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MCCARTHYINFORMALSETTLEMENT:
SHANTI JAFTA
AFTER morethan adecade of advocating for basic servicedelivery, residents of McCarthy Informal Settlement in Kariega arefinally set to be connected to the municipal electrical grid; abreakthroughthat addressesone of their most pressing safety concerns
Theelectrification project brings hope to a community that has long grappled with multiple service delivery challenges,including inadequate road access that prevents emergency vehicles fromreaching residents,limitedwater access points, absent refuse collection services, and poor policevisibility, particularly during night-time hours.
For years, residents have resorted to dangerous illegalelectrical connections to power their homes, creating serious fire hazards.The urgency of proper electrification was highlighted by arecent devastatingshack fire that claimed all possessions of one family, atragedy that could have been prevented with safe, legalelectrical infrastructure.
The new electrical connections areexpected to reduce fire risks andrestorelighting throughexisting floodlights,potentially improving safety.
While water access has been partially addressed throughthe deployment of water trucks to the area, electrification represents the first major infrastructural victory for residents who continue to advocate for comprehensive servicedelivery, including proper road construction and regular waste collection.
In astatement, the municipality saidthat it had set aside R2,608,695.65 forthe 2025/26 budget yeartoinstall electrical cables,poles,and connection infrastructure in McCarthy Informal Settlement. Currently, the poles andsome cables havebeen installed.
Speaking to UD Express,Ward48councillor, Franay vandeLinde, said that the area has been in her ward since 2014,when it fell under Ward49, her previous ward.
“I have made the municipality awareof these issues since 2014, so seeing these issues addressed even after 10 yearsisawin for the community.”
Susan Ruiters, acommunity leader of McCarthy Informal Settlement, welcomed theinstallation of electricity in the area, while highlighting the plight the community still faces
“We do not have basic service delivery, like waste removal. People can now dump anywhere, even between shacks,because currently, we have an unofficialdumping site that looks horrible, as it has not been cleaned for so long,” she said.
“When we had litter pickers and black refuse bags, this place wasmuch cleaner.”
While it is ahealth hazardtoliveamong rubbish, Ruiters said thatshe only wants the tools, like plastic bags, “because our intention is to start our own litter collection crew of approximately eightpeople who will assist where needed, so that we canbeself-sufficient and not rely on other people to help us.Wedo not expect outside people to clean the litter, we will do it ourselves.”
She added that she wants the initiative to be endorsed by the municipality.
“We plantoerectdesignated refusecollection points at all four corners of the informal settlement, where refuse trucks can collect without driving inside, just so that we can also have acleaner environment. Idon’tknow if it
is budget constraints that have prevented us from receiving this basicservice, but we want it back.”
Van de Linde added that McCarthy, commonly known as an informal settlement, is now regarded as aformal settlement, which means theseservices ought to be provided to the community. “Thisareaispartofthe municipality’s plan to develop the informal settlement. Ihave escalated the requestfor this area to be put on to the system to receive this service on aweekly basis, as it is done in any other formal area. They should not be disadvantaged when they arenow formalised,” she said.
Discussing the things the community needs, Ruiters said, “Normally with informal settlements, there aretwo programmes,namely: community gardens and recycling programmes.Those don’t only assist but empower our people, creating acultureofself-sustainability. Through theseinitiatives, we can feed families in need through soup kitchens. Our hope is that each household, each family, has some sortoffriendly competition with others so that we can empower one another.”
Ruiters added, “Sometimes, residents of informal settlementsare seen as the delinquents of society. We want to change that narrative, because we want to earnwhat we get, we don’t just want handouts. We don’t want to protest to get what we need; we would much rather sortthings out peacefully.”
When asked how receiving electricity would make them feel, two other residents,Belinda Brown and Donovan Matill, saidthe community was excited to receive this basic need. Brown said, “We have lost so much from electrically-caused shack fires; we have even lost families. We were forced to illegally connect our homes because we have been without electricity for so long. Now, we will sleep in peace knowing that nothing will randomly catch fire.”
Brown added, “We have also been in the darkbecause the floodlights areconnected to the electricity poles. Thelights have been off because we have not had electricity,but now we will feel much safer knowing there are lights to see danger coming. We will alsofeel better knowing that emergency services will finally be able to driveinto our area
“Normally, we aretold that they cannot driveinbecause it is too dark, putting them at risk. That is on top of the lack of roads we have, which makes it impossible for anyone to driveinwhen it is raining.
“When someone has died or requiresmedical assistance,weasresidents have to pick them up using awheelbarrowtotransportthem to the entrance where emergency services wait for us. Imagine the lossofdignity for both the family and us as residents.”
Recalling atroubling memoryofthe lack of help the community receives, Matill said,“Because of the bad road that we have, we had a funeral in the area and the undertakers did notwanttoenter the area.Weasthe community had to fetch the casket from the entrance to the home, which happens alot. It is very bad.”
Thecommunity memberspleaded with the municipality for moreoftheir basicneedsto be met.
“Weonlyask that we receivethe same servicesthat everyother resident receives.We understand that everything is aprocess. We will protect the service providerswho come heretohelp us.”
The electricity poles recently erected in McCarthy Informal Settlement.
PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA
FromthestreetsofKariega tothesirensofBahrain
Dear Editor
IT was sudden. On the evening of February 27, my world in Bahrain felt remarkably normal. I was out with agroup of fellow South African expatsfor Iftar.
As the Afrikaans saying goes, soort soek soort —wegravitated toward one another for the comfort of shared language and the familiar warmth of home. We broke our fast, laughing about our daily strugglesand debatingpolitics,drifting between the complexities of South Africa and our adopted lives in the Gulf. We said our goodbyes, unaware that the quiet of the night was about to shatter.
On the morningofFebruary 28, along, hollow, rising wail of asiren tore throughthe morning For us living in theJuffair area, sirens aren’t entirely foreign, but this one carried an urgency we weren’t prepared for. Istood on my balcony, lookingtoward the navy base, already clutching my phone to call my mother back in Kariega. I started gathering my “emergency bag” —passport, documents, water. Then, the air itself seemed to fracture. Amassive explosion threwmetothe floor, my mother still on the line thousands of kilometres away in Kariega.Then another. And another.
In the chaos of those fifteen minutes,I wasn’t justanexpat; Iwas the student who walked the halls of Dower Practising School, the matriculant from Strelitzia High, and thegraduate from Nelson Mandela University. Myidentityas aformer teacher at Uitenhage Primary School felt worlds awayfrom the crouched positionI tookonthe floor, pleadingwith my mother not to hang up. As each interception rattledthe windows, Ifound
my only strength in the faith Icultivated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. That religiousfoundationisthe only thing keeping me focused andcentred while the world outside feels like it’s ending
By the timeI fled my building to find my friends, the sky was alive with flashes. We sought refuge in abasement before the Bahraini police moved us to asafe shelter. We couldn’treturn to Juffair; the areahad become toovolatile. That night, the entire city wasa symphony of alarms andthe heart-wrenching thud of impact.
Now, nearly amonth into this regionaltension, Ifind myself at acrossroads. Should Ipack up the life I’ve built here andreturn to the Eastern Cape to start over? Ifeel adeep sense of gratitude for the Bahraini government, which hasworked tirelessly to keep us safe. Yet, Ifeel astinging bitterness toward my own SouthAfricans here are adrift.With no functional embassy anda consulate thatoffers little more thana referral to Saudi Arabia, we have been failed. While other nations mobilised, we were told we could geta free visa into Saudi at our ownexpense. There were no repatriation flights andnofood vouchers. Many teachers colleagues of mine—had to flee at their ownexorbitantcost, money they didn’t have. We remain tax-paying citizens, yet in ourhourofneed, our government remained silent.
Iamlearning to live with the “aftershock” of every explosion for now. Iamtrying to stay strong in the country that has been my home for years.But as the sirens echo,myheart longs for the quiet streets of Kariega andthe safety of being home with my family.
Yourssincerely Creche Turner
BRIEFAANDIEREDAKTEUR:
‘Grafskendingis’n strafbaremisdaad’
GeagteRedakteur
’n ONLANGSE besoek aandie Jubilee Park begraafplaas hetskokkende grafskending en verwaarlosing aan dielig gebring.Dit blyk datdié omgewing weinig,indien enige, aandagofprioriteit vandie relevante aanspreeklike owerhede geniet.
Grafskending is volgensdie SA Wet op Nasionale Erfenishulpbronne ’n misdaad, en daarom strafbaar.Grafte en begraafplasewordas Nasionale Eiendombeskouwat impliseer datdaarnaomgesienendit in stand gehou moet word. Grafskending, as misdadigvernielsugtige vandalisering, moet egter nie in isolasie gesien word nie. Dit is diewerkinge vandieselfde getransformeerdenasionale gees waardeur ook’ntoename in korrupsie, diefstal, moord, taxi- en bendegeweld, vervalle padstelsel, strateverval, vullisopeenhopingen selfverrykende eiebelang anargisties florerendbevorder word; ’n onuitputlik voortgaandelys ’n Mens sou seker kon redeneer dat ’n begraafplaas onder toesigvan,en beheer word deur,instansies soos dieplaaslike owerheidsowel as die staat geplaas souword. Indien wel, rus daar enige regsaanspreeklikheid op diesulke instansies? Bestaan daar enige moniteringvan en toesighouding oorsodanige instansiesdat hulle wel uitvoering aanwetgewing sal
gee?
Toegegee, dalk as foutiewe aanname,vermoed ek datkerke/gemeentes/geloofsdenominasiesin dieverlede omgesienhet na die grafte vanhul gestorwe lidmate. Die nuwe bedeling hetblykbaar ’n einde daaraan gebringensodoendeook ’n eindeaan geloofsgemeenskappe se toesighoudende waghondrol oorhul lidmate se grafte.Begraafplase is immers nasionale eiendomenkom dienuutgetransformeerde owerheidsbedeling dalk met’nnuweinterpretasievan sake na vore Magons vraofgrafskending ’n skendingvan dieregte vangestorwenes is,enindien wel, ’n misdaad aanmeldbaar by dieSAPD is?Ofbesitgestorwenes geen meer nadoodse regte nie? Bestaan daar hoegenaamd enigegeorganiseerdespreekbuise wat kan intree teengrafskending?
Ek maak methierdieskrywe ten sterkste beswaar teendie voortgesette verwaarlosing en grafskending waaraan dieJubileeParkbegraafplaas uitgeleweris.
Is ek ookdie enigstegek wat my verbind tot diehoopdat,deurtydige ingryping,verdere vandalisering gestaaksal word en toestande enigsins salverbeter, of hetons reeds onomkeerbaar vergevorderopdie wegvan algehele chaos?
Dieuwe DrTCBreitenbach Kariega
PrincipalSachseretiresafter40yearsofservice
DESPATCH Preparatory Schoolrecently bidfarewell to its long-servingprincipal, Madelène Sachse, who has retired after 40 years of dedicated service to the institution
Sachse began her career at the school in 1986 as ateacher and remainedacommitted member of staff throughouther tenure. In 2017,she was appointed as principal,a position in which she playedakey role in guidingthe school through aperiodof significantgrowthand development.
During herleadership, Despatch Preparatory evolvedfrom aschool offering educationuptoGrade 3into afullprimary school.The schoolcurrently accommodates learners up to Grade 6and is set to expand to Grade7next year.
Anumber of infrastructure developments were completed under her guidance
These include the construction of new netballcourts,two additional bathroom facilities,and 11 new classrooms, five of which are equippedwith their own bathrooms. Theschool also acquireda 22-seater Crafter bus to improve learner transport
Sachse was avisible and consistent presence in the daily life of the school, known for greeting learners eachmorning at the school entrance. Staff membershavedescribed her leadershipstyle assupportive andapproachable, withastrong emphasis on learner wellbeing and personaldevelopment
In theweeks leading up to her retirement, learners expressed their appreciation through letters and messages, reflecting the positive impact shehad on the school community.
Madelène Sachsecelebratesanincredible40yearsofdedicatedservice in education,receiving herlong-service certificatefrom Ernest Gorgonzola (District Director NMB), at herfarewellfunction. At the back areApollis January (EDO) and IsaacBalie (HeadofTinaraCircuit). In front are Ernest Gorgonzola,MadelèneSachse and Liesle Crowley(EDO).
Speaking at her farewell,Sachse described theschool as her secondhome.“I have spent moretime herethan in my own home, and it willalways remain aspecial place to me,” shesaid.
Reflecting on her career, she noted that
teaching had been botha passion and a privilege.She emphasisedthe importance of understanding and supporting each learner, stating that every childholds a uniqueplace withinthe school environment.
Langacommemorates30years of Bill of Rights
RESIDENTS, political leaders and communityorganisations gatheredatthe Langa Memorial Precinct on Saturday, 21 March, to commemorateHuman Rights Day, marking 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Bill of Rights.
The event honoured victims of the 1985 Langa Massacrewhilstreinforcing calls for unityand active citizenship.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, Chief Whip Wandisile Jikeka, and acting MMC Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga presided over the programme in partnership with the Langa Massacre Foundation.
The ceremony opened with prayerby Pastor LuvuyoRheze and amusical performance by Unathi Kiva
Under the theme “Bill of Rights at 30:
Making Human Dignity Real,”speakers reflected on democraticprogresswhilst acknowledging persistent socio-economic challenges.
Langa Massacre Foundation Chairperson Nicholas Malgas notedimproved engagement with the Municipality, outlining plans forheritage site transfer and ongoing legal processes.
PHOTO: CREATIONSPHOTOGRAPHY
Sachse leaves behind astrengthened institution, both in terms of its facilities and its sense of community. Her contribution to Despatch Preparatory School is expected to havealasting impact foryears to come.
He stressed urgent needs to address unemployment and housingshortages, said Awreath-laying ceremony broughttogether municipal leadership,foundation representatives, and victims’families to honourthose wholosttheirlives Mayor Lobishe highlighted plans to develop the area into atourism hub linked to events like the Human Race Marathon. Theinitiative includes infrastructure development allowing local residentsto benefiteconomically through craftand
BAKERS
Thefuneral service of the late ATTIE(61yrs) will take place on Saturday, 28/03/2026 at 10am from the
Thefuneral service of the late HEIDI LUCRECIA (50yrs) will take placeon Sunday, 29/03/2026 at 9am from the 7th DAYADVENTIST CHURCH,cnr of KOKKEWIET and STARLING DRIVE, MOUNTAIN VIEW, UITENHAGE. Deeply mourned by her family and friends.
The funeral service of the late EVAN IKE HEIN (34yrs) will take placeon Saturday, 28/03/2026 at 9am from 20 KIRKWOODROAD, ENON. Deeplymournedbyhis family and friends.
The funeral service of the lateLEONARD ALTWORTH (71yrs)willtake placeon Saturday, 28/03/2026 at 10am from the ROSE LANE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,ROSEDALE, UITENHAGE. Deeply mourned by his family and friends. KRUGER
DEBTORS / ADMINISTRATION
CLERK
required at Hardware store in Kariega. Must be computer literate
Must have at least 3years experience in debtors Send short CV to ronelvjaarsveld1973 @gmail.com
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
(Form JJJ added by GNR.62 of 25 January 2019)
Notice is hereby given in termsofRegulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to applyfor the issue of a certified copy of the Deed of Transfer Number T43923 /2017 (CTN)passed by ESTATE OF THE LATE
EFTERBY MICHAELIDES, Estate Number 1857/2012, in favour of GREGORY MICHAELIDES,Identity Number 4310305063082 unmarried, in respectof:
ERF5475 UITENHAGE
FORM JJJ
LOSTOR DESTROYED DEED
Notice ishereby givenin termsof Regulation 68 (1) of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of theintention to apply for the issueofa certified copy of Deed of Transfer T31464/2023 passed by ALVIN SAMUEL
COR NEL IUS KOEBERG (Identity Number 680804 5210 08 5) and BEVERLEY INGRID KOEBERG (Identity Number 7003070087082), Married in communityof property to eachother, in favour ofSTEVENALWIN MICHELS (Identity Number
FORM JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby givenin termsofregulation68ofthe DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intentiontoapplyfor the issue of acertifiedcopy of Deed of Transfer T48258 /1997CTN passed by NONKITA EVELYNJACOBS, Identity number210411 0015 08 4, UNMARRIED,in favor of NOMBULELO MIRRIAM STUURMAN, Identity number710220 0662 08,UNMARRIED.in respectofacertainERF 20088 KWANOBUHLE, Situated in the NELSON MA NDELA BA Y METROPOLITAN MUNICIPA LI TY,DIVISION OF
BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE 4201
ESTATE NUMBER 4514/2025
ESTATE OF THE LATE FOZIE ALLIE, Identity Number 3705045120087,unmarried, who resided at 6Jubilee Crescent, Uitenhage,and who died at Uitenhage on 11th April2019. Estate Number4514/2025
Creditors of the above
Estate are requestedto lodgetheir claims with the Executor'sAgent within a
ESTATES: LIQUIDATION& DISTRIBUTION 4205
ESTATE NUMBER 004647/2022
IN THE ESTATE OF THE LATE MICHIELFREDRIKDE BEER Died on 12 May2022, Identity Number 500228 5076 08 0 Address52Gavin drive, Scheepershoogte, Uitenhage Kariega. The firstand final Liquidation and Distribution account will lie for inspectionatthe office of the Master of the High court in Gqeberha and at the Magistrate's court in Kariega, foraperiod of 21 days from date of n ge
LOST Notice terms
Kariega-jongesblinkinbofbal
