Uvolwethu Express 1 December 2016

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Abathembu Chief dies BUNTU GOTYWA

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ARLY on Friday morning, the day Abathembu were to celebrate the coronation of Prince Azenathi Zanelizwe Dalindyebo as acting king, news broke of the death of Chief Daludumo Mtirara.

Chief Daludumo was found dead after shooting himself the previous night in his Pretoria home.

He was strongly opposed to Prince Azenathi taking over the reins as acting king.

He was fully behind King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo’s younger brother Prince Mthandeni Mankunku Jongisizwe Dalindyebo’s bid to act as king while King Buyelekhaya serves his jail time.

The news of his sudden death sent shockwaves through Abathembu but the royals went ahead with enrobing Prince Azenathi, King Buyelekhaya’s son.

During the coronation, Abathembu observed a moment of silence for their “brother” even though he was strongly against the enrobing.

Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa said even though they disagreed over the enrobing of Prince Azenathi, Chief Daludumo was

still their brother.

He said Abathembu would have to unite from that moment onwards and they would be paying their last respects to Chief Daludumo.

“We heard this morning that Daludumo is no more and we met as Amadlomo and Abathembu at large for a moment of prayer.

“We might have had disagreements, but we have the same blood as Amadlomo; we cry with the kids of Daludumo.

“We are one home, his kids are ours and now we are elders we have to unite as Amadlomo, and when we go to the funeral it will be as if nothing ever happened between us,” said Chief Mgudlwa.

He added it was their funeral and outsiders should stay out of it. In time they would be able to sort out their differences that led to the infighting.

Chief Daludumo was a general in the South African National Defence Force and served as spokesman of the Ngangelizwe royal house.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Fikile Xasa described Chief Daludumo as a young man who had the potential to contribute to efforts to create unity and stability in the Abathembu nation and the country as a whole.

Chief Daludumo Mtirara

PHOTO:YANGA SOJI

16 Days of Activism launched by police

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Big flea market this Saturday in Mthatha

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Young soccer stars show their mettle

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News

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Lightning strikes two children from Mbizana dead AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

dead while the other two, an 18year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy were injured and were rushed to hospital,” said Mjameka.

He said that it was too late to save any valuables in the hut as the roof was already collapsing due to the flames.

Another relative, Nozakhiwa Venisi, was heartbroken by the incident, especially because the children stayed alone following the death of their mother a few months back and their father being away at work.

“Their mother was my sister-inlaw and I am very hurt. It is not the first time that their home has been struck by lightning, but during the first incident no one was hurt,” said Venisi.

She added that she hoped for help from the authorities to assist with funeral arrangements and also with devices to prevent lightning from striking homes and

TWO children have died in Mbizana last Wednesday after lightning struck a hut they were sleeping in.

This incident occurred at about 9pm in Thekwini village while four children were asleep. Two of them survived and are being treated for burns at Holy Cross Hospital in Flagstaff.

Neighbours and relatives said that the lightning was very strong during a severe thunderstorm and they heard screams coming from the homestead.

Uncle to the deceased, Wiseman Mjameka, said that when they came out to find out what was happening, they saw his brother’s homestead in flames with his children crying for help.

“On arrival, a 3-month-old infant and a 20-year-old man were already

A hut that was struck by lightning in Thekwini village, Mbizana killing two children. PHOTO: AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZ-

ELA

causing such damage.

Although it is still unclear how the incident occurred because both survivors are still in hospital,

Express found the hut damaged to the ground with cracks on the remaining walls.

Venisi said that the family had

not yet decided on a day forthe funeral as the father of the children had not yet returned from his workplace in Johannesburg.

Remains of the hut that was struck by lightning last Wednesday leaving two injured and the other two dead. PHOTO:

AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

Heavy sentences for Post Office robbers

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LAST week Wednesday the Mthatha High Court handed down tough sentences to two men who robbed the Clarkbury Post Office, near Ngcobo, in July 2014.

Thulani Mtonga (30) and Nabo Mgogodlo (35) were respectively sentenced to 18 and 12 years’ imprisonment each for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

According to the court papers, Mtonga and Mgogodlo allegedly stormed into the Clarkbury Post Office and robbed the post office of approximately R35 000 before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

The two were arrested in the same month following an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Unit of the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks).

The Eastern Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Nyameko Nogwanya, expressed his satisfaction over the sentencing.

“Crime does not pay. We warn those who are planning to commit robberies during this festive season that we are ready for them. Easy come, easy go. You steal, we will get you,” said Nogwanya. – SIM MDLEDLE

Man sentenced for murder 20-YEAR-OLD man from Port St Johns has been sentenced to more than 20 years last week for a murder he committed in 2014.

It is alleged that Siyavuya Madikizela entered the Meek household in Mpande Cottage in Port St Johns on New Year’s Day and shot dead a man in the house.

Capt Nozuko Handile said that four men came into the house and when they were offered drinks one of them started shooting.

“Last Wednesday, November 16, 2016, Madikizela as the first accused was sentenced by Judge Griffis from the Mthatha High Court to 24 years imprisonment for murder with 5 years sentenced,” said Handile.

Madikizela was also sentenced for attempted robbery with a 10-year sentence and a further two years for possession of an unlicensed firearm. – AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

News

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Initiation Bill to curb deaths welcomed BUNTU GOTYWA THE ANC’s chief whip in the Eastern Cape legislature, Mzoleli Mrara, says he is very hopeful that the new Eastern Cape Customary Male Initiation Practice Bill will curb the senseless deaths of initiates in the province.

The Bill was passed by the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature during last week’s house sitting.

Mrara called on Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle to sign the bill into law as soon

as possible.

The initiation season has already started in the Eastern Cape and after the high death rate in past seasons, there is a great fear that many lives will be lost during this season as well.

The high death rate during both the June and December initiation seasons has forced the government to look at alternative ways to stop initiate deaths and injuries.

The Bill will, among others, make 18 the minimum age for young boys to be able to go to initiation schools.

It recognises initiation as a custom of tradi-

tional communities with initiation committees at the centre of it.

Ingcibi and ikhankatha, who are known to the community and recommended by the relevant traditional leaders, will be registered.

The Bill will also make a number of offences punishable by law, such as a school’s denial of access to initiation working committees, and the physical and mental abuse of initiates.

Mrara said, however, that the community must realise that this piece of legislation cannot on its own address all the challenges.

“If families and communities are vigilant

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and take full responsibility for the passage to manhood of their children, no initiate should die or be injured.

“The objectives of the Bill can only be achieved if each and every stakeholder and person in the community performs their role diligently,” said Mrara.

Mrara added that this requires the involvement and participation of the initiates’ families, community members, ward councillors, traditional leaders, community leaders, municipalities and relevant government departments.

Focus on safety of women and children for 16 days BUNTU GOTYWA THE South African Police Service’s Community Police Forum and the National Prosecuting Authority spoke with one voice at their launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in Mthatha.

Speakers at the launch, which took place at the police service’s Mthatha Cluster, highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of women and children, and urged communities to report crimes against them to the police.

Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Major General Liziwe Ntshinga said there were many cases of children being abused by their closest relatives and elderly women suffering abuse at the hands of young people.

“Children being sold by their parents because they want to satisfy their drink-

ing habits is also a major problem. So, the more we launch these campaigns, the more such cases will be reported,” said Ntshinga.

People should report instances of rape to the police to enable them to make progress in the fight against the crime.

Mthatha police spokesperson Captain Dineo Koena said communities should report rape to the police and not discuss the misdeed with tribal leaders.

The Community Police Forum in Mthatha said they would give the police their full assistance and could provide valuable intelligence on the perpetrators of offences.

National Prosecuting Authority Director in Mthatha, Advocate Sonwabo Madolo, said police and the authority needed to support each other in the war on abuse against women and children.

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News

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Millions for Eastern Cape SMMEs SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE development financier, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), has disbursed a total of R92,3 million in loans to 260 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the 2015/16 financial year.

Announcing the financier’s annual results in East London last week, ECDC chief executive Ndzondelelo Dlulane said the results, coupled with an unqualified audit opinion, are an indication of the ECDCs positioning as a trusted custodian of public funds as well as a provider of high impact and empowering loan instruments to the SMME sector.

“The loan disbursements led to the facilitation of 1 875 jobs. A close look at these numbers shows that businesses involved in the construction sector received close to half of all loans.

“The sector is robust indicating increased gov-

ernment spending in the roll-out of socioeconomic infrastructure projects, particularly in the former Transkei, which has significant backlogs. Following close behind construction was the services sector.

“Almost R71 million, or 77%, went to SMMEs in the Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani and Joe Qqabi districts and the Buffalo City Metro.

Another major milestone is the growth in financing youth businesses.

“Funding to youth-owned businesses grew by 119% and to women-owned businesses by 59%,” Dlulane said.

An example is Fez Building Construction, a long-standing client of the corporation, who built three schools in Butterworth, Engcobo and Idutywa, as well as upgraded the Maluti College in the Matatiele municipal area.

The value of projects totalled R83,8 million and the ECDC approved loans worth R20,8 million for these projects. These projects created 141

jobs with the wage bill totalling R2,7 million.

Another ECDC client, MC Bavu JV TP Construction, was involved in two notable projects - the Mthatha Maxwele Municipal Clinic with adjoining staff accommodation, valued at R20,9 million, and the renovation of the magistrate’s office in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere).

ECDC’s financing of the clinic project came to R3,1 million. Fifty jobs were created and R1,7 million in wages were paid.

In addition, Zingwazi Contractors built a R22,7 million multi-purpose community hall in Bizana, which created 21 jobs. ECDC’s financing the project amounted to R4,9 million.

The Jobs Stimulus Fund and Imvaba Co-operatives Fund disbursed a total of R13 million, while employing 710 people. Collections on loans totalled R136,3 million, which is up by 5%.

Dlulane said an important area for ECDC is the wide-ranging business support it provides to the province’s SMME sector.

Ndzondelelo Dlulane. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

OR Tambo mourns charismatic leader SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE RESIDENTS of the OR Tambo region were in a state of shock after hearing of the untimely death of charismatic local leader Solomzi “Solly” Peters, 44.

Ngangelizwe-born Peters’s body was found in a mortuary in East London, after he had gone missing on October 27 while visiting a friend there.

He had been stabbed in the neck, according to relatives who identified his body.

His family and friends have been receiving condolences from people in all parts of the province, and across the country.

Solly, as Peters was affectionately known, worked closely with many prominent leaders in the region, including Mlibo Qoboshiyane, Thabo Mdukiswa, Babal-

wa Nkosiyane and the late Vuyo Keti.

Former ANC Youth League regional leader Ndumiso Sapepa, who had a close association with Peters for many years, described him as a humble leader who appeared to be shy but was straightforward in his dealings with others.

Peters and Sapepa met in 2004 and they worked together in the ANCYL and in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality while Peters was a proportional representation (PR) councillor.

“He was older than us in the youth league and we used to call him ‘godfather’ because of his principles. He was very passionate about the African National Congress and his community,” said Sapepa.

Phendule Mbewu, a branch executive committee member of the ANC’s Harry

Gwala branch in Ntabankulu in the Alfred Nzo region, met Peters in about 2000 during preparations to combine the Lusikisiki, Mthatha and Wild Coast regions to form the OR Tambo region.

He said Peters was of a rare breed of people among their generation.

“He was a fearless and courageous man who never shied from arguing his point of view, irrespective of the number of those who were opposed to his view,” said Mbewu.

“His commitment to the ANC and serving his community earned him respect from both young and old people. This was a man whose life was dominated by love for all human beings.

“You may have had differences with him, but he would never list you among his enemies.”

Peters’s political outlook was forged during his time with the ANCYL. “This is a man who had never chased leadership positions, but who always appreciated being led even when he was required to lead.

He appreciated the role of leading from behind, hence most of his peers respected him a lot.”

Peters was the chairperson of the Umtata Youth Congress, a youth wing of the ANC during the days of the United Democratic Front.

He served in the leadership structure of the Congress of South African Students in the Mthatha region, then in the ANCYL in the OR Tambo region.

Peters’s funeral is expected to take place at his home in Gcaleka Street in Ngangelizwe, Mthatha this coming Saturday, December 3.

New app to fight initiates deaths in EC TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) working together with the House of Traditional Leaders and the Chris Hani District Municipality, launched the summer initiation season at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sport Centre on Friday.

As part of their fight against initiate deaths, they partnered with City Press who are in partnership with Code for Africa in launching an online tool for parents and initiates.

The app will help them to check whether the traditional surgeons they have chosen have been registered and trained by the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

Speaking during the event, editor and

deputy director of Code for Africa, Chris Roper, said City Press had gathered the data of all the registered traditional surgeons and nurse in all the districts of the province.

“The tool can be used to report illegal traditional surgeons and initiation schools, as well as to report initiates experiencing difficulties. It also allows you to check a surgeon nearest to you and allows surgeons to register on the app,” he said.

Roper said the app is a work in progress as it is a pilot project.

“The tool will be expanded in future to include registered traditional surgeons in other provinces,” he said.

City Press editor Mondli Makhanya said they did this project to protect the ritual and future leaders of the country.

“This ritual is meant to celebrate the passage to manhood, but we end up losing our future leaders. As members of the community we need to make this end,” he said.

City Press editor Mondli Makhanya and Queenstown Cluster commander Major General Sizakhele Dyantyi speaking during the launch.

PHOTO:TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Makhanya said this year would be the first time for this province to have a zero death rate of initiates.

Cogta MEC, Fikile Xasa, said they, as government, were forced to intervene after the

high number of initiate deaths.

“This is a family thing and it is ruled by the chiefs. We as men need to make sure that there are no deaths this season,” he said.

Xasa said the local initiation forums must be supported by all municipalities.

“It is the duty of all government departments to assist in the fight against initiate deaths,” he said.

Chairperson of the House of Traditional leaders, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, told parents to be involved in choosing old traditional nurses for their initiates.

“We have a serious problem when it comes to nurses. They should be responsible men who have wives and are in good standing in society.

“They need to treat initiates as their own children and we should not allow young men to be traditional nurses because they have nothing good to teach initiates except to smoke dagga and drink alcohol,” he said.

Satellite police station on ice for Bityi Kenny Mwange

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COMMUNITY members in Viedgesville had hoped to get their own satellite police station when Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu visited the village two weeks back.

Instead, provincial police announced on the day, they would use the occasion to hold an imbizo in the village in Bityi near Mthatha during which the community could tell officers of its grievances against the police.

Officers said the villagers would have to wait longer for a satellite station, until a new plan for the village was drawn up.

The villagers, who turned out in their numbers, then told the police of their problems with the police in the area, and

that a satellite station was needed to ensure their safety.

Local headman Chief Mfundo Bhovulengwe Mtirara said Bityi police were not trustworthy and were making life difficult for the community.

He said some officers in the area told thugs which villagers had reported their criminal activities to the police.

He said not trusting the police made it difficult for the community to report cases.

“I even know that police (are working with criminals),” said Mtirara.

Mawethu Hololo said people were sick and tired of being victims of crime in Viedgesville.

The local residents said they wanted police to continuously show a visible presence, as elderly people were often raped

and attacked, and there were many incidences of housebreaking, stock theft and land invasion.

The community was full of joy when told by the Deputy Minister that a mobile police station would eventually be placed in their region, together with more police vehicles and resources.

Sotyu told the gathering that officers, who did not carry out their duties, faced being axed from the service. She said officers staffing the mobile police station would target problematic areas in Bityi, which is made up of six administration areas.

The community also echoed calls made in other rural areas in the Eastern Cape for taverns that operated illegally, and those that did not provide enough security, to be closed.

News

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Religious leaders pray for end to taxi violence BUNTU GOTYWA EVEN though the parties directly involved in the ongoing taxi violence were not present, the men and women of the cloth decided to go ahead with prayers to end the violence.

Members of the Ministers’ Fraternity in Mthatha converged at Freedom Square last week to pray for peace.

The gathering resulted from con-

tinuous violence arising out of disputes between rival taxi associations, Uncedo Taxi Association and Border Alliance.

Disputes between the associations have been taking place for years and wounds were reopened recently by a spate of taxi-burnings.

The Ministers’ Fraternity says it needs to meet with taxi bosses to find a lasting solution to the violence.

They say the prayers were held at short notice and at the time, taxi

bosses were unable to attend as they were holding a meeting with the Minister of Transport to discuss the fighting.

Deputy Chairperson of the Minister’s Fraternity, Siyabonga Tshali, said because the lives of innocent civilians were in great danger they needed to play a role in efforts to find peace. “We are aware there is only so much of a role we can play in ending the violence, but we can ask for

strength from God to help us in this tough situation,� Tshali said. “We would have loved to have the taxi bosses listen to us and hear our cries amid this violence, so they can find a way to end it. “We are not happy; we lose people through this violence and these people are our sisters and brothers.

Each and every community member is somehow placed at risk. “That is why all of us have to play a role. While they [taxi bosses] con-

Big flea market this Saturday in Mthatha SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE Women With Vision will be holding a big flea market at the Mthatha Country Club this Sunday from 10am.

The funds generated from this event will be donated to charitable causes in Mthatha – in particular the Luxolweni Old Age Home.

The Women With Vision charity organisation has, this year, complet-

The Women With Vision who will hold a huge flea market this Saturday to raise funds for charity.

PHOTO:AYESHA VAN STAADEN PHOTOGRAPHY

ed the building of a preschool in Polar Park, Mthatha West. These pupils formerly received schooling in zinc structures.

According to the founder of the initiative, Rashida Mukadam,, they wanted to embark on other projects to change the lives of Mthatha people for the better after the completion of the school.

She said that in addition to helping the needy, the flea market was also a good opportunity to bring members of the business community together in a fun, family environment – especially as the festive season is around the corner.

She said there would also be bingo games with many great prizes up for grabs. “It’s going to be an entertaining event with fun for all who attends. “Women With Vision are urging all the people of Mthatha to come and support the event,� she said.

Rashida expressed her gratitude to their sponsors, which include Panarottis, FitRite, Nexus Hire and Savoy Spar, for their generosity to make this event a reality.

Mbizana launches War Rooms AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA AS part of Operation Masiphathisane, which is the motto on the crest of the provincial government of the Eastern Cape, Mbizana Local Municipality is busy launching War Rooms in various wards.

Last week Mayor Daniswa Mafumbatha launched a War Room at ward 17 comprising KwaNikhwe, Ntsingizi, Ntlakwe and Qandashe localities, with ward 2 launched the previous week. “These War Rooms will help to overcome the issues destroying communities such as lack of service delivery, poverty, unemployment, crime, substance abuse, HIV and tuberculosis,� said Mafumbatha.

Operation Masiphathisane has a

whole of government approach as its philosophical basis and Mafumbatha said that War Rooms would create a link to initiatives being implemented by the different sector departments and the municipalities, therefore, delivery of services is required through partnership with communities, stakeholders and government.

The Mayor said that the War Room sessions would be a continuous interaction between government and the community to come together to achieve positive results on service delivery. “We will encourage social mobilisation where communities have a role, as well as delivery of government services in a more integrated way and as the Government, we cannot achieve this alone but need communities to cooperate and we

tinue with their peace talks, we should be doing something too.�

Speaking on behalf of the mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, councillor Lindelwa Ntlonze said the violence had a negative impact on the municipality’s economy.

It resulted in taxi commuters finding it difficult to enter Mthatha and even private motorists were scared of driving into the town, which was at the centre of the most recent taxi violence.

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hope that these War Rooms will also put an end to service delivery protests where infrastructures tend to be damaged,� added Mafumabtha.

Recently, MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Fikile Xasa, visited the District to ensure that all systems are in place for the programme to start. “War Rooms would be a place that would connect councillors and residents on a regular basis so they could discuss community issues and then ensure they were taken up with the relevant municipal or provincial department collectively,�

Xasa said during his visit.

Xasa urged all municipalities and councillors to “put people first� and listen to their problems and try to work together to resolve them.

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Executive Mayor visits King AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA TO introduce her executive committee to AmaMpondo King at Qawukeni, OR Tambo Executive Mayor Nomakhosazana Meth visited King Zanozuko Sigcau last Wednesday at the Great Place in Flagstaff.

Meth said that they had resolved as the new exco that they must come to the King to introduce themselves within the first 100 days in the office in order to interact with the King and other traditional leaders on challenges they face on the ground.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our constitution gives us a responsibility to respect our traditional leaders and according to the demarcation of functions and roles, the Kings interact with the Provincial and National government but as the District municipality we wanted to inform His Majesty that we are committed to working closer with his chiefs and other traditional leaders in our local municipalities and wards as they are the first line through service delivery,â&#x20AC;? said Meth.

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King Zanozuko Sigcau expressed his gratitude to Meth for her visit which to him meant that she is adamant to put traditional leaders on the forefront of service delivery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so humbled by the visit and I wish them all the success for their term while I also encourage more cooperation from other government workers for them to come to our people to present their services and projects that will benefit our people, especially with employment,â&#x20AC;? the King said.

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News

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Prince Azenathi enrobed to acting king

BUNTU GOTYWA ABATHEMBU pulled no punches during the coronation of jailed King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo’s son, Prince Azenathi Zanelizwe Dalindyebo.

Prince Azenathi was enrobed as acting king of Abathembu during a ceremony at Bumbane Great Place. He will lead the nation until his father’s release from prison.

Members of the Eastern Cape government, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and the House of Traditional Leaders did not attend the ceremony.

The faction that supported King Buyelekhaya’s younger brother, Prince Mthandeni Mankunku Jongisizwe Dalindyebo’s bid to be made acting king was also not at the enrobing.

Chief Zwelodumo Mtirara, who supported Prince Azenathi in his quest to be acting king, said Abathembu were not worried about the no-show by government and traditional leaders.

He assured guests at Bumbane that no other coronation would take place, referring to the acting kingship squabble between Prince Azenathi and his uncle, Prince Mthandeni.

Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa lashed out at

Prince Azenathi Zanelizwe Dalindyebo was dressed in a leopard skin as he takes the role of acting king.

PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA

premier Phumulo Masualle for not gracing the occasion.

He said he was hurt at having to make the closing speech at the ceremony, a duty that should have been carried out by the premier.

Abathembu chairperson Vusi Mvelase said the battle over who should be acting king had been put to an end, and Prince Azenathi would carry out his duties until the return of his father.

He said the court bid by Prince Mthandeni’s faction to prevent the coronation had embarrassed Abathembu as they should not have to go to the courts to sort out their family affairs.

He said no commission would decide for Abathembu who should lead them.

The Tolo commission had recommended Prince Mthandeni for the role of acting king, and was backed by the minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Des van Rooyen.

Prince Azenathi’s supporters were, however, having none of it, and went ahead with the enrobing of King Buyelekhaya’s eldest son.

Earlier last week Prince Mankunku withdrew his urgent court application to stop his nephew’s coronation.

Youths launch initiative to assist matriculants BABALWA NDLANYA A GROUP of youth from Upper Lotana Locality in Tsolo has formed an organisation to raise funds to help matriculants from poor families to register for the next academic year at tertiary institutions, The organisation will also help to pay for the first year or semester of their studies.

Chairperson of the Vuyakama Development Initiative Siyavuya Lamani said the organisation was launched in September and so far a list of 66 matriculants, who required financial support to study further, had been compiled.

However, the organisation was battling to raise funds to continue with their initiative to empower young people through advanced learning.

Royal women raise awareness on cancer AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA FOR many women in rural areas, cancer remains a killer and some say they knew too little to see the dreaded diagnosis coming.

Because of this notion, Imbumba YaMakhosikazi AkoMkhulu (IYA), a forum for royal wives, last Thursday hosted a cancer awareness programme in Spaqeni village, Flagstaff.

Nolundi Ndabankulu, the organiser from Sipaqeni Traditional Council, said that people in Spaqeni do not know what cancer really is and they do not know when they should go seek professional help.

“The lack of awareness by the Department of Health is a problem because people are losing their lives and here in this area of Langa location.

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“We have had about seven fatalities due to different kinds of cancer which had been diagnosed very late,” said Ndabankulu.

She said that not only cancer will be targeted but also tests for TB, HIV/Aids, high blood pressure and diabetes will be conducted for the community members.

“We urge the government to help us raise awareness about these silent killers because as the IYA can only do so much as they do not have the expertise and resources to carry out things that can help save the lives of the people.”

According to breast cancer survivor, No-Amen Sigcau from Sipaqeni, one needs to not be reluctant to go to the clinic or doctor when they suspect something.

“As soon as I learnt that I had a breast cancer in 2006, I told myself that I would give my all to make sure that I get healed because cancer is curable,” said Sigcau.

She said that she had to travel to Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal to go through the radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.

Sigcau also lost her son in September this year to cancer and feels like if he had told her earlier, he would still be alive.

“He went away for many months and only came last month telling me that he is ill and indeed he was,” she said.

“We don’t know where it started in his body but when we went to hospital, his intestines were damaged and the doctors said he only had few hours to survive,” added Sigcau.

She believes that if he had been diagnosed early, she would have been able to help him.

“We don’t want to see youths sitting at home due to a lack of funds,” said Lamani.

“We know that in our communities lots of people depend on social grants, and this leads to a large number of youths who have passed Grade 12 sitting at home afterwards.”

Lamani said the members of Vuyakama did not want to help learners from Tsolo only, but planned to expand their help to

other areas where lots of learners were facing the same challenge.

“When we are looking for students who need assistance, we ask ward councillors to speak with ward committees, who help us by making announcements on our behalf. Then we choose the poorest of the poor.”

He said people who wanted to contact him could call him at 083 885 1909.

Cancer patient in need of a house AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA A 64-year-old cancer patient is in dire need of a house away from the Sipaqeni area in Flagstaff, where thunderstorms often occur.

Ntombinkosi Mbutho lost all her belongings when her 5-roomed house with all her belongings was struck by lightning in 2014 and now reside alone in a small hut.

“I am not well physically and spiritually. I am always on the road travelling to Mthatha and East London for radiation to treat my breast cancer and when it starts raining heavily with thunderstorms, I worry about the few stuff I have back home,” said Mbutho.

She said that she had already found a new site in Dike location in Lusikisiki and would like the authorities to build her a temporary or an RDP house.

Mbutho said that she is not safe where she is currently staying because last Wednesday, neighbours told her that lightning had struck in her garden while she was on her way from East London as part of her breast cancer treatment.

“I don’t know if I was going to be lucky if I was at home but this clearly shows that the place I currently reside at attracts lightning so I am not safe.”

Nolundi Ndabankulu from the Spaqeni Traditional Council said that the area needs some kind of a device to help protect the community.

“Because of the weather circumstances,

62-year-old Ntombinkosi Mbutho infornt of her only place of shelter, a small hut. She want help to be relocated to another location as she feels unsafe from thunder storms.

PHOTO:AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

there are many victims of lightning so we would like the government to help us with machinery that will put an end to that,” said Ndabankulu.

She said that the situation is getting worse with many residents losing their lives or getting injured.

OMBUDSMAN

mahlubi.mafongosi@media24.com

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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.

News

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

7

Blue Flag project set to enhance beach goers’ experience this summer REPORTER THIS summer the newly launched Tourism Blue Flag project will see the deployment of 200 beach stewards at Blue Flag sites around the country, with the aim of improving the experience of both local visitors and domestic and international tourists at our beaches.

The Tourism Blue Flag project will benefit fifty beaches along the South African coastline by providing improved tourism facilities and services, while the beach stewards themselves will receive accredited training in environmental education with the ultimate goal of developing them for further employment in the coastal tourism sector.

Some of the beaches that will be affected include Mtenthu Beach, Mzamba Beach and Mbizana Beach.

This exciting new three-year coastal tourism and youth development project is being implemented by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) in partnership with the National Department of Tourism.

The beach stewards are being hosted by local coastal municipalities and will be easily recognisable to beach goers in their project branded apparel.

They have completed their induction training and are looking forward to interacting with visitors on Port Elizabeth Blue Flag beaches over the coming months.

Activities one can expect to see rolling out at participating Blue Flag beaches include: • Fun and interactive environmental education activities for school going children • Monitoring of beach activities • Conducting of visitor surveys as well as other data gathering • Providing updates on weather and general beach conditions via Twitter • Assisting lifeguards by helping to improve water safety at the beach

The Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom (middle), with some of the Beach Stewards from the newly launched Tourism Blue Flag Project.PHOTO:SUPPLIED • Helping beach managers to maintain the high Blue Flag standards relating to safety, environmental management, water quality

and environmental education at their beaches.

For a list of all the beaches where the Tour-

ism Blue Flag Beach Stewards will be active along the coastline from November onwards, visit www.wessa.org.za/TBF.

Search is on for Front Page Christmas Baby 2016 THE Express is looking for a baby to grace the front page of the last edition of the year – which will be published on Thursday, December 15.

The Express Christmas Baby Competition is aimed at making the day even more special for babies who are celebrating their first Christmas (babies born in 2016 or after December 25, 2015).

Apart from the honour of gracing our last front page of the year, the winning baby will also receive a photo shoot and images on a disk from Ayesha van Staaden Photography.

The winner of the competition will be re-

photographed by Ayesha van Staaden Photography and must be available between December 5 and 9 for the photo session. Parents must enter their babies via our social media platforms. There are three platforms to choose from:

all the necessary info and then tag @MthathaExpress and #MXBaby2016.

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

Instagram – ep_media24 1) Follow us on Instagram 2) Upload your photo and include all the necessary info.

3) Include #MXBaby2016 in your post.

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

Twitter – @MthathaExpress Submit your photo via Twitter; include

The following info must be included: , Name and surname of the baby

, Date of birth (eg: 2016-10-30) , Suburb/town you live in.

Entries which do not have this information will not be considered.

How the competition will work The closing date for entries is 4pm on Friday, December 2.

Entry photos need not have a Christmas theme, and baby’s face must be clearly visible. Only babies living in the former Transkei area are allowed to enter. ) For more information about the competition, send an email to tanya.vanzyl@media24.com.

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Sport

December 1, 2016 Uvolwethu Express

Young soccers stars show their mettle at Build It Under 13 zonal tournament SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE SOCCER players and enthusiasts converged at the Mthatha Stadium on November 20 for the very succesful staging of the Build It under 13 zonal tournament.

The rising stars from 12 teams participated in the tournament and showed great football skills which bodes well for the future of this sport in the province.

The tournament involved teams from

towns where there are Build It stores in the OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo and Mzimkhulu (KZN) regions. The teams represented their towns.

The boys from KwaBhaca, formerly known as Mt Frere, won the tournament.

The project manager of the tournament, Monwabisi Jaza, said he was extremely satisfied about the growth of the tournament.

He said the tournament was evidence of Build It’s investment in local communites and their commitment to unearth young

The Player of the Tournament, Ayanda Fikela, received a trophy from SAFA’s Regional Deputy President, Sandile Nowalaza.

PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

talent from small towns – especially in the deep rural areas.

He said they are looking forward to one day produce a professional player from this tournament.

The Player of the Tournament, Ayanda Fikela, will be given the opportunity to participate in trials for the AmaZulu Football Club or Supersport United.

Jaza said they are hoping that within the next few years the tournament will reach provincial and even national level and that

they would like to invite PSL scouts to come and see for themselves the quality of the players in these rural towns.

South Africa Football Association’s regional Deputy President, Sandile Nowalaza, welcomed this initiative and said it opens the gates for young players, particularly those in small towns.

He was very impressed with the performance of the KwaBhaca team. “These boys are sure to go places because of their unique style of football,” said Nowalaza.

The KwaBhaca team who won the 2016 Built It under 13 zonal tournament.

PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

Mthatha’s Mbumbulwana faces Gqokoma of East London in grudge return fight NCEBA DLADLA MTHATHA’s exciting junior featherweight pugilist Luthando Mbumbulwana will top the bill of a seven-bout development boxing tournament when he takes on his East London nemesis Unathi Gqokoma over eight rounds at Needs Camp in East London this Saturday, December 3.

Organised by Pondo Magongo Sports Productions in conjunction with Buffalo City Metro Municipality, the tournament is aimed at showing off the rising stars of East-

ern Cape professional boxing, especially those from rural areas and the urban periphery, according to matchmaker Luyanda “Ta Lee” Kana.

There will be no love lost between Mbumbulwana and Gqokoma in their return grudge fight. The latter, with 20 wins including six knockouts, eight losses and two stalemates from 30 fights, won their first encounter in August 2015.

Gqokoma was then stopped by South African junior featherweight kingpin Bongani Mahlangu of Gauteng in a fight for the vacant IBF International Superbantamweight title

in his last encounter.

Mbumbulwana, meanwhile, with nine wins including seven knockouts, and four losses from 13 fights had the better of Simphiwe Mayeza, whom he knocked out in Mthatha in September in his last outing.

In the main flyweight bout over six rounds, Lubabalo Faku (Bhisho) will square up against Masixole Nkonki of KwaLanga, while in the main preliminary bout in the junior welterweight division over six rounds, Luthando Mkwini (Libode) will take on Mzukisi Ben of Duncan Village in East London.

Fireworks can be expected in the bout between Sivenathi Nolawu of Needs Camp and Thamsanqa “Jukebox” Mgwebi of Mdantsane in the junior welterweight division.

In the other bouts, all over four rounds, flyweights Thandolwethu Mxoli of Needs Camp and Nkosikhona Speelmandla of East London will lock horns, Masixole Nkonki of Mdantsane will face Asiphile Xhipholwana from Duncan Village, and in the opening featherweight bout Hlanga Khanzi of Butterworth will square up against Abongile Bushula of Mdantsane. The first bout starts at 2pm and admission is R50.

Sharodene ‘Shinzo’ Fortuin set to defend her title against ‘La Gaby’ Bouvier of Uruguay NCEBA DLADLA FORT Beaufort’s female boxer Sharodene Fortuin will defend her WBA International Superflyweight title against Uruguay’s Gabriela Bouvier over 10 rounds at the Orient Theatre in East London this Friday, December 2.

Fortuin, alias Shinzo, is also the former South African Female Junior Bantamweight and current IBO World Bantamweight champion.

The bout between Fortuin and former IBF

Bantamweight Champion “La Gaby” Bouvier will headline a seven-bout bill brought courtesy of TZ Boxing Promotions bill.

The bill is sanctioned by Boxing South Africa (BSA) under the supervision of Service Provider Phakamile Jacobs.

Fortuin’s star is shining bright in SA boxing circles since her professional debut in 2004.

With only a single loss in seven bouts, Shinzo last fought in September when she beat Simone Da Silva Duarte on points in East London.

Her opponent this weekend is not a pushover though. She is a the former WBA World Super-

flyweight titlist who defended it twice before losing it to Leonela Paola Yudica of Argentina.

In her last fight, Bouvier lost to Zulina Munos of Mexico in a challenge for the WBF female title in September 2015.

In the main supporting bout on Friday, newly crowned SA Bantamweight Champion Lindile Tsheme will put the title on the line against challenger Athenkosi Dumezweni over 12 rounds in what promises to be a humdinger of a fight.

There will be no love lost when East London’s Luzuko Siyo entertains Gauteng’s Cleatus

Mbhele in the main preliminary bout over six rounds in the Junior Bantamweight division.

In other interesting bouts, the Mvula brothers of East London, Siphosethu (Junior Featherweight) and Luyanda (bantamweight), will square off with Ephraim Chauke (Limpopo) and Mxolisi Nombewu (Mdantsane) respectively over six rounds.

Promising fireworks, Mbulelo Dyani will fight against Siyanda Tona in the Bantamweight over six rounds, while Simnikiwe Combo will face Okuhle Ngaka in the Flyweight division.