Uvolwethu Express 12 January 2017 by Mthatha Express

press UVO LWETHU

20 000 COPIES WEEKLY

THURSDAY January 12, 2017 | 0 039 251 0834 Facebook: Mthatha Express | Twitter: @MthathaExpress | elizabethg@media24.com or express@media24.com

EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

STORM CAUSES DAMAGE: RESIDENTS LEFT WITHOUT ELECTRICITY

Villagers protest on N2 BABALWA NDLANYA

NGRY villagers from Qweqwe Locality and surrounding areas in Mthatha blocked the N2 between Mthatha and Viedgiesville, demanding a quick response from Eskom and OR Tambo Municipality in fixing their electricity immediately. Police were forced to remove glass, old tyres and zinks that were swept away by the storm

Element of crime hits hailstorm victims P. 2

that hit their homesteads on Monday, January 2. The residents blamed the authorities, stating that they were dragging their feet in addressing the damage that was caused by the storm. This followed an incident where roofs were swept away by a heavy storm that hit the area on Monday last week. One of the community members, who did not want to be named, claimed they were ignored by OR Tambo Municipality even though they were severely affected by the storm. “Our area does

not have electricity – we are struggling and our food is rotten now because our fridges are not working. “What makes us more furious is that the Municipality is not assisting us at all. We are sleeping at our neighbours because our houses were demolished by the storm,” she said. She added that they don’t want to throw stones at cars, but they are willing to take that action if it will make the Municipality assist them. Continued on page 3

Grade 1 pupil ready for ‘big school’

Alfred Nzo Mayor outlines ambition for the year P.4

Dan’s Tennis Academy stars on the rise P. 8

Iminathi Ntuli from Ngolo Locality in Mthatha is ready to start Grade 1 at Siyalakha Christian School today. Schools open for the new year today across the whole country. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

News

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

Four loan sharks briefly appeared in court REPORTER FOUR suspected loan sharks briefly appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court in connection with fraud and their case was remanded until March 6 for further investigation. They were all granted bail of R1 500 each. Police Spokesperson Captain Dineo Koena confirmed the arrest stating that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday last week, while they were trying to withdraw money from an ATM in Mthatha.

According to the National Spokesperson for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Kgomoco Diseko, the suspects were found in possession of a load of SASSA cards and stacks of cash. He said police caught them red-handed at an ATM while they were trying to withdraw people’s money to whom they allegedly loaned, money. “Although the law must take its course through the courts, SASSA fully supports the action of the police because the use of SASSA cards as collateral for loans deepens the poverty situation of our beneficiaries. SASSA

cards are the property of the beneficiary and it is illegal for loan sharks to take possession of cards in exchange for loans,” said Diseko. Diseko said SASSA beneficiaries are usually targeted by loan sharks at this time of the year, although in terms of the Social Assistance Act, it is unlawful to transfer or pledge by social grant. According to him, money lenders can be arrested if found in possession of a SASSA card and they wish to thank the police for arresting them. “Abuse of a social grant in this manner can

lead to the grant being withheld, suspended or cancelled and beneficiaries have to take note of this very seriously. “SASSA advises beneficiaries to safeguard their cards and PIN numbers at all times and not give access to these loan sharks under any circumstances. To exchange your card for another one can lead to unnecessary unauthorised deductions on your account,” said Diseko. According to him, beneficiaries should not listen to anyone who tells them that the SASSA Card is due for a replacement, as this is an old trick used to abuse their grants.

Community members urged to stick to traditional ceremony rules BABALWA NDLANYA EVEN though police officers under Butterworth Cluster worked very hard to reduce crime during the Festive Season, they are still blaming some of the community members who don’t want to comply with the rule of informing the police when they are going to have traditional ceremonies in their

homesteads. Police Spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha said it seems as if there is still more to be done to educate villagers about this because they want police to be visible when ceremonies are held to avoid conflicts that usually takes place in these events. “This is one of the problems that lead to people being killed and raped at these cere-

monies because the police are not informed about it, so that they can also be part of it (visible policing),” said Manatha. He added that the King of Amaxhosa, King Zwelonke Sigcau, said family members who are hosting traditional ceremonies in their homesteads must ensure that the ceremony is over and that villagers go home by 5pm, but there are still people who host ceremo-

nies over 24 hours. “You find that there are villagers who are murdered at 2am and others are raped while coming from a ceremony in the night because villagers don’t want to stick to this rule.” He said they are asking community members to obey these rules because by disobeying them they are increasing the number of crime in their areas.

Element of crime hits hailstorm victims SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE CRIMINALS have seen the hailstorm incident, which recently hit the localities under King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD), as their chance to commit crime. The affected locations, which were hit by the storm on Monday, January 2, include Qweqwe, Payne and some other parts of Mqanduli. Police reports stated that criminals entered houses that were left roofless, windowless or doorless to steal the belongings. Because of this, some residents decided to sleep in those roofless structures to protect their belongings. One of the victims of this crime is Mahlubi Mafongosi, who confirmed that he and

his brother sleep in his car to keep watch over their belongings. “As my mother relocated to town, we were left with no choice but to sleep in the car for the whole night to protect our belongings, which were still in the house. We will continue doing so until we get help to fix our house,” said Mahlubi. He said most of the people in his area lost a lot of items due to criminal activities since the storm hit the area. The Executive Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, accompanied by the Executive Mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo, handed over tents, food parcels, matrasses and blankets to the victims that have since become homeless. There were 67 homes provided with relief in Qweqwe and Payne. At the time of going to print, both municipalities were still assessing the costs caused by the storm. In the meantime, the KSD municipality has this week called a Council meeting to discuss ways of helping the affected families.

Nelly Nonjovu Accounts Manager

Tel: 039 251 0834 Cell: 071 990 1540 Fax: 086 457 6245 Email: Nelisa.nonjovu@media24.com

Are you feeling helpless, heart broken and financialy down?

A magic ring to help you

*Win Lotto & Casino *Bring back lost lover (same day) *Stop conflicts and fights in marriage *Rats to bring you money in house *Money in the bank (same day)

Pay after job is done Call Maxwell 060 934 1317 X1T06017-TE171116

X1T5YYD1-UE120117

Cezu Senior Primary School was wrecked by the storm. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Head of Hawks warns public to be vigilant against scammers and false advertising SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) – also known as the Hawks – Eastern Cape Provincial Head, Major General Nyameko Nogwanya, has appealed to the Eastern Cape community to be careful, especially as the year begins. He said people must be cautious of many flatulent adverts, taking to scams, bogus scholarships, lucrative deals or bursaries during January 2017. He said people must be very vigilant and know that easy come easy go. Nogwanya also stated that the recklessness of traditional surgeons that lead to many unwarranted deaths at initiation schools needs to be looked at closely to see whether there is not a third element linking it to trafficking of body parts.

“Trafficking in persons comes in different lucrative ways. People must be careful,” he said. “We have seen numerous cases where people are the victims of well-orchestrated crimes such as deposit scams, traditional healer scams, black dollar scams and human trafficking. All these cases seem to be perpetuated by people with more relations outside South Africa and some extent foreign nationals seem to be leading towards victimising our African women, South Africans in particular. People are hereby warned to be very careful of getting into unscrutinised relationships because they become victims of a well-orchestrated crime, under the pretext of love, as a gateway to their monies,” said Nogwanya. He stressed that against all odds the Hawks shall always strive to ensure that people of the Eastern Cape feel safe at all times.

News

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

Matric results 2016 Makupula sees positive in EC poor matric results

Cosas: Masualle and Makupula to blame for poor results

BUNTU GOTYWA

MATRIC results of 2016 are out and again the Eastern Cape is languishing at the bottom as the poorest performer. Five of the poorest performing districts in the country are from this province in Libode, Lusikisiki, Ngcobo, Dutywa and Lady Frere. All five districts registered less than 50% pass rate. The Eastern Cape registered a 59.3% pass rate and despite a slight increase of 2.5% from 2015.It is the only province to register less than 60% which highlights the sorry state of education in the province. MEC for Education Mandla Makupula is, however, positive that the province is on the rise and said that his department can be proud of the “sustainable upwards trajectory.” “The Class of 2016 has had to perform in a very different academic context, where the stakes have risen in terms of levels of

difficulty in all subjects. “The improvements made in 2016 must be seen in the light of intervention programmes the Department has put in place to mitigate the impact of the high stakes NCS (CAPS) curriculum,” said Makupula. Makupula also highlighted that the biggest concern of Eastern Cape matrics was that 70% of them came from the poorest schools, quintile one to three, and recorded 49.5% to 57.9%. The richer schools, quintile four and five, were 81.5% and 95.3% respectively. These results prove that the poorest schools are unsurprisingly the least performing schools in the province. Holy Cross Senior Secondary School is one of the few noble exceptions in this year’s matric results particulary for the former Transkei region. The quintile 3 school produced one of the country’s top performers in Siphokazi Hlalukana who came second in this quintile nationally.

THE Congress of South African Students (Cosas) have straight up expressed disgust in both the Eastern Cape premier, Phumulo Masualle, and Education MEC, Mandla Makupula, for the Eastern Cape’s poor performance in the matric exams of 2016. The Eastern Cape is again the worst performing province with a 59.3% pass rate, a slight 2.5% improvement from 2015. Even without progressed learners the province was the worst performing, attaining 63.3%, an increase of 1.1% from 2015. The learners association said the Premier is to blame for failure to hold the MEC accountable for continuous woes in matric performance. Cosas provincial secretary, Samkele Mqai, said in a statement that they were disgusted by the maladministration displayed by the Department of Basic Education under the supervision of MEC Makupula.

Storm damage: Angry villagers left without electricity protest on N2 Continued from page 1 POWER cables and electrical poles in some parts of this area were uprooted by strong winds and blown away. Eskom’s Media Liason, Zama Mpondwana, said Eskom technicians have been working hard since the early hours of Tuesday last week restoring the electricity supply to about 60 000 customers on the eastern side of the Eastern Cape. That includes Elliotdale, Mthatha, Mqanduli and surrounding areas. “Eskom is aware that there are isolated incidents in others

parts of the province and these are being attended to. We urge customers to be patient during this time while our technicians are preparing the damaged electricity lines and fixing the faults. Customers also need to treat all electricity appliances, including low-hanging or broken conductors as line and dangerous. They must not touch or move them,” said Mpondwana. The Spokesperon of the OR Tambo District Municipality, Ayongezwa Lungisa, also confirmed that the Municipality is working hard to give support to the community members and that Eskom is also working hard to fix the power.

He said Makapula and the Premier are “only good at manipulation and suspension of HODs without any positivity in the education system”. “As Cosas we also wish to express our disappointments in the Premier for continuously failing to hold the MEC accountable as to what went wrong, as we have not reached the target of 70% that was set in 2014. “The MEC has not been held accountable. We also condemn the tendencies of celebrating individual achievements by the MEC,” said Mqai in his statement. He added, “It cannot be normal that the five worst performing districts are coming from the Eastern Cape and that not a single district out of 23 managed 90% and above. “It is the sixth year that the Eastern Cape has carried the load of the worst performing province. The last time the province performed better than any province was in 2010 when it performed better than both Limpopo and Mpumalanga with a pass rate of 58.2%.”

Uvolwethu Express subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If it doesn’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Press Ombud at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619, or website: www.presscouncil.org.za

Drivers were forced to drive on the grass because of the residents who blocked the N2 road. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

HALALA

VEELS GELUK

CONGRATULATIONS Matrics 2016!

Residents blocked the N2 road and the open space that was used by drivers who were avoiding the main road due to the blockade. PHOTO:

BABALWA NDLANYA

You can view your admission status on our website. Web: www.nmmu.ac.za/registration or www.nmmu.ac.za/orientation or www.nmmu.ac.za/apply Port Elizabeth Campuses: 041 504 1111 George Campus: 044 801 5111 E-mail: info@nmmu.ac.za

News

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

DEA to address issue of crime within Marine, Coastal Environment REPORTER THE Department of Environmental Affairs’ Coastal and Enforcement Directorate led a joint operation during the festive season to address the issues of crime within the marine and coastal environment. The marine and coastal environment is under risk due to illegal activities in coastal areas of the Republic and these have been identified through Operation Phakisa. Operation Phakisa has identified the marine and coastal environment due to illegal

activities. Operation Phakisa is a presidential, results-driven initiative, involving setting clear plans and targets, on-going monitoring of progress and making these results public. Inspired by the “Big Fast Results” methodology successfully applied by Malaysia, Operation Phakisa, from the Sesotho word meaning “hurry up”, aims to fast track the delivery of priorities outlined in the country’s National Development Plan with regard to the oceans economy. Compliance and enforcement programmes

within the marine and coastal environment have been overlapping and implemented by a number of Government Departments in an uncoordinated manner, until the Compliance and Enforcement Pilot Project under Initiative 5 (Enhanced and Coordinated Compliance and Enforcement Programme) of the Marine Protection Services and Governance LAB was introduced under Operation Phakisa. Illegal activities were addressed during operations within the Eastern Cape coast including illegal and unregulated harvesting

activities both within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and outside the MPA, illegal driving of vehicles in a coastal area, illegal structures that are built within the coastal zone, safeguarding the maritime environment, conducting physical examination on suspected containers and break bulk. Searches of vehicles, vessels and small yachts entering and exiting at East London Harbour, Ngqura Harbour, Port Elizabeth Harbour, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma, Port St Johns and Dwesa/Cwebe Umtata area were also conducted.

Youth offers help to community AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA CONCERNED youth of Mbongweni Location in Mbizana came together to form a group to offer a helping hand to the needy in their deep rural community and to also provide a platform for a talent search. Behind this idea is 17-year-old Masande Madikizela, who is a Grade 11 learner at Ngalonkulu Senior Secondary School and passionate about making a positive impact to people around him.

Mob justice attack investigated

“There is not a lot to do with so little in our hands but when I saw so many elders suffering as they are looking after their grandchildren and also seeing some of us turning to drugs, we decided to form Everclean Cleaning Services where we would go to households and offer any kind of service for free,” said Madikizela. These youngsters, mostly learners in local schools, use a grass cutter they borrow from one of the residents, Themba Ngcobo, to clean yards.

“We wish we could get our own grass cutter and rakes so that we can take the idea further because the one that Mr Ngcobo lends to us is for his business use so sometimes we get inconvenienced,” he added. These youngsters also help the younger ones with their homework, especially those who reside with their Gogos who cannot read and write. The group also gets together to record music, perform cultural dances and poetry. A resident who constantly supports the

idea, Themba Ngcobo, said that it is a very good idea as it keeps them busy with positive things and away from drugs and many other bad conducts. “As elders and government, it is our responsibility to help develop our youth especially in rural areas and with these ideas this group has, they will go far in life and I fully support them,” said Ngcobo. He said that the youngsters also help elders in the community by doing their laundry during the weekends for free.

Prison guard accused of assaulting an inmate

AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA LUSIKISIKI police are investigating murder charges after two men were allegedly attacked by community members at Palmerton last week. Police Spokesperson Mduduzi Godlwana said that police were called in to attend to the scene after angry residents attacked three men at a ceremony in the village. It is said that one man sustained injuries while the other two men succumbed to their injuries. “It is not yet known what the motive for the attack was, but investigations are under way and we highly condemn such acts of mob justice,” said Godlwana. He added that mob justice is becoming a problem in the Lusikisiki area and discouraged community members from such conduct as it is a criminal offence and that people would be prosecuted individually.

A PRISON warder at Lusikisiki Correctional Service Offices is facing charges for allegedly attacking and strangling an inmate. Inmate Fezile Nzile (22) laid charges

with the police claiming that he was strangled by one of the guards last week. Police Spokesperson Mduduzi Godlwana has confirmed the incident, saying that a case of common assault has been opened

at Lusikisiki police station, but no one has been arrested yet. Express could not get hold of the Department of Correctional Services regarding this incident. – AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

The Uvolwethu Express can be read online or downloaded from www.issuu.com. Search for Mthatha Express

Alfred Nzo District Municipality Mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu during his interaction with the media. PHOTO:KHAYA MAGENU

Kenny Mwange

Alfred Nzo Mayor outlines his ambition for the year

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

82 Blakeway Street, Mthatha Office: (047) 050 4430 Fax: 086 298 3964 E-mail: kennedy.mwange@media24.com

X1T5Y390-UE120117

KHAYA MAGENU ALFRED Nzo District Municipality Executive Mayor, Sixolile Mehlomakhulu has outlined his ambition to provide every community with basic service delivery and report on the progress made during his first 100 days in office since his election to the position. Addressing members of the media at a media breakfast held at Alfred Nzo District Municipality Conference Centre on Tuesday morning, the mayor expressed his determination to maintain the fast pace of work as he is intent on delivering major improvements for the communities of Alfred Nzo.

“As the district we have improved the handling of municipal finances and our Auditor General outcomes will not be the same like previous years. With the management team we have we will surely overcome all challenges,” said the mayor. He vows that they won’t get a disclaimer or adverse audit opinion from the Auditor General. Mehlomakhulu said they are on a mission to employ a new Chief Financial Officer. The mayor said there was uncertainty amongst Alfred Nzo District Municipality workers before the 2016 elections, but he managed to settle issues affecting them and now there is tranquillity. He outlined a numbers of success, chal-

lenges and plans for the next five years for his tenure. He also engaged broader stakeholders, including ratepayers, associations, traditional leaders, hawkers, farmers associations, traditional healers, faith based organisations; and Non-Governmental Organisations solicited their views, input and suggestions on how best the council can work with them to find long lasting solutions and ideas on improving services the district municipality is providing to them. “We also want them to be part of the change they want and working with all our stakeholders, will be the chance for development in their communities to flourish,” said Mehlomakhulu.

News

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

CALLS FOR EDUCATION MEC TO STEP DOWN

Masualle says Makupula stays SANELE JAMES

Despite numerous calls for the Eastern Cape

MEC for Education, Mandla Makupula, to step down, the premier of the Eastern Cape has made it clear that Makupula is not going anywhere – not anytime soon. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the province, alongside the South African Students Congress (Sasco), Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) have expressed their disappointment in both Makupula and Masualle for failing to improve the state of affairs at the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). The different organisations are accusing Masualle of dragging his feet in ensuring accountability by Makupula and his department. The calls for Makupula’s head came after the ECDoE maintained its unenviable record of being the worst performing province in the Grade 12 examinations by obtaining a pass rate of only 59.3% in 2016. The

province saw a 2.5% improvement from the 56.8% obtained in 2015. In 2012 the province’s Grade 12 results displayed signs of improvement from 61.9% to 64.9% in 2013 and 65.5% in 2014, but it dwindled to 56.8% in 2015. In a statement issued by Cosas Provincial Secretary, Samkele Mqai, the organisation highlighted that Makupula’s department has failed to reach the 70% pass mark target of 2014 and, therefore, should be removed. In a post-2016 Matric results media briefing at the Education Leadership Institute in East London last week, Makupula told the media that he did not chose to be appointed to head the ECDoE, but that he was chosen to do so. “I never chose to be an MEC of education. I am a teacher by profession. That is what I was trained for by my parents - they gave me that, and they can never take it away from me. I am a Maths and Science teacher. But politics-wise, the ruling party saw something in me - and they have never told me what it was that they saw in me. You just get

a phone call saying ‘come here, we have decided for you to become the MEC of education.’ You comply and complain later,” said Makupula. Asked if he has considered stepping down, he said he never appointed himself, therefore, it all depended on the province’s first citizen, Masualle. Masualle affirmed Makupula’s leadership at the ECDoE saying it was too early to cast the blame on individuals. He said for the past few years, the entire department has been plagued with problems of temporal seniors which lead to poor administration and subsequently to the late appointment of teachers and the implementation of policies. “If you take a close look, you will realise that at the EDoE we have, for long, been talking of an ‘Acting HOD’, Acting Director. Such issues stall the implementation of plans and the distribution of adequate services. This week, you have officials doing things their own way and the next it is the other person, so it is hard to see which strategy really works for us. But that will change.

I assure you,” said Masualle. Masualle said he was confident in Makupula as the MEC for EDoE. He said with the 2.5% improvement, Makupula has shown that when given the support he needs, he can and will change things around. “Now, we have filled all the crucial vacant posts. Now, we will be able to see who is not performing well. The MEC will also get all the support he needs to run the department,” said Masualle. . The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) condemned the calls for Makupula’s head and criticism directed at Masualle saying it was a politically calculated move to damage the public confidence in the two. “This unfortunate ploy is happening despite the fact that things are shaping up in improving education in the province. Such a counter-revolutionary attack is showing that there are reactionary forces working with our allies to dislodge the efforts for the improvement of education in our province,” said Andile Mosha of YCLSA.

‘Quality over quantity’, says Makupula on matric results SANELE JAMES THE Eastern Cape might have been at the bottom of the 2016 matric class with a 59.3% pass, but the MEC for Education, Mandla Makupula, says the quality of results has improved drastically. “Whatever you say, we might be the number last on the list, but we are contributing to the nation. We are giving the country the Bachelor passes it needs. We say quality over quantity,” said Makupula. The number of Bachelor passes in the Eastern Cape increased from 15 291 in 2015 to 15 654 in 2016, representing a 1.3% (363) increase from 17.6% to 18.9%. Makupula said the Eastern Cape was fifth in producing Bachelor passes and fourth in producing Diploma passes. “Yes, we concede that we did not do well, but the class of 2016 proved that the Eastern Cape is on the rise to produce quality results after the poor performance of 2015. “It does not help to have a record of 100% pass rate, yet only 5% of the learners qualify for admission to university. I can boldly tell you that the majority of our leaners who passed their matric are eligible for university

learning,” he said. Two learners from the Eastern Cape were runners-up of the National Top Learner Achiever awards. Anelisa Marwaqana of Mariazell Senior Secondary School in Maluti was second in the Quantile 1 category of the awards while Siphokazi Hlalukana also placed second in the Quantile 3 category. Cluster performance improved from 51.5% to 54.4% in Cluster A, from 55.5% to 57.9% in Cluster B, and from 62.7% to 65.1% in Cluster C. Three districts performed within and above the national pass average and 10 districts had a pass rate of between 60% and 70%, resulting in 14 of the 23 districts performing above 60%. Cradock at 81.2% was the highest performer, followed by Uitenhage at 76.3%, GraaffReinet at 76% and Grahamstown at 70.3%. A total of 18 of the 23 districts improved their pass average above the 2015 performance, where only five districts declined in their 2015 performance. Qumbu was the most improved (17.4%) district from 47.9% to 65.3%, followed by Graaff-Reinet (15.8%) from 60.1% to 76% and Sterkspruit (15.4%) from 49.8% to 65.2%. A total of 14 districts had a decrease in the

number of schools obtaining a below 60% pass, whereas four remained unchanged, and five experienced marginal increases. The five are Libode, Lusikisiki, Mbizana, Ngcobo and PE. In Quintile performance, the poorest quintiles performed better compared to 2015: Quintile 1 slightly improved from 48.9% to 49.5%, Quintile 2 commendably improved from 50.7% to 55.9%, and Quintile 3 commendably improved from 54.7% to 57.9%. The richest Quintiles show a combination of a slight decline and a slight improvement although relatively performing well, Quintile 4 slightly declined from 81.9% to 81.5% and Quintile 5 slightly improved from 94.4% to 95.3%. Makupula said it was of biggest concern that 70% of the learners are in Quintiles 1-3 and said much focus would be given to the schools concerned. “In January 2016, the Department adopted a three-year System Transformation Plan to address the 8.6% decline experienced in 2015 and that plan has brought about the current improvements. We just need to intensify it going forward,” he said. The Plan focuses on transforming the over-

all education system, while at school level it places a specific focus on 560 viable Quintile 1 to 3 secondary schools. Independent Schools registered encouraging improvements although far below performance levels of Quintiles 4 and 5. In 2016, Independent schools improved from 70.6% to 74.9%. Schools performing below 50% declined by 57 from 405 in 2015 to 348 in 2016 while those performing between 70-80% improved from 86 to 121. Centres between 80-90% improved from 70 to 88, also centres at 100% improved from 37 to 44. Of the 38 subjects written in the EC, only 10 have declined and they are small enrolment subjects except for Agriculture and Business Studies. Improvements were registered in the big enrolment and gateway subjects with: Accounting improving by 9%, from 52.7 to 61.7%, Economics by 0.5% from 53.9 to 54.5%, Geography by 2.5% from 66.9 to 69.3%, History by 2.3% from 72.5 to 74.8%, Life Sciences by 1.9% from 59.8 to 61.7%, Maths Literacy by 0.4% from 55.6 to 56%, Mathematics by 0.2% from 37.3% to 37.5% and Physical Science by 3.7% from 45.9 to 49.6%.

Agency commended for developing rural areas REPORTER THE Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) has played a critical role in the development of rural areas and continues to make strides in job creation through agricultural projects. This was the message from stakeholders during a recent engagement session in East London. Speaking during the session, Sithembele Zibi from Mqanduli Farmers Secondary Cooperation said the assistance they received from ECRDA has made them proud to return home because their fields are now green. “We were tempted to sell our maize fields so that they can be residential areas, but thanks to ECRDA we are ploughing and producing maize,” Zibi said. Zibi is part of the Mqanduli Rural Development Enterprise (RED) Hub, which is processing maize into maize meal and samp that is sold at King William’s Town’s Nicks Food Spar, as well as animal feed that is sold at Mtiza stores. The chairperson of the Standing Committee of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Mrs Gqiba, who recently led her committee to visit the RED Hubs in Bizana, Mqanduli, Ncora and Emalahleni, said they witnessed very good work being done. “You have done a great job and we have witnessed your good work. The RED Hubs campaign is a major step towards the improvement of lives of rural people.

“There is a clarity of purpose and determination in what you are doing. In order to develop the area, we need all sectors to have a collaborative approach, as government alone won’t be able to develop. Hence, we need to promote an integrated approach,” she added. ECRDA board chairperson Dr Vangaurd Mkosana described ECRDA as a “team of unapologetic agents of rural development.” “We are stimulating the value chain of agriculture. We need land to be brought back to production and re-ignite commercial farmers in this province. “We need partnership with communities and the private sector to put the Eastern Cape in its rightful place of being the food basket of the country,” Dr Mkosana said. Representing the Department of Forestry, Justice Sigenu said the ECRDA’s role in forestry development has helped in realising the goals of the reduction of poverty, job creation and equality in the com-

munities. He said with the six projects they support, they had managed to hire a total of 1 100 people that are supporting about 4 000 families. The MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, commended ECRDA for its commitment. “With resilience, Africa has everything that money can’t buy. ECRDA can trigger development so that we can move forward. “You are driving a new obsession when people see value in agriculture development,” he said referring to the testimonies of the farmers dur-

ing the event.” The RED hubs created a total of 397 permanent and 679 short-term jobs. The total amount invested by government in these Hubs over the past three years is about R190 million. Government invested R53.5 million in the Mbizana Hub, while at Ncora R49 million was invested, Mqanduli R41 million and Emalahleni R46.5 million. In the 2016/17 financial year an additional R25 million has been allocated to enhance operations in all the RED Hubs, which will include increasing the hectorage by 2 000ha per RED Hub.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN PE NMMU accredited facilities Safe & secure environment Bursary & private welcome

IS R FAST! SPACE SPACE IS RUNNING UNNING O OUT UT FAST! has taken local “PSA student accommodation to 0718966009 the next level!” register@tramarco.co.za

News

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

Mthatha airport safety manager laid to rest

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE Mthatha Airport Safety Manager, who was gunned down on the night of December 25 last year, was laid to rest last weekend at the Ncoti Location in Qumbu. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of Buyiso Phikolomzi Sometsewu, including members of different unions, provincial leadership from the legislature, traditional leaders, his colleagues at the Mthatha Airport and the regional leadership of the ANCYL. Sometsewu, who was also the Deputy President of the Public Service Association (PSA), was gunned down by an unknown man allegedly following a dispute over the cars of the deceased and the accused in Mdeni Locality. It was alleged that he was shot at close range and he was rushed to hospital where he later died. At the time of going to print the perpetrator

Family members and colleagues of the late Mthatha Airport Safety Manager Malombo.

Buyiso Phikolomzi (Malambo) Somtsewu. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

was still at large. Malombo, as he was affectionately known, was described as a very outspoken person, a leader, a decision maker, a unionist and had no fear to approach his managers as a union leader when there was an issue which affected the workers. Addressing the mourners, the Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Weziwe Tikana, revealed that on the day of Malombo’s death she received a WhatsApp message from him reminding her about the

issues which she must prioritise in 2017, which were affecting the workers in the department. A few minutes later she said she received the shocking news of Malombo’s death. Tikana stressed that as the department they will adhere to his vision of seeing Mthatha Airport as a viable institution, employ more people, have more airlines and have sufficient fire fighters. “He was a part of the family and we had a very short time with him but he made a big difference,” said Tikana. She said it would

PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

take the department a very long time to fill the gap he left. Malombo started his professional career under workforce based at OR Tambo International Airport and later joined Bidvest Air also based at OR Tambo. He later joined the Department of Transport as an Assistant Director in aviation based in Bhisho. And last year he was deployed to Mthatha Airport as a Safety Manager. Malombo is survived by both parents, two sisters, three brothers and his two children.

KIC’s Amarok Campaign brings early Christmas joy to small rural community REPORTER KIC hosted a national ‘Sell Through Campaign’ in conjunction with OK Furnishers where consumers, who purchased a KIC product at an OK Furnishers store during the course of the campaign, stood a chance at winning a Volkswagen Amarok. It started off as a national in-store competition and ended as a community upliftment initiative. The competition ran from August 2016 to October 2016. One of the two national winners, Patrick Gebu from a small rural area called Cala in the Eastern Cape, placed his small town on the map as the first person in the history of the town to win such a mammoth prize. The Sell Through Campaign proved to be

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

X1T0601B-TE171116

more than just a competition. It stood as a community upliftment programme due to the applauding reception Gebu received from his people. The town of Cala came to a standstill as the KIC MD, Chris Hani District Municipality Councilor and the Sakhisiziwe Municipality Speaker jointly stood together to hand Gebu his new car keys and bring joy to the community of Cala as for the first time the town felt that they belong. “I bought a KIC water dispenser refrigerator at the OK Furnishers store in Cala. My eyes instantly saw the stickers on the fridge which promoted a competition where, if I purchase the fridge, I could win my family a VW Amarok and change my family’s lives. “My wife and I argued about it, but I confidently told her that we will win this car and besides, we grew up with KIC products so it will be better it for us to buy a brand we can trust. Every day when I bought airtime I would SMS the competition two or three times a day. “When I received a phone call from KIC congratulating me on my prize winning I couldn’t believe it. My wife was in shock and still is today. “It’s the first car that I have ever owned and believe me, in this area it is difficult to manoeuvre around and with this car I will be able to help my community in running errands for them for a small fee,” laughed a delighted Gebu. The whole town of Cala came to a standstill as everyone gathered at the OK furnishers store to celebrate their fellow community member and his new prize. “This handover means a lot to the Cala community as it is the first time in our town’s history that a resident won a national competition,” a delighted Councilor Mthetho Jack from the Chris Hani District Municipality explained on behalf of the Mayor. KIC’s MD, Michele Caputo, had this

Patrick Gebu won a Volkswagen Amarok in KIC’s Sell Through Campaign. PHOTO:SUPPLIED to say about the handover, “With a proud South African heritage, Whirlpool’s local brand, KIC, is built on trust and belief of owning a quality appliance that is affordable at the same time. It brings us immense joy to issue out this prize to Patrick Gebu and in the interim bring an early Christmas to the community of the Chris Hani District Municipality. “We believe its moments like these that matter and for generations, we have helped people make the most of these moments with their families and their communities as trust is forever, and moments

like these will live in the hearts of people forever.” This story wasn’t about a man that won a competition; it was about a man how brought hope to a town that was unnoticed and due to this competition, felt like they belonged. Christmas came early for the town of Cala and the Gebu family. It brought change to the lives of the less fortunate. It is cooperation like this that truly shows the spirit of humanity. At times, small gestures like this make a huge difference to the nation at large.

News

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

WOW! After a long time singabonani, gossip team would like to greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ in this 2017. Amen! Shame nabo bayayazi na into enoJesu phakathi? Ewe sothini sikhulele koogogo sithandaza yonke imihla phambi kokuba kulalwe. We are going to refer this utterance to the young people of this beautiful lady South Africa. As we know some of them are going to start a new life experience ngaphandle kwabazali babo, for a first time. They must keep in their minds that you cannot mix pleasure with business. Azikhuli zombini. So their focus must be on their studies. Those who are going to start at tertiary level. must note well that there would be many things that may divert them on their ways.. But, to success, one must know what they put in there and why did they left a precious home.

We don’t want to see you in night clubs zaseUTA kude kuse. Build your future first. Pleasure will follow after you completed your studies. Apho ke uyakuba sewusitya amaqhosh’bhaty’a kho ungabuzwa mntu nokuba ubuye ekuseni na kakade. Hoping that you will take this advice very serious bantrwabam kuba nizodibana nezinto phandl’ apha. Can you please respect your bodies? Uyazi sometimes you fail to understand ukuba why umntu ezakunxiba ngendlela engoxolisiyo ingakumbi the elders. We understand these young women, because it seems as if sis-style kubo le ndlela yokunxiba ingahloniphiyo. And kuyaya ekubeni bavele bahambe ze ngoku aba besimanje-manje. Xa ubona umntu omdala enxibe ngendlela engaginyisi-mathe use ucinge umama wakho kuba

yena uyazihlonipha nakweyiphi imeko uhlala enxibe ngendlela endilisekileyo. Ngeke uthi umdala ube uveze isisu esishwabeneyo neminyama ngaphandle. Noko khange sikuthande esikubone komnye ugogo elwandle e-Coffee Bay umntu emdala abe eveze nesisu ngaphandle, kukuqubha ebekutheni kanti oko? Khona, abazukulwana bazakufunda ntoni? Don’t discredit the beautiful women of this soil wena magogo. Umama ngolwazi lwethu zikhona iindawo ekungafanelekanga zibe ngaphandle ingakumbi xa semdala. Perhaps ke asike sithi kukushiyeka ezintweni. Sisitsho nje kwakubona i-old lady elidala lizithe dlu kwi jean lipitseke ngathi izakukrazuka that’s not a good sight. Watch out for fake colleges

As you know ukuthi we love you and we don’t like to see you wasting your time and money in those bogus colleges. Believe it or not there are people who are out there to con our poor people who are hungry for education. Ningamana ukuthi umgosi uthetha izinto zomqala wakhe kanti akuyo info ifele apha. We called on our South Africans to be vigilant when they choose a tertiary institution because many private colleges are operating illegally, bafuna nje imali. Ensure that you acquire detailed information about that particular institution if it is registered or not. Ixesha nemali oyi waste (ileyo) ayibuyi so be careful umgosi is giving you a tip. Okay before sihlabe ngqo ebantwini masithathe izinto zethu zokubhala singene entsimini abafundi bethu basawufuna lo mgosi nakwiveki ezayo. Sharp, sharp.

Mthatha community awards winners SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE newly established Mthatha Community Awards showed a bright future, despite the fact that it was held for the first time. The awards is the brainchild of Libodeborn Phathiswa Qakaza, owner of Qakaza Communications (PTY) Ltd. The awards were held in Mthatha and it attracted a huge

crowd. According to Phathiswa, the support she received during the coordination of these awards was out of this world. She said it was her wish to see the awards growing from strength to strength and being recognised throughout the province. She added that the mission behind these awards was to ensure that people from this

area are recognised back at home before they obtain national or international recognition. The Mthatha Community awards are expected to take place annually. The 2016 winners were as follows:

Best Primary School – Gladys King Primary School Best High School – Zingisa High

Best event of the year – Baleka Umbala Colour Run Best local t-shirt/clothing brand – Rural boy Best lounge/pub – So What Lounge Best driving school – Nthu’s Driving School Best shuttle services – Sun Shuttle Best taxi driver – Siphiwo from Mamela rank Best media personality – Zintle Mbusi of Umhlobo Wenene Best pastor – Pastor Mafanya Best celeb – Olona Sxhanti

FOCUS ON: BACK TO SCHOOL Is that bag too heavy? Protect your child from back pain! REPORTER NO child should suffer from back pain, should they? And yet, a startling number do, notes the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP). As we start the new school year, parents are encouraged by SASP to think about the following revealing facts pertaining to backpacks used by children: . Many children carry bags on their backs that are simply too heavy for them. International guidelines say children should carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight. . Girls are often smaller than boys, but carry the same weight of books and homework. Recent research showed that 31% of boys carried overly heavy bags, compared to nearly

42% of girls. . A 2003 study showed children were carrying upwards of 7.5 kgs on their backs – that’s about 25% of their body weight for a child of about 30kgs. . From a 2014 study, we learn that: “About 88.2% of pupils reported having body pain especially in the neck, shoulders and upper back.” “About 35.4% of the children reported that carrying the schoolbag was the cause of their musculoskeletal pain.” “The prevalence of lower back pain was 37.8%.” . The further a child walks carrying that load, the more likely it is that back pain may develop. . Ill-fitting bags cause more pain: use a bag with adjustable straps, always ensure there’s no gap between the bag and the back, and

don’t let your child wear a bag over one shoulder only. Why are our children suffering from back pain? As parents, we should be campaigning to ensure that: . No child carries more than 10% of their body weight. . The education system pays attention to this problem and finds ways to issue homework that are lighter or more tech-smart. . Distances from home to school are reduced through transport options if necessary – many of our children walk long distances to and from school. . All schools include physical education and play areas that get our kids running and climbing and jumping. . All schools have lockers or other facili-

ties, so children can safely leave their bags and carry only what’s necessary to each class. . Teachers know the issue and keep an eye out for children carrying too much, oneshoulder usage or badly fitted bags. “Children who have pain in their backs as early as primary school may grow into adults with chronic back pain, so this is a subject that we as parents and health-care professionals need to take very seriously,” said Chantelle van den Bergh, chair of the SASP Paediatrics Special Interest Group. For an assessment of your child, or to find a physiotherapist who works with children, go to www.saphysio.co.za. ) This information was provided by the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) Eastern Cape.

Solve your child’s maths problems. Now. “My daughter’s maths marks improved from 50% to 75% and my son’s marks went up from the mid 60s to the mid 80s in just 3 weeks using Via Afrika Tabtor Maths!” Nicky Stubbs Available on tablets for grades R to 7

Interested? Subscribe for a free Via Afrika Tabtor Maths trial now. Visit www.viaafrika.com/tabtor.

Sport

January 12, 2017 Uvolwethu Express

Dan’s tennis stars on the rise BUNTU GOTYWA TENNIS might not be the most popular sport in rural areas – especially in the Eastern Cape. That, however, is the biggest motivation that drives clubs like Dan’s Tennis Academy to excel and work hard in introducing this sport to rural children. The academy boasts over 42 students who all come from disadvantaged areas and are unable to purchase their own tennis gear. When the minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula, opened the two tennis courts in 2012 at Dan’s place just outside Mthatha towards Tsolo, there was no turning back. The journey towards producing a Roger Federer from Dan’s surrounding villages had begun. The academy is the brainchild of Eastern Cape businessman Dr Dan Pasiya and it is strictly for tennis development of underprivileged rural children. It is now entering its sixth year and already has achieved many accolades in the tennis association.

The biggest being representing the Eastern Cape Province at the South African National tennis games. Just recently, members of the club excelled at the SALGA Games held in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal. Coach Marshall Nonco said there is a bright tennis future in the academy and only great things will emerge in the not so distant future. “We have kids as young as 13 and they are flourishing in this sport. “As you know, in rural areas you either play soccer or netball and Dan wanted to bring unisport (to the area). We have so many medals already. “Just recently (in December) they came back with gold, silver and bronze medals from the SALGA Games, which shows that there is progress here,” said Nonco. Capping off a good year, they offered merit certificates to the academy’s new recruits. The occasion also included exhibition matches for parents to have a glance of what their children absorbed in the academy.

Assistant coach Fundisile Myaka (left) and coach Marshall Nonco (far right) after an exhibition match at the awarding of certificates to Dan’s Tennis Academy’s new recruits. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Return of BSA Awards will ensure EC wins big NCEBA DLADLA BOXING South Africa (BSA), the boxing ruling body, is bringing back the BSA awards in order to recognise and honour members of the professional boxing fraternity who have excelled in 2016. The BSA male and female awards will be held at the ICC in Durban on Saturday 28 January. After seven years of absence, the BSA Awards are back and boxing stakeholders did their nominations in earnest from October 1 to November 2 in 2016.

The biggest awards in which Eastern Cape boxing greats have been nominated are Boxer of the Year, which pits against each other, Mthatha’s IBO Miniflyweight Champion Simphiwe “Chain Reaction” Khonco, Mdantsane’s Zolani “Last Born” Tete and Tsolo born and East Londonbased IBO Junior Lightweight kingpin Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni. Ndongeni is Khonco’s stablemate at Colin “Nomakanjani” Nathan’s Hotbox Gym in Johannesburg. In the Fight of the Year, Khonco’s IBO World Miniflyweight title fight against Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler, which

he lost on points after 12 gruelling rounds, was nominated against East London’s Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile’s fight against Macbute “Macman” Sinyabi of Mdantsane. The fight boxing pundits thought was a mismatch – between the SA champion Sinyabi with 34 fights and 20 wins via Knock Out and four defeats against Fuzile (with only four fights) – surprised all when Fuzile became the new champion after pounding Sinyabi for 12-rounds. East London’s Luyanda Kana is expected to walk away with the Promoter of the Year Award as he brought interesting match-

Dyaloyi and Mthatha Bucks part ways BUNTU GOTYWA MTHATHA Bucks will be out of action until the second week of February, which should give them a huge amount of time to find a replacement for Coach Eddie Dyaloyi. The Bucks announced on their Facebook page the decision to part ways with Dyaloyi, who had been under pressure after a string of poor results. Bucks said it was in the interest of both parties and the progress of the team to part ways with immediate effect. This follows a series of meetings, which looked at the clubs’ direction going forward. The team said the search for a new head coach would begin as soon as possible, which will enable the coach to have enough time to get to know the players ahead of the league’s second round on February 11. The constant dropping points at home when the team had been leading has played a huge part in the Bucks not moving from mid-table.

After starting the season like a house on fire, topping the table after three rounds, Amathol’amnyama’s three-point search stalled, thus they were unable to stay in touch with log leaders. At the halfway point, Bucks are sitting in seventh place with 21 points, 14 points off runaway leaders Thanda Royal Zulu, but only three from a play-off spot. Had Bucks had the strength and hunger to kill off games, they could have easily opened a huge gap between them and the play-off chasing pack. Dyaloyi helped Bucks narrowly escape relegation last season, soon followed by the talk of play-off qualification this season. Dyaloyi’s parting from the Bucks comes at a time when the team is currently on a run of seven draws in eight league matches, in which many of the matches they were leading. They have only lost twice and have three victories to their name, whereas two of them came from the first two matches.

Former Mthatha Bucks coach Eddie Dyaloyi. PHOTO:FACEBOOK

ups to South African rings all year round. With regard to Eastern Cape women boxers, in the running for Fight of the Year are the fights between champion Noni “She Bee Stinging” Tenge against Hungary’s Silvia Szabados (for the WBF Welterweight title fight) and Unathi “Showtime” Myekeni against Gauteng’s Gabisile Tshabalala (for the SA Featherweight title fight). In the running for the Prospect of the Year are Port Elizabeth’s Ntabiseng Didi, as well as Fort Beaufort’s Sharadene Fortuin and Leighandre Jegels of East London.

Read Read our paper paper online Did you not receive a copy of your favourite newspaper this week? Did you know that you can now read the full version of the Ex press online? Every Thursday from 11am the digital version of the Express you receive at home, is loaded on our website, so if you do not receive the paper, you can always read it online. Simply go to www.issuu.com, search for Mthatha Express and find all the Express publications.

Send your news or events to express@media24.com or phone 047 050 4433