Calling All Animal Lovers....

To create an understanding of the status quo and provide some background to this appeal, here follows an extract of an article written by Mr Ray Holdt that appeared in the local Advertiser newspaper on Friday 8 January 2010:

Lynn Holdt has been running the Aberdeen Kennels in the belief that promises made by the townsfolk to assist her financially would be fulfilled. However, only one person has honoured their commitment and religiously pays Lynn monthly. It is assumed that promises made by the others obviously don't mean a thing. Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.
The kennels were to close at the end of November but the SPCA volunteered to give a temporary grant of R500-00 a month. This helped in absorbing some of the overflow of boarders from their kennels over the holidays.
As the kennels cannot be run on a single donation, it is obvious that when the SPCA temporary grant ceases, the kennels will close. The talk that the kennels are part of the fabric of Aberdeen is nothing but cheap talk. Come walk the walk with Lynn, putting your hand in your own pocket for the strays of the town, and then we will believe in this fabric.
The word "kennels" does not mean 'a place to house animals'. It means 'a place that is in dire need of repairs' and that means serious cash, not promises that are not honoured. Lynn cannot continue working for free and dipping into her own pocket to support the dreams of those, that a kennel will be available when needed.
She has to date personally paid for urgently needed repairs (R900). The town has a choice - kennels or no kennels. Don't leave it too long, because orice they are closed, they will be vandalised; never to be used again.

The simple truth is that if these kennels close down, there will be no one to care for all the stray and injured animals in the Aberdeen area. A really sad state of affairs to put it mildly. Don't be misled by the word 'kennels' either. Yes, they are at the core of this issue but, as most of the townsfolk already know, Lynn Holdt's welfare work with all types of animals is much more far reaching and includes educating people in the care of their domestic animals and arranging for free sterilizations of animals of the less privileged and extremely cost effective procedures for the owners of pets who can afford to contribute something, to mention but a few. If there's an animal in need in Aberdeen, then Lynn is there.
Funding is desperately needed to repair the kennels and maintenance is always an ongoing task. The monthly costs of just feeding the stray and injured animals housed in the kennels is R800-00. Aberdeen Kennels is hoping for a small grant from council but until then and even thereafter, they need help desperately.
If you can possibly assist no matter where you live, no matter what the amount, it would be greatly appreciated - every bit counts and the animals are not concerned as to who did what or who gave how much - they (and Lynn) are grateful for anything and everything that helps improve the quality of their lives. Aberdeen Kennels is currently being registered as an NPO but the process can take time. In the meantime any donations can be paid to:
Bank: ABSA Bank
Account Holder: RW Holdt
Account No: 9127826542

Global Branch Code: 632005 (For All EFT Transactions)
Reference: ABD Kennels Donation
Thank you. We will keep you up to date here as to the progress of the Aberdeen Kennels.

The Luxolite Project Needs YOU!

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 first Principal.
In 1991, current principal, Mr Jan Mathiale took over the running of the school,not only as principal,but also as teacher and secretary as well – 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 as 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 the successful business people they are today. 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 academic achievement as well as needs. 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 incentivised 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, The Luxolites managed to raise R1000.00 which only sponsored 3 students. As the initiative was only started late in the year, many people were unaware 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 R4000.00 which sponsored 10 students (including the 3 students from the previous year). Inclusive in the R4000.00 was a cheque in the amount of R1000.00, donated by a company in George (M & H Office Equipment) and which was organised by Mr Skumbuzo Alan Mabuto (Skura) The rest of the money was made up of 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 your contributions, the project would never have even got off the ground - thanks again. We also urge companies and businesses to give back to the community that enriched them, especially the local businesses."
Mission for 2009
The Luxolites are appealing to all business owners, companies, communities, political parties, individuals, etc. to make a donation or contribute in any other way they deem fit to help the school and its learners. 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 R400.00 per learner but all contributions are gratefully accepted no matter how much they amount to. It is our intention and goal to double the contributions and thereby the number of learners who will be able to benefit.
Any person or organisation who wishes to become involved in the The Luxolite Project in any way may contact the project coordinator, Luvo Jacobs on 079-057-8997.

Article By: Luvo Jacobs

Aberdeen Publicity & Tourism Office to Move

Volunteers of the Aberdeen Publicity and Tourism Office

Aberdeen Publicity and Tourism Office (APTO) is to move premises next week, due to the expiry of their lease in their current premises at the Karoo Smiles coffee shop on Andries Pretorius Street. They will be moving to share the premises of Aberdeen Books and Crafts at 23 Brand Street, around the corner - a gracious old Victorian house.
APTO was formed about thirty years ago as an agency of the Aberdeen Municipality, and over the years has retained strong links with the municipality and its successor, Camdeboo Municipality. It originally met in a back room of the municipality building, subsequently using the Council Chamber. It then enjoyed free use of the old library building in Grey Street for about fourteen years until about a year ago when Camdeboo Municipality decided to use the building for other purposes.
Mrs Jean Watermeyer, who has been APTO’s chairperson for the last fifteen years, said: “Nowadays, we raise all our own funding, so it is a relief to have found somewhere affordable and suitable.”

Article By: Peter Shaw

Aden Esau Makes Aberdeen Secondary School Proud

Young Aberdeen student Aden Esau achieved the only National Senior Certificate which met with the University requirements for admission to higher education from his school. His meritorious and substantial achievement level has been applauded by Mr Kerneels Kamfer the Principal of Aberdeen Secondary School, who stated that “Aden was a dedicated, obedient learner who is a good example to all and the Aberdeen Secondary School is extremely proud of him”.
Mr Kamfer said that Mrs Marlene Van Rensburg, a coordinator from the Department of Education of the Eastern Cape, was in the process of investigating a bursary for Aden in the form of a teacher’s diploma.
Aden is an extremely mature and thoughtful young man. He is blessed with a vision for the future and the ability to be aware that his community is struggling with unemployment, lack of motivation, illegal drug usage and alcohol abuse amongst the young people, Aden said that the learners had tried hard with their studies, but peer pressure and lack of parental control was a de-motivating factor. He would be very interested in obtaining a qualification in ‘Social Studies’, he feels that with correct knowledge and qualification he might be able to assist his community.

Aden interviewing Casca Graham
from the UK as part of the Kyle Project

During the school holidays Aden worked for the Kyle Project which looked at the branding of the Cacadu Region, for this Aden went to Port Elizabeth for training. His work took the form of gathering information in a questionnaire put to visitors and tourists regarding the seven wonders of the Cacadu Region, and their impact on tourism. Mrs Dallis Graham, who nominated him for the Kyle Project, stated that "Aden is a personable young man who has achieved an incredible feat and deserves all the assistance possible”. Mrs Graham said she saw great things ahead for Aden and that she would be making an application to a University in Johannesburg which is funded by the ‘Dell Family’, Richard Branson and Lord Joffe amongst others. They accept exceptional students. This university has a full campus and educational studies are free.
It is hopeful that this hardworking, clever and talented young man is given the opportunity to further his education towards his interests. Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe need this quality of young emerging talent.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Trained Tour Guides Qualify

Faeeza Mahomed (left) and Thembisa Nonnies have now received their official certificates and badges as trained tour guides. They are presently employed by the Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism Bureau, to whom they are grateful for this opportunity given to them.
After studying for their certification and attending classes in Port Elizabeth under the tutorship of Mrs Shirley Naude, a lecturer for “Drumbeat Academy” and a Port Elizabeth Tour Guide, Thembisa and Faeeza are looking forward to sharing their knowledge with tourists and the general public of Aberdeen, Lotusville and Thembalisizwe.
Part of their studies was to create and present an individual project to Mrs Naude, of a guided tour around Aberdeen and surrounding areas, with an in depth knowledge of all the historical aspects of this area. Their studies also included a theory and practical first aid course, which has been made compulsory by the government for any person undertaking the duty of a tour guide. This course has to be taken again in two years to upgrade and re-qualify.
Whilst in Port Elizabeth, Thembisa and Faeeza were taken on a city tour of all the historical sites, a tour of Algoa Bay and were also shown around the “Kragga Kamma” game reserve.
The Aberdeen Cemetery has been a focal point of their research up to date. They have now achieved a computerized documentation of every grave site in the cemetery, with all available historical details, and this has been fundamental in assisting people world wide in researching their ancestors and soldiers from different countries who were buried here.
The well known author Wendy Van Schalkwyk has been of tremendous assistance to Thembisa and Faeeza. In the first week of December, Wendy took them to visit farms in the Camdeboo area. They were fortunate enough to visit Skietfontein, Eureka, Komskloof, Ouplaas and Karoo Rivier.
Their work is now expanding to other areas, and they are busy identifying historical sites in Thembalisizwe, where they are hoping to gain interest and assistance from the Municipality in maintaining these sites. Glimpses of stories are being revealed to them by local residents as they work at identifying all aspects of this historically rich area. These two tour guides are working industriously at gathering the history of Aberdeen and surrounding areas. All this information is being managed and stored on computers which is being archived and can be shown as a ‘slide show’.

Article By: Joan Tinker