Isolomzi Express 22 September 2016

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THURSDAY September 22, 2016 |0 047 050 4430 | Facebook: Mthatha Express | Twitter: @MthathaExpress | elizabethg@media24.com or express@media24.com

EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

Madiba’s school torched

Qunu JSS pupils gathered outside the school before the start of their violent protest.

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

T

HE school where former president Nelson Mandela started his education has been torched, allegedly by the pupils, and the room which housed the school’s feeding scheme was burned down in the violent protest.

Pupils of the Qunu Junior Secondary School allegedly went on the rampage, demanding that the principal stop taking away their cellphones when they entered classes and that he must leave the school because he was using corporal punishment.

Pupils also allegedly forcibly removed Grade 12 pupils who were writing trial exams at a nearby school, Milton Mbekela Senior Secondary.

Qunu Junior Secondary, which is a few kilometres from the Nelson Mandela Museum, was torched last Tuesday, September 13. It is the school which gave Mandela his English name, Nelson.

Chief Nokwanele Bhalizulu, who heads the Qunu Traditional Authority, came out guns blazing after receiving news of the incident, saying what the pupils had done was out of order and discredited Qunu as a respected place where the international icon had grown up.

She said it was a pity that these pupils were ruining not only the attempts by the government to improve education, but also their future and that of the pupils who still needed to start their education at the school.

“It was mindless to destroy property that would be needed, not only now but also in future generations,” she said.

“What makes it was worse is that this school is where Mandela spent his heydays of schooling, and the school itself obtained international recognition because Mandela set his foot there,” a fuming Nokwanele said.

She stressed the great place needed to get to the bottom of the matter and investigate

why the pupils had done these things.

“Because of the age of these pupils, we believe there was an older person who triggered this,” Bhalizulu said.

The day after the incident, the pupils were ordered to come with their parents so that the matter could be discussed.

Bhalizulu called on parents and the community at large to work together so that the people who had used the pupils to further

their agenda could be exposed.

The violent protest by the Qunu JSS pupils followed a recent violent protest in which residents accused the ANC of putting forward a ward councillor who was not on their list.

A number of similar incidents have taken place at schools in the Libode district recently.

Schools that were burned include Chief

PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

Henry Boklein Senior Secondary School, Nogemane SSS, Vulindlela and Sandi SSS. Eastern Cape education department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima lashed out at these continuing incidents.

He called on pupils to refrain from what they were doing, saying that the department would take drastic measures as soon as it received a report on what had happened at Qunu JSS.

Qunu JSS pupils gathered outside the school before start of their violent protest. PHOTO:SIM MDLEDLE

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News

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

Man who was ‘buried’ said to be still alive BABALWA NDLANYA A WILLOWVALE woman thought she would get closure after burying her husband in 1991, but now she is confused following rumours that her husband, Ntsundubezi Maholobo, is still alive and living in Cape Town.

Khangelani Mahlobo next to his father’s grave. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

Nomisile Mahlobo, 61, said her husband had supposedly died in Cape Town in 1991 while he was working at a supermarket.

She said what was strange was that the family had not been given a chance to see the body before he was buried.

“I was shocked to receive a call from one of my children who is working in Cape Town stating that her boss had seen on the internet that my husband was still alive and living in Cape Town,” she said.

“We followed it up and when we went to Home Affairs we were also informed that he was still alive and his Identity document was still valid.”

She said what was confusing was that when the particulars of her husband were brought to her home during the funeral, his ID had been missing.

They did not know if someone had stolen it or whether something else had happened.

Mahlobo said they had informed the police in Cape Town about the situation, but until now there had been no solution.

“We even spoke with the mortuary which

kept his body, but we did not get information about exactly what had happened.”

The “dead” man’s son, Khangelani Mahlobo, who is a traditional healer, said it was hard for him because he did not know whether his father was still alive or not.

“We hope that we will get help with this problem because it is hard to find closure,” he said.

The Provincial Co-Ordinator of Home Affairs, Siya Majakaja said the family must go to the Chief and ask a letter confirming that Mahlobo is deceased and they should take that letter to Home Affairs. “The Officials will give them a form that will be signed by their Chief, so that they can get a death certificate,” said Majakaja.

National spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, Mayihlome Tshwethe, asked to be e-mailed information about the problem.

Nomisile Mahlobo is confused about her husband’s death. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

Meat prices expected to increase by up to 15% by December AS braai season approaches, red meat prices are expected to trend higher by at least 9% to 15% from now until December due to tight supply and increased demand from consumers during the festive season.

Currently, red meat prices are relatively stable to strong due to tight supplies as livestock farmers hold on to stock and avoid slaughtering in the hope that pasture conditions will improve should seasonal rains materialise sooner.

Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB, says red-meat slaughtering has been substantially higher this year compared with the past three years as a result of the drought. For example, the cumulative sheep slaughter number is currently 111% and 69% higher than the 2015 and 2014 levels respectively.

However, despite an increase in slaughtering, we did not experience an oversupply of meat which would have resulted in lower pri-

ces due to exports and a strong demand for our meat in the tourism sector.

“In terms of the outlook for beef, we are heading into a seasonal price increase of between R3.40 and R5.70 per kilogram for Class A beef as braai season returns. Consumers who prefer to braai lamb can expect to pay between R5.60 and R9.40 per kg more for Class A lamb over the festive period,” says Makube.

Pork will also benefit from the price gain of red meat. However, there won’t be much

of a price movement in poultry due to increasing imports.

Despite continued pressure on disposable income, consumers will still be able to absorb a slight increase in meat prices during the festive period, while others will opt to purchase red meat in bulk to outweigh price increases.

“Even in tough economic conditions, consumers will cut back on luxuries and non-essentials, but generally spend more on food and meat during the festive season.”

Alleged Exact store robbers in court BUNTU GOTYWA

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82 Blakeway Street, Mthatha Office: (047) 050 4430 Fax: 086 298 3443

TWO men who allegedly robbed the Exact store in Mthatha appeared briefly in court again this week after last week’s appearance was postponed.

The men from KwaMashu in KwaZuluNatal appeared for a bail hearing in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.

Andile Makhathini (30) and 44-year-old Sifiso Mangadi face charges of murder, pointing a firearm, armed robbery and pos-

session of firearms and ammunition.

The two men allegedly robbed the shop on Thursday evening two weeks ago with customers still inside the shop.

A third alleged accomplice died after a gunfight with police.

The men allegedly held the store manager at gunpoint and demanded money and cellphones.

They then used cables to tie up him, the staff and four customers who were inside the shop at the time.

Police swiftly responded to a call and

shots were exchanged between them and the suspects, during which a 35-year-old man was fatally wounded.

Police retrieved three pistols, three magazines and 31 rounds of ammunition. An undisclosed amount of money was also recovered, along with 200 cellphones.

A fourth suspect believed to be waiting in a getaway car managed to evade arrest.

The state asked for time to allow for profiling and verifying residential addresses and at the time of going to print a date for another court appearance had not been set.

Suspected car thief arrested

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A MAN suspected of stealing a vehicle in Dutywa appeared briefly before the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court last week.

He was not asked to plead and his case was postponed to tomorrow for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.

Mncedisi Jonas was arrested by a crime

intelligence-driven operation that was held

by Queenstown’s vehicle identification section and Butterworth crime intelligence.

Police spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha said Jonas had allegedly stolen the Mazda Rustler in Cambridge, East London, in August.

In another incident, Centane police arrested a 42-year-old man for alleged possession

of an unlicensed pistol.

“The suspect was arrested at Sisonke township in Centane,” Manatha said. “He was arrested following police intelligence that he was in possession of an unlicensed firearm.”

He said the weapon would be sent for ballistic tests to establish if it had been used to commit crimes around Centane.

News

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

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Chamber of business condemns burning of school facilities OR Tambo Chamber of Business secretary Andile Nontso said what these children were doing was ruining their future and that of the country.

“If pupils burn the schools they are burning their future,” he said. “And they must also understand the schools are built with taxpayers’ money – siyanqanda sithi kwanele (We need this to stop. Enough is enough).

“If you have issues with management why burn your future? Why don’t you sit down and discuss the matter in a courteous manner? We ask our kids to respect our schools. Never burn your future.”

He called on the government to take drastic measures to stop this destruction.

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE OR Tambo Chamber of Business has condemned the escalation of what it described as silly practices in the OR Tambo region after schools were torched during protests by pupils.

It is alleged that the causes of the protests included money that pupils had to contribute to the schools, confiscation of pupils’ phones when they entered the classroom and corporal punishment.

At the time of going to print, close to 10 schools, as well as the King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College, had been torched.

At the KSD TVET College Zimbane campus, the students were on strike for three weeks over complaints about food allowances. They damaged the school gate and torched the toilets.

< Andile Nontso makes plain his discontent over the burning of schools in the former Transkei region. PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

President declares December 27 as public holiday REPORTER PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has declared December 27, 2016 a public holiday throughout the Republic of South Africa, in terms of section 2A of the Public Holidays Act. The President has declared the date as a public holiday following a request by the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FE-

DUSA).

The request by FEDUSA was motivated by the fact this year workers in the country will only have 11 public holidays instead of 12 due to the fact that December 25 (Christmas Day) falls on a Sunday.

According to section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, 1994 “whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be a public holiday”.

Enterprise development programme launched at Willowvale school

However, this year the Monday following December 25 is another public holiday, being December 26, Day of Goodwill. This has resulted in the two public holidays overlapping.

The declaration of December 27 as a public holiday will ensure that workers are not unduly disadvantaged because of this unusual event and are still entitled to their 12 paid public holidays.

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BABALWA NDLANYA THE community from Hlabizulu and surrounding areas of Willowvale attended the launch of an enterprise development programme at Hlabizulu Senior Secondary School in Willowvale last week.

The programme is targeted at 60% youth participation and a minimum of 50% women.

According to ward councillor Silulami

Ndinisa, these ratios represent both equity and employment opportunities.

“This programme is a government initiative aimed at helping our community members to develop their skills,” Ndinisa said.

“We also invited business owners because we realised that there were people who opened businesses and found that when time went by they failed to continue with their shops because of certain challenges,” Ndinisa said.

Amadoda asibhozo kwelokudlwengula owasetyhini SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE NGAMADODA asibhozo athe abanjwa ngamapolisa aseLusikisiki ngetyala lokudlwengula ephindelela ubusuku bonke owasetyhini oneminyaka engamshumi amabini nothoba kwindawo yaseMevana eLusikisiki. Aba bathe babanjwa baphakathi kweminyaka elishumi nesibhozo ukuba kwiminyaka engamashumi amabini.

Ngokwengxelo kuvakala ukuba lo wasetyhini ebesela nala madoda kwimbadla ekufutshane nasekhayeni lakhe nothe emveni kwentselo wacela ukuba la madoda amkhaphe agoduke nanjengoko ebewazi yaye sekurhatyele. Nala madoda kuvakala ukuba enze

ngokwesicelo sakhe de ayomfaka endlini yakhe. Ekufikeni endlini lo wasetyhini uthe wangena ebhedini yakhe walala, kodwa wothuke phakathi kwamabini elele engalweni yomnye wabakhaphi bejajile ngelixa abanye bebeyobile apho ecaleni kwebhedi nabo benganxibanga. Kuvakala ukuba emveni kokuba eqaphele ukuba wothukile la madoda avele acela kwabanentsente.

Othethela amapolisa kula mmandla uCaptain Mduduzi Godlwana usiqinisekisile esi ganeko esitsho ukuba ikwalixhoba elithe lazobika emapoliseni laba selilatha iindawo zabarhanelwa nabathe babanjwa bonke. Esi sibhozo sala madoda kulindeleke ukuba sivele kwiinkundla zamatyala eLusikisiki kungentsuku zatywala.

Boy drowns in dam near Thabo Mbeki Township AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA FLAGSTAFF community is still in shock after a 2-year-old boy drowned in a dam in the Thabo Mbeki Township last Wednesday afternoon.

It is alleged that the toddler and his friends were playing along the ditch when they saw a ball floating on the water and tried to get it.

Mzikayise Didiza, Ward Councillor of Thabo Mbeki said that they have asked the municipality to assist in covering up the small dam that has been a threat to the community.

“This is the third person to have drowned in this dam so we have already started with covering it up to prevent further incidents of this na-

ture and we send our condolences to the family of the toddler,” said Didiza.

Community member Mandayeni Chasele said it has been a very painful occurrence and that they are deeply saddened by this incident that has claimed the life of the toddler.

“As a mother and a grandmother myself, I am so hurt and I cannot begin to imagine what the mother of the child is going through. I fully support our councillor for suggesting that this dam should be covered up and I am glad to see that the operation is already in place,” said Chasele.

The family of the deceased could not be reached at their home as they were busy with post mortem processes.

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News

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

Mnquma youth discuss business opportunities and job creation BUNTU GOTYWA THE youth of Mnquma met at the Msobomvu sports grounds last week to discuss economic opportunities for young people.

Young people were encouraged to make full use of the opportunities available within various economic and business sectors of the municipality.

The Youth Economic and Job Creation Summit was organised by the Mnquma branch of the South African Youth Council (SAYC) in conjunction with the Mnquma Municipality.

BEE company owner Andile Ntingi shared his experiences of venturing into his own business after working as a journalist.

As in many rural municipalities, the youth of Mnquma are faced with many unemployed people, including university dropouts.

The summit was a follow-up to the municipality’s promise to put the needs of the youth first.

SAYC Mnquma branch chairperson Mbasa Sipuka said there were several major challenges for the development of youth skills.

“They are education and skills development, civic education and social cohesion, job creation and youth economic development, and a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

“In the local government elections the youth again reminded us of how scarce job opportunities are and we decided we need this kind of event and invited business and stakeholders to assist our youth.”

Sipuka said young people should wake up and do things for themselves instead of depending on the government.

Young Mnquma people discussed business opportunities for the youth of the municipality last week. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA Looking at organisations like the NYDA was not helpful to young people because there had been no improvement of youth skills and opportunities since its creation.

“NYDA is just a desk that is there. We don’t know what they are really doing for

young people, so we want young people to look for business opportunities that will grow them and not focus on these organisations that do not assist them.”

The youth of Mnquma decided to work closely with NGOs that work especially on

the improvement of rural lifestyles.

Agriculture and tourism were the key areas that the youth decided to tap into as many firms that played a major role in boosting the economy of the municipality have closed.

ECLB commemorated Foetal Alcohol Syndrome International day REPORTER THE Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) commemorated Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) International Day in Buffalo City Municipality the past Saturday.

The spokesperson for ECLB, Mgwebi Msiya, said the Province of the Eastern Cape is experi-

encing an increase in cases of alcohol abuse, particularly among women, which poses a risk of exposing their unborn babies to FAS. Msiya said FAS is unfortunately irreversible, however it can be prevented by not consuming alcohol during pregnancy and added that no amount of alcohol is safe.

“The problems of alcohol abuse are worsened by the increasing elements of inconsid-

erate liquor trading, which is largely characterised by mushrooming of illegal taverns, trading beyond regulated hours, disruption to neighbours and selling to underage people,” said Msiya.

He said the Sobriety Week campaign included mobilising liquor traders to sell liquor responsibly by observing their trading hours and not selling to underage people. He said they will

continue educating people in taverns and also in clinics.

Msiya said they are not sure about the number of children who have this syndrome, but the Nelson Mandela Metro has a high rate of children who are facing this problem.

“This week we will be in Amathole District Municipality and next week we will be in the Chris Hani District municipality.”

Businessmen distributes meat to the needy BABALWA NDLANYA THE members of a Non-Profit Organisation called Helping Hand in Mthatha and the Pakistan Association of the Eastern Cape distributed meat to less fortunate people on behalf of the Pakistan Association of South Africa (PASA), last week.

The distribution process took place at the

Mthatha Mosque in New Bright. These members are business owners around Mthatha.

One of the volunteers, Talha Sohail Khan said this initiative was part of their Eid Ul Azha festivities that was celebrated by Muslims.

“We decided to share our joy with those less fortunate by distributing meat parcels. This is our first time we did this. We are sure that next year we will go to other towns like Dutywa, Butterworth and more,” said Khan.

He said they are not giving meat to Muslims only, but they are distributing it to everyone who needed it. Khan said because he is working with the people, he knows where the needy people live, so it is easy for them to identify those who need help. He said they want other business owners to do the same.

One of the community members who received the meat said she was happy because her children would have something to eat.

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Salman Ali handing over meat to the commu­ nity members. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA.

Salaiman Abrahams, Shafqat Mararaj, Muhammad Asif and Salman Ali ready to help distribute the meat to the needy. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

News

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

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BT Ngebs debuts Heritage Day fashion show REPORTER MTHATHA’S premier shopping and entertainment destination, BT Ngebs City, is celebrating Heritage Day with its first-ever fashion event, in association with local design house Madiba Fashions.

BT Ngebs City, which marked one year of trading in June, will kick off its Heritage Day celebrations with a campaign called “Rebrand the brand”, a fashion show which will introduce Mthatha residents to 17 top national and international fashion and accessories brands that have opened at the mall over the past year, many of which are firsts for the region.

The mall is one of four in the Eastern Cape developed by property giant Billion Group.

All four are turning the spotlight on traditional wear as part of their Heritage Day celebrations.

“As everyone knows, Mthatha is rich in cultural heritage and tradition, so we saw fit to celebrate Heritage Day in high-end style,” said BT Ngebs City general manager Lolo Sabisa. The debut event starts at 10am.

East London’s biggest shopping centre, Hemingways Mall, starts off its festivities – which coincide with its seventh birthday – with the Miss Eastern Cape auditions from 10am, where bright and beautiful young women will compete to become the province’s official role model for the youth.

Then at noon the runway models hit the ramp for a three-hour show of the latest fashions from top local and international brands at the Edgars Upper Court.

As part of the fashion show, primary and high school pupils are invited to celebrate their heritage by modelling their traditional clothing – with a chance to win a share of R30 000 in Hemingways Mall store vouchers for themselves and their school.

Shoppers at BT Ngebs City. PHOTO: THE STUDIO

Staying in East London and on the same theme, Mdantsane City will be hosting a photo shoot for the “Face of Mdantsane City”. Ordinary shoppers will showcase their traditional attire and the best outfits will go through to the finals – and stand a chance to

represent the mall – on September 30.

Mdantsane City general manager Dean Deary said the audience could also look forward to traditional Xhosa dance by Havoc Kids and a performance from Kusile Youth Dance Theatre entitled “Innocent Africa”.

In Port Elizabeth, Baywest Mall is running a Heritage Day campaign which sees shoppers submit their own South African-themed sneaker design. The winning design will be emblazoned on a pair of custom-made Superga sneakers.

6 Mquma plants trees during Arbor Week News

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

BUNTU GOTYWA THE Mnquma Local Municipality joined the global community during Arbor Week with a tree-planting ceremony at a newly-built school in Butterworth last week.

About 400 people, including councillors, pupils and senior municipal officials, converged at Siyanda Primary School in the Siyanda informal settlement.

About 40 trees were planted at the school and others were donated to residents.

Pupils were also taught that trees were a source of knowledge as they were used in the production of books.

Mnquma municipal manager Sindile Tantsi said: “The planting of these trees is a symbol of hope and development.

“As the trees grow, so will the communities.

We are going to accelerate our speed more than ever before and we will work around the clock to ensure that development and basic services are brought to the people of Mnquma.

“We try to educate people about the importance of trees in our communities, especially in

the current climate change.

“We are working hard and around the clock to ensure that infrastructure, whether it is water or roads, and all other functions within our competence are fulfilled,” Tantsi said.

The Mnquma municipality is named after the olive tree, which is indigenous to the area. Superstition says the Mnquma tree protects homes by warding off dangerous lightning strikes.

In Butterworth there are factories emitting toxic fumes and trees help to minimise harm to the environment through the carbon dioxide they release.

Siyanda Primary School is part of the Accelerated Schools and Infrastructure Development Initiative (Asidi) and was officially opened by Education MEC Mandla Makupula in May. A senior teacher at Siyanda, Lindikhaya Golela, thanked the municipality and said: “This is education also to the pupils in understanding the process of planting.

“These trees will also play a major role in protecting the school.

“We are thankful to the municipality for being here with us at the new school that has just opened.”

Community services portfolio head Nokuzola Layti, acting mayor Nokuku Dube and Mnquma municipal manager Sindile Tantsi officiated the planting of trees to mark Arbor Week at Siyanda Primary School, KwaYako, in Butterworth. PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA

The most attractive tourism destination in Mthatha SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

The Mthatha Dam Resort Conference Facility. PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

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THE newly built Mthatha Dam Resort Conference Facility is expected to attract a lot of tourism, contribute to the local economy’s development and change the lives of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo community.

Last week the Express crew visited this charming facility in the Luchaba Nature Reserve in Mthatha.

The resort is the perfect hideout from the city’s hustle and bustle, offering you a sophisticated conference facility.

It has a leisure deck overlooking the scenic Mthatha Dam, restaurant, bar area and smaller breakaway and meeting rooms.

Managing director and operator Mzwandile Vena said it was their main mission to lift up the standard of the resort and ensure that they involved the community of the areas surrounded by the facility.

Vena said the community had a percentage in the operation of the facility.

“Everything we use here we source from the community,” he said.

He disclosed that they were already employing 42 people from the community on a fulltime basis.

They had also forged a partnership with the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) hospitality department.

“We want to use this dam to benefit tourism in this area and develop some sport related to water,” Vena said.

He highlighted some things that were in the pipeline, including a laundry which would involve a partnership with the local women, swimming competitions and so forth.

He gave the assurance that security was guaranteed as they had 24-hour security guards.

The headman of the localities surrounded by the facility, Mluleki Tins, confirmed that since it had been built it had made a big change because the local people were benefiting. “Some employees from these areas were promoted from the kitchen to become professional chefs. This is part of pushing back the frontiers of poverty,” Tins said.

The project had changed the lives of many.

Gospel artist promises to heal wounded souls BABALWA NDLANYA A GOSPEL artist from Ngcele location in Maclear is promising to heal wounded souls and mend the broken hearts of people who have lost hope in life with his new album, “uJesu uyaphila” (God is alive).

Xolisile Ndziweni said his album would bring smiles to people who liked gospel music because his songs had messages that brought hope to those who were facing challenges.

He said he had used to be a choir conductor in the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ.

“I then sang as a backing vocalist for one of the gospel artists in Durban, Nothile Hlelani, for three years on her three albums,” he said.

“I then realised that God had put something in me that would be a tool to heal the hearts of those people who had lost hope in life.

“I then decided to use my talent to bring back hope to people whose lives were falling apart.”

He said his new album consisted of 12 songs, among them “UJesu Uyaphila” and “Esona Sohlobo”.

According to Ndziweni, his album accommodates all ages, especially older people, but even the youth are enjoying listening to it.

“For now I am touring various places with the aim of introducing my CD to all community members,” he said.

He encouraged the youth to stay away from drugs and stop committing crime because by doing that they were destroying their future.

Ndziweni said young people must focus on their studies because education was the key to success.

Xolisile Ndziweni has released a new album. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

7 Bucks march on despite slump last week Sport

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

BUNTU GOTYWA MTHATHA BUCKS will take on Jomo Cosmos this weekend after a 2-2 draw at home to Amazulu.

Amathol’amnyama are still top of the NFD standings despite dropping their first points at the weekend.

The side allowed Amazulu back in the game after leading 2-0 at the break.

Bucks are joined by Amazulu and University of Pretoria at the top of the standings, all three sides sitting on seven points.

Bucks lead by virtue of superior goal difference. Judging by their start in the campaign, their opponents this weekend should not present much difficulty on paper.

Cosmos have managed just two points from the potential nine on offer.

But victory away from home has proven time

and time again to be a tough ask in the competitive NFD football league.

Although Bucks missed an opportunity to be outright leaders of the NFD log, there are many positives the side have been able to take from their first three games of the 2016/17 campaign.

Goal scoring was the side’s main downfall in their sloppy performances last season.

However the forwards seem to have found their scoring boots even without the services of number one striker Petrus Ngebo.

Andile Njokweni has looked impressive up front with the assistance of the acquisition of midfielder-cum-striker Mazwi Mncube.

They have scored six goals in the first three games. However the team say it is still early days and they refuse to be carried away by their impressive performances so far.

One game at a time is what Bucks are preaching as they seek to challenge for the playoff spots at the end of the season.

Mthatha Bucks forwards Mazwi Mncube and Andile Njokweni. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA

Local athletes expected to compete in marathons ANELE RAZIYA STARTING this weekend, all athletes in Butterworth and surrounding areas are expected to be busy competing in different marathon competitions that will be held in the Mnquma area.

K Toplus and the Mission Athletic Club

will be hosting the first Butterworth 5km Fun Walk on Saturday at Msobomvu Stadium.

The fun walk is expected to start at 5am at Msobomvu Stadium and entry is free for those who want to compete.

Event organiser Saziso Peter said that people of all ages were welcome to compete

in the race and pupils must come in numbers to take part in the fun walk.

Peter said the main reason for hosting this kind of competition was that they wanted pupils to stay healthy and keep their bodies in shape.

He added that they also wanted to motivate young people to enjoy themselves in

sport rather than visiting taverns.

In another event, the Royal Striders Athletics Club, Tase Brothers and Ciliwe will be hosting a 6km Cross Country Fun Run against crime and drugs at Mtintsilana village in Butterworth on the same day.

This race will start at 8am at Tase Brothers and finish at Khedama.

Mthatha to host inter­club tennis tournament SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE ALL roads will be leading to Mthatha for the celebration of Heritage Day through sport this weekend, with the Mthatha Country Club hosting an inter-club tennis competition.

This sport spectacular will take place on

Saturday and all the tennis clubs throughout the OR Tambo region and surrounding regions are expected to take part.

The man who is championing this event, King Marshal Nonco, called on tennis clubs in the OR Tambo region to use this opportunity to participate in the competition. Nonco

said wheelchair tennis players would also be taking part.

He said that by including wheelchair tennis they were intending to develop this sport in the entire OR Tambo region.

“So we are calling upon wheelchair players to grab this opportunity with both hands. We

Veterans show their skills at Rotary Stadium BUNTU GOTYWA OR Tambo veterans again assembled at the Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe for this year’s tournament.

The event organised by Khula Sports Development and Events sees soccer and netball stars competing in a full day of entertainment.

Khula Sports Development’s event was established with the purpose of developing and promoting sport in the Eastern Cape.

Ngangelizwe residents were out in full force to see players from all corners of the district reminding the young ones that they still had footballing and netball skills.

The tournament has developed into a top- quality football and netball display and one of the sporting events to look forward to in the OR Tambo region.

Not only is the tournament organised for the older players but young people also get the opportunity to put their flair into play and make the older athletes sweat a bit.

The support and sponsorship from local businesses has seen he tournament attract teams from every municipality in the OR Tambo district and, judging by the turnout this year, things can only get better for the veterans. The tournament brings people to the stadium just for the fun of it and away from their day-to-day office jobs.

A total of 12 soccer teams and 10 netball teams took part in this year’s event.

Mthatha Hospital were crowned champs in soccer after defeating Mthatha United in the final, while Mthatha United ladies made sure the team went home champions of netball after defeating WSU. Mthatha Hospital’s Momelezi Milisi and Mthatha United’s Zanele Mohlolwa were named players of the tournament in soccer and netball. Prize money was shared among all participating teams.

Ntlaza Legends (in black) take on Mthatha United in a round­robin match at the Rotary Stadium. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA

wanted to include them in the mainstream of tennis and even have an opportunity to participate in national competitions,” Nonco said.

The categories for the competition are singles, mixed doubles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles. Entry is free.

OMBUDSMAN In accordance with the editorial policy of the Isolomzi 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.

8

Sport

September 22, 2016 Isolomzi Express

Toe­to­toe tussle in Mthatha tomorrow BUNTU GOTYWA VETERAN boxer Vusi Malinga and local hopeful Viwe Mdletyeni have promised to put their friendship aside and spill blood in the ring when they meet at the OR Tambo Hall tomorrow.

The two will go toe-to-toe for the WBA Pan African lightweight title which is held by Malinga.

The fight is presented by Bongani Zulu of Zulu Boxing promotions.

Zulu said this tournament would serve as a revitalisation of boxing in Mthatha.

On many occasions, promising boxers from Mthatha have been starved of title opportunities, forcing them to seek greener pastures in cities like Johannesburg and East London.

Zulu said he planned to put a stop to that trend and bring boxing back to the former Transkei capital.

Viwe Mdletyeni, from Waterfall near Ngangelizwe, said he felt better than ever and that his time had finally arrived.

While at the peak of his career, he served a 15month ban for using a banned stimulant, but he said that had not stopped him from focusing on what lay ahead.

He has had six fights after serving the ban and won two of them.

Viwe Mdletyeni and Patrick Malinga will exchange blows at the OR Tambo Hall for the WBA Pan African title. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA

“That’s all behind me now. I can’t keep looking back.

“I have to focus on what’s in front of me,” he said.

He said he did not want to speculate about where his career could be now if it had not been for the layoff, but promised to show what he was made of in the ring come tomorrow.

Red Machine, as he is known in boxing circles, is a close friend Malinga and has massive respect for him, but said that in his home town the veteran stood no chance.

Malinga also said there would be no friends in the ring tomorrow.The 39-year-old said that despite his age he felt as strong as when he had started boxing back in 1997.

“As long as I can still lift these fists I will keep on boxing and you will see when I destroy Viwe how strong I still am,” Malinga said.

In the main supporting bout, Ayanda Dlulani from East London will take on Ndikho Magadaza from Port Alfred for the vacant WBF All-Africa minimumweight title.

A total of 11 bouts on the undercards will take place.

OR Tambo sports, recreation, arts and culture acting director Siyanda Silinda urged the Mthatha community to come out in numbers to show their support.

iMthatha City ivule kakuhle isizini ngoMgqibelo ANELE RAZIYA IQELA iMthatha City FC iyiqale kakubi isizini ka2016/17 kwinqanaba le- ABC Motsepe League ngempela veki.

I City FC eliqela laseMthatha ibethwe yi-EC Bees ngegowuli elinye eqandeni kumdlalo ububanjelwe kwibala iBhisho Ngomgqibelo.

Eli qela laseMthatha bekulindeleke ukuba liqhube kakuhle kulo mdlalo nanjengoko lityikitye abadlali abalishumi elinesithanda abaquka uEdwin Sebeko (FC

< EC Bees ibethe iMthatha City FC ngo1­0 kumdlalo we­ABC Motsepe League ububanjel­ we eBhisho Stadium ngempela veki.

PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA

Elliot ), Mcbride Ndvanjera (Black Stars ,Nambia), Simphiwe Ndzimbovu (Chippa United ) kunye nabanye abadlali.

Kodwa sele kunjalo i-EC Bees izibonakalisile ukuba idlalela kowayo kulo mdlalo yaza yawuphumelela.

Lo gama iintshatsheli ezikhuselayo, iTornado FC ivule isizini ngokudlala ntanganye kunye neCallies FC ngamagowuli amatha-thu macala.

Bekulindeleke ukuba iTornado FC iwuphumelele ngokulula lo mdlalo , kodwa iCallies FC enyuselwe kwiSAB Regional League kwisizini ephelileyo, izibonakalisile ukuba ayifikelelanga nje kulo mngangatho.

Kwezinye iziphumo kweli nqanaba, iSUBS 4 – 1 Mdantsane Mighty Bucks United, Highbury FC 2 – 1 Matta Milan, Morning Stars 0 – 1 Future Tigers ,Walter Sisulu University 1 – 0 City Lads FC, Matatiele Professionals 0 – 0 Lion City .

Department says no need for panic over Mthatha boxers BUNTU GOTYWA OR Tambo sport, recreation, arts and culture acting director Siyanda Silinga says there is no need for panic by the community regarding the migration of boxers from the region.

Simphiwe Khonco and Siphamandla Baleni, the face of boxing in the region, had to look to other cities to finally get a crack at fighting for titles.

One to watch for the future, Sikho Nqothole, has also packed his bags and left Mthatha for greener pastures.

Although it is a bitter pill to swallow, Mthat-

ha boxing trainers and managers see the reasons for local boxers choosing cities like Johannesburg and East London to further their careers.

Lack of facilities and unhygienic training facilities play a key role in the exodus and there are fears the sport might not fully develop in the region as a result.

However Silinga said the truth was that the department was still in its baby steps in developing boxing in the region.

He said such problems could be expected but made a promise that the time was coming for the sport to reach its true potential in Mthatha.

“We have to work harder with our local box-

ing clubs even though it’s not going to be easy at the beginning,” he said.

“We have to continuously host tournaments that will grow boxing in the region and lure many people, including sponsors, to the sport.”

He said that only then would promoters also see fit to use the talent of OR Tambo on their own soil.

Silinga was speaking before a Zulu Boxing Promotions tournament that will be held in Mthatha tomorrow.

Boxing trainers have raised concerns about losing Mthatha talent to other cities, saying that the municipality needs to be on board with them to stop the trend.

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