Isolomzi Express 16 May 2019 by Mthatha Express

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THURSDAY May 16, 2019 |0 047 050 4430 | Facebook: Mthatha Express | Twitter: @MthathaExpress | elizabethg@media24.com or express@media24.com

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S lipper D ay brightens Slipper Day llittle ittle o nes’ d ay ones’ day

The Reach for a Dream Foundation, together with Wimpy, handed out goodies and brought smiles to the faces of the children at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital as part of Slipper Day last Friday. Slipper Day is an initiative aimed at raising funds for the Reach for a Dream Foundation, which is used to make dreams of children with life threatening illnesses come true. Read the full story and see more photos of the fun event on page 6. PHOTO: AYESHA VAN STAADEN PHOTOGRAPHY

COFFEE BAY: ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROJECTS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY OR TAMBO DM

Water project launched REPORTER

12 236 people in wards 24 and 25.

HE OR Tambo District Municipality, in partnership with Amatola Water Board, launched the R87 million Coffee Bay Water Project in Phuthuma Location on Monday, May 6. The water project is expected to benefit 2 040 households with a total number of

The project is one of the biggest that the OR Tambo District Municipality has undertaken to ensure adequate provision of water and sanitation services to the communities of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. It will cost the municipality an amount of R87 million and is funded under the Municipality Infrastructure Grant

(MIG), but is implemented by the Amatola Water Board. The board promised the communities of Coffee Bay that water would be running by next month, and that it will be completed by December 2020. The project will constitute five reservoirs, a bulk water pipeline and reticulation pipes which will distribute water to the various communities. The project will cre-

ate 1 300 jobs for local residents. A total of R10 million has been budgeted for the salaries of employees and there will be training opportunities during the process. Meanwhile, OR Tambo District Municipality distributed 25 water tankers to five villages in ward 24 as an intervention plan to rescue the situation. In addition to water, the community is also in need of electricity, houses and sanitation.

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ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

LAST RESPECTS: TRADITIONAL AND POLITICAL LEADERS AMONG MOURNERS

Chief Nokuphila ‘Ah Nodumile’ Holomisa laid to rest LUVO CAKATA CABINET ministers, traditional and political leaders were among the hundreds of mourners who came to pay their last respects at the funeral of Nokuphila “Ah Nodumile” Holomisa, mother of Deputy Labour Minister, Chief Phathekile Holomisa, at Ngqungqu village in Mqanduli on May 10. Holomisa passed away at her home on May 2 due to complications associated with diabetes, aged 81. The late Nokuphila Holomisa, born Sangoni, was born on November 23, 1937 in Johannesburg, to parents Alice Sangoni and Chief Ephraim Mayize Sangoni, a senior traditional leader of the Qiya clan of Qokolweni in Mthatha. She went to primary school in Dordrecht

and went on to study for her junior certificate and teacher’s course at Clarkebury Teacher Training College in Ngcobo. In 1958 she met and married Chief Mathathisa Moses Holomisa, the crown prince of the Hegebe clan in Ngqungqu, Mqanduli. They were subsequently blessed with sev-

Later, when it became possible for Thembu royal wives to serve as regents for their minor heirs, she was appointed headman of the Ngqungqu Administrative Area.

en children, namely, Phathekille, Themba (since deceased), Kholeka, Mbulelo, Babalwa, Lindelwa and Sikelelwa. When her husband, Chief Mathathisa Moses Holomisa died, she had to dust off her primary teacher’s course certificate and started teaching at Zanci, Bufumba and Lower Ngqungqu primary schools and later at Ngubechanti Junior Secondary School in Mahlungulu Administrative Area. Later, when it became possible for Thembu royal wives to serve as regents for their minor heirs, she was appointed headman of the Ngqungqu Administrative Area. This was not a decision that was easily agreed upon as the majority of the royal family members were fiercely opposed to the idea of a woman, princess or not, ascending to that position. Her elevation to deputy head of the Hegebe

Traditional Council, on account of her son, Chief Phathekile Holomisa, being otherwise engaged in parliamentary and state affairs, came as no surprise, as she was completely dedicated to her work as a traditional leader. She is survived by her children Phathekile, daughter-in-law Nosimanye, Kholeka, Mbulelo, Babalwa, Lindelwa and Sikelelwa, 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were Mineral Resources Minister and ANC chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant, Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, outgoing Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle, King Ndamase Ndamase of the Western Pondoland, acting AbaThembu King Azenathi Dalindyebo, CONTRALESA president Kgoshi Mathupha Mathibela Mokoena and several deputy ministers.

Man arrested for rape of elderly woman BABALWA NDLANYA

is believed that he was hiding, last week.

BUTTERWORTH Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) arrested a man (36) for allegedly raping a woman (79) at Mangweni locality in Centane. The suspect was arrested at Yako Informal Settlement in Butterworth where it

On the night of the incident, it is alleged that the suspect went to the shack of the victim at Mangweni locality in Centane where he kicked the door of the shack open and he demanded the old age pension money of the victim.

Police Spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect was armed with a knife. “When the victim said that she had no money, the suspect allegedly stabbed her on her upper body. Her then allegedly raped her. She cried out for help and her neighbours came.

“They allegedly tried to apprehend the suspect, but he chased them with his knife,” said Manatha. In a separate case the Butterworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) arrested a man (38) for the alleged rape of a girl (15) at Skiet Informal Settlement in Butterworth.

Three killed in two motor vehicle accidents BABALWA NDLANYA BUTTERWORTH police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after two motor vehicles collided along the N2 road near Mambendeni locality in Butterworth and caught fire, leaving one man (30) dead. Police spokesperson, Captain Jackson Manatha, confirmed the incident, stating

that the man who was driving the second vehicle was rushed to Butterworth hospital in a critical condition. Neither driver had any passengers. “The cause of the accident is not known but is under investigation by Butterworth Police detectives,” said Manatha. In another incident, Dutywa police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after two vehicles collided along the R408 road between Dutywa and Willowvale,

tion by Dutywa police detectives. Meanwhile, police officers from Ngqamakhwe arrested a man (25) for the alleged murder of his mother, Ntombizandile Ngxoza (57), at Bhongweni locality in Ngqamakhwe. The deceased went to Dutywa Health Centre, where she reported that she was allegedly injured by her son. Manatha said the woman died at the centre. He said the motive for the attack was not known.

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near Morrison Bridge in Dutywa, last week. Manatha said two female passengers aged 24 and 47 died at the scene. “Three men were seriously injured and rushed to Butterworth hospital. It is not clear at this time if the deceased and injured men were in the same vehicle or not.” Manatha said the cause of the accident was not known but was under investiga-

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ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

Relief for commuters after reopening of Mamela Rank BABALWA NDLANYA THE Mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani and other stakeholders brought relief to residents of Mthatha West, as they reopened Mamela Rank in Mthatha which, along with three other ranks, was shut down by the Minister for Transport, Bheki Cele, in March last year, due to ongoing taxi violence. The violence left more than 60 people dead. The official reopening was attended by an official from the office of the MEC for the Department of Transport, Weziwe Tikana and the Executive Mayor for the OR Tambo District Municipality, Nomakhosazana Meth. According to Nelani, they decided to reopen Mamela Rank because of the incovenience its closing caused community members who had to travel long distances to catch taxis at Jubilee Rank. Nelani confirmed that they had big plans for Mamela Rank. “The government intends to uplift the standard of this taxi industry by making sure that they follow the plans of the municipality. “We want this rank to be a transport hub as part of plans to make this place the best and also a place of business. “There are businesses which want to operate near this rank,” said Nelani. He said they would unveil those plans when the time was right. Nelani said they did not reopen the rank at this time due to the elections but because it was the right time to reopen. “We took a long time before we opened this rank and our people were patient. “Even though it is at the moment not of a good standard, we want to assure you that we are going to make sure that it is like other ranks.” He added that they were working together with the Department of Transport, which had a

mandate to lead them in terms of safety when it comes to transport. He said they waited for the department to come and do an inspection in order to ensure that the place was safe to be used as a rank. “The Department of Transport allowed us to use this place, which is why we are reopening it and we decided to shift it from its previous location because it was on a road.” The chairperson of the Border Alliance Taxi Association, Thandekile Sikomela, said it was not easy for them to persuade the authorities to reopen the rank. He said the reopening had been crucial to the elections running smoothly, as voters may have boycotted the polls over this issue. “We are very happy about this initiative because it was a bad to see our people travelling long distances when they want to catch taxis. The area they were using (before) was very dirty and robbers were taking advantage of the passengers,” said Sikomela. He said their businesses were suffering losses as people were preferring to hitchhike than to have to walk to Jubilee Rank to catch taxis. He said they agreed with the KSD Municipality and OR Tambo District Municipality that because of the pressure from commuters, the rank should be opened even if there were no road markings. “We were supposed to wait until everything was finalised like paving and markings, but we could not wait because our people were struggling.” Sikomela confirmed that they agreed that these aspects would be completed despite the rank being in use. One of the commuters, Nokubonga Mnyaka (28) from Ross Mission, said this was a great relief because they were struggling a lot. “The situation was very bad in the place that we were using as a rank. We thank all the people who played a major role in an ensuring that our rank was opened,” said Mnyaka.

Taxi owners of the taxis which operate at Mamela Rank in Mthatha, prepare to use the rank again after it was closed last March due to taxi violence. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

Ubuye Foundation helps flood victims in Port St Johns BABALWA NDLANYA THE founders of the Ubunye Foundation in Mthatha organised the 13th Street Store event that was held at the Town Hall in Port St Johns, last week. The aim of the event was to assist community members who were affected by floods, recently. The foundation was formed by Rehana Surka and her husband, with the aim of assisting people who need help. Surka, said the event took place twice a year. According to her, the aim is to reach out to the neediest people throughout the former Transkei region. “I love this area so much and that is why our aim is to reach as many people as we can to give help where we can. “Also, the King Sabatha Dalinyebo Local Municipality has come on board, so we are now working together to ensure that we are

fulfilling our mission,” said Surka. She said they identified 20 people in each ward who needed help. They then collected clothes and accessories from people who wanted to share their items with people who need help. She said those 20 people come and do shopping at their Street Store event. “We want to change the meaning of giving because we don’t want donations. “Instead we are using the word ‘sharing’, because that is what we are doing.” According to Surka, they then converted a town hall in Port St Johns last week into a departmental store where they put the clothes on hangers. She said after that they allowed people who were affected by the floods to choose five items each for their families and for themselves. She said they did this with the aim of showing love to the victims. She added that the victims had also asked them to organise a medical camp.

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ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

ELECTIONS 2019:

Mt Frere residents refused to vote during elections BABALWA NDLANYA COMMUNITY members from Majuba locality in Mount Frere, who refused to vote in the elections, demanded the Alfred Nzo Local Municipality to give them answers about their grievances. The group shut down the voting station and when the Express visited the area, the reporters found them protesting outside the gate of the voting station. According to one of the community members, Andile Ngcingwane, they decided to shut down the voting station because they did not see the need for voting. “Our area does not have electricity. “When the municipality announced its integrated development programme (IDP), our area was the first one that was going to be electrified, but that did not happen. “We are also struggling because we don’t have water and we need a bridge in this area, but no one is considering our grievances. “If our children go to school when it is raining, we have to accompany them so that we could help them cross the road,” said Ngcingwane. Another community member, Mavis Khinase, said not even one resident went

inside to vote because no one was taking them seriously. “All the people from this locality decided not to vote until our grievances are answered. “We told the municipality that we would not vote. “Even the elderly people did not vote.” According to the voters’ roll, there were 217 residents in the area who were supposed to vote in the elections. The communication officer for the Alfred Nzo Local Municipality, Lubabalo Majenge said the elections in the district generally went smoothly with small hiccups in voting stations such as Majuba, Ncunteni and Zanokhanyo in Umzimvubu and Ntabankulu. The Executive Mayor for Alfred Nzo local Municipality, Sixolile Mehlomakhulu, said Ntlangano voting station in Ntabankulu did not open at all, which means approximately 591 eligible voters did not cast their votes. “It is unfortunate that Ntlangano voting station did not open due to community protest, denying some residents, who would have wanted to exercise their democratic right, an opportunity to do so. “Communities, through these protests, had petitioned government and we must respond,” he said. Mehlomakhulu said the Alfred Nzo Dis-

Community members from Majuba locality in Mount Frere, protesting outside the voting station in Majuba. PHOTO:LUVO CAKATA trict joint operations committee (JOC), which was made up of relevant government departments and state agencies, had already recommended a coordinated ap-

proach to reach out to all communities in the district, as some of their concerns were already in their respective development plans.

Disgruntled Qumbu voters did make their mark BABALWA NDLANYA COMMUNITY members from Lalini locality in Qumbu, who threatened not to vote until their grievances were heard by President Cyril Ramaphosa, did vote after all last week. According to one of the leaders, Bhanile Nomanqina, they decided to vote after they were promised that their grievances would be considered. The community members were complaining about the Lalini Multipurpose Dam, which was supposed to be built in their area but had instead been moved to Port St Johns. “We were visited by the provincial secretary of the ANC, Lulama Ngcukayithobi, who assured us that the dam would be built in our area and would not be moved to Port St Johns. “We were also complaining about the gravel road to the Mampondweni area. “But Ngcukayithobi gave us hope and that is why we decided to cast our votes,” said Nomanqina. He revealed that even though Ngcukayithobi visited them before they went to protest, they decided to continue with the protesting on Monday, last week. He said they had continued with the protest because everything had already been fi-

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Community members from Lalini locality in Qumbu decided to cast their votes.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

nalised. According to Nomanqina, four of the protestors were arrested, but were all released later. The spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Ratau Sputnik, said community members should be patient because there was still a lot to be done regarding this project. He said they were never going to build a big dam in Lalini. It was just going to be a weir. “There’s still a long way to go to finalise this and the Minister for Water and Sanitation, Gugile Nkwinti, said people should understand that there was a lot to be considered before the final decision was made,” said Sputnik. The spokesperson for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mamkeli Ngam, confirmed that four residents were arrested by the Mthatha Public Order Policing (POP) for setting up a road blockade, last week. She said they were among a crowd from Laleni locality who blocked the road. “The four suspects were charged for contravening the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation Act 139 of 1991, Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015 Section 3, which refers to the destruction of essential infrastructure,” said Ngam.

EFF OR Tambo regional leaders join the ANC LUVO CAKATA THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the OR Tambo region have been dealt a blow with some prominent regional leaders of the party leaving to join the ruling ANC, citing dictatorship rule within their former party. The new members were welcomed at the ANC OR Tambo regional office in Mthatha by ANC provincial secretary, Lulama Ngcukaythobi, on May 6. Among the prominent EFF members announced as new ANC members were Pumzile Ketwa, formerly EFF provincial organiser, Mzwamadoda Sitswala, formerly EFF OR Tambo regional secretary as well as chief whip of the EFF caucus in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal council, and Unathi Ketwa, who previously served as EFF regional chairperson in the OR Tambo region. “We are very happy, as the ANC, to be welcoming these new members, who are coming back to the party, as they were groomed in the ANC Youth League. “The welcoming of these new members

shows that the ANC is still relevant in transforming South African society and the party is now more strengthened in the OR Tambo region with the addition of these new members,” said Ngcukaythobi. Ketwa, who relinquished his position of EFF OR Tambo regional chairperson to join

Former EFF members were welcomed into the ANC by provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukaythobi, PEC member Nomakhosazana Meth and ANC OR Tambo task team convener, Ntandokazi Capa. PHOTO:LUVO CAKATA

the ANC, said he had made the decision due to the “abuse of democratic centralism” in his former party, saying branches of the party no longer existed, as all decisions were now imposed on them by the EFF leader Julius Malema, his deputy, Floyd Shivhambu and secretary general Godrich Gardee. Sitwala also echoed the sentiments of Ketwa, saying democracy did not exist in the EFF and when they raise their objections, they were called names, hence his decision to return to the ANC. EFF Eastern Cape provincial chairperson, Yazini Tetyana, has downplayed the impact of the members leaving the party for the ANC saying the results following the May 8 General Elections, indicate that the EFF was showing growth in the OR Tambo region. Tetyana further says the members never sent anything to the EFF to indicate their intention to leave for the ANC, but their unveiling as ANC members led to them automatically forfeiting their EFF membership.

ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

NEWS

Communications ministry vows to fix SAPO’s issues LUVO CAKATA OUTGOING Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has promised that the sixth government administration will capacitate the South African Post Office (SAPO) to ensure smooth distribution of social grants by the state parastatal. Ndabeni made the promise while visiting the Mthatha Post Office, situated at Sutherland Road, on May 7, where she interacted with customers and staff to hear what their frustrations were. The Mthatha Post Office has experienced glitches recently, especially with regard to the disburse-

ment of social security grants, with elderly people not being able to withdraw their grants in some instances due to technical and system problems. “The customers are complaining that the Post Office is not responsive, as parcels will arrive and there is no proper coordination, which talks to its capacity in terms of logistical arrangements, which is what we are trying to address as we move to a new administration,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams. Ndabeni-Abrahams further advised those using the Post Office for their social grants not to flock to the office at once, as the post office disburse grants from the first to the 20th of the month.

She further committed government to digitise the SAPO system, to enable it to trace the progress of parcels, as well as to interact with its customers on the progress of their parcels, to minimise delays and the loss of parcels from their offices. According to Ndabeni-Abrahams, staff at the Mthatha Post Office also raised the need for renovations as well as improvements of water infrastructure, as the office often experiences water outages, which hamper its daily operations. Ndabeni-Abrahams was accompanied to the post office by King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality Executive Mayor, Nyaniso Nelani.

Outgoing Communications Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and her department officials interact with customers at the Mthatha Post Office.

PHOTO:LUVO CAKATA

Slow registration hampers EC digital migration process LUVO CAKATA COMMUNICATIONS Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has conceded that there has been a slow pace of registration for new set top boxes, which then translates to a slow pace in switching from analogue to digital television in the Eastern Cape. Ndabeni-Abrahams made the revelation while on a digital migration drive, where she donated free government subsidised set top boxes to identified residents of Hillcrest, in Mthatha, on May 7. “In the Eastern Cape, there has been a slow registration pace and as a result if you go to all our post

Sandra Anne Jones of Hillcrest receives a new set top box from Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, left, and KSD Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani. PHOTO:LUVO CAKATA

offices, the set top boxes are still there. “I think we have not done enough in terms of raising awareness of the registration process and the required documents one needs to produce to qualify for the free set top box,” said NdabeniAbrahams. She further urged qualifying people to go to their nearest post office to avoid the disappointment of being left behind and experience a lot of interference in their television and radio signals by the time the country switches from analogue to digital transmission. One of the recipients of a free set top box, in Hillcrest, was Sandra Anne Jones (60) who expressed her

gratitude to Ndabeni-Abrahams and the government for having been one of the first people to switch from analogue to digital in the area. Ndabeni-Abrahams said the slow pace of people coming to register for free government-subsidised set top boxes also frustrated the process of releasing the spectrum which could be used by mobile operators, which would ultimately lead to lower costs of mobile data. To qualify for a government subsidised set top box, one must already own a television, and must go to the nearest post office with their ID book, proof of residence and TV licence and proof that they earn R3 200 or less per month.

6 NEWS

ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

Reach For A Dream brings smiles to children LUVO CAKATA SMILES were brought to the faces of children with life-threatening illnesses at the Mthatha-based Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, as the Reach For A Dream foundation, in partnership with fast-food retailer

Wimpy, handed out goodies and brought fun-filled entertainment to them on May 10. The event was part of the annual Slipper Day, an initiative aimed at raising funds which are channelled towards offering children with life-threatening illnesses a

Reach For A Dream, Wimpy and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital staff. Seated in front is Reach for A Dream entertainer Tom Muller, otherwise known as Jabulani.

magical moment to regain their childhood that is being lost to such illnesses. Lwanele Mpeta, from Reach For A Dream, has expressed her delight at the success of the event and the support they received from the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital management, saying they

got to give five children their wishes on the special day. Mpeta further said the organisation would soon be helping one of the children realise their wish of having a makeover of their room, with a surprise visit to fulfil that wish.

Reach For A Dream East London branch manager, Lwanele Mpeta left, with Wimpy staffers, hand out some goodies.

Lwanele Mpeta, from Reach For A Dream, poses for a photo with a mother and child.

ABOVE: Photos from the fun filled Reach For A Dream outreach event, held at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha on May 10.

PHOTOS: AYESHA VAN STAADEN PHOTOGRAPHY

LEFT: A mother and child enjoy some of the goodies from Wimpy, which were handed out during the event.

Up-and-coming writer seeks assistance in pursuing his career BABALWA NDLANYA YAMKELA Mboniswa (25), from Zingcuka locality in Dutywa, is looking for anyone who could assist him in fulfilling his dream of becoming a writer of Xhosa drama. Talking with Express, he said he started in 2012 to write stories and that’s where his love of writing developed. “I had approached so many production (companies) in this province of the Eastern

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are doing well, he can register as a nonprofit organisation. “Also, he must not focus on making money, but rather on letting people know about what he is doing,” said Mabetshe.

Cape with no luck. “Now I am appealing to anyone who can advise me about what path I have to follow in order to fulfil my dream,” said Mboniswa. He said at the moment he was just sitting at home doing nothing, but he hoped that one day he would achieve his goal. An art student at University of Fort Hare, Yanga Mabetshe, said Mboniswa should form a team who would act out the work he is writing. “When he sees that they

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Send your news or events to express@ media24.com or phone 047 050 4430 PROFESSOR GOGO DLAMINI THANGATA bengisebenza kamasipala iminyaka 17 bengi hora imali kodwa ivele iphelele ezandleni nginga boni ukuthi ngenzeni ngayo.ngelinye ilanga ngafunda iphepha isolomzi ngathola inumber ka gogo PROFESSOR DLAMINI THANGATA ngafonela ngoba bengidinga usizo lwemali engena endlini yam noma e bank Ngakhanyisa ngo R750 kuphela ngangine zikweletu enziningi ebank,Nase mphakathini bengi bakweleta kodwa besengi ngakhoni ukhokha zonke lezikweletu ngacela usizo ku gogo DLAMINI Wangiyezela ngo R18million owangena endlini yam wangisiza waqeda Enzikhinga zami engisenazo,manje izinto zingihamba kahle kakhulu,uma ufuna ubufakazi nansi I No.0814646590 kuningi asiza ngakho ukuqeda umsebenzi uhlule banye odokotela,buying isithandwa sakho.beka mina ngedwa.qinisa uluthando/business/mzi wakho.kulisa induku,nokunye okuningi fonela kule FONELA KULE NO.0726669414 X1VEYULM-QE160519

Yamkela Mboniswa asks anyone who can advise him in order to fulfil his dream to contact him. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Police youth crime prevention desk holds awareness campaign at secondary school BABALWA NDLANYA THE SAPS cluster youth crime prevention desk held an awareness campaign about drug abuse and the involvement of youth in crime, at Phondolwendlovu Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni, last week. According to the police spokesperson, Captain Dineo Koena, the desk was committed to the fight against crime. They were visiting schools to invite other youth to partner with police to root out all the perpetrators. “This campaign was attended by officials of the National Prosecuting Author-

ity, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Department of Sport, Correctional Services and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) with all speakers condemning and criticising drug abuse and violence in schools,” said Koena. In another event, members of the National Intervention Unit held a cleansing ceremony and commemorated their fallen heroes at the Old Embassy in Mthatha. According to Koena, nine members had died since 2012. “Some passed on due to ill health, others due to car accidents and others died in the line of duty,” Koena said.

ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

NEWS

First annual Mbhashe Youth Awards a success LUVO CAKATA MBHASHE Youth Awards founder, Zuko Ntonzima, has expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the inaugural awards ceremony and the role played by various sponsors towards the success of the event.

with the aim of developing as well as recognising local talent and will now be an annual feature in the events calendar of that area. The awards ceremony had 14 categories, whose winners were all determined by the public by voting for their favourite nominees for each categories by sending an SMS.

The awards ceremony was held in Idutywa on May 4, in partnership with Mbhashe Local Municipality as the main sponsor. The Mbhashe Youth Awards are hosted

The winners on the day were as follows: Best community radio presenter was won by Asiphe Matiwane, formerly with Khanya Community Radio.

Siphokazi Langeni scooped the best gospel artist at the Mbhashe Youth Awards. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

Janele won the best afro pop artist award.

Best traditional show presenter was won by Bukelwa Godongwana of Khanya Community Radio Best hip-hop artist went to Mkhukhu Production Best gospel artist – Siphokazi Langeni Best kwaito artist – Qojiji Lathetha Best traditional dancer – Nokhaya Best a cappella group – Sinenjongo Best cultural group – Sagweba Best afro pop artist – Janele Song of the year – Mziwamatolo “Holyman”

Best poetry award winner Sange Namba.

Nombila Artist of the year – Sagweba Best DJ – DJ Thoms Best poetry – Sange Namba Best producer – Linathi Galada The winners each received a R1 500 cash incentive, on top of the award. Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Samkelo Janda and council speaker, Babalwa Majavu, both attended the awards ceremony.

Mziwamatolo ‘Holyman’ Nombila scooped the song of the year award.

Mbhashe Youth Awards best producer winner, Linathi Galada.

FC Gud News team wins gold ANELE RAZIYA MAGALAKAQA Village based team, FC Gud News, have won the under 19 preseason tournament, which was held in Msobomvu sport ground near Butterworth last weekend. FC Gud News defeated Montigo FC 4–2 on penalties, after they played to a goalless draw during regulation time on Sunday afternoon. Both sides had displayed impressive football during the game, showing their high level of fitness and readiness for the new season. They created lots of chances in regulation time but the goalkeepers were equal to their task. The Montigo FC goalkeeper had to make save after save because Ndumiso Gonya’s charges kept attacking and looking for a winning goal. But unfortunately the game ended in penalties, with Gonya’s soldiers winning after two Montigo FC players missed their spot kicks. Gonya said he was delighted by the per-

Pictured are the FC Gud News team.

formance of his boys, although he was also a bit concerned about the level of fitness from his side. “Yes, I am happy we won but our fitness level needs to be improved because we are going to compete in the league,” he said. After the tournament, FC Gud News went home with R1 000 in cash, while their opponents pocketed R700. The R500 for third prize went to FC Relatives who defeated Benfica FC by 1–0 in their battle. Mbongeni Mathanga, who was the part of organising committee, said they used the tournament to help the teams to see how prepared they were for the new season. Mathanga said they were impressed by the 13 teams who took part in the event. Furthermore, he was also happy about the performance of these teams throughout the tournament. The preseason tournament games started on Saturday and had finished by Sunday afternoon. The Mnquma Under-19 LFA League is expected to kick off before month end, when all the teams register their players.

PHOTO:ANELE RAZIYA

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8 MOTORING

ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

Motoring EXPRESS ON WHEELS: BETTIE GILIOMEE-ROSSOUW

Datsun’s Go(ing) places with plenty of upgrades AN upgraded version of the popular budget car, the Datsun Go, was launched at the end of last year with some impressive improvements, of which a safety upgrade is probably the most significant. Despite the bad press it received at its first launch in South Africa in 2014, regarding its safety, the Go has proved popular among people who would like a new car for under R150K. And the new safety upgrade should go a long way towards encouraging prospective buyers to give it a longer look when car shopping. Express on Wheels spent a week test driving a coppery orange coloured Datsun GO, mainly on the urban commute – which its target market would mostly be driving. While I am

used to people often walking up to me commenting when I test drive high-end, premium cars, it was quite strange to have a former Datsun Go owner walking up to me, a total stranger waxing lyrical about his first Datsun Go and how this one is even better – while inspecting the new version inside and out. Apart from the safety upgrades, which are the addition of a second airbag in the front as well as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a lot has been done to improve the Go’s interior. The one-piece bench seating arrangement at the front has made way for two individual seats separated by the handbrake and cupholders at the bottom. I like the high positioning of the gear-lever – not only because it makes gear changing so

budget vehicle. Engine The engine is the same as that of the previous model – a 1.2-litre three-cylinder motor that produces 50kW and 104Nm. This is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Datsun claims an average fuel economy figure of 5.2 L/100 km. During the test drive on the urban commute a fuel consumption of 15.3km/l (6.4litre/100km) was achieved. While the engine is a bit noisy when accelerating away, it does quieten down as you move up the gears. The gear action is light and smooth, although I found it, at times, a bit difficult to find first.

power windows, electric power steering, electrically adjustable mirrors, redesigned individual seats for the driver and front passenger. The LUX grade models have an independent tachometer and a silver finish on the aircon dial, vent and door handles. Verdict Buyers will like the fact that this budget car comes with a lot of bells and whistles, such as the 15-inch rims (it’s pleasing seeing normal size wheels on a budget car), a nice spoiler, LED daytime running lights (on the LUX version), electric windows, rear sensors, and that good looking touchscreen and functional infotainment system which can be coupled with your smart phone. Models and price The Datsun GO is offered in a variety of body styles. The GO is a spacious five-seater hatchback and the GO+ is a versatile seven-seater, which is also offered as a panel van. Datsun Datsun Datsun Datsun Datsun

GO Mid R149 600 GO Lux R166 300 GO+ seven-seater Mid R159 600 GO+ seven-seater Lux R176 800 GO+ Panel Van R155 900

The Datsun Go is sold with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and an optional service plan.

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The revised version of the popular budget car, the Datsun Go, which was launched at the end of last year, also sports a cool new exterior look. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The new Datsun GO and GO+comes with a lot of bling such as a nice looking colour touchscreen and functional infotainment system which can be coupled with your smartphone.

much easier, but it’s also a clever way of freeing up space for cupholders in this compact car. Talking about gear-changing – this is something you will be doing a quite lot of, especially on the open road when overtaking. It is a city slicker and performs well getting one from A to B. But on the open road, its power, especially when having to overtake, is a bit lacklustre. But it feels sturdy and offers a solid drive – even on exceptionally windy days. The only niggle on the open road while test-driving was a bit of noise – a whistling sound – coming from the driver’s side-mirror as soon as one wanted to push it to 120km. That said, it was a very windy day. One of the impressive upgrades to the interior is the all-new touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear parking sensors and an audible alert when the reverse gear is engaged, is another upgrade – and quite an impressive one for a

It also dealt with the bumps and traffic circles – and potholes – of driving around in Port Elizabeth with ease. It offered an enjoyable ride in comfortable seats. The boot is also more than adequate compared to other cars in its market segment. Standard specifications The Go is available in Mid or Lux versions. On all models the list of standard specifications include coloured electric side mirrors, reverse parking sensors, intermittent wipers, central locking, an immobiliser, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and retractable seatbelts. Added exterior features in the LUX specification include daytime running lights, a rear wiper with washer and body colour door handles. Inside, all models have a colour touchscreen audio system, Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity, Bluetooth and USB, a glove box lid, front and rear

Utterly Obsessed THE ALL NEW

Weirs Toyota

165 Cathcart Road, Queenstown Tel: 045 839 3044 X1VDYMQE-IE160519