Mobile Speed Trapping – LAW enforcement or moneymaking?

I cannot say that I'm impressed with the current way of happenings regarding the traffic law enforcement system, particular with the current mobile speed trapping system. I recently suffered financial loss due to the mobile speed trapping systems and I feel as if it is no longer about traffic law enforcement but more about moneymaking. Friends of mine travelled to Cape Town by car and come back with speed fines amounting to closed to R3000, all on mobile camera and within a radius of less than 20km stretch of road, some of these fines differs with between 5 and 20 minutes. Recently I travelled to Kimberley, drove safely followed all road rules, however my biggest mistake was travelling 107km on a National road whereby the speed limit is 120km/h. There were temporary road signs indicating the speed limit of 60km/h because of road works, in these zones I followed the speed limit to the latter because of the road conditions. My understanding is that once the area is clear and there is either no temporary sign or roadworks than the speed limit must revert to the original speed limit which is 120km/h on a national road, because of this I was caught on mobile camera doing 107km/h, I was then summoned via mail for an amount of R700 for the crime of exceeding the speed limit. To fight with the relevant authorities does not help because it might result in a long court process so we just pay and get it over and done with but the big problem would be when they start using the demerit system whereby your drivers licence might be revoked. Why am I asking whether this is traffic law enforcement or moneymaking…? In small local authorities or provinces there is a drastic need for visible law enforcement, however due to limited resources these guys are manning the mobile cameras, most probably the main income stream for these authorities, in bigger metro's you'll find three to four mobiles cameras on a 5km road radius, normally trapping in both directions, these metro's used latest technology equipment funded by the taxpayer at a enormous prize, now authorities are forced to trapped motorists in order to pay for these resources and still profiting, it therefore no longer constitutes traffic law enforcement, but more of a moneymaking exercise.

Why not using fixed cameras, which will provide a guaranteed income, these equipment operates day and night, through rain or sunshine and it will be much cheaper and effective to maintain. (I mean the purpose of mobile speed trapping is moneymaking not law enforcement, because if you exceeding the speed limits, the traffic official don't stop you because they hide behind trees or camping out) - The traffic law enforcement officials hiding behind the trees can then be used elsewhere or they can be used as visible law enforcement officials thus ensuring road safety and reducing road incidents.

From a personal perspective I really don't support this many mobile cameras on the road, not because I want to be reckless but I feel that those resources can be managed elsewhere and at a reasonable prize.

Now for the big question: Why paying a lot of money renting fancy equipment - Is fixed cameras the way to go?

SO many questions… SO little answers…

BEING A MOTHER - A must share!!!

BEING A MOTHER... After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.' * * * The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years, but the demands of my work and my two boys had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. * * * That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. * * * 'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked? * * * My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. * * * 'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.' * * * That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last birthday on November 19th. * * * She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'. * * * We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.




* * * During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. * * * As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed. * * * 'How was your dinner date ?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered. * * * A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. * * * Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.' * * * At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.' * * * Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby..... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history. * * * Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct . somebody never took a three-year-old shopping. * * * Somebody said being a mother is boring ... somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit. Somebody said if you're a'good' mother, your child will 'turn out good'.... somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee. * * * Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math. * * * Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first .. somebody doesn't have two children. * * * Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery.... somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.' * * * Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings. * * * Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home.... somebody never had grandchildren. * * * Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... somebody isn't a mother. This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the people in your life while you have them....no matter who that person is.

"My Feet Are Off The Ground"

By Tyler Perry: writer and actor


This morning I awoke and was so frustrated about all of the stuff that I'm

dealing with in trying to get this studio open. I was about to open my

mouth and start complaining when I remembered something that happened to

me about a year ago.



On that day, I was walking to my car when this woman who appeared to be

homeless started walking towards me. I'm ashamed to say this but I

thought, "I don't feel like being hustled today."



I felt guilty so I started digging in my pocket for some money. As she got

closer I noticed that she had the kindest eyes that I had ever seen. As I

was reaching into my pocket she started to speak. I thought, "Here goes

the sales pitch". She said "Excuse me sir, I need some shoes. Can you help

me?" I was taken aback...instead of a sob story this woman had asked for

something she genuinely needed.



I took her inside the studio and had my wardrobe people find shoes in her

size. As she put the shoes on she started crying, praising God and saying,

"My feet are off the ground! My feet are off the ground!" Several of the

wardrobe people started crying... I was crying. But I never forgot those

words. "My feet are off the ground!"



I thought, "Wow! All she wanted was some shoes." She quickly disappeared

and never asked me for a dime... I realized that I still had the money in

my hand so I went out looking for her. She was gone just that quick so I

looked all around the neighborhood for her.



I found her standing on a corner looking down at her shoes, still crying.

I was so touched. I asked her how she had gotten homeless. She told me

that she had AIDS and that she was waiting to get into a shelter. She said

that her family had turned their backs on her and that she had no place to

go, but she knew that God would make a way for her.



I said to myself, "He just did." Her faith and her praise moved me. I took

her to a nearby hotel and put her up until she was able to get on her

feet. After about a month or so we lost touch, but I never forgot her.



This past summer, a woman walked up to me smiling. I didn't recognize her

face, but her eyes were familiar. She had on a really nice dress and her

hair was done. She introduced herself to me and lo and behold - It was

her! She told me that the little help that I had given her had changed her

life. She was in a house now and doing very well.



I said all of that to say this: After I met this woman, every time I think

about complaining and mumbling I remember, "My feet are off the ground!"



I wanted to share this with you just - when you say you are thankful for

you - mean it.



When you say you are blessed - mean it.



Remember that there are many people whose feet are NOT off the ground so

be grateful that yours are!



"God providentially places us in the RIGHT place, at the RIGHT time, for

all the RIGHT reasons!"

Casual labour

Through the years I tried to keep myself abreast with either legislation and or important information, because of this I LOVE to listen to TALK shows i.e. listening to 702 Talk radio, SAfm,Kaya FM’s Today and a few others to name but a few.

On this shows you’ll hear different views from a diverse group of callers, especially if it is an open line discussion. What triggered my interest was because of either the one or the other. Recently I tuned into SAfm after 7pm, there was this one particular caller that left me in awe.

He was talking about slave labour in the hospitality industry – that is the hotels. Apparently staff members are expected to work as casual workers for long hours without any food supplies and or transport arrangements for those doing night duty. These employees are then forced to sleep in hotel toilets or at the reception areas, in most cases after a long shift with no food or a small amount of food and no after hours transport arrangements. These employees are the ones staying in the poorest of the poor areas, trying to make a living. This really made me think, not so long ago, or should I say shortly after the inauguration of our president, he promised about 500 000 jobs before the end of this year. Our Union body (COSATU) who is also an alliance partner realised that this would be a pipe dream and that this jobs would not be available or created easily because of the recession and or other hindering factors, announced that this will not be decent jobs instead it would be the current EPWP’s, Learnerships, internships and or casual labour without any benefits. Skilled or unskilled employment seekers then, because of the situation at places of residences and current economic challenges, heed the call of the president and the alliance partners. In most cases these desperate workseekers will settle for anything just to put bread on the table. Affected worker that comes to mind is the private security personnel, petrol attendants, seasonal farmworkers, those in hospitality industry to name a few. Now the big question – IS casual labour something good?




SO many questions… SO little answers…

Pedestrian Safety in the Central Business Districts

What forced me to write this blog is a simple question- it however remains unanswered.


HOW safe are our pedestrians when crossing the roads in the BIG CBD’s particularly with a culture of recklessness and impatience of all our drivers.

I had on numerous occasions observed this behaviour especially during the times of ESKOM load shedding or at intersections where robots are out due to either mechanical or electrical faults. This is when you will see that in particular taxi drivers show no regard for pedestrians, which in actual fact could be their potential customers. On numerous occasions I had to use my form of transport as a shield giving pedestrians right of way ensuring them to cross unmanned robots safely.

We understand that cars must cross and all of us want to reach our destinations safely, but due to impatience or disregard of road traffic signs this is not always possible. In most cases you will find that Law Enforcement officials manned robots that are fully functional – trying to direct traffic, creating more problems than a solution. Drivers approaching unmanned, not functional robots would just yield without stopping, thus not giving pedestrians a chance to cross the road safely. This incident leads to road rage as everyone wants to cross the road. Pedestrians will then put their own lives at risk jaywalking. What I would suggest is for authorities to educate all road users – not only during the festive season but all seasons; this will reduce road incidents drastically. I will on the other hand bet my last penny that you would be able to at least when accessing the website (http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/) get a manual on pedestrian safety for nexto nothing. So go ahead, (http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/) and you might just discover other bargains.



NOW the big question – IS there a need to educate our road users? SO many questions… SO little answers…

A better understanding of the word Christian

………….. By Maya Angelou.......



When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,m Now I'm found and forgiven."



When I say... "I am a Christian", I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble And need Christ to be my guide.



When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not trying to be strong. I'm
professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on.



When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not bragging of success. I'm
admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess.



When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not claiming to be perfect, My
flaws are far too visible. But, God believes I am worth it.


When I say... "I am a Christian", I still feel the sting of pain. I
have my share of heartaches. So I call upon His name.



When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not holier than thou, I'm just
a simple sinner. Who received God's good grace, somehow!

HATER as explained by MAYA ANGELOU

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their

time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are
very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters...




That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings
and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be
like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right?


You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they
don't know my story...




If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can
rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!


We've all got some haters among us!


Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home


Haters can't stand to see you happy.
Haters will never want to see you succeed.


Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side.
How do you handle your undercover haters? You can handle these haters by:


1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)


2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job.. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.


A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.


3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!
When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me....Look at Who is in charge of me...'

THAT'S GOD

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel
like doing something nice for someone you care for? THAT'S GOD talking
to you through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you
to talk to? THAT'S GOD wanting you to talk to Him.

Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask
for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been
cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen
something you needed, but couldn't afford? THAT'S GOD knowing the
desires of your heart.

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it was
going to get better, how the hurting would stop, how the pain would
ease, but now you look back on it...

THAT'S GOD passing us through tribulation to see a brighter day.

BEING IN LOVE

Well, I told THE LORD that I love Him today. And He said to me, "How

much do you love me? You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you.

You haven't shared how perfect my love is. You haven't spread the good

news that I am always there to listen to your problems.

You haven't told your family how I helped you pay your bills when you

didn't have a high paying job, or how I got you a better one. You

haven't shared with anyone how I took away that addiction that would

have cost you not only your job, but also that man/woman that was just

what you were looking for. So how much do you really love me?"


So, I said I would share with my friends and family (for starters) just

how wonderful, perfect, understanding, patient, loving, unselfish,

considerate and forgiving GOD really is. He has blessed me with a family

that loves me and friends that I can confide in. But even more than

that, He has saved me from destruction I couldn't even see coming.


He gave to me the peace of knowing Him, and He has never broken a

promise. Truly He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I

stand in my stadium today to tell to you all,


"I LOVE THE LORD!"

Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
 

The mayonnaise jar

This is so true and helps to prioritize life. We all need to be
reminded of this.

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,

Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class.And had some items in front of him.When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.He then asked the students, if the jar was full.They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.Of course, the sand filled up everything else.He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a
unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.The golf balls are the important things - family,children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions.Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.The sand is everything else --The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life.If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,You will never have room for the things that are important to you.So...Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.Play With your children.Take time to get medical checkups.Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.The professor smiled.'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Please share this with other "Golf Balls" I just did......

HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE

A minute read.........

Read this story, and
Follow the recommendation at
The end.....

As I was walking
Down life's highway
Many years ago

I came upon a
Sign that read

Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a
Little closer

The doors swung
Open wide

And when I came
To myself

I was standing
Inside.

I saw a host of
Angels.

They were
Standing everywhere

One handed me a
Basket

An d said 'My
Child shop with care.'

Everything a
Human needed
Was in that
Grocery store

And what you
Could not carry
You could come
Back for more

First I got some
Patience.

Love was in that
Same row.

Further down was
Understanding,
You need that
Everywhere you go.

I got a box or
Two of Wisdom
And Faith a bag
Or two.

And Charity of
Course
I would need some
Of that too.

I couldn't miss
The Holy Ghost
It was all over
The place.

And then some
Strength
And Courage to
Help me run this race.

My basket was
Getting full
But I remembered
I needed Grace,

And then I chose
Salvation for
Salvation was for
Free

I tried to get
Enough of that to do
For you and me.

Then I started to
The counter
To pay my grocery
Bill,

For I thought I
Had everything
To do the Masters
Will.

As I went up the
Aisle
I saw Prayer and
Put that in,

For I knew when I
Stepped outside
I would run into
Sin.

Peace and Joy
Were plentiful,
The last things
On the shelf.

Song and Praise
Were hanging near
So I just helped
Myself.

Then I said to
The angel

'Now how much do
I owe?'

He smiled and
Said

'Just take them
Everywhere you go.'

Again I asked
'Really now,

How much do I
Owe?'

'My child' he
Said, 'God paid your bill
A long long time
Ago.'

Special Delivery

May the Lord open up


the windows of heaven

and pour you a blessing

that you will not have room

enough to receive it all.





May the Lord bless

you exceedingly and abundantly,

above all you could ever hope for.



May the Lord bless you

that you may walk in a

financial overflow.



May you fall in love with Him

for the rest of your days

in the Name of Jesus.

Amen!