Uvolwethu Express 24 November 2016 by Mthatha Express

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THURSDAY November 24, 2016 | 0 039 251 0834 Facebook: Mthatha Express | Twitter: @MthathaExpress | elizabethg@media24.com or express@media24.com

EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

Local hero keeps the streets clean Potholes, traffic congestion and refuse littered all over town, are just three of the things that one cannot possibly miss or avoid when entering Mthatha. One local hero, Thomas Tshitshi, has decided that he is not waiting for the municipality to clean up in his community. Read more about what he is doing to keep his neighbourhood clean on page 6. Here he is with some of the kids that help him keep the streets of Norwood clean.

PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA

Learners develop app for varsity BUNTU GOTYWA

WO Grade 11 pupils from Mthatha High School want to leave their mark in the digital world while making it easier for

learners to enter the world of tertiary studies with an app that they have developed. Their undergraduate Admission Programme App has also landed them an Eskom science expo award. Their idea earned them silver at the Mthatha regional stage of the

Mayor brings relief to floodhit Mount Ayliff P. 4

Awards. The two 17-year-olds from Mthatha, Bashi Kasunga and Japheth Nasila, have developed the App to help learners who want to apply for university. The duo says the app is easy to use and of-

Limitless are kings of the dance floor P. 6

fers all the information needed to do one’s research for an university education, including the courses and bursaries that are available. According to them there is no other app or resource of this nature available. Continued on page 4

Alfred Nzo honours Winnie at awards P. 7

News

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Tough sentences for tourist killers SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE Mthatha High Court, sitting in Port St Johns, last Wednesday sentenced four men to sentences ranging between 22 and 24 years’ imprisonment for the 2013 New Year’s Eve murder of Cape Town holidaymaker Robert Meek. Siyavuya Madikizela (21), Sifiso Mnyandu (23), Jongile Mcologwane (24) and Nceba Zobhula (23) were convicted on charges of murder, attempted robbery, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. Madikizela, who pulled the trigger of the homemade firearm that killed Meek, was

sentenced to 24 years for murder, while Mnyandu, Mcologwane and Zobhula were sentenced to 22 years on the same charge, four years which were suspended for five years. All the convicted murderers were sentenced to 10 years for attempted robbery and two years for possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentences for the latter three charges were ordered to run concurrently with the sentence for murder. This means Madikizela will effectively serve 20 years, while the others will serve 18 years. According to evidence presented in

court, late at night on 31 December 2013, the deceased and his family were celebrating New Year’s Eve at Mpande Camp in the district of Port St Johns. Armed with a homemade firearm, the four men, who were then aged between 18 and 21, accosted the deceased and his family, pointed the firearm at them and threatened to assault them with dangerous weapons they were carrying. They instructed the family to lie down and demanded money from them. In the process, they fired the shot that fatally wounded the deceased and they ran away without having succeeded in robbing the family.

During the trial, the four men pleaded not guilty, claiming that the homemade firearm was discharged by mistake and they did not have the intention of robbing the family, but senior State Advocate Sibusiso Nolutshungu managed to convince the court that they were guilty as charged. In sentencing them, the court took the men’s youthfulness and the fact that they had been in custody since their arrest in January 2014, into consideration. The National Prosecuting Authority, through its regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, welcomed the sentences, stating they would be an eye-opener for would-be criminals.

Expensive generator was stolen from IsingqiSethu festival SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE A 60kVA generator valued at R250 000 was stolen from the Port St Johns sports ground while the IsingqiSethu Wild Coast Festival was held there. It is suspected the generator was stolen between 4am and 6am on the second day of the event, Saturday, November 5, right under the noses of security guards. The generator was hired by Sound Fantastic to provide emergency back-up power for the sound system and lighting of Magnetic Storm. Dion Strydom of Sound Fantastic said the theft was a blow to the company. He lashed out at the security guards, questioning how a car could have been allowed access to the site and then to leave with the generator without it being checked. Strydom confirmed they had opened a case of theft at Port St Johns Police Station. Police spokesperson in Port St Johns Captain Nozuko Handile confirmed that and said an investigation was underway. Meanwhile, Magnetic Storm has written a letter to the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, highlighting why the Department should be held responsible for

the theft of the generator and facilitate the claim for the replacement of it to Sound Fantastic. The letter was addressed to Mike Sodo of the Department, who signed it. A copy of the letter is in the possession of the Express. Magnetic Storm chief executive officer Glenn van Eck said, “In the original quotation we proposed that we would have a health and safety officer on site and arrange the security ourselves. Nevertheless, the Department however decided to remove this responsibility from us and to allocate it to members of the local organising committee [LOC]. “We were informed that the LOC would take care of all security and safety for the event. Before our staff left the site a day before the incident, they spoke to the head of the security to ensure all was in place, and also checked the venues, which had marshals and two security guards on duty. There was also armed security patrolling.” In the letter, Glenn said the only way the generator could have been stolen was for a vehicle to drive to the site, hook it up, and then tow it away. He stressed that this could only have happened if gate security was either complicit in the theft and let the vehicle in and out, or

This was the type of generator that was stolen from IsingqiSethu Wild Coast Cultural Festival in Port St Johns. PHOTO:SUPPLIED were not at their post. Under such circumstances, the security company or their insurers should be held liable to pay for the replacement generator. Glenn said in this case they did not employ the security company, so they could not be held responsible for the loss of it.

Meanwhile, the Express tried to talk to Sodo from the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, who asked the reporter to email him questions. The reporter did as per his request, but there was no response to the email or a follow-up email from the Department.

Cele encourages youth on Forestry AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

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the various issues revolving around forestry and youth empowerment were raised. AS part of the on-going Imbizo Focus Week, “We are confident that as government, we Deputy Minister of the Department of Agri- will address these issues as a way of improculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Bheki Cele, ving the lives of our people.” engaged with community members at IngquCommunity members from various villaza Hill Local Municipality in Lusikisiki last ges raised challenges including the fencing Friday. of the forests, employment, Cele recognised the signifiand security on their procance of the forestry sector induce. terms of the role it can play in The Deputy Minister enjob creation and economic decouraged the youth to acvelopment, particularly in rutively participate in the agral areas with the theme, riculture and forestry pro‘Speaking to the people about isgrammes offered both by the sues that concern them’ . local government in its vari“The Imbizos give us an opous forms, as well as the Naportunity not only to create tional Department of Agriawareness on government pro- Bheki Cele. PHOTO: culture, Forestry and Fishgrammes, but also to ensure AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA eries, in order to help create that our people have access to a vibrant economy. all essential services offered to them,” said “Youth are becoming more and more interCele. ested in agriculture and it is good to see that He said that he is happy to have interacted the industry is no longer for the elders to enwith the community of Ingquza Hill, where joy their pensions,” he added.

News

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Tourists’ belongings stolen from mall car park in Mthatha SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE ALL were after park

the possessions of a British couple stolen on their first day in Mthatha they parked in the underground car at BT Ngebs Mall.

After being in the mall for about an hour, Peter and Colleen Murphy returned to their car to find their suitcases, passports, laptops, toiletries, all their banks cards and jewellery missing. “We had stopped in large cities such as Johannesburg, Nelspruit and Durban with no problems. However, on our first day in Mthatha we were met with such an awful experience,” said Coleen. “We had parked in that car park thinking it would be the safest due to the barriers at the entrance and exit, and the fact that it was well-lit. “We made sure we were parked in view of the stairs, lift and manned ticket booth. We were away from the car for no more than one hour, and returned to find the lock had been tampered with and all our suitcases taken.” Peter said it took them more than five minutes to find security guards. “We were told we would have to go to the police station as they couldn’t contact them to come to the mall. Imagine two distraught tourists in a strange town being told they now had to find the police station whilst in a state of shock,” he said.

OMBUDSMAN

The police have confirmed a case involving the British couple was opened at Madeira Police Station, and said an investigation was underway. In an unrelated incident, the SA Police recently reported that two men were arrested after they took a wheel from a Toyota Tazz which was parked inside the mall. The two men were chased by the police and were arrested outside the mall. Group marketing manager of Billion Group Debbie Bailey referred all the questions to the centre manager of BT Ngebs Mall, Lolo Sabisa. In his response, Sabisa said he met the British couple immediately after the incident. “Our security personnel on the scene advised that the couple could choose to head to the SAPS station, about 800m from the shopping centre, to report the break-in and to receive a case number for their insurance purposes,” he said. “This was an attempt by our security team to save the couple time as waiting for the police to arrive on the scene was likely to take several hours. While crime is an unfortunate reality of everyday life in South Africa, we continue to work closely with our private security provider and police to ensure the safety of our shoppers at all times throughout the shopping centre. “To this end, we would prefer not to highlight our security arrangements in the media as criminals could use the information

Shoppers in the BT Ngebs Mall in Mthatha. to their advantage.” Nevertheless, Sabisa said there were about 70 CCTV security cameras located in and around the shopping centre. Additionally, he said the mall had a team of 13 in-house security personnel who also patrolled the basement area. In the basement area, two Segway vehicles were used to enable guards to patrol faster, and “an additional four-wheeler

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

bike for greater security re-enforcement and visibility”. “There is also a roving vehicle and armed guard on site. Our guards also carry portable anti-jamming devices to ensure shoppers’ vehicles are not prevented from locking. Finally, BT Ngebs has a close relationship with the Mthatha SAPS, which is stationed less than a kilometre from the centre.”

In accordance with the editorial policy of the Uvolwethu Express we invite readers to comment on mistakes in the newspaper and shall correct significant errors as soon as possible. Send info to the Ombudsman of Media24’s Local Press, George Claassen, at george.claassen@media24.com or call him at 0 021 851 3232. Readers can also contact the SA Press Ombudsman at 0 011 484 3612/8 or e-mail ombudsman@presscouncil.org.za.

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News

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Mayor brings relief to floodÂhit Mount Ayliff

AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA ALFRED Nzo District Executive Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu had his hands full last Wednesday when he and his officials and councillors visited the flood-hit areas of Mount Ayliff and Maluti to donate groceries, clothing, mattresses and blankets. This follows the recent severe hail storm that hit the area, leaving 169 people homeless, injured, damaging about 18 schools in the district while four people lost their lives. One of the deceased was an elderly person. Speaking to the affected households in the Mombeni community which was hard hit, Mehlomakhulu said the District was upbeat about bringing relief to all the families badly affected by the floods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What happened in Alfred Nzo was a disaster that none of us has ever witnessed. This has prompted us to get involved,â&#x20AC;? said Mehlomakhulu. Relief teams included civil society organisation Al-Imdaad Foundation and members of uMkhonto Wesizwe Military Veteran Associ-

ation (MKMVA) who joined the municipal leadership to hand over relief material to the victims. Al-Imdaad donated 200 blankets and 100 mattresses, whilst MKMVA donated 120 blankets and 100 mattresses. The mayor sent a message of gratitude to Al-Imdaad Foundation for coming on board in bringing relief to the vulnerable families and further made a call for civil society organisations to assist where possible, saying that it is only through partnerships between the government and ordinary citizens that the aftermath of the floods could be fixed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joining hands and working together is the only way the government can speed up service delivery. Thank you to everyone who answered the call to help bring the lives of the flood victims back together.â&#x20AC;? ; Alfred Nzo District Municipality Executive Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu (middle) with two officials from Al-imdaad Foundation when they brought relief material to the storm victims in Mount Ayliff last week. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

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The leaders, who were said to be dressed in ANC attire, include the Speaker of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Councillor Ntandokazi Chapa, the Port St Johns Local Municipality Chief Whip, Bulelwa Nokanda, the Speaker of OR Tambo District Municipality, Councillor Xolile Kompela, the OR Tambo District Municipality Chief Whip, Councillor Toko Sokanyile and the Speaker of the Port St Johns Local Municipality, Councillor Tandisizwe Khukula. According to the Standing Rules and Orders for the meetings of the council and its committees, no councillor is allowed to wear any clothing or accessory containing party-political paraphernalia to any meeting. DA leader and provincial chairperson Veliswa Mvenya said such abuse of state funds for ANC events must stop, the behaviour was totally unethical and all of those responsible must face disciplinary action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The looting of state resources for party-political campaigning is outrageous! It amounts to the ANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capture of the municipal

DA leader Veliswa Mvenya. budget. This is why the Public Protector has the duty of investigating this matter,â&#x20AC;? said Mvenya. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reports said the event, which turned out to be an opportunity for the ANC to canvass votes, was funded by the OR Tambo District Municipality. As far as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned, those who authorised these payments should pay back the money as this is a contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act as it amounts to fruitless and wasteful expenditure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will also be reporting this to the Office of Electoral Offences of the IEC as this makes a mockery of free and fair elections when state resources are misused.â&#x20AC;? Port St Johns municipality Speaker Tandisizwe Khukula confirmed that all the leaders

PHOTO:SIM MDLEDLE

who were mentioned, were at the event, and it was a public participation event which was started at the Nyandeni local municipality. He denied that the mentioned leaders were wearing ANC attire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was wearing a blue suit, actually all of us were formal because it was a state event led by OR Tambo Speaker Xolile Nkompela. It was only community members who were wearing t-shirts of different organisations,â&#x20AC;? said Khukula. He said he introduced the candidate, after the event, to the members of the ANC only. He denied that they were canvassing at the event, stating that he was introducing the candidate to the ANC members after the members of the other parties had already gone.

Learners win Eskom award for app Continued from page 1 STUDENTS often have to visit their university of choice or use its website for online applications. This takes a lot of time and is done while they are not even sure whether they qualify for their chosen course or not. Japheth Nasila says the app is unique and has the potential to go global as access to all universities is made easier. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All you need to do is to put in your marks on the app and it will be able to direct you straight to the university that offers your chosen course. It tells

you right away if you qualify for your chosen field of study,â&#x20AC;? said Nasila. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Learners waste so much money on the internet and then end up waiting a long time not even knowing if they qualify for the course. The app also provides all the available bursaries in your

line of study,â&#x20AC;? added Bashi Kasumba. The two say the stumbling block so far is funds to make the app available on mobile phones as soon as possible. As the two are still scholars, they struggle to raise the required amount to host the app on mobile phones.

News

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Tuswa to launch first album

SASSA warned beneficiaries about new scam

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

BABALWA NDLANYA

led by Soso Mdingi. Tuswa said the album was dedicated to NEW Mthatha gospel sensation Noulsindi- her supporters, and would heal the souls of so Tuswa will launch her many people who were gofirst CD and shoot a DVD in ing through troubled times. Mthatha Town Hall this The born-again mother of coming Saturday, Novemfour said she drew inspiraber 26. tion from her life for the tracks, especially the title Some of the big names in track My life. the gospel music industry, “This song tells everyand faith leaders from the body that my life belongs to God. The route to where I am OR Tambo region, are expected to grace the event. today was rough but I enSongbird Tuswa, who dured everything because I hails from Mabheleni locaknew what I wanted in my tion, Mthatha, stressed her life, and God helped me,” gratitude to the Heavenly she said. Father for guiding her toThe dignitaries set to wards the official launch of grace the launch of the CD her maiden album. include pastor Cingo of She said it had not been an Nkonjani FM, Pastor Maqeasy path because emerging Sindi Tuswa. PHOTO: SUPPLIED ungqulu of UCR FM, and artists like her received litReverend Mnyande. tle support from the industry and always Artists who have been lined up to perform battled to promote their releases. on the day include Buli Matu, Yongama “Sindi”, as Tuswa is affectionately Mrwetyana, Sofie Ngcele and many more loknown, has compiled a 12-track CD called cal artists. My life, which will leave gospel enthusiasts Tickets are available at The Mall, Madeicalling for more. She recorded the album at ra Street, Mthatha, at Soft Tech Computers, Mthatha-based Solar Recording Studios, or via Sindi on 073 990 7858.

THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) had warned community members who are receiving social grants to be aware and be careful of people who want to scam them by sending text messages stating that they should obtain new SASSA cards before January 1, 2017. The warning was made by the Manager of SASSA’s Communication and Marketing Officer Tami Singeni, that the Festive Season is nearing and people with sinister intentions are already targeting SASSA beneficiaries with the intention of cheating them through all sorts of scams. “Social grant beneficiaries had been inundated with text messages urging them to obtain new cards which are green in colour before January 2017. SASSA never communicates with its beneficiaries through SMS and beneficiaries are warned not to respond to any SMS that these imposters are sending to them,” said Singeni. He said SASSA advises all its beneficiaries not to fall for this scam because there is no thruth in the claim that SAS-

SA has issued new cards for beneficiaries. Singeni said beneficiaries should be on the lookout for people requesting their personal and card details pretending to be from SASSA. “SASSA conducts its business from its own offices and beneficiaries should not accept invitations to any other office. “The second thing that beneficiaries should be aware of is that the SASSA card is not green in colour. The only valid SASSA card has the colours of the South African flag and it will never be replaced by a card that is green in colour.” According to him, the danger of responding to these scams is that beneficiaries could be stripped of their cash or unusual deductions, which they never authorised, would come off their grants in the near future. He said beneficiaries should make sure that they do not give their personal details to strangers because it can also create identity theft. Once a criminal syndicate has your personal details, they can commit fraud using your name. They (Beneficiaries) should ignore these SMS messages and if unsure, they should call SASSA on 0800 601011.

Bingo Royale Lusikisiki pays out another great Jackpot.

Festive season celebrations came early for Mavis Katywa when she hit the winning combination for a jackpot of R77 012,76 at Bingo Royale Lusikisiki recently. Yet another great jackpot paid out by Bingo Royale Lusikisiki since it opened in March 2016, according to general manager Raymond Thangwane. “We brought Las Vegas-style adult gaming entertainment to Lusikisiki, and now we're paying out consistent Las Vegas-style jackpots,” he says. Bingo Royale Lusikisiki has brought new life and security to the main shopping area around Jacaranda Street in down-town Lusikisiki and is the place to go for entertainment throughout the coming Christmas holiday season. A host of free, exciting entertainment will run throughout the season, well into the new year. Guests don't even have to draw a winning combination on one of the modern bingo machines to qualify for the regular R500 lucky draws on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Another highlight is the appliance draw where entrants stand a chance to win their share of appliances worth R 10 000 during the middle of the month. The cherry on the top is the monthly R10 000, 00 draw which takes place on the first Saturday of every month at 5.30 pm. Mavis Katywa (centre) celebrates her R 77,012.76 Players at Bingo Royale Lusikisiki have 88 bingo and 40 slots machines to choose from. There are also popular Bingo Royale outlets in Mthatha, Jeffreys Bay, Cleary Park (Port Elizabeth) Matatiele and East London. jackpot win together with Lusikisiki Bingo Royal duty managers, Busisiwe Phonxo and Phumla Entry to the gambling area and bar is strictly for over 18s. Magxaba.

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News

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Mthatha community welcomes National Liquor Amendment Bill

REPORTER

BUNTU GOTYWA THOSE who are critical of the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery System (Asidi) are silly and criticising for the sake of it.

“ALCOHOL abuse destroys the lives of the community and the youth in particular and, if amending the legislation and increasing the national minimum legal age for purchasing and consumption of alcohol from 18 to 21 among others will help safeguard our communities, let the National Liquor Amendment Bill be passed into an Act.” This is according to a social activist from Mthatha, Lindiwe Makubalo. She made this comment during the public consultation session on the National Liquor Amendment Bill hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), in Mthatha on November 16. Makubalo said the consumption of alcohol among community members, in particular the youth, needed to be regulated on a high scale. She supported the proposed minimum legal age for the purchase and consumption of alcohol from 18 to 21 years of age. “Children must remain children because if they get exposed to alcohol they become vulnerable to the negative socioeconomic impacts of liquor,” added Makubalo. Nomadidi Mrengu, a liquor trader from Idutjwa, also weighed in on the minimum age proposal and supported it. She made a call to the government to hold liable and deal harshly with illegal traders, as, according to her, they are the ones who sell liquor to the youth and trade outside the stipulated trading times. The community was given an opportunity to give inputs to the Bill and encouraged to continue doing so during the open period as the Department undertook a national roadshow throughout the country to gather

Motshekga opens 150th school in Libode

Lindiwe Makubalo commenting during the public consultation session on the National Liquor Amendment Bill hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry in Mthatha PHOTO:SUPPLIED

These were the words of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga during the opening of the 150th Asidi School in the Eastern Cape. The R24-million Bhungu JSS in the Bhungu administrative area in Libode now boasts 11 classrooms, a science laboratory, a resource centre, and a multipurpose and nutrition centre. The school has been around for 57 years and operated in mud structures for the majority of those years. Motshekga admits there are certain challenges, particularly in the Eastern Cape, but the Asidi initiative has no time frame for the completion of the rebuilding of mud schools. “We are building these things for our kids, not for anybody, but we need to be realistic and be honest. We don’t want to build white elephants because somebody

comments and inputs from the public. The Department is currently holding consultative sessions with the public to acquire public input on the National Liquor and National Gambling Amendment Bill and is also conducting education and awareness on the benefits and ills associated with excessive gambling and liquor abuse. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, has extended the closing date for inputs on the National Liquor Amendment Bill to November 30. The consultations in the Eastern Cape will also cover the Graaff Reinet and Motherwell areas.

is chasing [us],” said Motshekga. A challenge in the Eastern Cape was that people lived far apart from each other, requiring more schools to be built, of which the majority were not placed in ideal settings. She said it would be a waste of resources in cases like that to build a school that served only 30 learners. Motshekga said the initiative was moving slowly because the department revised the initiative after realising that there were schools on their list which catered for far fewer learners. Bhungu school principal Lenox Bana said the opening of the school was the start of a new era which would bring relief and opportunities. He said before the school was rebuilt, it was in a state that no child should have to experience. “Our kids spent more time cleaning the classrooms than learning because they were made of mud. The situation will change greatly for both learners and parents, and there will be lots of encouragement to spend more time in classrooms learning,” said Bana.

Newly opened Bhungu JSS in Libode.

PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA

Local hero from Norwood keeps the streets clean BUNTU GOTYWA POTHOLES, congested traffic and refuse are just three of the things that one cannot possibly miss or avoid when entering Mthatha. Public outrage at the filthiness of the town seems to do little to force the municipality to speed up the clean-up of the town. One local hero has decided that he is not

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waiting for the municipality to have his community in a hygienic state. Thomas Tshitshi, who stays at Third Avenue, Norwood, doesn’t even care about the municipality picking up refuse or cleaning the streets. He’s got two hands and a lot of time to make sure that at least his surrounding area is one of the neatest around.

During his free time, he likes activities that keep children busy. And now, he also uses that time to teach them the importance of clean surroundings. Without any schedules, he can be seen playing with children while they are picking up dirt on the roadside of Norwood street. He says it does not feel like a job or some-

thing he is obliged to do, but something that will have an educational impact on the children he is working with in cleaning the streets. The Express team saw Tshitshi busy in Third Avenue last week during one of his playful clean-up operations with the children around him seemingly enjoying every moment of it.

Limitless are kings of the dance floor BUNTU GOTYWA MTHATHA-based dance group, Limitless, are the reigning kings of the dance floor and many doors are now opening for the WSU’s dance crew. They believe their style – a mixture of hip-hop, isbhujwa and patsula – is what sets them apart from other groups and their fans believe they are the best dancers, hence they voted for them in the Tru FM talent search. The five dance members have only been together for a few months and the Tru FM talent search was their first talent show in which they participated as a group, and already they have taken the crown as the best movers and shakers in the Eastern Cape. If you live in Mthatha and surrounding areas, you might have seen them in a number of music shows where they entertain crowds with their slick moves. As prize they received a tablet with one year’s internet access, call-backs to participate at Tru FM functions and a cool R10 000 for their efforts in winning the competition. The crew is made up of Mxolisi Shezi, Yongama Gebe, Nkosikhona Luthuli, Lusindiso Mnyayiza and Phikolomzi Hlophe, who are between the ages of 19 and 25. Gebe said their mission is for their talent to be recognised by the whole of South Afri-

Three of the five crew members of Limitless Mxolisi Shezi, Nkosikhona Luthuli and Yongama Gebe. PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA ca, even though they are based in the Eastern Cape. The crew added that their main goal is

to make it to the SAMA stage and only then will they feel that they have made it in dancing circles.

News

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Alfred Nzo honours Winnie MadikizelaMandela AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA ALFRED Nzo District Municipality has once again hosted the annual Communicators and Media Awards last Friday and honouring her for her role in the liberation struggle, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s name was also among the awardees for the night. The award ceremony was held at the Wild Coast Sun in Mbizana and graced by the Deputy Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams alongside Alfred Nzo

District Municipality Executive Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu. The awards, to honour mainly government communicators, community development workers and journalists, were running for the third year with the aim of encouraging individuals to work harder to produce excellent work in empowering communities with information. Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu said that the awards will yield positive results on government communications. “The expected outcome of the awards is to

see a rejuvenated government communications system which will trigger social dialogue and public participation between members of the media, civil society partners and, most importantly, our people,” Mehlomakhulu said. Although Madikizela-Mandela could not make it to the awards due to illness, her grandson Thembelani Madikizela accepted the award on the stalwart’s behalf. Lubabalo Majenge from Alfred Nzo District Municipality said that Madikizela-Mandela, who hails from Mbhongweni village in

Mbizana in the Alfred Nzo district, was honoured for her role in the liberation struggle and her tireless work and efforts in the development of a democratic South Africa. Paralympian gold medalist, Zanele Situ, who also comes from Nkau village in Matatiele, and who is the first black female to win gold medals in both Paralympics and IPC Athletics World Championships, were also honoured. Veteran SABC news journalist Khayalethu Gobo, and renowned government communicator, Ndlelantle Pinyana, were also recipients of the Mayor’s Special Award. Inkonjane Community radio based in Flagstaff, and Ikhwezi newspaper based in Kokstad, also won awards in their fields.

Mahlubi Mafongosi SALES EXECUTIVE

82 Blakeway Street, Mthatha Office: (047) 050 4430 Fax: 086 298 3443 Cell: 079 744 8099 E-mail: mahlubi.mafongosi@media24.com Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams with ANDM Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu presenting Special Award to Winnie Madikizela Mandela's grandson Thembelani Madikizela with Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu and Chief Diko assisting in handing over the awards.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Grand

Opening

Matatiele Local Municipality’s Khoboso Lebenya walked away with the Innovative Communicator of the Year and Communicator of the Year awards. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

X1T0601B-TE171116

NOTICE COUNCIL MEETING Notice is hereby given in terms of section 19 of Local Government: Municipality Systems Act, 2000 (Act N0. 32 of 2000) that a Council Meeting of Umzimvubu Local Municipality will be held as follows: DATE: TIME: VENUE:

Monday, 28 November 2016 08H30 EmaXesibeni, Town Hall

In terms of Section 20 of the Act members of the Public, Media and interested parties may attend the meeting as observers. Issued by: Mr. G.P.T. NOTA MUNICIPAL MANAGER

ISAZISO INTLANGANISO YEBHUNGA Ngokwenjenje kwaziswa okokuba intlanganiso eqhelekileyo ye Bhunga loMasipala Umzimvubu iyakuthi ibanjwe ngokwesolotya le 19 lomthetho iLocal Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000(Umthetho nombolo 32 ka 2000) ngoluhlobo lulandelayo: UMHLA: IXESHA: INDAWO:

Ngo-Mvulo, 28 KweyeNkanga 2016 08H30 EmaXesibeni, Kwiholo yoluntu

Ngokwesolotya lama 20 lalo Mthetho uluntu namajelo endaba avumelekile okokuba eze kule ntlanganiso njengababukeli. Ngu-Mnu. X1T2PHG9-UE241116

G.P.T. NOTA UMPHATHI KAMASIPALA X1T28C85-UE241116

Sport

November 24, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Improved Chain Reaction Khonco of Mthatha in the annals of history NCEBA DLADLA TSOLO-born pugilist Simphiwe “The Chain Reaction” Khonco is gradually writing his name in the annals of South African boxing history. This became evident during the Golden Gloves Production (GGP) World Championship Boxing Tournament held at the Orient Theatre in East London last Sunday. Topping the bill organised by GGP boss Rodney Berman in honour of his ailing friend, boxing trainer, manager and promoter, Mdant-

sane legend, Mzimasi “Bra Mzi” Mnguni who suffered a stroke, the defending IBO world miniflyweight champion Khonco beat over 12 blistering rounds former multiple world champion in the division, Nkosinathi “Mabhere” Joyi of East London. The fight was all fireworks from the first round with both pugilists throwing good punches to the body and head, while using their hands to defend against the onslaught from their opponents. However, former IBF and IBO world champion, WBC and WBA international champion Joyi with 31 fights, 26 wins, 18 KOs and 5 losses,

might have taken the first few rounds of the fight. It is from the 5th round onwards that the younger champion, now with 17 wins, 7KOs and 5 losses in 22 fights, showed his mettle as the force to be reckoned with in the division. An orthodox Khonco had an upper hand with much crisp punches. He was both sharp and sleek and had the great Mabhere’s punches missing the target most of the time. Three judges scored the fight as follows (Khonco’s score first), 119-111, 116-112 and 118112. Khonco, who recently joined Colin Nathan’s

Malusi is the top marathon athlete ANELE RAZIYA THE only way to win marathons and fun run races is to practice every day so that you can be ready for anything. This is the simple plan of Dutywa born athlete, Yanga Malusi (19), who won his fourth consecutive race in Butterworth over the weekend. On Saturday, the Abahlobo Athletics Club athlete won the Spargs Superspar Birthday Bonanza Great Fast 5km Fun Run. He also won the Weirs Cash Carry and Supermarket 10km, which took place on Sunday. “It is important to practice every day and target races you want to win,” said Malusi. He is also competing in provincial races – something that could give him an advantage over other athletes who only run in Mnquma races. “Most athletes here only run in Butterworth races, however I compete in races all over the province,” he added. Last year, Malusi won all seven marathons,

including fun runs, that were held in Butterworth. The way things are standing now, it seems that history will be repeating itself. Malusi also revealed that he is preparing for the Nelson Mandela 10km Marathon that will be held soon. Formal results . Spargs Superspar Birthday Bonanza Great Fast 5km Fun Run ) Males 1 Yanga Malusi (Abahlobo Athletics Club) won R600 2 Sisa Qalani (Royal Striders Club) won R400 3 Benathi Mgquba (Royal Striders Club) won R300 ) Females 1 Asathi Mvalo (Royal Striders Club) won R600 2 Xoliswa Bici (Nedbank Club) won R400 3 Anelisa Mkhuba (Royal Striders Club)

Athletes who took part in the Weirs Cash Carry 10km Marathon on Sunday.

won R300 . Sunday in Weirs Cash Carry and Supermarket 10km ) Males 1 Yanga Malusi (Abahlobo Athletics Club) won R500 2 Xolani Ganca (Butterworth Athletics Club) won R300 3 Benathi Mgquba (Hlazo Athletics Club) won R250 ) Females 1 Busisiwe Gazana (Mnandi Club) won R500 2 Sylvia Sonjica (Abahlobo Athletics Club) won R300 3 Vuziwe Dlavana (Hlazo Athletics Club) won R250

Abahlobo Athletics Club athlete, Yanga Malusi (19), won the Weirs Cash Carry 10km Marathon and the Spargs 5km Fun Run over the weekend. PHOTO:ANELE RAZIYA

PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA

Hotbox Gym in Johannesburg after losing to his boxer Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler for the WBA/IBO world minimum mega-title fight, won the title against another East London foe Siyabonga Siyo in June. His win against Joyi would surely catapult him to stardom. Boxing fans wrote on Facebook after the battle, “Joyi surprised many with his resilience,” said Simphiwe Gwengula, while Masonwabe Salman observed, “Khonco impressed a lot. I congratulate Khonco but want to note that Mabhere (Joyi) is not over the hill yet, as others predicted before the fight.”