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| At long last - first
newsletter for members of the IPA in South Africa. And we,
the "Compilers" of this newsletter, hope that this will become
a regular article in your post boxes. Ok, maybe not in your
post boxes, but a "gift" you receive at your IPA branch.
The big difference between this newsletter and the monthly column in SERVAMUS policing magazine's is that this is an informal publication with no real criteria for contributions. Ok, it must be something about the IPA and publishable. Please bear with us as we grow into developing something with which you, the members of IPA can/want to associate. And as with all of this kind of newsletters - we also need your contributions: Formal, informal, humourous, letters, suggestions and of course the most important - NEWS about your branch. And if you are one of those lucky people that had the opportunity on visiting some place overseas - on an official or unofficial visit - please let us know. We really want to publish it!. So, we hope we don't bore you to much with our first baby.. RELAX and ENJOY!!! |
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 By: LARRY MATHABATHA The Old Mutual 5km Victory Race was held at Pietersburg City, near the Library Gardens in front of the Old Mutual Offices. The race was won by Timothy Kgomo in a time of 16:24 sec and followed by Ephraim Molgapa by 16:38 sec. The aim of this event was to raise funds for the fight against cancer. IPA members held a Family Day on the 20th September 1997 at Peitersburg Game Reserve and they enjoyed a picnic. The Grand Priz Formula 1 boat Race which was supposed to be held at Tzaneen Dam and athletics at Pietersburg Stadium was not held due to unforseen circumstances. |
The annual meeting in Rustenburg was barely over, when this region in the Northern West started implementing the decisions taken in the meeting. For a reunion after the annual meeting, a family day was held on 20 March 1997 at Rustenburgkloof vacation resort. During this day of fun, everyone was thanked for their part in the annual event. The second success of this region, was an openday and pool competition. It was held on 31 July at the Rustenburg Lapa and police cantine building. Members of the police service, traffic safety service and nature conservation where part of the day. It was a sunny day and application forms where handed out to prospective members. We new have quite a few new members. On 19 September 1997 a family day was held in the North West. "Potjiekos" and dancing was part of the menu. Funds were also raised to help repair the fire damage to the Greek hall. (We are wondering which provinces have received positive reports about their "OPEN DAY'S".) |
IPA Capricorn decided it was high time to act and raise some money for charity. They intend to be part of a whole lot of different shows in the region during the rest of the year. 19 August 1997 was 'Potjiekos" competition day in Pietersburg - members of the Capricorn branch sold food and soft drinks to people attending the function. Another effort on marketing the IPA will be by selling cooller bags whereby not only funds are raised for the rest of 1997 and 1998, but where the Association is introduced to the community and especially members of the SAPS. But most important is the planning for the next National Congress which will be hosted at the Eiland Holiday Resort - the biggest event on the calenders of all IPA branches. We hope that it will be a time for fruitful planning on National Strategies as well as a time where new friendships can be made. We look forward to hear from all our friends! See you soon! |
| In Jakaranda city is't important to have a good relationship with your neighbours, because you'll never know when you might need them, and if the Jakaranda guesthouse is damaged by a fire, well, then everybody ogranizes for some kind of donation to repair the Johann Rissik guesthouse. | |
Reggie Marimuthu (Head Office); Yvonne Prinsloo (Jakaranda branch) and Johan van Heerden (Jakaranda branch) also attended the function as the representative of Chesterfield and handed the lamps over the the guesthouse. The lamps will be installed in the bar of the guesthouse - thank you very much for the donation Chesterfield. |
Johann Rissik questhouse |
Unfortunately earlier this year we had to say goodbye to Bets van Staden. Bets were the Manager of the Johann Rissik guesthouse of the last 18 months - Bets thank you very much - we will miss you. |
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| Jakaranda would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the development fund. This is a sign of excellent interpersonal relations - which is a goal of the organisation. | |
| BY MIKE JOYCE (SHORTENED) |
| It was 07:00 when Chris Victor dropped me
off at the railway station in Johannesburg. Time for the train
trip to Zimbabwe to start - six nights and seven days of
sheer luxury. But Spoornet had a surprise for us - the
Zimbabwean railways were on strike.
AFRICA STRUCK 1ST TIME, so we were to be bussed to Pretoria, railed to Beit Bridge and then have a luxury coach trip from there. On our arrival at the Pretoria station - there was no train - so we were put into the Victoria Hotel where the Head Office contingent waited for us. Cassie, Marie, Dirkie, Pilot Loots (who were to head the crew) and Awie selling caps for the trip. Sixty-four members waited for the train to arrive and at 15:00 we set off to the North. Spoornet were most apologetic about the inconvenience but insisted we do not worry - they will do everything in their power to make the trip a success. We crossed the South African border the next morning - all the formalities were conluded in half an hour, but on the other side AFRICA STRUCK AGAIN. More than an hour later, after customs officials had tea, we were all back onto the busses, but AFRICA STRUCK AGAIN and we had to clear the busses for the roads department and police clearance certificates. We finally arrived in Bulawayo at 19:00 - a new record of 72 hours from Johannesburg to Bulawayo by train and bus... We stayed the night in the Holiday Inn and headed the next morning for the Motopas Hills by minibus taxi type vehicles in convoy. It was bitterly cold, but the view was magnificent and the warmers from the hip flasks were very welcome. We had lunch back at the Holiday Inn and then we left for the Victoria Fall - we had to be there before 18:00, and those of you who know Zimbabwe know it is quite a trip. We stopped at a halfway Inn, and all the "blokes" went straight for the bar, while the ladies went for T & T (tea and toilets). We arrived at the appointed time, then AFRICA STRUCK AGAIN, some of the passengers were to be ferried across the bridge to stay on the Zambian side in the Livingstone Hotel. The selection was already made but the luggage was in different busses than the people who were to be sent over the border - so it was unloading time. The Zambians closed border at 19:00 so we had to be quick. I insisted that I would not set foot in the country as I had an unfortunate run with the authorities there, so I was to sleep in the Victoria Falls Hotel with other IPA members. This was a delightful experience, full board of course, although the drinks were expensive we enjoyed the time. |
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| Next day the borderers came, and we all had a
day walking around the Vicotria Falls at 100 Zim dollars each,
breathtaking, as everyone who has been there knows. Later we
went on a trip on the Zambezi River in a flat bottomed barge,
AFRICA STRUCK AGAIN, as the bar ran out of scotch, brandy and
cane. So it was time to concentrate on the views and river,
fauna and flora, including one elephant, two crocodiles and a
great bunch of hippos. We were then taken back to the Victoria
Falls for tribal dancing which started at 17:00 - unfortunate for
the "Zambian guests" they had to leave half way through as the
border was about to close - they missed out on half the show.
The next day we had the day off and we visited the falls. Bungy jumping from the bridge, white water rafting, fixed wing air trips, helicopter flips and a steam train journeys were on the menu - for those who could affort it (cost being around $400 per person.) The next day we left for the Hwanga Safari Game Lodge where we stayed one night. On arrival we were treated on a great lunch outside on the hotel lawn in the garden - we sited some wild animals. Just an appetizer for the evening's game drive on open landrovers. a freezing, but most rewarding experience as we spotted lions, herds of elephants, hyenas, giraffe, buck and jackals. The following day we left for the great Zimbabwe Ruins via Bulawayo in our luxury coaches. We duly arrived at 12:00 when AFRICA STRUCK AGAIN, lunch could not be served until 15:00 due to staff problem. So we went up to the ruins first, and after a nice climbing exercise we reached the top - the view was breathtaking, and the structure of the ruins unbelievable. No wonder the world lists these as one of the mysteries of the Arica. After lunch it was time for the official photogragh and off to Beith Bridge for the homeward journey. It was a fast run as we had to be in Louis Trichardt at 20:00. It was time for customs again and this time it took us only an hour, but we had to spend the balance of ZIM dollars before entering our country. AFRICA STRUCK AGAIN as the duty free shop was on the other side of the building and we could not get across, so we lost out in getting rid of paper money. Then it was time to head for Louis Trichardt, we arrived very late at the hotels and we finally hit the sack at 23:00 - glad to be back in South Africa. The last day was straight down to the Reef and home, where some of us finally arrived 24 ours later than originally predicted but happy for an African holiday. I know everyone on the trip was extremely thankful to Pieter Marx and his staff from Spoornet for everything they managed to do during the difficult time the Zimbabwean Railways gave them. We all thank them from the bottom of our hearts - we did have a trip of a lifetime. On the Whole AFRICA DID STRUCK WELL FINALLY! |
The vice charman of the IPA in the Northern Cape, Dir Hennie Herselman presented a golfday. The aim of the day was to collect funds to buy electric wheel chairs for two persons who suffer from muscular dystrophy. The huge amount of R3000 was collected and was handed over to the mother of the two sons. The family is in social need after the death of their father. Thanks to further sponsors, participants to the day could also stand in line to win some prizes. Dir Hennie Herselman, Area Commissioner, Diamond field area, and Pieter Myburgh, Chariman of the IPA Northern Cape handed the prizes over. |
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This year (1997) the aim of the IPA Midrand was to make dreams for disabled and paralyzed people by means of the Wish-upon-a-Star project come true. A special bed for a paralyzed boy in Kempton Park, that will improve his current position and assist his family, was donated. |
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| Chris Kotze is now the proud owner of this special bed - just look at the joy on his face. | |
| The third IPA Prestige Evening was
held on 3 October 1997 - an annual highlight on the calendar of the
organization. One of the highlights of the evening was the wine
auction, and not only for the fun but with one important goal. A
chance to give something to those in need. As the IPA is an
friendship organization, we also strive to help organizations that
are dependant on funds from the community. The Cancer
Association, Child Welfare and the Reach for a Dream Organization
are the three organizations that recieved some of money that
was raised during previous fundraising porjects.
These contributions would not have been possible if such an understading relationship between the IPA, the community and business sectors did not exist. The NEC and all members of the IPA would once again like to thank everyone who contributed and helped to make the project such a success. We hope that this annual Prestige Evening remains an important event whereby funds can be raised for such worhty causes. |
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| These days Old Genl Calitz is also involved in the activities of the IPA. His main task is to look after the retired members, to make sure their details are corrrect. There are also plans for a family day. |
| We are looking everywhere for donations to repair the house. A preliminary quotation calculated the damage to R30 000. Come on people we need help. |
| A special meeting was held to discuss all fund raising projects. A Community day with the theme of "Drug Awareness Day" was held at the Boulders Shopping centre. Among other things drugs were on display. Gifts were also handed out the children and the day was a huge success. A "Potjiekos" competition will also be held in the near future. |
| The IPA is an organisation that consists mainly of police officers, but they would also like to give a contribution to other members of the Service. The Capricorn-branch therefore thought it fit to give the Social Services of the police a cheque. The cheque was handed over to the division in August and the funds will be used to finance projects for members of the service in the Northern Province. The chairman of the branch, Johan van Dyk emphasized that the members of Capricorn gladly support the Social aspects of the police service. | |
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| Bill fourie was in an serious accident and still can't talk. At this moment he still communicates through writing. The family day that was planned for the begining of October is postponed to a later date to give Bill a chance to recover. We are very fortunate to announce that Bill is recovering very well. |
| This banch held a golf day on 1997-09-11. They are also busy building a lapa with some of the funds raised during this occassion. |
| It seems as if Comm. Len van Tonder is quite keen that the IPA in this region must "start" again. It also seems as if everything is in place. Dave Morris is the Vice-Chairman, and his phone number is: (011) 832 1491, the secretary is Vic du Preez. His phone number is: (011) 816 1985. A whole group of people are planning their first meeting - we wish them luck. |
| There might be something new happening for the people in this region - we just have to wait and see!. |
| This region have already held a "Members day" and the attendance was very good. They also gained a few new members. The members were kept busy with a community day where some of the street chiildren were given some soup and bread. The "Hope" organization from Lenasia, that accommodate street children was also involved. Sixty blankets were handed over to the organization - a wonderful event when a friendship organization can contribute something to the less fortunate. This branch is planning a Family day before the December holidays. |
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| To the index |
| Insp Duma from Ladysmith had the opportunity to visit the Lothian and Border Police in Scotland. He joined the Zulu dance group from KwaZulu-Natal when they were on tour in Great Brittain earlier this year. He enjoyed the Scottish hospitality and hopes that he can return there someday. |
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| Rochdale Branch member Gill Howarth enjoyed a tremendous holiday in South Africa, where she received wonderful hospitality from her host, Dave Sherratt and other IPA colleagues. | |
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Northern Cape |
| Const Jim Wood of the Grampian Police office in Scotland recently visited the Northern Cape. He is an exchange police officer and thanks to a sponsorship of the Rotaries Organization he visited South Africa. The purpose of this visit was to gain knowledge about the priority crimes and the policing methods the SAPS uses. When visiting the Northern Cape a visit to the Gold Diamond Branch is a must. Const Wood also had the opportunity to visit the office of SANAB. And after all the official stuff was completed, it was time to pay a visit to the officers' mess, to be treated to some South African police coffee. | |
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 police association |
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