King William's Town Express 8 November 2017

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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

BCMM PARTNERS WITH LEIDEN: TOWNSHIP KIDS TAUGHT TO SWIM AND SURF

Project to curb drownings SIPHOKAZI VUSO AND MICHAEL SWARTZ

A

head of the festive season, Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM), together with its Swedish partner, City of Leiden from Netherlands, launched a swimming project last Wednesday at the Orient Pool, East London.

The six-month swimming project will be teaching water safety to 20 youngsters from Safe Park in Duncan Village, as well as 20 from Scenery Park, all between the ages of nine and 15.

The 40 children will be given swimming lessons at the Ruth Belonsky Pool in Parkside every Tuesday, as well as surfing lessons at the Orient Beach on Thursdays.

The BCMM communication officer, Bathandwa Diamond, said, “Drownings are listed as one of the top causes of unnatural death amongst children in South Africa.

“BCMM has several suburbs and townships that are near or close to bodies of water which makes the life skill of swimming essential” “The group of children from Scenery Park are children who were involved in the drowning tragedy at the Umzonyana Dam where a young life was lost in February,” he said.

“It is our aim to impart the life skills of swimming to as many children as possible and to expose them to various forms of swimming and water sports, including diving and surfing, without fear.”

He added that the BCMM, together with its Swedish partner, Leiden, would spend a total of R137 550 on the project. This will cover costs that include swimming equipment and gear, transport to the venue and the salaries of the project team.

Diamond said, “The project is still in its early stages. With the current resources the programme can only accommodate 40 participants. It is our wish though to impact the skill

of swimming on training as many kids as possible. As the years go on we would be able to increase the number and cover more areas in BCMM. It will go all the way to King William’s Town.”

Councillor, Xolani Witbooi, said they would be moving this project forward to areas such as Mdantsane, King William’s Town, Peddie and other areas of the Buffalo City Metro.

Witbooi said he believed the partnership with Leiden would see swimming and surfing champions coming out of BCMM. “We are preparing a future for these young ones by familiarising them with water at an early age.”

The BCMM partnered with Waves For Change, a non-profit organisation that teaches young people surfing, to teach the youngsters the art of swimming.

Waves for Change manager JD van der Walt said that youngsters don’t know how to swim as there are no swimming pools in the townships. “They come to the Eastern Beach

during the festive season and they drown.

“We are trying to eliminate this so these youngsters can be able to help someone who is drowning or teach their brothers and sisters the ways of the ocean,” he said.

“This good initiative is dedicated to move forward to ensure that our city is educated about swimming and water safety to lower the high rate of drowning incidents.

A concerned community member Kenneth Sawman said: “This is a great initiative but how do they communicate this with the whole community? I feel that the selection process for the project should have been communicated through ward councillors and through schools.

Another community member, Juante Lewis, said, “Drownings are caused by negligent parents. Parents need to start supervising their children when they are at the beach.

Fine enough to teach children to swim but how many people who could swim, have also drowned?”

Glitz and GLAMOUR at De Vos Malan

De Vos Malan Primary recently held their Grade 7 farewell. The school hall was beautifully decorated by Mel’s Dream with delicious food catered by Brenda Cassels and her team. It was a magical evening, with learners looking glamorous and set for an elegant event. Turn to page 6 for more photos.

PHOTO: SHANE CHRISTIAN

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NEWS

King William’s Town Express

8 November 2017

Zwelitsha abuzz with first spring festival ZAVELA MAKWABE THE Zwelitsha Park in Zone 1 was bursting with fun and festivity as KV Events, Baby Swag and the Lovely Khanyie joined forces and hosted the first ever Zwelitsha Spring Festival over the weekend.

The three-day event saw the community of Zwelitsha and neighbouring communities coming out in numbers to support this initiative and it was a roaring success.

The park was packed, with long queues to the kids’ entertainment stall.

The food stalls ran out of food and the stallholders had to repeatedly get more stock.

Local businesses showcased their goods and services while the DJs and artists kept the crowds entertained.

“This event is a local economic development initiative. We invited local vendors to come and place their stalls here for free and

sell their goods and services to the general public.

“We had everything from clothing and jewellery stalls to food and photography stalls.

Hyundai and Volkswagen also had a few of their cars on display,” one of the organisers, Nthuthuzelo Mbeseza of Baby Swag Kids’ Entertainment said.

“The idea was to get local businesses together in an unusual environment and attract other developing entrepreneurs as well.

“We were very happy with the amazing turnout and we are now looking into making it an annual event,” Mbeseza added.

Lubabalo ‘Ngcwester’ Ngcwembe whose car washing business had a stall at the festival said, “This is the kind of thing our communities need. Businesses working together, uplifting each other and networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

“The turnout was proof that events of this kind are long overdue.”

Lisa Lee Pakatwana at her stall at the spring fest.

PHOTO:ZAVELA MAKWABE

Award-winning entertainment venue celebrates two years SIYANDA NKONYENI MDANTSANE’S high class restaurant, bar and lounge (called a restro bar), Mthombo’s Palace, last month celebrated two years since it started offering dining, relaxation and entertainment to all those who seek a unique Mdantsane experience.

This got the owner, Mthombo Nkula, so excited that he pulled out all the stops when he celebrated this important milestone at the NU7 venue last Saturday.

He said that when he started the business, he never thought that not only was he going to become the face of his township, but that he would also be placing Mdantsane on an international platform, especially given that he is physically disabled.

“It’s by the grace of God that I am where I am today, since my shooting accident in 1991 that left me a paraplegic. I count my blessings that I managed to reach 50 years and am now living my dream. Since the business anniversary coincides with my birthday, I decided to have a big celebration with all those who sup-

ported me all the way,” he said.

The service and ambience inside the restro bar make one forget that one is in a typical township. Boasting a performance stage, swimming pool, conference facility, lounge, beauty salon, butchery and a bar, the venue has become a one-stop shop.

Nkula said that his business is such a gem in the community because it is not only about making money, but also about promoting the community, while offering quality leisure, not usually associated with townships.

“Mthombo’s Palace belongs to the community of Mdantsane because we employ more than 20 permanent and part time staff members. We also give local artists a platform to perform live and polish their skills, thus giving them exposure so that they can grow.

Again, I want to put this business on the same level as other township-established venues like Maxi’s Lifestyle and Eyadini in Durban.”

Mthombo’s Palace has become a playground for the country’s famous figures, from politicians to actors, business people and a lot of foreigners who have also passed through

The Mdantsane community joined Mthombo Nkula (seated in centre) to celebrate Mthombo’s Palace’s second year of business in style. their doors.

Last Saturday, Nkula lived up to his promise and did not disappoint as patrons came out

in their numbers to partake in the day of music and dance, which lasted the whole day and into the early hours of the morning.

Mthombo’s Palace recently celebrated its second birthday with an all-day event of music and dance.

The relaxed atmosphere at Mthombo’s Palace in Mdantsane appeals to people from all walks of life, including these gentlemen who joined in the recent celebration.

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Mthombo Nkula after winning an award in Johannesburg recently.

PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

8 November 2017

NEWS

King William’s Town Express

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Pangalele matric learner dies in car accident SIPHOKAZI VUSO A GRADE 12 learner from Pangalele Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni was killed while travelling in a bakkie with eight other learners on the way home from school last week.

According to the Eastern Cape Department

of Education spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, the learners were travelling home after writing an exam when the bakkie was involved in an accident and overturned, leaving the one learner dead.

He said the bakkie was hired by parents to take the learners to and from school.

“Of the eight learners, one has died, three are at Maneja Local Clinic for treatment of mi-

DA surges forward in BCM by-election REPORTER

A WALTER Sisulu University (WSU) student at the Mthatha campus died in hospital after being allegedly beaten up by a mob of students for entering another student’s room in an attempt to steal last week.

According to WSU spokesperson, Yonela Tukwayo, it is alleged that the student gained illegal entry to another student’s room.

“The owner of the room arrived at his room from the library and found the deceased stealing things from his room.

“He escaped by jumping out of the window of the third floor,” she said.

Tukwayo said because of the injuries sustained from the fall, he could not run from his fellow students.

A night of crowns, prizes for local model at glitzy Mrs Africa pageant YONELA Jindela, the East London beauty, made her friends, family and the Buffalo City Metro community proud when she claimed a total of four awards and two crowns at the Mrs Africa beauty pageant last Saturday evening.

DA Eastern Cape provincial leader, Nqaba Bhanga.

PHOTO: DEON FERREIRA with the ANC’s poor service delivery and corruption.

“We are committed to improving the lives of all BCM residents and providing them with a new beginning.”

WSU concerned at level of violence following death of another student SIPHOKAZI VUSO

the family that lost their child during this accident.

“I hope they will find solace in the Lord God in this difficult time in their lives,” said Makupula.

“I also wish those hospitalised a speedy recovery.”

Makupula visited all families and the schools affected on Friday, November 3.

ZAVELA MAKWABE

IN a recent statement, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Eastern Cape provincial leader, Nqaba Bhanga, said they were delighted by their strong performance in the Ward 27 by-election in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM), where their overall share of the vote increased from 31% to 41%.

“This highlights the DA’s upward trajectory in the Eastern Cape and bodes well for 2019.

“We commend our candidate, Vusi Jako, for a race well run and extend a special word of gratitude to our voters in BCM who once again came out in their numbers to support the party.”

According to Bhanga, the results show that the people of the BCM were fed-up

nor injuries and four have been admitted to Canzibe Hospital,” said Mtima.

The department dispatched a team of four, consisting of two local Education Development officers and two head officials, who broke the news to the affected families.

Education MEC Mandla Makupula sent his heartfelt condolences.

“We send our condolences and prayers to

“He was then apprehended by other students and beaten.

“Campus security personnel arrived on the scene and called the South African Police Services and an ambulance, which arrived three hours later and rushed the student to hospital.”

She added that reports from the hospital indicated that the student died shortly after arrival.

Tukwayo said that WSU is concerned at the level of violence shown in the 2017 incidents which have led to loss of life on campus.

“We are extremely concerned by the violence displayed by a small group of students.

This is not normal behaviour and we strongly condemn such violence,” she said.

She concluded that an internal investigation had been launched by the SAPS.

Jindela was clearly on a winning streak as she scooped the Social Media Queen award, Best Chaperone Gift award, People’s Choice award, Contestant’s Choice award, the Mrs Face of Africa crown and Mrs Africa Tourism Universe crown.

The finalists from all over the African continent spent the entire week, last week, at the ATKV Buffelspoort Resort in the North West before the crowning last Saturday evening. It was a week which the reigning Mrs Face of Africa describes as having been a fun yet educational experience.

“We shared gifts that we bought for each other, toured the resorts around the North West Province and went on a boat cruise at Hartbeespoort. But I enjoyed most of all the trips we had to take everyday as contestants in a bus. It gave us time to bond as we would teach each other songs and dance.”

Jindela is now back in East London, more enthusiastic than ever to do her charity work and hopes to work with the Tourism Department. “I am going to approach the Tourism Department in the province as I would like to be working closely with them as their ambassador,” she told the Express.

“A big thank you to all those who stood by me throughout my journey as a finalist. I appreciate each and every vote and the tremendous support you have been giving me.

“We now have a bigger responsibility of winning the Tourism Award together at the international competition next year.

Thank you so much to you all.” she said.

Local model, Yonela Jindela. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

Yonela Jindela scooped numerous awards at the Mrs Africa beauty pageant.

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NEWS

King William’s Town Express

8 November 2017

Anti­rape march calls out for community support SIPHOKAZI VUSO TO highlight the high rate of rape incidents in Buffalo City, community members took to the streets last Thursday in support of the anti-rape march in Duncan Village.

The march was organised by Small Projects Foundation (SPF) organisations, Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre and Bumb’ingomso – community influencers that fight

against gender-based violence.

Bumb’ingomso monitoring and communications manager, Athenkosi Sopitshi, said they were bringing the march to members of the community.

“We are bringing in community members so they can confront societal norms surrounding gender-based violence.

“We are starting this initiative in Duncan Village because it has a high number of rape cases. However, we are taking this march to

Both women and men participated in the anti-rape march.

PHOTOS: SIPHOKAZI VUSO

all the wards of the Buffalo City,” she said.

A rape survivor from Duncan Village said she was raped when she accepted a lift from a stranger when she was coming out of a night club.

“I was very happy when I heard about this march,” she told Express, “I feel very proud and positive today because we are sending a message.

“As mothers who have experienced rape, we are always worried about our children going through the same thing that we did.”

Men were also part of the march. Zolani Saliwa said not all men are rapists.

“There are good men in this world but we cannot run away from the fact that there are many men who don’t respect women in our communities and that has to stop.

“Also women, especially young women, should stop drinking and wandering the streets at night especially during this festive season,” Saliwa said.

“We are recruiting young people, mothers and fathers, in communities. We want them to stop gender-based violence and to create intolerance of any sexual offence in their neighbourhoods,” Sopitshi concluded.

A marcher carries a banner criticising the trend of blaming the victim for rape.

hristmas b aby Search is on for our front page C Christmas baby REPORTER

THE King William's Town Express is looking for a baby to grace the front page of the last edition of the year – which will be published on Wednesday, December 20.

The King William's Town Express Christmas Baby Competition is aimed at making the day even more special for babies who are celebrating their first Christmas.

The winning baby’s photo will be published on the front page of the last edition.

Parents must enter their babies via our social media platforms. There are three platforms to choose from:

Facebook – King William's Town Express On the left of our Facebook page, click on the Christmas Baby tab, which will take you to the entry form where you can upload your baby’s photo and enter all the details.

Twitter – @KWTExpress Submit your photo via Twitter; include all the necessary info and then tag @KWTExpress and #KWTBaby2017.

Instagram – ep_media24 1) Follow us on Instagram (private accounts won’t be visible to us) 2) Upload your photo and include all the necessary info.

3) Include #KWTBaby2017 in your post.

Only online entries will be accepted – no photos may be emailed, posted or dropped off at our office. No photos are to be posted on our Facebook timeline.

Information which must be included: . Name and surname of the baby . Date of birth (eg: 2017-06-30) . Gender . Town you live in.

Entries which do not have this info will not be considered. Only babies who are born in 2017 or after December 25, 2016, may enter.

How the competition will work The closing date for entries is 4pm on

Thursday, November 30.

Entry photos need not have a Christmas theme, and baby’s face must be clearly visible. Only babies living in the distribution area of the King William’s Town Express newspaper are allowed to enter.

All the rules of the competition can be viewed on our Facebook page.

All the entries received will be published on our Facebook page in photo galleries. ) For more information about the competition, send an email with “baby” in the subject line to tanya.vanzyl@media24.com.

NOTE: Babies need to be celebrating their first Christmas in order to qualify (born in 2017 or after December 25, 2016).

ADVERTORIAL: SHANE CHRISTIAN (CHRISTMAS FRONT PAGE BABY PHOTOGRAPHER)

‘Every day I strive to improve my photography’ ­ Shane Christian REPORTER KING William’s Town-based photographer, Shane Christian, is testimony that hard work truly does pay off.

King William’s Town Express also has the

Shane Christian is well-known for capturing precious moments in his baby photo shoots.

PHOTOS: SHANE CHRISTIAN

honour of being this year’s official photographer of the winning baby for the front page of our Christmas edition on December 20 (see competition details on this page).

Christian’s passion for photography grew in 1993 while working at the photographic lab at Harrison’s Pharmacy.

“This is where I gained a lot of knowledge in the photographic field and eventually started shooting events like parties and gatherings until I eventually felt confident enough to capture weddings,” Christian described.

After three years of working at the pharmacy, he decided to venture into his hobby – photography, as it was now slowly but surely starting to interfere with his every day job.

“A major decision had to be taken as I was receiving many clients and some would even ask me to take photographs during my working hours.”

The father of three said he had to choose between leaving a secure pay cheque in order to chase his dream of becoming a full-time photographer.

“In 2006 I handed in my resignation letter and opened Shane’s Photography that same year.”

Sharing space with his mother-in-law, Alice Forbes, who owned the Wool Shop at Abantu Mall for about one year, Christian then moved to his own space at shop number 8 also in the same mall.

“I am blessed to say that my doors have

been open since. Yes, it is not always easy as there are so many photographers out there and the competition is very tough but I am so grateful and humbled for all my clients who have been supporting me over the past years, for without them I would not be where I am today.”

He added that every day he still strives to improve his photography and render superb service.

For more info, contact him at 083 294 9861 or email shaneac333@gmail.com

NEWS

8 November 2017

King William’s Town Express

5

New eateries in Mdantsane City Shopping Centre a hit REPORTER THE recent introduction of eatery brands to Mdantsane – some a first for the area – has seen a surge in trade for Mdantsane City Shopping Centre due to residents no longer having to travel far for business meetings or family outings.

The launch of two new eateries and the refurbishment of a third have opened up new options for busy Mdantsane commuters and there has been an increase in foot traffic statistics for the shopping centre.

Mdantsane City general manager, Dean Deary, said the food services category had shown a 36% year-on-year growth since the opening of the new food outlets.

“The new food outlets have certainly filled a gap at the mall and really complement the existing offering in this category,” said Deary, adding that the line-up already included well-known brands such as KFC, Hungry Lion and Debonairs Pizza.

“Shoppers now have everything they want under one roof. They no longer have to travel to East London to enjoy their favourite meals.

We are working hard to become a one-stop shopping centre that serves all our community’s needs.”

The first outlet to start trading was the ever-

popular Wimpy restaurant, which is a first for the township as a whole.

Since opening two months ago, it has enjoyed the support of families who get to share the most important meal of the day – breakfast – and also businessmen who can now sit down to a meal or business meeting, with free Wi-Fi ensuring that not a productive moment is lost.

According to owner and entrepreneur Sakhumzi Klassen, response to the opening has been phenomenal, especially with families over the weekends.

“We are the first sit-down fast food franchise at the mall and people are loving it. The feedback has been fantastic,” he said.

The second addition to the mall came with the opening of Zebro’s, renowned for its tasty chicken, as well as the rebranded Fish & Chip Co, which offers a new menu with diverse appeal.

“The demand has been huge,” franchisee Xoliswa Tofi said. “And not just among youngsters looking for fast-food satisfaction. The new menu at the Fish & Chip Co is attracting blue collar workers looking for healthier meal options.”

The new Wimpy, located in the Mdantsane City Shopping Centre, has become a major hit with the community, especially families.

Breidbach tower awaits approval MICHAEL SWARTZ A NETWORK tower, which is yet to be approved by the Department of Public Works, is planned to be erected on the Breidbach Primary School grounds early next year.

American Tower Corporation (ATC), a US company, is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in South Africa.

Their multitenant leasing model offers infrastructure that bridges the communication gap, keeping people and industries connected and in touch.

ATC has become aware of the area, based on the demand from the mobile operators (MNO’s), who are their tenants.

They have applied through the school to have a steel tower erected on the premises.

This is yet to be approved by the department of Public Works.

According to the principal of Breidbach Primary School, Ivan Harry, they have already received approval from the Department of Education and Transport.

“We at school are delighted to partner with ATC and to have the tower erected on our grounds. In addition to the fact of rental income, this tower will increase productivity and connectivity.

“At the moment the signal across all MNOs in Breidbach is terrible. We can hardly access the internet or our

e-mails,” Harry said.

Community member, Chesley Davies said, “A Telkom tower in Bhisho was vandalised in March this year and ever since then it’s been down and we have lost 4G coverage.

“After numerous phone calls, all they say is they will attend to it. Having our own tower in Breidbach will really do us justice.”

ATC has two existing sites in King William’s Town and surrounds carrying all MNOs. Francois Sanson, ATC head of site acquisition, said, “ATC South Africa is not the primary interface with the end users of our tenants’ services.

Our sites could make improvements to the quality of service experienced by end users dependent on the on MNO tenants leased on our infrastructure.”

Sanson said ATC merely provides passive infrastructure to MNO tenants.

“Even though our infrastructure can provide any services, at this stage we are unable to comment on what services or technologies our MNO tenants will offer.

“Upon approval, this site will only be constructed after we have invited tenants.”

Another issue that the departments will have a look at in deciding on approval of the tower, is the health and safety risks of the tower on residents.

Sanson guaranteed that ATC complies with all national and municipal laws, bylaws and ordinances in obtaining approval to construct the proposed tower.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

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OMBUDSMAN We invite readers to comment about the paper’s contents, and we shall correct errors as soon as possible. Please send comments to the editor at elizabethg@media24.com or phone 041 503 6057.

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6

NEWS

King William’s Town Express

8 November 2017

King William’s Town Express readers have their say Express correspondent, ZAVELA MAKWABE took to the streets and asked a few locals what their views are on the decision of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality to sponsor ‘summer season’ events.

LAST week, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Council approved the sponsorship of summer season events including the Buyel’Ekhaya concert, the Metro FM Heatwave, Cruel Summer picnic, Mdantsane Summer Reunion, the Berlin November horse race and the Countdown to the New Year Party in a bid to make the metro a “capital of fun”.

This move was met with a lot of criticism from some of the metro’s residents, saying the council should focus on service delivery and infrastructure instead of funding parties.

Others said the it is undeniable that the metro has worked very hard at improving the lives of its residents and it is now time to un-

wind and party. ) Asemahle Ntsabo: How about creating jobs or bursaries? Has the council seen the state of our roads? But then again, our leaders’ priorities have never been in the interest of the people that put them in those positions of power. ) Abongile Vazi: I have to side with the BCM on this one. Jobs are being created through these events even if they are temporary. These events bring attraction to our businesses: hotels, B&B’s and food outlets as part of the Tourism Department as well, which other towns like Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma and Knysna enjoy on a large scale throughout the year.

They provide a great platform for upcoming entrepreneurs like myself to network, meet

new people and make contacts. Service delivery is a subject on its own, that is irrelevant here. People responsible for Human Settlements, Public Works etc, must just do their jobs. ) Asanda Magalela: What criteria were used to select those which have been selected? As much as December is a time to unwind, this is a lot of money to inject into a fun time for the privileged in a municipality where some residents are without clean water or roads for ambulances to pick up the elderly and sick.

Event organising is as much of a business as any other business, so what happens when fashion designers ask for financial assistance from the municipality for the East London

fashion week? They say it’s too risky as the municipality has too many events. The municipality is not Arts and Culture or the Tourism Department. Its core mandate is its people, the poorest of the poor, not to fund glitz and glamour of the selected few with connections to the city or municipality’s purse. ) Sinazo Qolo: My take is that these events are a once-off, therefore the financial spin-offs will also be temporary. The metro should rather sponsor things that have a level of consistency. These kinds of festivities are not inclusive as they do not cater for the majority of the city’s population. They also have some negativity such as underage drinking and loud music till the break of dawn.

Asemahle Ntsabo.

Abongile Vazi.

Asanda Magalela.

Sinazo Qolo.

King William’s Town social scene

De Vos Malan Primary recently held their Grade 7 farewell, well planned by organisers, Michelle Stowman and Lucretia Esterhuizen – who always sparkle through their hard work. The school hall was beautifully decorated by Mel’s Dream with delicious food catered by Brenda Cassels and her team. It was a magical evening, with learners looking glamorous and set for an elegant event. The elegant Grade 7 boys had an awesome time at their farewell, enjoying the occasion and creating fond memories together.

PHOTO:SHANE CHRISTIAN

Amian Bantom (centre) enjoyed his seventh birthday celebration on Sunday with his mother, Maverine Bantom (left), and his grandmother, Audrey Swartz.

PHOTO: ZANE LEE

From left, are, Tezne Petersen, Willowdine Jeggels, Songo Mazwi and Mahle Njokweni and in front is, Ukho Makabane.

PHOTO:SHANE CHRISTIAN

Massimo Estrees recently celebrated his first birthday party under the theme ‘Tyres and Steering Wheels’.

PHOTO: MARVIN SHAW

From left, are, Chulumanco Mnyani, Banele Duruwe, Loyola Mtwa, Ntondazo Ntsholo, Milani Bhelukwana and Kamvalethu Blauw. PHOTO:SHANE CHRISTIAN

Management and staff of De Vos Malan Primary School, back row from left, are, Riana Mostert (principal) and Hotze van Heerden (head of department). Front row from left, are, Brinley Kennedy, Melissa Pienaar, Cara Schmidt and Henry Lewis.

PHOTO:SHANE CHRISTIAN

MOTORING

8 November 2017

King William’s Town Express

7

EXPRESS ON WHEELS: HEILIE COMBRINCK

Pure exhilaration... most powerful Golf ever FATHER forgive me for I have sinned. Not once.

Not twice. Continually!

I could not help it. The moment you press the “START” button in the new VW Golf R 2.0 TSI DSG, feelings of excitement trigger your body memory. You know you are in for a heck-of-agood-ride as this is the most powerful series Golf ever sold in South Africa!

Here is my confession: I envy. And I sincerely hope those who can afford this powerful 213kW turbocharged Golf R (standard price – R647 300) are also thrilled each time they get behind the steering wheel.

The best route, to me, for enjoying all the facets of a vehicle like the VW Golf R, is to take the N2 road towards Knysna.

Irresistible Race mode The open road invites the new ultra-responsive seven-speed dual clutch gearbox to show what it does best. With the top speed indicated as 250km/h it is a constant and conscious act of restraining not to let the 380Nm torque loose.

Yet, and here I confess again, I have sinned (responsibly). Opting for the Race mode, it was irresistible to not experience what the Golf R was designed for ... and it was good! The other modes are Eco, Comfort, Normal or Individual.

Reaching Storms River, I knew it was time to slow down. Driving through the indigenous forest is the ideal time to open the panoramic sunroof, smell the freshness of the tall, dense, species-rich forest. And listen to the soft growling of the powerful Golf R 2.0 (still in Race mode) cruising through the forest.

Changes in the design gave the Golf R dynamism with even more charisma.

This includes the gesture control for the infotainment system, newly designed bumpers, LED head and tail lights, safety features like the adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking to name a few.

The designers’ interior touch of incorporating the R brand features is elegant. Where the GTI is known for the touch of red, the Golf R has its blue. The most spectacular of all is driving dur-

The Golf R’s popularity in South Africa continues to strengthen and together with the GTI makes up nearly 60% of Golf sales in South Africa.

PHOTOS:MOTORPRESS

ing night time. Then the active info display digital dashboard with its fine blue lighting is simply just beautiful. It complements the executive interior look.

body memory is a hypothesis that the body itself is capable of storing memories, as opposed to only the brain.

And that is exactly what the VW Golf R does;

it registers a memory of an experience which is at once felt throughout the whole body and these feelings are memorized at the cellular level: pure driving exhilaration!

Petrolhead favourite Driving the Golf R makes it evident why it is a massive favourite among petrolheads.

Oh, so by the way, as Wikipedia explains it,

TALKING F1: NATALIE LE CLUE

Free-for-all at iconic Brazilian GP FOR all the innovation that Formula 1 continues to deliver, there are some things in the sport that, untouched by too much change, remain and embody the very essence of the sport.

One such example is the Brazilian Grand Prix and the famed Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace.

Decade after decade the Interlagos-based circuit has delivered on everything a Formula 1 race should be.

Through the scorching temperatures and rain-soaked afternoons, the Brazilian fan’s euphoria for F1 has always been palpable.

And it has, since 1973, delivered some of the most dramatic and memorable races in the history of the sport.

There have been many highly emotional Brazilian Grand Prix throughout its history, but none more so than Ayrton Senna’s majestic 1991 win in the McLaren after which he was so physically exhausted that he had to be extricated from the cockpit.

In the decades since, there’s been no let up on the drama with several of the most theatrical moments coming in the 21st century.

In 2005 Fernando Alonso became, at the time, the youngest world champion ever and two years later, in 2007, Kimi Raikkonen won his world title in what had been, arguably, one of the most fascinating championship battles of all time.

A year later thousands of Brazilian hearts sank as Lewis Hamilton snatched the title from local favourite Felipe Massa, literally, on the last corner of the last lap whereas the 2012 Grand Prix marked the final race of the great Michael Schumacher’s storied career.

The circuit, at roughly 4.3km, isn’t a long one and a lap time below 70 seconds is likely, especially for qualifying.

Besides having the iconic, and tight, Sen-

na S as turn one, its three sectors stand in contrast to each other.

A straight and several medium to highspeed corners dominate the first part of the lap, while the middle sector is the more technical section before it’s capped by Junção, the final climb up the hill to the start/finish straight.

Despite not having a Brazilian world champion since Ayrton Senna, the fans have shown a fanaticism for the sport and especially other Brazilian drivers as fervent as you’re likely to see anywhere in the world.

One driver responsible for inspiring said passion is Felipe Massa.

The Williams driver has announced his retirement at the end of the 2017 season, making this weekend his final Brazilian Grand Prix.

Though never a world champion, Massa has inspired countless fans, colleagues, and contemporaries with his incredible talent, generosity, passion and sportsmanship. Obrigado Felipe.

The fact that most positions in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships have been settled just adds a further element to this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

No longer do teams such as Force India have to impose team orders on Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon.

Now, they’ll be free to race and bang wheels to their hearts’ content and this directive, pretty much, goes for everyone up and down the pitlane too.

While the forecast predicts a dry race weekend, the weather for the Brazilian Grand Prix has always been, at best, uncertain.

One thing that is a certainty, however, is that there has rarely been a dull Brazilian Grand Prix and it shouldn’t be any different this year.

F0RUM24-OS160617

8

SPORT

King William’s Town Express

8 November 2017

Whistle­blower wants Bhisho Stars hope to sign Matika women to join field ELETHU MTIKI

ELETHU MTIKI ONE of only a few qualified female soccer referees in the country, Thembisa Siyatsha, has called on women to come on board and challenge the male-dominated field.

The Sterkspruit-born referee has her official Safa badges and is serving in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) panel.

This past weekend, she was an assistant referee at an ABC Motsepe League fixture between Eastern Bees and City Lads at

Female referee Thembisa Siyatsha is flanked by her colleagues, Xolani Boneni (left) and Jongabantu Ngcuthushe before Saturday’s ABC Motsepe League match between EC Bees and City Lads at Bhisho Stadium. PHOTO:ELETHU MTIKI

Bhisho Stadium. Siyatsha, also affectionately known as Mhimhi, said she is not intimidated by being the only female among males every weekend.

“It’s so interesting to be a female in a male-dominated field.

“This gets more women interested in knowing how I got to be where I am and how they can follow in my footsteps,” she stated.

Siyatsha added that she did not encounter any major challenges in this field other than the scarcity of women.

In the last few years, she officiated at a number of high-profile matches, such as the Nedbank Cup, All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville and the Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

It came as no surprise to see her achieve so much as a referee as she was recruited by two of the country’s top referees, Khulasande Qongqo and retired Zolile Mthetho, who saw potential in her.

“I guess they saw how active I was because I was always on the field training and I was an athletic trainer.

“I suppose my physical fitness is what triggered them to recruit me. They saw that I’d fit in very well as a referee,” Siyatsha recalled.

Apart from refereeing and being an athlete, she revealed that she also did a stint in karate.

“I grew up as an athlete. I enjoyed representing my school in a number of competitions.

“After I had left school I joined karate.

I used to suffer from tension headache and my dad asked me to join karate or any other sporting code so that I can be active again. Since then, my health has improved a lot. I would like to urge women to consider joining sport. It’s important for a woman to participate in sport as it keeps you healthy and in good shape,” she concluded.

Eastern Cape team that went on to play in the SAB League national tournament in BHISHO Stars are looking to secure the ser- Gauteng. vices of an influential midfielder, Ongeziwe However, he could not play any part in the ‘Bond’ Matika, before the start of the new tournament as it turned out that he was regSAB League season. istered both with Future Tigers and Moscow United (an SAB League side from Ginsberg), The 21-year-old, who hails from Ginsberg thus making him ineligible to participate. in King William’s Town, is still on the books Last year he represented the University of of Future Tigers who Fort Hare in the Varare participating in sity Football compethe ABC Motsepe tition.

League.

With all this expeHis permanent rience under his belt, move to Stars is likeTyiwani underly to happen as soon stands how much of as he receives his an asset Matika clearance from Tiwould be in their quest of becoming a gers.

On Saturday, Matiforce to be reckoned ka played a pivotal with in the upcoming role and marshalled season. the middle of the “He would be a park during Stars’ 2-2 very useful addition draw against Wilto the team. lows in a preseason “We’ve used him friendly match at in a few preseason Bhisho Stadium. games which we’ve “We have an interplayed so far and I est in him (Matika). can say he is what we “We’re looking at need. his situation as an “But as to whether imminent signing. we’ll register him or “But we would like Ongeziwe ‘Bond’ Matika relaxes after not, that will be conto keep things under playing a pivotal role in Bhisho Stars’ 2-2 firmed in due course wraps at this stage draw against Willows this past weekend. after the completion PHOTO:ELETHU MTIKI because the negotiaof the negotiations with the relevant tions are still ongoing,” said Makabongwe Tyiwani, of Stars’ people.” technical staff.

Future Tigers also confirmed that Bhisho Should the move go ahead, it will be a huge Stars had an interest in their player, but the acquisition for the Bhisho-based outfit as team refused to comment further on the matBond will add a lot of experience to the side. ter. “Bond is still registered to us,” said TiHe has represented Eastern Cape in na- gers’ team manager, Terra Simanga, adding tional competitions on a number of occa- that nothing has been finalised regarding sions. In July this year, he was part of the his move.

Angry Moloi takes a swipe at referee for ‘poor officiating’ in cup semi­final ELETHU MTIKI CHIPPA United’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout came to an end on Sunday, as well as their unbeaten streak under coach Teboho Moloi.

This is after the Chilli Boys went down 1-0 against Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Referee Phelelani Ndaba took centre stage when he awarded Kaizer Chiefs a controver-

sial penalty kick which was successfully converted by Bernard Parker in the 31st minute of the first half.

Moloi tried to avoid pointing fingers at Ndaba, but his conspicuous disappointment prevailed.

“I’m not one who likes to complain about the referees or officiating and for me to complain about officiating is not right.

“The referee and the linesmen saw what they did, but I’m not going to complain.

“The only thing that I can say is that I re-

member in my playing days, ’87 to ’92, when we used to lose against Kaizer Chiefs, this is how we used to lose.

“If I’m going to lose games in this way, then I’m still learning.

“I expect to lose games with the opponents really coming at me and coming up with tactical plans and everything different to what I’m doing and then I’ll accept it.

“But at the end of day, you accept even if you lose in this way because I grew up knowing that the only way Chiefs could beat me

Former Border Bulldogs speedster to play for Sharks next season ELETHU MTIKI STAR winger Makazole Mapimpi’s career continues to shine brighter and brighter as he is set to join his third club within a year.

Last week Friday, the Sharks announced that the former Border Bulldogs speedster would be heading to Durban next season.

Mapimpi is currently wearing the colours of the Free State Cheetahs, where he is making a great impact in the Pro14 competition.

“We’re proud to welcome Makazole Mapimpi to #OurSharks squad and are looking forward to having him join us for preseason,” read the statement from Sharks.

The 27-year-old joined the Cheetahs from the Southern Kings in August after the

completion of the Super Rugby season.

He scored a total of 11 tries for the Kings to finish as the top try scorer for the Port Elizabeth-based outfit in his debut season in Super Rugby.

It was no surprise to see him move to the Cheetahs, a move which enabled him to also participate in the Currie Cup competition for the first time.

On his arrival at the Cheetahs the East London-born player wasted no time in crossing the try line, both in the Currie Cup and Pro14 competitions.

Mapimpi’s sudden move to the Sharks came less than 48 hours after he was excluded from the Springbok squad for their European tour.

His exclusion did not go down well with his former club, Bulldogs, as they believed

he deserved to be in Allister Coetzee’s squad.

“It is very unfortunate that he did not get selected for the end of year tour.

“We strongly believe that he is a deserving candidate with (his) trying ability second to none in the country,” read an extract from the Border Bulldogs’ statement.

A day after the Sharks made the announcement, Mapimpi was again in the mix of things when he scored his eighth try of the season for the Cheetahs in the Pro14 during his side’s 23-15 loss to Connacht in Galway in Ireland. ; Former Border Bulldogs and current Free State Cheetahs try machine, Makazole Mapimpi, will join Sharks next season.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

is this way,” fumed the former Orland Pirates midfielder.

The Chilli Boys went into the game having won three matches in a row.

They had also not lost in eight matches since Moloi took the reins in September.

Moloi and his charges will have enough time to regroup and calm down their frustrations ahead of their next game when they travel to Goble Park in Bethlehem to take on Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership match on November 22.