Film Festival comesto Kariega
HomelessnessapressingissueinKariegaCBD
SHANTI JAFTA
THE increase in homeless individuals along Church Lane and Church Street in the Kariega CBD has posed challenges for the community, particularly affecting the NG Kerk church.
Reverend Llewellyn Olivier, who has been proactive in addressing this issue, collaborated with Ward 51 Councillor Roelf Basson.
Basson had been actively working on this challenge, and Olivier's swift action provided valuable assistance
Together, they've engaged with security companies, SAPS Kariega, and the Mould Empower Serve (MES) in Gqeberha to find solutions. However, the church continues to face infrastructural problems, including cable theft and break-ins.
According to Basson, the whole process started with two particular spots in Kariega CBD being occupied the most; namely, the building next to Victoria Tower in Church Street and in front of the police station on the same street, with about 10 to 15 people sleeping on the sidewalk. Another prominent hotspot is behind SARS and Standard Bank, where they have occupied an open block in Daly Street, Kariega
Basson added, "In our process of removing them, we were told by a social worker that we need to reintegrate these people rather than simply moving them."
Olivier said, "The damage caused to the church includes the loss of electrical cables on the premises, which led to the security gates ceasing to function. This puts our tenants at risk, prompting us to escalate the issue."
He further explained that this is a systemic problem and that he would need external assistance. "Calling SAPS to remove the homeless doesn’t help because shortly after being removed, they relocate and eventually return. Moreover, SAPS informed us that they do not have a real mandate to solve this issue."
Olivier reached out to Ward Councillor Roelf Basson, who mentioned having a contact at MES. They expressed willingness to open a branch in Kariega if they could secure a property to conduct their work. "Partnering with an existing NPO is the best option for addressing this issue because they are already known for their work in helping the less fortunate. We spoke to them, and they conducted a survey
DIARY| DAGBOEK
DespatchNetbalklub: Oefeninge begin weer 4 Februarie vanaf 18:00 Kontak Beatrix Smith by 0721713532 of Ronelle
Blom by 0833096374 vir enige navrae
DespatchRugbyklub: Maandae,Dinsdae, Donderdae oefentye om 18:30 Kontak Matthew Moore by 0612669852
Country-RockDansen
Boeremakietie: Chris en Elmari Brits, asook ’n Bles Bridges huldeblyk sal op 22 Maart in die Despatch-stadsaal om 18:30 vir 19:00 plaasvind Kaartjies is R80 elk Bring jou drinkgoed Mini platters sal te koop wees
Vir kaartjies kontak Marie by 0712772425 RosaMunchHouse AGM: Their annual general meeting will take place on Wednesday April 9 at 18:00 at Rosa Munch
on this issue. We now seek support from the community to launch this initiative so that MES can establish a centre for homeless people in Kariega," Olivier added
Ronnie Naude, the Branch Manager of MES Gqeberha, shared that before joining MES, he started his own programme to get people off drugs and off the streets until he was approached to join MES.
He added, "There are many reasons people end up on the street that we may not be aware of. For most people, they tend to look at the homeless and think that they just need to get a job and they will be okay. However, in doing that, we just show how self-centred we are and do not consider why they are homeless in the first place. There could be an external factor at home that we are not aware of, such as coming from an abusive household. Also, simply feeding them does not help, but rather worsens the situation."
According to Ilse Maartens, MES Branch Manager of Cape Town, they conducted a study on the structured four-phase rehabilitation and reintegration approach designed to assist individuals in transitioning from crisis to independence. It begins with Outreach and Relief, where individuals receive basic needs such as food, hygiene,
temporary shelter, and assistance with identification documents. Phase two is Change Readiness, where they enter a drop-in centre that provides counselling, life-skills development, and referrals. Those needing rehabilitation receive mental health and substance abuse treatment with continued social support. Phase three is Work Readiness, which includes six to eight months for basic skills and job preparation. Phase four is Integration, which helps individuals transition to independent living through Grow Exit.
In response, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, said, "The NMBM acknowledges the growing number of homeless individuals in Church
Lane and other parts of Kariega CBD and the entire Metro. This is a complex social issue that requires a multi-faceted approach from all stakeholders, and while the municipality is committed to addressing the concerns of residents, we face challenges in enforcing bylaws due to limited resources."
He added that the municipality is fully aware of the increasing presence of vagrants in the area and that their teams conduct regular monitoring and engage with affected communities to assess the situation.
"Municipal officials regularly conduct bylaw compliance blitz operations in affected areas to remove vagrants and address related issues such as illegal structures and public disturbances. However, these efforts are often hindered by legal constraints and the cyclical nature of homelessness, where individuals return to the same areas after being moved."
Soyaya added that the municipality collaborates with social development agencies, NGOs, and shelters to provide support services, including access to temporary accommodation, skills development, and social assistance. However, owing to limited funding and capacity, these interventions remain challenging to sustain at the scale required.
"While visible progress is a priority, resolving vagrancy is not an overnight process. Sustainable solutions require coordinated efforts between law enforcement, social services, and community stakeholders. The municipality is actively exploring ways to strengthen its outreach programmes and improve bylaw enforcement while working with provincial and national government partners to address the root causes of homelessness," said Soyaya.
The metro urges its residents to report concerns through official channels and to support structured interventions rather than informal displacement, which often leads to vagrants returning.
The vagrants have made a home for themselves in different areas in the Metro. This scene was photographed behind the Gillespie Waste Drop Off site in Valleisig, Kariega. PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA
Maimane’scriticismofNMB’sinfrastructure
NKOSAZANA NGWADLA
AT a recent event in KwaNobuhle, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mmusi Maimane, the leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), criticised the local government's handling of disaster relief funds
According to Maimane, months after National Treasury allocated funds for critical infrastructure repairs, including a bridge, no action has been taken
"Not a single cent has been spent Not a single contractor has been appointed," he claimed Maimane expressed concern that these funds might be returned to Treasury, leaving the community in a dire situation
He described the inaction as "criminal negligence," emphasising that investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth
"This is not just incompetence; it is criminal negligence," Maimane said, citing daily hardships faced by residents, such as water interruptions and broken roads
He called for immediate intervention, demanding the appointment of a contractor within 14 days and regular updates to the community
Maimane pledged to bring the issue before the Standing Committee on Appropriations to ensure accountability and prevent the loss of earmarked funds "KwaNobuhle deserves better Nelson Mandela Bay deserves
better South Africa deserves better," he concluded
In response to Maimane's statements, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality s Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe addressed what she deemed misinformation regarding the funding situation
"He is misinformed, we have not received the R89 million that the national government promised us," Lobishe clarified
She explained that the municipality committed R44 million, and subsequently, R53 million was received, which is not allocated for the bridge project
Lobishe revealed that the municipality is concluding contractor appointments for projects linked to the R53 million, with work expected to commence after 21 days
She emphasised that the funding for the bridge is still pending Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya added, "Regarding the funds for R53 million, a tender has been advertised and the municipality will appoint the relevant contractor/s as per SCM policy It is premature to speculate about funds being withdrawn We plead for all stakeholders to verify information and obtain updates on service delivery issues with the municipality before misleading and speculating "
On the same day, Lobishe engaged directly with the community in response to protests over service delivery issues
She visited KwaNobuhle, Rocklands, and other areas to address concerns about sanitation, water leaks, housing, and electricity shortages
"I assured residents that electricity installation will proceed and that discussions are ongoing regarding the possible relocation of affected households," she said
As part of immediate relief efforts, food parcels were provided to a disabled resident in distressing conditions
Lobishe stressed the importance of safeguarding municipal resources and urged residents to avoid vandalism
"I call on the community to work alongside us in building a better future for all," she concluded
Rememberingmydad,AllanHendrickse
Dear Editor
Allan Hendrickse – “Oh yes I know him/remember him - the man who went swimming on the White beaches ” This is a very common response I get from people over a certain age
They remember his swim at the Whites-only beach in defiance of beach apartheid
I remember the husband, father, teacher, minister, politician, comrade, friend and Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab
The loving husband who bought roses for his wife every Friday He loved my mother, his friend, lover and confidante unconditionally She was his biggest supporter and defender
The daddy who always did his best for us even when his politics and church permitted no weekends to spend with his children And so, his church and politics became a part of us, our family
We went to church assemblies and party conferences during school holidays
He emphasised the importance of education, respect, hard work and good manners
Respect yourself, your family and all people, irrespective of race, colour, creed or station in life
As a grandpa, he made sure to attend the birthdays of his 13 grandchildren He loved them “uncountable”
As minister, he followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming minister of Dale Street Congregational Church (34 years), Chairman of the United Congregational Churches in 1972 He ministered at Uitenhage Congregational Church from 1985 until his death
in 2005 54 years of ministry, not once drawing a salary from his churches He also served another 12- 15 outstations in this time
We went over the hills and in valleys to Baviaanskloof despite the floods “because the people are waiting for communion”, ending up stuck in the mountains for three nights
Travelling great distances through the night, once from Upington to Steytlerville to serve communion
When doctors wanted to admit him to hospital, he said, “Next week – I need to do baptism and communion in Hankey this Sunday” (three days before his passing)
The science teacher who believed in education for liberation That a teacher needs to know the circumstances of his students He told the story of “Jane”, a problem child in his class, in terms of her school work, manners and dress
Upon visiting the parents at their one-roomed shack he discovered that the father was unemployed and sick, the mother a poorly paid domestic worker having to support her large family
He bought Jane a school uniform which she had to “earn” by doing laundry With ongoing encouragement and support, Jane became a model student, eventually captaining a sports team
From his solitary confinement cell in Grahamstown prison (in 1976), he wrote to us after I was released from solitary confinement, “Peter, all other things aside now So please study hard, all of you You do your best and give attention at all times”
Many forget that he started the
first high school in Uitenhage for black students, at the request of community leaders, Limekaya High school In 1975 he opened all "Coloured" schools to children of all races
The activist from high school and Fort Hare, a delegate to the Malmesbury Convention, boycotter who became a member of the CRC, Member and Minister of the Tri-cameral parliament, ANC Senator and before his death, awarded the Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab in recognition of his contribution to the community and the struggle for freedom
A preacher of Black Consciousness, emphasising the importance of self-respect, self-worth, dignity and pride – Black and proud, God’s children Prophet of Hope Allan Hendrickse was a humble, forgiving and trusting person Always saw the good in people Believed in moral leadership A man of exceptionally strong faith An example worthy of emulation
“When I look back, I say it has been worthwhile Despite all my inadequacies As a person, despite the criticism, attacks and character assassinations Today I am still what I am And while God is God, I will remain what I am I am here, because I believe in the freedom of man, the dignity of every person and his right to live as God wants him to live Free at last! I am free at last”Allan Hendrickse - 20 December 1993 (last speech in old Parliament)
You continue to live on in our hearts and minds – thank you, Daddy Peter Hendrickse
Policewarnofsocial mediascams
SAPS in Nelson Mandela Bay District has warned social media users to be vigilant about being scammed through various platforms
According to police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, there has been a recent increase in victims falling prey to these scams within the district One of the most common scams involves false advertisements on sites such as Facebook, Gumtree, and Marketplace In these cases, a potential buyer responds to an advert, expresses interest in the item, and requests the seller's banking details The seller then receives a WhatsApp screenshot as "proof" of payment, which falsely indicates that the money has been deposited The buyer arranges for someone to collect the item, using a courier service
However, the WhatsApp screenshot is fake, and no money is actually deposited into the seller's account Only hours later does the seller realise they've been scammed, as the money never appears in their account By that time, they have lost control of the item
Topreventfallingvictimtoscamsand fraud:
• Never provide your bank account number and details to a stranger Arrange for a cash transaction or meeting between the buyer and seller, preferably in a secure environment Never release the item for sale until the money has cleared in your account Proof of payment is inadequate when transactions are done through the mentioned sites
• Do not respond to emails or cell-
phone messages appearing to be from your bank that request your personal details Remember, no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email
• Never provide your ID number, banking details, passwords, or PIN to anyone, and never write them down or share them
• Do not save your internet banking password on your desktop
• Do not leave your computer unattended after entering your internet banking password
• Always log off at the end of a session
• Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know
• Change your PIN and passwords frequently
• Set sensible transaction limits on your accounts
• Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies
If it looks too good to be true, it usually is
• Banks will never call you from cell phone numbers and request that you use your app to reverse fraudulent transactions Never share OTPs (one-time pins)
Janse Van Rensburg also advised residents never to send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone they do not know and trust, as suspects in these cases are often difficult to trace "Anyone with information on crime is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 Callers may remain anonymous, and all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality," she concluded
Mayor Babalwa Lobishe recently engaged directly with the community of KwaNobuhle and Rocklands in response to protests over service delivery issues. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), Mmusi Maimane criticised the local government’s handling of disaster relief funds during a recent visit to the KwaNobuhle community.
MISCELLANEOUS 1845
KOETAAN
The CMR Uitenhage is requesting anyone with information with regards to the biological father of a boy child born 30 March 2010 to contact the social worker, Mrs. P. Hallam at 041 922 9004 081 307 3839 during office hours (07:30 – 16:00). The biological mother was known as Unathi Ngxito. ERF 14461
All BUILDING alterations / carpentry and Drywall partitioning Call / WhatsApp Henry 082 969 8607 allshapesbuilders @gmail.com
LEGAL & TENDERS WANTED
KWANOBUHLE
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Certificate of Registered Grant of Leasehold TL259 /1994PECTN, transferred from THE KWANOBUHLE CITY COUNCIL, in favour of A N A N A L I N A LUPONDWANA, Identity Number 350529 0219 08 3,
biological
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.
FilmFestivalworkshopbackinKariega
SHANTI JAFTA
THE ninth annual Eastern Cape Film Festival workshop is where film enthusiasts can learn the intricacies of the film industry from established individuals
The workshop will take place at Love Life Centre in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, from Friday, March 21 until 23 under the theme: 'Legacy: The Art of Making Short Films, Creating a Content Future '
The Director of ECFF, Nceba Mqolomba, and the award winner of the 2022 South African Film and Television Awards for best individual contributor to film in the province, shared with UD Express, "The reason for this
festival is to provide a platform where local, creative filmmakers and enthusiasts, encompassing upcoming, aspiring and experienced filmmakers, can come together for three days to network and discuss how we can position the Eastern Cape as a film destination "
He added that Eastern Cape residents often relocate to larger cities, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, to make a name for themselves in the film industry, owing to the lack of opportunities in the province
The issue is that the province is losing its creatives because of this To combat it, he started the film festival for residents of the Eastern Cape
"The festival will include workshops and masterclasses with experts "
He also added, "The Eastern Cape Film Festival has become an essential element of the province’s developing film production economy It attracts value through critical engagements that set an agenda for local growth
This year’s festival will continue this vital work " Mqolomba mentioned that in 2023, the ECFF conducted a scriptwriting programme with 10 scripts selected for production In 2024, these 10 short films were produced in the Eastern Cape, creating over 300 jobs and prioritising skills development He added, "The festival will
WinterbergPrimary’sheadleaders
BergsigseJDwordSAafrigter
HANNES SCHOEMAN
’N GROOT eer het die Bergsig Skool op Kariega te beurt geval toe JD Esterhuizen, die skool se eerstespan-rugbyafrigter, as nasionale afrigter van LSEN-skole aangewys is Esterhuizen word hiermee die tweede personeellid wat die nasionale span brei nadat Leon Welgemoed ook voorheen dié eer gehad het
Oor sy aanstelling is Esterhuizen baie beskeie Hy sê hy was redelik verras oor sy aanstelling
“Om verkies te word uit baie aansoeke regoor die land is ’n mens se kanse gewoonlik skraal omdat daar so baie goeie afrigters in ons land is,” sê hy
Hy is uiteraard baie dankbaar vir die geleentheid
Esterhuizen sê hy wil seker maak dat al die unies se afrigtingskorps sy plan vir die akademieweek waar die SA LSEN-span gaan kompeteer om op die hoogste deel te neem, sal ondersteun
“Ons speel in die LSEN Crav-
JD Esterhuizen (links) en Leon Welgemoed saam met die OP se SA Beker-afrigter, Allister Coetzee.
enweek gedurende die toernooi
Daarna word die SA span gekies om by akademieweek deel te neem
Dis opwindende tye wat voorlê,” sê die nuutverkose SA afrigter
feature panel sessions with local filmmakers, service providers, and community members involved in the productions The festival's location in the community where many films were shot will allow residents to see their community on the big screen "
The festival activities will feature panel discussions on the state of film in the province, facilitated by Zwai Bala, complemented by masterclasses and workshops conducted by award-winning filmmakers and talent, including Zwai Mgijima, Unathi Platyi, Zwai Bala, Nceba Mqolomba, Siya Sityana, and Sakhe Jele Additionally, there are stakeholder presentations from the National Film and Video Foun-
dation (NFVF), Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and Film and Publications Board (FPB)
Attendees will also have the opportunity to join film screenings with interactive "Meet the Cast and Crew" Q&A sessions and participate in networking events with industry experts and peers Mqolomba added, “I see the Eastern Cape as the next film destination We have the locations, we have the stories, and we have the talent I have more than hope; I have belief ” Entrance to the festival is free, but space is limited Entrants must email info ecfilmfestival co za to secure their spot, as it is first come first served
Bowlingclubnews
FOTO: VERSKAF
Welgemoed gaan Esterhuizen vergesel as tegniese adviseur, terwyl hy ook een van die hoofkeurders by die week sal wees
Uitenhage Bowling Club Ladies Novice singles winner Annebel van Niekerk and runner-up Andri de Vos. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Winterberg Primary School recently announced their leaders for 2025. From left are Ashlenique Both (deputy head girl), Kay Job (head girl), Mivuyo Sowazi (head boy) and Shaun Noyakaza (deputy head boy).
PHOTO: SUPPLIED