RESIDENTS and businesses in Jeffrey Street andLower Market Street, CentralKariega
ward councillortoescalate the matter Ward 48 councillor Franay vandeLinde said she was first alerted to the sewage blockage by Reverend Zolile Kalani on 5June. According
to by the relevant supervisor, who conducted asite inspectionand implemented corrective measures on Wednesday,10June. TheMunicipality has established that therecurringsew-
THENelson Mandela Bay Municipality is facing asevere watersupplycrisis, with multiple reservoirs across the metro running critically low and tens of thousands of residents experiencingintermittentsupply, lowpressure and outrightinterruptions to theirwater service.
In astatement issued on Tuesday, 23 June, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyayaattributed the deteriorating situation to acombination of factors, “including high turbidity levels in source water, surging demand and ongoing operational difficulties.”
He added, “The crisis has been compounded by the depletion of the Nooitgedacht raw water abstraction
dam, adirect consequence of canal maintenance work being carried out by the Sundays River Irrigation Board, which has cut offa key supply linetothe system.”
Soyaya stated that the scale of the problemwas laid bare in the municipality’sown reservoir data. “The Gelvandale Reservoir has effectively rundry, sitting at just 2% capacity, whilst the Rosedale Reservoir has been recorded at 0%.Chelsea, Malabar and Driftsands Reservoirs stand at 10%, 10% and 6% respectively, and theAirport Reservoir has fallen to 17%. In total, sixteen reservoirs across the metro are classified as critically low,” he said.
The statement added that consequenceswere beingfelt across a
wide swathe of the metro “Residents in the Chelsea zone are contending with low pressure and supply disruptions after the Chelsea Reservoir dropped to amere 10%,” he said. “The Driftsands andAirport zone is similarly stricken, with critically low reservoir levels translating into sporadic supply. Motherwell, where the reservoir sits at 19%, is seeing particular difficulties in higher-lying areas, which are typically the last to receive water when pressure falls.”
Soyaya added that some zones had fared better. “KwaNobuhle’sReservoirs 3and 4remain above 60% capacity, thoughReservoirs 1and 2 are at or near zero, leaving parts of the township without reliable sup-
FROM being named the Best Grade RTeacher in the Eastern Cape in 2020 and the second-bestGradeR teacher in South Africa,tobecomingone of the youngest principals in the history of Despatch Preparatory School, Asja-Leah Strydom continues to make her mark in education.
The announcement of her appointment has been met with great excitement among learners, staff and parents
Having served as Deputy Principal, Strydom is already afamiliar and respected figure within the school community.
Strydom is known for puttingchildren at the centre of everythingshe does.Determined to build meaningful relationships with every learner, she learnt basicisiXhosatocommunicatemore effectively withthe majority of learnersatthe school.
She is as comfortable singingand dancingwith children as she is mentoring teachers and leading educational initiatives. Her lessonshave becomelegendary among learners, often involving hands-on activities, outdoor explorationand creative experiences that bring learning to life.
Her appointment is the culmination of adistinguishedcareerin Foundation Phase education.
Holding an Honours Degreein Education with aspecialfocuson language development and literacy, Strydom has established herself as one of the Eastern Cape’s leading
authorities in early childhood education
She has mentored educators across Nelson Mandela Bay,presented professional development workshops throughout theprovinceand served as Chairperson of theEasternCape Board of theLiteracy Association of SouthAfrica.
Throughout her career, she has been apassionate advocate forliteracy andinclusive education.
“Every learner,regardless of background,abilityorlanguage, deserves thesupport they need to succeed. My ambitionisfor this school to become acentreofexcellence that develops outstandinglearners and serves as abeacon of innovation and opportunity in the EasternCape,”saidStrydom.
During thechallengingyears followingthe COVID-19pandemic, she played akey role in helping academically vulnerable learners recover lost groundthrough targeted interventions, remedial reading programmes and learner support initiatives.
As shesteps intoher new role, Strydom bringswithher an ambitious vision for thefutureofDespatch Preparatory School. She believes thatthe school hasnever beencontent with simply doing what has alwaysbeen done and describes both herself and the school community as disruptors –people who challenge conventional thinkinginpursuit of better opportunities for children.
“My visionisnot to followeducational trends, but to disrupt them,” said Strydom.
Rather than merely keeping pace with change, she aims to position Despatch Preparatory School at the forefront of innovationand future-focused learning. Her visionincludes expanding opportunities in robotics, coding, science, leadership development and sport, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills, confidence and creativity needed to thrive in arapidly changing world. She also envisions the development of amodernlibrary, sciencelaboratory, multi-purpose sports facilities and dynamiclearning spaces that inspire curiosity, critical thinking and aloveofdiscovery.
Guided by the school’svision, “We will always value unique characters, nurture growth, andempower every child to make theirmark,”Strydom is committed to creating an environment where every learner is encouraged to think differently, challenge limits and realise their full potential.
For Strydom, disruptionisnot about changefor the sake of change. It is about courageously reimagining whateducation can be and ensuring thatDespatch Preparatory School remains aplace where innovation, opportunity and excellence flourish Her ambition is forthe school to become morethan just aplace of learning. She hopes to see it recognised as acentre of excellence that develops
ply,” he said.“TheEmerald Hill zone has largely stabilised, with auxiliary reservoirs averaging above 50%, whilst the Rosedale, Kamesh, Kabah and Langa zone has seen improvement following recent technical interventions,with supply restored to Kamesh, MountainViewand parts of Springbok Street, though intermittent disruptions persist in parts of Ward50.”
Thestatement noted that the listof affected areas was extensive. “Residents in KwaNobuhle, Motherwell, Walmer,Newton Park, Greenacres, Mill Park, Richmond Hill, Malabar, Gelvandale,Lorraine, Baywest, Bloemendal, Chatty and dozens of other neighbourhoods have been warned to expect continued disruptions
whilst the system is stabilised.”
In response, the municipality deployed water tankers to priority areas and saiditwas continuously optimising operations at its treatment works. “Officials arealso actively monitoring chemical supply chains for water treatment and have launched public awareness campaigns urging residents to use water sparingly,” Soyaya said.
“The municipality acknowledged the hardshipbeing experienced by residents and saiditremained committed to restoringstability to the water supply network as swiftly as possible. Residents have been urged to reportleaks immediately and to limit consumption to essential needs only,”the statement concluded.
outstandinglearners, mentorsfuture educators and serves as abeacon of innovation and opportunity in the Eastern Cape. Beyond her professional achievements andvisionfor the future, it is Strydom’sheartfor children that has endeared her to the school community.
“Leadershipisabout service, inclusion and empoweringothers.Whether supporting struggling readers, mentoring teachers or uplifting families in the community, my goal is to lead with authenticity, compassion
and purpose,”said Strydom. For thelearners, staff and families of Despatch PreparatorySchool, Strydom’s appointment represents morethan anew principal. It is the beginning of an exciting new eraled by apassionate educator,respected leader and proud member of the school family.
As one of the youngest principals in the school’shistory, she takes the helm with the energy, vision and determination to ensurethat every learner is empowered to make their markonthe world.
INapowerful fusion of fashion and activism, Boardwalk Hotel andCasino is set to hostthe Voice of Courage Fashion ShowonThursday, 14 August at 18:00 –anevening that promises to be much more thanatypical runway event.
Organisedinpartnership with Camelot Spa, this extraordinary fashionshowcasewill take place at Boardwalk InternationalConvention Centre in Summerstrand, with all proceeds supporting two pillars of our community:YokhuseloHaven and the Community Chest of the Eastern Cape.
The VoiceofCourage isn't just about beautiful garments –it's about beautiful souls and the organisations that nurturethem. This event celebrates survivors of domestic violence whilst raising vital funds forchari-
ties that have beentransforming livesinour region for decades.
Yokhuselo Haven, established in 1988, standsasNelson Mandela Bay's firstshelter for women and their childrenaffected by domestic abuse, providingsafe shelter, counselling, and essential resources for families seeking safety and afresh start.
Meanwhile,the Community Chest of theEastern Cape, founded in 1952 and the oldest organisationofits kind in SouthAfrica, hasdistributed millionsingrantstoqualifying social welfare organisations across our province. Their work spans education, healthcare,skills development and reliefprogrammes, partnering withdonors to fund trusted NGOs and create sustainable, measurable impact across the region.
AtR200 per ticket(excluding ser-
vicefees), this event offers exceptional value whilst making atangible differenceinour community. Every ticket sold directly supports the life-changing work these two charities do right here in Gqeberha, helping vulnerable women, children, and families build better futures.
The evening will feature live performances by the talented Robin Pieters, whose musicpromises to moveand inspire attendees. Guiding guests throughthis memorable night will be Master of Ceremonies, LuciaMtshake-Ntshona, ensuring that the evening flows seamlessly whilst keeping the focus on the powerful messageatthe heart of this event.
Local designers will showcase their latest collections on the runway, transforming the convention centre into aplatform for empowerment
and hope. Thefashion show represents everythingGqeberha stands for: community, compassion, and creativity coming together to make a realdifference.
Domestic violence and social welfare challenges remaincrises that affectfamiliesacross all demographics in our city. Events like Voice of Courage remind us that our strength lies in supporting one another,and that breaking the cycle of poverty, abuse, and hardshipstarts with community action. By attending this event, residents aren't just enjoying anight of fashionand entertainment; they're standing with survivorsand vulnerable communities,saying "we care."
Tickets areavailable now through Webtickets, and organisersencourageresidents to securetheirspots
soon. Theevent kicks off at 18:00, giving guests an evening filled with fashion, live performances,and the company of fellow community memberswho careabout creating asafer, stronger futurefor all. This is morethan anight out; it's an opportunity to stand with survivors, supportlocal talent, and contribute to meaningful change in our community. TheVoice of Courage Fashion Show proves that when Gqeberha comes together, we don't just witness courage –webecome it. Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly special. Book your tickets today and join Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in celebrating resilience, raisingawareness, and raisingfunds for causes that could save and transformlives right hereinour city.
Thefuneral service of the late MICHELLE (32yrs) will takeplace on Saturday, 27/06/2026 at 11:00 am fromThe UPM Congregation,Withoogte, Plot 14, Uitenhage. Deeply rned by her
Thefuneral serviceofthe late DENAVIAN SHADAVIAN(34yrs) will take placeonSaturday, 27/06/2026at11:00 am from The Roselane Congregational Church, ThomasGamble, Uitenhage. Deeply mourned by his family and friends.
The funeral serviceofthe late ELMARIE EMILY (54yrs)will take placeon Saturday, 27/06/2026 at 10:00am from The Old Apostolic Church, Maduna Road, Langa Deeply mourned by her familyand friends.
The funeral serviceofthe late MAURICIUS MELIKHAYA (24yrs)will take placeonSaturday, 27/06/2026 at 8:00 am from 22 Noba Katy Street, Langa Deeply mourned by his familyand friends.
The AFM Executive Welfare Council is looking for Ms. Nqabakazi Gatsi, and Mr. Zolisa Bonani, the parents of a babygirl, born in Gqeberha on 7January 2026. Anyone with details pertaining to the whereabouts of the parents or extended family please contact thesocial worker Denise Douglas-Henry at 083 2875 325 withregards to the adoption of thechild.
KENNISGEWING: LISENSIEAANSOEK INGEVOLGE DIE WETOP
PETROLEUM-PRODUKTE, 1977(WET120 VAN 1977) HIERDIEkennisgewinghet ten doel om belangstellende of geaffekteerdepartyein kennis testel dat CULATORQUE (EDMS) BEPERK, hierna "die aansoeker"genoem, 'n
In celebration of Youth Day,staff from the Uitenhage and Allanridge Libraries conducted afun programme at Amanzi Farm School in Kariega. The children enjoyed apuppet show and received beanies for the winter season. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Concept Car Crew Club and willbehosting the Alles-op-Wiel Pictured are, fromthe back, Concept Car Crew Club, with Zyl(deputy head boy), and Rensburg is enjoying afun the finer points of polishing Chevrolet Master Deluxe. Dan aday of community and shared
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