HawkshostkidnappingawarenesscampaigninBay
SHANTI JAFTA
THE Eastern Cape Hawks rolled out a three-day Kidnapping and Extortion Awareness campaign in Gqeberha
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the first visit was in Korsten in Gqeberha, the second visit was in KwaZakhele next to the Police Station, and the third was in KwaNobuhle
Speaking to Express, Mhlakuvana said that the Hawks have identified the prime hotspots for kidnapping and extortion, and the aforementioned areas are among those hotspots
"Our aim was to engage all busi-
ness owners to sensitise them on the scourge of kidnapping, additionally providing tips as to what they can do to protect themselves should they be in that unfortunate situation and where they could report such cases "
Sharing about the mandate of the Hawks, Mhlakuvana said the Hawks' line of work includes priority violent crimes, where linkages are established in more than one province, illegal manufacturing, national or international trafficking in firearms, ammunition and explosives including importation and exportation by an organised criminal group, as well as criminality in the control of legal firearm stocks by the legal owners of those stocks
Additionally, "The theft and/or robbery of firearms and/or explosives
from state-controlled armouries/ storage facilities As well as murder of police officials of any department, all cash-in-transit robberies and illegal trafficking of firearms and/or explosives both transnationally and nationally by organised crime networks "
Regarding extortion, Mhlakuvana said it is an act of obtaining something, such as money, through force, threats or intimidation It involves coercive tactics to compel someone to give up valuables or engage in actions against their will
Mhlakuvana added, "This initiative is aimed at discouraging criminals from their operations We have identified the areas that are problematic prior to the campaigns and have found that Kariega, Gqeberha CBD, Korsten and KwaZakhele are among the prime kidnapping hotspots in Gqeberha, where foreign nationals and South Africans are affected "
"We had a similar campaign last year in Gqeberha, where we saw a decrease in criminal activities We hope that will be the case again this time "
Mhlakuvana said that there are two Hawks operational units situated in Gqeberha, namely the Serious Organised Crime Investigation offices, located in Newton Park, Shirley Street, and the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and Corruption situated at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in North End
He added, "If you witness a kidnapping, take note of all the details: of the vehicle and occupants, do not intervene directly, and call law enforcement "
"If you are a victim of extortion,
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson, Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, educating residents of KwaZakhele on kidnapping and extortion. PHOTOS: SHANTI JAFTA
compliance may not guarantee your safety and can perpetuate the cycle
When confronted with a dangerous situation, pretend to be getting along with them and report the incident
In a previously published article, Mhlakuvana shared tips that residents and business owners should know to avoid being kidnapped:
• Be vigilant and aware: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.
immediately after the ordeal. Document everything and inform a trusted individual by sharing the situation with close friends or family," Mhlakuvana said.
Trust your instincts: If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in a situation, leave it
• Communication: Inform a friend or family member about your plans and share your location, especially when travelling.
• Avoid isolated areas: Stay away from deserted streets, parks, or buildings, particularly at night and even during the day
Residents of KwaZakhele are engaging with law enforcement, sharing their experience with kidnapping and extortion at the Kidnapping Awareness Campaign.
Illegaldumping—apressingissueinKariega
SHANTI JAFTA
WARD councillors across Kariega share a common frustration: reporting illegal dumping sites to the municipality, only to watch them remain unattended while the problem spreads to new locations
With at least 12 confirmed hotspots across four wards, the issue has moved beyond a municipal maintenance problem to a public health emergency According to Ward 49 Councillor Georgen Miggels, he has identified multiple illegal dumping hotspots in his ward, including five sites on Acacia Street alone, a street where the Rosedale Public Clinic is located
The extensive list includes Kingfisher 1, Kamesh Road (located next to the councillor's office), Duiker, Seagull Street near Derrick Ferreira Stadium, Heron Road, Lovebird Avenue behind Caritas, and Grompo
"I have informed the municipality of these illegal dumping sites and they still have not been attended to," he said
Ward 51 Councillor Roelf Basson noted a prime dumping hotspot in his ward, located on Ross Gradwell Street, in front of North Street "I don't know where all that rubbish comes from, because they clean it up today and in
a few weeks, it's dirty again The rubbish is domestic and garden refuse "
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said, "The NMBM acknowledges with concern the escalating incidents of illegal dumping in various parts of Kariega, including but not limited to the areas cited in Wards 48, 49, 50, and 51 These include Acacia Street, Kingfisher 1, Kamesh, Duiker Crescent, Seagull Street, Heron, Lovebird, N Street Extension, and Ross Gradwell Road near Riebeek College, among others
“These sites form part of a broader list of hotspots that our Public Health and Waste Management teams have identified through regular patrols, ward-based reports, and community alerts "
He added that illegal dumping poses serious health and environmental risks
"It attracts rodents, increases the breeding of disease-carrying insects, contaminates nearby water sources, and contributes to air and soil pollution For residents, this translates into a heightened risk of respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and an overall deterioration in quality of life, particularly for children and the elderly The environmental impact is equally dire, undermining urban cleanliness, lowering property values, and discouraging investment
and tourism in Kariega "
Soyaya stated that the municipality currently spends millions annually on cleaning up illegal dumping, diverting critical funds that could be used to improve the basic services and infrastructure of the town
“This is an unsustainable situation, especially when illegal dumping is entirely preventable Despite our efforts to deploy litter pickers, collect waste, and conduct awareness campaigns across all 60 wards, the recurrence of these dumping sites indicates a deeper challenge of public behaviour and accountability "
He added, "We urge residents to take pride in their communities and report illegal dumping through the municipal hotline on 0860 103 089 or via their ward councillors The municipality is intensifying its anti-dumping education drives and working with local law enforcement to identify and fine repeat offenders We are also exploring partnerships with community leaders, NGOs, and schools to embed anti-littering values in public consciousness from a young age "
Soyaya concluded, "Illegal dumping is not a municipal problem alone; it is a community problem, and together, we must protect the health, dignity, and economic future of Kariega "
Churchhostsfunholidayclubforlocalchildren
SHANTI JAFTA
IN the heart of Kariega, a remarkable community initiative continued to transform school holidays into vibrant learning experiences for local children
The Creative Arts Holiday Club 2025, which ran from July 7 until July 19 at Roselane United Congregational Church, once again welcomed approximately 150-180 children daily from surrounding areas including Thomas Gamble, Mountain View, Rosedale, Gerald Smith, Tamboville, and Kabah
Now in its fourth year, this volunteer-driven programme has become a beacon of hope during the winter holidays, offering children aged 6-19, separated into two groups one aged 6-9 and the second aged 10-19 a diverse range of activities from contemporary dance and African rhythms to music theory and arts and crafts What started as Venita Van Wyk's vision to provide positive stimulation during school holidays has evolved into a community cornerstone, currently administered by Elmarie Boucher, where multidisciplinary professionals from local dance groups, choirs, and bands donate their time and expertise to nurture young talents whilst ensuring each child receives two nutritious meals daily in a safe, supportive environment
The United Congregational Church of South Africa recently held a holiday club in Kariega. From left at the back are, Jodean Booysen, Tyrique Uithaler, Ausriscka Jaftha, Gabriella Barendse, Thiana Milbourough, Edwardo Rank and Zayquin Milbourough. In front are, Abrinea Booysen, Agnitha van Wyk, Charmonique Koense, Tamarin Such, Grace van Wyk and Vindry Horne. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
JohnWaltonGolf Dayasuccess
THE greens of the Uitenhage Golf Club were alive with energy, laughter and community spirit on Saturday, 28 June, as John Walton Secondary School (JWSS) proudly hosted its annual Golf Day
This highly anticipated event, now a highlight on the school calendar, brought together learners, educators, families and local businesses in a celebration of friendly competition and purposeful fundraising
This year's Golf Day held special significance, as the school paid tribute to former staff members who laid the foundation for this meaningful tradition A heartfelt acknowledgement was made to the late Manie Daniels and others, whose passion and dedication helped shape not only the Golf Day, but also the spirit of the school A memorial table on the practice green stood in their honour, serving as a powerful reminder of their legacy
According to JWSS teacher, Sue-Ellen de Jager, "We were especially proud of the junior teams who participated in the event, representing both John Walton Secondary School and Uitenhage High School Their commitment and enthusiasm for golf remind us that, with the right support, our youth can achieve great things Your contributions as sponsors help fuel these ambitions, adding vital value to the future of our school and learners "
Highlights and winners
The day featured unforgettable moments and excellent performances
The school congratulates Mark Fry, who won the lucky draw filled with delicious treats
In the Nearest to the Pin contest, JWSS junior golfer Venito Boneparte stood out by winning one of four categories and was also crowned the overall junior champion of the day
The school specially mentions Rudi van Nelson, who took top honours in the non-golfer category
According to the administrative Public Relations representative of the Rose Lane United Congregational Church, David Goliath, the programme offered a diverse range of activities, including various dance genres comprising basic dance theory and practical work, contemporary, hip-hop, flags, and African dance; music theory and instrumental instruction featuring recorder, brass, and drumming; arts and crafts; and choral music with separate junior and senior choirs He added, "The primary objective for the week was to ensure the safety and well-being of all participating children, whilst creating a nurturing environment that fosters their growth and discovery of their innate talents " Goliath shared that the dates of the programme were deliberately chosen to provide facilitators, many of whom are students or learners, with sufficient time to rest and recharge before and after the event, given the three-week holiday period
Hosted at Roselane United Congregational Church, Goliath said they had an active Holiday Club prior to moving the Holiday Club to the existing facility, a strategically located ven-
WinterWoollyDrive deliverswarmth,kindness
WINTER Woolly Drive brought joy to 42 elderly residents in the Rocklands community with a delivery of much-needed warm blankets, clothing and toiletries to one of Algoa Bay Council for the Ageds outreach projects
"It is always heartwarming to see the deep appreciation on their faces when receiving these essentials that we take for granted Moments like this remind us of the importance of kindness in our community," said Sandy Abdoll, Community Chest special projects manager
A big thank you went out from Community Chest to everyone who has contributed They have reached half of their target and decided to extend this drive for one more month due to the huge response from the public and corporates
Drop-off boxes are located at all the Pick n Pay stores in Nelson Mandela Metro, Walmer Park Shopping Centre, Boardwalk Mall and at the following restaurants at Baywest Mall: Biloxi Spur, Panarottis, Rocomamas and John Dory's For more info, contact 041 5821592 or info@cchestpe org za
ue that offers convenient accessibility for the majority of participating children "The facility provides adequate resources and capacity to accommodate approximately 180 children on a daily basis, making it an ideal location for the programmes operations," he said "The programme is primarily supported by two funding sources: a surplus allocation from the Algoa Region Music Ministry and a registration fee of R50, payable upon arrival The funding is primarily utilised to cover the costs of meals provided to the children, with each child receiving two meals per day," Goliath concluded
"The coveted first place among the golfers was awarded to Mr Dan Kayser, who won a one-night stay with breakfast for two at the picturesque Tsitsikaya Lodge Nyosi Wildlife Reserve ensured that our runner-up was spoiled with a game drive and lunch for two at their beautiful reserve," de Jager said
John Walton Secondary School extends its sincere thanks to everyone who made the day a success They express deep appreciation to their associate partner, Pier 14 Shopping Centre, for their continued support and commitment to uplifting the school communities across the Chatty Hill Their generosity is deeply valued and will leave a lasting impact
She added, "We also acknowledge Vandanite and Reiner Swanepoel Graphic Design for their creative work and for ensuring our sponsors received well-deserved recognition during these challenging economic times A heartfelt thank you goes to the Uitenhage Golf Club for once again hosting us with warmth and professionalism, and for their ongoing support of local schools We are especially grateful to Morris Olivier and his team for their leadership and guidance in helping us execute such a successful event " Lastly, she extended her gratitude to the John Walton Golf Committee, whose dedication and hard work know no bounds De Jager concluded, "Like the legends who came before us, you have truly lived up to our school's motto: Sic itur ad astra, this is the way to the stars As we reflect on this meaningful event, we already look ahead with hope and excitement We invite local businesses, organisations and individuals to partner with us in future Golf Days With your continued support, we will keep building a stronger, united community and open more doors of opportunity for our learners "
At the back from left are Maxi Betsha, Sandy Abdoll (Community Chest project manager) and Sidwell Klaas. In front from left are Gladys Salaze, Elsie Wine and Debora George. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
DALESTREETCONGREGATIONALCHURCH:
Risingfromhistoryofoppressiontoanewbeginning
THE Dale Street Congregational Church, with a cherished history of faith and resilience, was born from the struggles of its community in 1896
Over the decades, it endured rejection, oppression, and the harsh reality of apartheid in South Africa
During the early 1970s, the church faced a devastating blow under the cruel apartheid-era Group Areas Act Its original historic building, along with the adjacent manse and school situated in the heart of town on Dale Street, was destroyed The church community was forcibly relocated to Rosedale, uprooted solely because of discriminatory policies based on race and even hair texture
Despite these hardships, the church's faith-driven community rose resolutely through divine guidance and the dedication of its spiritual
leaders Reverends Van Der Kemp van Rooyen, Charles William Hendrickse, Allan Hendrickse, and Jacob Navan Adonis were among those who played crucial roles in ensuring the church continued to thrive The Hendrickse family, serving as father and son clergy, dedicated a remarkable combined 84 years to the congregation, while Reverend Adonis led the church for an inspiring 42 years These leaders’ contributions are treasured not only in the annals of the church but also in the hearts of the community
Today, Dale Street Congregational Church forms a vibrant part of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), with contributions extending across its mother church in Kariega, its wards in Despatch, and several outstations, namely Steytlerville, Klipplaat, Addo, Paterson, and Thornhill/Longmore
This weekend, on July 19, the church will host a historic event as Reverend Euodia Volanie is officially inducted as its new minister In a statement, the church said, “We celebrate this joyous and historic moment as Reverend Volanie, a visionary leader born and raised in Kariega, steps into this significant role Reverend Volanie has already shown exceptional spiritual guidance during her time as Acting Minister ”
The induction festivities will begin at 13:00 with a parade by the Brigades, starting from the Four Way Stop near CW Hendrickse Primary School The Brigade Orchestra will lead the procession to the church, where Reverend Ebrahim Persent, the Moderator of the Algoa Region of UCCSA, will officiate the induction ceremony
Visitors from neighbouring churches are expected to attend this extraordinary occasion
NGKerkUitenhageviermeerastweeeeuevangeloofengroei
DIE NG Kerk Uitenhage, wat in 1817 gestig is, staan as 'n bewys van God se voorsienigheid en genade oor meer as twee eeue Hierdie gemeente dien as 'n bakenslig in die Kariega-omgewing en weerspieël n ryk geskiedenis van geloof en gemeenskapsbou
Stigtingenvroeëjare
Met sy ontstaan het die stigters n toevlugsoord geskep wat deur die jare net sterker geword het Gedurende die 19de eeu, te midde van sosio-politieke veranderinge en swaarkry, blom die gemeente as 'n plek van liefde en diensbaarheid aan die gemeenskap
Groeiindie20steeeusetransformasie
Die 20ste eeu bring verdere groei en aanpassings In 1950 brei die Moedergemeente uit en drie dogtergemeentes Uitenhage-Noord, Oos
en De Mist word gestig, wat die drie rigtings van die dorp dek Hierdie aanpassing verteenwoordig die vermoë van die kerk om by verskillende omstandighede aan te pas, altyd gefokus op geloof en uitbreiding van die koninkryk van God
Uitenhage-Noord: Gemeenskap en jongmense Uitenhage-Noord funksioneer aanvanklik vanuit skoolgeboue en spits hul roeping daarop toe om jongmense geestelik op te bou Die gemeente vestig sterk fondamente met inisiatiewe soos basaars en jeugprogramme In 2002 word kernwaardes soos "Innooi, Vorm, Stuur" geïdentifiseer, wat tot vandag toe leidend is
Uitenhage-Oos: Ontwikkeling en deernis Uitenhage-Oos floreer met kleingroepbedienings en betekenisvolle gemeenskapsondersteun-
ing Die gemeente bou nuwe geboue, insluitend 'n kerk in Colchester, en stel projekte daar wat plaaslike bewoners dien Die kerk se sterk dissipelskap en samewerking tussen leraars word geloof as ’n model van sukses
De Mist: ’n Gemeenskap van hulpverlening
De Mist, gestig in die hart van 'n werksgemeenskap, verkondig van die begin af "Reik Mekaar die Hand " Hierdie deelname aan liefde en ondersteuning het die gemeente se karakter gevorm, met voortdurende fondsinsamelings en projekte soos sopkombuise wat haweloses kos en hoop in moeilike tye verskaf
’n Ryk Geskiedenis en hoop vir die toekoms
Die verhaal van die NG Kerk Uitenhage en sy dogtergemeentes is 'n tapisserie van geloof, passie en God se hand Met spesifieke projek-
te en hoogtepunte sedert sy stigting van 'n massiewe evangelisasieherlewing in 1956 toe lidmate toegeneem het tot 8000, tot moderne Kersmarkte wat gemeenskappe nader trek
Eietydsebediening
Vanaf 2021 versterk geïntegreerde bedienings tussen die gemeentes bande en skep nuwe geleenthede vir samewerking, terwyl elke gemeente hul identiteit behou Hierdie kragte word saamgesnoer om voort te bou op die hoop en lesse van die verlede Danksy getroue lidmate, roepingsgedrewe leiers en 'n onwankelbare geloof, kyk hierdie gemeentes na 'n blink toekoms Hulle dra die waardevolle lesse van hulle geskiedenis saam en is gereed om die koninkryk van God verder uit te brei
-BerigverskafdeurAntoinettePreller
Reverend Euodia Volani. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
GENERAL & HOME SERVICES
REPAIRS 1818
GARDEN & IRRIGATION 1825
EMPLOYMENT
EP Media en Novus Media kan nie bevestig of enige van die geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is vir gebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie.
Oud-spanmaatsvereerSpringbok
HANNES SCHOEMAN
HENNIE Strydom, voormalige Springbok-bokser van Kariega, sal altyd ’n plaaslike held wees Só het sy oud-OP-spanmaat, Gordon Lamastra, gesê toe Strydom in Sidwell in die Baai vir sy bydrae tot die sport vereer is
Twee ander Springbokke, Riaan Oliphant (Kariega) en Harold Saaiman (Boksburg) sou ook vereer word, maar kon nie die gesel-
ligheid bywoon nie
Lamastra sê Strydom, een van Suid-Afrika se heel bestes van sy era, se bydrae tot die sport in die Oos-Kaap is in die geskiedenis vasgemessel
“Jy het ’n standard gestel wat moeilik oortref sal word,” het hy gesê Strydom was in die tagtigerjare die goue seun van Uitenhage Hy was ’n briljante bokser en uitklopspesialis
Lamastra sê met ’n uitkloppersentasie van 80% het Stry-
dom gou ’n sensasie geword en die plaaslike gemeenskap trots gemaak
“Selfs lank nadat hy uitgetree het bly hy steeds ’n held Hennie sal ook onthou word vir die ses oorwinnings in sewe gevegte in die beroepskryt na sy amateur-dae toe hy gereeld vol sale gelok het na Uitenhage se binnenshuise sportsentrum
“Ons salueer jou Hennie,” het Lamastra onder groot toejuiging gesê
Kariegadartplayersat Nationalcompetition
Kariega darts players, Nico Jonker and Gerhard van Onselen, were recently selected to participate in the South African National Darts Competition, representing the Eastern Province The seven-day darts tournament is being held at the Wild Coast Sun, Port Edward, from July 13 to July 19. The two are also representing EP Masters at the 2025 National Darts Championships Pictured from left are Nico ‘Danger’ Jonker and Gerhard ‘Mr G’ van Onselen PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Die Hoërskool Despatch gaan in September tydens hul jaarlikse spogoggend vir Elvis Blue as eregas verwelkom Hy word geken aan die mooi klanke van sy fluweelstem wanneer hy harte steel met liedjies soos ‘Die Hemel’, ‘Elke Hart’, ‘Die Mooiste Woord’ en ‘Môre Kan Maar Kom’. HSD sal op 27 September die Ernest Swanepoelsaal se deure wyd oopgooi vir hierdie formidabele sanger Kaartjies teen R250 sluit in musiek, dalk nog ’n bietjie litte losmaak en verversings. Kontak die skool by 041 933 5104 vir kaartjies en inligting FOTO: VERSKAF
Hennie Strydom (middel) saam met twee oud-spanmaats
Gordon Lamastra (links) en Jan van Eeden FOTO: VERSKAF