South Africans Worldwide Newsletter

Dear Readers

My apologies for not having produced a newsletter for Monday 28 August and since then-but due to my flying work-related circumstances for that whole weekend and the past weeks, doing any collating or editing proved impossible. It was quite a hectic month. Not complaining! I even managed to complete an advanced First Aid Course to complement my Medical Evacuation Flight duties [more for background comprehension than actual rendering of First Aid].

On the bonus side, I’ve managed to have my spouse join me and at last the domestic side of things are again running smoothly and she’s happy here too![despite the many ‘prophets-of-doom that expressed dire predictions].

Once again the power of the Internet, coupled with this SAW Newsletter, has brought me in contact with long-lost friends and even a cousin, with whom I last had contact in the late seventies - at the passing of his mother [he emigrated to the USA]. They generally ask "Is that the same Theo we met during the year dot in South Africa?"

So I re-iterate to all Readers that through the SAW Newsletter one can indeed find friends and family again. Just use the free resources!

For those Readers living in the Southern Hemisphere, Spring has officially arrived now. Although Southern Africa has experienced one of the harshest winters in decades, at least spring flowers and new growth abounds in the warmer parts already!

Of interest to some may be that severe floods that occurred in the Garden Route and the Port Elizabeth areas. The Outeniqua Pass between George and Oudtshoorn as well as the Kaaiman's River bridge between George and Wilderness, were closed due to severe wash-aways. Then snow-falls with ice forced the temporary closure of several Cape and Eastern Cape road-passes, for short periods. Now on this weekend the Indian Summer conditions are busy giving way to yet another cold front which is sending temperatures down drastically.

Final gasp! On my only available weekend, there was a cut-off of the broadband connection at my work, so that put paid to my hopes of publishing the newsletter then. Oh well! Let's hope you all understand ....?

'Till next time.

Letters to the Editor TOP

On 2006/09/14, you wrote:

Hi,

Is there a problem,I have not received my SAW since 8/10/06 ?

Betty Hague

__________________________________

Hi Betty

Theo has had a lot of problems recently getting his mail and getting to the Internet. He hopes to have a new issue out for this coming Monday.

Regards

Maureen
Editor-in-Chief

Quote/s of the Week TOP

If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.
-- Bruce Barton

Your first appearance, he said to me, is the gauge by which you will be measured; try to manage that you may go beyond yourself in after times, but beware of ever doing less.
-- Jean Jacques Rousseau

Set all things in their own peculiar place, and know that order is the greatest grace.
-- John Dryden

..it is as hard to do your duty when men are sneering at you as when they are shooting at you.
-- Woodrow Wilson

Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived. Truth is the child of time; erelong she shall appear to vindicate thee.
-- Immanuel Kant

Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone.
-- The Dhammapada

The spirit in which a thing is given determines that in which the debt is acknowledged; it's the intention, not the face-value of the gift, that's weighed.
-- Seneca, Letters to Lucilius, 100 A.D.

From:- http://www.quotationspage.com/mqotd.html

Many aspects of human sexuality are very puzzling.
Take celibacy.

This can be a choice in life, or a condition imposed by environmental factors.

While attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend, Bill and Mary listened to the instructor declare

"It is essential that husbands and wives
know the things that are important to each other."
He addressed the men.
"Can you each name and describe your wife's favourite flower ?"

Bill leaned over, touched Mary's arm gently and whispered,
"Self raising,isn't it ?"

Thus began Bill's life of celibacy

From Daniel Jan le Roux

Ad Hoc Article/s of the Week TOP

Here's the good news: SA tourism made R53bn

Almost 7,4 million tourists contributed more than R53-billion to the South African economy in 2005, according to the annual report on South African Tourism which was released last week.

The biggest overall contribution to tourism direct spend in South Africa came from Mozambique.

Altogether 596 462 Mozambiqueans visited South Africa, and spent an average of R18 200. This means that their overall contribution was almost R11-billion. The number of visitors from Mozambique increased by almost 68 percent from 2004.
Read more...

http://www.int.iol.co.za

Safety concerns aired on launch of pilot plan

Sheena Adams September 16 2006 at 12:43PM

South African Airways is on the brink of introducing a radical new pilot training programme, which will see trainees taking their place as co-pilots after 70 hours actual flying time.

The bulk of the training - 250 hours - will take place in flight simulators, which allows trainers to slash actual flying hours in a real aircraft by more than half. SAA spokesperson Jacqui O'Sullivan has confirmed the details of the new programme.

The cost-cutting initiative is part of efforts by the national carrier to introduce more black people into its pilot ranks.

Called a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is currently drawing up programme standards and regulations, which could be ready in mid-2007, according to Captain Colin Jordaan, general manager of SAA's flight operations.
Read more...

http://www.iol.co.za/

Number portability postponed - again

Thabiso Mochiko 15 September 2006 at 06h00

Johannesburg - The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) has postponed the deadline for the implementation of mobile number portability (MNP) a second time, from next Monday to November 10.

Mobile number portability allows cellphone subscribers to switch networks but retain their numbers.

But Icasa chairman Paris Mashile said yesterday that the regulator would impose financial sanctions if network operators did not meet the new deadline. He did not give details of the sanctions that could hit Cell C, MTN and Vodacom.

Read more...

http://www.ioltechnology.co.za

NPA take tough line on drunken driving

By Fiona Gounden September 16 2006 at 01:59PM

The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) has declared war on drunken driving and laggards within KwaZulu-Natal courts to make sure the backlog of convictions is brought under control.

In this latest development, the NPA has ruled that drunken driving cases should not be older than six months and it is pulling out all stops, including assigning a specialised task team to conduct investigations into "problem areas" and to make sure the backlog is brought under control.

This comes after statistics from the NPA revealed that on average there are 25 convictions a month for drunken driving in KwaZulu-Natal. Traffic authorities were disappointed at these figures as an average of 125 drivers are charged a month.
Read more...

http://www.int.iol.co.za/

Business confidence rises

Published 14/09/2006

Business confidence rose in the third quarter of this year, with the RMB/BER BCI increasing by 3 index points to 85. This means that 85 out of every 100 respondents were satisfied with business conditions during the quarter. The index is now roughly back to where it was for most of 2005/early 2006, and is just shy of the 23-year high recorded in the last quarter of 2004.

Driving the third-quarter increase was improving confidence in new vehicle and wholesale trade - both indices are now back above the 90 mark. Business confidence was unchanged in the building and retail sectors at very high levels (87 and 84 respectively). In the case of manufacturing, confidence dipped by 2 index points to 67 - still high in comparison with four years ago, when activity had been boosted by a weakening rand. That said, a reading of 67 remains around 20 index points lower than the other sectors included in the RMB/BER BCI.

Read more...

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za

Countdown to 2010 "-Construction starts on Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,

Published 14/09/2006

Port Elizabeth, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, has turned the first sods of soil for a new stadium that will help host the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

The five-tier, R1.1 billion Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be built overlooking the North End Lake, at the heart of the city. It is one of three coastal stadiums being built in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With a capacity of 50 000 spectators, it will host five first-round matches, one second-round, one quarter-final, and the third-place playoff.

The South African Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhenkesi Stofile, was present for the auspicious occasion and reminded all present to be extremely vigilant when it came to the construction of their stadium as it needed to adhere to FIFA's strict requirements. He also expressed the hope that the stadium would be completed in time for the FIFA inspection team to decide on the host cities for the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009.

This is the first time a world-class football stadium will be built in the Eastern Cape Province, where, previously, projects of this nature would only have been undertaken for Rugby Union. The stadium boasts 150 VIP suites, 60 business suites, a sports clothing shop, gymnasium, 500 parking bays, plus lecture and function rooms, and is scheduled for completion in December 2008.
Read more...

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/

Bits and Bobs TOP

Aus to toughen citizenship laws
2006-09-16
Sydney - A lawmaker in Prime Minister John Howard's conservative government on Sunday recommended tightening Australia's citizenship requirements, saying the national identity was under threat.
Andrew Robb, the parliamentary secretary for immigration, on Sunday released a discussion paper recommending that all would-be citizens pass a compulsory test assessing their English skills and knowledge of Australian history, values and customs.

The paper also recommends that the waiting period for becoming a citizen be raised from three years to four.

"Australian citizenship is a privilege. It ... gives us our identity. It tells who we are, where we fit in the world," Robb told the Nine television network. "It is a unifying force in Australia and if we give it away like confetti it is not valued."
Read more...
http://www.mweb.co.za/

BA to increase flights to SA before 2010

September 15, 2006

British Airways (BA), which will have two flights a day from London to Cape Town and Johannesburg from next month, would build up the number between now and 2010, Steve Harrison, the airline's regional manager for Africa, said yesterday. BA will also increase the number of seasonal flights to Cape Town.

But the number of extra flights would "depend on what SAA does. We don't want to put on more than the market demands. There is a case for more flights to Johannesburg."
SAA has not increased its flights to the UK for three years because of restrictions on popular slots at Heathrow. - Audrey d'Angelo, Cape Town

http://www.busrep.co.za/

Zim inflation hits new record

September 15, 2006

The annual rate of inflation in Zimbabwe reached a new record high of 1,204.6 percent in August, the central statistics office announced on Friday.
The announcement of the new rise came after slight falls in the rate for June and July, which had raised hopes by central bank chief Gideon Gono that a corner had been turned in the fight against the "inflation dragon".
The previous high of 1,193 percent was recorded in May.
The southern African country's annual inflation rate has been on a rollercoaster ride since December 2004 when it shot up to 622.8
percent.

Zimbabwe's economy has been on a downturn for the past seven years, dogged by runaway inflation and massive unemployment. At least 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty threshold. - Sapa-AFP

http://www.busrep.co.za/

South Africans put pedal to SUV metal

Percy Zvomuya 01 September 2006 11:44

Sales of SUVs -- sports utility vehicles -- may be plummeting in markets such as the United States and United Kingdom as higher fuel prices begin to bite, but not in South Africa, where sales are at record levels.

From more than 2 000 units sold in August 2004 there has been a gradual upsurge in the sales recorded to a two-year high of mroe than 3 600 units in March of this year. The second quarter has seen sales hover around the 3 000-units mark. The month of July recorded 3 151 sales.

Figures show a 5,5% year-on-year increase. This is less spectacular than the 35% sales growth recorded in small vehicles during 2005, but against the trend in the US where General Motors is scaling down SUV and truck production and in the UK where SUV sales are falling for the first time in years.

Read more...

http://www.mg.co.za/

The Legal Beagle TOP

Immigration Question. 9/11/2006

I would like to find out what the situation is regarding parents and them immigrating to Australia.
We have permanent residence. If my parents were wanting to come over to Australia permanently to live with us, what have we to do ? Do we have to become citizens to sponsor them? How do we sponsor them ?
Do we have to sponsor them or can they apply on their own ? What are the requirements for their entry ?
If they [ I sincerely wish… ] are loaded could they buy their way in ?

I’m asking these questions because my father is unwell and they’re looking at all the possibilities if they are left on their own, can the surviving relative come over to Australia to live with me ?
It’s not a prospect I like to think about but it is worth knowing your options.

I look forward to your reply, thanking you in advance.
Kind regards
Heather Rolls
robertro@netspace.net.au

This question relayed to our Legal Beagle and now awaiting his reply to publish soon-Ed

Help Desk TOP

Nobody asked for help.

Where are they now? TOP

No-one is looking.

Club and Other News TOP

nil

Humour TOP

A group of senior citizens were sitting around talking about
their ailments: "My arms are so weak I can hardly hold this
cup of coffee," said one.

"Yes, I know. My cataracts are so bad I can't even see my
coffee," replied another.

"I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck,"
said a third, to which several nodded weakly in agreement.

"My blood pressure pills make me dizzy," another went on.

"I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an
old man as he shook his head.

Then there was a short moment of silence...

"Well, it's not that bad," said one woman cheerfully. "Thank
goodness we can still drive!"

from: http://www.cleanjokes.com

Recipes TOP

This is an easy and very tasty recipe that my husband, Captain Ken, says is one of the best things I have ever cooked for him! Hmmm. You can decide for yourselves!

Enjoy! from Maureen Cram

Cheezy bean enchiladas

1 red onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 red pepper chopped
2-3 cloves garlic minced
1 stalk celery chopped finely
1 Tbs canola oil
1 can or equivalent cooked black beans (or other beans if you prefer)

Cheeze sauce:

Make white sauce using:
3 Tbs margarine
3 Tbs all purpose flour
Soy milk/cow milk enough to make a thick sauce (must be very thick)

and add the following:

1 Tbs tahini
1Tbs fresh lemon juice
1 tsp spicy mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion granules
¼ tsp garlic granules

(or you can make/use dairy cheese sauce and omit the lemon juice, salt, tahini and nutritional yeast)

1 container Woolies enchilada sauce with spice in the top
Hot salsa to taste (optional)
6 Pick n Pay small size wraps (one package)
Grated soy or cow cheese for topping

Fry the veggies in the oil until softened. Add the cooked beans and the spice with the extra salsa if you like it more spicy.

Add the thick sauce and mix well.

Place some of the filling across each tortilla/wrap and roll carefully (tucking the edge in so the filling is contained and the tortilla rolls into a tube). Place in greased casserole or oven proof dish.

When all six have been rolled up, pour over the enchilada sauce to cover all the tortillas.

Cover with grated cow cheese and then bake in a preheated oven (about 200C) until bubbly. Turn on the grill to finish and make the cheese brown. Watch to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Vegan version: no grated cow cheese… save a bit of the sauce and thin it down with water. Pour over tortillas and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and vegan parmesan. Then bake.

Any leftovers can be reheated for lunch the next day!

Sports News TOP

SA sailors take 2nd place in Nations Cup

Published 12/09/2006

A thrilling 2-0 semi-final victory for South Africa’s all-Team Shosholoza crew over Russia gave the South African’s their coveted spot in the finals of the 2006 ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final in Crosshaven Ireland today (Saturday) , but the championship title ultimately eluded them when they in turn were outclassed 2 – 0 by the French in a strong tide and 18 knot winds.

The ISAF Nations Cup is akin to the Soccer World Cup. Each country selects one Open (ie mixed) and one Women’s team to represent that country at the Regional Finals before earning their place at the Grand Final

The French team skippered by Mathieu Richard had defeated the American team 2 – 0 in their semi final earlier in the day, before going on to take the championship. Final standings ranked South Africa second, Russia third and America fourth.

The official regatta press release described the racing as “exhilarating” with a strong tide, 18 knot winds and sunshine.

The Team Shosholoza crew, skippered by Ian Ainslie and crewed by David Rae, Alex Runciman and Golden Mgedeza, were defending South Africa’s championship title won 11 years ago at the last edition of the Nation’s Cup in San Francisco in 1995.

A total of 10 teams from countries around the world were battling it out for the 2006 title in Ireland this past week

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/

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]

Credits and Contact Info TOP

South Africans Worldwide - SAWmail Copyright © 1998 - 2006 Maesti

Editor in Chief: Maureen Cram
Editor: Theo Truter
Copy Manager: Theo Truter
Contributors: Everyone!
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Post Master: Albert E. Stein
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SAWmail - An Internet service brought to you by Maesti.

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E-mail: editor@saw.co.za
Tel: +27 11 704-5126
Fax: +27 11 704-5126

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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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