Threechargedwithbusinessman’smurderappearincourt
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
THREE suspects charged in connection with the brutal murder of businessman Danie de Jager made a brief appearance in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 6 November
Murder accused, Anke Cilliers and Leeroy Scholtz (36), who were alleged tenants at the victim’s property, squeezed each other’s hands tightly whilst whispering in court, prompting the presiding magistrate to request distance between the two “I don’t know if something is being passed from one to another,” the magistrate noted
The duo held on tightly before eventually letting go
Meanwhile, their co-accused, Estelle Le Grange (57), a petite woman and the alleged life partner of De Jager, stood silently in the dock
They stand accused of robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and conspiracy to commit murder
De Jager was murdered in his Newton Park home in Mangold Street on Thursday, 30 October
At the time, Le Grange allegedly told police she was asleep when she heard a loud noise
“In the passage, she was confronted by intruders who restrained her with cable ties, covered her head with a pillowcase, and gagged her before ransacking the house and fleeing with a laptop and her partner’s vehicle, a Nissan Juke,” police said in a statement at the time
She was arrested along with her co-accused hours later
According to court documents, jewellery and more than R4,000 were stolen from the victim’s bank account The case was postponed to Thursday, 13 November, for a bail application
Illegaldumpingfinetriggercallsfortougherpenalties
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
A LOCAL resident walked away with a R2,000 fine following a major illegal dumping incident along Kragga Kamma Road, with local councillors now warning that heavier penalties are needed to deter environmental violations.
Members of the public notified the Ward 8 office after witnessing large quantities of garden refuse allegedly dumped into the Baakens River Valley on Friday, 31 October.
“The problem started in Ward 8 because the house was in my ward, but they carried the garden refuse across the road to the river, which falls under Ward 9,” Ward
8 Councillor Gustav Rautenbach explained
Following the report, Rautenbach contacted Ward 9 Councillor Bernhard Wolf and the pair conducted a joint site visit alongside metro officials and a town ranger.
The investigation resulted in a R2,000 fine being issued to the offender However, Rautenbach expressed strong dissatisfaction with the penalty amount, particularly given the scale of the environmental damage.
“I’m not happy with the little fine It was a huge amount of refuse that they dumped,” he shared. “There is a court date for next year in January if the fine is not paid.”
The councillor’s concerns were heightened during a follow-up visit on Monday, 3 November, when he discovered the refuse
remained at the site, untouched.
“I feel the fine should be higher, at least R5,000, especially if you don’t remove it within seven days,” Rautenbach stated “The bylaws need to be reviewed.”
The councillor indicated he would be examining the municipality’s illegal dumping bylaws with a view to recommending increased penalties for environmental violations.
Meanwhile Ward 9 Councillor Bernhard Wolf also expressed his dismay at the incident in a social media post, describing the behaviour as “disgusting” and calling for greater environmental responsibility.
“This is happening along Kragga Kamma Road, where people are taking their gar-
den refuse and dumping it directly into the Baakens River Valley,” Wolf wrote “I honestly can’t understand this behaviour - it’s so disappointing to see residents destroying the very environment we all share.” Wolf confirmed that Metro Police and Park Rangers were investigating the matter and that fines would be issued to those responsible.
“Let’s please respect our environment and report any illegal dumping when you see it. Together, we can keep our suburbs clean and green,” he urged residents Both councillors have called on residents to report illegal dumping incidents and to take greater responsibility for protecting the local environment.
Estelle Le Grange. PHOTOS: FACEBOOK
Leeroy Scholtz and Anke Cilliers were allegedly tenants on the victim’s property
CRICKLEY MILK
CrimesurgeinOverbaakenslinkedtovagrantcamps
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
ARMED response officers from Atlas Security joined forces with local authorities last week to address escalating crime in Nelson Mandela Bay’s Ward 6, with a targeted operation against vagrant-related criminal activity in the Overbaakens and Fairview areas
In the most recent safety operation on Wednesday, 5 November, Metro Police officers and Ward 6 Councillor Gerhard Engelbrecht, saw vagrants removed from informal camps as part of ongoing quarterly safety operations “Our Armed Response Officers were out in full force this morning, assisting with community safety in Nelson Mandela Bay, focusing on vagrant management,” Atlas Security announced on social media “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and secure, working hand in hand with local authorities to make a difference every day ”
Speaking to the PE Express, Engelbrecht revealed that the safety operations were aimed at three key hotspots where homeless individuals typically congregate: Oak Road, Pine Road, and the Third Avenue bridge area
The challenge, he explained, is that vagrants simply move between these locations, requiring regular follow-up visits often involving the Department of Human Settlements to remove
by failing infrastructure, including non-functioning streetlights and overgrown vacant plots that create ideal conditions for criminal elements to operate
“Yesterday, for example, in broad daylight we had a robbery at a petrol station,” Engelbrecht revealed, referring to Tuesday, 4 November
However, he expressed frustration that such crimes often go unreported to SAPS, creating a cycle that hampers effective policing
He urges residents and businesses to open criminal cases to demonstrate the scale of the problem
“If more people open cases, then we can receive more foot patrols or SAPS vehicles ” Engelbrecht highlighted ongoing municipal budget constraints that allegedly prevented crucial infrastructure improvements
“Despite annual requests for bush clearing, fire break cutting and streetlight repairs every year there is no budget,” he said, leaving the community vulnerable to criminal exploitation
Crimehotspotchallenges
Engelbrecht explained the connection between vagrants and local crime rates
“Vagrants are a serious problem in the area because they are responsible for petty crime,”
he said, pointing to the numerous overgrown areas in Overbaakens and Fairview that provide cover for criminal activity
According to Engelbrecht, Overbaakens and Fairview are the areas with “the most criminal activity” in Ward 6
The area’s crime problems are exacerbated
As the Overbaakens and Fairview areas continue developing, they face the challenge of managing urban growth whilst preventing crime from taking root
Engelbrecht further noted that previous safety operations have yielded significant results, including the discovery of “a serious criminal”during an earlier sweep of the area
CommunitypartnershipbringsfreshlifetopopularFatTracksAdventureTrails
outlets.
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
A PARTNERSHIP between CTM and local trail organisations will see the replacement of deteriorating signage along the Fat Tracks Adventure Trails in the Baakens Valley
The project was launched when Johan Schutte from CTM learnt about the ageing condition of existing signboards along the well-used trails
According to Fat Tracks Adventure Trails committee chairperson, Pieter Labuschagne, ten existing signboards will
the new signage starting from the 3rd Avenue dip and the Family Centre next to the William Moffett Expressway, extending all the way to Target Kloof
“The initiative represents CTM’s outstanding commitment to supporting recreational infrastructure that benefits the broader Nelson Mandela Bay community, ensuring that both locals and visitors can safely navigate and enjoy the popular trail system,” Labuschagne added Each signboard will display essential in-
formation, including detailed route marking and the specific entrance names for each of the 10 access points, providing an improved navigation experience
The trail network spans the area between the William Moffett Expressway and Target Kloof in the scenic Baakens Valley
“This project highlights how effective partnerships between private businesses, community organisations and local government can preserve and enhance public recreational facilities for everyone’s benefit ”
Atlas Security joined forces with local authorities last week to remove vagrants in Overbaakens and Fairview. PHOTO: ATLAS/ FACEBOOK
Cyclistcompletes16thcycletour
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
RODNEY Rimmell (85) has demonstrated that age is just a number after completing his 16th consecutive Ride Joburg 94 7 cycling challenge on Sunday, 26 October, despite suffering severe cramping that left him flat on his back for 30 minutes during the race
Ride Joburg is a 97km gruelling cycling challenge that draws athletes and cycling enthusiasts to Johannesburg annually
The veteran cyclist shared that
his training regimen in preparation for the road race usually covers around 200km per week
“I enjoy riding and being out in the countryside,” he shared with the PE Express “On Wednesdays, I join a group of pensioners for a ride, and they do around 40km, but I usually end up doing 60km
During summer, I also race every Saturday with the Master and Ladies Cycling Club ”
However, this year’s race, featuring 1,279 metres of elevation, proved more challenging than usual
“At approximately 70 kilometres, I cramped in both legs - quads, hamstrings and everything in between,” Rimmell
shared “This had me flat on my back for about 30 minutes, followed by a couple of kilometres at two to four kilometres per hour But I was determined to finish ”
The cramping episode was a first for the experienced cyclist
“It had never happened before I wasn’t quite prepared enough I was just determined to finish Fortunately, I am mentally strong and able to get up from the floor and keep going ”
Members of the public and fellow cyclists motivated and encouraged Rimmell to keep going
“The public came to our assistance, and that was fantastic There are great people who encourage you to just keep going ”
Despite the setbacks, Rimmell remained philosophical about his performance
“When the results came out, I was placed in the 75 to 79 age group, although I am 85, but still managed to finish 12th out of 22 and beat 3,400-odd riders overall I’m quite happy with the result – I always try to see the positive
side of what could have been a total disaster ”
The 16th consecutive completion represents a significant achievement, with only one year missed during the COVID-19 pandemic
“I don’t think there are so many of us, at my age, who have done as many as that It is quite an achievement ” Rimmell, who is originally from
Johannesburg and has been living in Gqeberha for nine years, started his cycling journey later in life, after his retirement “I retired in the early 1970s, and then my children got the idea that I should start cycling again At 69, I took up cycling once more, and my children entered me into the Ride Joburg challenge for the first time, and that was sixteen years ago I’ve
Wearelookingforourfront-pageChristm
WE are looking for a baby to grace the front page of the last edition of the year, which will be published on Wednesday, 17 December
The competition is for Gqeberha babies who are celebrating their first Christmas; therefore, babies who are entered need to be born after December 25, 2024
ProDesign Photographers are once again this year's official photography sponsor and will be photographing the winner for the front page, as well as taking family photographs during the front page shoot
Parents can enter their own
photos, or if they would like to have professional photos taken at a special rate, they can take advantage of open studio days at ProDesign Photographers in Westering See details below
To enter, parents need to complete a form that is available via a link on the PE Express Facebook page
Qualifying entries will be uploaded to our Christmas Baby 2025 album on the PE Express Facebook page
Allow at least one to two working days for entries to be reviewed and uploaded online
The competition is not a voting competition – the number
of likes/reactions will not affect the outcome of the finalists
A panel of judges will choose the winner of the competition
The closing date for entries is 16:00 on Monday, 1 December 2025
No late entries will be accepted
How to enter:
• A link to the competition will be available on our Facebook page Look for "Enter now for Christmas Baby competition"
• Complete the form and upload your photo, which should be at least 1MB in size and in jpg format
Competition rules:
• Only babies who are celebrating their FIRST Christmas may enter
• Only babies who reside in Gqeberha may enter
• Only entries received via the Christmas Baby form will be accepted
• No photos that are posted on our Facebook timeline or inbox will be entered
• You may only enter once for the
been doing it ever since ”
Rimmell, who also pursues art at his retirement village, offered advice to aspiring cyclists: “Never give up, keep on trying Go out there and do your best Get into a cycling club and do some racing in between ”
The experienced cyclist is already looking ahead to his next ride: “Now to start training for number 17 ”
Open days at Pro Design Photographers (no bookings needed)
14 November: 1:00 to 18:00
15 November: 13:00 to 16:00
28 November: 13:00 to 18:00
29 November: 10:00 to 16:00
A quick photo shoot of baby costs only R350 and includes 5 edits sent as digital files For family full shoots, normal and Christmas setup, the shoot costs R850 and includes 15 edits but a booking needs to be made for this shoot
For any other professional photo shoots by Pro Design Photographers, call 073 161 3176, send an email to liezel@pro-design co za or follow them on Facebook ProDesign Photographers is situated in Westering, Gqeberha
Baby Priya Margo Jacobs was crowned
Rodney Rimmell (85) completed the Ride Joburg 94.7, a 97km gruelling cycling challenge that draws athletes and cycling enthusiasts to Johannesburg annually
Rodney Rimmell (85) completed his 16th Ride Joburg 94.7 race.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Exhibitionblendsartwith environmentalactivism
A POWERFUL performance combining song, spoken word, dance and live music set a deeply moving tone for the opening of Nelson Mandela University’s Horizon 2055 exhibition at the Bird Street Gallery
The exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to engage with both artistic vision and academic rigour as they contemplated what sustainable urban living might look like in 2055, challenging them to consider their role in shaping that future
The Last Call from Mother GQ proved both urgent and uplifting, establishing the atmosphere for a showcase that brings together artists, researchers and philosophers to reimagine Gqeberha’s future
The multimedia exhibition, at the university’s Bird Street Campus, represented the culmination of a year-long research and engagement project led by Professor Andrea Hurst of the SARChI Chair in Identities and Social Cohesion in Africa (ISCIA)
“At its heart, Horizon 2055 asks what it means to think sustainably not only in environmental terms, but also in cultural, social and imaginative ones,” explained Hurst “What kind of future are we consciously or unconsciously creating together?”
The project combined academic inquiry with creative exploration through online seminars and three immersive “City (E)scape” journeys across Gqeberha
These guided tours through the metro, designed by postdoctoral fellow, Dr Gary Koekemoer, were crafted to provoke fresh ways of seeing the city The exhibition features an impressive range of artistic responses, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, dance and poetry, alongside academic reflections presented in an accompanying discussion
Each work responds to experiences from the City (E)scapes Dr Koekemoer’s own contribution, Strandloper 2025: Hoist by our own petard, provides a striking example of the exhibition’s approach
The assemblage, constructed from plastic debris collected on three Nelson Mandela Bay beaches, features a perlemoen shell at its heart - a fragile symbol of survival amid waste and the way pollution is smothering nature Dr Jacqui Lück, speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the opening, described Horizon 2055 as “philosophically exploring the present and creatively imagining the future”
She emphasised how the project demonstrates the humanities’ capacity to respond to the intertwined crises of inequality, social fragmentation and ecological collapse
“It demonstrates trans disciplinarity - the critical, reflective strength of philosophy married with the imaginative, expressive power of the arts,” she said
Professor Pamela Maseko, representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, praised the project’s egalitarian design, in which participant-researchers produce knowledge collaboratively with one another and the communities they encounter
“It reminds us that the crises of our ageclimate collapse or fluctuation, inequality, cultural fragmentation - cannot be solved in disciplinary silos They require us to think collaboratively across fields of knowledge,”
Maseko observed
She described Horizon 2055 as “a laboratory of the human spirit” and an example of research that “binds communities together whilst confronting the most difficult questions of existence and can change the world in the most profound way possible ”
A scene from ‘The Last Call of Mother GQ‘at the opening of Horizon 2055 City (E)Scapes at Bird St Gallery last week. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
At the opening of Horizon 2055, were, from left: Harsheila Riga, Professor Andrea Hurst, Professor Pamela Maseko and Dr Jaqui Lück.
Dr Gary Koekemoer created ‘Strandloper’ from waste objects collected from three Nelson Mandela Bay beaches.
this mindful option for eco-friendly families.”
How does Aquamation compare to cremation and burial? Aquamation offers several distinct advantages over traditional methods:
Environmental responsibility: Aquamation uses up to 90% less energy than flame-based cremation and produces no emissions or airborne pollutants.
Resource efficiency: The process requires a fraction of the water used in an average burial and avoids the need for land space or embalming chemicals.
Gentle and natural: By using water, Aquamation closely resembles the natural process of decomposition, making it the gentlest possible farewell.
“This launch is an important moment for AVBOB, ” says Adriaan Bester, AVBOB Executive: Funeral Products and Services. “We are proud to lead the industry in offering innovative, eco-conscious options that reflect the evolving needs and values of South African families.”
“We understand the value of evolving and moving with the times - over the past century, while embracing progress, we have had to adapt and be agile to the many facets of our business.”
Each AVBOB branch that introduces Aquamation receives specialised training and operational support to ensure the highest standards of care. The process is conducted under strict safety and regulatory guidelines, and every aspect of the service is handled with the professionalism and empathy that AVBOB has upheld for more than a century.
As awareness grows, Aquamation is expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of funeral service in South Africa.
“Our goal is to make sustainable funeral options accessible to all communities,” adds Bester “We believe that every family should have the freedom to choose a farewell that resonates with their values, both culturally and environmentally ”
www.AVBOB.co.za
FSP 20656.
Angel decorations made from books
The Christmas tree decoration project began on 1 September
TriomfPrimarycelebrates50years
TRIOMF Primary School, located in Salsoneville, Gqeberha, is marking a significant milestone this year - 50 years of providing quality education to the community
As the school celebrates this golden jubilee, it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of its staff, learners, SGB, and alumni
The school has been a cornerstone of the Salsoneville community, providing a nurturing environment for children to grow and learn Over the years, Triomf Primary School has produced many successful individuals who have gone on to make a positive impact in their respective fields
To commemorate this achievement, the school is hosting a dinner dance on November 29, 2025 This event promises to be an enjoyable evening of food, music and dancing, bringing together current and past learners, teachers, principals,
The committee members of the dinner gala, and the head prefects At the back, from left, are Joy Muller, Hermia Brower, Dr Charlotte Hendricks (principal), Shanley Jantjies, Cynthache Lottering, René September and Melissa Muller. In front are Chandler Cunningham, Zakiah Bergens, Khayde Ramsay, Shumayo Booysen, Naziah Lennon and Liam Gates. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
families and friends of the school
The dinner dance will be an opportunity to reflect on the school’s history, celebrate its achievements, and look forward to the future It’s also a chance for the community to come together and show
Voortrekkerskryhoogste toekenningvirlaerskoolleerders
Graad 7-leerders van verskeie Oos-Kaap skole het die Voortrekker Nasionale Toetskamp op Boknes bygewoon Tydens hierdie kamp word jeuglede geëvalueer op drie gebiede: leierskap, praktiese vaardighede soos kaartwerk, noodhulp, touwerk, Afrikaner geskiedenis en Voortrekker kennis Die leerders het hierdie kamp met vlieënde vaandels geslaag en het die hoogste toekenning verwerf wat ‘n laerskool jeuglid vir Voortrekkers kan ontvang, naamlik die Nasionale Voorslag toekenning Van links, (voor) Michael Bezuidenhout, George Van Niekerk (Laerskool Lorraine), Dian Boshoff (Laerskool Lorraine) en Ruan van der Merwe (Laerskool Frans Conradie) Agter is Lara Jacobs (Laerskool Sunridge), Evanthia Camarinos (Laerskool Newtonpark), Danel Boshoff (Laerskool Charlo), Karlien le Roux (Laerskool Sunridge), Katelyn O’Neil, Tiffany Botes (Laerskool Verkenner), en Melaney van Greunen (Laerskool Sonop) FOTO: VERSKAF
their support for this institution
For more info about the dinner dance and to purchase tickets and other school activities, contact Triomf Primary School directly on 041 481
CURRO Westbrook recently announced the launch of their Esports Programme, stating that they are one of the first schools in Gqeberha to introduce competitive gaming as part of their educational offering Esports (short for electronic sports) is a form of organised, competitive gaming that develops essential 21st-century skills including communication, strategic thinking, creativity and digital literacy Around the world, Esports has become a rapidly growing field, offering learners new opportunities to excel both in and out of the classroom
The launch event, held at their IT lab on 4 November, was a showcase of skill, creativity and teamwork The
Foundation Phase learners competed in Minecraft BattleBuild, where teamwork, problem-solving and design skills were put to the test
The Intermediate Phase learners battled it out in Rocket League, combining precision, strategy and fastpaced action
"We believe that learning extends beyond traditional classrooms, and Esports provides a platform for learners to explore technology, teamwork, and healthy competition in an exciting and inclusive environment," Curro Westbrook said in a statement
For more info about their Esports programme or how to get involved, contact Melissa Viljoen at melissa v01@curro co za
Benjamin Zeelie, a Grade 7 learner at Curro Westbrook. They recently launched their Esports Programme. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
COUNTRY PLACE Form JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
ELYSEE GARDENS FORM JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
The Department of Social Development Motherwell Service Office is requesting anyone with information with regards to the identity and whereabouts of the biological father of Hlomla Sofute born on 20/05/2015 to contact Social Worker: Mrs. N. Mafuze at 0414617914/15 /16 during office hours 08h00-16h30. The biological mother of child is the late Zanda Sofute.
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a c e r t i f i e d c o p y o f C E R T I F I C A T E O F REGISTERED GRANT OF L E A S E H O L D N U M B E R TL70324/1998CTN passed by THE PORT ELIZABETH MUNICIPALITY now known as NELSON MANDELA BAY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY fa of
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER NO. ST12854/ 2007CTN passed by GARY
JOHN KEEN Identity No 690621 5233 08 3, Married out of community of property and LYNN DENE KEEN, Identity No 710410 0233 08 2, Married out of community of property in favour of LESLIE SYLVERTON BARNES, Identity No 360329 5074 08 0, Married out of community of property, in respect of
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act 47, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer No ST20565/2002CTN passed by ANTHONY VICTOR PAUL LITTLE, Identity No 361210 5143 18 3, unmarried in favour of JOHN LESLIE LARSEN, Identity No 420512 5134 08 1 and DAPHNE LARSEN, Identity No 460107 0123 00 6, married in community of property to each other, and
TRACEY AUSTIN, Identity No 691230 0181 08 8, mar-
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a c e r t i f i
REGISTERED GRANT OF
TL6625/2001 passed by NELSON MANDELA BAY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY in favour of N
, Identity Number 670917 0637 08 6, Unmarried in respect of a certain ERF 17129 MOTHERWELL, in the Nelson Mandela Bay oli ipali
ERF 3624 BETHELSDORP
FORM JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act 47 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer No. T57328/1987CTN passed by THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE CITY OF PORT ELIZABETH in favour of DAVID DAVIDS, Identity No. 280319 5068 02 3 and SARAH DAVIDS, Identity No. 280219 0065 01 8, married in community of property to each other, in respect of ERF 3624 BETHELSDORP, SITUATE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE CITY OF PORT ELI-
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of transfer Number T98508/2006 passed by THE N E L S O N M A N D E L A MUNICIPALITY, in favour of MABEL CEASER, Identity Number 5908100991081,Un married, in respect of certain ERF 6252, situated in the N e l s o n M a n d e l a Municipality, Division of Port Elizabeth, Province of Eastern Cape which has been lost or destroyed. All persons having objection to
SANCTOR TWO Form JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER NO. ST2572/ 1998CTN passed by THE NELSON MANDELA BAY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY, in favour of RHONA MAUREEN SLABBERT, Identity No. 511129 0581 08 1, Unmarried , in respect of certain property described as: A Unit consisting of a) Section No. 2 as shown and more fully described on
a en Novus Media kan nie enige van die geadverteerde produkte veilig is vir gebruik ngde uitwerking of resultaat Lesers word gewaarsku om rder se getuigskrifte deeglik oorweeg en na te gaan en Novus Media aanvaar md geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die rde dienste of goedere nie.
INTHESADDLE:
Racerspreparefor NovemberStakesthisFriday
HENK STEENKAMP
THE November Stakes is not an easy race to win, and Friday’s feature on the Fairview Polytrack in Greenbushes should again be a fascinating affair
Some of the best older horses in the Eastern Cape will contest this R175,000 race over 1400m It is always an interesting race, and it can certainly produce an upset winner like last year
Passchendaele won last year’s race when the red-hot favourite, Luna Halo, could only manage fourth place
Special horses like Global Drummer, Khaya’s Hope, Celtic Fire, Chestnut’s Rocket and Ecole Militaire are amongst the past winners of the November Stakes
Two meetings took place on the Polytrack last week, and there were some significant milestones in the local trainers’ ranks
At the Wednesday meeting, the 25-year-old Dean Smith saddled his first winner, On An Impulse, as a licensed trainer
Dean took over from his late dad, Gavin, and thanked everyone for the support he received “I hope to make everyone proud,” he added
Two days later, champion trainer Alan Greeff became the first in the country to reach 50 winners this season
The season started in August and ends in July next year In cricket terms, Greeff is busy with a T20 match because he didn’t waste any time getting to his 50, way ahead of any other trainer
“It is always a good milestone to achieve at any time during the season,” Greeff said shortly after Cherry Oh Baby brought up his 50
With more than eight months in the season remaining, it looks as though it will be another spectacular one for the Greeff stable
Exciting news coming out of the Greeff yard is that the reigning East Cape Horse of the Season, My Best Shot, has been nominat-
Dean Smith.
ed to run in the prestigious Summer Cup
The R6 million race over 2000m takes place on 29 November in Johannesburg The final field of 20 runners will be named closer to the race
My Best Shot ran in the Hollywoodbets Durban July last year, but it will be his first trip to the Highveld if he takes his place in the Summer Cup
The Greeff stable knows what it takes to win outside of the Eastern Cape, and My Best Shot’s performance will be watched with great interest if he does run in the Summer Cup
PHOTO: PAULINE HERMAN
My Best Shot, who has won 11 of his 20 starts, finished second in the Eastern Cape's biggest race, the Algoa Cup, in his last start almost two weeks ago He carried a hefty 61 kilograms in that race
Racegoers should note that the popular Hear The Drums Room on the first level at Fairview is now in the care of trainer Jacques Strydom, and the place is rocking now!
There are some exciting events lined up, and Jacques has asked everyone to come and have a look at the bar specials named after racing personalities!
Teen shines with the bat for Charlo
GRADE 7 learner, Nathan van der Merwe, has delivered an exceptional batting performance for Charlo Primary School this year
His consistency and power at the crease have made him a standout performer throughout the season, producing a series of remarkable innings
Nathan's statistics speak for themselves a 100 not out off just 26 balls against Herbert Hurd Primary, a mammoth 176 not out off 66 balls against Kingswood College and further scores of 96 against Sunridge Primary, 53 against Grey B, 50 not out against Morewag Primary and most recently 52 against Woodridge College
Nathan's talent, dedication and sportsmanship have earned him well-deserved recognition as one of Charlo's top young cricketers
He will be continuing his cricket journey at Pearson High School next year and looks forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await him
Weekendsportresults
SELBY MADIKANE
Highbury FC drop to fifth place
HIGHBURY FC dropped from third place to fifth place on the log table after they succumbed 2-0 to Venda FC during their Motsepe Foundation Championship home game at NMU Campus Fields in Summerstrand on Friday
The away side took an early 1-0 lead after a Highbury player conceded a goal in the second minute
Venda FC increased their lead to 2-0 after Tshepo Mofokeng found the back of the net in the 29th minute The loss saw the Nelson Mandela Bay outfit sit in fifth place on the log table
The new league leaders, Casric Stars FC, overcame Upington City 1-0 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga Province on Friday
Milford FC shared a 0-0 draw with Gomora United FC at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Saturday
Kruger United FC, who are in third place on the log table, claimed an impressive 2-1 triumph over Leicesterford City FC at KaNyamazane Stadium on Saturday
Midlands Wanderers FC played to a 1-1 draw against the University of Pretoria at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg
Black Leopards FC went down 1-0 to the struggling Cape Town City FC at Thohoyandou on Saturday
Hungry Lions defeated The Bees FC 2-0 at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Sunday
Black Leopards FC saw themselves suffer a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Lerumo Lions at Mafori Mpahlele Stadium in Lebowakgomo on Sunday
SAFA Eastern Cape Motsepe League results
Coastal Stream: Old Grey FC 4-2 Amavarara FC Seven Stars FC 1-2 Gqeberha United FC FC Buffalo City Relatives 2-1 Komani United FC EMI FC 1-2 Maru FC Camdeboo Football Development Academy 1-0 Sundays River Valley Academy FC
Inland Stream: SA Spear of the Nation FC 2-0 Fast Eleven FC
Matta Milan 0-2 FC Ravens Sinenkani FC 1-1 Bizana Pondo City FC Bush Bucks FC 2-2 FC Battalion Amaxesibe FC 1-1 Mighty Eagles FC
Dana Spicer FC surprise Tenneco Ride Control
UNPREDICTABLE side Dana Spicer stunned Industrial Football Association (IFA)Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Sanlam Cup League champions Tenneco Ride Control SA (Pty) Ltd after they won 5-2 during their game at Dana Fields in Kariega on Saturday Dana Field 1: Tenneco Ride Control SA (Pty) Ltd suffered their first league defeat, losing 2-0 to the current log leaders Continental Tyres at Shatterprufe Struandale Grounds on 8 June
Dana Spicer is in fifth position from the bottom of the log table Nevertheless, the league champions have a game in hand that they should win to go to the top of the log table
Purem by Eberspächer won by default as Rehau failed to show up for their game at Dana Field
Dana Field 2: Fresenius Kabi lost 3-1 to Forvia Uitenhage, while Dairy Group won by default as Lumotech did not turn up for their game
Shatterprufe Struandale Grounds: Kanu, Forvia Port Elizabeth and Shatterprufe Struandale won by walkover after their opponents, Famous Brands, Borbet SA (Pty) Ltd and Key-Pak did not honour their games, respectively Despatch Rugby Stadium: The current log leaders, Continental Tyres, cemented their position at the top of the log table following their 5-3 triumph over Adient PPC Sasko claimed an impressive 3-0 victory over Aspen
Shining Stars FC earn crucial home victory
MOTHERWELL-based side, Shining Stars FC, secured a crucial 1-0 home victory against EC Celtics FC during their SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Hollywoodbets Men's Regional League Stream A game at Motherwell NU 11 Stadium on Saturday Stream A games: Stars, who are in second place on the log table, trail by a point behind Park United FC, who secured an impressive 3-1 away triumph over Stinging Bees FC at Chevrolet Stadium in New Brighton Royal Bucks FC went down 2-0 to Red Lions FC at Motherwell NU 11 Stadium Lion City FC suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Khayelitsha Stars FC at Jabavu Stadium in KwaNobuhle The game between Mr X Caders FC and Camper United FC did not take place
Stream B games: Young Aces FC shared a 1-1 draw with Highland Spurs FC at Veeplaas Astro Turf Stadium Despatch Pioneers FC played to a 1-1 draw against Red City FC at Khayamnandi Community Sports Grounds in Despatch Callies AFC drubbed Peace Makers FC 4-0 at Londt Park Grounds Madibaz Football registered their first win of the season following their hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Saints FC at NMU Second Avenue Campus Fields in Summerstrand
Major Chiefs Sports Club secured a 2-0 win over Real Celtics FC at Khayamnandi Community Grounds on Sunday
PEEFA Premier League hosts attractive games
PORT Elizabeth East Football Association (PEEFA) Premier League’s attractive games drew scores of spectators to Veeplaas Astro Turf Stadium on Saturday and Sunday
Saturday: Real Aces FC defeated Golden Stars FC 2-0 Peace Lovers FC earned a 1-0 victory against Real Lions FC Mighty Warriors FC demolished Joe Slovo-based side Hillside United
Nathan van der Merwe.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED