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Little Avery Booysen from Kariega has been crowned the winner of the ‘UD Express’ Christmas Baby competition 2025. The adorable tot’s radiant smile won over the judges and made her first Christmas extra special for her family. Read more about her on page 3. PHOTOS: LIEZEL STEENKAMP/PRO-DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS
Merry Christmas The UD Express wishes our readers, advertisers and contributors a blessed and safe festive season. Today is the last edition of 2025. Our first edition of 2026 will be on 8 January.
2 UD Express
NEWS | NUUS
18December2025
Langbos Summer Camp gives 460 children a chance to dream IN the heart of the Sundays River Valley, where poverty remains one of the region’s most unrelenting challenges, something extraordinary unfolded this week. Four hundred and sixty children, aged between four and thirteen, gathered in the Langbos Informal Settlement for the annual Summer Camp, a programme that has quietly become one of South Africa’s most impactful grassroots youth initiatives. The camp, run by Place of Mercy and Hope and Lwazi Educare, brought together volunteers from across South Africa and Germany, alongside an inspiring cohort of local residents determined to give back to their community. This year, the programme also welcomed the Head Students of Marist Schools from across the country. For many children in Langbos one of the most disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape, the Summer Camp is more than a week of games and learning. It is a rare moment of safety, nourishment, joy, and hope. “You cannot overstate what this means for the children,” said Jason Grieve, one of the project directors and a long-standing leader of the initiative. “Every year, they arrive carrying burdens far too heavy for their age. And every year, you see those burdens lift even if just for a moment. It reminds us why this work cannot stop.” The Summer Camp is only one element of a far larger ecosystem of support that Place of Mercy and Hope and Lwazi Educare have built over the past 19 years. Their Early Childhood Development centres educate more than 300
Pictured are, from the left, Lyle Robson, Maxine Noel, Sr Martha O’Connor, Sr Breda Ryan, Mandisa Msongelwa and Jason Grieve. PHOTO: SUPPLIED children, employing over 25 local staff members, many of whom began as parents seeking help and later became trained educators or carers. Their nutrition programme supports more than 400 families every week, providing essential food security in a region where unemployment is staggeringly high. Their health outreach includes prenatal and antenatal support, basic healthcare assistance, and referrals — all operating from within the settlements they serve. “The camp gets the attention because it is colourful and full of energy,” Grieve added, “but the truth is that the real work happens every day of the year. Education, nutrition, and healthcare that is what keeps families afloat.
NEWS TIPS? Send us your news tips for the first 2026 edition via email to udexpress@novusmedia.co.za
URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE MUNICIPALITY DEAR RESIDENT The NMBM has noticed an INCREASE in the non-payment of municipal accounts. As a result, the NMBM will be intensifying g its credit control process. Actions to collect revenue will include the e following:
PORT ELIZABETH | UITEN HAGE | DESPATCH VAT REG No: 449019 3473 TEL: 506 5555 FAX: 506 1304
STATEMENT DATE :
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A N EXAMPLE
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The blocking/disconnection and restricting of electricity and water meters.
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The removal of prepaid electricity meters.
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The conversion of credit to prepaid electricity meters at the cost to the consumer where accounts are not paid.
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Arrear accounts will be handed over to collection attorneys, with possible attachment of movable or immovable property.
TAX INVOICE 9999 999999 Page 1 Ward Number 01 Deposit 850,00 03/07/2017
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DATE
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DETAILS AMOUNT
BROUGHT FORWARD 999999 THANK YOU 17/18 GEN RATES FOR YOUR PAYMENT TOTAL 19308,82 03/07 99 EXAMPLE STREET ERF 99999990000 READINGS TO 19/06/ RTE 999999999 NEXT METER READIN 17 G IS SCHEDULED FOR 19/07/17 METER READING CONS. ----------WATER ----05A/KGKD9999 1234 18,0 AVAILABILITY CHARGE 314,38 VAT @ 14% 41,49 03/07 SEWERAGE 49,82 RTE 999999999 VAT @ 14% 147,96 03/07 SEWERAGE AVAILABILIT 20,71 RTE 999999999 VAT @ 14% 41,49 03/07 17/18 REFUSE CHARGE 5,81 ERF 99999990000 VAT @ 14% 93,47 03/07 17/18 GEN RATES 13,09 (MarketValue-Reduc ERF 99999990000 1609,06 tion) (1750000-15000)*0, *RatingFactor/Months 011129/12 VAT @ 0% 03/07 INTEREST 0,00 03/07 ROUNDING DISCOUNT -----------------ELECTRICITY PREPAI ---------------------04199999999 SITUAT D METER NO/S: 99 EXAMPLE STREET ED AT: ; EXAMPL E PARK; IS/ARE LINKED TO THIS ACCOUNT. IF PORT ELIZABETH IS INCORRECT CONTAC THIS T 041 506 5555, 041 506 1304 OR FAX EMAIL customercare@mande ------------------ lametro.gov.za --------------------30/06 01/07
Pre-paid electricity meter will OVERDUE UNLESS PAID WITHIN DAYS, SERVICES WILL14 BE SUSPENDED.
2140,70
Additionally, consumers may also be listed with the Credit Bureau through NMBM’s panel of attorneys.
TOTAL PAYABLE: be blocked for arrears owing on
4 440,70 2 300,00CR
405,69 168,67 47,30 106,56
1 609,06 18,29 0,07CR
4 496,20 this account.
THIS MONTH PAYABLE BEFORE PLEASE READ INFOR MATIO
2355,50 01/08/2017 N OVERLEAF
PLEASE MAKE A POINT OF PRIORITISING YOUR MUNICIPAL ACCOUNT EACH MONTH! VISIT US TODAY FOR AFFORDABLE REPAYMENT INSTALMENTS. For more information, contact our Customer Care Accounts Helpline on 0800 20 50 50 (option 1). If you have a disability and require us to visit you for an ATTP application, please contact Mr Vusi Ngceke on 041 506 1704 or 069 126 3971. For account queries, please email customercare@mandelametro.gov.za Visit the municipal website www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za
customercare@mandelametro.gov.za Ref. 96
The camp is the celebration of everything we fight for.” This year’s camp was guided by the organisation’s founding figures — Sister Martha O’Connor and Sister Breda Ryan together with directors Mandisa Msongelwa, Lyle Robson, Maxine Noel, and Jason Grieve himself. All have been central in building a model of community development that blends compassion with rigorous programme delivery. Volunteers describe the experience as transformative. For the Marist student leaders, it offered an unfiltered view of South Africa’s deep social inequalities but also its immense capacity for unity. “We often talk about leadership in classrooms,” one student remarked, “but here we
learnt it in real life.” Despite its challenges, Langbos is a community defined not by deprivation but by resilience. The children who raced between activity stations, laughed through team games, and listened intently during life-skills sessions are the same children who face daily realities of hunger, unsafe living conditions, and limited access to formal services. The camp did not solve those challenges but it gave them space to dream beyond them. As the sun set on the final day, volunteers and children gathered in a circle, sharing stories of the week. Some spoke about learning new skills; others about feeling seen, safe, and valued. “Hope is not an abstract concept here,” said Grieve. “It is something built by many hands — every volunteer, every donor, every staff member, every child who keeps showing up. Nineteen years later, we are still here, and we are not done yet.” The Summer Camp stands as a vivid reminder of what consistent, community-driven work can achieve. As Place of Mercy and Hope and Lwazi Educare look toward their twentieth year, their leaders remain clear: the children of the Sundays River Valley deserve the same opportunities as any child in South Africa and the organisation intends to keep fighting for them. In a country often overwhelmed by bad news, Langbos offered a different narrative this week: one of compassion, commitment, and collective action. And for 460 children, it offered joy, something every child deserves. More information can be found at www.placeofmercyandhope.com
Community mourns loss of Junior King NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
In an interview with PE Express in August, he revealed how his jourTHE Gqeberha art community ney began: "I started dancing at is in mourning following the the age of six and became a chotragic death of choreographer, reographer since the age of eight dancer and artist Dugulth "Juand was the leader of my school nior King" Ferreira, who was dance group at the time." killed in a head-on collision on His passion for hip-hop and the N1 near Verkeerdevlei on dance distinguished him from Thursday morning. his peers during childhood. The 29-year-old artist, who "When I grew up, everyone else had become a symbol of hope and was playing soccer, rugby or cricket, achievement for young and everyone wanted to people in his communiJunior King died in a road accident on play sport," he shared. "I ty, was among five people Thursday, 11 December.PHOTO: FACEBOOK played sport but never fell travelling in a grey Volkin love with it; I never had swagen Polo TSI when it collided with a light a passion for it until I found dancing." truck last week. With more than 20 years of experience in Ferreira died from his injuries, whilst three choreography, Ferreira had worked extensiveother passengers sustained moderate injuries ly with his twin sisters and led his own dance and were transported to Pelonomi Trauma in group. He had successfully monetised his talent Bloemfontein for treatment. through social media platforms, particularly According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant TikTok, where his performances garnered sigColonel Thabo Covane, initial investigations nificant followings. Beyond his artistic achieveindicate that the Polo was travelling south- ments, Junior King was deeply committed to bound towards Bloemfontein whilst the truck mentoring young people in his community. was heading northbound towards Winburg He often counselled aspiring dancers about when the vehicles collided head-on. Both driv- balancing passion with education: "It is very ers escaped the collision unharmed. important to have an academic qualification Ferreira was seated behind the driver, along- behind your name because anything can hapside his two young children, when the accident pen in the space of dancing. You could break occurred. a leg, so you need an education as a backup." As news of his death spread, tributes poured His message to young people was one of perin across social media platforms, highlighting severance and possibility: "Work on your pasFerreira's profound impact on his community sion as hard as you work on your academic and the broader South African arts scene. studies because your passion can change your "A talented young star from the northern life." His philosophy that "when your passion is areas has tragically fallen. Junior King was your job, you will never feel like you've worked distinguished by his remarkable dance moves a day in your life" resonated with many young and rap skills, and also dedicated himself to people who saw him as proof that dreams could empowering young boys in the Northern Ar- become reality through dedication and hard eas through his activism and mentorship. work. The Bethelsdorp Northern Areas community In a statement released following his death, mourns the loss of another promising young Ferreira's family described him as "a beloved life. May he rest in peace," read one tribute. son, father, brother and artist whose talent and Another mourner expressed Ferreira's signif- energy touched countless lives." icance to the Afrikaans Hip-Hop community: The family confirmed that his children are "It is a sad day for us not only for Afrikaans safe and expressed gratitude for the overhip-hop but also for Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), whelming support from across South Africa. his family, friends and kids." "We are humbled by the outpouring of love A third tribute captured his visible presence and tributes from fans, friends and fellow artin the community: "Junior King has been an ists across South Africa. His legacy as a perinspiration to many, and it's with utter dis- former and cultural voice will live on in the belief that we will not see him in the streets hearts of all who knew him," the family stateshooting music videos, or content or seeing ment read. him on stages doing what he loves. You proved The family has requested privacy during countless times that talk is cheap when you're their time of mourning and asked the public to a dreamer. Rest easy, your life will never be keep the injured passengers in their prayers as forgotten." they recover. A case docket for culpable homiBorn in Kariega and raised in Fernwood cide has been opened at Verkeerdevlei Police Park, Bethelsdorp, Ferreira had been passion- Station as investigations into the circumstancate about dance from the age of six. es surrounding the collision continue.
18 December 2025
NUUS | NEWS
UDExpress 3
Baby Avery is our 2025‘UD Express’Christmas Baby SHANTI JAFTA LITTLE ten-month-old Avery Booysen from Kariega has been crowned the winner of the UD Express Christmas Baby Competition, making her first Christmas even more memorable for her delighted family. The adorable tot, who captured judges’ hearts with her radiant smile, emerged victorious from hundreds of entries to claim the coveted title of UD Express Christmas Baby 2025. Born on 2 February 2025, Avery has brought a bright, gentle joy into her home, turning everyday moments into treasured memories. “She carries a light within her that is impossible to ignore,” her mother, Rozanne Booysen, shared. “Her smile softens even the hardest days, and the sparkle in her eyes shows a heart filled with so much innocence and love.” This year marks a special shift in their traditions. While Christmas has always meant gathering for a family meal, 2025 is the first time they have decorated a Christmas tree together. “Avery is the reason we’re creating new traditions,” Booysen said. “Seeing the season through her eyes reminds us to slow down and appreciate the smallest moments.” Avery has become especially fascinated by the decorations around the house. Her family laugh that she is the most mesmerised by the lights, often reaching out her tiny hands as if trying to catch their glow. One of their sweetest memories this season was watching her stare at the Christmas tree for the first time; wide-eyed,
curious, and full of wonder. Booysen shared that at home, Avery’s personality shines through in the sweetest ways. Booysen affectionately calls her “our little sunshine,” noting her adorable habit of making playful “noises” that send everyone into laughter. She also finds comfort in the label of her blanket, holding it gently as she falls asleep. When she’s tired, she often reaches out to play softly with a loved one’s ears, a small gesture that melts hearts every time. Entering her into the Christmas Baby competition felt like a natural celebration of the joy she brings. “We wanted to honour this stage of her life,” her mother explained. “One day, we hope she’ll look back and see how loved and celebrated she has been from the very beginning.” The experience has also reminded the family of the value of community events. They believe such initiatives bring families together and create moments of shared joy. “It’s a beautiful way for parents to connect and for children to be embraced by the wider community.” As they look ahead, the family holds simple but heartfelt dreams for Avery; confidence, kindness, and a life filled with love and opportunity. Their message to other parents is gentle but meaningful: “Cherish every moment, even the quiet ones. These early years pass quickly, but the memories you make now will last a lifetime.” This Christmas, Avery’s bright spirit has given her family a new sense of wonder, and a season they will never forget.
Little Avery with her poud parents, Kealan Loff and Rozanne Booysen.
Christmas wishes from little hearts It's that time of the year when little ones have one big wish for Father Christmas to leave under the Christmas tree, and 'UD Express' visited the delightful children at Bambi Play & Swim Centre to get a glimpse of what magical treasures are topping the most-wanted lists this festive season.
Luvuyo Maduna (3) said he wants a toy car for Christmas.
Sililitha Juma (4) wants small roller skates for Christmas.
Minentle Ngcobo (5) wants roller skates and a doll for Christmas.
Oyama Bathosi (5) wants a red toy car for Christmas.
Mason Leander (4) wants a big blue car for Christmas.
Tshiamo Maswela (5) wants a doll for Christmas.
PHOTOS: SHANTI JAFTA
PHOTO: LIEZEL STEENKAMP/PRO-DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS
4 UD Express
NEWS | NUUS
18December2025
‘Miracle girl’celebrates 21 years against all odds ANIKA DE BEER SHE'S been a fighter since she was born. When Zandrea Osborne from Despatch came into the world, the prognosis was grim. Doctors warned that she might not survive, and if she did, they couldn't guarantee she would be able to
walk or talk. She was born with a life-threatening heart condition and a cleft lip, had a feeding disorder, a growth problem, failure to thrive, a reflux problem that made her get pneumonia often and has undergone multiple operations. "Everything was grey and gloomy," recalled Zandrea's
Zandrea Osborne celebrated her 21st birthday on 20 October. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
mother, Annuly. "We were up and down to Cape Town every six months, and we lived more in the hospital than at home for the first three years." Zandrea couldn't feed properly and required tube feeding for six months, followed by a feeding tube directly into her stomach until she was six or seven years old. She was about 18 months old when her tonsils and adenoids were removed to help her breathe easier. The problem: she was also on a special formula Pediasure or Nutrient Junior that, Annuly said, was very expensive and hard to get hold of in the Eastern Cape. Zandrea made local headlines when Annuly called on the community for help in getting hold of the formula. "We would once again like to thank the community for their ongoing support and prayers. You will never know how many of you have made a difference in our lives without even realizing it. A kind gesture, a smile, words of encouragement, a prayer. Thank you," Annuly said in the 2006 article. She's back again to share a mother's gratitude for the support of the community following Zandrea's 21st birthday in October, a day the family weren't sure they would see. Over the years, Zandrea has undergone five heart operations, cleft lip repair, leg operations to correct her foot alignment and removal of prominent ankle bones, and had her tonsils and adenoids removed. Her most recent major heart operation was about two years ago, when doctors replaced one valve and opened another slightly. Today, she's on warfarin to thin her blood and requires annual check-ups, but her health has stabilised.
UD Express (then UD News) published an update on Zandrea Osborne from Despatch when she went to Grade 3 in 2015. She attended Cape Recife School. Zandrea currently functions mentally at about a 10 to 12-yearold level and is driving her mother to distraction like every other teenager. "She's going through her rebellious teenage stage now," said Annuly. "But she's mobile, she's walking, and she gets around just fine despite having one leg shorter than the other." The family has special praise for Dr Ignatius Jordaan, their paediatrician in Kariega, whom Annuly credits with being instrumental in Zandrea's journey. "He's opened his practice for us in the middle of the night on so many occasions. I can't praise him enough – he's an amazing
man." "I also want to say a big, big thank you to Zandrea's grandmother Lorraine, father Lyle, stepmother Gerladine and my sister Ruth for their continuous amazing suppport," Annuly said. Looking back at celebrating Zandrea's 21st birthday, Annuly admits it was an emotional milestone. "When I went through all the old photos, it was like, wow – God has brought us so far. "We wanted to thank the community and let everyone know she's turned 21 and she's a blessing. She's doing well, and we just want to thank everyone again for all their support over the years."
Frans Erasmus se kleindogter skitter as model ELLEN HANCKE HAAR oupa sou haar waarskynlik lag-lag met een arm kon oplig. En hy sou ook gesê het dat sy na hom aard! Vir die petite Franja Lientjie Gericke (10) van die Namibiese hoofstad Windhoek, wag daar ’n andersoortige bekendheid. Sy is onlangs as Namibië se Junior Gesig van die Jaar aangewys. En ja, sy ken al die staaltjies van haar sterk oupa Frans Erasmus, bekende en gewilde Springbokrugbyspeler. Frans kon voor sy vroegtydige dood, met gemak ’n motor oplig by sy motorhawe op Despatch. Vandaar sy goedige bynaam "Domkrag." Franja het behalwe haar loopbaan as model, ook hope sporttalent. Sy blink uit in atletiek en netbal en was vanjaar die junior Victrix Ludorum van die Laerskool Pionierspark in Windhoek. En dan is sy nog boonop ’n slimkop wat vanjaar in al haar vakke A-simbole gekry het asook ’n tweede klasposisie. En dit eindig nie daar nie. Sy het vanjaar ook ’n bronsmedalje tydens ’n Nasionale Wetenskap-Olimpiade verower en puik gevaar tydens ’n spelkompetisie. Franja is tans in Suid-Afrika waar sy op die loopplank met
modelle vanoor Suidelike-Afrika meeding. Haar ma, Juliana, sê dat sy al van vierjarige-ouderdom tuis op ’n verhoog en loopplank is. Haar ligblou kamer in haar ouerhuis het ’n fantasie-tema en die een muur is behang met talle medaljes wat sy al as model en op ander gebiede gewen het. Sy is egter nou in ’n professionele kategorie en in die stal van Figures International Namibia. "Oupa Frans sou beslis met groot trots gesê het dat Franja vir seker na hom aard. Nie net omdat sy goed in sport is nie, maar omdat sy talentvol, sterk en vol gees is," aldus Juliana. Al is Franja nog baie jonk, koester sy nou al groot drome. Sy sou graag haar eie klerereeks vir tieners wou begin. En sy besluit dan ook self hoe haar kostuums vir die verskillende kompetisies moet lyk. En goedkoop is hierdie stokperdjie gewis nie. "Ons probeer om al hierdie uitrustings op n ekonomiese wyse saam te flans. Franja het eers onlangs haar eerste ontwerpersrok gekry en sy het presies geweet hoe dit moet lyk. En gelukkig sal sy dit weer in die toekoms kan dra," sê Juliana. Haar pa, JG, en haar ouboet, Johan Godfried Gericke (12), ervaar haar egter as ’n gewone
dogtertjie by die huis. Die drie van hulle beplan om aanstaande jaar met klasse in Duits te begin. Franja geniet dit om saam met maats te kuier en na mooi musiek te luister en is baie fluks met huishoudelike takies. Sy is nie punteneurig oor kos nie, maar geniet wyle ouma Marita se Roomhoender-pastagereg en eet graag sushi saam met Juliana. Haar gunsteling vakansies is by Katimo Molilo waar haar pa ’n veldgids en aandeelhouer in Caprivi Adventures is. Sy kuier ook graag op haar ouma en oupa Gericke se plaas. Franja het die afgelope drie jaar aan Talent Namibië deelgeneem, en het die afgelope twee jaar die Namibiese span gehaal wat in Suid-Afrika en in New York deelneem. "Ons het haar wel so pas toegelaat om in Roodepoort in Suid-Afrika deel te neem, maar voel dat sy nog ’n bietjie jonk is vir die groot kompetisies in Amerika." Franja het vanjaar ’n Goue Gonser (Golden Buzzer) gekry en sal vroeg aanstaande jaar aan n spoggerige Gala-aand in Windhoek deelneem. Haar hoogtepunt vanjaar is beslis sover die kroon wat sy as "Junior Face of Namibia" ontvang het.
Franja Lientjie Gericke (10).
FOTO: VERSKAF
18 December 2025
NUUS | NEWS
UDExpress 5
6 UD Express
NEWS | NUUS
18December2025
18 December 2025
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8 UDExpress
SPORT
18December2025
Van sekretaresse tot hoeksteen DIS met diepe waardering vir ’n fenomenale loopbaan verweefd met die Tiere se storie dat HTS Daniel Pienaar, as deel van sy 130-jaar vieringe, besluit het om hulde te bring aan ’n legendariese sekretaresse, Pamela Thomas, deur die skool se administrasieblok na haar te vernoem.
Pamela Thomas.
FOTO: VERSKAF
Pamela, of Pam soos bekend by Daniel Pienaar, is ’n boorling van Kruisrivier waar sy op ’n plaas grootgeword het. Sy het by die Laerskool Kruisrivier skoolgegaan en het haar hoërskoolloopbaan by die Hoër Handelskool (nou die Hoërskool Strelitzia) voltooi. Hierna is sy in 1977 deur wyle mnr. Wilken by HTS Daniel Pienaar aangestel. Die skool terg Pam daarmee dat hulle eintlik vir haar haar man gekry het, want desjare was DP ’n Volkskaskliënt waarheen Pam moes gaan vir die skool se banksake en dit is waar Mervyn Thomas gewerk het. Die egpaar is al vir 40 jaar getroud en het twee dogters, Cristel en Natasha, asook ’n negejarige kleindogtertjie en oogappeltjie, Casey. Pam het in 2023 op pensioen gegaan, maar het steeds die skool se finansiële kantoor op ’n ad hoc basis bygestaan om stabiele oorgang te verseker. Gedurende haar 46 jaar van departementele diens het Pam met al ses die hoofde van die nuwe kampus saamgewerk - inderdaad ’n merkwaardige loopbaan.
Die inhuldiging van die Pamela Thomas-kantoorblok was toevallig op Pam se verjaarsdag, 6 November. Tydens die seremonie is Daniel Pienaar se eremantel om Pam se skouers gehang en het sy die lint na die kantore geknip. Die seremoniële skêr is eie aan DP. Dit is ’n groot goudkleurige snoeiskêr wat tydens seremonies gebruik word en is ook gebruik vir die knip van die lint by die skool se voorhekke tydens die skool se 130-jaar optog vanaf die NG Moedergemeente tot by die skool. In haar lofrede het die skoolhoof, Kola du Toit, gesê dat 46 jaar op die tong miskien nie so lank klink nie, maar dat as dit in ag geneem word dat die skool se adjunkhoof Nokkie Strydom (64) en landgoedbestuurder, Wimpie Taljaardt (60) almal leerders was terwyl Pam al sekretaresse was, besef ’n mens vir hoe lank Pam die skool getrou gedien het. Sy het genoem dat Pam inderdaad ’n voorbeeld van institusionele kennis was wat waardevolle inligting, gebruike en goeie praktyke van skoolhoof tot skoolhoof kon oordra. Du Toit het ook gemeld dat hierdie indrukwekkende tydperk van volgehoue getrouheid, diskreetheid, presiesheid, lojaliteit en integriteit van Pam, soos vermeld op die naambord in die kantore, inderdaad ’n voorbeeld en inspirasie sal wees vir almal wat na haar kom.
Oosterland CYCC holds annual Christmas party
Edwin,Anna Despatch se bestes in rolbal HANNES SCHOEMAN EDWIN Nance en Anna Minnie is by die Despatch-rolbalklub se jaarlikse prysuitdeling as die mans- en vrouespeler van die jaar aangewys. Albei was uit die staanspoor op dreef en het die hele jaar deur spel van hoogstaande gehalte gelewer. Daar word geglo dat Edwin en Anna in 2026 weer die ruggraat van die klub in alle kompetisies kan wees. Die jong Wicus Botha het die prys ontvang vir die speler wat vanjaar die meeste vordering gemaak het, terwyl Rudolph Killian die prys as Klublid van die Jaar ontvang het. Despatch het ook onlangs nóg ’n classic gewen toe hy die Mill Park Classic in die Baai gewen het. Dit was boonop die eerste keer dat Despatch aan dié toernooi deelneem en daarom is die oorwinning nog meer spesiaal. Despatch se wenspan was Dwayne Botha, Chanre Botha, Jacques Ferreira en Bianca Ferreira. Hulle het Arthur Langley, Deon Nel, Quintin Barnard en Heinrich Stumke van Uitenhage in die eindronde met 22-19 geklop. Altesaam 24 spanne het aan die toernooi deelgeneem.
Edwin Nance ontvang sy toekenning van Conrad Meyer, president van die klub.
Anna Minnie en Conrad Meyer het rede om breed te glimlag. FOTO’S: VERSKAF
For the fifth consecutive year, Charma Goosen’s annual Christmas Tea has delivered Christmas magic to Oosterland CYCC, raising an astonishing R 37 600 to ensure every child received a gift. The successful fundraiser was part of a community-wide effort that made the children’s home’s annual Christmas party truly special. Despatch Super Spar provided beautifully decorated cakes for all seven house units, whilst local Dutch Reformed and Methodist churches contributed party packs and table décor. Father Christmas delighted the children with his seventeenth appearance, bringing the Christmas spirit alive and creating unforgettable memories for all. Pictured is an Oosterland child receiving a gift from Santa. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Bala family reunite for inaugural Christmas concert NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT THE renowned Bala Family, one of South Africa's most celebrated musical dynasties, will reunite for a special Christmas concert at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on Monday, 22 December. The event, "Christmas with The Bala Family," marks the first occasion the entire family will perform together on a single stage. The lineup includes siblings Zwai, Pinky, Loyiso and Phelo, alongside their mother, Veronica. "This is more than just a concert - it's a heartwarming homecoming and a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate what truly matters," organisers said whilst announcing the event. Speaking to the PE Express, Zwai Bala explained the evening's concept: "The theme is holiday music, so the repertoire will include popular carols as well as some of the Bala Family favourites and feel-good solos and collaborations." This marks a significant milestone for the musical family, as Zwai confirmed: "Yes, this is the first annual Christmas concert." The choice of Christmas music holds deep personal significance for Zwai, rooted in his childhood experiences. "Growing up in a Christian home, going to church first and then the big lunch was the tradition," he recalled. "The Christmas clothes were certainly a highlight."
However, his appreciation for Christmas carols developed gradually through different church experiences. "Christmas songs weren't a great feature at the Methodist church and the Old Apostolic," Zwai noted. "However, when one year we visited the Anglican church where our uncle was a priest, the service was full of these songs and that
stuck with me." It was his formal musical education that truly cemented his love for festive music. "But it was at Drakies, the choir school, that we really got into it with the Noel tour at the end of every year," he explained. "We did so many different arrangements of carols and sang many solos in the city halls across the country."
The event marks the first time the entire Bala family will perform together on one stage. The lineup includes siblings Zwai, Pinky, Loyiso and Phelo Bala, alongside their mother, Veronica. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Musical legacy spanning decades The Bala family's musical journey began in the 1980s when siblings Pinky and Zwai Bala won a national television competition, launching their careers and taking them to Johannesburg for the first time. Zwai later achieved significant success as a founding member of the iconic South African group TKZee. The family's collective achievements reached international recognition through The Bala Brothers, an award-winning trio featuring Zwai, Loyiso and Phelo, who performed on international stages and shared platforms with world-renowned artists. The "Christmas with The Bala Family" concert will also showcase Bala Voices, a youth vocal ensemble mentored by The Bala Family. Audiences can expect a blend of classic Christmas carols and reimagined festive favourites, infused with African soul and storytelling. The evening will feature intimate family moments, collaborative performances and conclude with a candlelit finale. Tickets are available through Webtickets, with options including Early Bird, VIP and Group of Four packages. Date: Monday, 22 December 2025. Venue: The Boardwalk ICC Dress Code: Festive Chic - light summer elegance with Christmas touches.