VAAL DAM. – The place to be from April 27 to 29 is Vaal Marina, Vaal Dam, where popular television programme “MK” will be hosting a spectacular music festival!“MK by die dam” is to be an annual event at the Vaal Dam during April in future.Thirty-three of SA’s best performing artists, all familiar to MK viewers, will be entertaining an estimated crowd of approximately…

Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, recently announced that it had completed the full acquisition of Berco Express, one of South Africa’s leading logistics and transportation companies.
Established in 1992, by Bernard Cox as part of the Berco Group, Berco Express has evolved from a pure courier company to a leading provider of transportation and logistics services, with a significant share of the country’s freight and logistics market. It operates 15 branches throughout South Africa, and employs more than 700 people.
The strategic acquisition of Berco Express follows Aramex’s recent venture into the Chinese market with the launch of the joint venture company with SinoAir, and the acquisition of OneWorld Courier and In-Time Couriers in Kenya in the 1st quarter of this year.
“Aramex has, for some time now, viewed South Africa as a highly attractive market with a business friendly environment and significant growth prospects, and our acquisition of Berco Express, a company that we have long admired for it’s great culture, brilliant management, and leading brand, will introduce exciting growth and development opportunities for us in Africa,” said Fadi Ghandour, Founder and CEO of Aramex.
“We are very happy to be handing over the reins of Berco Express to Aramex, a company that shares our culture and ethics,” says Bernard Cox, outgoing Chairman of the company.
Andy van der Velde, Chief Executive Officer of Berco Express stated that Berco management and staff are extremely excited to join a leading global logistics and transportation solution provider.
He added that Berco’s product offering in South Africa will be even further developed and expanded with Aramex’s full range of solutions.
“Our South African customers will continue to experience the excellent levels of service that Berco is known for.
The full range of services offered by Aramex will be introduced to the South African market, including integrated logistics solutions, international and domestic express delivery, freight forwarding, secure records and information management solutions, and e-services, including e- business solutions and Shop and Ship.
Aramex plans to further expand across Southern Africa with the opening of additional offices and warehouses, while training and developing South African employees to meet the needs of its customers in South Africa and to support the expansion strategy across Africa.
For more information, please visit them on www.aramex.com or follow them on Twitter: @aramex.

Source: vaalweekblad.com

Om ons hiermee te help, het Vaalweekblad by Jackie Venter van JR Venter Attorneys gaan kers opsteek.
Volgens Jackie is skuldberading (debt review), ‘n proses waarby ‘n verbruiker se skuld deur ‘n gekwalifiseerde skuldberader herstruktureer word.
Dit sluit onder meer in lenings, verbande, motorvoertuig finansierings­ooreenkomste, wentelkredietrekenings, ens. “Indien ‘n verbruiker se skuldeisers reeds met regstappe teen hom of haar begin het voordat ‘n skuldberader gekontak is, sal die spesifieke skuld in terme waarvan die stappe gedoen is, nie ingesluit kan word in die skuldberadingsaansoek nie,” sê sy. Verbruikers moet dus vroegtydig aansoek doen om skuldberading. Wanneer ‘n verbruiker ‘n skuldberader kontak om aansoek te doen vir skuldberading, word al sy skuldeisers in kennis gestel dat so ‘n aansoek ingedien is.
Die skuldberader versamel dan inligting by die verbruiker (bewyse van inkomste en uitgawes, ens, asook by die skuldeisers (besonderhede van die kredietooreenkomste, ens.) en ‘n begroting word vir die verbruiker opgestel.
Dit sluit slegs die noodsaaklikste huishoudelike uitgawes in. Die netto balans nadat die noodsaaklike huishoudelike uitgawes gedek is, bepaal dan of die verbruiker oor-belaai is met skuld en of ‘n billike herstruktureringsvoorstel aan die skuldeisers gemaak kan word.
Die skuldberader begin dan om ‘n herstruktureringsvoorstel uit te werk wat tot voordeel van die verbruiker en skuldeiser is.

Herstruktureringsvoorstelle

Herstruktureringsvoorstel word bereken met behulp van rekenaar sagteware wat vir die doel ontwerp is. Dit is ook in die meeste gevalle ooreenkomstig ‘n industrie-ooreenkoms tussen die skuldberaders en die meeste skuldeisers (veral die banke).
Die doel van die voorstel is om die terugbetalingstermyne te verleng. Die verlenging moet egter altyd haalbaar en realisties wees. Die herstruktureringsvoorstel sal ook afhang van die tipe skuld. Die verbruiker moet altyd eerlik wees met die skuldberader.
Die skuldberader stuur dan ‘n herstruktureringsvoorstel aan die verbruiker se skuldeisers, waarna die skuldberader met die skuldeisers begin onderhandel. Die verbruiker is nie betrokke in die onderhandelinge met die skuldeisers nie.
Binne 60 dae vanaf die datum waarop die verbruiker aansoek gedoen het vir skuldberading, moet die skuldberader dit na die landdroshof verwys in die distrik waar die verbruiker woon of werk.
Skuldeisers wat nie die skuldberader se voorstel aanvaar nie, kan dit in die hof beveg.
Die skuldberader word in die hof deur ‘n prokureur verteenwoordig. Die hof kan egter versoek dat die verbruiker ook by die hofverrigtinge teenwoordig moet wees.
‘n Landdros maak dan die finale beslissing oor die billikheid van die herstruktureringsvoorstel. Sodra so ‘n hofbevel toegestaan is, bind dit die verbruiker om betalings stiptelik na te kom in terme van die bevel.
Verbruikers moet seker maak dat die skuldberader geregistreer is by die Nasionale Krediet Reguleerder en gebruik maak van ‘n goedgekeurde betalings-verspreidings-agent.
In hierdie verband kan ‘n verbruiker die Nasionale Krediet Reguleerder self kontak of ‘n plaaslike prokureur. Alle betalings wat deur die verbruiker gemaak word, moet aan die betalings-verspreidingsagent gemaak word. Geen skuldberader mag ‘n verbruiker se geld ontvang en self onder die skuldeisers verdeel nie. Geen verbruiker mag self sy of haar skuldeisers betaal ooreenkomstig ‘n skuldberader se herstruktureringsvoorstel nie. Verbruikers geniet ook nie ‘n “payment holiday” nie. In praktyk word die eerste paaiement van die verbruiker normaalweg versprei na die skuldberader ten opsigte van sy of haar fooi.
Die tweede paaiement word aan die prokureur versprei wat die hofaansoek gaan bring en die derde paaiement (of derde maand), word daar dan reeds aan die skuldeisers verdelings gemaak in terme van die skuldberader se herstruktureringsvoorstel. Wat betref die skuldberader en prokureur se fooie, word hierdie betalings ook deur die betalings-verspreidings-agent versprei aan die skuldberader en prokureur.
Die skuldberader se administratiewe fooie word ook maandeliks deur die betalings-verspreidings-agent gemaak aan die skuldberader.
Sodoende het verbruikers ook die versekering dat slegs die toelaatbare fooie aan die skuldberader betaal word.
Terwyl ‘n verbruiker onder skuldberading is, mag hy of sy geen verdere kredietooreenkomste aangaan nie.

Sodra sy skuld afbetaal is, vra die skuldberader namens die verbruiker bevestiging van die skuldeisers aan dat die rekenings wel betaal is. Die verbruiker sal dan van ‘n sertifikaat ter bevestiging voorsien word.
Enigeen wat meer inligting verlang, kan ‘n e-pos stuur aan jrvattorneys@gmail.com

SASOLBURG. – Objectophilia is ‘n sindroom waar mense wat daaraan ly, smoorverlief raak op lewelose voorwerpe.

Diegene wat glo dit is menslik onmoontlik, het verseker nog nie ‘n Vetkoek Chef vetkoek geproe nie.
Quintin en Vic het hierdie hemelse vetkoekparadys in September 2009 geopen en kon sedertdien nie hulle hande uit die deeg hou nie. Die Vetkoek Chef het elke tipe vetkoek waaraan jy kan dink, en nog meer. Van jou normale vetkoek en maalvleis, tot ‘n ‘pig-en-chick’ vetkoek wat jou sal laat kwyl vir nog.
Hulle maak ook vetkoek ‘platters’ vir enige geleentheid, asook vinger-ete vetkoekies en Belgiese slaptjips.
Al hulle deeg en ander bestanddele word daagliks vars gemaak.
Hulle vetkoeke word gebak in palmolie wat 100% cholesterolvry is. Hulle ‘regular’ vetkoeke is +- 10cm x 13 cm en hulle ‘large’ vetkoeke is ‘n allemintige 20cm x 26cm groot. En die prys is nie net billik nie, dit is verspot goedkoop vir die vetkoek wat jy ontvang. Die eienaars is die hele tyd op die perseel om seker te maak die vetkoeke wat jy kry, is van die hoogste gehalte. Jy kan julle sommer skakel as jy ‘n bestelling wil plaas en dit dan net kom haal.
Die Vetkoek Chef skuif einde Maart na ‘n nuwe perseel en sal vanaf 1 April in hulle nuwe perseel langs Sasolburg Voer en Saad in Riemlandstraat wees. Hulle besigheidsure is van 9:00 tot 18:00 Maandag tot Vrydag en 9:00 tot 14:00 op ‘n Saterdag. Hulle kan by  (016) 973 3867   gekontak word.
Volgende jaar word daar ‘n nuwe winkelsentrum op die perseel ontwikkel en Vetkoek Chef het besluit om reeds deel te word daarvan. Daar gaan nege winkels wees, so hou die hoekie dop om te sien wat daar gebeur.
Hulle nuwe bure, Sasolburg Voer en Saad, is net die plek om al jou voer, saad en ander benodigdhede soos bakke en troeteldierspeelgoed ens. aan te skaf. Hulle spesialiseer in alles vir troeteldiere, vee voer. Hulle het voer vir mense wat met braaikuikens boer, varke, beeste, perde en skape. Hulle hou Epol en High-Performance voer aan, so kwaliteit is gewaarborg.
Hulle het ook ‘n groot verskeidenheid sade vir alle tipe voëls beskikbaar. Jou honde en katte, van baba tot volgroeid, se kos, speelgoed en ander be nodigdhede kan ook hier gekoop word. Soek jy bale? Vierkantig, rond, lusern, tef of eragrostis? Wel, hier’s jou antwoord. Sasolburg Voer en Saad hou dit aan. Hulle het ook AV Plus produkte vir voëls, hamsters en marmotte. Hulle het ook allerhande medisyne vir vee en gifstowwe vir miere, kokkerotte, termiete, muise ens.
As jy ‘n gesoute hengelaar of selfs net ‘n sosiale een is, kom koop jou visvang muti by Sasolburg Voer en Saad. Pensioenarisse kry afslag. Chris en Roxanne besit die onderneming vir die afgelope jaar en ‘n half en as jy enige vrae/bestellings het kan jy hulle by  076 913 3232  of   082 950 4547 kontak.
Hulle besigheidsure is 9:00 tot 17:15 Maandag tot Vrydag en Saterdag van 9:00 tot 13:00.

Park Paneelkloppers is ‘n familie-onderneming wat begin is op 1 Nov 1967 deur mnr. Gerhard Schuhknecht en sy eggenote, mev. Marie Schuhknecht.

Deur die verloop van tyd het die kinders en nou ook die kleinkinders by die onderneming aangesluit. Park Paneelkloppers het nog altyd gestrewe om ‘n hoë standaard te handhaaf en glo dat die kwaliteit van jou werk jou sal adverteer.
“Ons kliënte sal altyd ons eerste prioriteit wees. Die sukses van die onderneming word toegeskryf aan die feit dat ons glo eerlikheid en integriteit die fondasie van ons onderneming is. Ons sukses is ook natuurlik te danke aan ons hemelse Vader, want sonder Hom sal dit nie moontlik wees nie. Ook wil ons graag ons wonderlike personeel bedank vir hul harde werk. Ons is baie trots op julle en saam maak ons ‘n gedugte span uit. Baie van ons personeel is al 20 jaar en langer in ons diens,” sê hulle.
Die onderneming probeer ook om alle aankope binne die Vaaldriehoek te hou en aankope te doen met verskaffers wat al ‘n BEE gradering het om sodoende die plaaslike ekonomie te help stimuleer.
“Ons wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om al ons getroue kliënte, versekeringsmaatskappye, makelaars en motorhandelaars te bedank vir hul volgehoue ondersteuning deur die jare,” sê hulle.

The New Companies Act 2008 is the third Companies Act of South Africa. A good 47 years distanced the first and the second and it has taken another 35 years before the repeal of the second Act. During those interim times changes were made to the Act and it would be wrong to think that the same Act promulgated 35 years ago lasted in its original format until 2008.

In 1994 the country changed drastically and the Constitution became the supreme law of the country.
All law is now subject to the Constitution. It is in the light of this major change, that it is inevitable that some of our statutes will eventually have to undergo a complete makeover; disregarding a process of ongoing surgery.
Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine and Country South Africa says that the underlying message of the new Companies Act is to make provision for small, medium and large companies to be incorporated without creating too many “legal vehicles” for incorporation.
This alone makes it more user friendly for the layman who is doing business with all the different legal personas and it will also be easier to educate the younger people regarding such juristic personalities.
The Act does not make provision for the formation of any new Close Corporations (although existing ones remains in operation) – this is a clear indication that small business is invited to utilise the legal persona of a company to do business.
Membership of the old Close Corporation entity was restricted to only 10 people – which limits the small company when it is on its way up and out of the blocks.
In light of the Constitution, the purpose of the New Act is to promote compliance with the Bill of Rights when company law is applicable. The Act specifies that one of the purposes is to re-affirm the economic and social benefits of companies.
With corruption thriving in our country, some common-law provisions have been partly encoded and the duties and liabilities of directors are made clear.
In the second addition of the book ‘Companies and other business Structures’ (by Dennis Davis, Farouck Casim and Walter Geach) the writers comment expressly that the drafters of the Companies Act 2008, followed the dti policy document and the NEDLAC agreement.
A balance was achieved: on the one hand creating a flexible regulatory environment that eases the burden on entrepreneurs and others who wish to take advantage of incorporation; and on the other hand, regulation that holds the corporation and its office bearers accountable to the interest bearers they are directed to serve.”
Erasmus says that already there is less documentation to be completed when incorporating a company.
One of the changes and also one of the earlier objectives of the dti is to include a statutory provision that will guide the duties and liabilities of directors of companies; this will make directors more accountable to shareholders.
Whilst many of the provisions of the 1973 Act has been included without any change, Erasmus believes that the focus on the New Companies Act will bring about some respect for the Memorandum of Incorporation of companies, the fiduciary obligations of directors as well as the obligation of care, skill an diligence which faded away as time went by.
The New Act should be embraced to get the maximum advantage for your business and the positive consequences will be seen in the years to follow, says Erasmus in conclusion.

New Act to encourage business activity

Taking note of our rainbow nation, the lawmaker has indeed got a point when aiming to produce a statute that enhances the simplicity of business incorporation in South Africa.
This is indeed a modern approach to create an environment where business is brought much closer to home.
One of the purposes of the Act is to encourage business activity and entrepreneurship with less “red tape”; making it easier to incorporate a business; whether it is Big Business or Small Business.
The specific change to the number of persons needed to incorporate a company (being one) and an unlimited number of shareholders is a welcome change to uncomplicated the starting up of business.
On the other hand, regulation cannot be abandoned and a good balance has to be achieved between enhancing entrepreneurship and protection against failure.
Business and Society has also given their input in the New Companies Act, making sure that the end product is a law with a ‘user-friendly connotation’ – if there is such thing.

The meeting to celebrate the birth of the collaboration, bringing together the local stakeholders for the development of the economy in the region, was hosted at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall, Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on March 7.
The Economic Research Unit analyses economic variables like water, electricity, refuse removal, sanitation, communication, technology, housing and health and their link to the level of poverty, ascertain progress the government has made toward improving the lives of communities.
In his keynote address, Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe says the government is upgrading sanitation infrastructure to unlock the development investment in the region.
“The government encourage the involvement of the business in the implementation of key projects that will have an impact on the delivery of public services,” says Nkomfe.
VUT acknowledges its role as a partner in the development of the South African society. Vice chancellor Professor Irene Moutlana adds that, as part of the engagement, VUT seeks continuous alignment with government, business, communities and other identified target groups in order to respond to different needs pertaining to various sectors.
The chairperson of the Sedibeng Business Forum, Mr Ian van Ravesteyn, says not all is doom and gloom in the SMMEs.
There is a high possibility that one can still make improvements in business.
The aim of the forum is to work closely with growing businesses, especially those that have not registered.
He says people are not aware that there is potential in the business.
Among the stakeholders from the government department was Councillor Chaka Radebe, Emfuleni MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Councillor Maipato Tsokodibane, Sedibeng MMC for Local Development and Planning.

VEREENIGING. – Gauteng municipalities represented by members of the mayoral committees (MMCs) hosted a knowledge-sharing session aimed at promoting the functionality of the Local Economic Development (LED) forum.

The forums are the mechanism for inclusive planning at the local scale where all shareholders can agree on a common economic vision for the local scale.
Forums
The forums hosted at the Vaal Technorama Museum on March 16, were informed by the assessments conducted by the South African Local Government Association (Salga) Gauteng on the numbers of existing forums, their level of functionality and the support required to sustain the operation of LED formus.
Themed ‘Promotion of LEDs as vehicles of inclusive planning’, they will help to develop any possible structure-programme while the outcome-report is disseminated among municipalities for future reference.
The objective of the forum was to promote and raise the profile of the LED forum, and information-sharing on establishing and managing their functions.
To demonstrate Best Practices models and develop guidelines for establishment and functionality. The LED forum will enable proper communication and regular contact between the LED role-player and stakeholders within the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).
Cohesion
Parties develop their understanding of the dynamics in the local economy and what is required to maintain competitiveness and social cohesion.
“This ultimately improves the market and public confidence in building loyalty which is very key for attracting investment and building loyalty to local areas necessary for the local economy.’
In his keynote address Emfuleni MMC for LED and Development Planning and Tourism Khulu Malindi said Emfuleni has made remarkable strides by establishing a forum that embraces local business and has been able to facilitate collaboration and access other institutions. It was recommended that Salga’s establishment of the private-public partnership can also serve as a vehicle for broader community structures to participate and influence patterns of development.
Attendants
Among people who attended the function were Professor A Louw, chairperson of the Institutions for Higher Learning Forum, Ms N Twala (Economic Development Planning: Salga Gauteng), Dr Hein Wiese (Emfuleni LED), Mr S Biyela, manager LED and Tourism Emfuleni, Leticia Naid (Project and Business Development Manager and Centre for Municipal Research Advice) and Mike Mkwela, coordinator: Planact.

VANDERBIJLPARK. – Companies, institutions, government entities and businessess in the Sedibeng District were thanked for their contribution towards the area during the PMR Awards which was recently held. The survey is done by PMR Africa and the purpose is to profile the area as a growth point and potential investment area for foreign and local developers and investors.

Interviews were conducted during August, September and October last year according to the following criteria:
* Companies/institutions that have done most to enhance the economic growth and development of the district over the past 12 months and who have demonstrated exceptional managerial and corporate governance qualities during the same period.
The most impressive new property developments (built within the past two years), were also appointed as well as the most exciting/interesting heritage sites or historical buildings. The most effective South African Police Service stations in the district were also awarded.
Institutions, casinos and entertainment centres, radio stations and newspapers, municipalities and educational institutions, executive guest houses, executive hotels (4 and 5 stars), executive restaurants and golf courses were also thanked for the role they played in improving the district.

Mr Johan Hattingh, Chief Executive Officer of C.J. Hattingh & Sons t/a PMR.africa hands a PMR Award to the Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality, Cllr Mahole Simon Mofokeng.

VANDERBIJLPARK. – PMR.africa is a division of C. J. Hattingh & Sons, a consultancy, management and research company, based in Northcliff, Johannesburg.
PMR.africa publishes a monthly business journal and on the website www.pmrafrica.com.
The survey on the Sedibeng District is not commissioned research, but is a PMR.africa initiative.
According to Mr Johan Hattingh, Chief Executive Officer, C.J. Hattingh & Sons t/a PMR.africa, it is PMR.africa’s objective to brand the district as an area with huge potential and to promote the district as a unique area for existing and potential business.
The purpose of the initiative is to recognize excellence in the district across all the major industry sectors.
It is PMR.africa’s objective to conduct the survey on an annual basis in the district.
PMR.africa wants companies to use their PMR.africa awards to acknowledge and thank all their personnel and members of staff for their hard work and for contributing to establish winning companies. After all, there is a successful team behind each successful and highly-rated company and institution,” he said.

Uwe Schmidthaus, who lives along the banks of the Klip River in Henley-on-Klip and enjoys the river rapids, especially when in flood, hurtles through the approaches to rapid number 1 on the mighty Umkomaas River in Natal

HENLEY-ON-KLIP. – The mighty Umkomazi River that churns through the gorges from the highest peaks of the Drakensburg, is a river highly respected by canoeists throughout South Africa, many of whom are intimidated by the massive waves that can swallow a double boat whole.
The 2012 Stihl Umkomaas River Canoe Marathon was run on the weekend of March 17 and 18 between Ixopo and Richmond.
It was a distance of some 67kms with the top canoeing achievers from throughout South Africa attempting the race to win the title of King of Umko.
The river is highly graded, as it is recognised to be the Zambezi-type river of South Africa so wearing of helmets is compulsory, while the participants frequently discuss wearing double-lifejackets or spraydecks when the water is high.
The 230 boats, mostly doubles, saw the paddlers battle their way through the low Umkomazi river gorges, as the recent weeks’ rains failed to fall in the catchment area.
Paddlers used their top manoeuvring skills to wind between the massive waves of the mighty river.
Uwe Schmidthaus enjoys the mighty river rapids and is often found on the Klip River when the river levels are high between Daleside, Meyerton and Three Rivers.
The call of the mighty Umkomaas was too strong to resist.
He finished the race in a single canoe in 17th position out of some 22 singles that participate; he did it in 17 hours and 14 minutes.

The nationwide search for the most outstanding women in South Africa to be honoured with the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award is on!

With this competition the main aim remains to identify exceptional and visionary women who have achieved in their own fields with the determination and foresight to make an impact on the future of many fellow South Africans.
Launching the awards, Brian Weyers, Director of the Shoprite Group, said it is a privilege to see and experience the wealth of achievement this award manages to gather year after year.
“The enormous and unselfish contribution of women to South African society is a powerful force that changes the lives and destiny of others. It is therefore very important for the Shoprite Group to continue to recognise their work,” he said.
All South Africans are invited to participate by nominating those women with a vision on the future and who makes our nation proud in five categories, namely: Health Care-Givers, Educators, Socio-Economic Business Developers, Good Neighbours Against Crime and Youth Movers.
The winners will be awarded individual prize-money and the Shoprite Group will also give R100 000 towards the work they do for a better future.
Furthermore the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award will honour an esteemed South African who – during her or his lifetime – has inspired generations. The public will be asked to nominate the Lifetime Achiever who will receive R100 000 to donate to a cause which the recipient believes will better the lives of South Africans.
The closing date for nominations is Thursday, April 26, and South Africans who would like to nominate candidates can simply visit their nearest Shoprite or Checkers store to collect entry forms. Information on the Award will also be published in Huisgenoot, You and Drum from the beginning of March until the winners are announced.
Those with access to the internet can nominate online on the Award’s official website www.womenoftheyear.co.za. They can also make contact with the Award organisers by e-mail on womenoftheyear@shoprite.co.za or  021 980 4285  or   021 980 1570
After the nationwide search campaign, the Award culminates in a spectacular gala evening in July at Emperors Palace in Gauteng to announce the winners. This dazzling event will be broadcast during on Wednesday, 8 August on Mzansi Magic, DSTV. The programme will be re-broadcast on the following day on Women’s Day, 09 August.

SASOLBURG- In its continued commitment to the contribution of the development and growth of our country’s youth, Sasol has sponsored the Free State Primary and Secondary schools athletics championships for the 33rd year. Each year the events’ participation grows in numbers and today, more than 5000 athletes compete in the various stages of elimination.

The Free State Province is proud that this sporting code excelled with regards to participation of all learners over a broad spectrum – taking into consideration the opportunities that come with mass participation, it provides the opportunity of self-development and participation on a level of excellence.
Five districts form part of the Free State Province. The District team then participates in the Free State Championships, where the overall Free State team is selected for participation at national level.
“We are very fortunate to had the sponsorship and support of Sasol over the years. There is no other province in South Africa that has such a fantastic sponsorship relationship,” says Wimpie Lodewyk, Chairperson of the Free State Schools Athletics. Sasol’s General Manager: Corporate Affairs Sasolburg, Dr Ivor Zwane, says that athletics provides suitable opportunities for interaction and social cohesion within our diverse society. Sasol is a firm supporter of healthy living and encourages the youth to participate in sport. “We continue to support this initiative as we are touching the lives of the youth from both privileged and previously disadvantaged backgrounds. It is wonderful to see that the number of athletes that participate grows, each year and each of them continues to strive to be the best that they can be. For us, it is a pleasure to reward champions and future sporting heroes of South Africa,” says Zwane.

Once again both the Primary and Secondary Free State Athletics Championships took place at the DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg this year. The Primary Schools competition took place on Saturday, March 10 and the Secondary Schools competition was held on March 16 and 17. Athletics in the Free State province is clearly very healthy if one looks at all the records that were broken at this year’s tournaments, especially at Secondary Schools level.

Many a record was smashed at this year’s tournaments, some even by the bronze and silver medallists. In the Primary Schools competition a total of 23 records were broken and in the High Schools competition, an astounding 37 records were broken by this year’s participants.