BUSINESS RIGHTS

 

Many residents in Aberdeen have recently expressed concern at receiving notices from the municipality demanding that they change the zoning on their properties. These are mostly residents who the municipality deems to be running businesses from their homes, thus needing to rezone the property to business, or to apply for departure use.

Some of the people concerned do indeed run very profitable businesses from their homes, but the vast majority consists of pensioners who supplement their income by for example baking, sewing, typing, and craft work. A very small percentage of their home is used for business purposes, and thus it seems unnecessarily harsh to compare them with regular businesses. The rezoning impacts on the rates payable, and the water and electricity tariffs charged – business premises pay at a higher rate for all theses services.

When approached for comment by The Advertiser, town planner Oko Mpekula was prepared to look again at this matter, as the impact on other services had not been considered. She is keen to have a public meeting in Aberdeen, to explain all the relevant regulations to those affected, but in the meantime has assured those who are only operating “pocket-money” businesses that they are not the intended target of this crack-down.  However those businesses such as illegal abattoirs, corner shops and scrap metal dealers, which are operating in residential areas, are warned that they must comply with the municipal regulations. It is hoped that this will in fact be enforced, as many of these illegal operations cause considerable inconvenience and disturbance to residents. Many complaints have been laid in this regard to the municipal manager over a long period, but as yet the illegal businesses seem to be able to carry on without any penalty.

 

SINGERS AND MUSICIANS NEEDED

 

Sheila Petersen, who recently returned to live in Aberdeen, is very keen to establish a Village Choir in Aberdeen. Any resident who is interested in joining the group would be most welcome. Petersen is also looking for sheet music of popular and traditional choral works, and anyone who can assist with this is asked to contact her. More information can be obtained from Petersen on 076 725 8027

 

Another Evening of Poetry and Music

Aberdeen Books and Crafts, in conjunction with the NGK in Aberdeen, is presenting an evening of poetry and music on Thursday 8^th March at 6pm for 6.30.  Dinner will be served, cooldrinks will be on sale, and guests are welcome to bring their own wine (and glasses !). The event is being staged in the NGK Church Hall in Aberdeen, and the evening is in aid of Aalwynhof Old Age Home in the town.

Over 30 people are involved in the production, with about 20 actually on stage on the night. Members of the New Apostolic Church orchestra and choir will be performing some well-known works, and the clear soaring soprano of Esteline de Jager will no doubt be one of the highlights of the evening. On a lighter note, the renowned trio of male singers who made their debut at the previous poetry evening will be making another appearance by popular request – ladies get your cameras ready!

This event received very enthusiastic reviews the last time it was held, and is expected to be a sell-out again this year.  Tickets are available from Aberdeen Books and Crafts at R85 per head, or contact Sue on 083 794 2262. Please book soon, as seating arrangements are limited and tend to be difficult  for late comers.  Unfortunately, for this reason tickets will NOT be on sale at the door, and for catering purposes, bookings need to be confirmed by Monday 5^th March. Please note that due to the length of the programme, the evening is not suitable for young children.

 

 

 

NEW DETECTIVES

 

Two new members are working from the Aberdeen detective unit as from 19^th January.

Warrant Officer Derick Erasmus, who grew up in Aberdeen, started with the SAPS in 1990. He spent two years helping out the detective service from 2000 until 2002, before returning to uniform at the police station. He has now been officially placed in the detective service, and is looking forward to the new challenges.

Warrant Officer Delmé Sweetland is originally from Willowmore. He joined the police force in 1991 in his home town, and was transferred to Aberdeen in 1995. He also spent a three year spell with the detective service between 1997 and 2000.

Both men have undergone two months of basic training for the detective service, focusing on the investigation of crime.

Aberdeen is pleased to welcome two more hardworking members of the detective service to help in the ongoing fight against crime

Photo w/o Derick Erasmus (left) and w/o Delmé Sweetland