DisasterfundsredirectedasKariegainfrastructuresuffers
SHANTI JAFTA
KARIEGA’S centralbusinessdistrict, once akey economic artery of the town, is showing visible signs of prolonged neglect, with deteriorating infrastructure and poorly maintained public spaces raising concernamong residentsand business owners.
Despite previous commitments from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and the reported allocation of R53 millionindisaster relief funding during the last financial year, large parts of the CBD, including Market Street, a primary commercialhub,remain in disrepair
The situation has prompted questions aroundmunicipal accountability, the utilisation of allocatedNational Disaster funds, and the reasonsbehind delays in addressing infrastructure damagethat has persisted for nearly two years.
Speaking to Ward48Councillor Franay van de Linde,inwhose ward Kariega CBD is situated, she outlinedher assessment of the current state of theKariegaCBD andhow she believes thisprolonged neglect affects her constituents and the local business community.
She said the CBD is in abad stateowing to thelack of, or in somecases complete absence of, servicedelivery from the Municipality
She noted examples such as no longterm plan for maintenance currently in place for the town’s infrastructure, “or if there is aplan then it is not implemented accordingly/properly.”
Van de Linde added other examples such as vandalism spiralling out of control, with no monitoring or policing to prevent infrastructurefrom being vandalised.
“The prolonged neglecthas avery seriouseffect on localbusinessesand the community,”she said. “Mostofthe communitieschoose to shop elsewhere owing to the stateofthe CBD. This has avery
Despite previouscommitments fromthe NMBM and the reported allocation of R53millionindisaster relief funding during the last financial year,large partsofthe CBD, including Market Street remain in disrepair.
negative effect on the economy of Kariega.”
Shealsonoted that many shop owners hadtoeither close theirbusinesses for goodormove somewhereelse to do business.
“This is really sad. Our town was once abusinesshub where visitors flocked to andwherethe locals felt safeand enjoyed doing their shopping in aclean and safe environment.”
Explaining why she believes the CBD area has gone nearly two yearswithout theinfrastructure repairsitwas supposed to receive, she said the IDP doesnot speak to the budget committee.
“The communities arenot taken seriously. The IDP/BUDGETPublic Participation Processes are justanexercise to tick abox. The requests of the communi-
since theJune2024flashflooddamage.
ties do not find their wayintothe Ward Based Budgets,” she said.
Asked where the responsibility for the delays lies within the municipalstructure, she said the responsibility lies with the Executive Mayor [Babalwa Lobishe] and the Members of Mayoral Committee (MMC) to play their oversight role andto hold officials accountable to do their jobs and to see that each Departmentisfunctioning and is abiding by thepolicies and the rule of law.
“It is very important that thecritical vacancies get filled permanently, especially the positions of the City Manager and the EDs, with qualified, competent persons,”she said.
Van de Linde addedthat she wasnot given areason nor was she informed about the status of the National Disaster funds
that were giventothe NMBM for the refurbishment of theflood disaster-struck areas, with Kariegabeing oneofthe most affectedareasafterthe June 2024 flash flood.
“I raised theissue at Council level since thefloods in 2024, throughemails and also at ourone-on-one sessions on our Ward Based Budgets with WardCouncillors,the Acting City Manager, Chief Financial Officerand Executive Directors.”
Askedaboutwhatthe NMBM’s response hasbeen to her requestsfor CBDrepair funding,she said,“At ourlast session, just beforethe passing of theAdjustment Budgetwith theActing City Manager, theChief Financial Officer andExecutive Directors of all departmentsand Ward Councillors afterweraised our concerns on ourWardBased Budgets individually, theActing City Managersaidthat asessionmust be heldwith theWardCouncillors,ProjectManagersand theEDs,but this hasnot happened to date,” she concluded.
The NelsonMandela BayMunicipality is awareofconcerns raised regarding the deteriorating condition of infrastructure at theKariegaMarketSquare, including damagedtiling and other amenities.
The damage to certain areasofthe facility is as aresultofacombination of vandalism as well as therecent flooding experienced in Kariegaand surrounding areas.
The Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya said NMBM is currently engaging with therelevantstakeholders, includingthe MandelaBay Development Agency(MBDA), to establish the full extent of thedamage in termsofcost.
“A budgetwithin thenextfinancialyear budgeting (starting July 2026) process will then be allocatedfor suchrefurbishments,”hesaid. “ThroughIDP andBudget Public Participation Public Engagements, theMunicipality will communicate the way forwardregarding therestoration andmaintenanceofthe facility.”
BusinessChamberblamesinfrastructureneglectforwatercrisis
THE Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber said the deepening water managementcrisis facing the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is not simply the resultof drought conditions, buta water management crisis driven by the lack of proactive maintenance of critical water infrastructure.
Responding to the recent disaster declaration of February relating to drought conditions in theEastern Cape, the Chamber said the situation confronting the Metro reflects systemicgovernanceand infrastructure shortcomings that have been allowedtodeteriorate for years,placing businesses, residents, communitiesand the broader economy at risk
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela BayBusiness Chamber,Denise van Huyssteen, the narrative thatdrought alone is responsi-
ble for the current situation is misleading and does not adequately address the root causes of the crisis.
“Itisnot adrought butawater management crisis. The continued failure to maintain and properly manage critical water infrastructurehas created asituation where enormous volumes of treated water are simply being lost in the system,”said Van Huyssteen.
Withunaccounted water losses now exceeding 60% and morethan 6,000 reported leaks across the metro, the Chamber said these figures illustrate the scale of the systemic infrastructureissues which undermine water security
“This situation is not sustainable and it is not solely the result of drought alone, but is exacerbated by long-standing infrastructureneglect and ineffectivewater management,” she said.
The Chamber warns that the deterio-
rating water situation now poses adirect threat to business continuity across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, automotive,logistics, hospitality, retail and tourism.
“Water is afundamental enabler of economic activity.When supply becomes unreliable, it directly affects production, investment confidence andjob security across the metro's economy,” sheadded.
Urgent and sustained action is required to stabilise the water systemand restore confidence.
“Emergency measures alonewill not resolvethis crisis,” Van Huyssteensaid.
“What is required is the implementation of an action plantoensure theongoing maintenance of infrastructure, as well as medium to long-terminvestmentinthe infrastructure. Thisshould incorporate the filling of key vacancies, especially artisans and other technical support, as
well as maintaining vehiclesand other tools of trade.”
The Chamberalsocalledfor greater transparency andaccountability around infrastructure performance,water losses andmaintenanceprogrammes,noting that rebuilding publicand investor confidencerequires consistentprogressand clear communication
“Asa business communityweremain committed to workingwith themunicipality, government andcivil societyto address thecrisis. However, it is essential that thetrue nature of theproblem is acknowledgedand,alongwith this, urgent action is taken,” she said
The Chamberfurther urged residents, businesses andinstitutions to continue implementing responsible water-saving measures andtoinstall back-upwater solutionstodealwith intermittent water shedding
Kariega CBD has not yetbeenfixed
PHOTOS: SHANTI JAFTA
SPCAsuccessfullyraisesR2.7milliontosecurenewhome
SHANTI JAFTA
IN just seven weeks, the SPCAUitenhage has raised R2.7 million to secure anew property, averting an imminent eviction after the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) terminated its occupancy agreement.
Theorganisation recently secured alifeline in what many feared was itsfinalchapter, reaching itsambitious fundraisingtarget in less than two months and pavingthe way for anew home for hundreds of vulnerableanimals.
The milestone marks adramatic turnaround for the organisation, which hadbeen facing an uncertainfuturefollowing the expiry of itsmunicipal tenderagreement,and nowstandsonthe brink of purchasing anew property
Centraltothis breakthrough were two anonymous donors: an unidentified individualwho donatedR500,000 and oneknown publicly as Penny, whose last-minute contribution helped push the campaign over the line –amoment SPCA Uitenhage chairperson Deirdré Swift describedasbothoverwhelming and deeply symbolicofthe power of community support
Speaking to UD Express,Swift shared the current status of the property purchaseand when theorganisation realistically expects to be operational at the new location.
“While our offer to purchase our dream property is in the finalisation process, at this stage we cannot confirm any time frame as to when we shall be fully operational at our new location.”
Although the organisation achievedits fundraising targetinjust undertwo months, sheconfirmed that themillionsraised are purely for purchasing the property.However, she noted that “The infrastructure currentlyon-site will allow us to operate as a SPCAfulfilling our mandate which is the prevention of cruelty, but kennelconstruction will require additional funding/assistance.”
“What hasbecome imminently clearthrough this whole experience is that while working in animalwelfare can be soul-destroying, and despite your best efforts therewards seem so few, wehave learnt that howeverunsure or vulnerable youmightfeel,followyour instincts and remaintruetoyour passionand values.”
She added that theincredible support and
To thecommunity whorallied behind SPCA Uitenhagetomaketheirdream of keeping theirdoors open areality, Swiftexpressed immensegratitude
“‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate, but to
everyone who has supported us, these two littlewords come with immense gratitude and respect. We could never have achieved a near-impossibletarget without your commitment and determination –a legacy that will serve countless animals in future years,”she concluded.
SPCA Uitenhage successfully raised R2.7million to secure anew homefor their animals
PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA ending adecades-longpartnership between the municipality andthe organisation.
TVETCollegelaunchescutting-edge4IRtrainingcentres
THEEastcape MidlandsTVET College is set to unveil two groundbreaking facilities that will revolutionise technical education in the region.
The institution willofficially launch its state-of-the-art 4IR Centre of Excellence, supported by theEducation, Training and DevelopmentPractices -Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (ETDP-SETA), alongside acutting-edge Learning Factory fundedbythe Manufacturing,Engineering and RelatedServices Sector Education and Training Authority (MerSETA). These pioneeringinitiatives represent a
Damesteegehou tenbatevan kankerpasiënte
BEDERF jou ma, ouma of tante met ’n kaartjie na die Moedersdag Damestee wat op 9Mei by Arabest op Despatch gaan plaasvind.
Die damestee dien as fondsinameling ten bate van ’n Kariega paartjie, Ian Rudman en Eileen Cronje. Hulle is albei in 2025 met kanker gediagnoseer.
Rudman en Cronje was saam op skool. Hulle was matriekleerders in 2020 bydie HoërskoolBrandwag.
Diedamesteegaan’nTjhokodemonstrasie, gasspreker, lekker eetgoedenstalletjies insluit.
Ditsal op Saterdag,9 Mei om 14:00 by Arabest plaasvind.
Kaartjies is beperk en beloop R200 per persoon.
Besigheidseienaars kanhulle produkte bemarkdeur pamflette wat op die dag uitgedeel sal word of deur skenkings te maak vir die gelukkige trekkings.
Vir kaartjies, donasies, skenkings en meer inligting, kontak Lizette by 084 496 2123 of Karen by 081 399 8521.
significantstep forward in equipping students with the advancedskills needed to thrive in theFourth IndustrialRevolution and meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing industries.
According to the TVET College’s Acting Assistant Director: Marketing &Communications, Nomonde Magxaka, the 4IRCentre of Excellence aims to enhance the quality of occupational training by providing students withhands-on access to cutting-edge technologies.
“The Centre will support practical workshops aligned with QCTO qualifications, enabling trainingfor unemployed youth
andsemi-skilled workers on high-tech equipment thatisnot yet common in many companies,” she said.
Magxaka addedthatthe facility is expected to benefit approximately 150 to 300 students per year, depending on enrolment andprogramme requirements.
“The LearningFactory provides students andskilled artisans with practical training acrossmultiple programmes and specialised laboratories,”she said “Together, both initiatives foster research andinnovationinrobotics, mechatronics, andother advancedtechnical fields, support staff upskilling andencourage partner-
FormerPreppieploughsback
ships for equipment sponsorship.”
This integrated approach ensures graduates are industry-ready, increasing employability and positioning Eastcape Midlands TVETCollege as aleading provider of technical and vocational education.
The Project Manager, Thareef Bloew said, “These 4IRlabs and theLearning Factory will transform our studentsintoindustry-readyinnovators, equipped with skills that meet tomorrow’s demandstoday.”
The launch will take place on Thursday, 26 March 2026 at theEastcape Midlands TVETCollege, Brickfields Road Campus in Kariega.
DIARY| DAGBOEK
Backto80sParty:
Don'tmissavibrant night of funnyman Gino Fabbri, iconic80s hitsfromCentrestage,and exciting auction items —all in aidofthe Cheshire Home Summerstrand.It will takeplace at Centrestagein BaywestonFriday,20 March.Doorsopenat18:30 and the showstartsat19:30.Tickets at R250 per person (which includesnacks) areavailableonline from Quicket.Therewill also be acash bar.Contact Deidre at 083 500 0818
AgentemetTalente: NG Kerk Despatch-Suid vier vanjaar die40ste bestaansjaar vandie kerkgebou op diehoek van Kerk-enKromstraat.Hullefeesnaweek sluit in Agente metTalente,’n konsert,op20Maart om 18:00, ’n bring-en-braai en boeresport op 21 Maart vanaf 10:00,ennagmaal en verjaarsdagkoek op 22 Maart Die agendasluit in ’n bietjie opera,mediese raad vir maagpyn,BBB (Beethoven,Back en Boeliebeef),die maanekoor,dansersennog meer.Toegang is R40 perpersoon (R20vir leerders en jonger).Etes sal verkoop word.Vir meer inligting,kontak Catrien by 082702 8345
OutdoorMarket:
Don'tmissthe Together We Can outdoor market on 28 Marchfrom10:00 to 14:00 at the OldKennel Club (opposite UitenhageBowling Club)inPenford. Theyare looking forserious vendors.Contact073 5902586.
RosaMunchHouseAGM:
Rosa MunchHouse'sannual general meeting will takeplace on 8Aprilat18:00attheirpremises at 10 VictoriaStreet,Kariega.Formoreinfo,contact041 9924138.
HealingMeeting:
Mauritz Kruger fromKolbe Blocks recentlydonated pavingfor thenew Grade 1and Grade 2classroomsat Despatch PreparatorySchool, creatingasafer andmore welcomingspace foryoung learners to learn andplay. Kruger,the General Manager of KolbeBlocks andaformer learner of the school,made the generous contribution as partofhis ongoingcommitmenttogiving back to the Despatch PreparatorySchool community.Pictured are, at theback, MadeléneSachse (Principal), Mauritz Kruger (Kolbe Blocks), Asja Strydom (Deputy Principal), Tamzin Jade Frolick, andKayron Horn (both gr 1learners) PHOTOS:SUPPLIED
The next healing meeting will takeplace on Saturday,11 Aprilat10:00 in Hall 4ofthe Word of Faith ChristianCentreonthe corner of WilliamMoffet Expressway and LillyStreet,MangoldPark.Allwelcome, free of charge
SendyourDiaryentriestoudexpress@novusmedia.co.za.ThedeadlineforentriesisTuesdays at10:00.EntriesmaybeinEnglishorAfrikaans
Eileen Cronje en Ian Rudman, die paartjie van Kariega. FOTO:VERSKAF
HSDatleteskitterby Oos-KaapKampioenskappe
TIEN talentvolle atlete van die Hoërskool
Despatchhet die afgelopenaweek hul staal gewys tydens die Oos-Kaap Atletiek Kampioenskappe wat by die Oval aangebied is.
Die span het hulself uitstekend vanhul taak gekwyt en teen strawwekompetisie indrukwekkende prestasiesgelewer.
Onder die uitblinkers was Jana Oelofse,wat goud in hamergooi verower het en silwer in driesprong.Sy het ook die bestaande rekord van 10,58m verbeter met ’n sprong van 10,65m. Dylan Viviers het eweneens geskitter deur goud in hamergooi te wen en ’n nuwerekord van 64,67m op te stel, wat die vorige rekord van 56,99m oortref.
JuaneSchuin het ’n besondersebydrae gelewer met twee goue medaljes in 400m hekkies en driesprong,asook ’n silwer
in hoogspring.LianPace het ook dubbel goud behaalinhoogspring en 100m hekkies, terwyl Mieke van Tondergoud in 100m hekkies gewen en dierekord geëwenaar het.
Sterk velditems is gelewer deur Lika Kitching(twee silwer medaljes in gewigstoot en diskus) en TianieDeLange, wat drie silwer medaljes in hamergooi, diskus en gewigstoot verower het. Nicole Meadhet goud in diskus gewen en ’n vierde plek in gewigstoot behaal.
Op die baan het Liam Ferreira twee silwermedaljesindie 200m en driesprong gewen, asook ’n vierdeplek in verspring behaal. Kayla van Tonderhet uitstekende persoonlike beste tyeinbeide die 100m (12,17) en 200m (25,03) gehardloop en in albei itemssilwer verower. Sy is ook aangewys as diederde beste meisie-atleet van diebyeenkoms.
FAMILY NOTICES
DEATHNOTICES 1005
ARENDS
Thefuneralserviceofthe late KEVINCHRISTOPHER (34yrs) took place yesterday, 18/03/2026at 9amduringa Private service Deeplymournedbyhis family andfriends LINCKS
Thefuneral service of the late NICHOLAS (85yrs) will take place on Saturday, 21/03/2026 at 10amfromthe OLDAPOSTOLIC CHURCH, FAIRBRIDGE HEIGHTS, UITENHAGE Deeply mournedbyhis family andfriends
GENERAL NOTICES
COMMUNITY NOTICES 1210
LEGAL& TENDERS
LOST DOCUMENTS 4040
ERF 11980KWA NOBUHLE LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is herebygiven in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for theissue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number T51137 /2003CTN, in favour of WEDEROBERT MAFANA withIdentity Number 550401 5773 08 4and MAXIN BANGILE NGALO withIdentity Number 620915 5632 08 7and NTOMBIZANELE PATIENCE NGALO (Prev ious ly MAFANA) with Identity Number 711226 0625 08 8in
ERF 6270 DESPATCH
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is herebygiven in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for theissue of acertified copy of TitleDeedT.65226 /2001CTN, passed by RUBIN JACOB BEBE, Identity Number: 650614 5157 08 7, andMELANIE SHARON BEBE, IdentityNumber: 690125 0239 08 7, Married In Community of Property to each other, in favour of VUYANI FRED DIE MTYINGIZANE, Identity Number: 500813 5638 08 6, and NONKULULEKO ROSEMARY MTYINGIZANE, IdentityNumber: 560907 0839 08 2, Married In Community of Property to each other, in respect of certain: erf6270 Despatch,inthe Nelson Mand ela Metropolitan Municipality, ce and
LOST/MIS SING 1225
EMPLOYMENT
WANTED 3601
EP MediaenNovus Media kan nie bevestig of enige vandie geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is virgebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaatsal hê nie.Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerderse getuigskriftedeeglikte oorweegennategaan. EP MediaenNovus Media aanvaarhoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte vanenige vandie geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie 5X1DISCLAI-KG211124
Jana Oelofse. Nicole Mead
Tianie de Lange.
Kaylavan Tonder.
Lika Kitching.
Mieke van Tonder.
LiamFerreira
Juane Schuin
DylanViviers.
LianPace
Adrenalienvuur homaan,sê Brandwag-ster
HANNES SCHOEMAN
HY is verslaaf aanadrenalien,sêdie
Hoërskool Brandwag-kragopteller, Alan de Beer. Hy kwalifiseer vanjaar vir sy Protea-kleure wanneer hy Suid-Afrika internasionaal verteen-
KaratekahaalOP-span
HANNESSCHOEMAN
DRIE karateka vandie Hoërskool Brandwag en een van Hoërskool Despatch is gekies om die Oostelike Provinsie by die WUKF National Asia Africa Ope- kampioenskappe by die Boardwalk in die Baai te verteenwoordig
DieBrandwag-atlete watvan 29 April tot2 Meiinaksiesal wees, is Dazelle Davey, Tiaan vander Berg en Ilse Dippenaar, terwyl Anrich
Lamprecht Despatchseverteenwoordiger is Dié atlete is gekies na die onlangse proewe by die ligabyeenkoms in Makanda.
Dazelle is 13 jaar oud,ingr. 8enhet daar goud in Kata verower waar sy in dieouderdomsgroep 13 tot 15 jaar deelgeneem het.
Tiaan was in die 15 jaar-afdeling in aksie en spog met goud in Kata én goud in dieKumite, terwyl Ilse goud in Kata en silwer in Kumite gewen het. Tiaan het goeie ervaring aan sy kant nadat hy verlede jaar aan die wêreldkampio-
enskappe in Swede deelgeneem het. Ilse het goud gewen in die14- tot 15-afdeling, en silwer in dieKumite in dieouderdomsgroep 13 tot 15 jaar.Ander gewigsafdelings salbydie Boardwalk van toepassingwees
Hul afrigter, Dave Davey, sê sy atlete is al tussendrie en sesjaar bedrywigindie sporten neem feitlik elke maand tot ses weke aan groot byeenkomste deel.
Hy sê hy verwag spogvertonings van hulle teen Afrika se bestes in dieBaai
Alan de Beer besig met die
Dazelle Davey.Ilse