Educationalbirdsofprey killedinsuspecteddogattack
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
ANIMALS in Wonderland,aneducational wildlife sanctuary in Crockarts Hope,has suffered a tragic blowafter eight of its birds of prey were killed on Saturday, 7 February.
The sanctuary, which cares for hundreds of animals, suspects that dogs may have been responsible for the attack.
An emotional Jeru Greenfingers, co-owner of the sanctuary, struggledtohold back tears as she spoketothe PE Express,describing the loss as devastating
She said the birds were not only educational ambassadorsbut also belovedmembers of thesanctuary’s family.
“Our breeding pair of Harrier Hawks, who were 20 years old, two Barn Owls, aCape EagleOwl, two Hornbillsand an Augur Buzzard
were all lost,” Greenfingerssaid
Among the birds were Bailey, a12-year-old Barn Owl who was raised beside Greenfingers’ bed; Gray, a26-year-old Augur Buzzard whohad been at the sanctuary since he was ten; and Harriette, a Cape Eagle Owl who had lived at the sanctuary for 16 years
“These birds were family.They were part of our lives everyday
To losethem is something no words can describe,” she said.
The sanctuary, home to between 400 and 600 animals, including bush pigs, foxes, monkeys and meerkats,discovered the incident on Sunday morning following a stormy Saturday night.
“We didn’t hear anything because of the rain. All my cages had digging marks,but they couldn’t get into the other enclosures,” Greenfingers said.
According to Greenfingers, the birds were extensively used for
educational outreach at schools across Gqeberha, wherethey helped teach learners about wildlifeconservationand environmental awareness.
In response to the attack, the sanctuary is urgentlyseeking to raise R200,000 to predator-proof the property with reinforced fencing and enclosures, as well as to improve security.
“We are still in shock and completely devastated.These animals were not justinour care —they were family and ambassadors we loved deeply.
“Right now, we areterrified of losing more,” she said.
She appealed for public support: “If youare able to donate —no matter how small —you are helping us protect the animals that remain.”
For more information, visit https://animalsinwonderland.co.za/ support-our-sanctuary/
MetromovestocurbFootandMouthdisease
THENelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is planning to roll out ametro-wide livestockquarantine programme in an effort to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) by stray animals.
The initiative, undertaken in partnership with State VeterinaryServices, willreportedly be based at the Municipality’s animal pound in Kariega witha focus on impounding andquarantining stray livestockthat may pose arisk of spreading the disease.
Accordingtothe Municipality, straylivestockcontinue to present athreat within the metro, particularly to semi-commer-
cial and subsistence farmers whoseanimals are not keptin strictly controlled areas.
The Environmental Health Sub-Directorate, which manages the animal pound through a recently appointed service provider working alongside trained municipal animal control officers, is legally mandated to manage diseaseoutbreaks in collaboration withthe Department of Agriculture.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Director for Environmental Health, Dr Patrick Nodwele, confirmed that the programme will commence at the beginning of March.
“For us in Environmental
Health, it is critical that we move swiftly to curb any spread of the disease,”heshared “Stray livestock present aserious risk, whichiswhy it is important to implement this programme. Each and everystray animal that is impounded will undergo aquarantine period, including testing for Foot and Mouth Disease, before being handed back to itsowner.”
He added that the key objective of the programme is to protect the livestock of semi-commercial and subsistence farmers who may be particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.
ExecutiveMayor Babalwa Lobishe said the Department of
Automotivepolicyinfocusas Volkswagenmarks75yearsinSA
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
THIS year, Volkswagen GroupAfrica is celebrating 75 years of building and selling vehicles in South Africa, butthe milestone comesamid growing calls forpolicy certainty in the country’s automotivesector. Industry leadersand political partiesare urging the government to finalise key decisions related to the Automotive Industry Master Plan (SAAM 2035), warningthat delays could threaten jobs, investment and local manufacturing.
The Automotive Industry Master Plan is along-termstrategy to strengthen South Africa’sautomotive sector. It aims to boost vehicle production, increase local content, support component manufacturers, encourage exports andsafeguard employment. Clear government policyiscritical, as manufacturers rely on certaintytomake long-term investment decisionsand remain globally competitive
Head of Group CommunicationsatVolkswagen South Africa, Andile Dlamini, said the company and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to engage thegovernment through theNational Association of Automotive Manufacturersof South Africa (Naamsa).
“Volkswagen and other OEMs are continuously engaging with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition through Naamsa to address urgent industryissues, including the review and implementation of the South African automotive industry poli-
cy,” Dlamini said. He added that 2026 is alandmark year for thecompany. “2026 is an important year for Volkswagen as it celebrates 75 years of building and selling vehicles in South Africa.”
Parliamenthas also weighed in on the MasterPlan. Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, describedVolkswagen as central to South Africa’s manufacturing base.
“Volkswagen Group Africa plays acentral role in South Africa’s automotive sector.Its success demonstrates the value of the sector as an engine of industrialisationand economic participation,” Boshoffsaid, calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Trade, Industryand Competition, Parks Tau, to engage urgentlywith industrystakeholders Political parties haveechoed with similar concerns. The Freedom Front Plus warned thatcontinued policyuncertainty could drive investment to other countries, such as Egypt,India or Asia. “Failuretoalign the Automotive IndustryMasterplan 2035 with current realities accelerates de-industrialisation,undermines localisation and exposes one of South Africa’s moststrategicsectors to large-scale job losses,” the party said.
Describingthe automotivesector as acornerstone of exports, skills development and manufacturing capacity, the VF Plus urged decisive government action to restoreinvestorconfidence and protect employment.
Agriculture’s large-scale programme, whichfocuses mainly on commercialfarmers, must be strengthened at themetro level to close gaps andreducerisks
“We had to introduce aprogramme thatfocuses on decreasing the risk, as stray livestock have thepotentialto spread thedisease,” she said “With the internalexpertise we have, together with theappointed serviceproviderand the State Veterinary Services, we will stretch ourresources to cover theentire Metro.
“While it is theresponsibility of livestock owners to prevent animals from roaming,it is equally ourresponsibility as
governmenttocontrol thedisease andprotect thosevery animals,” said Lobishe.
In addition to thequarantine measures, theEnvironmental Health Sub-Directorate will launcha cluster-based communityoutreach programme from March.
According to theMunicipality, theinitiative aims to inform residentsaboutthe services offered by theanimal pound and will include additional services suchasrabies vaccinationsand animal sterilisation.
Residentswishing to report strayanimals or contact theanimal pound can call 070 709 7489 or 041 506 1743.
Bailey was oneoftwo barnowlskilled in asuspected dogattack.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
LocalNPOuseschildren’sbooktodriveenvironmentalchange
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
LOCAL environmentalist and author, Siya Ntsumpa,will distribute 500 copiesofhis children's book, The WayWeDoThings, ahead of Global Recycling Day on 18 March to promote environmental awareness among young learners in Gqeberha.
The initiative forms part of a broader environmental education campaign focused on recycling, food security and climate literacy in schools across the metro.
Ntsumpa is the founder of Giving Them Wings (GTW), a non-profit organisation he established in 2014 after volunteering in schools and witnessing firsthandthe challenges related to food security "I founded GTW in 2014 after volunteering and witnessing food security challenges in schools,"
hesaid. "Ourcountryhas awaste managementproblemwhich impactstownships and schools via illegal dumping.Iwantedtoplay arole in resolving these issues and transforming schools into environmental hubs."
DuringWorld Read Aloud Day on 4February, Ntsumpa and his team distributed 150 copies of the book to Grade6 learners at Astra Primary School.
"This is in line with our environmental programme at the school, which we have been working with for thepast four years," he shared.
Aimedatprimary school learners, The Way We Do Things introduceschildren to therecycling processand therole theycan play in protecting the environment at home andatschool.
"Through this resource, we want to see changes in behaviours which young people can advocate
for at home and at school."
He wrote the book during the COVID-19 lockdown, using his academicbackground in writing to bring the idea to life. It was later published in 2022 after sponsorship was secured for the design and printing. Sincethen, Ntsumpahas set annual distribution targets.
"Each year, we have tried to distribute aset target of copies. This year,the target is 500,"headded.
To commemorate Global Recycling Day,six of GTW's partner schools will participate in a clean-up campaign.
In the weeks leading up to the event, copies of TheWay We Do Things will be distributed to primaryschool learners as part of the organisation'senvironmental education drive.
"Our first major event thisyear is to commemorateGlobal Recycling Day.Six of our schools will
be participating in aclean-up in Motherwell," Ntsumpa shared. Environmental education is one of the corepillars of GTW's work.
"This is also relevant from the perspective of climate literacy, which Ibelieve is as important as basic literacy."
GTWadopts schools and supports them in developing food gardens and establishing recyclable collection systems.The vegetables grown areused in school feeding schemes or takenhome by learners.
Meanwhile, recyclable materials collected at schools aresold to generate asmall income to sustain the gardens, creating what Ntumpa describes as acircular economy model within theschool environment.
"Learner participation is vital as this is about skills development and knowledge sharing," he said.
Author Siya Ntsumpa distributed 150copiesofhis booktoGrade 6learners at AstraPrimarySchoolon World Read Aloud Day. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Helenvalelearnersdiscovermusic,confidenceandcreativity
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
ACOMMUNITY music programme at Helenvale Primary School is providinglearners withopportunities for structured music education, creative expression and personal development.
The initiative, which commenced in October 2025 and runs untilthe end of February, is facilitated by jazz musician and educator, CreshwellOctober, as part of his Master of Music in PerformingArts
Byimplementing the project at Helenvale, October has combined his academic studies with meaningful community development.
“I selected Helenvalebecauseitisa community wheremusic is not usually taught to children,” October said. “Some of theselearners
face challenges likegangsterism, poverty,and not havingbasic things like shoes or clothes. This programme is also not onlyabout music —it’s also about transformation.”
Theprogramme is hosted by Mojo Foundation, the arts development company founded by October,and is made possible throughthe financial support of the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and CultureCommission (ECPACC)
Through thissponsorship,the programme delivers weeklymusic theory lessons, beginner guitar training, and structured artseducation sessions. Atotal of 10 learners from Grades3 to 5wereselected to participate.
October shared that while thefocus of the programme includes foundational music skills, the broaderaim is to nurture discipline, confidence, creativity, teamwork and inclusion. “Working with these 10 learners, I
couldsee how theprogramme helpedthem become more attentiveacademically, as music becomes away to build life skills,creativity and self-belief.”
He described theproject as an entry-level music initiativedesigned to introduce children to guitar and basic music theory in a structured and supportiveenvironment
“I taught them guitar and basic music theory,but it also gave them confidence, focus and asense of achievement.These children are now more engaged,not only in music but also in their academic classes.”
The programme will concludewith acertificateaward ceremony recognising learner participation and achievement
"For me, it wasnot just teaching music; it wasabout changing lives, inspiring these kids and showing them what is possible.”
Learners at Helenvale PrimarySchoolreceived music theory lessons and beginner guitar training. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
NovaNewslaunchestheSchoolSportsZone
THEelectric atmosphere of aSaturdaymorning derby: deafening war cries echo across packed grandstands; the sea of supporters, draped in school colours, ready to back their boys and girls to the final whistle. The traditions run deeper than any trophy cabinet
School sport in South Africa isn’t justabout what happens on the field —it’s about theentire experience, theculture, the passion that splits towns in half and creates heroesovernight. From 19 February, NovaNewsisabout to revolutionisehow we celebrateitall.
NovaNews is launching TheSchoolSports Zone, adynamic,one-stop destinationdedicated entirely to school sport across South Africa. This isn’t your typical results-and-rankings coverage. This is the full package: thestories behind the scorelines, the supporterswho bring the gees,the flashesand warcries that make school sportthe most emotionally charged spectacleinthe country.
TheSchoolSportsZone willbe the authoritative destination celebrating emerging talent, preserving legendary rivalries, andbuilding thefoundationfor the future ofSouth African sport. Because every Springbok, everyProtea, everynationalrepresentative started somewhere, and that somewhere is usually aschool
fieldona Saturday morning.
NovaNewsisn’tstopping at written coverage. Accompanying the launch is The Rugby Factory, adedicated vod– and podcastthat dives deeper than ever before into the heartbeat of schoolrugby in South Africa. Thisisstorytelling with substance. Thisisabouttracking tomorrow’sSpringboksfromthe grassroots to the bigleagues, capturing the journey, the sacrifice, the rivalries, and the moments that define young athletes before the professional contracts arrive.
“School sport is at the heartofsomany communities in South Africa,” says Dustin Wetdewich, National Sports Editor of NovaNews. “With The RugbyFactory, we’re not just covering matches; we’re telling the stories of tomorrow’sSpringboks.” Wetdewich is clear —whilst rugbywill feature prominently,The School Sports Zone’s ambitionstretches across every code, every discipline, every school, making noise on the sporting landscape.
“Beyond rugby, if it has anything to do with school sport, we want to be talking about it,” Wetdewichexplains. “There aregreatstories to tellaround school sport. Supporters and schoolcommunities aren’t just engaged;they are emotionally and,inmany cases, financially invested. Small towns split in half when derby
KBtheBeaverstealsheartsatKabegaPrimary
KABEGA Primary School wasfilledwith excitement on 30 January 2026 whenthe school’slong-awaited mascot, KB the Beaver, was officially revealed to learners. The surprise unveiling broughtcheers, smilesand asense of pride as KB madehis firstappearanceamong the school community.KB’s story tells of ahardworking beaver whobelieves in perseverance, teamwork, and alwaysdoing your best —valuesthat re-
flect thespirit of Kabega Primary.Learners listened attentively as the story wasshared, quickly connecting with KB’s determination andpositive attitude.
The event was met with great enthusiasm, with learners eager to welcome KB as part of their school family.
KB theBeaver now stands as asymbol of hard work,unity and school pride at Kabega Primary.
DIARY|DAGBOEK
Gqeberha CentralMen’s Shed: Theymeetevery Monday from 10:30to12:00 at Caritas, 16 West Street,NewtonPark (between Tiger Wheel and Newton Park Spar).Amen’s shed is aspace wheremen canrelax,gettogether to talk,work together,haveacup of coffee and create friends. All ages are welcome.For moreinformation, WhatsApp Willie at071 142 3771
Genealogical Society(EastCape Branch): Afamilyhistory meeting will be heldonThursday,19February at Laubscher Park West at 14:30 for15:00 in theLolly Shtein Hall The guestspeaker will be Dwayne Currin, whowill speakon hisCurrinAncestry.ContactJohn Wilmotatjaysqh@iafrica comor1688021518,orAlanMontgomeryatamontgomery@ aerosat.co.za or 084 981 8491. PregnancyEducation: Don’t miss this eventon21February at 09:30 for10:00 at the Caritas ServiceCentreHall in West Street,NewtonPark. The theme is educated motherhood, safepregnancyandempowermentthisPregnancyEducation Week. The speakersare agynaecologist, Dr Sumaya Moosa, René Doubell Koen from Foetal Ultrasound and DrRonald Dalmacio from Pathcare. Entry is free.Bookingisessential. Contact 082 940 4200 Beach Clean-up: The Algoa BayBranchofWESSA and ZwartkopsConservancyare joining forces forabeach cleanup at BluewaterBay swimming beach on Saturday, 21 February,from09:30to11:30.Togetthere,drivingfromthecityside along the N2,takethe BluewaterBay off-rampand thenturn rightat the stop street whereitmeets withWeinronk Way. Drivestraight to the end of Weinronk Wayand intothe swimmingbeach parking area.Bagswill be supplied.Remember to bring hats, sunscreen, waterand glovesifpossible. Formore info,contactFemkeofthe ZwartkopsConservancyat079 5206401 or Tim of WESSAat082 7758816. Re-Seconds Market: Calling all collectors,treasurehunters and those looking forunique items to the Walmer Town Hall in MainRoad,Walmer,onSunday,22 February,from09:00 to 14:00.Therewill be thriftclothing,toys,Tupperware,jewellery pettreats,hairaccessories,homedécorandvintageitems,as
well as food and coffee.Entry to the public is free.For more info,contactat083 5885823 or theresecondsmarket@ gmail.com.
U3APE: Areyou looking forastimulating morning out? Join U3APEonTuesday,24February at 09:45 for10:00 at the Eastern Province Child& YouthCareCentre. The entrance is in ConynghamRoad, Glendinningvale.Tom Horn,the EC Regional Brigade President and National Director of Ceremonies forthe Order of St John in SA,will speak about“TheOrder of St John”then andnow.Jointhem afterthe meeting fortea/ coffee andcakeatConyngham Coffee Shop foryourown pocket.For more info, contactLynda at 041364 3038 or 082 4213967.Visit www.u3ape.co.za
ThriftGQ Preloved Clothing Market: The market will be heldatMill Park Bowling Club in CollegeDrive, Mill Park,on Saturday,28February,from09:00 to 13:00.A huge selection ofqualityprelovedclothingwillbeavailableataffordableprices.Contact082 8577563.
RELIGIOUS:
CityLightsChurch:Afamily-style,Bible-basedchurch,affiliated with theAdvancegroup of churches.We areall under a lotofstressand pressureaswegoabout our days.Taketime outandjoinusforatimeofrefreshing.WemeeteverySunday at 09:30 at The EP Badminton Hall at theend of Alan Drive in Walmer Downs.WhatsApp Dave at 084 999 9197for more info.
Hi’sPlaceDevelopingCentre:Achurchandhealingservice is heldevery Sundaymorning at 09:00.All arewelcome.Directions:DrivefromGqeberha on OldCape Road,1.6 km past theWedgewoodGolfCourseentrance,andenterthroughthe gate ofSovereign Foodsonthe right-hand side of theroad. Formoreinfo, contactPastorChristo Campher at 082 515 2294.
Send your Diary entries to peexpress@novusmedia.co za.The deadline is Thursday at 16:00.Entriesmay be in EnglishorAfrikaans
weekendscome around. Heroes are born, and superstars aremade. All thismakes for amazing storytelling.”
What sets The School Sports Zone apart is its understanding thatschool sport is never just about the athletes. It’s about the supporters who travel hours to scream themselves hoarse. It’s about the flashes choreographed with military precision. It’s about the school chants passed down through generations.It’sabout the communities that liveand breathe every result.
NovaNewsischanging the game by reporting beyond the scoreboard, capturing the atmosphere, the emotion, and the culturethat makes school sport uniquely South African.
The stage is set.The whistle is about to blow. From19February, The School Sports Zone becomes the home of everything that makes school sport unforgettable.
Schoolsare invited to send all theirsport news to dustin@novusmedia.co.za.
FindTheSchoolSportsZone: Website:https://novanews.co.za/
FollowTheRugbyFactory: TikTok:@therugbyfactoryza
X:RugbyFactory_sa
Instagram:therugbyfactory_sa Facebook:TheRugbyFactory
CMRP.E is requesting anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Johannes Carel De Lange, the alleged father of afemale child born on 30/11/2014 to contact thesocial worker, Mrs MórayGouws during o/hon041 484 3554. Thebiological mother is Teresa Lochner.
Family Restoration Services, Motherwell Port Elizabethis requesting anyonewith information with regards to the biological father of agirlchild born on 2008/07/20. The biologicalmotherofthe child concerned, Ms Cikizwa NancyGeleba, is deceased.Ifyou have anyinformation please contact SocialWorker at Family Restoration Services (078 1180736) during office hours (08h00-16h00)
TheAFM Executive WelfareCouncil is looking for Ongeziwe Funde,the father of a babygirl, born in Gqeberha on 21 December 2025 Anyone with details pertainingtothe whereaboutsofthe father or extended family pleasecontact the social worker Denise Douglas-Henry at 083 2875 325with regards to the adoption of the child
ALLFRIDGES, w/machines workingor not, bestprices. Barry 084447 4633
LOSTORDESTROYED DEED Notice is herebygiven in terms of Regulation 68 of theDeeds RegistriesAct, 1937,ofthe intention to applyfor theissueofa certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER NUMBER T13948 /1982CTN passed by MICHAEL ERIC HODGES, BORNON22FEBRUARY 1935 in favour of FRANCIS ANTHONYSOKOLICH,BORN ON 1STAPRIL 1944 in respect of certain 1.ERF1953NORTH END IN THENELSONMANDELA BAY ME TROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY,DIVISION OF PORT ELIZABETH, PROVINCEOFTHE EASTERN CAPEINEXTENT: 206(TWO HUNDRED ANDSIX ) SQUARE METRESHELDBY DEED OF TRANSFER NUMBER T13948/1982CTN 2.REMAININGEXTENT OF ERF1952NORTH END IN THENELSONMANDELA BAY ME TROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY,DIVISION OF PORT ELIZABETH, PROVINCEOFTHE EASTERN CAPE IN EXTENT: 174(ONE HUNDRED ANDSEVENTY FOUR) SQUARE METRES HELDBYDEED OF TRANSFER NUMBER T13948 /1982CTN whichhas been lostordestroyed. Allpersonhavingobjection to theissueofsuchcopy are herebyrequired to lodgethe same in writingwiththe REGISTRAROFDEEDS: EASTERNCAPEatQONCE within two weeks afterthe date of thepublication of this notice.
DATEDatPORTELIZABETH on 31 JANUARY2026 SCHAEFER ATTORNEYS 182CAPEROAD, MILLPARK, PORT ELIZABETH,6057 debbie@schaeferattorneys.co.za 0413730186
3075
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 acertified copy of Deed of Transfer Number TL11757/2012CTN passed by The Master's Representative in terms of Section 18(3) of theAdministration of EstatesAct No. 66 of 1965 in the Estate of the late Monde Maurice Mpondo, Estate Number 5580/2011 in fa vo ur of MI RI AM NOMBULELO MPONDO, Identity Number 450820
0444 08 9, Unmarried in respect of certain ERF 2322 KWADWESI which has been lost or destroyed.
All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby requiredtolodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deed at Eastern Cape: Qonce within two weeks from the date of publication of this notice
Dated at PORT ELIZABETHthis 3rd dayofFEBRUARY 2026.
Applicant: Executorinthe Estate late
MIRIAM N OMBULE LO MPONDO, Estate Number 7104/2023 c/o Brown Braude and VlokInc, 317 Cape Road, NewtonPark, Port Elizabeth, 6045 yvette@bbvza.com 041 3653668
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms ofRegulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, ofthe intention to apply for the issue ofa certified copy of Deedof Transfer Number TL935 /1990PECTN passed by MATOBIMINA MALI, Identity Number 250328 0125 08 0, Unmarried to BANZI VINCENT HORATIUS MALI Identity Number 590927 5897087, Unmarried, in respectofERF 9199IBHAYI, IN THE NELSONMANDELA BAY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY AND DIVISION OF PORTELIZABETH,THE PROVINCEOFTHE EASTERN CAPE,whichhas been lostor destroyed.
All persons having objection to the issue ofsuch copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the RegistrarofDeeds: Eastern Cape atQonce withintwo weeks fromthe date ofthe publicationofthis notice.
Dated atPORTELIZABETH this day 12th February2026
Applicant: Penxa &Associates 19 Somerset Street Richmond Hill Port Elizabeth nandi@penxalaw.co.za 041 4674431
Everydream deservesto fly.
AtReachForAD ream ,w e’ve spent36 yearsturning thedream sofchildren facing life-threatening illnessesinto reality,helping 6young dreamers each daysee theirdream stake fl ight,no mattertheobstacles
Donate todaytohelpusm ake more dreamscome true Scan Me
Followusonsocialm edia andw itness thepow er of dreams in fl ight
INTHESADDLE:HENKSTEENKAMP
AnotherTripleCrownwinneratFairview?
MY Best Shot,trained by championAlan Greeff, became the first horse to winall three legs of the East Cape Sophomore Challengelast season
This season’sChallenge for three-year-old horses starts this coming Friday at the Fairview Turf track in Greenbushes, when the R175,000 Ibhayi Stakes over 1400m is the main event.
It is going to be very tough to follow in the hoofs of My Best Shot, who also wentontowin the Guineasover 1600mand theDerby over 2400m, allwith top jockey Richard Fourie in thesaddle.
Greeff and Fourie will set their sights on a third consecutive victoryinthe IbhayiStakes. FairyKnightwas thewinnerin2024.
Othertop horses who havewon this race in the past include famous names like Global Drummer and BlazeofFire. It hasalwaysbeen oneofthe favourite races on the EasternCape calendar.The otherfeature race on Fridayis theR150,000 Lady’s Pendant. The fillies and mares willfight it out for victory over 1200m. Greeff has an even better recent recordin this race. He will be aimingtomake it afourth victory in arow. With these two racesasthe highlightonthe card of eight races, andWesternCapevisitorsinvolved,itiscertainlya meeting of interest. Astrong Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m is another contest not to bemissed. Localracingfans are also looking forwardto the meeting on 28 December whenthe R200,000
SpoilYourselfand jockey ChadLittle are welcomedtothe winners’ enclosurebythe Jacques StrydomRacingTeam.
Breeders Guineas for three-year-old fillies will take place. There is apossibility of seeing the top Greefffilly Anotherdanceforme in action. She is one of 16 fillies nominated to run in the race. The fieldwill be known on Monday LastFriday’s meeting was supposed to be on theturftrack, but wasswitched to the poly surface afterthe welcome rain.
Threetrainers —Greeff, Dean Smith and Jacques Strydom—all saddled adouble, but it was Strydom who stole the show.
Hisstable was on fire with two winners, two second placingsand athird and fourth In the process, Strydombecame the sixth trainer to pass 20 winners at Fairview this season.
Greeffhas been dominating the season with 83 winners, with Kelly Mitchley second on the log with 34 winners. Smith is up to 31 winners, having taken over the stable from hisfather Gavin,who passed away in Octoberlast year after saddling 26 winners.Strydom and Juan Nelare now both on 21 winners for the season. That is ahuge improvement for thesetwo stablesfromlast season,when Nel saddled21winnersand Strydom nine.
Weekendsportnews,results,upcomingfixtures
SELBY MADIKANE
Melikhaya Frans scores bigatSportand RecreationExcellenceAwards
NELSON Mandela Bay andIkhamva Athletics star road runner, Melikhaya Frans, was voted Sports Star of the Year during the 2025 Eastern CapeSportsand Recreation Excellence Awards function held at Wild Coast Sun in Mbizana on Saturday Frans, who was the winner of the Philadelphia Marathon and various other races, beat athletes like Siyabulela Hem,aBuffaloCity boxer who won sportsman of the year on the night, andNelson Mandela Bay powerlifting champion Elisabeth Barry, who was voted sportswoman of the year. Fransreceived the major award in the form of aVWvehicle, courtesy of Joma Sport South Africa. Frans, who could not attend the function owingto his sporting responsibilities, communicated with the attendees virtually.
Frans said, “The award means hard work pays off. We havebeen working very hard with my cluband my coach, Mike Mbambani, during the 2025 season. We are preparing internationally for the new season, and this accolade is aconfidence booster for me to do more this year.”
PE Express correspondent, Selby Madikane, wasnarrowly beaten by Daily Dispatch pho-
tographer, Alan Eason, and Daily Dispatch sportsjournalist, Anathi Hulushe, for the journalistofthe year award. In the radiopresenter of the year category, BuffaloCity’s Bob Norris beat Umhlobo Wenene’s Ongeziwe Mjana.
ShiningStarsFCearnback-to-backwinsinZWIFA
Premiership ZWIDE FootballAssociation (ZWIFA)hosted exciting games at Young Romans and Gal City Grounds on Saturday and Sunday PremierLeague,YoungRomansGrounds: Shining Stars FC secured acommanding 4-1 victory over Gal City on Saturday. Alaska FC were awarded default points over Sophakama FC as they did not turnupfor their game. Real Crusaders FC secured a3-2 victory over Duka Cosmos FC. Sophakama FC lost 4-0 to StrikersUnited FC,while Major Chiefs SportsClub defeated Zwide Pirates FC 1-0 on Sunday.
FirstDivision, Gal CityGrounds: Young Killers FC secured a3-1 victoryoverEverton FC. Black Stars FC drew1-1 with Real Crusaders FC, while Zwide Celtics lost 1-0toMighty Heroes FC. Shining StarsFCB defeated Kuyasa United Brothers FC B5-0, while Real Rovers FC won by default over Garvey United FC. Young Brothers won by default as Amadamara FC Bfailed to show up for the game. Young Romans FC played to agoalless draw
against Alaska FC.
AtlanticAcesAthleticsClubtoholdcommunitydevelopmentathleticsmeeting
ALL roadswill leadtoGelvandale Stadium when Atlantic Aces Athletic Club holds its community development athletics meeting on 4March.
According to chairperson Derrick Hoshe, the aim of the programme is to revive and bring back athletics to the community. Hoshe stated that entry is freefor all.
“We call upon our friendsand families across Nelson Mandela Bay and beyond to support our efforts to bring back athletics to our community.Entry is free forathletes and spectators. We start the programme at 15:00. and finish at 19:00.”
One of the events that will steal the show will be the 4×100m relay at theend of the programme. Children aged 14 to 17 areurged to take part, as the programme is meant for development. Hoshe stated that some schools have alreadyconfirmed that they would participate in the programme.
Hoshe said that their club had no sponsorship, but that did not deter them from running the tournament in theirquest to promote track and field athletics, especially amongst disadvantaged communities. Entrieswill close on 28 February, or entries can be sent to Der-
rickhoshe@gmail.com. Additionally, interested clubs, schools and individuals can contact Hoshe at 083 338 6562.
Hundredsofspectatorswatch MOFAUnity Cup games FOLLOWING four yearsoffootball disunity, Motherwell Football Association (MOFA) hosted their Unity Cup at Motherwell NU 9and Motherwell NU 11 Stadiums on Saturday. Previously, there were two separate entities: MOFA under SAFA NMBand MOFA Non-SAFA NMB.
MotherwellNU9: Ingwe Stars FC went down 1-0 to the formidable and youthful Manchester United FC. Motherwell Envoys FC won 5-4 on penalties over FC Angels after their goalless draw. Motherwell School of Excellence FC claimed ahard-fought 3-2 victoryover Dema Development FC. Royal United FC lost 1-0 to Gqeberha United FC. Wells United FC got the better of Seven Sundowns Sports Club in their 2-0 victory.
MotherwellNU11Stadium: Liverpool FC went down 5-4 on penalties to Young Ideas FC following their 2-2 full-time draw. ElevenStars FC lost3-1 to PUBSFC. Motherwell United FC advanced to the quarterfinals following their 5-4 penalty victoryover ValenciaFCafter their 1-1 draw. Camper United FC overcame Young Ideas FC 1-0.
PHOTO: PAULINE HERMAN