Isolomzi Express 30 March 2017

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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

PROVINCIAL CRIME STATS REVEALED:

Action urged on rising crime SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

T

HE South African Police Service in the province must roll up their sleeves and fight to bring down the rising level of serious crime.

Eastern Cape Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Weziwe Tikana made this call to action last week in Libode, when releasing crime statistics that show a spike in murder, sexual offences, carjacking, robbery at homes and robbery at non-residential premises in the Eastern Cape.

The provincial statistics, from April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, indicate the rate of murder increased by 18%, sexual offences, including

rape, by 10.9%, contact-related crime by 4.2%, property-related crime by 3. 9%, all serious crime by 4.5%, common robbery by 1.7% and shoplifting by 2.9%.

The incidences of carjacking, house robbery and business robbery jumped by a combined 4.4%.

“This has a huge, negative impact on the personal safety of people, as indicated by the Victims of Crime Survey released by Statistics South Africa during February this year,” Tikana said.

The increase in crime across these categories was a major concern, and the SAPS needed to swiftly carry out counter-measures.

However, Tikana said, “The Provincial (police) Commissioner (Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga) has assured me that plans have been

put in place to deal with these stubborn crimes”.

Tikana said it was important for police to focus on crime hotspots in the urban areas of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Buffalo City Metro and Mthatha, where the majority of incidents of serious and violent crimes were reported to take place.

“Our rural areas must not be neglected, as there are indications of crime displacement to these areas,” she said.

Lieutenant General Ntshinga said police had been taking action to curb crime throughout the province. She said even though there had been an increase in the majority of the 17 categories of community-reported crime, there had been an encouraging downward trend in some categories.

Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga. PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

Lusikisiki students travel to London Twelve students from Ntafufu Senior Secondary School in Lusikisiki experienced their first time on a plane earlier in February when they went on a trip to London, also the first time any of them had been overseas. The trip was organised by London­based educational exchange charity BOTH (Broaden Out Their Horizons) and supported by global travel search platform Cheapflights.

Read more about their experience on page 6. Here the students are inside the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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March 30, 2017 Isolomzi Express

Still no sign of peace in taxi violence SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE war between two taxi associations over the R61 route between Mthatha and Lusikisiki continues despite the MEC for Transport’s recent announcement that this route will be closed due to the ongoing taxi violence.

Last Thursday, the MEC, Weziwe Tikana, resorted to stop taxi operations on the R61 and closed some taxi ranks because of this feud between the Uncedo Service Taxi Association (Useta) and Border Alliance Taxi Association. The closed taxi ranks included the Circus Triangle rank in Mthatha, the Ntlaza, Port St Johns and Ngqeleni ranks.

Tikana made the announcement after her meeting with taxi bosses in Libode. The taxi war has resulted in the death of about 30 people, including passengers, taxi operators and pedestrians.

On the day of the closure, Thursday, March 23, police and traffic officials were deployed on the route. During a raid they seized dangerous weapons at the taxi ranks and seven men were arrested.

According to the police, arrests were made at the Port St Johns and Libode taxi ranks.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Miranda Mills said in these raids, weapons like spears, pangas, swords, two firearms and one rifle were seized.

It is alleged that three Toyota Corollas and a Twin Cab, which are suspected of being used during previous attacks, were also seized.

At the time of going to print it was not yet clear to which association the arrested men belonged.

Four of the seven men were charged with murder and attempted murder, while the other three men were charged with possession of firearm and ammunition.

The accused were expected to appear in court this week.

These incidents occurred despite the vows that were made by both associations to make peace that the government would stop closing the route.

Attempts to get comments from both associations were fruitless at the time of going to print.

A taxi that was set alight during previous taxi violence. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA

Police officer is accused of assault BUNTU GOTYWA A QUMBU police officer, who was allegedly drunk on duty, is facing a common assault charge after assaulting a man who was transporting a sick person to hospital.

Simbongile Jonasi said, on March 16 he and four other people were transporting a sick person to Sulenkama Hospital, when a police vehicle approached them.

Upon explaining that they were trans-

porting someone to a hospital, the vehicle with three policemen allegedly followed them to the hospital.

“When we were inside the hospital, out of nowhere this policeman just started beating and shoving me. I could tell that he was extremely drunk. He did not explain himself, just assaulted me,” said Jonasi.

“He couldn’t even explain himself to his colleagues when questioned about his actions,” said Jonasi.

Jonasi said they went to open a case at

the Sulenkama Police Station and were shocked to find no one at the police station.

“The same policemen arrived at the station about an hour later and they started apologising for their friend because they did not want to open a docket,” Jonasi alleges.

He said the police said they were not authorised to open any cases.

The case of assault was finally opened when the victim made a call to the station commander.

Independent Police Investigation Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Moses Dlamini confirmed the case against the unnamed police officer and said the docket was still with the Sulenkama Police Station where the case was opened.

Dlamini said the policeman has a rank of constable and is the only one against whom a case was opened.

At time of going to print, despite several attempts by Express to get comment from the Qumbu Police Station, no comment could be obtained.

Woman stabs brother to death BABALWA NDLANYA A WOMAN from Ndakeni Location in Dutywa,

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who was arrested by the Dutywa Police after she allegedly stabbed her brother to death, appeared briefly before the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court last week.

According to Police spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha, the public prosecutor referred the case to the senior public prosecutor to decide whether to prosecute or not.

The man (40) was stabbed in his upper body

and died on the scene.

Manatha said the suspect accused the deceased of raping her since the age of seven.

“The rape was never reported to the Dutywa Police,” said Manatha. He said the deceased cannot be identified as that will reveal the identity of the suspect who claims to be a rape victim. . In another incident, the Msobomvu police arrested three men, aged 21, 26 and 28, for the possession of dagga.

Man arrested for dagga possession REPORTER KEI Bridge Police arrested a man (26) for the possession of dagga at Zinqandane Location near Kei Bridge in Butterworth last week.

Police spokesperson Captain Jackson Manatha confirmed the arrest and said the dagga weighed 5 kg with a street value of R5 000.

“Police acted on intelligence that the suspect was in possession of dagga. He will appear before the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession

of dagga,” said Manatha. . In another incident, police from Msobomvu arrested a man in Msobomvu Township for the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The arrest was made during a stop and search operation of the police.

The weapon had a magazine with no ammunition.

A police officer from Kei Bridge shows the dagga that was confiscated. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

It is alleged that a man (21) was found with 27 grams of dagga.

Manatha said a man (26) was found with 1.822 kg of dagga with a street value of R2 000, while another man was found with 1.247 kg dagga with a street value of R1 500.

“The three were arrested at Booi Farm. They will appear before the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of dagga,” said Manatha.

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March 30, 2017 Isolomzi Express

Baleni sentencing again delayed BUNTU GOTYWA SENTENCING in the case of husband-killer Noluthando Baleni has again been delayed; this time due to an incomplete report by a social worker.

Baleni pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, as well as murder, and was supposed to be sentenced in the Mthatha High Court last week.

However, a report by the Department of Social Development’s Nomakhaya Ngxakaza was found to be incomplete by the court.

Judge Richard Brooks then asked Ngxakaza to continue working on her report, after which he could hand down his sentence.

The missing pieces of the report by the social worker included prospects of Baleni’s re-employment, her financial status since she has dependent children, and rehabilitation.

The social worker still needed to conduct further interviews with family members and church members, among others, to have a full report.

While on the stand, Ngxakaza had earlier said Baleni deserved the maximum sentence because of the nature of her crime.

A family member of Baleni’s murdered husband, Kholisile Baleni, also wants the court to impose a life sentence on Baleni, saying they have suffered psychologically since his death.

But the defence questioned such a sentence, based on the report by the social worker, in which she said most of the people she had spoken to had sympathy with Baleni, including her children, who were financially dependent on her.

The case was postponed to May 8 to give the social worker time to complete her report.

BUNTU GOTYWA THE man who pulled the trigger in the murder of Kholisile Baleni has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in the Mthatha High Court.

Bonga Skolpati (23) was found guilty on charges of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Last week, he was given 20 years for murder by Acting Judge Mpumelelo Notununu.

Skolpati further received three years for the unlawful possession of the firearm, and one year for the unlawful possession of the ammunition, which will run concurrently with the 20-year sentence.

Judge Notununu said compelling circumstances made him not hand down the life sentence the state had sought.

He took into consideration that Skolpati had already spent a year in custody, and that he had a three-year-old daughter.

Kholisile Baleni’s bullet-riddled body was found inside his vehicle between the villages of Viedgiesville and Maqhingeni on the morning of October 28, 2015.

He was the deputy principal of a school in Coffee Bay, and the father of Noluthando Baleni’s 12-year-old child.

Noluthando Baleni in court.

PHOTO:BUNTU GOTYWA

Cleaning tools to preserve Mhlontlo Heritage site SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM) has taken a step forward to ensure that the heritage site of the AmaMpondomise Paramount Chief Mhlontlo is kept clean and maintained.

Mhlonto, who was the last King of the Mpondomise, died in 1912. His grave at Caca Administrative Area was declared as a heritage site.

Mhlontlo was a hero in the AmaMpondomise tribe.

According to history, he lured British commander Hope to his capital in Sulenkama with the promise that the Mpondomise would assist the British government to defeat the Basotho during the Gun War. In return the British government would supply the Mpondomise with arms and ammunition. It was alleged that he, instead, instructed his warriors to attack and killed Hope with his two men.

Trigger man gets 20 years

This has made the site one of historical significance for the AmaMpondomise nation.

The district municipality handed over three grass cutting machines and accessories to keep the site maintained.

The head of Community Services in the OR Tambo District Municipality, Thandi Mdledle, said the reason behind this donation was to preserve the heritage of the OR Tambo region.

“We want to strengthen the liberation heritage route. Our heritage helps us to define our cultural and national identity. It celebrates our achievements, mourn our losses and redress past inequalities. It educates and it deepens our understanding of society,” said Mdledle.

She said they are also looking at helping at other heritage sites in whatever way necessary to help preserve the heritage. She said they were targeting heritage sites throughout the region.

Thandi Mdledle.

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SASSA says it’s all systems go for social grants on April 1 REPORTER THE Department of Social Development and SASSA has said in a media statement that all is on track for the payment of social grants from April 1, 2017.

“The Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, would like to reassure all qualifying beneficiaries that they will receive their money as per normal,” the statement read.

“As recipients of social grants are aware, our payments are made at various channels including merchants, Points of Sale, banks, ATMs and Sassa pay points.”

“Considering that April 1, 2017 is a Saturday and for this reason, as in all occasions when the grant payment date falls over a weekend, SASSA pay points will not open.

“Special focus and provision will be made for the busiest merchants and

ATMs around the country and Regional Executive Managers will be deployed to monitor and assist beneficiaries with enquiries.”

According to the statement, on April 3, SASSA pay points will operate as normal and recipients are encouraged to go on their respective days and respective pay points as indicated on the slips they received last month.

Teams of managers will also be deployed to provide assistance at the pay points.

Measures in place as of April 1, 2017 ) The SASSA call centre will be opened to assist beneficiaries with all enquiries.

The contact number is 0800 60 10 11. ) Senior Officials will be deployed at the call centre to make sure that all enquiries are attended to. ) Officials will also be on standby to

receive calls that may come through the switchboard. ) Arrangements have been made to ensure that SOCPEN is available for investigation and verification of the status of the grants applications. ) A letter to the National Police Commissioner has been sent out for a request to increase police visibility across the country.

The Department emphasises that normal business processes will continue, so any form of lapsing or suspensions that may occur may not imply a failure to pay

by SASSA. In the statement, the minister reiterated her unreserved apology for the anxiety and fear caused about the uncertainty around the payment of social grants. She also expressed her gratitude in advance for the patience and cooperation of South Africa especially the beneficiaries of social grants.

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Sanco in OR Tambo region backs Ramaphosa

BABALWA NDLANYA MEMBERS of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the OR Tambo region have resolved to support Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in his bid to become the country’s next president.

This was said by the regional secretary of Sanco, Zola Mhlotshazana, at a media briefing held in the boardroom of Mhlontlo Local Municipality in Tsolo recently.

Mhlotshazana said the decision to back Ramaphosa was taken at a regional executive committee meeting.

Sanco members in the region would make sure they influenced Sanco leaders, who were also leaders in the ANC, to support Ramaphosa at the ANC’s elective

conference in December.

“The ANC used to ensure that the deputy president becomes the next president. That is why we are supporting Ramaphosa to become the next president, and we want this (practice) to continue,” said Mhlotshazana.

He said they would also influence their members to push for Oscar Mabuyane to be retained as provincial secretary of the ANC, because he had good leadership qualities. ; From left are Lindiwe Nonkqayi (Deputy Secretary), Mlamli Nonkonya­ na (Treasurery for Sanco subregion), Wilfred Joka (Secretary for Mhlontlo Farmers Association), Zola Mhlotsha­ zana (Chairperson for subregion), Mlungusi Ndobeni (Head of Agricul­ ture Additonal Member) and Bulela Ndakeni.

PHOTO:BABALWA NDLANYA

Call for government to divide ‘cake’ among SMMEs SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE OR TAMBO Chamber of Business secretary Andile Nontso has called on the government to ensure tenders are awarded more evenly among small, medium and microenterprises.

Andile Nontso.

Nontso made the appeal at a business event in Mthatha last week.

He said many SMMEs were

PHOTO:SIM MDLEDLE

battling to win state contracts because the government normally considered handing over work to companies that had previously been awarded tenders.

“The government needs to divide the cake among many SMMEs, and not just give it to one company every time.

“Work must be distributed fairly, so that most SMMEs of this province would benefit equally.”

Nontso also suggested that tender boards, made up of credible people to scrutinise quotes and adjudicate the awarding of tenders, be set up in regions of the province.

In addition, he said the government should help facilitate SMMEs’ access to finance.

“We need government to push for bridging finance (and) monitored advance payments for SMMEs.”

President to launch Mbizana’s Rural Enterprise Development hub

OMBUDSMAN In accordance with the editorial policy of the 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.

AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma and the Eastern Cape Agrarian Reform MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, will tomorrow launch a Rural Enterprise Development (RED) hub in Mbizana, Dyifani Village, in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, with a tune of R53.5 million that has been invested in establishing and operating this hub.

The RED hub programme is government’s key rural development approach driven by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency, which supports local co-operatives with access to finance, mechanisation and selling of produce to retail markets for the benefit of all members of co-operatives.

The main purpose of the RED hub is to assist in poverty

alleviation.

This hub includes operations from soil preparation, crop planting, harvesting, milling process and packaging, using last season’s maize harvest from 986 hectares.

The Mbizana RED Hub is one of the four RED hubs in the Eastern Cape, implemented by DRDAR’s agency, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) and covers six wards which constitute 14 villages in the Mbizana Local Municipality.

These wards have registered 14 primary co-operatives that have then formed a secondary co-operative which is a structure that owns the RED Hub. The funds for this initiative have been provided to ECRDA by the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury and ECRDA is implementing the initiative.

MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Mlibo Qoboshiyane when he launched the RED Hub in Mqanduli last year.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Police launches manhunt for Ngobo armed robbers

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EASTERN Cape Police are investigating a case of armed robbery after several men robbed a local bank in Ngcobo and attacked members of the local police during the early hours of Monday.

The incident happened in Ngcobo’s Central Business District.

It is alleged that the robbers tied up a security guard and gained access by cutting open ATM machines with angle grinders.

According to a police state-

ment, the robbers took position all over the town and when a police vehicle approached the scene, they started firing at the police.

Police members allegedly returned fire and one constable was wounded in his arm during the shootout. He was rushed to hospital for medical attention.

According to Captain Namhla Mdleleni, it is at this stage being investigated that the robbers also kept the police station and police residential homes in town under surveillance and once the shooting started, they fired randomly at the station and these houses,

preventing reinforcement from police members.

Reinforcements were obtained from Public Order Policing, National Intervention Unit and Organised Crime detectives in the Province; however the robbers managed to escape in four vehicles (an Audi, BMW, Fortuner and a Toyota Hillux with canopy) and with an undisclosed amount of money.

A case of business robbery, attempted murder and malicious damage to property was opened. No arrests have been made as yet.

The Provincial Commission-

er of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, said that the SAPS in the Province is determined to arrest those responsible.

“We will not rest until they are behind bars. I have sanctioned additional resources to a special team, which will hunt them down. I appeal to anyone who might have seen what happened or knows anything about the whereabouts of these perpetrators to call their nearest station or crime stop on 08600 10111 or Crime Line 32211,” she said.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

ISOLOMZI EXPRESS | THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2017

Focus on uplifting poor in Year of Tambo SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE THE mayor of the Mbizana Local Municipality, Daniswe Mafumbatha, has vowed to focus on improving the lives of the poor this year to mark the centenary of Oliver Reginald Tambo’s birth.

In an exclusive interview with the Express, Mafumbatha said in this regard projects undertaken by the municipality would in particular be aimed at uplifting people in Nkantolo Village in Bizana, where Tambo, the longest-serving president of the ANC, was born.

Organisations have dubbed 2017 “The Year of Tambo” in honour of the ruling party stalwart, who would have turned 100 on October 27.

Tambo left his home and family to join the struggle to liberate South Africa, and Mafumbatha said in recognition of the great role he played, the municipality needed to pay more attention to rolling out services to communities.

“We need to ensure that people celebrate the Year of OR Tambo by giving them services in his year,” she said.

“Yes, as an organisation we are busy, but that would not divert our focus from helping the poor in (Tambo’s) name.”

Mafumbatha revealed that Ward 27, in which Nkantolo Village falls, would be among areas connected to the electricity grid this year.

Mbizana Local Municipality Mayor Daniswa Mafumbatha.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

“We also need to erect a big statue of OR Tambo outside the OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance in Nkantolo . . . and a library where people can learn about (his) life and history.”

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma is expected to open the Rural Enterprise Development Hub officially at Dyifana Location tomorrow.

He is expected to be accompanied by national government ministers and provincial MECs at the unveiling of the hub, which will benefit the people of Bizana.

How to spot bogus cash collection scam WITH a busy retail season approaching in April, criminals are once again devising new scams and tactics to steal money and valuables.

One scheme that has recently come to the fore is criminals posing as cash-in-transit collection officers.

From fake bank emails to skimming credit cards and phone calls from people pretending to be someone else to get sensitive information, misdirection and illusion are some of the most significant tools criminals use to set up their thefts.

And this tactic has now extended to bogus cash collections from criminals who pose as cash-intransit guards to get access to cash and valuables, and then rob the rightful owners.

Cash services company SBV Services has specifically designed its cash-in-transit processes to prevent these types of heists. Here are

some tips on how to know if a cash collection is legitimate or fake.

Confirmation process Cash collection companies have a very specific process for notifying their clients about when they will be collecting an instalment of cash. Even the smallest deviation in the process of notification (too soon, too early or not done using the usual channels) should set off alarm bells for retailers.

Keep it quiet Absolutely any information about an upcoming cash collection should not be shared with any employees that don’t have clearance and should definitely not be shared with any members of the public.

Check guards’ identification Guards should have clearly visible branding on their clothes and should be able to show identification that confirms they are the people who are expected for the pickup.

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March 30, 2017 Isolomzi Express

Intsika Yethu Municipality launches War Rooms

BABALWA NDLANYA INTSIKA Yethu Local Municipality is now also part of the Masiphathisane War Room Campaign that is facilitated by the Office of the Premier to improve service delivery to communities.

According to Intsika Yethu Local Municipality spokesperson, Zuko Tshangana, this will radically change the way in which the Eastern Cape Government, in collaboration with social partners, serves citizens in a more impactful and effective manner to improve people’s lives for the better.

“This programme is aimed at strengthening partnership between government and

social partners to mobilise local resources to address socioeconomic needs,” said Tshangana.

He added that the War Room programme will ensure that community members actively and constructively participate in their development.

Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, in partnership with the Office of the Premier and Chris Hani District Municipality, launched this campaign in Wards 2, 4, 6, 7, 21, 9, 10, 12, 17 and 16.

Intsika Yethu Mayor Jongumzi Cengani said because of this programme the people of Intsika Yethu will be serviced where they live and this will reduce duplication and inefficiencies in resource allocation.

Learners from the Dutywa District ready to represent the Eastern Cape Province at national atletics events. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

District hosts send-off prayer for athletes BABALWA NDLANYA

Community members of Ward 10 during the launch of the War Rooms.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

THE Department of Education in the Dutywa District hosted a send-off prayer at Elliotdale Town Hall last week in support of learners who are going to represent the Eastern Cape Province in athletics at national events.

During these events, set to take place from March 30 until April 1, primary school athletes will participate in Potchefstroom, while senior level learners will participate in Durban.

According to the secretary for Athletics in Dutywa, Singathwa Magida, they have three primary school learners and 12 senior level learners who will represent the province.

There are also three other learners from senior secondary schools who will

also participate in Durban.

“We decided to host this prayer to motivate our learners because last year we had only one learner who managed to go on to compete at national level,” said Magida.

She said this year they went full out to motivate their learners because they wanted all their learners to love sport and participate in it. Magida said they also want them to see that they can build a bright future through sport.

She said they also want parents to support their children when they are participating in sport because it is something that encourages them a lot.

Magida said they believe that these learners will fly the flag of this province high because they are dedicated to perform well.

Eastern Cape children share experience of first overseas visit REPORTER TWELVE students from Ntafufu Senior Secondary School in Lusikisiki experienced their first time on a plane earlier in February.

The trip to London, also the first time any of them had been overseas, was organised by London-based educational exchange charity BOTH (Broaden Out Their Horizons) and supported by global travel search platform Cheapflights, whose staff fundraised the costs required to fly the Ntafufu students over for the exchange.

During their visit to London, the students, many of whom were placed with host families for the entirety of their trip, got to explore the city and experience everything from the London Underground to the London Eye, spent time at the exchange partner school – Elizabeth Garrett School in Islington – taking part in lessons and sharing insights into the lives of the students, and visited the Cheapflights head of-

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fice where they gained work experience and participated in a variety of workshops and activities.

Andrew Shelton, Managing Director of Cheapflights, said, “It was a real pleasure getting to meet the kids from Ntafufu Senior Secondary School. We loved having them in the office learning about who we are and why we believe that travel is vital in establishing an open view of the world.

“They even got the opportunity to design an educational app, and got an insight into how the technology products that they use are created. We hope that the memories and lessons from their trip stay with the students for a long time, and that they continue to search out and visit places and people from which they can learn in the future.”

One of the students, Lona Bandezi, said of her experience travelling to London, “It will be hard saying goodbye because we got so attached to each other. Being here has made me think hard about my future and career. The students here are very nice and I am thankful that I came here. London is very inspiring and I will work harder than before just to reach my dream. I thank everyone for everything.”

Linda Quinn is one of the founders of BOTH. “BOTH is founded on the belief that young people learn most when they learn from each other. The visit of Ndafufu Senior Secondary School has fully embodied this ethos and the learners have embraced their experience in the UK with courage, enthusiasm and an incredible sense of adventure.

“We have more than achieved the aims of the charity in terms of sharing similarities, learning from differences and instilling in all of the participants a desire to see more of the world. All the young people involved have been truly enriched by the experiences they have shared and have formed friendships that we believe will last long into the future”.

BOTH is an educational charity, based in London which facilitates an exchange programme between South Africa and London, whereby students are given the opportunity of a lifetime to experience a different culture.

To stay up to date with future trips with Cheapflights and BOTH, visit the BOTH website at www.both.org.uk.

One of the learners from Ntafufu Senior Secondary School in Lusikisiki talks about experiencing other cultures while in London.

A student waiting for a train at one of the London Underground stations.

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Motoring

March 30, 2017 Isolomzi Express

Toyota C-HR: Redefining the cross-over REPORTER

Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Two ISOFIX attachment points are provided.

Driver and Passenger airbags round out the safety specification.

THE small SUV segment represents the fastest growing ‘group’ on the South African passenger vehicle landscape.

A unique characteristic of this segment is the variety and diversity of models. This led to the birth of the ‘cross-over’ – a modern fusion of hatchback and SUV, fusing the best attributes of each, to create a vehicle which perfectly fits the modern urban lifestyle.

From concept to reality The Toyota C-HR remains remarkably true to the features of the concept-cars that attracted so much public attention. With the C-HR, Toyota targets a clear and singular customer profile.

Predominantly driven by emotional considerations, these customers want individuality, and to be the first to try new experiences and products. Style and quality are essential considerations in any purchase they make and the car is an extension of their personality.

“With its striking, in-your-face design, careful attention to detail and punchy 1.2 litre turbo engine, we believe the C-HR delivers the perfect package for image conscious urbanites. Further setting C-HR apart is its fun-to-drive character which rewards the spirited driver,” said Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa.

A new design direction for the crossover segment Viewed from any angle, the C-HR’s combination of facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing creates a delicate balance of precision and sensuality. The front represents a further development of Toyota’s signature design identity.

The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and a sweeping roofline.

The prominent rear light clusters give the rear view of the C-HR an equally expressive visual signature.

Sophisticated interior design with outstanding sensory quality The driver-oriented area incorporates innovative details and intuitive, approachable technology. All operating switchgear and a display audio touch-screen are slightly angled towards the driver.

A unique new two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporting upper section (inspired by the ‘bucket’ design of old) with a more strongly bolstered and supportive lower area.

The diamond motif is extended from the exterior into the interior, with many interior elements – including the door panels – using a similar shape.

Decorative elements are finished in high quality piano black – with embedded metallic ‘flake’ – and satin silver trim, with cool blue illumination throughout.

1.2 Turbo engine delivers effortless propulsion The Toyota C-HR is the first model locally to utilise Toyota’s advanced new 1.2 litre turbo engine. The 1.2T engine uses advanced technolo-

7

Choose the C-HR for you There are three derivatives to choose from, which vary specification grade and transmission choice. Plus grade models add additional specification features to the base package. . Toyota C-HR 1.2T 6MT – R318 500 . Toyota C-HR 1.2T 6MT Plus – R345 000 . Toyota C-HR 1.2T CVT Plus – R356 000 Warranty and service plan All C-HR models come standard with a comprehensive 5-year/90 000km service plan, with service intervals set at 15 000km. A 3-year/100 000km warranty is provided.

Toyota’s C­HR model is designed with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing to give it that sleek, attractive look.

PHOTOS:SUPPLIED gies that allow the engine to change from the Otto-cycle to the Atkinson cycle under low loads.

To this, the 1.2T adds the D-4T direct injection system, VVTi-W, high compression ratio, as well as a water-cooled turbo and heat-exchanger.

The engine delivers 85kW and a constant torque curve of 185Nm between 1 500 and 4 000rpm. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 10.9 seconds and the top speed is set at 190km/h.

Transmissions with tech Two transmissions are available: a 6-speed Manual with Toyota’s intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) system, or a buttery smooth Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) option.

Toyota’s iMT system which automatically increases the engine revs with a perfectly executed ‘blip’ when downshifting ensures a smooth gear shift. A shift indicator with two directional arrows housed in the instrument cluster, provides the optimal shift points on M/T models.

The CVT variant utilises an electronic brain to ensure that the optimal gear ratio is selected based on vehicle and engine speed, as well as rate of acceleration required. In addition, the driver can access seven pre-defined gear ratios in Manual mode.

Match the mode Three modes are provided for the driver to choose from, which tailor the powertrain characteristics to suit the conditions – Normal, Eco and Sport.

Dynamics that flatter From the very outset of the project, the C-HR was to boast excellent dynamics, establishing a new direction for Cross-over vehicles.

“We wanted to achieve performance on a par with a good C-segment hatchback,” said Hiroyuki Koba.

With its low centre of gravity and double-wishbone rear suspension, the new TNGA-based platform has formed an ideal starting point.

To ensure precision, a bespoke MacPherson Strut suspension was designed. It includes a strut bearing rotation axis that has been defined to reduce steering friction drastically, allowing

smooth and accurate steering.

To ensure a hatchback-like roll-rigidity, the large-diameter stabilizer is directly linked to the strut via a stabiliser link.

All models are fitted with 17-inch wheels, shod with 215-60R-17 rubber. Plus models feature blade-style alloy versions.

Specification to reward The C-HR is equipped with a host of comfort and convenience features. The Multi-Information Display (full-colour TFT on the PLUS model) – is operated by a 4-way direction switch on the steering wheel. PLUS models also feature audio system controls.

Sure to find appeal from urban commuters is the Electric Parking Brake (EPB), which operates very intuitively, automatically engaging and disengaging in correspondence with gear and key position. A handy Hill Assist Control function is included, with a dedicated hold button providing an extended ‘holding period’.

Plus models also feature a dual-zone electronic climate control with Eco mode. A manual air-conditioner system is fitted to the standard model. Adding further convenience is the one-touch auto up/down power windows and electrically adjusted mirrors.

The interior also features two conveniently located cupholders in the centre console, a storage shelf for mobile devices or media players and a 12-volt power outlet.

On Plus derivatives, both headlamps and wipers are equipped with an auto-on function whilst the Electrochromatic (auto-dimming) rear view mirror ensures unaltered night time vision.

The audio system makes use of touchscreen technology and allows occupants to play a variety of media types through the vehicle’s sound system. To this point, USB, iPod, iPhone, Bluetooth and CD/DVD interfaces are catered for.

Plus models are additionally equipped with Cruise Control.

Safety and sensibility A full suite of Active Safety functions is embedded into the C-HR and includes ABS, Brake

X1TCUBKR-TE160317

144 Cathcart Road • Queenstown • 5320 • Phone Number (045) 839 3943

Contact Rowland Godeffroy 072 196 6171

From R2

month 999 per

1.2 Motion M/T - 8.14% INTEREST RATE - 35% BALLON PAYMENT - RETAIL PRICE R224 900 - DEPOSIT 5.50% - TOTAL COST OF CREDIT R290 232 - TERM 72 MONTHS

Contact Rowland Godeffroy 072 196 6171 X1TECEDD-IE300317

Weirs Toyota 165 Cathcart Road, Queenstown Tel: 045 839 3044

X1TECE41-IE300317

8

Sport

March 30, 2017 Isolomzi Express

Mayor takes part in Human Rights race

WSU thrashed Morning Stars in ABC Motsepe League clash ANELE RAZIYA WALTER Sisulu University has registered another impressive win against relegation threatened side Morning Stars in the ABC Motsepe League clash over the weekend.

The mayor of Nyande­ ni, Mesuli Ngqondwa­ na, (black) and Mzwandile Makhunga (blue). HOTO:SUPPLIED

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE NYANDENI Local Municipality, in partnership with Ngqeleni Super Spar and the Department of Sport Recreation, Arts and Culture, presented a Human Rights Fun Run and Walk recently.

The race had attracted a lot of athletes and celebrities, even outside of the province.

Among the athletes and dignitaries who took part in this race was the mayor of Nyandeni himself, Mesuli Ngqondwana, who took part in the 21 km race from Lujecweni Location to the finish line in Ngqeleni.

Speaking to the Express Ngqondwana said when the leaders preach about healthy living to their people, they must also lead by example.

“We must practice what we preach so that people can see what we are talking about.

As a healthy living activist, running was one of my daily activities and part of my quest.

“Before going to work every morning I run a few kilometres and then come back home to prepare to go to work,” said Ngqondwana.

He urged other leaders to be more conscious about healthy living and train hard or set targets in training.

WSU thrashed Stars 4-1 in an entertaining clash at University Ground, Bika Campus in Butterworth on Saturday.

The game started with a slow pace because of the drizzling weather conditions.

Both teams’ players were struggling to connect passes from defence to up front because of the weather conditions.

The situation ended up forcing the Stars’ goalkeeper to make a huge mistake when he passed the ball straight to WSU’s striker and the students took a 1-0 lead by converting the chance after minutes.

After the early goal, the visitors tried to get an equaliser by dominating ball possession and creating chances, but the students’ defence stood up and did their job well.

At 20 minutes WSU scored their second goal and after that they took control of the game.

Students created two consecutive chances, but failed to convert them.

Thirteen minutes before half time the students made it three goals after they had

been knocking several times at the Stars’ goalkeeper.

In the second half, Stars came out on the word go, looking for a consolation goal, but they missed two clear chances in the first five minutes.

Luckily the visitors got a penalty after the WSU defender handled the ball inside the box and Stars converted the chance to 3-1.

In the last minutes of the game, WSU scored their fourth goal to take three valuable points.

WSU is still in 7th position on the log with 32 points after 23 games.

Meanwhile, Future Tigers is still leading the ABC Motsepe League table, although they lost 1-0 away from Lion City over the weekend.

Tigers have 56 points after 24 games, followed by EC Bees with 55 points with equal matches.

Other weekend ABC Motsepe League results: Swartkops Valley United Brothers 1-1 Young Ideas Mdantsane Mighty Bucks 0-1 EC Bees Matatiele Professionals 4-3 Highbury Callies FC 4-1 FC Buffalo Tornado 2-2 Matta Milan Lion City 1-0 Future Tigers City Lads 2-2 Mthatha City

Easter games now open for entries ANELE RAZIYA THE Annual Soccer Tournament, in association with enterprise K2016181766, invites all football teams in the Mnquma and Mbhashe areas to take part in the Easter games that will take place at Qoboqobo Admin Area in Centane.

The soccer tournament is scheduled to take place on April 14 and 15.

The tournament organisers are urging all the teams that are interested in participating

to register before April 2. The entry fee is R300 per team.

Event organisers are expecting at least eight teams to compete in the tournament.

It will be the first time the tournament will be held this year.

The aim of these games is to get the youth away from criminal activities and drug use.

Organisers say there are big prizes up for grabs for the teams that progress to the final round.

Any team interested in competing in the tournament can contact Rayi on 074 074 8117.

Walter Sisulu University busy attacking Morning Stars’ defence in the ABC Motsepe League clash at Bika Campus, Butterworth over the weekend.

PHOTO:ANELE RAZIYA

Previously disadvantaged athletes to line up for IRONMAN THE Siyamphambili Triathlon Participation Programme will yet again give athletes from previously disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to take part in a worldclass triathlon at the Standard Bank IRONMAN® African Championship taking place at Hobie Beach in Nelson Mandela Bay on Sunday 2 April 2017.

Next month, 25 athletes from the programme will line up at the 13th edition of the IRONMAN African Championship, after taking part in the 10th anniversary edition of the Standard Bank IRONMAN South Africa 70.3 in East London earlier this month.

The programme, which has been running since 2006, focuses on inclusivity rather than performance, allowing athletes to continue to be considered for the pro-

gramme for as long as they want regardless of their sporting background or age.

The real benefit for the athletes is receiving expert coaching and guidance on an individual basis as many of the athletes come from single discipline backgrounds and have to be taught to swim or cycle from scratch.

Additionally, it still allows the athletes to be able to train as part of a group and be a part of something that is for everyone alongside like-minded individuals.

; Hanson Singaphi is one of the Siyaphambili athletes participating this year.

PHOTO: CRAIG MULLER

X1TBAUM9-IE020317