KARIEGA:
Fataltaxicrashclaimslivesofeightpassengers
SHANTI JAFTA
THE Kariega community was rocked by the news of afatal accident betweenan Algoa Bus and awhite Toyota Quantum taxi, whichclaimed thelives of eight passengers on Monday, 4May, on Mel Brooks Avenue, Kariega.
It is alleged that the passengers were employees on their way to work at an automotive components factory, Dana Spicer, in Kariega.
TheEastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson,Unathi Binqose,confirmed the crash involving abus and a taxi.
“Sevenpeople have lost their lives and multipleothers sustained injuries following acollision betweena minibus taxi and abus,” he said, with an additional life lost at the hospital.
Binqose added that theincident occurredwhen afully loadedminibus taxi, transporting workers from KwaNobuhle towardstown, allegedly made aU-turnin
front of an oncoming Algoa Bus, which hadonly the driver on board.
“The bus subsequently collided with the passenger sideofthe taxi,” he stated
Binqose noted that atotal of eighteen people were attended to at the scene.
“Twosustained serious injuries, while otherssuffered varying degrees of injuries and weretransported to nearbymedical facilities for treatment.”
Binqose added that the driverofthe minibus taxi is among those who sustained serious injuries in the crash and is currently receivingmedical treatment.
“He is expected to face achargeofculpable homicideonce he has madea meaningful recovery,” he said.
Emergency services responded swiftly tothe scene. “Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing,” concluded Binqose.
SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that acase of culpable homicide was opened by SAPS Kariega after eight passengers lost theirlives.
“Six were declared deceased at the
scene. Aseventh victimdied at aprovincial hospital, and an eighth victimdied at aprivate hospital,” she said
“The deceased comprise two females and six males, all aged between 20 and 40 years.”
Gantana added that severalother passengers sustained injuries
“The driver of the Toyota Quantum was also injured and has been transportedto alocal hospital for medical treatment. Injured passengers havebeen admitted to nearbymedical facilitiesfor further care,” she stated
The Uitenhage and District Taxi Association (UDTA) spokespersonLubabalo Vesele shared with UD Express that this was not the first accident of this natureto occur on Mel Brooks Avenue.
“I was on the scene, and Imustsay that the accident could havebeen avoided,” he said.“The street has only one working streetlight, which makes it very difficult for drivers in the dark.”
Vesele added that this was notthe first accident to occur in the same vicinity.
“There areother accidentsthat have happened on this road, in thesame area of theroad, as it is on acurve. It is adangerous stretch of road.”
In addition,Veseleclaimedthat they haddiscussions with law enforcement lastyeartoidentifyplacesthat areunsafe,and they identified Mel Brooks Avenue as ahigh-accident zone
“Werequested that aspeed bump be installedonthe road to breakthe speed of fastdrivers, as people whodon’t know this road tend to driveathighspeeds,” he said
“Weare oftentold that these things cannotbedonebecause there is no budget, butpeople arelosing their liveswhile we wait for that budget.”
AKwaNobuhle communityleader, Thamsanqa Nkevu, shared astatement regarding the incident
“Our deepest sympathyand heartfelt condolences go outtothe families of the victims of this horrific accident
“Our prayers go outtothese families andvictims,” he concluded.
OVERSIGHTVISIT:‘SERVICEDELIVERYINTERVENTIONSAREUNDERWAY’
GUGULETHU MTUMANE
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosahas confirmed that servicedelivery interventions are underway inNelson Mandela Bay as the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) launched its first oversight visit to themetro on Monday, 4May.
“There is work that is being done; we want to see that work picking up at a greater speed,” Ramaphosa told the mediaduring the visit to the Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Works Ramaphosa took the opportunity to praise Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe,noting herrolein bringing stability to the metro.
“The mayor is doing well; she is stabilising the metro.Itisa wonderfulthing to have awoman leadingthe metro,” Ramaphosa said.
He further highlighted thesignificance of her leadership, stating: “We do not have many metros beingled by women in the country; for me,that is agreat plus. She has been doing very well in attending to issues that had previously beenneglected.”
The NWC’s oversight mission is designed to assess the progressofservice delivery acrossthe region.
Despite Ramaphosa’s praise for Lobishe’sworkasmayor of the metro, Express previously reportedthat in April, two attempts to remove Lobishewere unsuccessful during acouncil sitting
The first motion by Bill Harrington (Freedom Front Plus) was defeated 63-48, while asecondmotion by Lance Grootboom (African Christian Democratic Party) failed64-48.
Bothopposition motionscited concerns about governance and service delivery, including water disruptions,electricity infrastructure issues,pylon collapses affecting areas like Summerstrand and Walmer, and questioned certain governancepractices such as the leasing of a municipal transformer to aprivate company.
Also in April, DA Member of Parliament (MP) and Cooperative Governance andTraditional Affairs(CoGTA)spokesperson Marina van Zyl laid criminal charges against Lobishe at the Cape Town Central Police Station, alleging thatshe misledParliament during oversight engagement.
The chargesrelateto testimony given before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and TraditionalAffairs, chaired by Zweli Mkhize, where NelsonMandela BayMunicipality
was questioned about governance, financial management and servicedelivery issues.
MPs raised concerns about the municipality’sfailure to respond to oversight correspondence sent between January and March, following an earlier oversight visit in October last year.
While Ramaphosa admitted he had not yet seen the full extent of the metro’s current state, he was clear about his expectations: “We want acity thatfunctions and that is clean.”
During the inspectionofthe Fish Water Flats Wastewater Treatment, Ramaphosa acknowledged ongoing maintenance challenges, including the need forbasic upkeep and addressing vandalism that has damaged mechanical and electrical infrastructure.
The visit commenced at the Red Location precinct in New Brighton, where the delegation inspected infrastructure and sanitation projects.
The delegation reviewed ahousing development consisting of 33 duplex homes,with the NMBM having reportedlyinvested approximately R8.3 million in the project, which is currently in the initial foundation phase.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated at amedia briefing thatthe ANC recognises there are service delivery challenges in areas such as water, sanitation, roads, electricity,and housing
He noted that these arenot “abstract issues, but daily realities affecting the dignityand livelihoodsofresidents.”
“The presence of national leadership on the ground is therefore bothagovernance intervention and apolitical commitment to accountability,” Mbalula said.
“This programme also servesto strengthen coordination between national,provincial, and local spheres of government, ensuring that interventions are not fragmented butaligned with the Local Government Action Plan (LGAP) pillars of coreservice delivery,infrastructure development, capable governance, and inclusive economic growth.”
Mbalulasaidthe ANC would return in two weeks, stressing that this programmeisnot a“once-off” event but rather “the beginning of acontinuous cycle of monitoring,intervention, and follow-through.” He added, “Findingsfrom Nelson Mandela Bay will be consolidated into the NWC’snational oversight framework, withclear directives issued to address identified gaps, unblock stalled projects, and accelerate delivery.”
Vandalisedbuildingcontinuestodeteriorate
SHANTI JAFTA
FRUSTRATION is mounting among residents of Kariega’s Cannon Hill area as a long-abandoned Transnet-owned building in Stow Road continues to deteriorate, nearly ayear after assurances that anew tenantwouldbesecured.
The property, which previouslyoperated as aschool, has become afocal point for community concern amid ongoing reports of vandalism, alleged stripping of infrastructure,and claimsofunchecked activity taking place in broad daylight Tensions have escalated further following threats from alocal individual or group claiming they intend toforciblyoccupy and “secure” thesite by removing thosetheyallege are responsiblefor the damage.
While Transnet maintainsthat lease negotiations arenow at an advanced stage and that security patrols are ongoing, residents argue that thebuilding has become both an eyesoreand asafetyrisk, highlighting agrowing disconnectbetween official assurances and conditions on the ground.
Aconcerned resident, Armand du Preez, told UD Express that they were goingto land-grab the building.
“The Transnet building is being looted day and night. We aregoing to grab the buildingand we’re going to expel and remove all the people that are strippingthe building [of its assets] day and night.”
He claimed thatlaw enforcement and Transnet representatives had not been helpful in securing the building and preventing it from being vandalised.
“Nobody caresaboutthis area,”hesaid. “We are going to take overthe Transnet building and we’re going to throw out all those illegal guysthat arestripping the building.”
Du Preez added thatthey were stilldeciding whenthey were going to do so,but stressed:“We are goingtokeep that building safe. We aregoing to makeanexample of it for other vandals.”
2025 Transnetresponse
In February 2025, UD Express enquired with Transnet regarding the building being vandalisedand housing the homeless, and they shared their plansfor the building.
“The previous tenant absconded the building in December 2024. We are in the process of concluding alease with another tenant and this process is currently at the evaluation stage,” they shared.
“The building was vandalised following the abscondment by the previous tenant.
Transnet team has been making frequent sitevisits and TFR security conduct regular patrols while preparations to place permanent 24-hour security on site are underway. Our Facilities team has also managed to close offthe water to prevent the leak.”
Suchpreparations for on-site security have notyet materialised
When asked whether they had plans to usethe building in 2025, they claimed that thebuilding would be leased and the tenant would make theirown modifications in line with the agreed terms with Transnet,asthey didnot have any plans to renovate or repurpose the building.
2026 Transnetresponse
Whenfollowing up one year later, Transnet told UD Express that “owing to
the many parties involved in these types of leases for student accommodation,this process has taken longer than anticipated
“However, negotiations arenow at an advanced stage as the tenant’s bill of quantities is being verified.”
On why they had allowed the building to deteriorate to its current state, they claimed that Transnet Property had been actively engaged in the process of placing atenant on site, and this processwas at an advanced stage.
“Security measures to safeguardthe building will be enhanced,” they shared.
Transnet further claimed thattheirsecurity personnel patrolthe building on adaily basis and “they have not found any illegal vagrants while doing their rounds.”
Transnet could notsay when thesituation surrounding this building would be rectified;however, they addedthat they could only confirmthat Kariega residents could expect achange in thesituation “upon the tenant signingalease agreement.”
Every child pregnancy‘anational emergency’
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
THE Eastern Cape Department of Health hasrecorded asustained decline in teenage and child pregnancies and births across the province, butchild protection experts warn thatthe figures may conceal afar more complexand troubling reality of abuse, inequalityand underreporting.
According to provincial data for the 2025/26 financialyear,births among girls aged 10–14dropped significantly, falling from 553 in 2022/23 to 292 in 2025/26.
In the latest quarter, 54 births were recorded, below thetarget of 75.Asimilar downward trend is reflected among adolescentsaged 15–19, with total births decreasing from 17,064 to 13,916 over the same period.
HealthMEC NtandokaziCapa has attributed the declinetostrengthened multi-sectoralinterventions involving the Departments of Health, Education, and Social Development, alongside community partners. These include expanded youth-friendly services,prevention programmes, and improved access to reproductive health support. However, child protection organisation Childline SA says the decline in numbers does not necessarily reflect asimplesuccessstory.
According to Okuhle Mdodana, DirectoratChildline SA in the Eastern Cape, teenage and child pregnancies remain driven by deep structural and social challenges, particularly in high-risk communities.
"Sexual abuse and statutory rape remain major drivers, with many pregnancies in girls under 16 resulting fromcoercion, grooming, or abuse by older men, relatives, or community members," she shared Poverty, she added, increases vulnerability to transactional relationships and "blessers".Mdodanaalso pointed to broken familystructures, absent parenting, alcohol abuse, and overcrowded households as key risk factors that reduce supervision and protection. In many communities, cultural silence and stigma continue to prevent disclosure of abuse.
"Poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities push some girlsinto relationships for financial support, especiallyinrural areas like the Eastern Cape," shesaid, adding that inadequate sexual and reproductivehealth education further compoundsthe problem.
While thedepartment has described the decline as progress, Childline cautions against celebrating what it calls "reductions fromcrisis levels"
"Thousandsofchildrenare still becoming pregnant everyyear, often as aresult
of rape or coercion. Adeclineinnumbers doesnot equal success when the underlying drivers remain unchanged," Mdodana said.
She noted that many cases stillresult in school dropout, trauma andlong-term poverty,and that Childline SA continues to see highvolumes of cases through its helplines. Concerns have alsobeen raised about whether the decline reflects realbehavioural change or underreporting
Mdodana said official data oftenreflects only public health facility births, excluding home deliveries, private care, miscarriages, unsafe abortions or unreported cases duetostigma
"In ruralEasternCape communities, stigma often leadsfamilies to conceal pregnancies or avoid facilities," she said "Thedecline may reflectsome real gains in awareness or services, butitlikely underestimates the truescale of the problem."
The organisation also raised concerns about gaps in statutory rape reporting and referral systems, despite legal obligations under the Children'sAct and SexualOffences Act.
Mdodana said implementation remains inconsistent duetoconfusion among professionals, fear of stigma, andweak follow-up systems.
"Cases areoften reported, butinvesti-
Transnetstatedthatthey expected theproperty to be occupied soon.
“Inthe interim,securityvisibility will be increased,” theyclaimed Engagement between ward councillor RoelfBasson, MESKariegabranchrepresentativesand Transnet beganin2025, with theaim of converting the vacant Transnet-owned building into ashelter for homeless individuals.Ameeting held on 23 July 2025 with Transnet regional official Ntombekayo Tsako yielded apositiveresponse, with thepossibility of a Corporate Social Investmentpartnership andaproposed site inspection
Bassonshared that no further communication followed, despite repeated attempts to secure feedback.
“Inthe interim,the building continued to be vandalised,strippedand damaged by fires, leaving it severelydeteriorated andraising safety concerns among nearby residents,” he said.“The lack of follow-throughrepresents amissedopportunitytorepurposea publicasset, as the need for ahomeless shelterinthe area remains urgent.”
gationsstall duetoshortagesofsocial workers, overburdened courts, andlimited SAPS capacity," she said."In many instances, pregnancies in minors arenot automatically followedbyrobust child protection responses."
Childlinesays it frequently encounters cases where abuse is suspected but not properly escalated, particularly in rural areaswhere services arelimited
Key systemic gaps,according to the organisation,include shortages of social workers, poor coordination between government departments, weak schoolbased preventionprogrammes, and limited mental health supportfor survivors. Persistentpoverty andcommunity silencefurtherdeepen vulnerability
To address these challenges, Childline SA is calling for stronger enforcement of mandatoryreportinglaws,expanded preventioneducation in schools,and increased investment in child protection services.
The organisation alsowants faster, coordinatedmulti-sectoral response teams for abuse cases, expandedyouth-friendly clinics, andgreatereconomicand parenting supportfor vulnerable families.
"Every child pregnancy, especially amongyoung girls, reflects afailure of protection," Mdodanasaid. "This must be treatedasa national emergency, not just ahealth statistic."
Thevandalised building on Stow Road continues to remain vacant.
PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA
Localteacherhitsnationalnews
ADESPATCH PreparatorySchool
teacher has taken South Africa by storm, turning an ordinary school day into anational talking point that has captured hearts across thecountry
Anjè Swart made headlines aftera photograph of her teaching with her baby boy, Rossouw, strapped to her chest went viral on Facebook and TikTok.
Within hours, the image spread rapidly, drawing widespreadadmiration forher dedication and sparking conversations about working mothers and support in the workplace
The now-famous moment came
when Swart was faced with achallenge familiar to many parents herbaby was ill and no caregiver was available
Instead of cancelling her classes, she arrived at school with Rossouw safely strappedtoher, stepping straightintoher role as both educatorand mother
Whatfollowedwas unexpected. Her learnerswere notdistracted instead, Swart says it wasone of her most focusedteaching days. “They listened more than ever before,” she shared, noting thather class has since been asking when baby Rossouw will return.
As the image gained traction, na-
tional media quickly took notice.
Afrikaans publication Rapport featured the Swart family —Anjè, her husband Divan, andbabyRossouw —inaprominent article, while the popular television programme Ontbytsake also aired afeature on the inspiring story.
Baby Rossouw’sbright smile quickly became asymbolofthe story, winning over audiences farbeyond the classroom.
Behind the viralmoment lies a powerful example of school culture.
Despatch PreparatorySchool has long upheld a“family-first” policy, allowing staff to bring their children to school when necessary.
AANKONDIGING:MATRIKULANTVANDIEJAAR
SusannahFourielearners marchwithpride
Wyegeleentheidwagopdiéwatinskryf
Vir meer as 40 jaar maak die Matrikulantvan die Jaar-kompetisie 'n verskilindie lewe vanhonderdejong mense wathul loopbaan aan die Universiteit vandie Vrystaat (UV)begin het.
Vanjaar saldit nieandersweesnie, metdie 45stekompetisiewat vandeesweekbegin.
Dit is nienet diebekendstelling van die2026-kompetisienie;die UV is ook opgewonde om NovusMedia as nuwe mediavennoot virdie kompetisiete verwelkom.
NovusMedia, 'n filiaal vanNovus Holdings, het'nnasionale voetspoor van36gratis gemeenskapskoerante 'n nasionale koerant, DiePapier, en 'n sterkdigitale en sosialemedia-teenwoordigheid.
Alle artikels oor diekompetisiesal in hierdiegedrukte publikasiesgepubliseer word,asook op hulwebwerwe,bykomend daartoedat dit gratis gelees kanwordopnovanews.co.za
Weer kanveelsydige matrikulante vanoor dieland heen hulself inskryf virdie kompetisiewat verledejaar gewenisdeur KiaraSubramanian, 'n voormalige leerling aandie Eunice High School in Bloemfontein.
Kiarasêsysal altyddankbaar wees datsydie kompetisiegewen het.
"Nie netoor dietitel nie, maar oor diemense watdit in my lewe gebring het," verduidelik sy "Dit hetmyinstaat gestel om met inspirerende,vriendelikeendoelgerigteindividuekontaktemaak, waarvan baie nou saam metmydie padvan mediesestudiestap."
Vir haar hetdit veel meer betek-
Dievisekanselier en rektor vandie UV,prof. Hester C. Klopper,saammet die 2025-wennervan dieMatrikulantvan dieJaar-kompetisie, Kiara Subramanian. FOTO: CHARL DEVENISH
enisvol as net'nkompetisiegeword
–dit behels ook vriendskappe, ondersteuning en 'n gedeelde begripdat
"ons almal na iets groter as onsself gestreef het".
"Asek terugkyk,dink ek watdie
kompetisiemywerklik geleer het, is diebelangrikheidvan verbondenheid en aanmoediging. "Dit hetmygewys hoekragtigdit is om omring te wees deur mensewat jouophef en motiveer."
Só skryf jy in Matrikulantevan oor dielandheen watleiersenpresteerdersinakademie, kultuurensport is, en watbeplanom volgende jaar aan dieUVtestudeer kanhulle virdie kompetisieinskryf Beurse en prysgeldvan sowatR500 000 is op diespelvir die25topdeelnemers,danksydie borgeUVStudentewerwingsdienste, dieKovsie-Alumnitrust, Forvis Mazars, Absa en Pick n PayPrellerWalk. Leerlingekan hulself inskryf of deurhul skool benoem word,met vormswat deurdie skoolhoof onder tekenenvan dieamptelike skoolstempelvoorsien is. Altesaam 25 semifinalistesal gekies word,waaruit 14 finalistesal deurdring na dieeindrondevan 5tot 7Oktober in Bloemfontein.
Diewenner en finalisteontvang prysgeld, beurse en geskenke, terwyl semifinalisteook pryseenbeurseontvang
Inskrywing sluit op 31 Julie. Skandeer dieQR-kode hierbo,laai die inskryfvorm af,vul in en stuurterug na LindaGreyling by greylinl@ufs.ac. za.Sykan ook gekontak word virmeer inligting
SISKA MARTIN
Grade 6teacherAnjè Swartcontinues herlesson with baby Rossouw safely strapped to her chest —amomentthat captured national attention and hearts across SouthAfrica.
PHOTO: MORNÉ DU RANDT
SusannahFourie PrimarySchool learners took to the streets on Thursday, 30 April to proclaim their love for their school.Learners followedaroute closeto SusannahFourie, carrying beautiful, colourful posterswith allthe reasons why SusannahFourie is so close to their hearts. Here areJasmine Botha (front) and Willow du Plessis (back)proudlydisplaying their poster. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
KallaManieFoundationgolfdayreturnstoKariega
THE KallaManie Benefit Foundation will hostits third annual charity golf day on 8 August 2026, returningtoits home atUitenhage Golf Club.
This year’s event aims to raise vital funds for the Uitenhage Mental Health Homes, which are in urgent need of everydayessentials
The initiative continues the foundation’s mission to honour the lifeand legacyof the late Manie “Kalla” Daniels. Adedicated educator at John Walton High Schoolfor 37 yearsand apassionategolfer,Daniels earned Eastern Province coloursonmultiple occasions and also served as captain Bornon9July 1963, he passed away on 23 July 2023,leavingbehind alastingimpact on theKariega community
The annual golf day stands as atribute to hiscommitment to service, sport and community upliftment.
The Uitenhage Mental Health Homes comprise four residences in the Kariega area, collectively caring for 73 patients. As a non-profitorganisation,they provide compassionate, long-termcare forindividuals living with mentalillness.Servicesinclude
DIARY| DAGBOEK
MoedersdagDamestee: Bederf jouma,ouma of tantemet 'n kaartjienadie Moedersdag Damestee watop9Mei om 14:00 by Arabest op Despatch gaan plaasvind. Dit dien as fondsinamelingten bate van'nKariega paartjie, Ian Rudman en Eileen Cronje,wat albei in 2025 metkanker gediagnoseer is. Die damesteegaan 'n Tjhoko demonstrasie, gasspreker,lekker eetgoed en stalletjies insluit Kaartjiesisbeperk en beloop R200 per persoon Vir kaartjies, donasies, skenkings en meer inligting kontak Lizette by 084 406 2123of Karenby081 399 8521.
AnniversaryShow: Children inChristgospel group willbecelebrating their 37th anniversary showon10May at 16:00 at the Emmanuel MethodistChurch (PatrysStreet). Admission is R50. Formoreinformation contact064 0259509or 073805 2319
Moedersdag-ete: Die NG Kerk Despatch-Suid gaan wegneem-etesoffer op 10 Mei virMoedersdag. Dit is R60 per ete wathoenderpastei, pampoenpoffers, gebakteaartappelsengeelrysinsluit.Poeding (gebakte bruin poeding metvla)gaan jou 'n ekstra R20 uit die sak jaag. Melktert isook beskikbaar teen R60,slegsmet vooraf bestelling. Die afhaaltydis10:30 op 10 Mei. Bestel by Catrien by 082 7028345
Bazaar: Rosa Munch Housewill haveabazaaron 30 Mayfrom08:00to13:00 at their premises at 10 Victoria Street,Kariega.For more info,contact 041992 4138
Send your Diary entriestoudexpress@novusmedia.co.za.The deadline forentriesisTuesdays at 10:00.Entries maybeinEnglish or Afrikaans
accommodation, medical care,meals,rehabilitation, and dailystimulation programmes, ensuring residents aresupported in allaspects of theirlives.
Currently,the homes are in urgentneed of basic items such as bed linen, cutlery, crockeryand tablecloths.
Bookingsfor the golf day arenow open, with entry set at R350 per player or R2,000 per sponsored fourball. Participants can look forward to aday filled with prizes, welcomepacks on arrival, and water holes along the course.
While the event willmakea meaningful contribution, the foundation acknowledges thatthe needs extend beyondwhat the golf day alonecan raise. Businesses and individuals aretherefore encouraged to contribute, either financially or throughin-kind donations, to help make alasting difference.
Forbookings,contact the UitenhageGolf Club on 041 966 1868. For sponsorship opportunities orfurtherinformation, contact Jamie-Lee Daniels on 061 094 3593 or Jeffrey du Preez on 082 903 2694. Alternatively, email kallamaniedaniels1963@gmail.com or visit the foundation’sFacebook page, TheKallaManieBenefit Foundation
HistoricfirstKlawerjas tournament hosted
THE sound of shufflingcards and the buzz of competitive spirit filledKariega this past weekend as the Nelson Mandela Bay Klawerjas Union (NMBKU) madehistory by hosting itsvery first klawerjas tournament in the area,and by allaccounts, it was an occasion wellworthcelebrating.
Four of the region’s most respected clubs answered the call, each bringingtheirbesttothe table.Gqeberha’s VikingsK.C., the reigning2025 SAKBOCInterclub Champions,made thetrip alongside local sidesCats K.C.and Diamonds K.C. of the Kariega Union,and Young Stars K.C., who flew the flag for the SWD Region.Together, they set the stage for aweekend of fierce butfriendly competition It came as littlesurprise that Vikings K.C., the defendingnational interclubchampions, flexedtheir muscles in the League Competition. The Gqeberha outfit were simplyuntouchable, winning everysingleone of theirleague fixtures in dominant style to walkawaywiththe League Trophy.
It was acommanding performance that servedasatimely reminder of just why they carry the titleofchampions.
If theleague belongedtoVikings, the Knockout Competition was an entirelydifferent story. CatsK.C. produced the performances of the weekend, turning headswiththeir consistency and composure under pressure. They dispatched Diamonds K.C. be-
fore pullingoff arguablythe result of the tournament, defeating the mighty Vikings K.C. to claim the Knockout trophy. It wasastunning achievement that will be talkedabout in klawerjas circles for some time to come. The action didn’t end there. The LosersSection Final pitted Young Stars K.C. against Diamonds K.C. in acontestfullofheartand determination. Young Stars K.C. ultimatelyproved the stronger side on the day, claiming the trophy and ensuring their long journey from the SWD Region was made very much worthwhile
Whilethe results and silverware will be remembered, thosewho attended the tournament were equally moved by the atmospherethat surrounded it.Camaraderie, mutual respect, and agenuine love for the game defined the weekend from start to finish
TheNMBKUhas been on aquiet but determined missiontobreathe new life into klawerjas following thedevastating blow dealtbythe Covid-19 pandemic, whichleftcompetitive play acrossthe region in afragile state. Weekends likethisone areprecisely what the union has been working towards; proof that the sport’s spirit is alive and well, and that itscommunity is ready to rebuild.
As the players packedawaytheir cards and headed home, the message wasclear: klawerjas is back, and Kariega has now proudly written its name into thesport’s growingstory.
Pictured arethe volunteersoflast year’sKallaMannieGolf Day.From left are Jamie-LeeDaniels,Crystal Beukes, LornaBeukes andAnita Killian.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
VikingsKlawerjas Club, winners of theleague trophy. From left are Basil Moodie (Vikings Captain), Elrado Jansen(recordingmatch secretary) andJohnCooper (Chairman of NMBK Union)
CatsKlawerjas Club, winners of theKnock Outtrophy.From left are Johannes Goliath (vice captain of CatsKlawerjas Club), Elrado Jansen(Recordingmatch secretary) andJohnCooper (Chairman of NMBK Union) PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
DespatchisNMBsekampioenspan
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE vreugdevure brand hoogop Despatch nadat die dorp se mansrolbalspan as die Nelson Mandelabaai se naweekliga-kampioenin die eerste liga aangewys is.
Wat die prestasie nog meer merkwaardig maak is dat dit Despatch se tweede titelindrie jaar is en net die tweede eersteliga-titel in die klub se bestaan.
“Ons is in die sewende hemel. Wat ’n spogvertoning deur die manne. “Dieoorwinningwys presies waar die klub hom op die
oomblikbevind,”sêWouter Minnie, uitvoerendekomiteelid belas metbemarking.
Diespelerswat dietitel huis toe gebringhet, is EdwinNance, WarrenNance, Rudolph Kilian, Wihan Visser,Jacques Ferreira, Dwayne Botha,DewaldMeiring,Wouter Minnie,AndréRoux en Dieter Basson.
Despatchisdeurtwee spanne metvierspelersper span verteenwoordig. Die liga word weg en tuis gespeel. In dieeerste liga is daar tienspanne en elke span speel nege wedstryde Minnie sê dieklubspogmet uit-
sonderlike diepte en is ’n eenheid wat vorentoe beweeg.“Despatch is nie op padnie. Ons is reeds hiér. Die talent en diehonger is hier. En dieuitslaewys dit.”
Despatch het bo aandie punteleer geëindig en word gevolgdeur Port Elizabeth, The Woods, Westview, Uitenhage, Walmer,Mill Park, Jeffreysbaai,Victoriapark en Western Suburbs.
Die eersteliga-titel is egter nie al sukses wat dieklub behaal het nie. Sy vrouespan in dieeerste liga het dietweede plek behaal, terwyldie mans se derdeligaspan ooktweede geëindig het.
Tigersroarinhistoricderby dominationagainstBrandwag
IT wasaweekend for the history books as Daniel Pienaar Technical HighSchool delivered amasterclass in local schoolboy rugby, claiming 10 victories out of 11 matches against Die Brandwag.
The Tigers’ dominance was most evident on the main field, where they achieved amonumental clean sweep in the marquee fixtures.
In ashowcaseofthe depthof the school’s sportsprogramme, Daniel Pienaar THS secured victories acrossthe U/14A, U/15A, U/16A, 3rd, 2nd,and 1st teams.
While the U/14B team narrowly missed out on awin, the spirit of the day remained high, and this team is looking forward tothe Classic Clash to claim bragging rights.
The first teammatch was a nailbiter. The mostthrilling match of the derbyended in a hard-fought one-point victory for Daniel Pienaar THS (23-22).
Die Brandwag deservescredit for the high calibre of rugby they brought to the field, playing with trademark grit and ensuring afiercely competitive derbythat thrilled the crowds.
With the dust barely settled, the stageisalreadyset for the next chapter of this proudKariegarivalryinAugust.
The Principal of Daniel Pienaar, Kola du Toit, expressed her prideinthe results and the spirit of the day.
“We are looking forward to the ClassicClash on 15 August, where these two beautifulrugby rivals will meet again,” said Du Toit.
“It is alovely day wherethe community unites —friends and family celebrating sporttogether.”
The Tinara Cup Series also strengthens rugby in Kariega because now three schools, namely Daniel Pienaar THS, Muir Collegeand Die Brandwag, havethe opportunity to play twice on ahome and away match basis. Every school enters ten teams, so there is fierce competition for these trophies amongst the three schools.
Despatch se brekers is, van links,DewaldMeiring,Wouter Minnie,Warren Nance,Edwin Nance,Wihan Visser,Rudolph Kilian, Dwayne Botha, en Jacques Ferreira.
FOTO: VERSKAF
Daniel Pienaar THS secured victories across theU/14A, U/15A,
2nd, and1st teams. PHOTO: SUPPLIED