Hilary and Dallis Graham and Friend

Graham and Rudi at dinner

Graham Ashington and Anton

Anton, Dallis Graham and Lutter van Niekerk

Thembalo Children’s Dance Group

On Wednesday 26th November, Shelagh Miller Wood gave the “Thembalo Children’s Dance Group” a well deserved party. It was held in Aberdeen at the Congregational Church in Lotusville. This was to celebrate their praised performance of “The Paquita Waltz” at The John Rupert Little Theatre’s ‘Summer Variety Show” on Friday 21st November.
As reported by a Graaff-Reinet reporter, “Two groups of very young (and upcoming) dancers gave well-choreographed performances”. One group was Shelagh’s “Thembalo Children’s Dance Group” from Aberdeen. Congratulations to Shelagh and her young performers. Seen in the picture, are Shelagh Miller Wood and the Reverend Carol Cloete-Piedt with the Thembalo Children’s Dance Group.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Academics Visit Aberdeen

John Rushmere is an Honorary Professor of Architecture at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. He is also the recipient of a gold medal from the internationally acclaimed S.A. Institute of Architects.
Theresa Hardman has a Master’s Degree in Architecture. Her post-graduate studies focused on Karoo farm houses.
Both of these talented academics were in Aberdeen at the invitation of the Camdeboo Municipality to view and assist in the possible renewal of the Fonteinbos environmental area, and other architectural projects around Aberdeen.
John Rushmere was on the steering committee in the Ciskei, to assist in a cultural project on “Ntaba Kandoda” (The Mountain of Men), a mountain between Alice and Kingwilliamstown, venerated by the national bard S.E.K. Mqhayi. Unfortunately due to political upheaval in the Ciskei around that time, the project had to be abandoned.
Theresa Hardman spent two years traveling in the Karoo under the auspices of the Simon van der Stel Heritage and Conservation Organization. She witnessed that heart rending era where farmers vacated their lands due to the crippling drought, the wool crises and the failure of the banks to assist them. Homes were just abandoned overnight as the farmers, who after generations of living on the land had no hope and no future.
Theresa, as far back as 1992, came to the conclusion that the only way to rescue all the small towns and the forgotten areas of the Karoo, was to establish tourism.
This foresight of Theresa’s is very much apparent in her desire to re-establish the wonders of the Karoo.
Together with her insight and knowledge of the Karoo, the valuable experience that John Rushmere has to offer, the support of the Camdeboo Municipal Council and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, this, and other projects promise success.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Hail Without Rain

Suddenly, out of an ominously black sky, hail began to pound the dry streets of Aberdeen on Friday 28th November. The incredible noise of the hail crashing down on the corrugated tin roofs of the Karoo houses was deafening. As suddenly as the hail started, it ceased. Then the first rains began to fall on a parched Karoo town. Rain water tanks filled, and the ‘constant gardeners’ of Aberdeen breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the rain for which all the farmers have been praying.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen - The Forgotten World...

Fourteen years in Democracy and yet Aberdeen still maintains the strategy of divide and rule. In the past, Government exploitation was the order day. I'm sure inhabitants of my small "dorpie" are not surprise about the Caltex sponsorship for the bowls weekend. I must say with full confidence that I stay in a black township (Thembalesizwe) and that there is a better working relationship between black and coloured people in our town. I'm saying that we have businesses in our town that are supported by the very same black and coloured people who are living in the dusty townships. One would therefore ask in return: "What do these businesses do in the way of Social Responsibility towards the very people who support them?"

I'm merely talking about doing the honorable thing in our young Democracy. Aberdeen usually hosts a Soccer Tournament every Easter and during the December holidays. I have personally written to businesses - including those in Graff-Reinet - for sponsorships but with no success from all businesses in town, including the banks. This negative response came as no surprise really. Once again, I'm talking about Social Responsibility - perhaps one needs to remind the business fraternity in Aberdeen about the ethics of being responsible to the society as a business. Unemployment is very high in our small town and this has resulted in the youth and young professionals migrating to the big cities for employment. They return to Aberdeen during the Easter and December holidays and support the very same Caltex service station by filling up their cars as well as all the other businesses in the town. I put this as a challenge to Caltex and the entire business fraternity of Aberdeen: "We are hosting the very same Soccer tournament again this year. The ball is once again in your court..."

Article By: Lulamile Klassen

Farewell To The Pat And Phil Harris

On Friday 21st November 2008 Aberdeen bid farewell to a very popular couple in the community of Aberdeen, Pat And Phil Harris.
Friends gathered at the Aberdeen Club where Phil has been an active member since his arrival in Aberdeen some ten years ago to say ‘au revoir’ to these two fine members of the community. Pat and Phil have both actively featured in the various organizations of Aberdeen Town, giving vital and unstinting support to community.
The Chairman of Aberdeen Club Dick Ogilvy and the Harris’ close friend, John Watermeyer, thanked them for their active support of Aberdeen Town and the good friendship they gave to so many.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Scrapbooking In Aberdeen

There is a wonderfully therapeutic way of spending a morning or afternoon ‘scrapbooking’ under the guidance of Sue Shaw at the Aberdeen Books and Crafts in Aberdeen.
This is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world. The reason being, that although photographs are generally available in most homes, they are tucked away out of sight. Scrapbooking gives one the opportunity to enhance, decorate and feature events bringing memories alive again with humorous, factual, exciting and loving workmanship to feature as coffee table wonders.
This is an all age hobby. Children can begin with their childhood photos progressing into the school years before memories are forgotten. This would be a wonderful occupation for the school holidays.
Pictures of grand-parents and great-grandparents can be featured creatively onto the pages of a book, weaving memorabilia and relevant embellishments to revive and relive memories.
There is so much one can do, the list is endless. There are magazines available to assist the creatively challenged, and scrapbooking groups are now becoming as popular as ‘book-clubs.’

Article By: Joan Tinker

Caltex Sponsers A Bowls Weekend In Aberdeen

Tienie Appel of Volks Delta Aberdeen, a third generation Aberdonian, rganized the sponsorship of a bowling weekend in Aberdeen on the 15th and 16th November 2008, between Aberdeen, Graaff-Reinet, Murraysburg, Jansenville, addock, Middleburg and Somerset East. The sponsorship of the bowls tournament came from Caltex Eastern Cape Brand Marketers
and Volks Delta of Aberdeen. This was a first time sponsorship by Caltex to Aberdeen, where finance, advertising displays
and banners were provided. Clive Berlyn, a Director of Eastern Cape Brand Marketers, was instrumental in providing sponsorship for this event.
The two day event was a great success enjoyed by all the participants. The bowling was of a high standard, and the Aberdeen greens were at their very best. The
catering and the tea and luncheon venue was as usual most enjoyable.
Prizes to the winning teams were presented by Tienie Appel, who hopes that Caltex and Volks Delta will sponsor this event in 2009. A vote of sincere thanks was
given to Tienie Appel from the Aberdeen Bowling Club, and its guests.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Bowlers At The Bowling Weekend

Peter Saunders receiving a prize from Tienie Appel

Sax Gouws of Jansenville receiving a prize from
Tienie Appel for the highest points scored

De Wet from Craddock receiving a magnificent
prize of a Carlos Garcez egg from Ronel Krige

International Author Settles In Aberdeen

Michael Brown, author of the U.S.A. best-seller ‘The Presence Process’ and the recently published ‘Alchemy of the Heart’, has now settled in Aberdeen. Michael was born in Kwa Zulu Natal, grew up near Stellenbosch and spent his early adult years working in the music industry in Johannesburg. He was the editor of ‘Top 40 SA Music Magazine’, ‘Flipside Music Magazine’, Arts Columnist for the ‘Weekly Mail’ and script writer for ‘Toyota Top 20’ music television.
During this period of his life he developed a painful neurological symptom called ‘Horton’s Syndrome’. Michael left South Africa for the U.S.A. in 1993, which also marked his entry into self-healing as he tried to relieve the discomfort of this painful condition. Through this quest, he developed an evolutionary self-healing procedure which is now being used internationally, by individuals in all walks of life, doctors, psychiatrists, addiction groups and social counselors.
This procedure called ‘The Presence Process’ is published by Namaste Publishing Inc. in Canada and is also available in Spanish, Dutch, Croatian, and Russian and is soon to be published in India.
Michael has now chosen to settle in Aberdeen and make this the hub of all his future activities.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Brian Gray Remembers...

Brian Gray writes: I saw an article in the Weekender (November 8-9, 2008) about Aberdeen and it brought back some memories...
In 1984, I worked as the Town Electrician for about 6 months or so. I had been called up to a Citizen Force army camp and travelled to Aberdeen to visit my parents before heading off to the Border for three months military service. Well, on the first day I was in Aberdeen, the whole town knew who I was, and I was offered a job by the Town Clerk. I explained that I was en-route to join my unit, the Durban Light Infantry, and that the Town Clerk would have to apply for a deferment, on the grounds that I was required to work for the town of Aberdeen as it's electrician and that I was essential personnel. Anyway, these things take time and I duly left Aberdeen for Durban. On my arrival at DLI's HQ at Greyville Racetrack, I was informed that an application for my deferment had been made by the Municipality of Aberdeen and it had been turned down. Off I went, with my troops, to an undisclosed location in Owamboland and set up base. I was an infantry signaller and as part of my duty, I hooked up the generator and ran cables for the lighting and power in the camp. The most important thing was the fridge, so that we could have cold beer! A few days later, I was called by the Sergeant-Major and was told that he had good news, bad news and good news for me. The good news was that I was promoted to Corporal, because of the sterling job I did in rigging up the power supply for the camp. The bad news was that I was to be demoted to Rifleman, because the good news was that my deferment had been granted and I was to return to Aberdeen to work as the Town Electrician.

Willem - the electrician's assistant - together with bicycle & ladder

As you can see in the photograph, Willem was my assistant and the little cart and extension ladder was the mode of transport in use at the time. If a streetlight needed to be fixed, or a connection or disconnection made, Willem would push the ladder around town to the requested location and we would run the ladder up and do what needed to be done. Seeing as this took some time, Willem and I decided we could render faster, more efficient service if he perched on the back of my VW Beetle and I towed him and the ladder! Well, this caused a sensation in town and embarrassed the "Stadsraad" to the point where they bought a second-hand Isuzu diesel bakkie for the Electricity Department! Best regards and "groete" to Aberdeen. Thanks Brian - a wonderful personal insight into Aberdeen's past. Webmaster

Here's another photo of the "new" second-hand bakkie for Aberdeen's Electricity Department, taken in front of the old power station. There were four Blackstone diesel engines that supplied the town with power, until ESKOM finally got there in the 1980's.

Private Security In Aberdeen

Dirk Darries, a well known Aberdonian, has formed a company called ‘Aberdeen Security Services cc’. He is assisted in the running of this company by his nephew Godfrey Darries. The company is registered as a security service provider by the private security industry regulatory authority. The registration number is SIRA1588130. This company provides a variety of valuable services for the areas of Aberdeen Town, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe. They have staff trained at colleges in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage, in all security, managerial and technical services. Approved uniforms are worn by the company staff that carry two-way radios, batons and handcuffs.
The services offered are prevention of shoplifting, 24 hour guarding of premises, both private and business, emergency protection call out, and an ‘after party’ safe drive home service.
At present they have security contracts with Verspryders and Super Stores in Aberdeen, and a 24 hour security service to the Aberdeen Hospital.
The Aberdeen Security Service, owned by previously disadvantaged people, is passionate about serving the community with dignity, loyalty and pride.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Athletics Competition

An athletics competition between Aberdeen Primary, Kamdeboo Primary, Luxolo Primary and the Graaff-Reinet schools Volkslaer and Narsing Street Primary, was held at the show grounds in Aberdeen on the 29th October 2008. The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Camdeboo, School Principals and the Councilors of Aberdeen.

Jubilant Aberdeen supporters after their competitor wins an event

100 meter sprint begins in the late afternoon

Winner from Graaff-Reinet in motion

Joyful winner leaps across the finish line

Study of effort and concentration

Final lap in front of a cheering crowd

Tightly packed athletes pace themselves in the final stretch

Nicholas and Lerie Yell

Nicholas and Lerie Yell returned to Aberdeen on Wednesday 29 October to spend an evening with friends at the Art’s Café. Nick is currently celebrating the publishing of his book "Circling the Great Karoo”. Nick is well known as a journalist and writer. Seen here with Nick and Lerie are new residents to Aberdeen, Colin and Meredith Kraut.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Farewell To Phil And Pat Harris

After 16 years of living in Aberdeen, Phil and Pat Harris are leaving. They have both been a very supportive and integral part of the Aberdeen community where they have been avid bowls players. Phil has served as President of Aberdeen Bowls Club and Pat has skillfully supplied the catering on numerous occasions, and has been a great ‘skip’. Where Phil has served as treasurer to the Aberdeen Club, and Golf Captain to the Aberdeen Golf Club, Pat has been Chairperson of the Aberdeen Garden Club for 7 years. They have also both been members of the Aberdeen Publicity Association.
On 25 November Phil and Pat are relocating to live near their family at Fish Eagles Lodge near Addo, where they are presently building a house. This is in the area of ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ which is on the banks of the Sundays River. The house is surrounded by tall trees, where Fish Eagles and a multitude of bird life can be seen.
From their new home they will be able to view this river which abounds with fish and otters, and they will have bush hyax, spring hares and klipspringer in their garden.
Phil will be kept busy establishing this garden and playing golf, while together, they will continue their bowls at a nearby club.
Very much part of the community, they will be missed by their many friends.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Sandi “Yaffa” Esterhuizen’s Art For Aberdeen

“Yaffa”, as Sandi was known in Aberdeen, sadly passed away this year leaving an exquisite collection of art. It is now to be exhibited and sold in her memory. A percentage of the proceeds of the sale will be donated to local animal protection group. Yaffa was known for her love and devotion to her pets, of which she had a variety. There were her two lovable Labradors, Dante and Honey, her little bird with beautiful green feathers, Gabbi, as well as Sammy the parrot, who now chats and strolls his way around the Art’s Café in Aberdeen, enjoying the company of all the diners.

Yaffa’s art is unique metalwork which she started creating in 2002. The pure silver-coated arum lilies were her specialty. She featured these as large classic wall hangings, lamps, and as tall ornamental structures. These are all truly beautiful and glow under the lights.
Yaffa’s silver-coated Zimbabwe figures are tall, slim and elegant. The coatings of these figures are not exclusively silver-coated – instead they reflect a glowing bronze and copper hue with which Yaffa was experimenting.An exhibition of Yaffa’s art can now be viewed and purchased at Camdeboo Fine Art in Aberdeen.

A Call For Community Responsibility

The Community Police Forum of Aberdeen is a group of citizens from Aberdeen Town, Lotusville, the farming community and Thembalisizwe who work with the Aberdeen Police to combat crime in the region. It has the authority to oversee complaints brought to the attention of the police and to take any complaint not acted upon by the local police to Provincial and National level.
Some citizens of Aberdeen are working very hard to achieve community support to get this organization functional. In the past, there have been challenges in maintaining consistent support.
The Community Police Forum is here to stay and curbing criminal activity is high on their agenda. For example, they have the power, with the cooperation of the police, to close unlicensed premises where liquor is being sold or any other form of illicit business is being conducted.
There are individuals in Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalesizwe who have a capacity for making projects like the C.P.F. succeed. However, it is necessary for us as citizens to overcome apathy about personal responsibility for the quality of our social environment. The C.P.F. can only benefit if we as individuals support this organization with our voices, ideas, and presence at meetings.
As citizens of Aberdeen Town, Lotusville and Thembalesizwe who treasure what we have here in the Klein Karoo, it is important for us to realize that whenever communities come together through social responsibility, crime decreases drastically. The Community Police Forum is an opportunity to be proactive about curbing crime and its sources instead of reacting to it because of its effects.
The C.P.F. is holding a meeting at the Aberdeen Police Station on 28 October 2008 at 5.30pm to elect a Chairperson and a Public Relations Official. It would be of great benefit to the social climate of Aberdeen if this meeting received the encouragement of community support.
To participate, citizens may contact Rob Prestwich 049 846 0337.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Lotusville Goes To Spain

Johannes Bacon, seen here with his wife Emmarenthia and their daughter Emmy-Jo, is presently in Spain where he is currently receiving training on the newly manufactured Polo motor vehicle.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen “A” Rugby Team With Trophy

Seen in the photograph on the left is the Aberdeen ‘A’ Rugby Team’s Captain Denzil van Wyk on the right, with Vice-Captain Arlen Jantjies on the left, and sitting is Coach Desmond Coetzee. They proudly display the Karoo Sub-Union Trophy. Aberdeen is now the ultimate champion of Karoo Sub-Union Rugby.
The first league teams against whom Aberdeen played in order to achieve their status as the Karoo Sub-Union Champions were Steytlerville Barbarians, Steytlerville United, Jansenville United, Villagers Pearston, Murraysburg United, Graaff-Reinet Montego and ABC Graaff-Reinet. These games were played on a ‘home’ and ‘away’ basis. Unfortunately, due to non-attendance, the one Graaff-Reinet team was disqualified and so Aberdeen played against Jansenville United in the finals at the Collie Koeberg Stadium.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Saloma Booysen Springbok Captain Woman’s Rugby

Twenty-one year old Saloma Booysen has been a Springbok rugby player since the age of seventeen years. When representing Eastern Province in Cape Town, she was seen by the Springbok selectors who immediately selected her as a member of one of the first ever woman’s Springbok rugby teams. She then represented South Africa at the World Cup in Canada in 2006. She was one of two woman players chosen from the Karoo. The remainder of the squad came from Port Elizabeth, showing that most of the players in the National Team are from the Eastern Province.
Saloma is not only Captain of Aberdeen Rugby Club she is also Captain of South Africa’s Seven’s Team.
At present Saloma is training and preparing for the 2009 Sevens World Cup to be played in Dubai. On the continent of Africa only South Africa and Uganda have qualified for this event.
Training camps for woman’s rugby are usually held in Uitenhage or in Johannesburg. The financial sponsor is Sasol, and for clothing, Canterbury Clothing.
The Blue Bull’s Woman’s Rugby Team was the South African Champions until last year when Eastern Province beat them in the finals. This year Eastern Province beat the Blue Bulls 24-12 in the semi-finals on the Bull’s home ground, and they beat Border on Border’s home ground in the finals, 32-8. Saloma scored two tries in the final match.
Saloma is not a tall young lady, but on the field she is an extremely fast and aggressive player who will take on any opponent irrespective of their size. She has a great passion and dedication for the game.
The downside of woman’s rugby is that they do not have contracts, or individual sponsorship to assist them with living or traveling expenses, which are not covered by Sasol. These Springbok woman rugby players, like the Springbok men rugby players, make a full time commitment to the game. Sponsorship or an organized form of paying contract should therefore be made available to them as well.
Desmond Coetzee who coaches Saloma can be contacted should any companies which to sponser her with living and traveling expenses.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Primary Girls U/14 Soccer Team

Michelle Ellis, Valmory Jack, Cheryldene Deelman, Nikita Funda, Sviyisiwe Rozani.
Sharon Josef, Eldene Blignaut, Cindy Dolf, Jenny Adams, Erroline Coetzee, Corey-Lee Jantjies.
Shahizda Booysen, Eleze Darries, Bianca Morthenus,Samantha Dampies.

This team from Aberdeen Primary School has progressed to the Provincial World Cup 2010 competition representing the Cacadu in a joint venture of the Department of Education and Department of Sport of the Eastern Cape. They will compete against districts like Nelson Mandela Bay, Amathole, Chris Hani, Alfred Nzo, Uklahlamba and O.R. Tambo. The winner of this competition will represent the Eastern Cape in the National World Cup 2010 competition.
The Provincial competitions are from the 10–11 October 2008 in East London.
The Staff, the Primary School and the Aberdeen community wish them well in their quest for ultimate honors.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Daily Despatch Article: Carlos Garcez

Daily Despatch 09-Oct-08

It took a Portuguese man who worked in baggage handling at Johannesburg International Airport to spot the gap and turn the humble ostrich egg into the iconic tourist souvenir it is today.
Carlos Garcez, who was born in Mozambique, has built up a very successful business in the little Karoo town of Aberdeen. He creates a variety of images on the eggs, from African animals and world maps to more arty designs.
The process is an intricate one and it can take up to eight hours to paint one egg, excluding drying time. These decoupage eggs have become a huge hit among foreign tourists, and are even exported to countries such as the United States, Dubai, Germany, Holland and the Czech Republic.
Garcez’ work is also displayed at the local art gallery and other establishments. Eggs with world maps sell for about R740 each and the others for R970.
Garcez, who was taught the basics of decoupage and expanded his knowledge through reading, said he did extensive research before embarking on this business.
“I went around to selling outlets in Johannesburg and Cape Town to see what they were buying,” said Garcez. One woman apparently told him she would never buy a decoupage ostrich egg as it was ‘kitschy work’. But despite this, there was a market and he set the ball rolling.
Garcez said he always wanted to do art and wanted to move to Italy as a youth to become a textile designer. “In Mozambique, if you studied art you were seen as very left wing and that just made life difficult. So instead, I had to go into the family hotel business,” he said.
As a ‘Jack-of-all-trades’, Garcez believes curiosity is the most important aspect in life. “Without curiosity you will go nowhere, but curiosity should be branded with responsibility,” Garcez said.
After moving to Johannesburg in 1972, Garcez worked as a baggage handler at the airport and soon worked his way up to marketing and sales manager. When his wife died, he decided to follow his curiosity.
“I had enough of people telling me what to do. I’m a bit daring that way and I’ve always loved the Karoo,” he said.
Initially he settled in Graaff-Reinet, but then decided Aberdeen was the place for him and has been in the town for 12 years now.
“When I first came here, I had to find a source of income,” he said. A friend suggested doing decoupage ostrich eggs.
He has now built up a little empire selling over 1700 eggs a year, and has even created several much-needed jobs.Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing coloured paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, such as gold leaf, before covering the object with varnish.

Article By: Nicolette Scrooby & Cheri-Ann James (Copyright Daily Despatch)

Daily Despatch Article: Hillary Graham

Daily Despatch 09-Oct-08

Artist Hillary Graham came to the tiny Karoo town of Aberdeen to paint, but may well end up putting the town on the tourist map.
The former head of Fort Hare University’s fine arts department is on the cusp of sealing a deal to get funding for a basket of proposals, from renovating the town’s swimming pool and nature reserve to starting a ceramics sculpture project for more than 30 women. There is also a proposal to start a heritage archive.
“I came here to paint because that’s what I am but I got drawn into things”, said Graham, who is also secretary of the local ANC branch. “If you see the poverty in the place, you have no choice.”
Graham said he had been hawking his ideas around since 2005 and it was not until Mbulelo Sogoni, then the MEC for Economic Development and Environmental Affairs and now the Eastern Cape’s premier, came to town last year, that he found an audience.
Now the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and the Economic Development and Environmental Affairs Department are keen to fund the projects and the next step is for various legal entities to be registered.
The projects include fixing up the town’s Fonteinbos Nature Reserve, which has fallen victim to vandals and poachers, and the old municipal swimming pool.
To save the pool, Graham personally bid and secured its lease and helped establish a women’s co-operative of four to oversee its renovation and maintenance.
He also has Swimming South Africa in Port Elizabeth interested in assisting with lifesaving and swimming training.
“The water was filthy with garbage. And then there were steel spikes and pieces of masonry beneath the water. I told the municipality that someone was going to die there as the kids dive bomb the pool”, Graham said.
For the ceramics sculpture project, the fine arts department of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth is keen to send post-graduate students up to Aberdeen to do training, said Graham, who is determined to steer clear of the regular tourist trap. “I’d like the women to come back to the landscape, not this mumbo jumbo primitive stuff like mugs with giraffes on them,” he said .
It’s the heritage archive project that really gets him fired up as he dreams of getting the long-neglected history of Aberdeen’s townships documented.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get university students involved .”
He believes that going beyond the white colonial history will release people from its burden. “We will be able to look bravely at colonial history,” he said. “It won’t be a rock we carry around with us.”

Article By: Gill Moodie (Copyright Daily Despatch)

Glorious Dusty Sunset In Aberdeen

The wind in Aberdeen has been unrelenting over the past couple of months. It has brought rain from time to time, but mostly gusts of dust. Consequently, there is a marked desire to stay indoors and watch the spectacular show of a world in economic crises on the news channels. However, all the financial wheeling and dealing amongst bankers, prime ministers and presidents seems to be a lifetime away from Aberdeen. Here reality reigns in a magnificent vista of a wind and dust-inspired Karoo sunset as seen in the sky above the Kerksaal.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Timelessness In Aberdeen

There is an essence of timelessness in Aberdeen, and has been for two weeks. The hands of the clock in the N. G. Kerk’s tower went on a go-slow journey, and then eventually stopped. The chimes are absent, and a strange stillness inhabits the area around the church. There is no longer a necessity, if you are awake that is, to switch on the light as the half-hour chimes once, to see if it is 1 in the morning, or simply half-past the hour. As the sunset last night the glow from the sky lit up the church clock showing an unbelievable 10 minutes to 11am.

Article By: Joan Tinker

River Of Rubbish

There is a river at the end of Meintjies Street in Aberdeen, and an empty property next to it which ends on the corner of Church Street. This area, being an empty property, plus the land going down to the river is being used as a dumping site and as a toilet. 4x4’s, donkey carts and bakkies regularly bring foul smelling rubbish and dump it onto the banks of the river. Trees are being chopped down and the stone wall used as a bank to stop soil erosion around the river, is being taken away and used as building material by nearby residents.
The disgusting odour, and the increasing health hazard caused by incessant flies has to be borne by the nearby residents whose view from their gardens is now a rubbish filled area.
This derelict property which has an empty dam on it, is filled with papers, plastic bags, beer and cool drink cans, also has signs of fires being lit inside the dam.
This unfenced property is clearly now being used as a thoroughfare and recreation area for vagrants.
It is pitiful to stand amidst this rubbish strewn property, and look straight up the street to the beautiful N.G.Kerk.
The Municipality has been contacted about this situation and has promised to have the area cleared. In the meantime, residents are photographing all vehicles using this area as a dumping ground. The Municipality should contact the absentee owner who lives in Mossel Bay and have him/her clear the property and fence it off from the river. In this way there would no longer be a thoroughfare or availability for dumping. Perhaps the Municipality will advise the residents of Meintjies Street of the actions they will be taking to restore this area to a residential site and the river area to its pristine condition.

Article By: Joan Tinker

‘Karoo Smiles’ Opens In Aberdeen

Yes, the Karoo definitely smiles on Aberdeen with the enhancement of a new coffee shop and take away facility which has opened next to the Magistrate’s Court. It has a light airy atmosphere and a cool clean feeling with its lemon-painted walls, white antiqued furniture and smart tablecloths. Delicious cakes are on display in a glassed cake fridge, and curios together with interesting knick-knacks are on sale.

There are two menus, the take away menu which features all the normal takeaways one could require, and an A La Carte Menu with interesting dishes which are not overpriced.
There is seating outside on the verandah which is enclosed by a white picket fence adding to the charming look of the shop.
Hans and Helena Roux who own Karoo Smiles have recently moved to Aberdeen from Rietbron. Their pleasant approach to the customers will stand them in good stead, and it is obvious that the coffee shop is already attracting customers.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Dining At Karoo Moons

Imagine dining in serene surroundings with aromatic spice blends in the cool night air of the Karoo. Imagine exotic orange turbaned and flamboyantly dressed Indian dancers on wall murals against cool plastered walls, with elegant furniture set on a beautiful cream tiled floor set beneath a hanging black cut-glass chandelier.
In a dining room with views of a stoned terrace from large windows, one can enjoy the finest quality of carefully selected Indian foods served in self-warmed silver dishes.
Your perfect hosts Ernest and Ramsay are charming, entertaining and knowledgeable about the exquisite dishes served. The music is soft and blends with the calming atmosphere of the establishment.
To stay at the Karoo Moons must be an experience akin to spending time in a restful retreat. The private dining area is luxurious with an Italian hand-carved dining table and the most beautiful paintings.
All the bedrooms are en-suite and the ‘moon trend’ is carried throughout the sleeping areas with an enormous lunar print tastefully framed above the bed. The beds are designed to easily accommodate a seven foot basketball player.
The lounges are elegant and comfortable in keeping with the exquisite taste of Ernest and Ramsay. As luxurious as the décor is, its tasteful simplicity is designed to be both inviting and functional. The Karoo Moons is set amidst well kept lawns with plentiful secured parking. It is most certainly a star in Aberdeen’s galaxy.

Article By: Joan Tinker

John Rantyisi Maqabangoa se Aftreeding

John Rantyisi Maqabangoa was gebore op 11 November 1942 te Aberdeen as die agste oudste van 10 kinders.
Hy het sy skoolopleiding aan die Bantu-Mission School Aberdeen ontvang. Op September 1960 was hy by die Anglican Church gedoop.
Na sy skoolopleiding het hy skeerwerk gedoen en later wol geklassifiseer. Toe het hy sy werk verander en as ‘n voertuigbestuurder vir sy ouboet se winkelbesigheid begin werk. Hy het ook as a padbouer gewerk in Bloemfontein.
Op die 3 Januarie 1972 het hy met Sophia Thandeka Jacobs in Aberdeen in die huwelik getree. Hulle het 7 kinders gehad.
Op 12 Desember 1967 tydens ‘n Godiens te Thembalesizwe, was hy opgeneem in die Nuwe Apostoliese Kerk. Op 13 Maart 1977 het John die Heilige Verseeling ontvang deur Apostel A.A. Mitas.
Op 10 Augustus 1977 is John verorden in die Onder-Diakenamp en op 20 Julie 1980 in die Diakenamp. Op 8 Desenber 1982 was hy in die Priesteramp ontvang.
Saam met Priester Skosana, en later Gemeente-Evangelis Jacobs, het John gehelp om die Here se werk in Thembalesizwe te bevorder. Hy het ook sendingwerk in Klipplaat en Steytlerville gaan doen.
In 1998 het John die Herderamp ontvang om as Gemeenteleier God se kinders in Thembalesizwe te versorg.
John se, “Die kinders van God lê baie na aan my hart, en die werk van die Here is vir my ‘n vreugde en sal vir my ‘n vreugde bly.”

Artikel Deur: Joan Tinker

Andries Smit’s Traditional French Craft

Andries Smit, a cane and raw hide weaver of note, grew up in Middleburg and lives in Adendorp just outside Graaff-Reinet. He demonstrated the art of weaving chair seats with cane and raw hide (also called riempie) at the Agricultural Show in Aberdeen.
Andries was trained in this technique of curing the raw hide for weaving into chair seats by his grandmother who is from French extraction. In France they used the hide of cattle and goats. Andries is the only person using this specific technique in South Africa. It takes fourteen days to accomplish this curing. The hide is cut in the old fashioned way and all the work is environmentally friendly. Eland hide is used for long benches. Work done on a Colonial type chair takes a day to weave.
Andries has fixed customers all over South Africa and also sends the specially cured riempie to Perth and London. When sending riempies out of South Africa, special treatment is done on the hide, and is accompanied by a Veterinary Certificate. Andries sells almost 10,000 riempie lengths annually.
Andries also builds donkey carts with padded seats. He sells these carts together with all the reins and leather work for the donkeys. These donkey carts are sold all over South Africa. This art of chair seat weaving, which Andries perpetuates, is traditional to all beautiful old Cape furniture, and the riempie used is very strong and lasts up to 20 years.

Article By: Joan Tinker