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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE
OR TAMBO REGION: GOOD HARVESTS EXPECTED TO GIVE LOCAL FARMERS A BOOST
Potato farms blossom BUNTU GOTYWA
O
R TAMBO potato farmers celebrated Potato Day last week in Mthatha and used the occasion to share ideas on how to nurture the market to reach new
heights.
Potato farming in the OR Tambo is said to be one of the leading enterprises in the farming industry. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has invested R3.357 million in seven co-operatives in the OR Tambo District Municipality in support of potato farming. In total 153 co-operatives in the Eastern Cape benefited from R80.7 million through the ECDC’s Imvaba Co-operative Fund since 2009. This was mainly invested in enterprises in the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors. ECDC’s acting Imvaba Co-operative Fund manager, Simphiwe Ntshweni, said that the seven co-operatives have planted a total of 26 hectares of potatoes in their first season. He said initial yield estimates indicate that 1 500 10kg bags of potatoes will be harvested per hectare.
Farmers said the conditions in the area favours potato farming. Despite the good harvest expectations, the co-operatives are well aware that there is still a long road ahead if the industry is to have a greater impact in the economy of the region. Kei Fresh Produce Market Acting Operations Head Melinkqubo Ndabokutya said potato farmers in OR Tambo had come very far and were ready to compete in the big markets. “We want to commercialise our operations and have our farmers graduating to another level. We want farmers to have great benefits when it comes to economic transformation,” said Ndabokutya. “We have malls in places like Mthatha and we want our farmers to be suppliers to those markets instead of having suppliers from outside our area,” he added. Rural Economic Development Member of the Mayoral Committee in the OR Tambo region Jackson Sabona said supporting these kinds of co-operatives will put South Africa where it needs to be in terms of the economy. “We are a rural district and we are dependent on farming to develop this area fully, so every little bit of farming we do here will play a major role in boosting our economy,” said Sabona.
Potato farmers cleaning and packaging potatoes at Vulindlela Heights Industrial Site. PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA
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April 27, 2017 Isolomzi Express
Key state witness in big profile murder trial dies SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that a key witness in the murder trial of the former OR Tambo ANC regional secretary, Lawrence Mambila, and his four co-accused, died last month. Xolisa Mswelanto (47), who was a councillor in Mhlontlo Municipality, was arrested with Mambila, Masibonge Mnyanda, Mphumzi Nojo-
ko, Andile Mayisela and former OR Tambo deputy mayor, Thandekile Sabisa, in connection with conspiracy, murder and attempted murder charges after an ambush on the ANC chairperson in the OR Tambo region, Xolile Nkompela. Nkompela’s vehicle was riddled with bullets during an ambush at Tsolo junction. He escaped injury but one of his bodyguards died on the scene. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the death of
Mswelanto would possibly affect the case. “We are still evaluating the evidence that we have, and then we will take a decision to move forward,” said Tyali. “If there (is) enough evidence to convince the court, we will continue with the case.” He said Mswelanto died of an illness before he was able to present his evidence in court. The case is due to resume in the Mthatha High Court this week. The arrest of the top ANC leaders created division among members of the party in the
region. One group supported Nkompela, while the others backed Sabisa. All the charges against Sabisa were subsequently withdrawn and Mswelanto turned state witness. At the time of his death Mswelanto was in the state’s witness protection programme. The case attracted crowds at the beginning of proceedings in the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court, where the members of both political factions exchanged blows until heavily armed police intervened.
Girl (15) gang raped, murdered BABALWA NDLANYA COMMUNITY members from Ncihana West in Elliotdale are still in shock over the gang rape and horrific murder of a 15-year-old girl. The girl, whose name is withheld due to the fact that she was raped, was stabbed and her head cut off by her attackers, who threw her
body in a pit toilet at an unused homestead. Three men, Abongile Paji (22), Anele Paji (22) and Zukile Siqwayi (27) have been arrested in connection with the crime. They appeared briefly in the Elliotdale Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until Wednesday, April 26. Police spokesperson Major Zamukulungisa Jozana said according to information he had
received, the girl and her attackers were apparently at a tavern before the attackers encountered her while she was walking home. “They then allegedly raped her next to the road and dumped her,” said Jozana. Chief No-Ofisi Mdabuka said she and the community were shocked by the crime. “We wish our children could learn to stay away from alcohol . . . I don’t know what is go-
ing on in the area of Ncihana West because this is not the first incident of this nature and there is a high rate of crime in that area,” said Mdabuka. She appealed to community members to report all incidents of crime to her because she was the leader in the area. Mdabuka pledged to work with her community members to fight crime in Ncihana West.
Police officers hold Imbizo in Dutywa arms folded, but will do whatever they can to fight crime.
BABALWA NDLANYA
“We are appealing to you as the community to ensure that you are reporting these matters
to the police so that the perpetrators can be arrested,” Ntshinga pleaded with the community.
THE high rate of crime that is taking place in Taleni Village in Dutywa, has led to Eastern Cape police officers hosting a community outreach (imbizo) last week. The event was held at Jongisizwe Community Hall at Bende Village in Dutywa. This outreach was attended by community members, Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, and traditional leaders. Police spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha said Ntshinga also visited a crime victim at Cungcwini Location and handed over groceries to the victim. “We have realised that the elderly are targeted in this area, especially those who are living alone. We decided to stand up and come to the community with the aim of (talking in) one voice about this problem,” said Manatha. Ntshinga said they will not stand with their
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Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor, Samkelo Janda (left), greets Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga.
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Butterworth police close down twelve illegal shebeens BABALWA NDLANYA
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POLICE officers from the Butterworth Cluster closed twelve shebeens which were operating illegally. They also confiscated liquor and dangerous weapons. The shebeens that were closed were in Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe, Dutywa and Msobomvu.
More than 33 dangerous weapons were confiscated at Dutywa and Butterworth during a stop-and-search operation. Police Spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha confirmed that this was carried out as part of Operation Paseka. Police members also patrolled the beaches at Willowvale and Centane and they visited churches during the night and day.
) In an unrelated incident, police from Willowvale arrested a man (22) for the alleged murder of another man (21) at Willowvale Informal Settlement. At time of going to print, the motive for the murder had not yet been established. Capt Manatha confirmed the incident and arrest and said the suspect allegedly drew his knife and stabbed the deceased in his upper body.
3 Brutal murder of boy (4) shocks community News
April 27, 2017 Isolomzi Express
SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE discovery of the dismembered body of a four-year-old boy on Easter Monday has left the community of KwaNtsila Village in Port St Johns reeling in shock. Little Kamvelihle Ngalo had gone out to play with friends, and when he had not returned home on time, his relatives and community members went looking for him. This led to the gruesome discovery of pieces of the boy’s body, including one of his hands, in a basin in a room said to be that of an uncle of his. People who were on the scene said parts of the boy’s body were also placed next to the basin, which was on the floor next to the matress where the uncle slept. Port St Johns police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the crime, Mandisi Gwanya, who was an uncle of the victim and was out on parole from prison. He briefly appeared in a fully packed Port St Johns Magistrate’s Court on April 20 and his case was postponed to next Tuesday, May 2. The first woman who entered the room where the body was found, Nofundile Xakana, who is related to the family of the slain boy, said what they had seen was indescribably evil. “The pain that angel must have gone through during the incident – I’m still feeling it even now. After this I will certainly need intensive counselling – the whole community of
Nosidima and Nofundile Xakana leaving a flat where a 4yearold boy was murdered, allegedly by his uncle. PHOTO:SIM MDLEDLE
KwaNtsila will need to be counselled,” said Xakana. “It was a terrible sight to see. At first we thought he (the person living in the room) slaughtered a pig until we saw the human hand in a dish, and his (the boy’s) granny confirmed that it was her missing grandson’s hand. “I had never seen this before in my life. If
we are still waiting for doom we are late, because doomsday has arrived, because of the horrible things that occurred in this land.” After news of the crime spread through KwaNtsila, a locality not far from the R61, community members in groups discussed the matter on street corners, while others tried to come to terms with the tragedy.
“I grew up here some years ago and I have never before seen or experienced such an unbearable act, even where I was working in the North West province,” said Sile Luthango. Following the terrible misdeed, members of the community came together and prayed for Satan to be chased away from their children.
Outcry over drugs after horror murder SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE residents of KwaNtsila Village in the Ntsimbini Administrative Area of Port St Johns have linked the brutal killing of a four-year-old boy and the dismembering of his body to the high rate of drug abuse in the area. The man accused of the crime, Mandisi Gwanya (30), who is reportedly the victim’s uncle, has appeared in the Port St Johns Magistrate’s Court and is due to appear there again on May 2. Kwantsila community members said their children became uncontrollable when they were under the influence of drugs. “We are living in fear because once they are ‘high’ we don’t know what will follow,” said one of the residents. “Their behaviour just changes drastically and they become untouchable, even to their own parents. “When you come across one of them under
the influence of drugs on the road, you become frightened, because you don’t know what he could do. His facial expression tells it all.” Another KwaNtsila resident (75) said, “We herd our cattle on our own even though we have children. It is difficult to send them to fetch something when they are high. “You cannot even send them to the shop. This is a very difficult time for us as parents and we don’t know where we are going to get help.” One of the residents called on the government to take action against the many drug lords in the area. “Here we don’t have foreigners (selling drugs); the people selling drugs are from our own community, and they stock the drugs in towns like Mthatha, Libode and Port St Johns, and destroy our children,” he said. He stressed that the community would work hand in glove with the government to overcome drug abuse in the area.
Planned armed robbery stopped REPORTER A PLANNED armed robbery was stopped and a breakthrough had been made in the Mqanduli area recently, relating to the robbing of foreign nationals. Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, said it came to light that there were groups of small gangs that were working together, targeting foreign nationals. “We want to send a very clear message to those involved and any person contemplating on doing the same, that they will be arrested. Every person in our country has the right to feel safe and secure and the targeting of foreign nationals will not be tolerated. We have solid information on how these groups are operating and those involved must be warned that we are coming for them,” said Ntshinga. It is alleged that at about noon, members of the Coffee Bay police station noticed a suspicious and nervous-looking male hiking alongside the road,while police were on patrol between Coffee Bay and Kwaaiman. The members stopped and searched him and found a 9 mm pistol in his possession. After he was questioned it was discovered that he was part of a group that had minutes
earlier, robbed a foreign national at Kwaaiman Junction. The businessman was on his way from Mthatha with stock that he had bought for his shop in Kwaaiman. The suspect was further questioned and gave police information on a second suspect who was in cahoots with him. Members proceeded to Luthubeni in Mqanduli where the second suspect, a foreign national himself, was arrested. Further interrogation of the two suspects led police to the Chris Hani Settlement in Mthatha where six more suspects were arrested and a second firearm was recovered, together with the stolen property that was robbed earlier that day. It was further discovered that this group was on their way to Engcobo to rob a well-known store in town. One of the suspects has been identified and linked to a robbery at Boxer stores in Mqanduli earlier this year and a second suspect has been linked to a robbery at one of the Spars in Mthatha earlier this month. Two vehicles – a white Toyota Corolla and a red BMW – were confiscated. All eight suspects, between the ages of 22 to 47 years, have been detained for armed robbery and will appear in court soon. Investigation into this group and their activities is still ongoing.
Residents of KwaNtsila talking about the gruesome murder of a 4yearold boy. PHOTO:SIM MDLEDLE
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April 27, 2017 Isolomzi Express
Former miners can only hope to receive compensation BUNTU GOTYWA FORMER mineworkers suffering from occupational lung diseases said there is nothing else to do but hope that their compensation will finally be paid out. The miners converged at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in response to the call from the Department of Health to complete documents and open new bank accounts last week. The Department of Health has called over 100 former mineworkers and their families to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to finalise their compensation documents. There are hundreds of mineworkers that are being treated for various occupational lung diseases at the hospital’s clinic for former mineworkers. They mainly come from Port St Johns, Mthatha, Mqanduli and Libode. Some of the former mineworkers, however, said they are only forwarding their details because they have been told to do so, but have no hope of receiving their compensation anytime soon. Workers said for years they have been told
to fill in the same documents. Zinakele Dyalose from Ugie, who suffers from lung infections after working in mines for more than 30 years, said he has little hope of receiving what is due to him. He added that this is not the first time the Department of Health has asked him to complete documents so that he can be compensated for his occupational disease. He has been treated for his disease at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital since the early 2000s. “If the money comes, it comes. I will just fill in these papers like they say and leave the rest to them,” said a hopeless Dyalose. Mzwanele Senyuko said it has been close to six years since he was diagnosed with lung disease and he too has been completing forms to be compensated ever since. He also said he has no choice but to wait for his compensation and to do as he is told because their families need to be taken care of. The Occupational Medical Officer at the clinic, Dr Viwe Sodo Mbotya, said the mineworkers needed to be patient as there were many stages to go through in the process. “The challenging thing is getting feedback from our rural people. We sometimes struggle
New Mthatha Central commander Brigadier Vukile Ntandane. PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA
Former miners’ meeting with Department of Health officials at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital last week. PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA to locate the beneficiaries should there be outstanding documents and sometimes it takes years before making contact with their families,” said Mbotya.
In July last year, the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant, revealed that there was still about R30 billion of unclaimed benefits at the time.
Mthatha welcomes new station commander BUNTU GOTYWA MTHATHA police welcomed Brigadier Vukile Ntandane as the new station commander for Mthatha Central. Brig Ntandane has previously worked as station commander of the SAPS in the notorious Hillbrow neighbourhood in Johannesburg. During his welcoming address, Brig Ntandane sent a strong message to stock thieves and liquor outlets operating beyond their license permits. He urged the community to assist the police in curbing stock theft which is one of the principal criminal offences in the
Mthatha cluster. He says this offence cannot be stopped if community members work hand in hand with the thieves by buying stolen goods. “We all have to play a role. We are going to be visiting kings, chiefs and headsman because we can’t fight this alone. “There are people who falsify permits to trade livestock and say a chief of a certain area gave them permission. So, we have to get the chiefs and kings involved in this fight,” said Ntandane. Ntandane also said liquor outlets will be given special attention from now on. He said liquor outlets should adhere to closing times and they will enforce this.
Youth march to hand over memorandum against crime BABALWA NDLANYA YOUTH from Cobosi Location in Ngcobo marched to the headman of the community to hand over a memorandum about the high rate of crime in the area. According to the chairperson of Ibuyambo Youth Development, Ndumiso Ngqisha, they decided to stand up and voice their concern over the crime that is taking place in their home town. He said they handed over the memorandum to the headman of the area, Dabulamanzi Mbaswana, because the Police Station is very far from them. “We asked him (the headman) to deliver
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it to the police station because we do not have transport to go to the police station. “Among the things that we are asking for, is a mobile police station in our area because crime is very high here and it is hard for police officers to respond quickly to an incident,” said Ngqisha. He added that another problem in the area is drug abuse that often results in rape and murder. He said this march was organised by Yibuyambo Youth Development. Youth from nine localities – Ngqubusini, Ncityana, Ntilini, Ntlalukana, Mawuleni, Kwa Dlomo and Ntsimba location participated in this march. Mbaswana confirmed that he had received a memorandum from the youth but refused to comment further. “I want to meet with my committee first to discuss this,” he said.
Youth from nine localities marched to hand over a petition to their headman, Dabulamanzi Mbaswana. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
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Woman raped on her way to church
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BABALWA NDLANYA A 23-YEAR-OLD woman from the Mgomanzi Area in Butterworth was raped by two men while she was on her way to church last week. It is alleged that the victim was accompanied by her boyfriend when the incident happened. Police spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha said while they were on their way to church they came across two men. “The suspects demanded their cell-
phones. The boyfriend ran for his life, leaving his girlfriend behind with the suspects,” said Manatha. He said the two allegedly raped the victim after they could not get the cellphones they demanded. He said no arrests have been made yet and appealed to anyone who may assist the police in tracking the suspects to contact Butterworth Police at 047 401 1100 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Manatha said police are advising women to avoid late hours when attending any occasion as they become a soft targets for
criminals. ) In a separate incident, another woman (35) from Zigadini Location in Butterworth was allegedly raped while she was on her way home. “She came across two men and the one suspect then allegedly kicked her and she fell down. The other suspect robbed her of her cellphone and meat.” Manatha said the other suspect raped her and they then later fled from the scene. Cases of robbery and rape are being investigated by Butterworth Police.
April 27, 2017 Isolomzi Express
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Nkwenkwezi Thunyiswa, Mabhulu Makaula and Sxolile Tshalana in traditional attire to symbolise their love for their culture. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
Church members sing hymns at a special prayer meeting in Libode. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
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Elders from Empilweni Old Age Home watching learners from Holy Angels Private School dancing for them during a performance at their home. PHOTO:BABALWA NDLANYA
Church leaders bless house BABALWA NDLANYA
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Members of the Memani family and friends had a good time at their home over the weekend.
CHURCH leaders of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa blessed a house that was built for an elderly woman (64) from the Mdeni Location in Mthatha by a businesswoman. The house was handed over by Thembisa Zihlangu, who is the owner of a guest house in Mthatha, in March this year. The Superintendent of the Mthatha Circuit in 1306, Reverend Simphiwe Mdolo, and Bishop Andile Mbethe, from Grahamstown, visited the house of the elderly woman, Nozingile Ranelo, last weekend. Mdolo said they went to bless Ranelo’s house that was built by Zihlangu because they saw that there was a need to conclude what Zihlangu did by prayer and also by showing love to Ranelo. “As the church we wanted to show Ranelo that everything is possible through our God. “Her house was destroyed by a storm which left a number of community members in Mthatha homeless. She was hopeless that she would get a proper house one day. After the storm she stayed in a shack,” said Mdolo. Talking to Express Zihlangu said she decided to build a house for Ranelo because she saw that there was a need for it. “I built her this house using my money, with the aim of ploughing back to the community,” said Zihlangu. She said after she had seen Ranelo’s situation she asked God to give her strength to build her a house. Zihlangu said it was the first time she
gave back to someone in her area in this way, but she also did the same thing in Ngquthuka Location in Ngcobo where the church was also destroyed by the storm.
“I was very happy when the leaders of my church decided to go and bless Ranelo’s house, because I was given strength by God to fulfil my wish of helping her.”
From left are Reverend Simphiwe Mdolo, Bishop Andile Mbethe from the Grahamstown Methodist Church of Southern Africa and Thembisa Zihlangu. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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April 27, 2017 Isolomzi Express
EXPRESS ON WHEELS: BETTIE GILIOMEE
Isuzu gives its range and models a facelift AT the end of last year General Motors South Africa (GMSA) launched its facelifted version of the sixth generation Isuzu KB with styling changes to the front fascia and rear tailgate as well as a redesigned instrument gauge cluster. GMSA recently gave Express on Wheels two of their new Isuzu bakkies to put to the test on the mom’s taxi route, the facelifted KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 with extended cab (R479 200) as well as the new X-Rider double cab (R388 400) based on the KB 250 Hi-Rider Double Cab. The X-rider has bold styling with decals inside and out and is available in extended and double-cab versions. In fact, the X-Rider’s styling is so eye-catching, that while waiting to take delivery of the test vehicle and standing next to it, another Isuzu owner, who was driving past at the time, made a u-turn and came over to ask me where I got the nice X-rider bull bars. The KB 300 DTEQ LX 4x4 extended cab The extended cab has plenty of space behind the seats for all your loose luggage and shopping. In the LX models there is a lockable storage space behind the driver’s seat. The 300 D-TEQ extended cab is available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, where the test model is the 4-wheel drive variety, which only comes with manual transmission. The gearbox felt typically like that of a bakkie with changing gears taking a little bit more effort than that of a car, but one quickly adjusts to this driving style; as well as to the fact that it’s engine is so powerfull that at times it’s easier to pull away in second gear rather than first. Those who do not like changing gears in a bakkie will be pleased to know that the 4x2 version of the KB300 D-Teq extended cab is available with an automatic transmission. Exterior The revamped Isuzu sports a new front facia and rear tailgate design. The front fascia
changes include changes to the bonnet, radiator grille and fog lamps. New headlamps with projector and integrated LED daytime running lights are also standard on LX models. The Extended Cab LX comes standard with Rear Park Assist, helping one to navigate those tough parking spots on the school and shopping centre run. On Double Cab LX models a rearview camera is integrated into the tailgate handle. The LX models have new 18 inch alloy wheels, while the rest of the range has new 16 inch styled wheels. The 3 litre 4x4 LX Double Cab also now comes standard with a towbar, sportsbar, roofrails and power adjustable leather seats. Interior The layout of the interior is very basic, but a lot has been done to give it a car-like feel. The upgrades include a new instrument cluster design with improved functionality and gear shift indicator for manual models. The LX models also comes standard with a touch screen infotainment system with satellite navigation, internet, WiFi and smartphone integration. Steering wheel mounted cruise control is available on LX models only. The interior also features multiple storage compartments. Ride The KB range is available with 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre engines. The powerful 3.0-litre DTEQ turbocharged diesel engine produces 130kW and 380Nm from the common rail direct injection turbodiesel. The new Isuzu’s rear suspension has been tweaked for improved ride comfort. Without a big load on the urban communte, I did find the ride a bit floaty on my daily commute which includes a lot of speed bumps and traffic circles – but no more so than other bakkies that I have test driven. What sets the XRider apart? The X Rider model was launched last year
The extended cab version of the facelifted Isuzu KB range. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED with just over 700 units available. It proved so popular that this year it returns as a permanent fixture in the range of 19 KB derivatives available in SA. Styling is what mainly sets the KB 250 X-Rider 4x2 Double Cab apart from the other Isuzu KBs. These include stylish looking diamond-cut 18-inch alloys with red “Isuzu” centre caps, the black bumper guard with integrated fog lamps, tubular side steps/sports bar combo in black with X-Rider decals, and the blacked out B-pillars. The wheels are shod with lowprofile 255/50 Grabber AT all-terrain rubber. There’s a heavy-duty tow bar as standard, giving the X-Rider a 2.1-tonne braked trailer towing capacity. It’s interior styling is also more upmarket and luxurious than that of your usual workhorse and it features leather upholstery, steering wheel and gear-lever boot as well as Piano Black trim on doors, air vents, radio and front console. Red stitching accentuates the luxury feel of the leather interior. The X-Rider insignia is embroidered on the front headrests, with a red ‘X’ in the same font also appearing on the door trims. Other hi-spec features include remote keyless entry, satellite controls on the steering wheel, air conditioning and projector head-
BABALWA NDLANYA PHOTO:SUPPLIED
A GOSPEL artist from Mzantsi Locality in Butterworth will show his appreciation to his supporters and people who love gospel music by hosting a music show at Lilitha Bed & Breakfast on April 30 in the afternoon. According to Bonginkosi Mabuzwana, his aim is to spend time with community members, including his supporters, so that they can get to know him better. The entrance will be free.
Pricing and Model Line-up Isuzu KB 250 Base Single Cab (LEED) R 236 500.00 Isuzu KB 250 Fleetside Single Cab (LEED) R 258 800.00 Isuzu KB 250 Fleetside (SAFETY) R 285 600.00 Isuzu KB 250 Single Cab LE R 334 500.00 Isuzu KB 250 4X4 Single Cab LE R 392 700.00 Isuzu KB 250 Extended Cab Hi-Rider R 337 400.00 Isuzu KB 250 Double Cab Hi-Rider R 358 400.00 Isuzu KB 250 Crew Cab X-Rider R 382 500.00 Isuzu KB 250 Double Cab LE R 439 600.00 Isuzu KB 250 4X4 Double Cab LE R 462 000.00 Isuzu KB 300 Double Cab LX R 384 200.00 Isuzu KB 300 4X4 Single Cab LX R 445 100.00 Isuzu KB 300 Extended Cab LX R 418 200.00 Isuzu KB 300 Extended Cab LX (Auto) R 432 200.00 Isuzu KB 300 4X4 Extended Cab LX R 479 200.00 Isuzu KB 300 Double Cab LX (Cloth) R 486 900.00 Isuzu KB 300 Double Cab LX (Auto)(Cloth) R 501 200.00 Isuzu KB 300 4X4 Double Cab LX (Cloth) R 536 400.00 Isuzu KB 300 4X4 Double Cab LX (Auto)(Cloth) R550 100.00 All Isuzu KB models are sold with a fully comprehensive 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance programme, a 5-year/ unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000 km or twelve months for all derivatives.
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Gospel artist presents show to thank his fans Bonginkosi Mabuzwana.
lights with daytime running lights. One of the features I, however, missed on the test model was park assist sensors. With bakkies becoming more like town cars these days, park assist should almost be a standard feature on most double cabs.
Low Km's 2016 Models
He also encouraged other artists to ensure that they reach out to the people to ensure a good relationship with the community. According to him, they are expecting 50 or more people to attend his special show. He is also busy with his second album that will be available in stores in December. “My first CD is titled Qhawe Lezulu and it consists of 11 songs. The second album will also have 11 songs.”
R139 900 E SAV 0 00
R20
R2195
P.M.*
NO DEPOSIT
NP 200
Visual for illustration purposes only.
New retail price R159 900. 72 months, 30% residual value, 10.5% interest rate. Excludes on road costs, initiation fees and bank service fee. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to bank approval.
QUALITY DIRECT A division of Eastern Cape Motors
043-704 4000
93 Fitzpatrick Road, East London
Gospel artist from Pondoland needs your vote SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE FLAGSTAFF-born Nomfundo “Small’ Finiza is among the Eastern Cape gospel artists in line to receive an award at the 2017 Ihlumelo Gospel Awards, which take place at the Willowvale Indoor Sport Centre this coming Saturday, April 29. The Ihlumelo Gospel Awards are aimed at uniting local artists, recognising their talent, and promoting them to a national level. Finiza, nominated for the Best Newcomer of the Year award, is one of the shining stars that will be in the spotlight at the event. “I am humbled by the way people receive and respond to my music,” said Finiza, a full-time water engineer. “In as much as I do not regard myself as an artist but a worshipper ministering
through music, I am nevertheless happy to receive such recognition, and I urge people to participate and vote (for their favourite performers). “I believe that such platforms will open doors for all of us.” Finiza, also known as “Mfundy”, is working on her upcoming single with Shombela Brands & Records in Mthatha. She said the track would feature a surprise artist and they hoped to release it soon. She recently released a music video for her song “Uzuko Lolwakho”. Finiza told the Express she began her musical journey at church, and that her music was a mixture of the classic and modern worship genres. She believes her music inspires God’s people and that the message she conveys through it is simple. To vote for Finiza SMS 18 Mfundy to 45789. Each SMS costs R1.50.
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8
Sport
April 27, 2017 Isolomzi Express
Andile Njokweni, Mazwi Mncube and Sihle Mbele of Mthatha Bucks. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA
Will Bucks make it to the playoffs? BUNTU GOTYWA IT’S crunch time in the National First Division (NFD) and this weekend’s fixtures will most likely decide who makes the play-offs. There is probably no team more anxious than Mthatha Bucks who have been blowing hot and cold. There is no doubt that the Mthatha based side
has managed to turn a corner when it comes to home fixtures. Even though they may not be the most impressive team to watch, they do enough to get the results. Perhaps what makes these play-offs mean the most to Bucks, is their massive fan base. The side arguably enjoys the biggest home support of any of the NFD sides and there is nothing more Mthatha fans would want to see than
their team competing in the play-offs. This weekend Bucks will play away to Stellenbosch FC, one of the five sides still chasing those two play-off spots. Should results not go their way in this fixture, it will most likely be over for them with the last fixture of the season against the Black Leopards side that has suddenly found its firing prowess. The match against Stellenbosch is the most vital between the two sides as the winners will
have some breathing space. But Bucks have a tougher task than the Leopards and Stellenbosch who both finish the league playing on their home grounds. While Leopards had a solid run towards the end of the season, there might only be one playoff ticket remaining by the end of this week’s fixtures. Amathol’amnyama will certainly need luck on their side and hope that other results go their way.
Race for ABC Motsepe League title heats up ANELE RAZIYA THE ABC Motsepe League Championship race is on the brink of reaching its climax between Bhisho outfit Eastern Cape Bees and Ginsberg side Future Tigers. Both teams have collected a valuable three points at the weekend to keep the competition tight.
Log leaders EC Bees thrashed the struggling FC Buffalo 3-1 at Bhisho Stadium, while serious league contenders, Future Tigers, defeated Matatiele Professionals 2-1 at Ginsberg Stadium. Though both teams have managed to collect the maximum three points at the weekend, a one-point gap between the log leaders and the chasers remains. Bees is leading the league table with 68
points after 28 games, while Tigers follow with 67 points after the same number of games. Both teams have only two games remaining before the end of the ABC Motsepe League season. Log leaders, Bees will visit struggling Matta Milan at Dutywa Stadium this weekend, while Tigers will entertain Walter Sisulu University at Ginsberg Stadium in King Will-
iam’s Town. Other ABC Motsepe League results Mighty Bucks 2-1 Highbury Morning Stars 1-3 FC Buffalo EC Bees 3-1 Young Ideas WSU 0-0 Matta Milan Future Tigers 2-1 Matatiele Professionals Callies 2-2 Mthatha City SUBS 3-2 City Lads Tornado FC Lion City
POLO VIVO R169 995 Low Km's 2016 Models
R2790
P.M.*
NO DEPOSIT Polo Vivo
Visual for illustration purposes only.
Includes AIRCON & HI-FI
Retail price R169 990. R2 790pm instalment, 72 months, 30% residual value, 10.5% interest rate. Excludes on road costs, initiation fees and bank service fee. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to bank approval.
QUALITY DIRECT A division of Eastern Cape Motors
Matta Milan will host ABC Motsepe log leaders EC Bees this weekend at Dutywa Stadium. PHOTO:ANELE RAZIYA
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