Responsibleownershipkeytopreventingdogattacks
SHANTI JAFTA
FOLLOWING a severe pitbull attack that left a toddler in intensive care last week, the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) has responded to growing public concerns about pitbull ownership and safety measures
SAPS spokesperson, Captain André Beetge, stated that a male child of one-and-a-half years old was bitten on his face by his family’s dog, a pitbull breed, on Monday, 24 November at a house in Schauderville “No formal case has been opened with SAPS Gelvandale regarding the incident ”
The incident, involving a male pitbull cross with known food aggression issues, resulted in two dogs being removed from the property and euthanised due to poor living conditions that the AACL describes as “psychologically harmful to the animals ”
As communities grapple with questions about breed-specific legislation and public safety, the AACL emphasised that responsible ownership, proper training, and adequate living conditions, rather than breed discrimination, are key to preventing such tragic incidents The organisation has addressed critical questions about pitbull management, warning signs owners should watch for, and the steps needed to ensure both public safety and animal welfare
The child has since been taken to the hospital for surgery and is in a stable condition
Speaking to PE Express, Animal Anti-Cruelty League PE manager, Karien van Schalkwyk, shared their report of the incident “It is our understanding that the male pitbull cross dog was known to have had food aggression issues This may have been the trigger for the attack on the child, as there was food involved ”
When asked what would happen to the dog now that it had attacked someone, van Schalkwyk said the male pitbull cross dog that attacked the child, plus one other female cross pitbull, were both removed from the Schauderville property and put down
“The male pitbull cross was the attacker and has a trigger - he would never be able to be rehomed The female pitbull cross dog was in a pitiful state and had been used for breeding and was on heat ”
She added that the living conditions of both dogs were poor and not suitable for large dogs or power breeds “The confined space where, especially, the male dog was mostly kept, was very small and definitely caused stress and psychological harm to the dog He snapped, and unfortunately, both the child and the dogs were victims of poor decisions made by adults ”
The AACL shared their stance on calls to limit the pitbull population through mandatory sterilisation: “Mandatory sterilisation should be applicable to all breeds Countrywide, we have an overpopulation of dogs and cats, and we put down more than we can rehome We would like to see compulsory sterilisation of all breeds
“All pet owners should research the breed and the breed’s specific needs before they consider getting such a breed Too many people are completely ignorant of what their specific dog breed needs Do your research ”
She added that owners should avoid high-energy dogs if they are not willing to walk and exercise the dog “Do not get a puppy if you do not have the patience to house-train a dog Do not get a power breed if you do not understand the breed and its needs ”
Any dog on a chain or in a small, confined space is a ticking time bomb, she said, as the dog is being harmed psychologically
The organisation believes that dogs should be part of the family rather than being isolated or made aggressive for ‘security purposes ’
Van Schalkwyk said, “A dog is not a security guard, but part of the family If your property is not suitable to keep a power breed, then don’t get one Get a small dog It is always best to adopt through organisations as staff members can pair the right dog with the needs of the household ”
When asked about the temperament of the breed, she said that DNA research is currently being conducted by the Pitbull Federation of South Africa to test whether bloodlines, especially crossbreeds or inbreeding where siblings mate with siblings, have anything to do with attacks
“Poor living conditions, poor socialisation and training are important for pets Additionally, what is understood as training - some youngsters think beating a dog is the answer, and they have no idea how to work with their dogs using positive reinforcement methods to correct bad behaviour ”
Regarding what warning signs pitbull owners should watch for, and what proper training these dogs should receive, she explained: “Pitbull owners should socialise and make the dogs family members from a young age Family members should also know how to interact with the dogs in a respectful manner For instance, children should not be allowed near a dog that is eating, especially if the dog is known to be food aggressive Family members should also not tease a dog or pull its tail ”
Van Schalkwyk added that some dogs can also be triggered by screaming children “I also believe that loud thumping bass music causes a lot of stress in dogs, seeing that their hearing is far more sensitive than ours ”
If residents know of a dangerous pitbull in their neighbourhood, the NMBM animal control unit must be contacted as they investigate these matters “Every case must be dealt with on its own merits Just because it is a pitbull, it does not automatically make the dog aggressive,” she said “Dogs must be seen as individuals There are very placid, well-socialised family pitbulls out there There are also other breeds that bite It is, however, true that when pitbulls bite, the damage and wounds are often very severe ” When asked what precautions current pitbull owners should take to ensure public safety, she said: “Do not isolate your dog or keep it chained or confined in a small space Chaining and confinement are unlawful and in contravention of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 Owners wrongfully believe they are keeping humans safe from the dog, but they are psychologically harming the dog and creating a ticking time bomb ”
Van Schalkwyk added that the dog experiences stress, boredom and frustration, a lack of exercise and a lack of opportunity to express natural behaviour The AACL does not believe SA needs stronger legislation for potentially dangerous dog breeds like the pitbull, as they believe breed discrimination is not the answer “Responsible dog ownership is the answer ” She added that not everyone who wants to own a pitbull should have one “Often, youngsters think it is a status symbol to own one They take these dogs home, and not all family members approve of the dog breed - the result is that the dog is chained up in the yard “We have criminal legislation that deals with any injury or harm to a person as a result of an animal owing to an animal owner’s negligencethe Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993,” van Schalkwyk concluded
JapanesegiantIsuzuinvestsR760minnewmanufacturingplant
A GROUNDBREAKING R760 million manufacturing plant opened its doors in Gqeberha on Thursday, 27 November, as Japanese automotive giant Isuzu unveiled its new VSL
infrastructure “Today, our automotive industry stands as a model demonstrating how global partnerships and local economies can advance togeth-
nical and engineering skills development programmes, as well as a reduced energy and waste footprint
BaycommunitiesrallyagainstGenderBasedViolence
THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) officially launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign for No Violence against Women and Children in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), calling on residents to unite in the fight against GBVF
The international campaign, which runs annually from 25 November to 10 December, was launched with a community march and dialogue session at the George Botha community hall in KwaNoxolo on Monday, 24 November
This year’s theme focuses on ending digital violence against women and girls
The MMC for Safety and Security, Luyanda Lawu, Ward 38 Councillor Mphumzi
Momo and GCIS representative Zukiswa Mqumbisa led the programme, emphasising the need for community and law enforcement collaboration
“The internationally recognised anti-GBV campaign is themed ‘Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls’, and the Safety and Security directorate is ready to support,” said Lawu
“We urge communities to join this fight against GBV ”
Urgent challenges highlighted
During the dialogue session, key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Social Development, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Thuthuzela Care Centre addressed resi-
dents about available support services Police Brigadier Mzwabantu Jada painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the Bethelsdorp area: “Our area has a high murder rate, high GBV cases and severe drug abuse,” he shared “As SAPS, we patrol regularly, but we cannot fight this battle alone We need our communities to stand with us ”
Meanwhile, Wandiswa Shwaye, a Victim Assistant Officer from the Thuthuzela Care Centre, stressed the importance of immediate reporting in sexual assault cases: “Report rape immediately so healthcare workers can collect evidence and assist with medication We are here to support survivors, and we are authorised to open cases for minors in rape-related matters ”
Support services available
The Department of Social Development outlined its Victim Empowerment Programme, which collaborates with schools, NGOs and community groups
“For children, the root cause of trauma often starts at home We all need to be mindful of how we handle conflict,” a representative shared “Our White Door Centres of Hope in local communities are open to assist anyone affected by violence ”
Temba Gola from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development encouraged early intervention: “We can assist with protection orders in cases of harassment We urge people to come forward and speak out ”
Call for united action
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s words: “As long as gender-based violence and femicide continue, no society can truly thrive ”
“These words ring painfully true in Nelson Mandela Bay, where too many women and children still live with fear and silence,” Lobishe said “GBVF is not distant
day,
it lives in our homes, streets and institutions, and it demands bold action from every one of us ” She shared the municipality’s commitment to strengthening partnerships: “As the Municipality, we are strengthening our work with SAPS, community safety partners, social workers, NGOs, faithbased groups and safe houses to ensure survivors are protected with dignity and supported when they speak out ”
However, Mayor Lobishe stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient: “We need a united city parents, neighbours, colleagues, teachers, especially men and boys to challenge harmful behaviour, speak out and help build a culture of respect, empathy and accountability ” The 16 Days of Activism campaign will continue until 10 December
The 16 Days of Activism campaign was launched with a community march and dialogue on Mon-
24 November.
The international campaign was launched with a community march and dialogue session at the George Botha community hall in KwaNoxolo on Monday, 24 November. PHOTOS: GCIS
NovusMediabreiuitmetnuweweeklikse Afrikaansekoerant,‘DiePapier’
NOVUS Media, ’n afdeling van die JSE-genoteerde Novus Holdings, het vandag die bekendstelling van Die Papier aangekondig: ’n weeklikse, Afrikaanse koerant wat van 6 Maart 2026 af sal verskyn
Hierdie strategiese uitbreiding versterk Novus Media se posisie in die drukmedia-mark, waar dit voortgaan om titels te bekom en te bou wat waarde aan teikengehore bied
Oor 'Die Papier'
Die Papier sal elke Vrydag in druk- en ook digitale formaat gepubliseer word, en sal omvattende dekking bied van die week se nuus en die naweek se gebeure, asook gemeenskapstories, sake-ontwikkelings, sport, kultuur en leefstylinhoud wat spesifiek vir Afrikaanssprekende lesers oor Suid-Afrika heen van belang is
André van der Veen, HUB van Novus Holdings, sê dat die geleentheid om gedrukte publikasies in gefokusde markte te ontwikkel en te ondersteun
steeds aantreklik bly, maar wys daarop dat dit ’n nuwe manier van werk en ’n gedetailleerde fokus op lesersbehoeftes vereis
“Die span by Novus Media is opgewonde om Die Papier bekend te stel en sal ons druk- en digitale kundigheid kombineer om daaglikse digitale nuus saam met ’n weeklikse koerant te lewer Vir baie Afrikaanse lesers is daar ’n sterk begeerte om nuus in ’n koerantformaat te lees, en ons is vol vertroue dat die Afrikaanse gemeenskap Die Papier sal ondersteun onder die leierskap van Esmé Smit en Barnard Beukman ”
“Die Papier is betekenisvol in ons evolusie aangesien dit ons eerste nasionale nuuspublikasie is,” sê Esmé Smit, direkteur van Novus Media
“Ons het die geleentheid in die mark opgemerk vir gehalte- Afri-
kaanse joernalistiek wat werklik nasionaal met gemeenskappe in druk- én digitale formaat skakel Hirdie publikasie sal die ryke tradisie van Afrikaanse media eer terwyl dit moderne tegnieke en digitale vernuwing omhels Die bekendstelling van Die Papier spreek die groeiende vraag na gehalte- Afrikaanse inhoud aan Met meer as 7 miljoen Afrikaanssprekendes in Suid-Afrika, beoog die publikasie om as ’n belangrike skakel tussen lesers en hul gemeenskap te dien ”
Barnard Beukman, wat as die eerste redakteur aangestel is, voeg by: “Die besluit om ’n nuwe koerant te begin verteenwoordig ’n historiese oomblik Dit spreek Afrikaanse lesers se volgehoue behoefte aan, ook as Suid-Afrikaners, soos beskryf deur Arthur Miller, ’n Amerikaanse skrywer: "’n Goeie koerant is ’n nasie in
gesprek met homself "
Volgens Beukman sal Die Papier se unieke kenmerk in die Afrikaanse media-aanbod gehalte-joernalistiek wees, eerder as blote verslaggewing
“Ons gaan die nuwe tuiste saam met lesers vorm, want kwessies waarin hulle belangstel en wat hulle interesseer gaan sentraal staan Jonger lesers gaan ook tuis voel, want ons gaan die gapings oorbrug na belangstellings en formate wat hulle tans net op sosiale media kan ervaar Ek wil vra dat die Afrikaanse gemeenskap die koerant van die eerste dag af ondersteun en ons help om dit as ’n spieël van hul wêreld te vestig ”
Oor Novus Media
Gestig in 2024, het Novus Media, ’n afdeling van Novus Holdings, homself gevestig as ’n multimedia-organisasie wat diverse gemeenskappe oor Suid-Afrika heen bedien Tans publiseer die maatskappy 21 gemeenskapskoerante oor Suid-Afrika heen, Rooi Rose, Soccer Laduma en Kick Off-tydskrif,
TavcorMotorGroupcelebrates75years
THE Tavcor Motor Group proudly celebrates 75 years of service, innovation, and community connection.
A special milestone that celebrates the legacy of a third-generation, family-managed, professionally run business and one of South Africa’s most respected automotive groups.
Founded in 1950 as Embassy Motors in North End, the business began as a small dealership built on principles of integrity, personal service, and trust.
As the company expanded, Embassy Motors evolved into Tavcor Motor Group, growing its footprint, embracing innovation, and nurturing the values that continue to define it today
Tavcor is also proud to be Volkswagen Group Africa’s oldest Volkswagen dealership
This enduring partnership stands as a testament to decades of consistent performance, customer loyalty, and industry leadership.
Over the years, Tavcor has broadened its range, representing a strong portfolio of leading automotive brands including Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial, Audi, Suzuki, Renault, BAIC, JAC, MG, and Jetour
The group has also been recognised for its forward-thinking approach, earning sustainability awards that celebrate its commitment to environmental responsibility and greener business practices.
Through every evolution, Tavcor’s focus has remained steadfast: delivering trusted mobility solutions while building genuine, long-standing relationships with customers, employees, and communities
Alan Taverner, Chairperson of Tavcor Motor Group, reflected on the milestone:
“Seventy-five years is a profound achievement one that pays tribute to the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our people.
“From our beginnings as Embassy Motors to becoming Tavcor Motor Group, our purpose has remained unchanged: to serve with integrity, to innovate with intention, and to build genuine connections with our community. This anniversary belongs to every customer, every staff member, and every partner who has walked this journey with us. We look forward to the road ahead ”
Garrick Bowker, CEO of Tavcor Motor Group, shared insight
into what makes Tavcor a favourite among both employees and customers: “What sets Tavcor apart is our culture a culture built on trust, transparency and genuine care. Our people bring heart and expertise to everything they do, and
our customers feel that. We create spaces where employees can grow, where customers feel heard, and where excellence is not a goal, but a daily practice. That’s why people choose Tavcor.”
As Tavcor looks ahead, the group remains committed to driving prog-
tesame met veelvuldige hoë-verkeer- digitale platforms, almal verbind tot die lewering van gehalte-joernalistiek
Vooruitsig
Die bekendstelling van Die Papier is deel van Novus Media se breër strategie om sy reikwydte uit te brei en gemeenskapsverbintenisse te verdiep
Die maatskappy sal sinergieë tussen sy bestaande publikasies en die nuwe Afrikaanse weekblad benut om ’n mediaplatform vir handelsmerkeienaars te skep om met die Afrikaanse gemeenskap te skakel en verbeterde inhoud aan lesers te bied
“Die dag 6 Maart 2026 sal die begin van ’n opwindende nuwe hoofstuk wees,” voeg Smit by “Ons belê in gemeenskapstories en ingeligte burgerskap, terwyl ons brûe oor Suid-Afrika se diverse landskap heen bou In vandag se wêreld dra plaaslike joernalistiek by tot demokratiese diskoers – en dit is presies wat Die Papier sal wees ”
ress through sustainability, innovation, and continued investment in its people and communities
For 75 years, Tavcor has upheld the promise of Great Cars, Great People and the next chapter promises to be its most ambitious yet.
Garrick Bowker (CEO), Alan Taverner (Chairperson) and Megan Stow (Director) from Tavcor Motor Group celebrate 75 Years of Great Cars, Great People. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Learnersturn100binsintoworksofart
PATERSON High School joined forces with paint manufacturer, Axalta Plascon, in an innovative project aimed at combating the growing problem of littering in local communities
The initiative, launched in September, saw Axalta provide 100 steel waste bins to the school, challenging learners to transform them through creative artwork over a two-month period
As part of the project’s culmination, the decorated bins were presented to a panel of judges last week
Pricilla Weitz from Axalta described the judging process as “incredibly tough” due to the unique nature of each creation
“Each bin was different, meaning each child could express their uniqueness,” she shared The company plans to distribute the finished bins throughout local communities, placing them at schools, churches, and businesses to encourage proper waste disposal whilst tackling the
littering problem
The project proved rewarding for all participants, with every learner who completed a bin receiving a Greenacres shopping voucher
However, the highlight of the event was the announcement of substantial bursary awards totalling R45,000
Three matriculants - Darrel Jansen, Luciaan Plaatjies and Gwiba Matanzimawere selected as overall winners, each receiving a R15,000 bursary to pursue their chosen field of study:
Principal Rose De Doncker acknowledged the challenging nature of the judging process but expressed delight at seeing the project come to fruition
She explained that whilst the prizes were significant, the initiative’s true value lay in creating lasting memories for learners experiences that would serve as ongoing reminders to maintain clean communities
The anti-littering
Arthur’sChristmasWonderlandisbackagain
IT’S been a highlight on the festive season calendar since its launch in 2001, and this year is no different
This weekend will be the first open day of the annual Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland
For those who have never visited the Wonderland, here’s how it works: Arthur Muller and Darrelle Lee-Muller have thousands of Christmas decorations they’ve accumulated over the years, and each year they decorate their home from top to bottom, alternating decorations to give Wonderland visitors something different to look forward to Many of the decorations are one-of-a-kind, come from various other countries or have been hand-crafted or hand-painted by Arthur and Darrelle
Entry to view the Wonderland is R20, and proceeds are donated to a charity This year’s beneficiary is Aurora Special Care Centre PE Express asked Arthur a few questions to catch up and get more information about Wonderland and what can be expected this year
What was your inspiration for starting Arthur’s ChristmasWonderland?
My father was a huge Christmas fanatic hence the in-
spiration from an early age Family and friends always go together at my parents’home
WhatmadeyouchooseAuroraSpecialCareCentre asthisyear’sbeneficiary?
madeyouchooseAuroraSpecialCareCentre
The year 2024 was a tumultuous year health-wise After being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, I was eventually discharged from hospital to Aurora Rehabilitation Hospital (Gqeberha)
GBS (Guillain-Barré syndrome) is a very rare neurological condition As Aurora Rehabilitation Hospital changed my condition to a manageable one this is to acknowledge their rare compassion and incredible Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist (OT) teams
Whatisthisyear’ssignaturetree?
New Beginnings, stylishly decorated in beautiful Christmas flowers,etc
Describeyourfavouriteofallyourdecorations?
Our international Christmas garland, which spectacularly displays our special collection of Christmas treasures from our travelling and from dear friends
Can you give us a hint about what else there will be toseeatthisyear'sWonderland?
This year, due to my current recovery, it is on a slightly smaller scale, but with many little projects that I am so proud of considering my limitations
What are you most looking forward to this festive season?
To be with our loved ones who also celebrate our reason for life and gratitude
Isthereamessageyou’dliketosendtoourreaders?
Please consider donating to Aurora Special Care Centre
Always remember to appreciate what you have and acknowledge how privileged we are to have a Saviour
The underprivileged would enormously appreciate your assistance, as this is an NPO, they too deserve a quality of life
Arthursendshisthankyous
To Blessing, my carer, and Yolande Geel, without your hard work and support this would have been almost impossible
Thank you, PE Express, for all your loyal support for Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland
Last but not least I want to thank my spouse Darrelle Lee-Muller, for all your support, encouragement and love
during my 75 months in hospital, and for my recovery thus far I’m saying thank you with tears running down my cheeks; you are my all
thur Muller’s Christmas decora 2 Meyer Street in
Don’t miss the chance to see A thur Muller’s Christmas decora at 2 Esau Meyer Street in Salisbury Park Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland will be open on 6 December and 13 December from 14:00 to 17:00
and
and for
Entry is R20, in aid of Aurora Special Care Centre
When coming down Bufelsfontein Road, turn right o 28th Avenue by Mount sant Superspar, then take ond street into Esau Meyer Street
rora Care felsfontein Road, right nto Avenue Mount easant econd street into Esau Street
For more information, contact Arthur at 082 565 4216 or visit Arthur’s Christmas Wonderland on Facebook and Instagram
CallingallrunnerstosupportannualRunforToys
THE Achilles Athletic Association is set and ready to go for the return of the annual Run for Toys on 9 December
The community is invited to join a festive run in support of three local charities: The Sanctuary Old Age Home, Animal Welfare Society and The Kids of Tomorrow NPO
Runners will wind through the scenic Little Walmer Golf Club course and spread holiday cheer while collecting much-needed donations for the beneficiaries
Participants are encouraged to bring along an item of clothing, pet food, a toy, or a non-per-
The event will kick off at Walmer Golf Club, 79 River Road, at 17:45 and welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels
ishable food item as their entry fee Every contribution will go directly to the organisations serving vulnerable groups in the metro Refreshments will be available for purchase, and families can look forward to a special surprise a possible early visit from Father Christmas
Parents may bring a wrapped gift for Santa
to hand to their child after the run or walk Achilles AAA is also challenging all running clubs across the metro to rally their members and join this end-of-year celebration in the spirit of giving back and supporting local For more information or to sponsor a lucky draw prize, contact Cindi Bester at 082 891 5537 Don’tmiss
DIARY|DAGBOEK
the‘Colourful’ musical
FOUR Winds Music Club will present a musical, Colourful, at The Music Kitchen on 7 December
It is an expression of songs the artists have chosen which highlight a colour, whether in the title, prominent in the song, or as the name of an artist or band (like Pink)
An array of talented musos of varying genres has been invited to perform and highlight something Colourful, including Leandra Grobler, Monique van der Ham, Sounds Soulful, Roubert Potgieter, Ed Allen, Errol & Friends, Ross Hiscock and Luke Slabbert
Don’t miss the musical at The Music Kitchen on Sunday, 7 December from 13:30 Entry is R100 per adult and R70 for scholars and seniors
Tickets are available online at www.musickitchen co za
Books on the Shelf: A R5 book sale hosted by the Children’s Feeding Trust Bookshop in the Walmer Town Hall, Main Road, Walmer, will offer a huge variety of fiction as well as non-fiction in the run-up to Christmas From Monday, 1 December to Saturday, 6 December, books in the shop (with the exception of collectables and Africana) will be sold at R5 each Some children’s books, as well as art, history, biography, nature, religion and a variety of fiction are available The shop is open from 10:00 to 13:00 each day It is manned by volunteers and the money raised goes towards helping children in need
Book Sale: A book sale will be held at the Linton Library on Saturday 6 December from 08:00 to 12:00
Contact Anne at 082 599 2102
Annual Open Day: Dr Ambrose Cato George Skills Development Centre will host its annual open day on 6 December at their premises at 70 Kobus Road Gelvandale, at 10:30 The learners will showcase their handiwork There will be a variety of items for sale, including baked goodies woodwork items pre-loved clothing, and many more not-to-be-missed goodies
The centre is an NPO that provides skills training to learners with learning difficulties enabling them to become self-sustaining members of society For more info, contact Ruth Tobias at 063 274 1232 or
Jenny Johaar at 083 791 2652
Boot Sale: Save-A-Pet will have its monthly boot sale at the Elephant Walk Restaurant car park in Colleen Glen on Saturday 6 December Sellers set up at 06:30 at R50 per vehicle Shopping starts at 08:00 The restaurant/bar and farm shop will be open For more info contact Gwen at 082 692 2222
Thrift GQ Preloved Clothing Market: The market will be held at Mill Park Bowling Club in College Drive, Mill Park on Saturday 6 December 09:00 to 14:00
Vendors will be selling quality preloved and vintage clothing and accessories at affordable prices Contact 082 8577 563
Christmas in the Home: Browse a variety of upmarket gift stalls, as well as vintage and collectable items at the Fairview Sports Centre and Business
Venue 60 Willow Road from Friday 5 December to Sunday, 7 December Entry is R20, free for children
younger than 12 It will be open on Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00
Market in the Park: A market will be held on Sunday, 7 December and Sunday, 14 December at St George’s Park Central from 09:00 to 13:00 There will be craft art, food and bric-a-brac as well as live music Stalls are free to children and charities Children are encour-
aged to bring unwanted toys, books and crafts for sale For more info, contact Maureen at 082 257 4691
Boot Sale: Don’t miss the boot sale at La Roche Market on the corner of Forest Hill Drive and La Roche Drive (next to Astron Garage) on 7, 14 and 21 December from 08:00 to 12:00 For more info contact 061 454 5754
PE Christmas Expo: The 11th Annual Port Elizabeth Christmas Expo will take place at Walmer Town Hall, Main Road Walmer on Sunday 21 December from 09:00 to 14:00 If you have something to sell, antiques and collectables, toys, jewellery, accessories, home décor vintage items gifts arts and crafts and more contact us for an application form! WhatsApp 083 588 5823 or email christmasexpope@gmail com with your name and what you would like to sell
RELIGIOUS: Hi’s Place Developing Centre: They have a church and healing service every Sunday morning at 09:00 Everyone is welcome Directions: Drive from PE on Old Cape Road 1 6 km past the Wedgewood Golf Course entrance and enter
ANIKA DE BEER
The New Beginnings Christmas ree. INSET: The pearl garland, lit up
ready for Christmas.
A collection of Christmas figurines hand-painted by Arthur Muller and Darrelle Lee-Muller.
The well-known pearl and berry Christmas tree in remembrance of Arthur’s mother, Susan Terblanche Muller PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Salisbury Park
The New Beginnings Christmas Tree. lit up
Christ-
INTHESADDLE:HENKSTEENKAMP
FindtheFoundersTrophy!
GO and find that trophy!
The search for the Founders Trophy will be the main event at Friday’s Fairview Polytrack meeting at the Greenbushes venue
This R175,000 race over 1600m has a very proud and long tradition It is not an easy race to win and some of the best older horses in the province will give it their all to join the roll of honour
The East Cape champion older horse of last season, Firealley, had a few health issues recently He will, unfortunately, not be back to defend his title in the Founders Trophy
There is still plenty of quality in the field, and the race should be the highlight of the first Fairview meeting of the last month of the year
Five Fairview meetings for 2025 remain, and there is no doubt the action will be fast and furious again this Friday, on and off the track
Off the track, it is those year-end functions which make Fairview the place to be on a Friday afternoon in December
Last Friday a group of agents, who usually work hard to find a property solution, were pulling out all the stops to back a winner
With some legal eagles also combining the office party with a day at the races, there were plenty of opinions to help find the winners, and they did really well!
Many from these two groups had a chance
to be close to thoroughbred racehorses for the first time They also met some of the country’s top jockeys on a memorable Fairview visit
There is still time for companies to enjoy their office party and entry is always free at the Fairview meetings
While some might be there for the party, the serious stuff on the track will continue in eight races on Friday
Trainers Dean Smith and Zietsman Oosthuizen were in red-hot form at the last meeting
They both saddled a double on a competitive day The next day, the Smith stable produced an even better performance when All Systems Go ran a cracker against the best three-yearolds in the country
All Systems Go finished third in the R800,000 Dingaans race over 1600m at the massive Summer Cup meeting at Turffontein in Johannesburg
It was only All Systems Go’s fourth run and his first away from Fairview His inexperience showed, and he also took a few bumps in the race which all indicate the best is yet to come from this guy - plenty for the Smith yard to be excited about!
There are more big races elsewhere in the country coming up soon, where we will see more of the Fairview stars in action The stables of Smith and champion trainer Alan Greeff are doing Nelson Mandela Bay Racing proud in this regard
Weekendsportresults,upcomingfixtures
SELBY MADIKANE
Khulile Primary soccer playe stands for the province in SA Schools’team
KHULILE Primary School and the school community came together to send off their soccer player, Siyabulela Bongwana, on Thursday, as he went to Stellenbosch to represent his province in the South African Schoo u/15 boys’ team training ca Bongwana’s journey to be g lected in the national team started after he was selected during the winter games in East London
He then went on to represent the province during national soccer u/15 games in Gauteng Province recently, where he was finally selected for the COSAFA National u/15 squad
School Principal Linda Nonxuba said that her school felt immensely proud of the achievements of its learner “Our coaches, Odwa Fanele, Alfred Nelani, the team manager, Thembinkosi Maxobongo, the staff, parents, and learners, as well as the entire sports committee, played a crucial role in his achievements Everybody rallied behind him; that is why he is selected in the national team He is the only Motherwell schools’ player who was selected He has national colours at the age of 14,” said Nonxuba
Bongwana said that he would like to thank everyone who supported him “I thank my school, my eBhayi FC coach, Bruce July, my former Seven Sundowns SC coach, Thamsanqa Kwane, who introduced me to football, my community, and my family for their support for me,” said Bongwana
The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) communications manager, Andile Nduna, said that the province was proud of Bongwana’s excellent performance Nduna said, “This young player, at the age of 14, shows excellent skills as a central midfielder and defender We hope to see him in the national team soon ”
LonwaboBayeniguidesOldGreyFCtovictory
Lonwabo Bayeni guided Old Grey FC to a 2-0 win against MARU FC in their ABC Motsepe League clash on Saturday Bayeni scored his first goal in the first half
The visitors managed to keep the scoreline at 1-0 in the first half Old Grey dominated in the second half Bayeni scored the final goal of the game to make it 2-0 in favour of Old Grey The win saw The Blues take third place on the
THE Eastern Province U/19 cricketers are ready to make a huge impact at this year’s Khaya Majola Week
The EP boys are confident that they won’t have to stand back for any other team when the annual national week starts in Bloemfontein on 16 December
The last matches will be played on the 21st
An aggressive and attacking approach can be expected from the EP team, coached by the former Warriors player Somila Seyibokwe
Experience from previous national weeks is always important and EP's onslaught will be led by the four players who were part of last year’s squad, Cayden Wilson, Luphelo Mdyesha, Randy Syce and Dawid Vermaak
Wilson, the Pearson High captain, will play in his third Majola Week He has also represented the SA Colts XI and is the most experienced member of the squad
Not only will his experience and leadership skills be an asset to the team, but as a classy all-rounder, he will also be a major player for EP with the bat and ball
There is a host of capable all-rounders in the team to give EP a good balance in all departments There will be many options available with the bat and ball in different conditions and situations
the most representatives with four players, including their captain, Rhys Wiblin He is the son of the former Border player and coach Wayne
William Beamish, Samuel Scheckter and Myles Samsom are the others from St Andrew’s, the team who recently won the EP Schools SA20 title
Wiblin produced a brilliant all-round performance to help St Andrew’s beat Grey High (Gqeberha) by 24 runs in the final played at Nelson Mandela University
St Andrew’s made 174/4 in their 20 overs, led by an unbeaten 87 from 56 balls Wiblin’s innings included two sixes and nine fours
Grey were restricted to 150/8 in reply, struggling against the quality legspin bowling of Wiblin, who took 3/17 in four overs Graeme College has two players, Enrique Strydom and Corbin Tidbury, in the Cricket SA (CSA) Invitational XI, who will also be in action at the Majola Week The former Proteas and EP fast bowler, Nantie Hayward, is the coach of this team
Gqeberha will host the CSA Girls U16 Week from Monday until the 13th
Stream log table with 13 ts, remaining unbeaten their seven games
Gqeberha United FC, earned a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Komani United FC at Despatch Sports Grounds on Saturday After playing seven games, Gqeberha have collected 15 points, with just two losses since the art of the season Gqrha lead Old Grey by points as they are in second place on the log table Gqeberha United FC will face their neighbours Old Grey FC at Despatch Sports Grounds on Friday at 16:00
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Daniel Pienaar High School (Kariega) has three players in the squad, Graeme College (Makhanda) and Pearson (Gqeberha) have two each, while Nico Malan (Humansdorp) and Woodridge College (Thornhill) have one player each in the EP colours
St Andrew’s College (Makhanda) has
The EP Boys U/19 squad is: William Beamish (St Andrew’s College), Myles Samsom (St Andrew’s College) Samuel Scheckter (St Andrew’s College) Rhys Wiblin (St Andrew s College), Sulaymaan Gangat (Pearson High), Cayden Wilson (Pearson High) Tylo Maleiba (Daniel Pienaar) Owam Malika (Daniel Pienaar) Daveric Petersen (Daniel Pienaar), Luphelo Mdyesha (Graeme College), Lisekho Zinyane (Graeme College), Dawid Vermaak (Nico Malan) and Randy Syce (Woodridge College)
