South Africans Worldwide Newsletter

The N!ger!an 4!9 sc@m.

Note from Maureen: Due to the fact that most mail programs will not allow the above to be sent - and will filter it to your trash bin, the following will only be viewable in full on the SAW web site. (www.saw.co.za)

This week I had a personal experience of a attempted N!ger!an 4!9 sc@m. For those readers unfamiliar with that term, it's when the ultra-smooth con-artist faxes a genuine-looking Internet banking funds-transfer to you and that amount does in fact reflect on your Internet banking statement.

Rest of article appears on the web site.

As previously mentioned here, the Avgas shortage that hit us, is now mostly over, except for some outlying areas awaiting stocks. Most odd is the fact that there still has been no mention of the Avgas shortage by the media. It seems suspiciously like a massive cover-up and news-blackout. Maybe this is a harbinger of "things-to-come" when other energy shortages hit us!

This week I paid a "flying-visit" to Pemba in northern Mocambique, where the beautiful overnight hotel was Arab-owned. The hotel is on the beach with a stunning view across the bay. Notable features were the imported-from-Zanzibar woodwork and fittings, particularily in the "hunters" bar, also adorned with many game-mounts.

As there are many islands near Pemba, it is no surprise to learn about the diving and fishing lodges established there. Tourism to area is slowly growing- hence my flight there.

In South Africa, Sunday 14 May was Mother's Day. Much commercial activity was evident to promote business - especially special menus at restaurants. Did you spoil your mother?

Till next week.

Theo

Letters to the Editor TOP

Nothing received this week.

Quote/s of the Week TOP

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them. - Mark Twain. (submitted by Daniel Jan le Roux)

A few things to think about that you probably have never thought about:

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered
assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a
"penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were
buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would
be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake
up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

(submitted by Alana Wyss)

My mother's menu consisted of two choices: take it of leave it. —Buddy Hackett

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once,
and by car forever after. — Peter De Vries

Ad Hoc Article/s of the Week TOP

Proudly SA on the skids

South Africa’s “buy South Africa campaign”, Proudly South African (PSA), is floundering. Hundreds of disillusioned members have withdrawn their annual subscription fees, key staff members have resigned and revenue from founding sponsors has run dry.

The PSA campaign, established in 2001 as a National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) initiative, flowed from the Presidential Job Summit in 1998. It was established mainly to stimulate local demand and create employment by encouraging South African consumers to buy local retail and corporate brands.

Member companies are charged an annual subscription fee of 0,1% of annual turnover, to a minimum of R500 and maximum of R500 000. Offered benefits are branding with the PSA logo, promotional exhibitions, discounted media advertising opportunities and preferential state procurement opportunities.

Read more here... http://www.mg.co.za

SA Inc: Proudly pushing up prices

Scratch a South African industry, it seems, and expose excessive prices over and above what companies would earn in a competitive market.

In fuel, cement, cars, life insurance, telecommunications (both fixed-line and mobile), steel, chemicals, sugar and now banks, this familiar story has emerged in recent months. The companies involved generally report handsome profits over and above their international peers, while their products are uncompetitively priced, hurting exports, jobs and growth.

Excessive pricing has been in the spotlight in recent months as part of the government’s drive to create higher levels of sustainable economic growth.

Read more here... http://www.mg.co.za/

Joy, disappointment as Zuma walks free

There was jubilation and joy in the Zuma camp, disappointment for women's groups and the prosecution and castigation for the media as Jacob Zuma left court a free man after being tried for rape. Johannesburg - There was jubilation and joy for Jacob Zuma and his supporters as he left Johannesburg High Court a free man after his rape trial, disappointment for women's-rights groups and animosity towards the media on Monday.

The former deputy president had been charged with raping a woman at his home last year. When Judge Willem van der Merwe ended a marathon summary with the words, "The accused is found not guilty", Zuma's supporters jumped up and started shrieking.

Read more here... http://www.mweb.co.za

Various parties welcome Zuma apology

The Congress of SA Trade Unions has welcomed Jacob Zuma's apology for having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman.

The trade union federation said it agreed with Judge Willem van der Merwe that "it is totally unacceptable that a man should have unprotected sex with a person other than his regular partner and definitely not with a person who, to his knowledge, is HIV-positive".

The union regretted that the African National Congress deputy president broke the ABC rules - abstain, be faithful, and condomise - which helped prevent HIV infection.

"Cosatu however fully accepts Jacob Zuma's apology and his admission that he 'should have been more cautious and more responsible'," the statement read.

Read more here... http://www.iol.co.za/

Indaba to decide on Zuma future

The national executive committee of the African National Congress will hold a special meeting on Sunday to discuss the future of its deputy president, Jacob Zuma, after his acquittal on a rape charge. "The secretary-general is convening a meeting with the NEC this Sunday, said spokesperson Steyn Speed on Tuesday. When Zuma was charged in December with raping a 31-year-old, HIV-positive woman at his Johannesburg home, he withdrew from the official duties carried by his post, working only as an "ordinary member". He also had been "released" as the country's deputy president by President Thabo Mbeki ahead of his corruption trial in July.

Read more here... http://www.news24.com/

Bits and Bobs TOP

First District 6 Complex Launched

The first new residential complex to be launched in Zonnebloem, Cape Town's former District Six area, has drawn public attention.

A "fascination among Capetonians with the historically significant District Six precinct "which has been through so many ups and downs" was undoubtedly a major factor for the rapid sales at Jansie Moolman's Hanover Village, the first new residential development to be launched in Zonnebloem (District Six) for some time.

This was said by Michael van der Westhuizen, Rawson Properties' City Bowl franchisee, who has handled the marketing and sales of Hanover Village.

Read more here... http://www.property24.com/

South Africans eating more fat

In just over 40 years, South Africans' intake of fat has increased dramatically, with the intake of vegetable oils now being two and a half times more than it was in 1962.

This increase in fat intake, from 61.2g to 79g per day, may be detrimental to the nation's health, especially in terms of chronic disease, according to researchers from the Medical Research Council's (MRC) Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Unit and Burden of Disease Research Unit. Under the leadership of Dr Nelia Steyn, this group of researchers has just published an overview of studies called Dietary changes and the health transition in South Africa: implications for health policy.

"Studies on dietary intake show that the black population is undergoing a transition from a traditional high-fibre, high-carbohydrate intake to a more typically western diet, which has an increased fat and added sugar intake, a lower unrefined carbohydrate intake and an increased intake of animal protein sources and saturated fat," the authors write.

Read the full story on Health24. http://www.news24.com

Cape Power cuts

Controlled power cuts will probably test Capetonians' patience to the limit from the first week of next month. Philip Wahl, the acting regional manager of Eskom's electrical engineers' division in the Western Cape, said on Tuesday Capetonians had been lucky to not experience controlled power cuts since February.

Representatives of Eskom, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape provincial government gave feedback on Tuesday about the repair plan recently put into effect to handle the province's power crisis. Wahl said the demand for power in peak periods on several nights in recent weeks had been higher than the amount available. "Fortunately, Eskom and the city had several ways of managing the excess demand and it wasn't necessary to put controlled power cuts into effect. "The demand for power is increasing now, especially as it is getting darker earlier in the peak period between 18:45 and 21:00.

Read more here... http://www.news24.com/

Get out there and see South Africa

http://www.iol.co.za

The next 25 places of interest:-

26. Ride the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe: Even if you're not a steam buff you'll enjoy the awesome coastal scenery from this narrow gauge steam train.

27. Fly off Lion's Head: Do a tandem paraglider flight into the setting sun. After flying around for a while you land on the lawns in front of La Med for a sundowner. You'll find a couple of operators on www.tourismcapetown.co.za

28. Fly through the trees: A treetop canopy tour will offer you a bird's eye view of the forest - and a bit of an adrenalin rush - as you slide through the trees on a strong steel cable. There are three treetop tours: in the Tsitsikamma Forest, near Stormsriver; at Karkloof in KZN; and off the edge of the Magaliesberg. www.stormsriver.com, www.karkloofcanopytour.co.za,
www.magaliescanopytour.co.za

29. Hot-air ballooning over the Magaliesberg: There is no sillier form of transport but it's so much fun - and the bubbly and lovely breakfast complete the outing. www.balloon.co.za

30. Brewery tour: The KwaZulu Natal "beer route". From SA Breweries to some tiny micro-breweries, this route offers a variety of tastes for beer lovers. www.eshowe.com

31. Learn to surf: Every Capetonian that ever surfed learned at Muizenberg. A handful of good surf schools have sprung up over the last couple of years - try one.

32. Visit your ancestors: The Cradle of Humankind is probably not the actual place where humans evolved. Let's be realistic - it must have happened all over southern Africa simultaneously, but The Cradle is where the evidence remains. www.cradleofhumankind.co.za

33. Tramp through battlefields: The battlefields of KwaZulu Natal are among the most well preserved in the country. Take a self-drive tour using maps, guide books and tapes, all available from the local tourism offices. But if you want a real experience, take a guided tour with raconteur-extraordinaire David Rattray. www.fugitives-drift-lodge.com

34. Hike, ride or paddle around Kosi Bay: Four beautiful lakes, each with its own unique character. Choose between a community run/hike, a canoe trip from one of the lodges, or a horse trail around the lakes. www.zulunet.co.za, www.maputaland.net

35. Sleep under the stars: Anywhere - but the Karoo or the Kalahari are highly recommended.

36. Do the Otter Trail: It's still the most popular hike in the country - if you like the idea but are not into roughing it, do the Dolphin Trail next door. Similar scenery, but it's guided, catered and your luggage is transferred by vehicle. Accommodation is in comfy guest houses with mod cons. www.sanparks.org, www.dolphintrail.co.za

37. Mountain bike Harkerville Forest: Probably the best mountain biking in the world. Gorgeous forest scenery and some of the most fabulous single track. www.gardenroute.co.za/plett/obt/index.htm

38. Sleep in a lighthouse: The National Ports Authority has made a number of lighthouses available as self-catering accommodation. www.npa.co.za

39. Ride an elephant: Elephant ride at sanctuaries near Addo, Plett, Hartebeespoort Dam and Mpumalanga. www.elephantsanctuary.com, www.aframble.com

40. Take the train: It's a once- in-a-lifetime indulgence. Choose between the contemporary Blue Train and the more traditional Rovos Rail. www.bluetrain.co.za, www.rovosrail.co.za

41. Hang out at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe: One of SA's premier climbing spots at Waterval Boven, in Mpumalanga, this immense cliff has over 300 bolted routes. Lessons available. www.rocrope.com

42. Catch a fish: And then put it back! Places to hunt the indigenous yellow fish include Sterkfontein Dam near Harrismith, and the Vaal, near Parys. www.tourettefishing.com, www.tightlines.co.za, www.inkwaziflyfishing.co.za

43. Go to the end of the world! Cape Agulhas is the most southerly point of Africa, and it's here the Indian and Atlantic Oceans officially meet. It's a wild, rugged place - dramatic on a stormy day. Cape Point, is not the official dividing line between anything. But it's a needle-sharp, steep-edged promontory that just seems to divide the world.

44. Walk on the wild side: There is no better way to get close to nature than to walk in big game territory. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Kruger Park, Shamwari. Check out www.kznwildlife.com, www.sanparks.org, www.shamwari.com

45. Get wet: Kloofing is a great way to spend a day. You're in the water most of the time, either swimming, slithering, sliding, lurching or hopping between boulders. In between you're jumping off cliffs, abseiling over waterfalls or - more radically - sliding down them. Try Suicide Gorge or the Steenbras River Gorge (also called Kamakazi Kanyon) near Cape Town, the Kaaimans River near Wilderness, Rainbow or Tugela Gorge in the Drakensberg, or the adrenalin-intensive Mfongosi Gorge near Eshowe. www.abseilafrica.co.za, www.daytrippers.co.za, www.eden.co.za, www.kznwildliife.com, www.eshowe.com

46. Paddle the Wilderness wetlands: The Wilderness National Park is a treasure trove of fan- tastic scenery, wetlands, streams, waterfalls and birds. Do a catered, guided and portaged three-day paddling and hiking trail from the Ebb and Flow Camp. www. eden.co.za, www.sanparks.org

47. Check out the birds: Birds of Eden, near Plett, is the largest free-flying aviary in the world. A little paradise of indigenous forest. www.birdsofeden.co.za

48. Visit the Owl House: Helen Martin's house in Nieu Bethesda is one of the better-known examples of outsider art in the world.

49. Tour Premier Diamond Mine at Cullinan: This mine produced most of the large diamonds in the world - including the mind-blowingly enormous 3 000 carat Cullinan Diamond. www.africa-adventure.org/cullinantours

50. Walk the Wild Coast: Fabulous scenery, endless beaches. The main attraction has got to be the regularly spaced coastal hotels. Trek through really wild terrain during the day and then snuggle up in a nice comfy hotel at night. Treks guided or unguided. www.wildcoastholidays.co.za

[I'd like some feedback on how you liked these 50 places of interest?- Editor]

The Legal Beagle TOP

Nobody requested assistance.

Help Desk TOP

Nobody requested any help.

Where are they now? TOP

Nobody is searching for anyone.

Club and Other News TOP

No news received at time of going to press.

Humour TOP

A woman brought a very limp duck into a vet. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm so sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."

The distressed owner wailed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure, the duck is dead," he replied.

"How can you be so sure," she protested. "I mean, you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room and returned a few moments later with a black Labrador Retriever.

As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog and took it out, and returned a few moments later with a cat.

The cat jumped up on the table and also sniffed delicately at the bird. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said,this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."

Then the vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill which he handed to the woman.

The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill.

"$150!", she cried. "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead?"

The vet shrugged. "I'm sorry. If you'd taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

(submitted by DanielJan Le Roux)

Recipes TOP

Key health benefits of Rooibos Tea

Acts as an antioxidant that slows the aging process, prevents cancer and lowers the risk of cardio-vascular disease. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and have more antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Rooibos is packed full of flavonoids and therefore the antioxidant activity of Rooibos is much stronger than that of black or green tea

Acts as a digestive aid and is anti-spasmodic therefore relieves stomach cramps and colic in babies

Helps manage allergies

Soothes skin irritations when applied directly to the affected area

Replenishes iron levels, therefore is very good for pregnant women

Kilojoule free

Boosts the immune system

Aids health problems like insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension and hypertension

Low tannin content (only1-4%)

No colourants, additives or preservatives

No caffeine, therefore can be drunk by pregnant women

No oxalic acid

Contains copper, iron and potassium

Healthy skin minerals: zinc, sodium, zinc and alpha-hydroxy acid

Contains calcium, fluoride and manganese for strong bones and teeth, Magnesium for the nervous system

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Downsides of Rooibos

None whatsoever as no negative side effects ever reported, therefore Rooibos tea can be drunk freely.

If Rooibos is brewed or boiled for longer than ten minutes, the antioxidant activity becomes much higher.

Do you know where to buy your supply of Rooibos Tea?

Garlic

Key benefits of garlic
Garlic has many health benefits – it reduces blood pressure and also reduces the risk of infection and illness. It may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also reduce the risk of cancer.

How much garlic should you eat?
Two to three cooked cloves of garlic are recommended. If taken in tablet form two to three 300mg tablets are recommended. People on anti-coagulant drugs should only take garlic under medical supervision.

Maximising the benefits of garlic
Garlic is most beneficial if eaten raw. Fierce cooking that disperses the garlic oil will reduce the benefits

Nutritional values of garlic
Calories 9
Per 9g (2 large garlic cloves)
Because garlic is eaten in such small quantities, its contribution to the vitamin, energy and mineral requirements of the body are negligible.

http://www.health24.com/

Sports News TOP

Scott, Immelman share lead

Adam Scott's early surge couldn't separate the Australian from South African Trevor Immelman on Saturday as the two ended the day tied atop the leaderboard at the Byron Nelson Championship.

"It's my best finish on the PGA Tour. I think for me to finish tied for first in one of the strongest fields of the season was a massive step for me to prove to myself that I could do it, especially on a golf course of that stature," Immelman said.

Read more here... http://www.news24.com/

Advertising on South Africans Worldwide TOP

Readers are invited to place adverts on the website, www.saw.co.za as well as place ads in this newsletter, SAWmail.
Costs:
An article about your service or site - R 3000
Your banner - R 3000/month [on SAW home site & run of site]
Ad in SAW-mail- 4 lines of text - R 1000/issue.

[ There are 27 000 subscribers to the Newsletter plus many thousands
of " hits " on the web-site - Ed ]

Reader's Interests or Hobbies TOP

It seems as if no Readers have interests or hobbies to relate. But here in South Africa, we're celebrating Mother's Day.

Treats for Mom
Mother's Day has a strange history. In fact it seems to have originated in the 19th century in Appalachia when a woman called Anna Jarvis tried to organise Mother's Work Days, during the Civil War. The women who participated in these workdays were expected to help improve the sanitation conditions for both the Confederate and Union fronts.

As you can see Mother's Day has evolved a lot since then. I am certain that there would be very few mothers out there who would be happy to be cleaning bathrooms on the day of the year, which is now intended to celebrate motherhood.

So in order to ensure that moms all over do not feel the somewhat ugly roots of Mother's Day taking hold, we're going to give you some ideas to make sure that your mom feels spoiled and special on the 14th.

Breakfast in bed
Yes, it is a great treat, but only if it is done right. Mom is not going to be all that impressed waking up to cornflakes and a 'verlepte' dandelion spread across her tray (ok, maybe she will – but only if you are under 12). So why not give her a little choice? Go out and buy (or make your own) different flavour jams – strawberry, blueberry, apricot – there are endless options. You can present them to her with a stack of steaming toast or a variety of different warm breads and let her decide what it is she feels like. Or you could bring her an assortment of different muffins – from cappuccino to spinach – and let her pick and choose. Also make sure that her favourite freshly squeezed fruit juice is in the fridge.

Brunch
Brunch is a great way to show Mom how much you love her. You can go all out and there is no need to stick to those "breakfasty" foods. Pull out all the stops – breads, cheeses, cold meats, fruits, yoghurts, muffins and even champagne, if you like. And, unlike a breakfast in bed, it is something that the whole family can enjoy together.

Read more here... http://www.food24.com/

Credits and Contact Info TOP

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Editor: Theo Truter
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Disclaimer TOP

The editors, publishers, directors and shareholders of Maesti Web Consulting (being the holding company that publishes SAW) place on record that opinions and comment published in this newsletter are those of the authors, contributors and correspondents.

It should not be construed that we agree or disagree with any of the material. All information about events is published in good faith as received from the correspondents.

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