Hello From Mthatha...

Hello from Mthatha. I have read your weblog for a good many months and have found it inspiring. We have recently bought a house in Aberdeen. My husband has worked in Aberdeen and the surrounding Karoo towns for the last few years and we have grown to respect and love the Karoo. I would like to, through your weblog, extend our sincerest thanks to Aunt Connie Vos through whom we bought our home. Her dedication and obvious love of the town and its people have shone through in all our dealings with her. She has kept in contact, offered help where possible and made sure that the deal went through efficiently. We hope to move to Aberdeen soon and would like to be active members of the community.
Best wishes for 2010.
Johan & Wendy Kritzinger

Spectacular Sunset In Aberdeen

The exquisite colours of a Karoo sunset must surely astonish the eye with the panoramic display of colour. Cloud cover as seen in the photograph made the blaze of the setting sun even more spectacular, but not even great photography is able to reproduce the enormity of this wondrous sky. This sunset was viewed from the golf course in Aberdeen on Monday 14th December.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Christmas Lights December 2009

Although the streets of Aberdeen are quiet in the early evening with little or no traffic, the Christmas lights switched on recently by Mayor Jafta, shine and twinkle brightly in the main business area. Sparkling lights flash in all the windows of the local shops and cafés as Christmas is about to be celebrated here in Aberdeen in the Karoo. Quite a few houses in and around the town are decorated with different coloured lights, featuring flashing outlines of reindeer, Father Christmas, bells and Christmas trees.

A house beautifully decorated with a wonderful assortment of lights in all shapes, sizes and colours, and which looked festive enough to put a real Christmas feeling into the heart, was that belonging to Mr Hannes Eyssen of Jackson Street, in Aberdeen.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Have You Seen This Cactus On A Farm Or Elsewhere In Aberdeen & Surrounding Areas?

Cylindropuntia tunicate or Thistle Cholla or ‘Suigdoring’ is a potentially invasive cactus, the growth of which is expanding rapidly in areas of the Karoo. This cactus is a serious threat to the sheep and Angora goat industry, to the people who live in this area, to the wildlife as well as the domestic animals.
This plant is a green low-growing densely branched shrub with cylindrical sharp spiny segments. The spines are white and sharp and covered with a papery sheath, and the flowers are yellow green in colour.
The immediate danger of this plant, a member of the Cactaceae family is its ability to take over the grazing area, and to cripple animals both domestic and wild.
The plant has an amazing ability to spread itself by breaking off into small pieces as animals or people knock against it and re-rooting itself where ever it falls. The spines or ‘thorns’ then adhere to the animals or to people’s clothing in an almost ‘sucking’ attachment, hence the name ‘suigdoring’, the spines are extremely painful and difficult to remove.
The ‘suigdoring’ is not easily destroyed. The plant has to be physically removed out of the ground and burnt. In Australia environmentalists are scientifically experimenting with eco-friendly ways of removing this plant.

In Aberdeen it is frightening to see how the ‘suigdoring’ is taking over vast areas. Behind the Aberdeen cemetery there is virtually a low growing forest of this plant, growing down onto the river bank. In the town area, it is in the school grounds, behind the new Agri Building, and it is now taking over the Aberdeen golf course.
The Aberdeen Municipality should regard the removal of this plant as an urgent priority.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is taking this problem seriously, and the Regional co-coordinator for ‘Early Detection Programme’ Barbara Mashope, has requested concerned residents and farm owners to contact her at 021-799-8678 or email: B.Mashope@sanbi.org.za should they be aware of any outbreak of this plant.

Article By: Joan Tinker

State Of RDP Housing In Aberdeen & Another 400 Houses To Be Built

Between 1997 to1998 the building of approximately 1,200 houses was commenced in Lotusville and Thembalisizwe. Tenders were put out by the Municipality for suppliers of necessary building materials, cartage and for building contractors. Before building began a ‘spec house’ was built to ascertain the exact specifications and cost of each house. Bricks, cement, sand, door frames, window frames etc were measured in quantity and standard, as was the cost of cartage and the viability of all building materials in Aberdeen. Finance was made payable from Bisho.
The Municipality appointed 9 building contractors each with their own team. Each individual contractor was given an allocation of stands. Contractors for cartage and for the supply of building materials were appointed locally.
The arrangement with regard to the delivery of building materials was on demand for each individual house.
Problems began when various contractors could not complete houses due to the disappearance of the supplied materials. Then a strike was called as the contractors were not employing local workers, and so the building of all houses ceased for one year.
The project was then resumed, but due to inflation, the cost of cartage, building materials etc was higher than the cost of the product originally agreed upon, but the financial department of Bisho refused to pay according to the rate of inflation, so the suppliers were forced to supply goods at less that the actual cost of the materials and cartage.
Today in 2009 the state of many houses in Lotusville and Thembalisizwe is scandalous. Due to inferior work, roofs are being held in place by concrete bricks, doors are falling out of doorways, bricks are becoming displaced and large gaps can be seen between the roof and the wall.
It is obvious that no proper inspection was ever done during or after the erection of these houses, or if it was, it would be in the public interest to know who did the inspection.
On Monday 16th November in Johannesburg, Mr Tokio Sexwale made a statement which was recorded on Financial.24 that the housing situation was a national scandal. He said it would cost R1.3 million rand to reconstruct the badly built houses, when this finance should have been used to build new houses.
Mr Sexwale, who was on a visit to Alphendale near East London where 339 badly constructed houses have to be rebuilt, had this to say. ”Ons wil weet wie hierdie huise gebou het. Ons moet ernstige vrae vra en mense aan die pen laat ry. Ons gaan die problem regstel, maar ons gaan ook die mense wat die probleem veroorsaak het, in die hande kry”, Mnr. Sexwale het swak dienslewering op korrupsie by konstruksie-maatskappye en regeringsamptenare geblameer”.
Mr Sexwale should be made aware of the state of the housing in both Lotusville and Thembalisizwe, and he should call the people responsible to account for the lack of building expertise and bad management.
On 28th November a large concrete brick, used in the construction of one of the RDP houses fell out of the wall above the doorway on to Susan Witbooi’s foot. Suzan’s foot was x-rayed and she was treated for broken bones in her foot at the local hospital. Her foot is now encased in a plaster cast, and she will be unable to work for 6 weeks. Had this concrete brick fallen on the head of her 9 year old son, the consequences could have been tragic.

Susan a single parent has two small children. She depends on the salaries she receives from her two different employers to sustain herself and her family. One of her employers has said that she will continue to make payment to Susan whilst she is unable to work. It is hoped that her other employer follows suit.

When contacted, the Aberdeen Municipality, said the onus is on the owner of the house to fix the structure. Number 3685 in Thembalisizwe where Susan Witbooi has lived for 5 years is a rented house.
Now 400 new houses are to be built, while the original houses are falling apart. There is little sense in this, and it might take a visit from the Minister of Housing to realize the fact. It is hoped that some form of good management will carefully monitor who the building contractors are that the Aberdeen Municipality appoints, where the building materials are to be stored once delivered and that all information will be readily available to the press and to interested parties. Susan Witbooi is seen photographed in her house with the concrete brick which fell onto her foot.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Bowling Club Has Another Successful Steak Braai

A fundraiser was held at the Aberdeen Bowling Club on Saturday night. It was well supported by the club members and potential newcomers to the game. A number of young prospective bowlers (under 25 years of age) who played bowls during the very hot Saturday afternoon, thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and discovered that it is not only a ‘senior citizens’ game, but a game for all age groups as skill, mental challenge, and a great deal of fitness is required to compete.
Due to the up coming public holidays, potential visitors to Aberdeen and new residents are cordially invited to the “Fun-day” which will be held on Wednesday 16th the first public holiday of December. Play will commence at 09h00 and at 13h00 a ‘Bring and Braai’ will be a welcome and enjoyable necessity to strengthen the inner man!
On New Year’s Day when we enter the monumental year of 2010 for South Africa, the Aberdeen Bowls Club will enjoy their annual ‘Getting to Know You’ which is a free and easy way of meeting people. The usual delicious cold lunch prepared by the ‘Karoo Ladies’ is available for a small fee. This might be a good time to get off the couch and exercise away the Christmas festivities.
Prospective players for all of the above events are requested to contact Tony Featherstone at 082 372 6180 or Piet Brewis at 082 955 9096.
Aberdeen Bowling Club information was supplied by Anna Featherstone, of 24a Cathcart Street, Aberdeen.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Luxolo Intermediate School Honours Learners

On Friday, 27 November, Luxolo Intermediate School held an awards ceremony to honour the outstanding performances of its pupils for 2009.
A tent, erected in the central quad of the school, protected the learners from the searing heat, while parents and dignitaries sat along the corridor.
The ceremony was opened by Rev. Carol Cloete-Piedt who reminded the learners that God provides us all with our own toolbox filled with talents, abilities and choices and that it is up to each individual to use our own tools to create the life we wish to live.
Other guest speakers included, student – Vuyisa Mazabangqa, parent – Miss Maudy Godlo, Principal – Mr Mathiale and Miss A Cornelius of the Department of Social Development.
Also present at the ceremony was special guest, Mr Luvo Jacobs who had taken leave from his job in Johannesburg to attend the ceremony. Luvo is the co-ordinator of the Luxolites, a group of past-pupils who raise money to sponsor learners from extremely disadvantaged homes with stationery, school uniforms and outings. Mr Mathiale thanked Luvo for his dedication and hard work in serving the school and its learners. Several of those sponsored by the Luxolites were diploma recipients, including Ntombentsha Yoyo who was awarded two academic diplomas.
The programme was interspersed by performances by the school choir, who despite a limited rehearsal schedule, were outstanding as evidenced by the enthusiastic applause from the assembled crowd.
The prize-giving ceremony was a culmination of a year of hard work from the dedicated staff and learners with over 400 diplomas awarded to deserving students.
Well done, Luxolo!!

Article By: Luvo Jacobs

Tohito Hosts Christmas Luncheon For The Aberdeen Book Club

(fltr) Meredith Kraut, Janet Prestwich, Gloria Peniston, Gaye Day,
Marian Van Staden, Sharon Landman, Sandra Bowker and Sue Shaw

On Wednesday 2nd December, a delicious luncheon was served to the Aberdeen Book Club by Mabel Joubert of Tohito. In a wonderfully cool setting surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in Aberdeen, the book club members all enjoyed Mabel’s hospitality. The table arrangement was festive in keeping with the season, red the being the predominant colour. Starting the luncheon, sherry was served with an ice cold fruit dish. Ham with a cherry sauce was one of the main meat dishes and a quiche filled with spinach and cheese was mouth watering. The several salad dishes on offer, were crisp and tasty, and complimented the meal. Appropriately the first of the seasons Christmas pies with ice cream and a hot chocolate sauce was the sweet dish.
Each Club Member brought a present, and the presentation of a gift was made to Janet Prestwich who sadly will soon be relocating from Aberdeen to East London.
The luncheon was a happy way to end a year of ‘good reads’. The Aberdeen Book Club reconvenes at the end of January 2010.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen On Serious Water Restrictions

A notice has been issued to all Aberdeen residents from the Camdeboo Municipality on behalf of Mr Monde Longbooi with regard to the usage of water. The municipality is struggling to meet the high water demand, and all residents are requested to use water sparingly.

The following water usage is now prohibited in Aberdeen between the hours of 06H00 and 16H00 until further notice:-
1. The watering of gardens using a hose pipe or using tap water during the above period.
2. The refilling and filling of swimming pools.
3. The washing of cars using a hose pipe or using tap water.

*Action will be taken against consumers who do not respond to the above water restrictions.

The above decision has been taken by Mr Longbooi after nearly two weeks of little or no water pressure in Aberdeen, resulting in little more than a trickle of water or no water at all from household taps during the day. The Municipality, under the direction of Mr Clive Kombani, is urgently investigating more reliable resources of water delivery to Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe, but this exercise if it proves successful, will not occur immediately.
Residents are therefore requested not to drain the water facilities by over usage of water after the stipulated prohibited hours of 06H00 the 16H00. The water situation will not resolve itself if residents do this, and it will defeat the entire object of using water sparingly during the prohibited times.
On the 14th October this year, an urgent meeting was held in Aberdeen to form a ‘Lead Water Working Committee’ to preserve the source of water which feeds the town’s ‘Lei Water’ system. At that time, Ward 1 Member of the Ward Committee Mr Nikolas Jankovich-Besan told 20 concerned residents who attended the meeting, that of the ‘four eyes’ which are the source of the water, only three were operational. He also said that the Fonteinbos Dam which is the Aberdeen water source, was three quarters full of silt, and that the channels through which the ‘Lei Water’ runs is usually full of rubbish, also that storm water cannot be properly channeled through the town.
The water delivery to Aberdeen has now obviously reached a critical stage, due to the drought and the level of the water table dropping.
The Lead Water Working Committee met on October 21st to form a ‘working document’, and concerned residents are hopeful that within this document solutions have been formulated by the committee to assist the Municipality in stabilizing the output of water to Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe.
The water shortage should not only be the concern of the few residents who attended the meeting called by Mr Jankovich and of the Municipality, but of all residents of Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe. There are ways to save water, and hopefully all households will constructively implement ways to do this.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Everton United Football Club Awards Ceremony In Aberdeen

CEO and Executive Director of Everton United
Mr Daniel Pieterse presents a medallion
to one of the Senior Lady Players

On Friday night, the Everton United Football Club of Aberdeen produced an amazing gala celebration to present awards to achieving players.
The Aberdeen Primary School Hall decorated in the Club’s colours of red and white, continued the colour theme with the tables set for dinner, whilst the walls of the school hall were festooned with red balloons and club jerseys.
To a hall filled to capacity with players, the M.C. Mr Marius Frazenburg ran the event like clockwork. He praised the committee and coaches of Everton United for their dedication to the youth and to the game of soccer, but his greatest compliments went to the C.E.O. and Executive Director of the Club, Mr Daniel (Fearless) Pieterse for his inspiration to the players.
Mr Pieterse who is a guiding light in the club’s progress to the extent that they now have a clubhouse of their own, and playing fields which are soon to be planted with lawn and maintained. He has organized transport and finance for all the teams to destinations in ‘away matches’ and his enthusiasm and total belief and devotion to the youth and the game, sees his senior men’s team taking part in the ‘Castle League’, and the senior woman in the ABSA Development League. Everton’s teams have represented the Eastern Cape in Kwa Zulu Natal, and in the Chris Hani Memorial Tournament.
Soccer players from Jansenville were present to enjoy the moment, and to give their support and recognition to the Club’s achievements.
In his speech, Mr Pieterse gave an overview of the Everton United’s achievements and asked the players to create an environment in which to become useful citizens and to utilize their talents for the good. He thanked the coaches for all their efforts and continued his plea for funding of the Club’s own transport, as this could ease their financial burden. He has meetings set up to discuss the transport issue with other towns in the Karoo, but hoped that businesses would assist and participate in this fund.

Outstanding Goalie of the Year Graham Boesak
with Captain Edgar Minnaar of Aberdeen SAPS

Captain Edgar Minnaar of the Aberdeen police, who presented trophies for outstanding achievements, brought a message to all the young people present. He said that the same level of discipline that is shown in sport should be carried over into their every day lives. Alcohol, drugs and a permissive way of living should be avoided, as this was not a responsible way of life. Players listened attentively to his words on the expected behaviour amongst the youth, and Capt. Minnaar wished them all good luck in their future endeavours.

Article By: Joan Tinker

“Honderde Kinders Sal Honger Ly Bakkery Wag Vir Geld Van Department Van Onderwys”

DIE BURGER

The above report was published in DIE BURGER in November 2009 by Richard Roberts of Port Elizabeth who outlined the fact that the Aberdeen hostel children were not going to be supplied with food should months of outstanding debt by the Provincial Department of Education’s Financial Services to the local ‘Bakkery’ remain unpaid. The local Hyper Store in Aberdeen, which has been supplying provisions to the school hostel for the past 15 years, has a large overdue unpaid debt from the Department. After the Hyper Store had stopped all deliveries, they still gave necessary groceries to the school.

Learners, who live in the school hostels from Monday to Friday, are from farms in the outlying districts of the Camdeboo, and it is of concern to the two food suppliers in Aberdeen, who due to financial constraints will stop deliveries, as to how these children will obtain food.
The School Principal Mr Piet Minnaar said that the matter was being investigated by the Department of Education.
Mr Alfred Pannies, Head Administrator of school feeding programs, and hostels in the district of Graaff-Reinet was also contacted. According to Mr Pannies, the Department has apparently asked all parties to be patient, as letters are being sent to the schools to advise them of how all the outstanding debts will be paid.
Mr Malibongwe Mtima spokesperson of the Provincial Teachers Department made the comment that earlier in the year there had been a problem with the suppliers banking details.
Schools are now about to close, as will government departments during the December holidays, and the unpaid debts situation is still not resolved. This is of great concern to the two suppliers in the present economic climate, and they are hoping that an urgent resolution to this matter is found.

This article will be emailed directly to Acting Superintendent General Professor R.H. Nengwe Khulu of the Education Financial Department whose motto on their website is, ‘To ensure sound and effective financial management’.

Acknowledgements to: Richard Roberts and Die Burger

** FOLLOW UP OF UNPAID DEBTS SITUATION IN ABERDEEN
This matter has now been resolved, and payment has been received in full by the Aberdeen suppliers from the Education Financial Services.

Precious Moments For Stellenbosch Family With Lotusville Connections

(fltr) Doreen, Martha, Roselien and Evelien with Kayle & Marlien in front

A momentous moment in the lives of a very special family happened in Lotusville on Saturday 21st November. Twin daughters Roselien Maree and Evelien Hendricks and their mother Martha Smit, met with their father Nick De Jager for the first time since 1985. Martha and Nick’s third daughter, Doreen Davidson was born shortly after Nick had left Rawsonville for Aberdeen, so she never met her father.
At that time, Martha made the decision to stay on the farm in Rawsonville and not to move to Aberdeen where Nick was now living and working, and eventually she moved from the farm with the three girls to work in a guest house ‘Rosendal’ in Stellenbosch, where she worked for 12 years. It was here that she lived with her three daughters educating them at Bloemhof School in Stellenbosch.
In 2008 Martha was now living in Cloetesville just outside Stellenbosch and she and her daughters decided to try and make contact with their father. As Martha’s health was not good, the family felt that this meeting should take place. With the assistance of the Aberdeen Police, Martha managed to make contact with Nick, and so a visit sometime in the future was planned.
Martha’s sister Katrina Smith received a wonderful bonus, which she gave to the family to sponsor their trip to Aberdeen. On impulse they made their plans and surprised their father Nick with a visit this past weekend.
Martha and her daughters, who were understandably nervous about the meeting, were overwhelmed by the wonderful reception they received from Nick and his family.
Nick made time to spend and bond with each of his daughters, and there was also a great grandmother to meet as well.
Another surprise for Nick was the two lovely granddaughters, Doreen’s Kayle and Evelien’s Marlien, both 7 years old.
Doreen, Evelien and Roselien feel completed and are filled with gratitude at being able to have this experience.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Divu Kilae Students Visit Aberdeen Heritage Archive

Katerina Stuurman and Mandy Spogter of the
Aberdeen Earth and Fire Project view pictures of
Aberdeen during the Anglo Boer War

Students from the Divu Kilae (Earth and Fire) Ceramic Project in Aberdeen visited the Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism Bureau offices today. For many of them who have lived in Aberdeen or Lotusville all their lives, this was their first introduction to the historical evidence of their town.
Mrs Dallis Graham welcomed the students while Mr Hilary Graham gave an insight into the meaning and the necessity of having a heritage and archive foundation where information is kept for tourists and residents to view, and he encouraged the students to come forward with any photographs of the past and historical stories which are in the process of being recorded.

Professor Lan Meyers with students of the Earth and Fire Ceramic Project

Mrs Graham told the students that she welcomed all children to visit and learn from the past.
Tour guides Faeeza Mahomed and Thembisa Nonnies gave a tour around the building and Professor Orlando Meyers explained the Projects on display of Astronomy, Science and the Anglo Boer War. The photographs dating from 1899 -1902 of Aberdeen and its residents of that time were of special interest to the students.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Interesting Bee Removable Project Seen In Aberdeen

Nature is being preserved and the threat of a possible bee swarm is being scientifically removed in Grey Street in Aberdeen.
Nikolas Jankovich and James Wood, together have constructed a way of preserving a very old tree in the grounds of the Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism Bureau building, and giving the bees who have made a hive within the tree, another place in which to live.
A large pipe has been inserted into the opening of the tree which leads into the hive, and this pipe is then connected to a removable box like structure specially constructed for bee keeping. Glass piping at one end of the pipe allows a view of the bees crawling into their new home. This whole procedure had to be put into place at night when the bees are most tranquil, but this did not prevent the odd sting.
This procedure will take some time as the worker bees have to move the Queen Bee and the honey into their new hive. When this has been accomplished, the new bee hive will be moved to a location which is not so close to a public pathway.
This interesting and thoughtfully constructed project shows man’s ability to preserve nature in all its forms.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Christmas Craft Market Comes To Aberdeen

On Friday, 4th December, Aberdeen Books and Crafts (the bookshop) are hosting a Christmas Craft Market at their Aberdeen premises. It will be an all day market, from 8am to 4pm. Peter Shaw, of Aberdeen Books and Crafts, comments:
"This is a really exciting event for Aberdeen, as to the best of my knowledge it will be the first time such a market has been held here, other than annual fund-raising events for the NGK and the Old Age Home. It represents a major showplace for those with home or cottage industries in the district, and if successful, we plan for it to become a regular feature of Aberdeen."
To date, there are in excess of twenty stalls, with merchandise ranging from fabrics to baked goods and jams, to meat, plants, donuts, jewellery and much more. Pancakes, borewors rolls, and cool drinks will be on sale. To add to the festivities, Aberdeen Books and Crafts are offering 20% off all books on that day, plus substantial discounts on craft items.For more information, or to book a stall (R50), contact Sue or Peter on 083 794 2262.
Article By: Sue Shaw

Provincial Literacy Program Has Success In Aberdeen

Literary Program Participants

This literacy program introduced by the Department of Education in 2007 was initiated to redress the problem of illiteracy in the country. Members of the local communities of Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe have since benefited from this project.
The Educators appointed to instruct and teach those members of the community who have had no formal education, hold classes after school hours in the classrooms of Kamdebo Primary School.
Instruction by the Educators in the basic skills of reading and writing is also given to farm workers when they return to their homes on Saturdays and Sundays.
This program started originally with only 20 adults has over a two year period excelled both in its learning achievements and strength of numbers in basic skill learners. The age group of learners ranges from 30 years of age to 73 years of age, and to witness the satisfaction and enlightenment of these people who are able to read and write their own names for the first time at the age of 73 is heart warming.

Mrs Jacquelin Muller with her Literary Program Participants

Mrs Jacquelin Muller an Educator in the Provincial Literacy Program has been successful in her ability to bring literacy to people in her community since the program started. Mrs Muller and the other Educators who achieve so much are deserving of recognition and gratitude.
Mrs Muller is always attempting to bring more people into her classes who are in need of basic reading and writing skills. She can always be reached at 0820532581.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Impressive New Soccer Clubhouse Built In Aberdeen

Coach Abraham Klaasen (centre back) seen
with youngsters applying for team positions

Lotto funded, and in partnership with the Aberdeen Municipality, this new sports development project with clubhouse and playing fields, has been designed as a venue for both soccer and rugby. This clubhouse has the facilities to accommodate local and visiting teams, necessary facilities for meetings and a display room for trophies.
Painted in the of red and white colours of Aberdeen's Everton United Football Club, the building and playing fields are in a fully secured area in Lotusville. The Clubhouse is presently in use, and as soon as the Aberdeen Municipality has laid the water pump and pipeline to the area, grass will be planted, and the playing fields will become fully operational. Dual goal posts are still to be erected.

CEO Mr.Daniel Pieterse of Everton United Football Club

The CEO and Executive Director of Everton United is Mr Daniel Pieterse who is totally committed to the advancement of the club and the players, with all its many teams of boys and girls of all age groups, ranging from senior to under 13. The senior men’s team play in the “Castle League” and the senior woman play in the A.B.S.A. Development League.
The senior men’s reserve team, and the U/17, U/15 and U/13 teams of both boys and girls, play opposing teams from within the Camdeboo area and beyond.
Abraham Klaasen is Coach to the ‘Aberdeen Super Stars’, and the Manager and Coach of the ‘Seven Leaves’ team is Jonathan Abrams. These are junior teams under the mantle of Everton United.

CEO Mr Daniel Pieterse with Coach Jonathan Abrams on the right
seen with prospective players.

The main body of Everton United, together with Social Development, has donated jerseys, shorts and socks to the younger teams, but sponsors are urgently needed to assist the Club with soccer balls, tracksuits for their traveling, as well as the costs of transporting these youngsters to the various venues.
The necessity to give the young people of Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe a facility where they are able to spend their after school periods, is of vital importance, and should be supported by the entire community.

Article By: Joan Tinker

New 3-Shop "Combo" Opens In Aberdeen

This afternoon, “Serendipity”, one of the three new shops in Aberdeen, opened its doors to friends and the local people of Aberdeen.
This gift, curio and antique outlet on the main road into Aberdeen displays signage which is attractive and self explanatory.
The story behind the idea of opening this shop in Aberdeen was created over a year ago when Meredith and husband Colin Kraut both from Durban, came to Aberdeen to visit friends and consequently celebrated a birthday party in the town. The Krauts stayed at a B&B in Aberdeen as the first guests of Mike de Villiers and Lan Meyers, and so a friendship began and has since developed into a partnership.

Mike de Villiers with Mrs Petro Smal of Hermanus and Meredith Kraut

Mike de Villiers decided to come to Aberdeen after living in Sedgefield in the Western Cape to downgrade from a busy career to live in a quieter environment.
Over the years Mike and Lan Meyers together had three fully furnished houses before coming to Aberdeen, and a great deal of ‘Serendipity’s collection of artistic objects have come from this wonderful collection.
Meredith has a unique gift of interior design, and her contribution to the shop has been wonderful buys over the years in her own unique and personal taste.
Their combined message to their friends, the local people of Aberdeen, and those fortunate tourists, who venture into Aberdeen on their passage through the Karoo, is to make ‘Serendipity’ a fun place to pop into where one can socialize and meet friends.

Article By: Joan Tinker

44th Birthday Celebrated In Style!

(fltr) Merl Malgas, Annmaer Beyers, Gladys Cixido,
Esmé Finnis (Manager), David de Jager, & Connie Dolf

One of the local shops in Aberdeen celebrated an achievement of being in business for 44 years this month. All the employees of the store, who are always very motivated by their manager Esmé Finnis, looked very festive.
A stage had been erected outside the store, and young dancers entertained the crowd with synchronized dancing to music.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen DA Branch AGM

The DA Branch of Aberdeen held its first Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 3 November, after having been launched in April this year.
The meeting was well-attended, despite it being All Pay and the election was overseen by Councillor Arthur Knott-Craig, who acted as Presiding Officer for the election. Councillor Knott-Craig also took this opportunity to congratulate the DA members in Aberdeen for their proactive approach in addressing problems and issues and bringing these to the attention of the Council for resolution.
In her Chairperson's Report, Samantha Jankovich highlighted a number of achievements of the DA in Aberdeen, despite their having been in existence for a little over 6 months, including an undertaking by the Municipality to resolve the lighting issues in Lotusville – a long-standing problem having a direct bearing on crime in the area.
For the first time ever, the Aberdeen branch of the DA will be represented at the DA Eastern Cape Provincial Congress which will be held in Graaff-Reinet over 13 and 14 November 2009. This will provide a platform for the airing and discussion of some of the issues currently faced by the people of Aberdeen.
The new executive consists of Samantha Jankovich (re-elected as Chairperson), Chris Africa (re-elected as Vice-Chairperson), Menandy Stols (Secretary), Nikolas Jankovich (re-elected), Jane Saayman (re-elected), George Eberbach, Deodatt Beyers, Eileen Coetzee and Carolina Heyns.

Article By: Samantha Jankovich

Interesting Stalls At The Aberdeen Kuddedag

Jan-Hendrik Jordaan

Two stalls at the Aberdeen Kuddedag were worthy of mention in their style and content.
Jan-Hendrik Jordaan had taken enormous initiative in the arrangement of the beautifully crafted mirrors he had on display. The arrangement and diversity of the mirrors was worthy of a larger showcase than Aberdeen.
The mirrors are set in frames made from Yellowwood, Cypress and Blackwood, and these frames are crafted cleverly with the wood grain. On a few of the frames, Jan-Hendrik has used a special technique which takes about four months to achieve, giving an almost antique appearance to the frame.
The Blackwood and Yellowwood he uses comes from an area near George, whilst the Cypress and Pine he buys from Mosselbay. Poplar is also a good wood to work with as it does not splinter.
Jan-Hendrik has been crafting wood frames with all its different techniques for nine years.

Suzette Laux with Ester Scholtz of Hadassah Textiles

The other stall worthy of mention was that of Ester Scholtz. This incredibly enterprising, talented and versatile textile artist from Graaff-Reinet has much to offer in the diversity of her designs and achievements. Ester studied textile design at the University of Pretoria. She has studied fashion and interior design in the U.K., Germany, and France. Diversity is obviously her forte, as her accomplishments include carpet and children’s clothing designs, and the ‘one-off ‘ range of cushion covers which she designed for a large chain of stores through out South Africa, are beautiful in both colour and design.
At the Mohair Exhibition on display, were curtain and table cloth material with stories of the Karoo woven into them. Pictures of the surrounding towns and even local farmer’s names have been woven into the cloth.
Both Jan-Hendrik and Ester bring expertise and accomplishment to this part of the Karoo.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Garden Club At “Louisan” Farm

On Thursday 5th November Toesie and Hommie Slabbert were hosts on their farm "Louisan" to the Aberdeen Garden Club. When the members and guests arrived at the farm, they enjoyed an early tea. This took place in Toesie’s beautifully structured garden, under a large willow and wild mulberry tree. The magnificent back drop to this peacefully green environment is the Camdeboo mountain range.
Anna Featherstone welcomed everyone, and gave a short talk on an insight into alien and invasive plants in Africa, and more specifically the Karoo.
A presidential report on the Club’s activities for 2009 was read, which was impressive in content as to the club’s achievements during the year.
In lieu of a Christmas celebration, the Club members decided to make donations to Alwynhof in Aberdeen. Padgie Pienaar was delighted to report that a substantial amount had been donated.
Denise Weldon gave the members an inspiring ‘thought for the day’, and a new committee was elected to serve the Club in 2010.
A finger lunch was served and Wendy Van Schalkwyk then thanked Toesie and Hommie Slabbert for their very kind hospitality.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Heartwarming Welcome Given To Retired Principal

A wonderfully warm and heartfelt welcome was given to Henry Tyler and his wife Gladys at the Kamdebo Primary School in Lotusville on Friday 23 October.
Henry Tyler was the first Principal of Kamdebo Primary School starting his tenure there in 1966, he eventually retired in 1985. He was obviously a dearly loved and prominent figure in the scholastic circles during those years, as many of his past pupils were there to welcome him in front of the assembly of young school learners. None of the present pupils of the school could possibly appreciate the wealth of knowledge and encouragement in future learning, that he had imparted to the youth of Lotusville during his eighteen years as Principal.
Principal Mr Willem Sayfers presented Mr Tyler to the school children, in a speech which spoke of the community’s gratitude to a very learned man, who had guided many a learner through the 1980’s. The young learners sang to Mr Tyler, and a short prayer was said.

Mr Tyler and his wife immigrated to Australia in 1987 and presently live in Melbourne in the State of Victoria. They have a son and daughter who live in Australia, as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His nephew, Irvin, who lives in Graaff-Reinet, kindly offered to take his uncle and aunt to Lotusville. Mr Tyler, who will return to Australia on the 11th November, will also be visiting his two brothers and two sisters in Cape Town and their extended families.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Past Pupils Give Back To Luxolo

The names of the recipients are:
Kaylor Job, Franklin Julies, Cornelius Pienaar, Christiona Job
Lucinda Ludick, David Kombani, Nomawonga Magewu,
Jeffrey Koeberg, Ntombentsha Yoyo and Vanessa Mintoor
* Some recipients are shown in the picture above *

In 1983, Luxolo Intermediate School opened the doors of its new school facilities in Thembalesizwe, Aberdeen. It had been a long, hard road to the realization of this dream for the parents and teachers, with pupils having been housed in church halls and community centres in an attempt to educate them.
The parents eventually approached the Municipality about establishing a building fund into which they contributed funds on a monthly basis with a view to ultimately building a school. The Department of Education eventually came on board and the school building was completed in 1983, with Mr Tinta as the Principal.
In 1991, current principal, Mr Jan Mathiale took over the running of the school, as principal, teacher and secretary – a school secretary was only appointed by the Department of Education in 2008.
Luxolo Intermediate School is classed as a non-fee paying school. In this respect, all funding for the school emanates from the Department of Education and these funds may only be used for those costs determined by the Department. Accordingly, there is no money for the 'extras' that are needed, particularly in regard to some of the poorer learners.
Enter the Luxolites, a group of past pupils of Luxolo who have banded together in a bid to support the school which gave them the grounding to become successful business people. Co-ordinated by Luvo Jacobs, the Luxolites provide funding to the school which is used to assist disadvantaged pupils with school uniforms, stationery, outing fees, etc. The learners who will benefit from this support are selected by the school community based on academics as well as needs, while the school provides the Luxolites with regular feedback on the use of the funds and the progress of the students.
Mr Mathiale believes that the support provided to these students has benefited them enormously in that they are incentivized to work harder due to the special interest taken in them by the Luxolites.
There are currently 10 pupils being supported by the Luxolites, although there are still a large number of deserving pupils who could also benefit from this programme.

First Year of the Project 2007
In the first year Luxolites manage to raise R1 000.00 which only sponsored 3 students. The initiative was only started late in the year as a lot of people were not aware of it and some promised to donate as the project continues.

Second Year of the Project 2008
In the second year of the project the group managed to raise R4 000.00 which sponsored 10 students (including the 3 students from the previous year). Inclusive in the R4 000.00 was a cheque of R1 000.00 donated by a company in George (M & H Office Equipment) which was organised by Skumbuzo Alan Mabuto (Skura) The rest of the money was made up by donations from friends and colleagues who used to study at Luxolo Intermediate School.

The Luxolites would also like to say "Thank you to all the people who previously donated money for this cause - without you the project wouldn’t have started, thanks again. We also urge companies/businesses to give back to the community that enriched them, especially Aberdeen businesses".

Mission for 2009
The Luxolites are appealing to all business owners, companies, community, etc. to donate/contribute in any other way they deem fit to help the school, and also to all the people of Aberdeen - please come on-board as this is a great idea of giving back to the community. The costs are in the region of R300.00 per learner.
We also intend to double the contribution and the number of students.
Any person or organisation who wishes to become involved in this project can contact Luvo Jacobs on 079-057-8997 or Samantha Jankovich on 083-409-9196.

Article By: Luvo Jacobs & Samantha Jankovich

Tuinroete Agri Sponsored Learner At Aberdeen Secondary School

Johannes Louw, a 16 year old Grade 10 learner at the Aberdeen Secondary School, has been chosen as the beneficiary of the Tuinroete Agri Group Bursary. On 24 June, Mr Theunis Holthausen on behalf of Agri, presented the Principal Mr Kerneels Kamfer, with a bursary to sponsor a financially disadvantaged and deserving learner with all his/her school criteria. The Principal assisted by the teaching staff made this choice in the new school term.
Johannes Louw is the chosen recipient due to his work ethics and dedicated all round ability to progress academically. Not only is his scholastic record good, his sporting ability at soccer is also progressing well. At present he plays in the local team of ‘Everton United’ under the coach Daniel Pieterse as a midfielder, wearing the ‘Number 6’ jersey. He is a bright and happy young man who is fully aware of the responsibilities that this Bursary carries. Once again Mr Kamfer expressed his gratitude to the Tuinroete Agri Group.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Divu Kilae – Earth And Fire Project Begins In Aberdeen

The kiln arrived in Aberdeen on Friday 16th October for the start of the Divu Kilae - Earth and Fire (Pataphysics) Project. A forklift used to lift the kiln from the delivery truck and drive it into the building area, was provided by courtesy of Chris and Glynnis Luiters of the Aberdeen Brickworks. The cost of bringing a forklift into Aberdeen from an outside source would have been prohibitive.

The Divu Kilae is a skills development project starting in Aberdeen in order to train 32 ceramic sculptors in Ward 1 of the Camdeboo.
The first intake of trainee ceramic sculptors will be next week. The selection of these trainees will be done under the auspices of David Jones, Head of Fine Arts at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and a Senior Assistant.
Research will be done into the local clay, which hopefully will prove suitable for sculpting.

Article By: Joan Tinker

An Unemployed Skilled Wood Craftsman

Dirk Goeieman is a self motivated wood craftsman who is determined to succeed and sustain himself in life by using his skills. He uses wood ‘off cuts’ which he gets from Graaff-Reinet, fir tree cones, large seed pods and papyrus. Dirk carves these different natural materials into model sailing ships, antique cars and different types of birds. Some of his sculptured work is painted to enhance its life like appearance.
Dirk would like to expand the range of carvings he is doing at present, and once he has established himself, he plans to pass on his skills to other presently unemployed people in his area.
Dirk is presently working in Aberdeen on premises where an antique shop will shortly be opening. Here he has an area here in which to develop his art form at no expense to himself.
Dirk has been approaching various companies in Aberdeen to sponsor the tools which he does not have, which are vitally necessary for his work, and is anxiously awaiting a possible sponsorship for tools and paint. In an area where unemployment is so problematic, it is inspiring to have a person such as Dirk Goeieman in our midst.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Diwali ‘Festival Of Lights’ Celebration At The Karoo Moons

Hosts Ernest Rajcumar and Ramsey McCaull

Diwali is celebrated on Amavashya of the Kartik Month, so on Saturday 17th October Ernest Rajcumar and Ramsay McCaull enjoyed the ‘Festival of Lights’ with friends in Aberdeen. Their magnificently appointed private dinning and entertainment area was lit by rows of strategically arranged candle lights, and as the guests arrived, they were presented with vegetarian sweetmeats, coconut slices, and were wished ‘Shubh Diwali’.
In the entertainment lounge, friends relaxed on the long low wonderfully comfortable couches and enjoyed pre dinner snacks in soft candlelight, the relaxed atmosphere created by Hindu music. The custom of exchanging gifts was done at dinner, and each guest received a differently coloured and embroided pashmina.

Guest Carlos De Sousa at The Festival of Lights Celebration

Ramsay and Ernest had prepared spiced vegetarian dishes for the dinner, and this was followed by figs in honey, cheeses and a dessert specialty. Ernest explained that whilst preparing these gastronomic delights, a Hindu prayer had been said, as this was the custom.
This ‘Festival’ is the most popular of celebrations from South Asia by Jains, Sikhs and Hindus. It extends over 5 days and it represents the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

It is also recognized as the welcoming back of Rama and his wife Sita, after Rama had vanquished the demon Ravana. Regardless of the mythological explanation, the ‘Festival of Lights’ today stands as a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the joys of life.
A Diwali saying says it all: “The night is black, kindle the lamp of love with thy love and devotion”.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Secondary School Celebrates Its Grade 12 Learners

Proud Mother and Son Truitjie and Eden Vena of Lotusville

Joleen Williams, Candace Jafta, Mandy Jansen & Janine De Bruyn

Thursday 15th October 2009 was the evening of a final celebration for the Grade 12 learners of Aberdeen Secondary School. The evening began with a car parade which started just outside Lotusville, and wove its way through the central area of Aberdeen to just outside the school gates. Here crowds of Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembaliswize residents and pupils of the school waited to cheer, admire and clap enthusiastically as the Grade 12 learners were driven up to the school gates. As the young ladies alighted from the motor parade, the waiting crowd was enchanted by their elegant attire. The beautiful dresses made of brightly coloured taffetas and satin material with matching corsages, lit up the early evening. The smartly attired young men, most with a tie and shirt to match their partner’s evening gown colour, escorted their partner’s through a waiting aisle of well wishers.

Grade 12 Final Year Learners at the Dance

Arlene Jantjies with Jenabra Frezenburg

Proud parents were waiting at the school entrance to photograph and enjoy this moment, and the excitement of the evening was evident on the smiling faces of all the young people.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Urgent Solution And Maintenance Needed To Save The Water Source Of Aberdeen

An urgent meeting held this evening 14th October 2009, and attended by concerned residents of Aberdeen, could probably prove the only momentum and assistance Aberdeen’s water supply is ever going to get. The meeting was called by the Town’s newly appointed Ward 1 Member of the Ward Committee, Count Nikolas Jankovich-Besan.
In his professional presentation, Jankovich-Besan displayed visual photographs which gave witness to the dreadful decline of the source of Aberdeen’s water “The Eyes” in the Fonteinbos area.
The meeting was held in the Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism Building, and the Aberdeen residents were welcomed by Mr Hilary Graham who introduced Count Nikolas Jankovich-Besan.
The Agenda of this meeting was simply the current reality of what is happening to the water system referred to as the ‘Lei water.’ This system provides private homes with a water flow to their gardens on the eastern side of Aberdeen.
In his address, Jankovich-Besan explained how he researched the water supply, the channels through which the ‘lei water’ runs through Aberdeen, the Fonteinbos Dam and the storm water drainage problem.

Jankovich-Besan explained that there are challenges associated with every aspect of Aberdeen’s water supply. ’The Eyes’, from which the water flows, has four sources of delivery, of which only three are working. The Fonteinbos Dam is three quarters full of silt, and the channels through which the ‘Lei water’ flows is usually full of rubbish. The uncontained storm water flows freely, flooding parts of Lotusville.

To preserve the source of the water at ‘The Eye’, conservation needs to be exercised as trees around this sensitive area are being cut down for firewood. This area also needs to be kept free of sand build up. Ten to twelve years ago, municipal teams kept this area pristine, and this can be achieved again, but pressure needs to be kept on the Municipality, as many of the channels feeding water supply to the town are broken.
Jankovich-Besan stressed that there is a good relationship with the Municipal Manager, and municipal workers are already clearing the water source area.

Important information in a ‘Municipal Budget for 2010’ would shortly be drawn up, and with the assistance of a ‘Lead Water Working Committee,’ which Jankovich-Besan has called this meeting to elect, they could bring pressure on the Municipality to make all the water supply areas to Aberdeen and surrounding areas, one of their top financial priorities. The Committee could amongst other challenges, research the resources of the Municipality.
The response of Aberdeen residents to this working committee is enthusiastic and supportive, and the residents expressed a genuine desire to assist this project in saving all aspects of the town’s water.
Fifteen Aberdeen residents were elected to form the ‘Lead Water Working Committee’ out of which, positions for a formal working committee will be formed. This Committee will meet to form a ‘working document’. The first meeting to form this committee will be held on Wednesday 21st October 2009 at 6pm at the Heritage Archive and Tourism Building.
Aberdeen residents are invited to give handwritten notification of any problems concerning the water flow in Aberdeen to Jankovich-Besan, who also gave an open invitation to all residents to accompany him on an instructive tour of the Fonteinbos area.
The ‘Lead Water Working Committee’ appears to be working under the motto “Let Us Be of Service to One Another”.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Relief Rains In Aberdeen

On Sunday 11th October Aberdeen and surrounding areas experienced a welcome rainfall which seemed to fall consistently throughout the night. This must have brought some relief to the farmers. In areas of Aberdeen, the rainfall measured approximately 21 millimeters. A photograph taken in Aberdeen shows the collection of water on a swimming pool cover. It also has a reflection of the nearby NG Kerk steeple.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Suzette Laux From Palm Beach Florida USA Visits Aberdeen

Suzette Laux who is presently visiting Aberdeen and the nearby Karoo towns, is a trained massage therapist in Cranio-Sacral Therapy. She specialized in this technique at the Upledger Institute, and has worked at the well known Hippocrates Health Institute in Palm Beach Florida for the past seven years. The Hippocrates Health Institute is America’s ‘Premier Health Encounter’, and is instrumental in the treatment of a person’s health crises in all forms. Suzette, who was born in Miami, is of Irish, Austrian and French descent. She also has links to the Huron Indians.
Suzette is also an accomplished sculptress and her sculpture of a three foot high model of St Theresa is beautiful and astonishing in its quality and likeness to the Saint.
Suzette tells of how she has found personal fulfillment by working at the Institute, which can accommodate up to fifty people at a time. Most of the clientele who have health challenges usually stay for a three week period, and it is during this period that Suzette witnesses the extreme health changes and very often recoveries that take place in these people, depending on their health issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, M.S. Cancer and the mental challenges of Vietnam Veterans are all treated by very advanced techniques.
Group vibration therapy and diet changes among many other treatments usually assist in a person regaining health and balance which produces a shift in the body, ultimately giving peace and happiness. Suzette finds an extraordinary satisfaction and pleasure in seeing the release of problematical health challenges in a person in just that three week period.
The Institute has a peaceful environment and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. A large number of their clientele are French Canadians.
Suzette has found Aberdeen to be a unique and beautiful place in the Karoo, ‘a place to be still and yet to be entertained by the beauty of churches and the passion of the people’. She has also found friendliness and likeminded people who have a desire for a simple lifestyle. Suzette will be leaving South Africa shortly, but she has said that she would love to return to the Karoo.

Article By: Joan Tinker