2017: The year that was: July – September

July 6

• Meters spark outrage – Residents living in Slovo Park Phase Two claim their electrical meters don’t allow them to use more than two appliances at once.

• PAM Brink Stadium’s future hangs in the balance – The stadium might be demolished, depending on the outcome of a recent metro market survey.

July 13

• Drug scourge affecting Springs’ schoolchildren – The drug dilemma in Springs is a constant battle for the residents and youth of the town.

• New president of Springs Park Rotary Club: Louise Schaap – The newly elected president, Louise Schaap, accepts the president’s chains from past president Jos Rokebrand.

July 20

• Little beauty wins hearts – Nikyla Moodley (9) from Bakerton is crowned Miss Petite Africa 2017.

• David Ngwenya’s muder case postponed to allow for further investigation – The case against David Ngwenya (44), who stands accused of the premeditated murder of Eskom employee Thembisile Yende, has been postponed.

• Woman dies in 22-car pile-up on N17 – The N17 came to a standstill in both directions after a 22-car pile-up on the N17 due to a veld fire next to the highway which caused visibility on the road to be obstructed.

July 27

• Decaying crocodile carcass found at creek in Springs – An 11-year-old girl found the decaying remains of a crocodile at a creek in Strubenvale.

• Cemetery records will map family histories – The South and East Witwatersrand Family History Society is visiting cemeteries to take photos of and catalogue graves in the area.

• Claims of illegal police raid – Phumlani Khumalo claims his house was left in a shambles after police raided it without a warrant.

August 3

• Smouldering sludge cause of terrible smell – Smoke and a terrible smell coming from the Ancor Waste Water Treatment Plant in Ermelo Road for the past week has left residents furious.

• 300 years of Freemasonry – Masons from Coalfields Lodge and Springs Lodge enjoyed their 300-year celebration at the Masonic Centre in Seventh Street.

• National Taxi Alliance opens hearts to new mothers at FERH – A delegation from the National Taxi Alliance visited Far East Rand Hospital to hand over gowns to new mothers at the hospital’s Kangaroo Maternity Care ward, as well as donating a flatscreen TV to the ward.

August 10

• Two companies in court after successful raid – Police arrested 11 people during a joint SAPS, Sassa and National Credit Regulator intelligence-driven operation.

• Two accused remain in custody as human trafficking case continues – Two of the 14 suspects arrested in connection with an alleged human trafficking den in Eighth Street are still in custody.

• Watch out for cattle – Cattle have become a familiar sight along Tonk Meter Way, and motorists are warned to keep an eye out for cows that might wander into the road and cause traffic accidents.

August 17

• Women share gift of life – The South African Nation Blood Service held a high tea in celebration of Women’s Day.

• Answers on new development still pending – Residents of Springs are concerned about being kept in the dark concerning the new development in Daggafontein.

• N17 highway accident leaves three dead and 10 injured – Three people died, six sustained minor injuries and four were seriously injured when three cars and a truck collided on the N17.

August 24

• Pooe’s veggies are booming – Dunnottar resident Ratsie Pooe is a retired teacher who loves a challenge, and since his retirement in 1997 has been pursuing his passion for the cultivation of crops.

• Eyebrows raised over new development – Daggafontein Extension Two residents are not impressed with the new development on their doorstep.

• Young inventor creates virtual bulletin board – Sifiso Gonya (21) built the free social network app ‘Inbox’ to help users connect easily with friends and family by creating a profile, uploading photos and videos and sending instant messages.

August 31

• K132 could affect homes – Geduld businessman Bob Gillies’ plans to build a storeroom and shaded carports for his staff have been rejected by the Gautrans head office as his property falls within the planned Gautrans K132 provincial road boundary and in a road reserve.

• Girl diagnosed with stage four Wilms’ tumour – Coleen Gardiner (8) was diagnosed with a rare Wilms’ tumour, a form of kidney cancer, on June 23.

• Four suspects arrested in possession of rhino horns – The Gauteng Flying Squad Germiston Unit arrested four suspects after two rhino horns were found in their vehicle in Geduld.

September 7

• Cattle gate on passing bakkie knocks boy out – An 11-year-old, Darrian Delport, sustained serious head injuries after he was hit by the gate of a cattle rail mounted on a bakkie, in Strubenvale.

• More delays at Marksville flats – The residents of Marksville housing complex will probably have to wait until the end of the year before a new elevator is installed.

• Power cut leaves resident furious – September Mashabela of Dersley Park has been without electricity for a week after receiving a message from the municipality on August 23 saying his electricity bill was overdue. When he went to pay the account on August 24 he was told the account had been settled and he was not in arrears.

September 14

• Ekurhuleni’s first Mega City launched in Daggafontein – The official launch and sod-turning ceremony of the new Daggafontein Mega City project took place on site.

• Springsites enjoy opportunity to have tea with local celebrity – Springs and KwaThema Child Welfare Society celebrated Secretary’s Day with local celebrities.

• Management show they care – The staff of the SA Epilepsy Centre in Daggafontein were treated to a wellness awareness day last week.

September 21

• Poet overcomes ‘Big C’ – When Albert Harmse first heard the word cancer he thought it was a death sentence, but the diagnosis led to a number of life-changing decisions.

• Gibela’s construction nears 65% completion – South African train-builder Gibela, situated in Dunnottar, is on track to complete its first South African-made X’trapolis Mega commuter train by the end of 2018.

• Family remembers 9/11 victim – Springs-born Craig Neil Gibson (37), who died in the World Trade Centre terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, will be remembered by his family as a funny, sporty and clever person.

September 28

• Police band marches through the streets of Slovo Park – Slovo Park residents welcomed the Ekurhuleni East Cluster provincial police’s visit.

• Coleen’s (8) cancer operation turns out to be a success – Coleen Gardiner (8), who was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour in June, is doing well after her operation at Netcare Clinton Hospital in Alberton.

• Lian is mobile – Lian van Eyk (1), who was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Distrophy type 2B in January, is more mobile since receiving his gait trainer.