Interns and their Mentors, Portfolio Councillors with Executive Management from Eden District Municipality (Eden DM), all foregathered on 15 February 2017 at Eden DM’s Joint Operation Centre. This occasion has become a tradition, a platform given to mentees and mentors to share their insights and experiences which contributed to their growth over the months of working alongside each other. Some interns do not only work in one specific section, but are rotated throughout the organization to broaden their experience and understanding of how Local Government works.

This is the fifth consecutive year, since 2012, that Eden DM opened their doors to students who needed experience in order to grow and enhance their opportunities to pursue a career choice. To date, 47 interns and students have been hired by Eden DM since 2012. These type of initiatives offer more highs than lows; the ultimate low for everyone has always been to say goodbye to mentees. Soon, five mentees, including Mr Bandile Mbalo, Ms Andisiwe Kelem, Ms Angela Louw, Mr Duwayne Pietersen and Mr Justin Cupido, will leave Eden DM behind as they spread their wings when they enter the outside working world.

Saying goodbye Mr Clive Africa, Acting Municipal Manager, delivered an inspirational and emotional message to all present and shared his own journey and past struggles. He urged mentees not to be phased by struggles they experience in the present, because the day that matters the most is when a person achieves his/her goals and realizes his/her purpose. “You don’t have any excuses not to make a success of this opportunity, think about this: The whitest lily grows in the darkest mud. This is your opportunity to grow, forget about all the sacrifices.”
During her words of encouragement, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Rosina Ruiters, shared her story of pursuing a career in Civil Engineering. She studied and received on-site training, this was not easy, but she achieved what she set out to do – obtaining a diploma in the field of Civil Engineering. She ended her address with a quote from the Former President of the United States of America, Mr Barack Obama: “Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.”

Flight for Birders was developed to assist novices and experienced birdwatchers to become involved in birdwatching in a practical and sustainable way. Basic steps in the identification of birds will be highlighted and the identification of garden birds, water birds, birds of prey and more difficult species such as swallows, waders and ‘little brown jobs’ will be discussed systematically. The course is illustrated with more than 1,600 slides and drawings. Emphasis will be placed on the further development of the Garden Route region as a top birding destination. Important conservation issues will be discussed and details will be given on how ordinary birders could become involved in conservation actions. Costs include a practical outing, basic manuals and certificates endorsed by BirdLife South Africa. All other details available from Elaine – see below.

BIRD IDENTIFICATION & CONSERVATION COURSE
VENUE: De Dekke, Grootbrak, Garden Route
TIME: 23 & 24 March 2017, both at 09h00
COSTS: R 500-00 per head
To register contact Elaine at 082 455 8402 or mwjasser@mweb.co.za

We are revamping our créche Sandkasteel.
On the 24th of March 2017 we are revamping our crèche Sandkasteel. Our crèche currently needs revamping; the walls are looking a little run down after years with no repairs. We therefore are appealing to anyone who would like to donate their time to paint the crèche to make a positive difference in the lives of the children.

We have requested paint from paint companies and anyone who is willing to donate paint is more than welcomed to do so. Please assist the ACVV in this worthy course.

Contact: Balu Sakasa 044 691 1039 (fundraising@acvv.org.za)

George – The George Old Car Show, is celebrating the 21st year of existence on 11 and 12 February 2017.

More than 15 000 miniature cars will be exhibited in four classrooms at the George Old Car show, once again hosted on the grounds of the PW Botha College in York Street.

This most popular event on the George annual calender, which was visited by a record number of 12 000 visiters last year, will celebrate its 21st anniversary with a special exhibition of vehicles manufactured in Germany. This year an exhibition of miniature model cars with a German heritage, will echo the main exhibition.

“This exhibition of model cars at the George Old Car show actually brings the models to the people. Even if you don’t buy one, the miniatures bring back sweet memories of a favourite toy from your childhood.”
Model cars have a rich history. The first miniatures, which were manufactured from lead and bronze during the twenties, did not represent specific models. During the forties miniatures were manufactured from pressed tin with painted windows, which could be wound up to run around on their own. During the fifties models with a metal frame and plastic windows were very popular. Today every model is an exact replica of the lifesize model, and even if you cannot afford the real macoy, the miniatures are almost as good.
Contact Ignatius Anker for more information at 082 442 9875 or makrowire@mweb.co.za
General information about the George Old Car Show

The George Old Car Show, driven by Oakhurst Insurance Company Limited, takes place at the PW Botha College in York Street, George. Besides the SAB Beer Tent, managed by George Rotary, a number of stalls will offer food, soft drinks, and a variety of merchandise for sale.

At a minimal fee young children may be left to play under supervision in a safe area. Parking is available on the school premises.
Entrance fees:
Saturday: Adults R50, Pensioners R40, Children R20
Sunday: Adults R20, Pensioners R15, Children R10
Special weekend package deal: Adults R60, Pensioners R45, Children R25

Gates will be open on Saturday 07:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 08:00 to 13:00.
For more information contact Phillip Rosser on 082 410 5490 or Chris van Staden on 082 491 5254.