King William's Town Express 7 June 2017

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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

METRO CLEAN­UP CAMPAIGN: MUNICIPALITY AND BUSINESS CHAMBER JOIN FORCES

Call­2­Action for clean BCM

SANELE JAMES

B

USINESSES and the municipality in the Buffalo City area are joining forces to make the metro one of the cleanest and most environmentalfriendly municipalities in the country.

In celebration of Environmental Day on Monday (June 5), the Border-Kei Chamber of Business and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality launched its Call-2-Action campaign – an initiative which calls on all stakeholders to play their part in making Buffalo City a green and clean area.

The initiative was launched at the Mercedes Benz plant in East London.

Les Holbrook of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business said the current state of the

roads in the BCM could potentially turn investors away from the City.

“Apart from the automotive sector, the tourism and accommodation industry are among the strongest in the city and employ a large number of locals.

“But if our streets are this dirty who is going to visit East London? This is why we need to work closely together in making sure that our metro is clean and attractive,” said Holbrook.

Holbrook went on to say the initiative required commitment from the BCM to collect refuse according to schedule, provide refuse collection, storage facilities and waste disposal. He said the Chamber and the City would jointly consult landlords with regard to the dumping of waste according to existing by-laws and regulations.

“The Chamber, on the other hand, will work with its members on increased environmental awareness to avoid any unlawful dumping of waste,” he added.

The project is targeting public areas such as Quigney to Western Avenue, Oxford Street and Southernwood.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has joined the initiative by adopting Settlers Way. The CEO of Mercedes Benz, Barry Canning lauded the multipronged initiative dubbing it a win-win programme.

Currently there are litter buyback storages placed along the Settlers Way where more than 10 locals are employed.

The group picks up litter from the streets and stores it according to category for recycling. They also unblock drains and cut the grass growing on the roadside.

“The people who are working on site are benefiting from this. Both the business sector and the BCM are also getting something out of it, so everybody will benefit,” said Canning.

Department of Environmental Affairs Training Manager, Nkosinathi Nonkoyi, said they were looking to spread the project of collecting waste from locals to other parts of the metro including King William’s Town.

Nonkoyi said they had already recruited 30 schools of which 19 were from Mdantsane Township and the rest from East London.

“This is a good initiative and the Department of Environmental Affairs will support it in every way. In areas such as King William’s Town and Bhisho we will have to introduce mobile buybacks,” said Nonkoyi.

Mercedes Benz South Africa CEO Barry Canning with BCM Councillor Helen Neale­May and BCM Speaker of the Council Alfred Mtsi cut the ribbon during the launch of the Call­2­Action campaign in Settlers Way, East London.

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

NEWS

NEWS

MOTORING

Government commits to hundreds of houses P. 2

Retired nurses gather in Alice

China’s best­selling vehicle is set to hit SA roads P. 6

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2

NEWS

King William’s Town Express

7 June 2017

Government commits to hundreds of houses SANELE JAMES HUMAN Settlements MEC, Helen Sauls-August, has committed to build 734 RDP houses for deserving Breidbarch residents in the 2018/19 financial year.

The project is expected to cost R64 million in total.

Sauls-August made the announcement on Monday evening at the Breidbach community hall.

This was after disgruntled residents went on the rampage last week over RDP houses that they claim they were promised seven years ago.

Some of the residents are complaining of ridiculous municipal bills –something which the BCM municipality said they are looking into.

The mass action spiralled out of control when the mob blocked roads with burning tyres, stones and pieces of old furniture. Vehicles were also pelted with stones.

Local Public Order Policing members were deployed to calm the situation, but were outnumbered by the protesters.

Reinforcements were called in from Mthatha, Cradock and Port Elizabeth. The residents demanded that an official from the municipality, premier Pumulo Masualle or Pres. Jacob Zuma, come to address them.

In the absence of Executive Mayor, Xola Pakati, acting mayor, Helen Neale-May pleaded with the Breidbach residents to desist from mass action, promising to respond to their demands on Friday last week.

During the meeting held at the King William’s Town civic centre, Neale-May assured the mob that a senior government official from a relevant department would come to address them and on Monday MEC Sauls-August visited Breidbach.

The protesters seemed appeased by Sauls-August’s commitment and the protest has been called off.

This was not the first time Breidbach residents protested over houses.

In April last year they blocked the N2 route between King William’s Town and East London.

Again in July, a group called Breidbach Home Seekers Committee (BHSC) marched to the Provincial

Legislature and handed over their list of demands saying they had been given empty promises for several decades and were now demanding action. RDP houses were part of their demands.

Convener of the recent mass action, Carl Matthews, said, “We are satisfied that we managed to reach a consensus with the MEC. We don’t enjoy burning tyres and inconveniencing other people by blocking roads, but it’s is the only language our government understands.”

Matthews added that if Sauls-August fails to keep her word, they will go back to the streets until the first brick of the hundreds of houses has been laid.

Mdantsane residents have also threatened to shut down the country’s second biggest township if BCM fails to address their demands. They are also up in arms over the municipality’s faulty billing system, illegal occupation and alleged selling of RDP houses and electrification of squatter camps.

The group, which calls itself Concerned Citizens of Mdantsane, had

Breidbach residents threaten to go back to the streets if MEC Helen Sauls­ August doesn't keep her word.

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES last week lobbied for support from local taxi operators, schools, businesses and the community at large in bringing the township to a standstill.

Mayor Pakati, interdicted the planned action and called for a meeting with the residents on Monday at the NU 15 community hall. Here he promised to come back again on June 19 with a delegation of the heads of different departments in the municipality.

Local businessman and member of Concerned Citizens of Mdantsane,

Gcobani Lukwe, said recently built RDP houses in Unit P of the growing township were occupied by outsiders while others were left unattended to.

“People applied for houses, but because our government does things at its own pace, some had died while others have gone to live in other cities. Now those houses are vacant and they are being vandalised. Some are sold to people we don’t even know and we want the municipality to sort that out because now we are fighting among ourselves,” said Lukwe.

False posts spread panic, waste SAPS resources REPORTER THE South African Police Service (SAPS) said they have noted with concern the increasing number of false posts on social media about missing, kidnapped and abducted girls and women.

In a media statement by the SA Police, they said that while social media has proven a helpful medium for both the community and the police, hoaxes, fake news and dissemination of false information the SAPS has experienced of late, not only spread panic among local communities, but also wasted the police’s time and resour-

ces.

On May 30 a social media post alleging the abduction of a girl in Naledi, Soweto, by persons in a Quantum vehicle (registration number included) went viral.

After an immediate and thorough investigation, the owner of the Quantum was traced and could prove that the vehicle had been parked and immobile over the period of the alleged abduction. When the originator of the post was traced for clarity, she could not substantiate her story.

In the statement, the police said that many social media posts relating to crime in general and crimes against

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women, children and vulnerable persons are relevant and helpful to the SAPS. They (the police) also participate on social media platforms in order to interact with communities and obtain their views and inputs. “Policing is a consultative and collaborative process and the SAPS has no intention of serving and protecting in isolation from communities.”

Hoaxes and false posts, some published to extract revenge on an individual, to attract attention or make a lover jealous, not only divert the police’s stretched resources, but can also have far-reaching repercussions.

An example is the recent violence that erupted in KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal on May 29. The incident began with an allegation on social media of trafficking human body parts by persons who were identified.

It escalated into looting and violent protest actions during which two people were shot, one of whom died. The police were also fired upon as they attempted to neutralise the situation.

The police said that this is a clear example of how the reckless or malicious use of social media can cause chaos and even loss of life.

“While state resources are being utilised to verify and investigate hoax-

es, the police are being diverted from performing their constitutionally mandated duties of preventing, detecting and combating crime and this is an untenable situation,” said former Acting National Police Commissioner Lt Gen Khomotso Phahlane in the statement.

“Just as in the event of a person laying a false criminal charge, those spreading false information through social media, leading to crimes being committed or the fruitless use of state resources, will be investigated and prosecuted or subjected to civil litigation to recover police expenses,” said Phahlane.

Tobacco truck robbers slapped with hefty sentences SANELE JAMES THEMBELA Thyulu (25) who robbed a British American Tobacco vehicle and kidnapped the driver, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery and 5 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court.

Thyulu will serve 15 years of direct imprisonment as the sentences will run concurrently.

The robbery happened in the early hours of July 8, 2015 when a driver (24) of the British American Tobacco company, was delivering cigarettes at a spaza shop in Duncan Village, East London.

One of Thyulu’s accomplices, who was carrying a firearm, approached the driver and forced him to the back of the delivery vehicle

and locked him inside.

He then drove the vehicle for a short distance before stopping next to a parked bakkie.

Two men were waiting inside the bakkie and one of them was Thyulu.

Thyulu and the other two suspects, who are still at large, offloaded the tobacco worth R230 354 from the delivery vehicle into the bakkie.

The three then drove off in the bakkie and left the driver locked inside the vehicle.

The Serious Organised Crime wing of the Hawks immediately launched an investigation and Tyhulu was arrested nine days later.

He was arrested while appearing in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court for another BAT robbery case which is currently on trial before the same court.

Last week Friday Alfred Dywanisi (41) and Siyabonga Milisi (33) were each sentenced to

10 years’ imprisonment in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court while Busani Elleni (29) was sentenced to nine years.

This follows an incident on September 14, 2015 in which the three robbed a BAT delivery vehicle in Mdantsane.

The men fled with cigarettes valued at approximately R150 000.

Dywanisi and Milisi were arrested by the Serious Organised Crime wing on the same day in Beacon Bay. Their accomplice, Elleni was arrested this year in January in Cape Town.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Head for the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation Major-General Nyameko Nogwanya said the conviction of the men was a warning message to those who commit crimes.

He warned that their days were also numbered.

ANY NEWS TIPS? Send us an email to express@media24.com

NEWS

7 June 2017

King William’s Town Express

3

Municipal project causes divisions in Ward 25 SANELE JAMES A MULTIMILLION-rand water treatment project in Phakamisa Township that was meant to improve sanitation services in the King William’s Town area has instead caused infighting among locals.

The project has created two camps –one in support of the Ward Councillor, Crosby Kolela, and the other who wants the councillor gone.

Last week the side who is against the councillor, took to the streets claiming to have been side-lined when the incumbent committee was appointed last year.

This resulted in a physical fight last week and two residents were arrested and charged for assault.

On Sunday afternoon the anti-councillor camp convened a meeting at a local school in Zwelitsha Township while the Ward councillor held his own meeting in Phakamisa Township on the same day. Zwelitsha and Phakamisa both fall under Ward 25.

During the meeting in Zwelitsha, the residents who had protested earlier in the week accused Kolela of nepotism and cronyism.

They said Kolela used unfair employment processes to alienate those who didn’t support him during the 2016 local government elections.

“Ward 25 is made of Phakamisa, Zwelitsha: Zone 8, 9 and 10, and Cliff Location and councillor Kolela resides in Phakamisa. Those from his area of residence always get first pref-

The municipal bulk infrastructure project that has separated Ward 25 residents.

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

erence whenever there are opportunities of employment in the ward. He has divided us,” said one of the residents during the meeting that was held at the local Ngqika Primary school on Sunday.

In 2014 Kolela was a member of the ward committee and his services were cut short by the Buffalo City Municipality after his involvement in corruption in a housing programme in the Bulembu Housing Development.

Kolela, however, managed to rise to power as the leader of Ward 25.

Some residents, however, allege that he disbanded the already operational Steering Committee of the water treatment project to appoint people who support him.

The Express is in possession of copies of letters from the residents asking for the Buffalo City Metro Municipality to intervene, to no avail.

The issue was also raised by one of the com-

munity members during the metro’s Council Open Day and BCM mayor Xola Pakati referred it to the municipality’s Portfolio Head of Infrastructure Councillor Ncedo Kumbaca who said the matter was under control.

Commenting on the situation, Ward 25 councillor, Kolela also confirmed that the community was divided over the project. He however denied all the accusations levelled against him saying it was just a ploy by the opposition to tarnish his image.

“I know the people who are spreading lies about me. That is what sore losers do –they can’t accept defeat. Most of the people behind the unrest are those who contested in the previous election and sadly they lost and now they are doing everything possible to make me look bad,” he said.

Kolela said Kumbaca had tried to resolve the matter, but his efforts didn’t yield favourable outcomes.

It took Cooperative Governance MEC Fikile Xasa to temporarily calm the situation last week. Xasa convinced the two camps to cease fire and wait for a meeting he had scheduled for yesterday (Tuesday) at the Phakamisa community hall.

The meeting was rescheduled for an unconfirmed date after Ward 25 councillor Kolela called the office of MEC Xasa telling them he was never informed of the meeting and he only learned about it after he had overheard people talking about it.

“I was never made aware of the meeting; hence I had to liaise with the office of the MEC. Otherwise I have nothing to hide,” said Kolela.

Stern warning issued to parents over late learner admissions SANELE JAMES THE Eastern Cape Department of Education has warned that it will not be admitting learners after August 29, except for special cases such as unplanned transfers.

The Superintendent General for the Department of Education, Themba Kojana, made this announcement when the department’s MEC, Mandla Makupula, launched the “Learner Admission Campaign” at De Vos Malan High School in King William’s Town.

The campaign prohibits transfer of already registered learners from one school to the other unless the parents are relocating.

Parents who are relocating and would like to apply for admission between Grade 2 to 7 must consult with the school of choice to verify availability of spaces. Spaces will be confirmed pending the current learner and enrolment learner retention in each Grade and in line with the capacity of the school.

Parents are urged to apply to as many schools as possible as there is no guarantee that a parent will get a school of choice when applying.

The campaign is aimed at creating awareness in school communities about the importance of early admission processes and the disadvantages of the late admission of learners.

Kojana said late admission of learners contributed to the scholar transport programme problems and shortages in stationery, furniture and the school nutrition scheme.

“If your child decides to apply late at school, after August 29, just know that they will not be catered for in the government scholar subsidies.

We work with the names of learners submitted to us on time and we allocate funds for these learners accordingly,” he said.

Each learner on quintile one to three receives a government subsidy of R1 177 while those in quintile four and five receive between R204 to R590.

The money covers meals, trans-

port, stationery and furniture for the whole year.

The Buffalo City Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay, Chris Hani District and King Sabatha Dalindyebo are said to be the worst offenders when it comes to the late admission of learners.

MEC Makupula encouraged parents and SGB members to be involved in activities of schools in their areas.

He told parents to take an interest in their children’s education.

“Check what they did at school every day.

“Most importantly, you must be watchdogs of the general happenings in the school.

“If you notice any suspicious activities, feel free to report it to the department,” said Makupula.

; SG Temba Kojana addresses education stakeholders during the Learner admission campaign.

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

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King William’s Town Express

7 June 2017

Forensic investigation on the cards in Great Kei REPORTER FOLLOWING on his second leg visit to the Great Kei Local Municipality recently, Department of Cooperative Governance and the Department of Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Fikile Xasa announced that he has enlisted the support of the National Treasury to conduct forensic investigations in the municipality.

In the recent past the municipality has been faced by community protests demanding better service delivery in the area. As a result, the community under the leadership of the Great Kei United Forum handed a petition of

grievances over to MEC Xasa.

“The forensic investigation will focus on unfinished projects in the area. For the investigation to succeed and yield the desired results, I encourage members of the community to come forward with evidence of wrong doing to back up their allegations,” said MEC Xasa.

The unfinished projects include Komga, Kweletha, and Chintsa sport fields, Chintsa and Happy Valley Community Halls, toilets and houses in Zone 10.

During the question and answer session, members of the community welcomed the investigation.

Xasa added that he has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Special

Investigative Unit (SIU) to conduct investigations in Great Kei and other municipalities.

During his visit MEC Xasa conducted a walkabout of the area and found bad roads, as well as damp houses, due to sewage water which overflows when people flush their toilets.

“Houses have been built in what appears to be a wetland; hence the area is waterlogged constantly. Families live in unbearable and hazardous conditions at a great cost to their lives. The situation requires immediate attention,” said MEC Xasa.

Officials from the Department of Human Settlements have already visited the affected areas to provide solutions to the longstanding

challenges. Issues of water and sanitation are also receiving attention from Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and the Department of Water and Sanitation. The Municipal Infrastructure Agency (MISA) will assist with drawing up the Electricity Master Plan for the municipality.

MEC Xasa said in the context of Operation Masiphathisane officials from COGTA and the Office of the Premier will come up with a plan to establish War Rooms in the municipal area.

“We need integrated solutions to all the challenges to make the desired impact and create a better Great Kei community,” said MEC Xasa.

Retired nurses gather in Alice THEMBELA NDLUMBINI MEMBERS of the Retired Nurses Association in King William’s Town recently gathered in Alice to honour the memory of well-known nurses in history as part of Nurses’ Day. More than 200 nurses from King William’s Town, Peddie, Middledrift and Alice commemorated Florence Nightingale and the life of Cecilia Makiwane who hails from the Eastern Cape. Nurses’ Day is celebrated on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, 12 May, every year.

“We want to give the nurses of this generation a chance to celebrate International Nurses’ Day,” said Yolisa Mkiva, a retired nurse of the King William’s Town’s Retired Nurses Association.

The master of ceremonies at the event was Noluthando Lukasi of King William’s Town who is a retired nurse and a well-known busi-

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The event was also attended by Raymond Mhlaba Municipality Mayor Bandile Ketelo.

Ketelo, who hails from Ntselamanzi Village in Alice and was born in Victoria Hospital, said nursing is one of the most challenging professions that requires dedication.

He said the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality is working hard to address challenges the hospital faces such as accommodation and the poor state of roads in an attempt to uplift the standard of Victoria Hospital.

One of the speakers, Dinah Moropedi of the Department of Health in the EC province, said they are very much aware of the pressures and difficult work that nurses have to face on a daily basis, and yet they persevere to serve and care for people.

“For this, nurses deserve to be celebrated and the profession honoured. If we randomly had to ask people about their encounter with a nurse, we would find that all of us have experienced a nurse’s impact in our lives one way or the other,” Moropedi added.

“Coming here to Victoria Hospital, to the very first memorial site of Cecilia Makiwane, for the Nurses’ Day of Prayer has such a huge significance and deep meaning,” said Moropedi She added that despite the successes, nurses also face many challenges and the prayer session was aimed at addressing these.

“We acknowledge that there are challenges experienced by our nurses and midwives in practice. These include fundamental challenges such as the exodus of skilled nurses as a result of early retirement, an overworked workforce as a result of the exodus, increased burden of disease and increased criminal activities which put their lives at risk.

“This is a serious reality that we cannot run away from and we are doing all in our power to improve the situation.

“One major challenge that we are battling to overcome as the department is the negative attitudes of nurses which affects patient care.

We need to pray for these people and teach them the fundamental values of nursing because they are here now and we need to make them understand that this is a humanitarian profession.

“Nurses are the first point of contact in Primary Health Care and they should always have a welcoming attitude which gives hope to ill patients.”

The 2017 theme for the International Nurses’ Day was Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This theme called on all nurses to play their part in achieving the SDGs of no poverty, zero hunger and good health and well-being.

“South Africa through the National Development Plan (NDP) envisages a country with an increased life expectancy of up to 70 years, largely HIV free under the young generation,

Doctor Nonqaba Makiwane leads Makiwane family members in the laying of wreathes at the statue of Cecilia Makiwane during the Nurses’ Day commemoration at Victoria Hospital in Alice. PHOTO: THEMBELA NDLUMBINI a significant reduction of disease burden and achieving an infant mortality rate of less than 20 deaths per 1000 live births.

“The health sector has an enormous task at hand and needs a committed and driven workforce to carry this mandate forward,” Moropedi said.

She expressed her appreciation for the remembrance and celebration of Cecilia Makiwane during the event.

Wreathes were laid at the 40-year-old memorial site in recognition of Makiwane’s contribution to the nursing profession.

“We have built a life-size statue of Cecilia Makiwane and an amphitheatre in her memory.

“Our Premier, Phumulo Masualle, has officially opened this site, as well as the newly built medical wing. Soon we will be commemorating International Nurses’ Day in this new amphitheatre and also celebrate the life well lived and dedicated to serving the needy, the life of Cecilia Makiwane,” Moropedi concluded. < Nontembiso Nyikana, president of King William’s Town’s Retired Nurses Association, delivers a speech at the Nurses’ Day ceremony at Victoria Hospital in Alice.

PHOTO:THEMBELA NDLUMBINI

DSRAC launches Youth Structure Staff of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) in King William’s Town welcomed Youth Month in academic style by dressing up in school uniforms to officially launch their Youth Structure.

From left are Mvuyisi Slapu, Zintle Notununu, Siyasanga Boko, Bulelwa Sogawula, Bongisa Ntshanga, Luvuyo Marala, Phumela Jojo and Luthando Kaso.

PHOTO:ZAVELA MAKWABE

NEWS

7 June 2017

King William’s Town Express

5

Unemployment shoots up in Eastern Cape SANELE JAMES ACCORDING to the labour force survey recently issued by Statistics SA, unemployment in the country has increased again with the Eastern Cape recording the highest figures of joblessness.

According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2017, the unemployment rate has gone up to 27.7% in the first quarter of 2017 which is the highest rate recorded in fourteen years (since 2003).

Unemployment in the Eastern Cape skyrocketed by 3.8 percent from 28.4% in the fourth quarter of 2016 (October-December) to 32.2% in the

first quarter of 2017 (January-March).

This means a total of 684 000 are now jobless.

In the last quarter of 2017 the Quarterly Labour Force Survey reported 574 000 were jobless in the Eastern Cape.

DA MPL, Bobby Stevenson said the high unemployment figure is a result of the shrinking economy and the infighting in the ANC. “The devastating tragedy of these figures is that an additional 110 000 people are unable to put food on the table. This is devastating for the families that are involved. This province is now paying the price for the ANC’s infighting, factionalism and policy uncertainty,” said Stevenson.

The expanded rate of unemployment –those

persons who have given up looking for a job rose from 41.3% in the fourth quarter of 2016 to 43.6% in January to March 2017.

“This amounts to a job-loss bloodbath, and given the fact that our provincial economy is going to grow by less than 1 percent this year, the employment prospects look very bleak for the Eastern Cape as a whole,” he said.

Young people are the most affected by unemployment with over 60% being without employment.

Stevenson said equipping young people with relevant skills was the only solution for the Eastern Cape’s joblessness challenge, adding that the education system was the first place to look into.

“Entrepreneurship training is critical in our

schools. We need to create a climate in this province that is conducive to attracting investment.

Only the private sector can create jobs.

“We need a province of entrepreneurs. The government must do its bit by eradicating corruption, fixing the infrastructure, improving safety, delivering services and governing well,” he added.

Professor Ncedile Saule of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University also recently criticised the country’s education system.

Saule said SA institutions of learning do not teach students to create employment, but teach them to master the art of job seeking. Saule delivered a memorial lecture at Walter Sisulu University during Africa Day celebrations.

KIDS AND BABY AND BRIDAL EXPOS

PE Express joins forces with Harwood Promotions PORT ELIZABETH Express , a sister publication of King William’s Town Express, has joined forces with Harwood Promotions as media sponsor of two exciting expos to be held in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Kids and Baby Expo will be held from September 29 to October 1 this year and the I DO! Bridal Expo from March 24 to 25 next year.

Both expos will be held at the Boardwalk.

Harwood Promotions is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year after being established in January 1997 by Linda Harwood, who is well-known in the media planning, marketing and event management industry.

Her consultancy offers a professional public relations and marketing service, specialising in event management, exhibitions and conferences.

“Over the last twenty years I have organised a huge variety of events, from sports-related, to fashion and corporate events appealing to a wide cross section of people, said Linda.

Harwood Promotions started its first successful exhibition, aimed at the Bridal Market, 25 years ago and since then has co-ordinated expos within the sports market, home market and Kids & Baby market to name a few.

“I am passionate about the exhibition marketing platform as it is an affordable way for businesses to meet their target market face-toface.

“Businesses have the opportunity to engage in two-way communication with their clients, sample and survey products or services, build databases, launch new products, and keep their products or services top of mind using a well-managed and clearly targeted exhibition platform,” said Linda.

In March this year, Harwood Promotions successfully launched the I DO! Bridal Expo at the Boardwalk Exhibition Level and the date for the next Bridal Expo has been set for March 2018.

This past weekend the winners of a R250 000 dream wedding at the I DO! Bridal Expo, Mel-

vonia and Enwer Brass, tied the knot at Africanos, which is one of the main prize sponsors of the competition.

“Wow, what wonderful, emotional feelings we’re having. We are overwhelmed and speechless! Thank you to all the sponsors who have put together this great prize and especially to Africanos Country Estate for hosting our amazing wedding, said Melvonia.

“The wedding was a wonderful success, said Cindy Venter of Africanos.

“All the sponsors co-ordinated their prizes and the planning went very smoothly,” said Cathy.

Linda is currently planning her 8th Kids & Baby Expo which will be held at the Boardwalk Exhibition Level during the third term school holidays over three days from 29 September to 1 October.

PE Express will be partnering both events, and will be keeping readers up-to-date with these exciting events.

“We are proud to be partnered with Linda

Harwood and be involved in the two expos. We believe this will add value and create opportunities for our diverse range of clients as well as our readers,” said Tasmia Ismail, general manager of EP Media and Die Burger (Eastern Cape).

Melvonia and Enwer Brass, the winners of a R250 000 dream wedding as part of the I DO! Bridal Expo in March, tied the knot at Africanos this past weekend.

PHOTO: MARIUS OF FULL CIRCLE PHOTOGRAPHY

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“In January 2013, our company Chief Operations Officer (my mentor) sat with me and reminded me that although I provided all the information, data, reports, analysis and forecasting for the operational and support side of the business, which was then presented to the Board by himself (as COO), I was not able to be part of that Board because the minimum requirement was a degree.

“His analogy was that I didn’t have a ticket to the game, although I knew more about the game than all the others put together. I moaned that it was too late – I was too old, I had kids – how was I ever going to do something about getting a degree. He said these words to me: ‘A year from now you are going to wish you had started today.’”

Bircher went online, did some research and completed the Boston online application.

“Thus, I started my journey,” she said. “I decided that I would try to do the full course load each semester. If my family was making sacrifices, one or two more hours a week would be easy, rather than an additional year or two down the line.”

Whether it is in a small business, a big manufacturer, a bank or even a government department, marketing and management skills are required to ensure success in the marketplace, said Kerry Damons, marketing manager of Boston.

Damons said that there are many areas of specialisation in marketing and management. If you are new to the field, therefore, it is a good idea to speak to a career advisor to make sure you choose the best option to serve your career dreams.

This type of career advice is free of charge at Boston colleges nationwide as part of the college’s corporate social investment.

Boston offers various study options in market-

ing: from entry-level qualifications to more advanced diplomas and degrees.

These include the BCom degree in Management Marketing, Diploma in Marketing Management, Higher Certificate in Marketing Practice, Higher Certificate in Advertising and Integrated Communication Practice and short programmes such as The Retailer and The Sales Representative.

The shorter programmes lead to both higher learning possibilities as well as immediate employment.

Damons explained that short learning programmes allow for alternative routes of entry to higher education that are equivalent to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) standard.

This is in keeping with the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Department of Higher Education and Training to help adult and young adult learners that have not achieved a National Senior Certificate get access to higher education.

“With an entry-level qualification, you can enter the marketing field by first becoming a marketing assistant or marketing secretary and then you can work your way up,” said Damons.

If you are interested in a degree, Boston’s BCom in Management Marketing equips students with the knowledge and skills for advancement in the fields of business, management and marketing with a focus on digital marketing, social media and brand management - all buzzwords in the marketing field of today.

Bircher explained how she managed to complete all these modules, multitasking along the way.

“I worked hard, and was fiercely protective of my time. I adjusted my work hours to be 6am to 3pm. Work received its allotted hours, the kids got me in the afternoons, my health and fitness received a few hours each week, and the balance went to studying. I am so proud to have completed my degree.”

The Boston degree makes provision for the

latest marketing trends and includes modules such as financial management, entrepreneurship, and marketing and brand management.

Damons pointed out that the degree is an excellent option available to those who have not yet registered for tertiary studies as applications are still open for 2016.

“We can accommodate both full-time and part time students at various tuition centres nationwide,” she said. “Our state of the art tuition centres provide computer access to optimise our students’ learning experiences, whilst providing structured support and guidance.”

The BCom in Management Marketing is an

HEQC and DHET accredited course. The minimum entry requirement is a National Senior Certificate with degree entry. Mature students may apply for recognition of prior learning. And as mentioned above, all learners can make use of the alternative short learning pathways available.

“In today’s world it is important to go for a field of work where there is progress and job prospects,” said Damons.

Bircher quoted Karen Lamb, “A year from now you will wish you had started today.”

Get details on marketing and management qualifications offered by Boston at www.boston.co.za or phone 011 551 2000.

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Management Marketing is a great career to pursue and graduates of the Boston BCom Management Marketing agree.

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6

MOTORING

King William’s Town Express

7 June 2017

China’s best­selling vehicle is set to hit SA roads REPORTER GREAT Wall Motors’ (GWM) vehicles is now entering its 10th year on the local market with well over 55 000 of its vehicles having been sold through its 40-plus dealerships across the country.

Now, it is fully controlled by the Chinese parent company and the local subsidiary has been branded Haval Motors South Africa (Pty) Ltd. As a result South African motorists can look forward to an ongoing raft of best-selling, continually updated GWM products, which include the reintroduction of the popular H5 and H6 SUVs, as well as the advent of refreshed Steed bakkie line-ups.

The big news, however, is that premium Haval products are being rolled out, starting with the Haval H2 last month.

Haval is the premium sub-brand of GWM. While the name might still be strange to South African tongues, it is massive in its home market of China, having achieved sales of over one million units last year.

This makes it the best-selling SUV brand in China.

GWM says the H2 is set to shake up the unquenchable South African market for sub-compact SUVs, with its mixture of excellent driving dynamics, slick styling, high safety levels and superb quality inside and out.

Powering the H2 is a punchy, proven 1.5-litre turbopetrol motor making 105kW and 202Nm of torque.

Drive is to the front wheels via a sixspeed manual or automatic gearbox and equipment levels are stellar, with everything from durable, man-made leather upholstery to a high-resolution touch-screen infotainment system.

Reassuringly, this vehicle boasts a fivestar C-NCAP rating.

However, GWM says the biggest surprise with the H2 promises to be its price, which will be announced at the launch and which will certainly undercut the competition in this hugely popular segment.

At the same time as the H2, the smaller H1 crossover will debut.

Both the Haval and GWM brands are set to soar on the value-hungry local market with a standard, five-year/100 000km warranty.

This only sweetens the appeal of GWM’s Steed 5 D/C, Steed 6 D/C, H5 and H6 prod-

= Great Wall Motors’ Haval H2 is set to shake up the unquenchable South African market for sub­compact SUVs. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

; The interior of the Haval H2. PHOTO: SUPPLIED ucts, as well as on all Haval vehicles.

All Havals come standard with five years’ road assistance.

Charles Zhao, managing director of Haval Motors SA, said, “The South African market plays an important part in our international expansion strategy and going forward we will continue to distribute Haval and GWM vehicles, offer parts and service support, as well as administer warranties through the already established dealer network.”

TALKING F1: NATALIE LE CLUE

Can Mercedes stem Ferrari’s momentum

Embracing the Wild at the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees!

• • • • •

Faerie for all Seasons Wonderland for kids Friends come together at the Flavourfontein beach bar Shop till you drop Take a walk on the Wildside Party the night away with a galaxy of stars

FORMULA 1 swops Monaco for Montreal as it heads to the seventh round of the season around Canada’s Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

The flowing circuit set in the heart of the St Lawrence Seaway, has become a classic on the F1 calendar, which often turns up unpredictable races. Although it’s one of the shorter circuits, its flowing nature allows for close racing and, though limited, some chances for overtaking.

While the average lap speed is significantly higher than at the last round in Monaco the close proximity of the walls and barriers creates the impression of a street circuit.

The demand on brakes is some of the highest experienced in the entire season.

For the first time in more than a decade the ardent Canadian fans will have a local driver in the mix.

Williams’ Lance Stroll will be the first Canadian to race on home soil since Jacques Villeneuve’s retirement in 2006.

So far, Stroll’s journey into F1 hasn’t been an easy one with several retirements and a couple of mistakes making for a brutal introduction to the sport. Nevertheless, if the Montreal native is going to step up anywhere this would be the best

place to do so.

In 2016 the Canadian Grand Prix was well within Sebastian Vettel’s grasp, but it slipped through Ferrari’s fingers as they called an ill-advised strategy, which cost them victory. While the German comfortably held off second-placed Hamilton, the Ferrari pitwall decided to opt for a two-stop strategy while Mercedes ran a one-stop race, which ultimately resulted in the top step of the podium for Hamilton.

The picture in 2017 looks far different from that of twelve months ago. This weekend Vettel arrives in Canada with a healthy lead in the championship and with a car quick enough to challenge for victory.

However, there is a suspected reliability issue with the turbo unit on Vettel’s Ferrari. If the unit has to be replaced it could mean a five place grid penalty for the championship leader.

But while it remains only a threat without official confirmation of a penalty, Ferrari will be feeling confident ahead of the weekend. The efficiency of their aerodynamic package in 2017 has proven to be top of the class in the field and should come into its own around the circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The most significant area in which Ferrari holds an

advantage is its relatively big set-up window.

The coveted sweet spot of balance between both axles of the car seems easier to come by for Ferrari than its championship rivals, Mercedes. It is this specific factor that is Ferrari’s biggest advantage in 2017.

Further to Ferrari’s advantage is the combination of ultra- and supersoft tyre compounds nominated by Pirelli for this Grand Prix weekend.

The Ferrari’s liking of the ultrasoft tyre stems from its ability to bring the compound into its optimal working range quicker than Mercedes as was seen in Monaco and Russia.

Still, Merc is far from out of the equation. The naturally cooler temperatures often experienced over the Canadian race weekend will be to the advantage of Mercedes as it decreases the operating temperature window of the tyre.

The Canadian GP weekend is an interesting one for Mercedes as both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have shone, to varying degrees, on this circuit. While Ferrari has shown no qualms in advancing the interests of Vettel, as the championship leader, it begs the question as to what call Mercedes will make should Bottas be in front of Hamilton.

7 June 2017

MOTORING

King William’s Town Express

7

New Suzuki Ignis to hit South African roads REPORTER SUZUKI has announced the launch of its Ignis, a small crossover vehicle, in South African last month.

The new Suzuki Ignis is an ultracompact crossover that combines the dynamic benefits of a wieldy lightweight hatchback with the stance and clearance of an all-terrainer.

The Suzuki Ignis range consists of three models, spanning two specification levels, and two transmission choices. The efficient 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine is employed across all three variants.

At just 3,7 metres long and 1,69 metres wide, the proportions of the Ignis express agility, while the generous 180mm ground clearance confirms that the newcomer is not scared to get its boots dirty.

The shape is chunky and muscular, with wide tracks that position the wheels at each corner of the vehicle. Pronounced wheel arches, a high waistline and a relatively narrow glass aperture add a sense of purpose, while the broad C-pillar adds further visual muscle.

The design is unmistakably Suzuki, but reflecting styling influences drawn from previous generation Suzukis, as well as current models, while also pointing the way to Suzuki’s design future. The newcomer’s lines are cleanly drawn, creating an emphatic, unequivocal identity.

The bold, almost square headlights, with their striking daytime running lights, frame a narrow, aggressive grille, while the deep, integrated front bumper is home to large air intakes, as well as front fog lamps on GLX

The interior of the new Suzuki Ignis. models.

The new-generation, modular chassis underpinning the Ignis contributes to the crossover’s low mass, while also offering a rigid platform for the suspension. The result is enhanced ride comfort and engaging handling.

Powered by the well-known K12M 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine already familiar from current Suzuki models such as the Swift 1.2, the Ignis benefits from a lightweight 850kg

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

kerb mass to achieve sprightly performance, together with impressive fuel economy.

The standard transmission is a five-speed manual design, driving the front wheels.

However, there’s also the option of Suzuki’s so-called Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which links the convenience of a selfshifter to the efficiency of a manual gearbox.

The manual-transmission model accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in 11,6 sec, while top speed is 165km/h. Fitted with the automated

manual transmission, the Ignis gets to 100km/h from rest in 13 sec, while top speed is 155km/h.

The fuel-injected K12M engine is an economy star, allowing the Ignis to achieve an impressive combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5,1 litres/100km in the case of manual gearbox models, and an even more frugal 4,9 litres/100km for the automated manual model.

Offered in GL and range-topping GLX versions, the Ignis features a modern, surprisingly spacious and well-equipped interior.

Despite its compact size, there is no shortage of legroom or headroom, while the luggage compartment offers 260 litres of cargo space, expandable to 469 litres with the rear seatback folded flat.

Standard items across all models include electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, electric power steering, and an MP3-compatible CD sound system with USB port and 12V accessory power socket.

Safety is comprehensively addressed via dual front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, side impact protection beams, Isofix child seat anchors and childproof rear door locks.

Prices and Warranty 1.2 GL Man R169 900 1.2 GLX Man R189 900 1.2 GLX AMT R204 900 The new Suzuki Ignis is covered by a standard three-year/100 000km warranty, as well as a two-year/30 000km service plan.

Services are at 15 000km/12-month intervals.

The new Suzuki Ignis combines the dynamic benefits of a wieldy lightweight hatchback with the stance and clearance of an all­terrainer.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Automobile Association: Fuel relief beckons this month REPORTER SOUTH African motorists are in for some fuel price relief in June.

This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

“Our expectation for June is that petrol will drop by up to 26 cents a litre, with a 20 cent drop for both diesel and illumi-

nating paraffin,” the AA said.

The Association noted that the Rand advanced against the US dollar during most of May, with further support from retreating international petroleum prices.

“Both of these factors have contributed to the reduction in the fuel price,” the Association said.

The AA said OPEC’s decision to continue its production cut for another nine months showed that there was concern in oil producing nations about a contin-

ued world oversupply of oil.

This could mean a period of relative price stability.

On the home front, the Association said the background political noise affecting the Rand continued to play a role.

“With political uncertainty set to continue, our medium-term outlook for the fuel price is that lower international petroleum prices will be key to maintaining local fuel price stability if the Rand weakens again,” the Association concluded.

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8

SPORT

King William’s Town Express

7 June 2017

Bees seek positive results in opening game ELETHU MTIKI EASTERN Cape Bees are looking to kick off their national promotional play-offs campaign on a positive note when they face Uthongathi in their Group B opener at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane today.

A win today against their KwaZulu-Natal counterparts will serve as a huge morale booster in their quest to gain a promotion to the National First Division next season to join Mthatha Bucks as the second side from the province in the second tier of South African soccer.

Getting positive results in the opening

game is always ideal as it reduces pressure.

The King William’s Town-based side is regarded as one of the favourites in these playoffs.

However, there are no easy games in these competitions and the KZN outfit will prove that they did not reach this stage just by adding the numbers.

Playing in front of their home supporters will be another motivating factor for Bees.

However, with the game set to kick off at 9am, they might not enjoy the kind of support they would have loved.

Bees’ Captain George Gawe said they are fully focused and vowed that they would go all out to make sure that they book themselves

a spot in the NFD next season.

“The guys are fully focused. We’ve prepared very well and will go to the play-offs and show that we’re well-prepared,” said Gawe.

“We’ll go there with one thing in mind – to gain promotion to the NFD, nothing else! We want to put King William’s Town on the map.

All we need is support from the locals.”

After today’s clash, Bees will shift focus to tomorrow’s game against Mainstay at 9am and finish off their group matches against Zizwe United on Friday at 3pm, with both games taking place at Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

Gawe added that they did not know much about their opponents. However, he said they had enough experience to face any team.

Gawe himself played for the defunct PJ Stars in the NFD while some of his teammates came from Mthatha Bucks.

Bees and Uthongathi are in Group B alongside Zizwe United (Western Cape) and Mainstay (Northern Cape).

Group A consists of Buya Msuthu (North West), Super Eagles (Free State), Maccabi FC (Gauteng), Acornbush (Mpumalaga) and The Dolphins (Limpopo).

Today’s fixtures at Sisa Dukashe Stadium: EC Bees vs Uthongathi at 9am Zizwe United vs Mainstay at 11am Maccabi vs Super Eagles at 1pm The Dolphins vs Acornbush at 3pm

Horse racing in Emagqunukhwebeni benefits rural community SIYANDA NKONYENI POPULAR traditional sports such as rugby, cricket and horse racing have become synonymous with the Debe Nek area in Emagqunukhwebeni where games have been played for entertainment for many years.

Unfortunately, due to factors such as urbanisation, substance abuse and the introduction of technology in these far flung areas, these activities have dwindled.

King William’s Town-born businessman, Sivuyile Dwane, has taken it upon himself to bring this form of entertainment back to the area by sponsoring an annual horse racing event that has become an integral part of the community.

“We are proud to see that what we started five years ago is now benefiting the greater Eastern Cape community. KwaBhefili Animal Health started this as just a sporting event to entertain locals, and later we saw a need to give back to the community in an impactful way.

“We incorporated an element of develop-

Nozalisile High School entertains the community during the horse racing event.

PHOTO:SIYANDA NKONYENI

ment and are trying to instil the value of education by donating uniforms and giving bursaries to learners,” he said.

Enthusiastic singing, dancing, praising and a colourful crowd all formed part of the sixth kwaBhefili horse racing event held at Phewuleni recently and is proof of how popular and

important the event has become to the local community.

As more emphasis is put on the development of horse owners, jockeys and informal traders, young and old horse racing fans descended to the small village from all over the province for the day of fun.

Though elated by what he has achieved so far, Dwane cited a lack of support from various stakeholders as one of the problems hindering development in the rural areas.

“We have been doing this event without support from anyone. Even government does not support initiatives like these in the rural areas. We would also like to get exposure so that people can know about us as this will help us grow.”

Lumumba Makhawula, a horse owner from Mount Frere who has been taking part in the traditional horse race since it started, said that his involvement in the sport is to give young boys from rural areas a chance at a better life.

“I am proud to say that I took a young boy from a poor background in my area and trained him as a jockey. Now he is doing his last year at university.”

Bobisile Mgoqi, who promotes arts and culture in the area, wished that events that include young rural children would be held more often because there is a lot of talent to be discovered there.

Charles Morgan Combined School advances to national level again ELETHU MTIKI IT is becoming less of a surprise to find Charles Morgan Combined School representing the Eastern Cape at a national level.

The school from Ginsberg Township in King William’s Town has done it again after winning the U/15 COPA Coca-Cola provincial final at Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, at the weekend and booking themselves a place in the national showpiece to take place in October.

Charles came out on top, beating seven other schools that were representing their respective regions. On their way to lifting the trophy, they secured convincing victories when they hammered Velile Junior Secondary School 5-1 and Ekuphumuleni High School 4-0 respectively.

They sealed things with a 4-2 win on penalties against Nomandi Junior Secondary School after the game had finished 0-0 in regulation time.

Last year, they represented the Eastern Cape in the McDonald U/14 National Championships held at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, where they finished third, bringing home a bronze medal.

Coach Zimisele Mfazwe said they went to Port Elizabeth with the bulk of players who played in last year’s competition.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times we represented the province at the national

competitions. These boys are the same players who were the (provincial) McDonald champions. This means we’re carrying the momentum. They understand and complement each other,” Mfazwe stated.

Mfazwe further praised his charges as a bunch of dedicated and disciplined players.

“The players understand what is expected from them. They are very disciplined.

We also do not compromise when a player does not deliver. They know that it’s either they perform or they’re out of the team.

We’d rather play with an incomplete team than play with players who are not disciplined,” he said.

In 2014, this renowned school represented the province in the same COPA Coca-Cola competition.

Even though the school has proved to be finding their rhythm at provincial level, not the same can be said when they go to national championships.

“The first game in the nationals is always a challenge for our players. They are always under pressure and start to get better in the second game. Another thing when we get to the national championships is that, other provinces have a stronger physique than us. I guess it all goes down to the kind of facilities those provinces have,” Mfazwe added.

COPA Coca-Cola national ambassador Simba Marumo praised this competition for playing a massive role in unearthing

The Charles Morgan Combined School team will represent the Eastern Cape at national level again after winning the U/15 COPA Coca­Cola provincial final.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED talent, not only in the country, but across the globe as well.

“This is the biggest grassroots tournament in the world. It involves about 1.3 million children around the world. It’s an in-

ternational tournament. It’s not just a national tournament, and I’m glad that I’m able to add value in any way that I can,” said the former Platinum Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns striker.