3 October 2014

A JOB WELL DONE MEC for Department of Health, Dr Pumza Dyantyi left, Ms Karolina Andropoulos and the Executive Director of Carte Blanche, George Mazarakis visited the Frere Hospital in East London earlier week to see the completed paediatric wards that have been built. Picture by Vuyo Ludidi

Two newly renovated paediatric wards worth over R14 million were unveiled at Frere Hospital in East London earlier this week, thanks to courteous donations by a patron...

road closure notice LEGENDS MARATHON 2014 ROAD CLOSURES The organisers of the Legends Marathon hereby give notice of temporary road closures and alternate routes. The following roads will be closed and/or alternate route for use on 5 October 2014.

AFFECTED ROADS

PUBLIC PARKING

WILL BE AVAILABLE AT JAN SMUTS, B FIELD & ENTRANCE IS FROM GRAHAM ROAD

• Recreation Road will be closed between Lambart Road and Commercial Road.

•Alternative Route to Oxford Street: Graham Road via Lambert Road.

•Alternative Route to Gately Street: Commercial Road Left into Fitzpatrick Road and Left into Bowls Road.

•R346 will be closed between Buffalo Pass and R347 (Kidds Beach Turn off).

•Alternative Route from KWT to EL: Right onto the R347 and left onto the R72.

•Alternative Route from EL to KWT: Right onto Ncera, Road Right onto the R72, Right onto the R347, Left onto the R346.

For more information or enquiries please contact Legends Office on: 043 735 1302 / 074 654 9574 or info@legendsmarathon.co.za

Eastern Cape Today

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

What do you think can be done to increase breast cancer awareness during this month?

ERIC GYIMAH

Encourage your friends and family to go to the doctor to get a breast check to rule out the possibility of having breast cancer.

Anelisa Nqubezelo, Gompo

BY VUYO LUDIDI

Continued from page 1... from the Carte Blanche Make a Difference Trust, Ms Karolina Andropoulos.

The untimely death of Ms Andropoulos' seven year old daughter, Georgina, five years ago inspired her to make a positive impact in the lives of other children.

So far she has contributed a significant amount of donations to eight hospitals in five provinces and is already looking to extend her charity works in the Western Cape and in Sebokeng Hospital in Vanderbiljk Park.

"The renovations at Frere Hospital have taken nine months to complete," said Ms Andropoulos.

Frere Hospital donated R2 million towards the

Put up flyers at public spaces about where to get checked for breast cancer.

Yola Kekezwa, Sunnyridge

Buy a Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon and ware it in public so that you can show everyone you support the fight against breast cancer.

Leon Payn, Dorchester Heights

paediatric theatre project. The two state of the art surgical facilities are equipped with a digital clinical kiosk.

Dr Rolene Wagner, CEO of Frere Hospital, was delighted that the project was complete as planning stages started two years ago.

“Between Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals we were able to operate on more than 1266 children in the past year. Having two theatres dedicated to paediatric surgery means we will be able to operate on more children and save more lives,” says Dr Wagner.

According to Dr Wagner, with Frere Hospital being a tertiary institution and academic hospital, its new facilities will be of benefit to learners in that it will enable them to link up anywhere in the world through its clinical kiosk while operating, and this will help teachers and learners.

Visit people that are in the hospital with breast cancer to show them that you support their struggle.

Sasha Lee Ncobo, Beacon Bay

The Executive Director of Carte Blanche, George Mazarakis says their main aim is to target academic hospitals which they feel will be more effective in training future doctors to impact the community.

“We believe the health of children is where the need is most apparent. Hence donations are aimed at children, in this particular case we can ensure that optimum health care is provided for children” says Mr Mazarakis MEC for Department of Health, Dr Pumza Dyantyi says she is wholly impressed with the renovations and hopes more initiatives like these can be of benefit to disadvantaged areas like former Transkei.

Email: politics@ectoday.co.za

NEW START FOR BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

n Reach for Recovery offers hope

BY ERIC GYIMAH

Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit Institute of Social and Economic Research

Labour Studies Seminar:

In partnership with

8th October 2014, 17h00 The New Teaching Complex, Auditorium 1, University of Fort Hare, East London Campus

Labour after Globalisation:

Old and new sources of workers power

Presenter: Prof Edward Webster Prof Webster is Research Professor in the Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP) at the University of the Witwatersrand and director of the Chris Hani Institute. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Global Labour Journal, and co-ordinates a range of research projects on the world of work. He is currently completing a book on Labour after Globalization: Old and New sources of workers’ power. Prof Webster will show how Marikana and the uprising of farm workers in De Doorns is not an uniquely South African phenomenon; it is part of a global challenge to increasing inequality across the globe.

THANK YOU

www.ru.ac.za/nalsu

The Reach for Recovery National Breast Cancer Support Group relaunched their logo at the Dutch reformed church in Beacon Bay on Wednesday.

Reach for Recovery A JOB WELL DONE is an international non-medical support Event Organiser from Reach for Recovery, Ms Leonie Harry left, Dr organisation which Tim Perks and Coordinating Health Program of CANSA Ms Nomvuyo provides emotional care ‘Vuvu’ Gqibitole, standing next to the new Reach for Recovery logos. and practical support to persons affected by breast Harry. include silicone breast cancer.

Guest speakers prosthesis for women The change of the logo included plastic who want to regain comes after 40 years, surgeon, Dr Tim their femininity. due to the major changes Perks, who educated “The re-launch came that have taken place in guests on cancer and at a perfect time as society through the years answered questions we all know that the regarding breast cancer. from patients and 1st of October is the “The logo change survivors. beginning of breast was much needed as Coordinator Health cancer awareness our old one targeted Program of CANSA, month,” said Ms support just for women, Ms Nomvuyo Vuvu Gqibitole. but nowadays men are Gqibitole, presented The event expected also fighting the same their programme and about 30 guests, but at battle with us and the explained how they least 60 people turned emotional impact on both support breast cancer out to make the event a genders is the same,” said patients and provide success.

Reach for Recovery Event Reporter1@ectoday. goodie bags which may Organiser, Ms Leonie

NEWS

Eastern Cape Today

3

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME ROLLS FORWARD n Phase three plan launched

BY ERIC GYIMAH

WORKING TOGETHER South African Minister of Public Works Mr Thulas Nxesi left, the MEC of Department of Roads and Public Works Ms Thandiswa Marawu and MEC of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Mr Mlibo Qoboshiyane at the launch of the third phase of the Expanded Public Works Programme.

Picture by Eric Gyimah

The Department of Roads and Public Works launched their third phase of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) on Thursday, 26 September. This initiative seeks to create six million job opportunities in the next five years.

Phase Three of the programme will focus on Public Employment Programmes (PEPs) through community participation to ensure unemployed people become actively involved in government programmes within their communities.

RISE & SHINE

“The EPWP remains the key government programme that strives to uplift the socioeconomic status of the people. It also seeks to provide opportunities for basic training to new job seekers and in some cases newly qualified young people,” said MEC for the Department of Roads and Public Works Ms Thandiswa Marawu.

The EPWP was launched in 2004 and has improved the social and economic living conditions of struggling families by creating over five million job opportunities for the unemployed around South Africa.

During Phase One between 2004 and 2009 financial years, the programme created 1.6 million job opportunities, surpassing

the one million target.

During Phase Two, from 2009 to 2013 the EPWP created more than four million job opportunities.

The incentive grant model was revised to give rural municipalities easier access to grants in order to increase labour intensive job opportunities.

The launch included a newly established EPWP political committee that will oversee the programme.

“This programme requires political champions who understand that their role is critical for Phase Three to be a success too,” said Deputy Minister of Public Works, Mr Jeremy Cronin.

Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile

Nkwinti, appealed to all the Mayors to use the youth trained by the programme so they too could gain experience.

“A lot of money and resources could be saved by educating community people on how to build and maintain properties that would benefit communities,” stated Mr Nkwinti.

“Together we are moving forward, and the government gets its strength from the EPWP role players who continuously show enthusiasm for growing the economy,” said MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Mr Mlibo Qoboshiyane. reporter1@ectoday. co.za

TAXI BOSSES SQUARE UP

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n Calls go out to prevent violence

BY LUXOLO TWANI

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An internecine taxi war is looming in the Whittlesea area. Taxi owners affiliated to both Uncedo Taxi Association and Hewu Taxi Association have vowed to take matters into their own hands and stop pirate taxi operators who use the sevenseater Avanza’s as a parallel mode of transport for commuters. In a bid to prevent what they call bloodshed, the taxi owners have appealed to both Lukhanji Municipality and South African Police Services to stop the illegal operators.

Speaking exclusively to EC Today, Mr Lennox Sonxi of the Hewu Taxi Association warned, “Enough

is enough. The authorities must know that these illegal operators are initiating violence, and we are bound to defend our interests. They are killing the taxi industry and we are warning them.

We have warned residents not to support the illegal operators.”

Mr Sonxi said taxi operators are heavily burdened with several taxes, while illegal operators pay nothing.

“We are paying for a route and taxi permit, liability insurance and the general motor registration tax while these people are not required to pay anything and our taxis remain parked in the legislated taxi ranks while these

people are allowed to operate freely anywhere without any restrictions,” said Mr Sonxi.

According to Mr Madoda Oliphant, a member of Uncedo Taxi Association in Whittlesea, the illegal operators thrive on chaos most of the time and they place commuters at risk.

“They do not have permits and most of these cars are driven by youngsters who have no drivers’ licences. In case of an accident, commuters will be on their own because these Avanza’s are not licensed as taxis,” he said.

Although the owners from both associations held several meetings with the police, they believe that the best solution will come

Your local home, DIY and garden centre open 7 days a week 1A Cathcart Road, Queenstown, 5320 Tel: 045 838 2025

when they take matters into their hands.

“Local police are owners of these Avanza’s and reporting to them is mostly ineffective.

Some are owned by teachers, and while they are making their living by teaching they are killing our livelihood with these illegal taxis,” said Mr Oliphant.

Drivers of the Avanza’s have refused to comment on record, but most of them said they are not breaking any law by ferrying commuters. Some Avanza's have been impounded by traffic officials, but taxi owners say that is not enough as owners are simply required to pay a fine and allowed to operate once more. ltwani@gmail.

12

Eastern Cape Today

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

SADTU OBJECTIVES IN FOCUS Dear Editor It’s time for the 8th SADTU National Congress from 2nd6th October 2014.

Both union leaders and delegates should allow themselves to work towards attaining and maintaining these objectives.

• Unions must still speak on behalf of workers at enterprise level.

• They must provide protection at the most personal level for individual workers.

• Collective bargaining for better terms and conditions of employment must remain a core principal.

• Assistance to individual workers who face disciplinary processes or victimisation must always be available.

I urge members and leaders to focus on real issues affecting

ectoday.co.za

the union. Deep divisions in COSATU pose a serious threat.

It is true that COSATU has failed dismally to service its last congress resolutions. Within SADTU, there are those who are hell-bent on achieving agendas Power mongering is the monster we must fight.

We must make room for robust debates again I want to appeal to all the delegates not to miss the opportunity to participate in sharpening our resolutions and taking our destiny into our own hands.

As members and delegates, let us ensure we are not left behind in these discussions.

Regards Tomose ZimiseleVuyani Xaluva Branch Chairperson King William's Town

@ectodaynews

HOW HERITAGE DAY GOT ROASTED

Wednesday was a public holiday. Carnivore commercialism seems largely to have claimed Heritage Day. For many,if not most South Africans who could afford it, this was a day to indulge in and enjoy chisa nyama, the ubiquitous braai.

In fact, Heritage Day has now been redubbed ‘National Braai Day’ with calls to “unite around fires, share our heritage and wave our flag on 24 September every year.”

The implication is that our heritage comprises wors, pap TERRY BELL and chops with a can or two of beer in an atmosphere of Heritage Day: “The rainbow nationalistic fervour. nation becomes the boerewors This seems to be encouraged nation.” by the fact that politicians, This is pure commercialism several pundits and the dressed up as an exercise in labour movement provided patriotism. For me it brought us, yet again, with that vague to mind that famous quote: admonition to “celebrate unity “Patriotism is the last refuge of in diversity” along with that a scoundrel”. rather shopworn concept of However, a day off work, for the “rainbow nation”. those lucky enough to have Publicity for the day also a job, is always a cause for seemed to comprise a celebration. mixture of contradictions and commercialism with more than Basically, heritage should not be dumbed down to grilled a dash of convenient amnesia, meat, fish and veg and to the along with a pinch or two of insistence that while we are hypocrisy. different, we are all equal.

There was even a local newspaper that proclaimed for Quite simply, the word means

SIYAKUKHUMBULA

Siyakukhumbula is a locally-developed initiative by EC Today and Forte FM, to trace long lost relatives and friends by reuniting them in order to heal those long-standing wounds, caused by rifts and loss.

The aim of this initiative is to heal sibling rivalry caused by the disappearance of other family members and to bring back those who are torn apart by anger and pain.

I Forte FM “ Yeyakho Nawe” it is live on 88.2 MHz 24/7 and on www.ufh.ac.za

EC Today together with Forte FM would like to invite families who need to be reconnected with their loved ones, more especially those who have not lost hope. To take part in this initiative, please send a clear photo and details of the person you're looking for to our team at news@ ectoday.co.za /0437422132 or vmdazana@ufh. ac.za / 040 602 2454/2376 We kick start this initiative with the Social Workers of Uviwe Child and Youth Services in Port Elizabeth who are looking for the parents of Sinovuyo Zibula, born on the 12 April 1998. According to Uviwe Child and Youth Services, his mother left him after birth at Dora Nginza hospital. Anyone who might know the whereabouts of Ms Vuyiswa Beauty Zibula from Transkei, please contact us at 043 742 2132 or Forte Fm 040 602 2454/2376.

everything that we have inherited from the past: our languages, food, buildings and natural environment and the various things that make up what we refer to as culture.

Heritage is our present, and this we should know in detail in order to plan, in any serious way, for the future. But we can only do this if we understand the past and the fact that nothing is static, that everything is always undergoing a process of change.

For the sellers of labour, heritage means primarily the social, economic and work environment in which we exist.

And this was highlighted for South Africa for this Heritage Day in a report released by the statistician general.

Entitled “Youth employment, unemployment, skills and economic growth 1994-2014” it revealed a worrying picture of still racially skewed large-scale joblessness and skills deficits.

This applied particularly among the so-called “Born Frees”, those young men and

women born after 1994.

The transition from a racially-biased parliamentary democracy to a non-racist version did not undo the advantages and disadvantages of decades of social engineering and centuries of the racist deprivation embedded in colonialism.

But even Cosatu gets caught up in the unity-in-diversity, allin-the-same-boat mantra.

Responding to the statisticiangeneral’s report, the federation bewailed the fact that “our companies are still purely profit-oriented and not concerned about social transformation”.

But our economic heritage is a competitive, individualistic and profit-driven system.

Companies that are not profitoriented do not survive.

So perhaps we should not be celebrating our diversity as much as questioning why our diverse communities are so grossly unequal.

Terry Bell writing, editing, broadcasting specialising in: political/ economic analysis and labour

FUNERAL NOTICE OF THE LATE Mr Khumbulani Boboyi Born: 17 December 1964 Died: 18 September 2014 Funeral: 04 October 2014 The funeral will be held at Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre at 09:00.

The family service will start at 07:00am at his home in NU 10.

LALA NGOXOLO RADEBE, MTHIMKHULU, MBUCWA.

NEWS

Eastern Cape Today

5

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

PASDP KEEPS HIV IN

FOCUS n Cecilia, Frere hospitals lead the way

BY VUYO LUDIDI

The Cecilia Makiwane and Frere Hospitals are the first in the Eastern Cape to implement the paeditric ART Clinic Software Development Project (PASDP) to enhance the health outcomes for vulnerable HIV positive children and teenagers.

According to the Project Manager of PASDP Mr Craig Carty, the project was launched in 2011 for health workers in disadvantaged areas to be better able to audit and monitor the health of children and adolescents.

“To date the project has registered over 2 500 patients in its database, which will allow clinics and researchers to further understand the nuances of managing children living with HIV” said Mr Carty.

For the past two years, PASDP has been working on digitising medical

records. Data from both the first and the second stage of the project is stored in the Eastern Cape Department of Health project servers, which will enable better management of ARV supplies and human resourcing.

The PASDP programme will only be available to paediatric departments for now. The tool also supports multivariate analysis of both biological and social indicators that are critical for the management of young HIV patients.

“One of the benefits of the new system is that it will be able to determine whether the patient is getting better or worse, it can recommend the medication to prescribe to the patient at the click of a button” said Juliet Houghton, the Programme Director at Chiva South Africa.

Dr Gerald Boon, the Head of the Paediatric Department at Frere Hospital, welcomed the

PASDP tool and outlined its positive impact and benefits.

“This system will save us millions and create a more efficient system with more accurate data to rely upon, plus we are hoping the network will expand to other provinces” said Dr Boon.

Previously, health practitioners would write medical records on hard copy which would pose a problem as sometimes they were prone to getting lost or health workers would find it difficult to read a doctor’s hand writing.

The PASDP program is a project which has been developed by EC Health’s Paediatric Outpatient Department and Paediatric Software Development and Audit Project in partnership with Chiva South Africa, ViiV Healthcare. politics@ectoday.co.za

GREAT JOB The team that worked on the Paediatric Art Clinic Software Development Project has made a difference in people’s lives.

Picture as supplied

EL HOSTS HEALTH LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

n Leadership programme sets goals

BY ERIC GYIMAH

SHARING EXPERIENCE Health educators, officials and speakers gathered at the Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme seminar which was held in East London last week. Picture by: Eric Gyimah

The Cecilia Makiwane and Frere The University of Pretoria, University of Fort Hare, Harvard School of Public Health and South Africa Partners, in collaboration with the National Department of Health, held their Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme in Health (ASELPH) on Saturday, 27 September.

The event took place at the ICC in East London and was attended by a host of academic officials.

Key priorities in district health management in South Africa were addressed by international speakers as well as speakers from National and Provincial Departments of Health.

The aim of the event was to strengthen human resources

capacity and determine what the health system needed to deliver high quality and cost-effective services, through executive level training of health leaders and managers.

The National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 envisions a health system that works for everyone, produces positive health outcomes and is accessible to everyone. It proposes that NHI should be implemented in a phased manner in South Africa.

“The focus would be on improving quality of care in public facilities, reducing the relative cost of private medical care, increasing the number of medical professionals and introducing a patient record system using information technology,” stated Dr Mbengashe, Superintendent General of the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

“The University of Fort Hare is currently building its school of health sciences to add on to its nursing sciences programme. With the expanding public health issues, it was only fitting to send the team to this Seminar to educate them on issues the programme will face when it is up and running,” said Vice Chancellor, Dr Mvuyo Tom. The summit touched on how decision making could be used in the space of district health management policies whilst giving consideration to broader issues of improving the health of people generally.

The health officials voiced out the importance of having a healthy population rather than just focusing on curing people.

Reporter1@ectoday. co.za

Eastern Cape Today

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

MINISTER ADDRESSES MEDIA n The aim is to forge ties

BY VUYO LUDIDI

The Minister Of Communications Ms Faith Muthambi at the Imbizo last week. Picture by Vuyo Ludidi

The Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi, is currently on a nationwide tour that aims to partner with local media houses. Minister Muthambi says she is hoping to forge and strengthen relations with community media outlets as a way to create a two-way communication line between government and the people at grass roots level.

Last week, Ms Muthambi hosted a Community Media Sectoral Imbizo in East London where speakers from across the province representing various media platforms ranging from radio, print and television expressed some of the challenges they were facing, including their dissatisfaction with how government was undermining local media in favour of commercial media houses.

In his presentation before the Imbizo, Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Community Radio Forum (ECCRF), Mr Xola Nozewu said, “Infighting between management has been a serious problem plaguing radio stations. It

seems radio stations also have to deal with egomaniacs and people who want to control the flow of information in the news. You get the sense that there are power struggles occurring” said Mr Nozewu.

There was also a proposal for a legislation that should regulate licensing of media because of the increasing number of media houses in the province, with no significant increase in listenership.

Publishers also bemoaned the absence of an affordable printing press, while Bay TV Station Manager, Mr Lungile Nduvane, urged the government to support them as a way to alleviate the pressures of running a media house.

Eastern Province Community Print Media (EPCPM) Representative, Mr Abongile Maqwazima, expressed the role print media still had to play in the public sphere.

“The value of print media is that it can capture what the fast-paced broadcast media may have missed, and it has storage value,” said Mr Maqwazima politics@ectoday.co.za

NEW BRIGHTON WATER PROBLEM n Municipality doing all it can

BY LOURENS SCHOEMAN

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is working around the clock to restore water supply in the New Brighton area and surroundings. On Tuesday, Portfolio

Chairperson for Infrastructure, Engineering, Electricity and Energy, Mr Andile Mfunda said a team was sent out yesterday afternoon to work on the restoration of supply.

The problem with the level of the reservoir supplying water to the area was

identified as a concern, and the team is searching for the cause and will restore supply as soon as possible.

“We apologise for the unforeseen supply problems and will do our utmost best to restore supply as soon as possible,” said Mr Mfunda.

It could not be confirmed whether supply would be restored before the weekend.

For water related issues or other municipal related enquiries, members of the community can contact Metro’s 24-hour call centre at 0800 20 50 50. The call is free from a landline. louschoeman@gmail.

LEADING THE CLEAN-UP IN EL The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) staff offered their time on Saturday, 20 September to celebrate International Coastal Clean-Up Day by clearing litter at Eastern Beach.

“It is very important to be involved in this celebration by saving our sea animals and plants from the harm that is brought by the people who litter at the beach,” said Spokesperson of ECPTA, Ms Megan Van Der Bank.

TIDY UP Members of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency led the clean-up at the Eastern Beach. Picture by Eric Gyimah

Coastal Clean-Up Day is dedicated to the improvement of beaches, coastal regions and surrounding areas throughout the world. Its purpose is to be the largest volunteer event in the world and has operated for over 26 years.

“The ECPTA chose the Eastern beach as it is the most visited beach in East London and is likely to have the most dirt,” stated ECPTA employee, Ms Nomatile Nombewu.

Eastern Cape Today

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

GRADUATION CEREMONY SHOWCASE

DVRI PROGRAMME IS PROOF OF TRUTH

By Eric Gyimah

The Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative (DVRI) unit celebrated their first graduation ceremony for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme, on the 19th of September.

The graduation took place at the Gompo Hall; it was a true depiction of the hard work put in by both students and educators.

“This programme has not only helped me achieve my skills in ICT, it has opened a path for me to go out into business and become something of myself,” said Ms Nomava Mpoziswa.

A total of 37 students were present at graduation, although 60 passed the seven-module course which took six months.

The event was attended by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Deputy executive Mayor Mr Themba Tinta, municipal officials and proud parents.

“This initiative will continuously educate more people from Duncan Village so they too may get an opportunity to establish and broaden their skills, and it will create a brighter future for them,” said DVICT Project manager Mrs Pumla Dlova

New offices for Duncan Village Redevelopment Unit The DVRI Unit has decentralised their offices around Duncan Village for the convenience of the community.

DVRI is a programme set to develop the people of Duncan Village and surrounding areas with various educational programmes and services provided.

“It is very important that people can come to the offices without having to travel far just to enquire about programmes,” said the Portfolio Head of DVRI, Ms Nomiki Mgezi.

This unit has seen programmes such as the Information and Communication Technology Centre, Emerging Contractor Development project, Solid Waste Campaign and the Quality of Life Survey being implemented in Duncan Village.

“It is important that the infrastructure brought to the people, such as this,initiative, said Deputy Executive Mayor Mr Themba Thinta As DVRI unit we want to be close to the people that we are servicing so that we can see the immediate need,” said DVRI Programmes Manager Miss Mamoeketsi Khetsi The new offices are situated in Gompo Hall, and they open weekdays from 08:00 till 16:30.

For more information contact: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality The Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative Tel: 043 742 9709 Email: LusizoN@buffalocity.gov.za

BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

8

Eastern Cape Today

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

UNATHI DOES IT WITH STYLE n “I feel alive, I feel happy”

BY SISONKE LABASE

Beyoncé said it best, ‘a diva is a female version of a hustler’ and I find no better way to describe this lady, Unathi Msengana is a diva! She does it in grand style, as an awardwinning musician, Idols SA judge, Metro FM breakfast show DJ and MC. How can we forget she is also the first African voice of character in the popular Walt Disney Junior show Doc Mc Stuffins.

Unathi is a household name in the entertainment industry. We spoke about her brand new album and how she deals with her hustle and still be a devoted mother and wife.

“All I have is by the grace of God, and I surround myself with people who want the best for me; from my

UNATHI MSENGANA

parents, my family, my helper and my team who enable me to do it all,” she says.

Unathi is back in Port Elizabeth to launch ‘Alive’ at the Boardwalk ICC on Saturday night. Dj KCi of Mhlobo Wenene FM will be hosting the audience.

“I feel alive, I’m happy with so much energy and I feel it has transferred to the album. I was unapologetic and this album is all me,” she says.

The album is eclectic, Unathi used various artists to create her sound, such as Zolani Mkhiva, Reason, Revolution and Candy to name a few.

“I was being honest while making this album. I didn’t think of anything else, even my single ‘Run’ is about just getting out there and

chasing your dreams,” says Unathi.

Being a celebrity comes not only with fame but also with hate and negativity on social networks and Unathi knows all about that.

“I used to feel sorry for myself until my mom told me to pull myself towards myself. She told me even Jesus had haters, so now I just remember my purpose,” says Unathi.

Her drive and passion have made her a brand and it is all for the love and also her family.

“I always want to make my parents proud. I’m blessed they're still alive and married so I never want to disappoint them. As a way to thank them I do my best,” she says.

Be sure to check out our facebook page and you could win tickets to the ‘Alive’ album launch this Saturday.

NEW ALBUM HITS THE STREETS

n Yolanda is moving forward

Ms Vuthela started a production and communications company with her husband in 2011 ‘Ungavumi Yesu Yolanda Vuthela is not new to the Gospel music scene; Soyiswe’ which she is running her music under. Her her latest album shows that she has grown in the sophomore album ‘Kumele Adunyiswe’ is different, it’s industry. This proudly Eastern Cape talent has just still her original style with Xhosa and English songs but launched her new album ‘Kumele Adunyiswe’. It speaks she also chose to tap into Africa and have Ghanaian of her growth as an artist and at a spiritual level. songs included.

“I got the gift of music from my late mother who was a “I chose to be multilingual, because God is for all of us choral musician, there was no option but to follow in her regardless of whom you are, and we shouldn’t categorise footsteps,” says Ms Vuthela. ourselves. The album is about love and praise, never Vuthela started singing professionally when she joined mind who we are,” she added. a group called ‘Sibabalwe’ with her husband Mr Butho When asked which song on her new album was her Vuthela. The group broke up, but she continued as a solo favourite, Ms Vuthela had a hard time deciding between artist in 2007. five for and nine.

To Godtrack be the glory the track things He has done. I never thought He’d favor me this way, my Lord.

Releasing her first album in 2011 to raving reviews, she is “I don’t know, I justthank loveyouthem all; they speak to me, but To my producer, my husband and partner, thank you “Baby” for believing in me. Not now back and explains her inspiration behind her music. if I had forgetting to choose really it would five ‘eYona my kids for allowing me to be taketrack your time.

To all churches, man and women of God,is thank you for your constant supportnine and prayers “It starts with me. Gospel is in me; it grooms me, inspires nto Luthando’ which about God’s love. Track ‘My in their various levels. me, heals me and leads me. So I sing, I minister and give helper’ is Mdingi, aboutMalizole the Holy that Mbangi, guidesAphiwe and Mdingi, helps Zodwa me The studio crew, Soso Fololo,Spirit Siyamamkela Hloyi, thank you guys, you are the best. people testimony,” she says. through everything.

I love this song a lot too” says Ms All media houses, thank you for patience and support, here is the finished work of calvery.

Vuthela has a big bold voice and knows how to belt, Vuthela.

Supporters, thank you for being original and buying original music.

Behold, I am making a new thing, thus says the Lord. which has made her fans fall in love with her.

BeGood a winner with Eastern Cape Today; like our News Team & Team Ungavumi Yesu Soyiswe, you are the best.

Yolanda Vuthela “This album is not just about my voice, but how I have page on Facebook www.facebook.com/ectoday. learnt to minister and heal and touch people through co.za, give us your answer, name and number, music. The central theme of the album is to give God the and you might win Yolanda’s new CD. praise and stay in him no matter what the situation,” she Question: What African language features in says.

Yolanda’s album? lifestyle@ectoday.co.za

BY SISONKE LABASE

A GOOD LAUGH A MINUTE

BY ERIC GYIMAH

MAKE ME LAUGH

Winners Ms Zethu Mtambeka left and Ms Samantha Magqwashu right enjoyed a meet and greet session with comedian Siv Ngesi after his show in East London last week. Picture by Eric Gyimah

Two lucky readers enjoyed a night of laughter by Siv Ngesi at his strictly come funny show, which was held at the Guild Theatre in East London.

The show took place last Thursday and was attended by over 200 people.

He shared his best jokes from his previous shows ‘Decaf ’ and ‘Race Card’ to

entertain the East London crowd who couldn’t stop laughing.

“I knew he was funny but I just didn’t expect to laugh till my stomach hurt.

I’ll definitely be laughing at some of his jokes even when I’m by myself,” said Zethu Mtambeka.

The winners got to have a meet and greet session with Siv after the show, where they were treated with more

laughter.

“What I love about my job is that I get to touch people’s lives. If someone was having a bad day or thought and they attend my show, afterwards they leave with a smile and laugh it off knowing things aren’t that bad,” stated Mr Ngesi.

Reporter1@ectoday.com

Eastern Cape Today

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

GROOTFONTEIN STUDENTS PROGRESS n Practical experience the key

BY LOURENS SCHOEMAN

Mini-farm projects that were started 15 years ago are assisting students of the Grootfontein Agricultural College outside Middelburg in the Eastern Cape to gain the much needed practical experience that they will need in future.

Mr Strydom Schoonraad, the College Head, says these projects started in 1999. Some of them started with animals donated by the breed societies, while others got loans from the societies, which they paid back as they started making profit.

"When Grootfontein started with a third study year for students, the idea came up to divide part of Grootfontein into smaller pieces of around 250ha to give students the opportunity to combine what they have learned in theory and practicals in their first two years and implement that in a farm situation," said Mr Schoonraad.

“As we train the farmers of the future, we thought that

the best way to learn is to do something practical as it will be done on the farm. A minifarm is usually between 250ha and 300ha, where a group of students farm with 50 ewes.

As the quality of the animals on some mini-farms improved, the students registered studs and these animals are now also used for the training of the other students,” added Schoonraad.

There are six mini-farms with Angora goats, Boer goats, Merinos, Dorpers, SA Mutton Merinos and a Mixed Production Unit. According to Mr Schoonraad, the number of third-year students usually determines the number of students per mini-farm.

Grootfontein usually has 60 third-year students with the result that there are normally more or less ten students per mini-farm. The students get the opportunity to choose a minifarm and then they are divided so that there is more or less the same number of students on every mini-farm.

The students usually get

introduced to their mini-farms during October of their second year and are responsible for the mini-farm until November of their third year. Students are evaluated on the final report they hand in at the end of their third year, as well as their participation and enthusiasm on the mini-farm.

At the beginning of the year the students compile a management programme, health programme and grazing programme. These programmes are discussed in the group and it is then decided which programmes are going to be followed.

Students keep records of all the tasks they do so that they can compile a day-to-day management report as well.

Finances are also very important and all income and expenses records are kept to determine the profit, income per ewe, income per hectare and income per small stock unit for the final report in November. “The students have to do all the practical work in order to gain the practical

TAKING STOCK Students of the Boer Goat Mini-farm Project, Marno Mouton left, and Philiano (Vincent) Grootboom flank their lecturer Lana Prinsloo. Picture by Lourens Schoeman

experience they will need in future,” Schoonraad said.

The lecturer, Ms Lana Prinsloo, landed at the Boer goat mini-farm by chance when she was asked if she would like to join the agricultural side of training students. She has been there for five years now and won’t change it for anything.

One of the students, Mr Marno Mouton, says he enjoys working with the other students of his group

and they form a close team. His grandfather has a farm, but he eventually want to study agricultural engineering services.

Mr Philiano (Vincent) Grootboom has no agricultural background, but it is his dream to become a farmer.

"It is wonderful to experience how agriculture works. I see this as a special opportunity," said Mr Grootboom.

Email: louschoem@gmail.com

JOMO SONO TELLS HIS STORY IN QUEENSTOWN

n Emotional journey for SA soccer legend

BY KHAYA MBESI “Don’t judge me for what I have achieved, judge me for how many times I fell and stood up,” said Mr Jomo Sono, reciting one of Mr Mandela’s quotations.

Mr Sono was in Queenstown last week, invited by the Chris Hani Business Forum for the greatest sporting award.

He was on an emotional journey after listening to one of Pastor Shirley Caesar’s songs 'I remember mama' played by the DJ of the night.

He almost cried and comforted himself to relate that he was born in Queenstown on 17 July 1955.

“When I grew up, I wanted to know myself and my family and our background, but I was always sidelined by the elders for wanting to know myself. I was still young and I delayed this matter on my mind. I knew that my father died when I was eight years old and my mother left me when I was two. Nobody told me about my story and my background," said Mr Sono.

“One day I was playing a big match in Soweto, I saw a woman that I suspected to be my mother, but I was preparing to play and I did not have time to talk to her, and she was far from me. I was touched to see somebody who was looking like me," added Mr Sono.

He later saw his mother on a magazine where her story

was published and she left her address, which he followed.

They both didn’t know each other and it was a difficult situation as he was already 42 years old when they met.

He took her to his house as

they were getting to know each other until she passed away. Mr Sono warned parents not to hide anything from their children. Parents must teach their children about sex as early as thirteen years old so that they can prevent childhood pregnancy.

He said he was raised by blind men and grandparents.

He was very naughty when he was growing up, but now he is very quiet and he does not tell people that he spends only two hours every day on football and the rest of the day on business.

Mr Sono owns a couple of businesses including a restaurant and golf estates.

He also owns one of the well known chain hotels and he is the chairperson of Excel Petroleum. He also bought a shoe factory in Sri Lanka.

Mr Sono said if he could get land in Queenstown he would build another shoe factory

which will help create jobs for unemployed youth locally.

Mr Sono is very happy with what he has achieved, although he dropped out of school in grade nine and had a severe struggle in his early life.

He was happy with the award given to him by the CHBF. Mr Mbulelo Goniwe said he was overwhelmed by Mr Sono’s story and he is looking forward to having a partnership with him to rebuild the Chris Hani District economy and make it strong and successful.

Mr Goniwe said the CHDBF awards will be an annual event to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence and achievements in a variety of fields in business, social and academics.

“Mr Jomo Sono has been identified as the ambassador of the CHDBF Business Awards and will, together with other prominent individuals, be conferred an award at the event.”

Mr Koyo, the Executive Mayor of Chris Hani District, was awarded for being the pillar of support to the Business Forum. Mayor of Lukhanji Municipality, Ms Nozibele Makhanda, was praised for arranging venues for functions and meetings.

Mayor of Ngcobo, Mr Lamla Jiyose, was honoured for supporting the SMME’s.

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11

3 OCTOBER - 10 OCTOBER 2014

IT’S ALL ABOUT PASSION, PRIDE AND HISTORY

n Playing in SA a big test for NZ

BY DEREK HINDMAN Tomorrow will mark the 90th international match between arguably the two greatest rugby nations in the world, South Africa and New Zealand.

Who would ever forget that South Africa hosted the World Cup in 1995 and beat New Zealand 15-12 in the final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg?

Tomorrow's fixture will take place at that same famous venue.

The 1995 final will always be remembered as the day when the late South African President Nelson Mandela pointed the way to the future, when he walked onto the field before the kick-off wearing a green and gold jersey to show his support for the South African rugby team. We should remember that all his life he had been a fierce

opponent of South African rugby because of the National Party’s racial policies that permeated all aspects of South African life including sport.

The 1995 win came on the back of five winless contests against New Zealand. Many still believe that South Africa had beaten one of the strongest teams in history and that Mr Nelson Mandela’s support tipped the scales in South Africa’s favour.

It is almost one year since Mr Nelson Mandela passed away.

Some will say that his support for the South African rugby team has not brought about sufficient change in the racial composition of South African rugby.

Only the most cynical will not agree that it was at least the start of something better, not only for rugby but for South African sport in general.

The New Zealand rugby team was at one point also dominated by white players, but since 1960, the emergence of countless great Maori rugby players has been a feature of All Black rugby.

Today, at least 50 percent of New Zealand’s international players are Maori’s.

Only a fool would deny that many Maori players have proved to be among the greatest players the world has ever seen. It is a well-known fact that many white youngsters in New Zealand are turning to soccer as they cannot compete with the Maori players for size, strength and power on the rugby field.

The rugby politics of both nations is surely a debate for another day.

The first fixture between the two undoubted giants of rugby, South Africa and New Zealand,

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was played back in 1921 in New Zealand.

To date, South Africa and New Zealand have played 89 international matches. New Zealand has emerged victorious on 51 occasions and South Africa has won 34 times, with three matches drawn. In New Zealand, the All Blacks have won 30 contests and while the Springboks have won on nine occasions, with two matches drawn. In South Africa, New Zealand has won 19 times while the Springboks have emerged victorious on 25 occasions, with one match draw. Two matches have been played at a neutral venue with each team winning once.

No other team in the world has a better record

against New Zealand than South Africa.

Playing in South Africa is obviously still the biggest test for any All Blacks rugby player.

Another interesting statistic is that New Zealand has lost more matches at Ellis Park than at any other venue in the world. The two nations have played 12 tests at Ellis Park, with South Africa winning eight and New Zealand winning four of these classic battles.

Rugby matches do not come any bigger than matches between South Africa and New Zealand. It’s all about the passion, pride and the history of the nuclear powerhouses of world rugby. Email: sports @ectoday.co.za

LIVE SPORT TV DIARY 2.30pm: SuperSport United vs Free State Stars on SS4 5.25pm: Sundowns vs University of Pretoria on SS4 8pm: Kaizer Chiefs vs Martizburg United on SS4 SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER CRICKET T20 International:

Mamelodi Sundowns and Pretoria University are set to clash in a Telkom KO Cup last 16 fixture at 2pm on Sunday. Catch all the matches on SS4 on Saturday and Sunday.

FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER RUGBY Absa Currie Cup First Division semi finals: 1.25pm: Griffons vs SWD Eagles on SS1 4pm: Leopards vs Valke on SS1 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division: 7pm: Sharks vs Lions on SS1 SOCCER

Telkom KO Cup last 16 7.30pm: Wits vs Moroka Swallows on SS4 SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER RUGBY Absa Currie Cup: 1.45pm: Free State Cheetahs vs Western Province on SS1 The Castle Lager Rugby Championship:

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5.45pm: Pakistan vs Australia on SS2 MOTOR SPORT 7.45am: Japanese F1 Grand Prix RUGBY The Castle Lager Rugby Championship: 12.30am: Argentina vs Australia on SS1 SOCCER Barclays Premier League: 12.05pm: Manchester United vs Everton on SS3 2.50pm: Tottenham vs Southampton on SS s Chelsea on SS3 5.05pm: West Ham United vs QPR on SS3 Telkom KO Cup: 2.30pm: Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City on SS4

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SAFA GIVES THE NOD FOR BORDER ACADEMY n Hope for young local soccer players

BY DEREK HINDMAN One of the reasons that Gauteng, KZN and Western Province produce quality young soccer players is the standard of training these players get from as young as nine years old.

All that is about to change for aspirant young Eastern Cape soccer players, as SAFA has officially approved and will monitor the Buffalo City based Arah Soccer Academy.

The Arah Soccer Academy Director, Mr Lindile Mfazwe, was born in the Eastern Cape. He is a highly qualified coach, and many local football fans will remember that he played Tornado, Royal Stars and captained the SA U20 team.

Last Friday , Mr Mfazwe thanked

about 60 role players for helping bring the academy to this point, at a function to launch the academy under a Safa approved template at the Siphokazi Hospatality Centre in Selborne East London. The academy also held their first training cession for U13’s boys and girls.

“SAFA chose to partner with the Arah Academy from about 100 other informal academies that were seeking formal approval. Now we will be able to take our programme to the people who live outside Buffalo City. We are going to take a bottom up approach to skills training and coaching. No player will be turned away; we are starting to enroll players now for next season. The important thing is that young players do not leave home to follow a

professional career until they have finished school.

We will offer the best coaching, right here in the Eastern Cape,” said Mr Mfazwe.

The Academy started in 2008 when Mr Mfazwe decided that East London youth need a soccer academy.

“SAFA will now allow us to follow their latest training and coaching templates. We already have about 120 players in Buffalo City at the academy, and we hope to reach more youngsters.

We believe that we must nurture young talent close to home if we are to move forward.

The younger the players are when they start playing, the better.

We also plan to work closely with parents as they are important to their development,” Mr Mfazwe added.

UP AND RUNNING Arah Soccer Academy Director, Mr Lindile Mfazwe left, with U13 coach, Mr Prince Nduku and Academy General Secretary, Ms Yolanda Mtembane, were pleased to announce that SAFA has approved the academy which will be based in Buffalo City.

Picture by Derek Hindman

“I have appointed Mr Mickey Gordon to oversee coaching of all the age groups. We will encourage players

to attend practice with us at U9, U13, U17, U19 and U21 levels. Girls are welcome as well,” said Mr Mfazwe.

BANYANA BANYANA AIMING HIGH

n Preparations on track for African Women’s Championship

BY DEREK HINDMAN

ON TOP OF THEIR GAME The South African women’s soccer team members celebrate after scoring a goal against Ivory Coast in a friendly match played at the Moruleng Stadium late last month in a women’s international friendly match. Picture by Backpagepix

The South African women’s soccer team will be heading for Namibia within the next week, where they will compete in the African Women’s Championship.

In their last two friendly fixtures played last month, Banyana Banyana signaled their intentions by beating Ivory Coast 2-1 and before that, they gave Botswana an absolute hammering when they recorded a 10-0 victory.

South Africa has been drawn into Group B at the tournament along with Cameroon, Ghana and Algeria.

The event kicks off on Saturday, 11 October and runs until 25 October when the final will be played.

Group A will consist of Namibia, Zambia, Algeria and Ghana.

Meanwhile, Head Coach, Ms Vera Pauw, has dropped two players, Ms Chantelle Esau and Ms Tina Selepe,

leaving her with 21 players for the last stage of preparations.

Ms Pauw and the team realise that they will probably have to beat Nigeria at some point during the competition if they plan on winning outright.

“I am happy with the draw. I could not have asked for a better outcome. If you want to be a champion, you must be prepared to slag it out against the best,” said Ms Pauw.

The top three countries will qualify for the Fifa Women’s World Cup scheduled for Canada next year.

Disappointingly, not one player from the Eastern Cape has made the final squad of 21 players. This points to either lack of development of women’s soccer in the province or to a bias that leans towards the selection of Gauteng based players.

Judging by team selection opportunities to play competitive

league, soccer and access to top class coaching structures appear plentiful in Gauteng. Fourteen players in the South African squad hail from Gauteng; Limpopo has two players along with Western Province. Free State and KZN have had one player selected.

The squad is as follows Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini Mamelodi Sundowns Sasol League Gauteng, Thokozile Mndaweni Croesus FC Sasol League Gauteng, Roxanne Barker Pepperdine University USA Defenders: Noko Matlou MaIndies FC Sasol League Limpopo, Nothando Vilakazi Palace Super Falcons Sasol League - Gauteng, Janine Van Wyk JVW FC Sasol League - Gauteng, Nomathemba Ntsibande Springs Home Sweepers Sasol League – Gauteng, Simphiwe Dludlu TUKS Ladies FC Sasol League Gauteng, Lebogang Ramalepe Ma-Indies FC Sasol

League Limpopo, Gloria Thato University of Pretoria Sasol League Gauteng.

Midfielders: Amanda Dlamini University of Johannesburg Sasol League – Gauteng, Sanah Mollo Mamelodi Sundowns FC Sasol League Gauteng, Leandra Smeda UWC Ladies Sasol League – W Cape, Refiloe Jane VUT Ladies Sasol League – Gauteng, Mamello Makhabane Palace Super Falcons Sasol League – Gauteng, Mpumi Nyandeni JVW FC Sasol League Gauteng Strikers: Shiwe Nongwanya Bloemfontein Celtics Ladies Sasol League - Free State, Silindile Ngubane Durban Ladies FC Sasol League KZN, Ode Fulutudilu Spurs FC Sasol League – W Cape, Thembi Kgatlana TUT Sasol League Gauteng, Portia Modise Croesus FC Sasol League – Gauteng