Farm incident

Fiona and Robert Hobson feel lucky to be alive this week. Last Thursday afternoon they were held up at gunpoint on their farm Swartriviersdrift in the Kliplaat area by three young coloured men, and spent three and a half hours tied up while the men ransacked their house.

On the morning of the attack, two young coloured men had come to the farm ostensibly looking for work, to be told there was none. At 4pm that afternoon the two men, with an accomplice, returned, armed with a small gun and knives, and entered the farm house. Robert was then tied up with rope that the men had brought with them, and left lying on his bed, while Fiona was ordered to open the safe. She was then bound up tightly with telephone cord, and the couple had pillowcases placed over their heads so that they could not see. One man stayed on guard with them all the time, and the other two proceeded to search the house for valuables.

According to Fiona Hobson, the men were initially very tense and jittery, and she was quite convinced that they would not come out of the afternoon alive. The Hobsons at first tried to encourage the men to leave quickly, but then realized that they were waiting until it was dark to flee. They then tried to calm the attackers by talking quietly to them, and prayed aloud for help and guidance. This approach seems to have worked, and Fiona said that she felt very grateful that the men had not actually harmed them, and appeared to in fact to be merciful. “My husband, who has a bad back, was getting very uncomfortable lying on his side” she said. “Instead of ignoring him or hurting him further, the men helped him to turn onto his other side”. She commented that the men appeared to be well-educated, and although they spoke Afrikaans amongst themselves, they talked to the Hobsons in fluent English. When she asked them why they were ruining their lives with crime, they gave the common excuse of not being able to get jobs, and being hungry.

Fiona was also extremely thankful that their children are grown up, and that there were no little children at home to be traumatized by the event. “This is what we dreaded all the years that our children were growing up on the farm, that they would be subjected to a terrible experience like this” she confided. “This was truly a miracle, that we are unharmed.  ” The Advertiser was very impressed with Fiona’s calmness, and she seemed very much in control, despite their horrific ordeal.

On Friday the Hobsons’ bakkie was found abandoned near the old quarry, just outside Aberdeen. It would seem as though the men had fled in a hurry, as nearly all the stolen goods were found, still in the bakkie. The couple’s gun, which was taken from their safe, was found on the road next to the bakkie. Their cameras, laptop and cash were recovered, but not their cellphones.

The Hobsons were full of praise for the police. “On Thursday night the police poured in from all over – they were awesome” commented Fiona. “They have worked non-stop, and nothing has been too much trouble.” Apparently on Friday a farm worker had reported two men snooping around a neighbouring farm house (which is unoccupied), and the police arrived very quickly to arrest them – however these were older men, and not those involved in the robbery at the Hobsons’ house. They were very impressed with the police’s vigilance and quick reaction to this possible threat.

 

Aberdeen Primary’s Dazzling  Debs

Last Thursday Aberdeen Primary held there annual Debs Ball, and what a glittering function it was. The library hall was transformed with imaginative and creative drapes, and the 48 learners involved were dressed to kill.

The girls’ dresses ranged from simply stylish to wonderfully sophisticated, with one local dressmaker being responsible for no less than six of the stunning creations. Zelda Finnis of Lotusville really excelled herself, and showed her versatility in the completely different styles of the dresses, designed to suit the individual girls.

The organization of the evening fell to the ever-competent Lydia Koopman, Janaine Saaiman and Daniel “Fearless” Pieterse, and the smooth running of the function reflected their hard work and enthusiasm. Pieterse, who is the class teacher for grade seven, was a confident and charming MC, and his knowledge of and dedication to the individual pupils was clear to see. Saaiman and Koopman worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making last-minute adjustments to dresses, and showing love and encouragement to even the shyest girls. The nineteen boys were not to be outdone, and looked most handsome and debonair in their dark green sashes.

Some imaginative choreography saw the couples (and in some cases triples) glide around the dance floor with ease, and the many parents and children who were present were entranced at the beautiful display.

 Live music was provided by the jazz band La Petit from Graaff-Reinet. This group, comprising Archie Pienaar on keyboard, Dozza Maarman on guitar, with saxophonist Villa Louther, first performed together in 2004 on Morning Live on SABC2, and has since played at many local functions and festivals. In 2006 they were voted the best jazz band in the Cacadu region – and their performance at this event certainly lived up to expectations.

The main purpose of the debs is to raise money for their end of year tour to Oudtshoorn. To this end, each child in grade 7 had been challenged to raise at least R500.All the children achieved this, with many bringing in amounts greatly in excess of their target. A grand total of over R27000 was raised, which is a magnificent achievement.

The highlight of the evening was of course the announcement of the winning debutantes, but before the winners were announced, each child was called up to receive a small gift. This was very thoughtfully chosen – a toiletry bag for the trip, filled with useful items.

 In third place, Doneve Noni was the second princess, winning for her efforts a DVD player. Second place, first princess, went to Chrizelia Jack, who won a microwave oven. Debutante of the year was Kaylane Kombani, who raised a whopping R4000, a wonderful total. Her prize was a flat screen television.

The prizes, with a total value of about R4000, were all donated by Albert Nel of Die Huis Vriend in Graaff-Reinet. When asked how he had become involved in sponsoring a school in Aberdeen, Nel explained that he had over 200 customers in Aberdeen, and he firmly believed in giving back to a community that supports his business. He had approached Lydia koopman and asked how he could help the school, and she suggested sponsorship of prizes for the debs, never dreaming that the donation would be so generous.

The organizers would like to thank the parents of the school for their generous support, the educators who helped the learners, the members of the school governing body and community, and not least, the sponsors for their generosity.

  Alfie Pienaar and members 0f La Petit who entertained the audience

 The boys in their smart outfits

 Zelda Finnis with the seven girls whose stunning dresses she made

Well dressed young friends

 Janaine Saaiman with some of the beautiful young ladies

 Albie Nel and Katriena Frolick of Die Huis Vriend with the winning debs

 

Soccer Star

Eighteen year old Vuyokazi Jantjies from Aberdeen has recently returned from Polokwane, where she represented the Eastern Cape in soccer at the 5^th South African Schools Games.

Jantjies started playing soccer when she was a pupil at Luxolo Intermediate School, at the age of fourteen. That year she played for her school team as a striker, and played in Durban for the Eastern Cape U15 team.

She started playing for one of the local clubs, Everton, which is coached by Daniel Pieterse. This is the only local club that has girls in the team, and it is very successful.

This year Jantjies went to Port Elizabeth in May to take part in trials for the U19 team, and was once again chosen to represent the province. Now a midfield player, Jantjies travelled to Limpopo at the beginning of October to participate in the Games. The Eastern Cape team reigned supreme, beating Mpumalanga 4 -1 in the final to be awarded a gold medal for winning the championships.

Vuyokazi Jantjies with her club coach Daniel Pieterse

 

Aberdeen Secondary Learners Honoured

Parents and learners of Aberdeen Secondary School packed the school hall last Wednesday evening for the annual prizegiving ceremony. Guest of honour was the mayor of Camdeboo, cllr Hanna Makoba , accompanied by cllr Sakkie van Zyl.

After an opening prayer by Pastor Kekana, chairman of the SGB, The organizers welcomed all present, and Marius Frazenburg gave a short message of encouragement to the learners.

Principal Kerneels Kamfer then gave his report. He based his talk on a verse from Nehemiah in the Bible, about the importance of building. He used many different aspects of building: building relationships, building a culture of learning, and building a new section on the school. Kamfer expressed a desire to be able to offer technical subjects at the school, to equip the learners with technical skills for a trade. He remarked that much general renovation was also needed at the school, including proper fencing. He also reported that the school had its largest enrolment ever this year, with 530 learners, and that this was expected to increase again next year. As a result of this, the teaching staff will increase from the current 16 to 20.

A well-rehearsed dance routine followed from a group of girls, which was very moving. In her speech later in the evening, the mayor made several references to the song that accompanied the dance, entitled “I know that I can make it”. She felt that this was particularly appropriate, and urged all the learners to take the message to heart. She has also promised to make a copy of the song available to each and every learner of the school.

Next it was time for the subject awards, presented by various teachers. In each grade and each subject, a certificate was awarded to the top learner, as well as the most improved. This part of the evening, which is in many ways the most difficult to organise, ran very smoothly and professionally, and the coordinators are to be commended for this.

Deputy principal Melusi Koltana then spoke briefly before introducing the Mayor. He made a plea for the parents to work together with the school, and to support the school in the disciplining of the children. He likened the school and its learners to the gold and diamonds of Aberdeen, and stressed that the parents have the power to bring about a positive change in the school.

In her talk the mayor stressed the importance of education, and that the learners, their parents and the educators are a team, all wanting each learner to achieve their best. She urged the children not to take their parents’ sacrifices for granted, and to show them the respect they deserved. She closed by wishing all the learners well for their exams, and their future.

The main awards for the evening, for the top academic learner in each grade, were then presented by the mayor. Esteline Frolick was the top learner in grade eight, being the most outstanding pupil in three of her subjects. The top grade nine learner was Ben-Leigh Meintjies, who was the most improved pupil in no less than three subjects, and top in a fourth. Valmary Jack, the top grade ten learner, also had awards for being the top learner in three subjects. The only boy to feature in this elite group, Nadier Flippies in grade eleven, was outstanding, being the top learner in six subjects. The top matric learner was Ntombizandile Finnis, who was top in three subjects, and most improved in two. These fine achievements promise well for the school’s future!

A most entertaining musical item followed, from a group of talented young men known as the Gospel Ambassadors. They performed two beautifully harmonized songs, led by the clear voice of Arlen Jantjies. This modest group say they are “just a group of friends who love singing”, and perform mainly in churches.

Sports awards followed, with the most outstanding netball, rugby and soccer players from each age group receiving certificates. Two girls also received awards for athletics. Lastly came the special awards: to Vuyokazi Jantjies for achievements in girls soccer, to Nomafu Ngalo and Desvaline Coetzee for schoolwear, and to Nadier Flippies and Desvaline Coetze for discipline.

Two more music items rounded off the evening –a rap song performed by Aden Esau, and another harmony from the Gospel Ambassadors.

Milton Jacobs then gave a vote of thanks to the mayor, and ds Ronald Allies closed with a prayer.  Audience, children and teachers then joined in a spirited rendition of Auld Lang Syne, before teachers and guests retired to the staff room for some well earned refreshments.

  The mayor joins teachers in a spirited rendition of Auld lang Syne

Gospel Ambassadors

  Vuyokazi Jantjies and Samantha May receive athletics awards from Helen Ngube

Mayor g12:  Top G12 learner Ntombizandile Finnis receives her certificate from the mayor

Nadier: Nadier Flippies who received awards for top grade 11 learner and discipline

Aberdeen Primary Entrepreneurs Day

Aberdeen Primary School held a very successful Entrepreneurs’ Day recently, raising a grand total of R2220 towards the grade 7 tour. The whole school was involved in fun and games, with traditional boeresports being the order of the day. Great fun was had by both participants and spectators of the many races, which included the ever-popular sack race, egg (or rather potato!) and spoon race, and apple eating. The grade Rs also participated in a dancing competition, which drew a huge crowd of spectators.

The grade 7s stalls were colourful and well-prepared, with a variety of goods on offer. After all their hard work, they are all very excited about the forthcoming trip to Oudtshoorn. They leave later this week, and can’t wait to see the sea on the day trip to Mossel Bay!

Fun and games at the apple eating competition

Energetic grade R dancers

Participants in the sack race giving their all