The Olifants News Edition 23

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HOUSES WANTED

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ROOMS TO LET

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29 Oct - 1 Nov 2020

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Fresh Produce direct from the farm to YOU Fresh Meat Fresh Bread Fresh Food Fresh Dairy Fresh Deli The Widest Variety of Groceries Big Deals · Give-aways Fresh Food to taste · DJ TRADING HOURS Mon - Fri 7:30-18:00, Sat 7:30-16:00, Sun 8:00-14:00 ADDRESS: Cnr. R25 & M57, Witfontein, Kempton Park Tel. 010 446 9743

ISSUE 23 – 29 October 2020 Email: olifants@papashamedia.co.za Tel: 010 023 1845 www.theolifants.co.za Find us on

HOSPITAL VIEW MULTI-TALENTED YOUNG MAN NEEDS A WHEELCHAIR 3

MEDIA HOUSE IS LOOKING FOR SINGERS IN TEMBISA

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KAALFONTEIN MAN NABBED FOR DEALING DRUGS

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news

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The OlIfanTs news

ISSUE 2 2018

Publishedby by Published PAPASHA MEDIA(PTY) (PTY)LTD LTD PAPASHA MEDIA Tel: 0861023 744 674 Tel: 010 1845 Fax: 086611 6114478 4478 Fax: 086

Email: theolifants@papashamedia.co.za

m theolifants@papashamedia.co.za

Washing shoes for cash

www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 23 | Thursday, 29 October 2020

Issue 02 - 2018

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Publisher Saki Mabhele Saki Tel: 010Mabhele 023 1845 Tel: 7444478 674 Fax:0861 086 611 Fax: 086 611 4478 saki@papashamedia.co.za

Clayville Laundry Creates Employment for Youth

Email: saki@papashamedia.co.za

Interviews

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Dumisani Hlatswayo Journalist 010 023 1845 Sibusiso Masango olifants@papashamedia.co.za Tel. 0861 744 674

Fax: 086 611 4478

Email: sibusisom@papashamedia.co.za Advertising Sales

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Zandile Mankayi 010 023 1845 zandilem@papashamedia.co.za

Advertising Sales Saki Mabhele Art Director 0861 744 674 Liza Mijburgh Fax: 086 611 4478 010 023 1845

Email: meth@papashamedia.co.za

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TheLayout Olifants/News subscribes to the Graphic Designer South African Press Code, which Ronald George Wakula prescribes truthful, acTel.news 0861that 744is674 Email: ronaldw@papashamedia.co.za curate, fair and balanced.

If we don’t live up to standards set out in the Code, please contact the Press Ombudsman at the Press The Olifants News subscribes to Council on: the South African Press Code, Tel: 011 484 3612/8 which prescribes news that Fax: 011 484 3619 is truthful, accurate, fair and www.presscouncil.org.za

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If we don’t live up to standards set out in the Code, please contact the Press Ombudsman at the Press Council on: Tel: 011 484 3612/8 Fax: 011 484 3619 www.presscouncil.org.za

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layville – Joblessness is high in South Africa but for Dennis Vundla (29) this was not game over as he found a niche in his community and started a laundry business to make a living. Vundla, a resident of Clayville Ext 26, started his business in 2016.

“I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, I noticed that most people in Clayville are the working class and don’t have time to do chores and their laundry, so I started a laundry company and Puleng Malete be able to feed my fammerged it with house cleaning,” ily, said Kodibona. Kodisaid Vundla. Eyethu Hygiene is Tembisa - Sethopane bona makes about R200 currently providing NB(33) Life, These who employment over the course of lockdown, there reduction or increase, it can help Kodibona from the Tem-lifeoninsura busy banked. day which is aretocustomers 3 people and a monthly anceandivision of FNB, has hadmostly, declared smoking statushaswas a slight increase in the number you to have a seamless claims probisa started unconvenon weekends he theirturnover of about R12 000. who identify as smok- cess when you need to claim from an 18% decrease during after lockdown. of customers tional reported business washing charges his before, customers ac- and“The business can sustain itself, in thefornumber of customers who to We 40 000 under- ers when the country moved to level your life insurance. shoes cash. Kodibona cording shoeprocess size kidsup tohowever I want it to grow even declared writing monthly 2 of the national lockdown,” says “It is important to stress that started histhemselves business inas smokers pay R10 and adults questionnaires R25 more,” said Vundla. Eyethu Hy2017 and all suedes shoes are sinceafter theyears startofofunemthe lockdown. spanning acrossgiene various bankBromfield. full disclosure is highly crucial provides a number of serployment.

Employment R35.that “My clients are the income The insurance provider states ing channels, ranges and From a life insurance point of when one takes up life insurance. vices including Wash, Iron, Foldisashard Tembisa underwritcommunity,employments police, nurses status.” parttooffind theinstandard view, insurers consider several Although it might still be early ing and house cleaning.

Eyethu’s and surrounding areas potential and everyone“The who trend wouldwe’ve ing the process by insurers, seenrange over from the businesses factors into the underwriting pro- days to predict what the continued clients and this affected the entire love to support my customers are often asked a set of lockdownbusiis certainly in contrast a result, it is important for trend will look like going forward, households.

Vundla’scess. longAs term household it is what ness is welcome. questions and in consideration of their to what Kodiwe’ve observed the company consumers plan is toover see the ex- to always update their customers also need to consider Dennis Vundla (29) drove Kodibona to start bona uses a big board and providing morewhen there are material the improved owner risk profile. years. In the last panding couple of years, policies health of benefits that Laundry this type of a business to which he places by the employment opportunities.

Chief Executive of FNB Life, we’ve seen a 20 – 22% increase in changes to their lifestyle including can lead to lowered medical costs Services make a living. “No one main road to market his “I want to see my businesses Bromfield says,one “Thisbusiness. insight “My the number who declared in cases where people quit smoking and insurance premiums based on isLee working at home, wish is of to people growing with other a medical procedure, to their risk profile. We encourage our is based feedback themselves and branches we or in undergo day I saw on a guy washingfrom seemonimy business grow andas smokers, areas which will in turn pro-a few scenarios. While the customers to update their life insurtored for underwriting often see awho dip only in January pre- mention shoes cash I tookquestionnaires the employ other people, vide employment to the youth that and we conduct withown potential life sumably New Year’s impact of every lifestyle change ance policies regularly,” concludes idea started my are unemployed likedue me,to people’s of South Africa,” said Vundla. insurancesocustomers who are resolutions. Despite the 18% drop does not guarantee a premium Bromfield. business that I can saidFNB Kodibona

Life Insurance records drop as the number of smokers decreases

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SAPS Crime Alert for Oakmore GROW YOUR BUSINESS Place your advert here

Staff Writer

035akmore 474- 0710 High unemployment in South Africa is one of

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the major factors leading to an increase in crime rate. The SAPS in Olifantsfontein have recently released a statement alerting residents of crimes that are happening in Oakmore.

Community members are advised to stop walking alone in the late hours because they might be victims of armed robbery and rape. The SAPS says motorists are advised not to park at the old Pretoria road next to Oakmore, rather they park at the nearest garage to avid being victims of crime. According to Constable Mokete Serakwana Communication Officer Olifantsfontein SAPS Oakmore has become a crime hotspot for criminals, many crime cases have been reported that happened in that area so it is best to avoid it especially at night.“We are urging the community members take our crime alerts into consideration to avoid be086 000to10111 / 112 ing victims of crime,” said Constable Serakwana.

Tel: 010 023 1845

South African Police Service

Olifantsfontein SAPS South African 011 316 8022

Police Service 086 000 10111 /112 Olifantsfontein Saps 011 316 8022

Department of Health

012 395 8000

Children Welfar e

074 080 8315

Thursday, 29 October 2020 | Issue 23

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

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Hospital View multi-talented young man needs a wheelchair

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

Limpopo to Tembisa. “When I arrived here in 2008 I decided nly a few people can to become a DJ. But I was introbe as multi-talented as duced to Djing many years ago Ronnie Magoei. The while I was still in the village,” he Ga-Matlala born and says. How Magoei became a sports raised lad is a DJ, a soccer player, commentator is riveting. One day a poet, a dancer, and a sports com- he saw young people playing socmentator. Magoei has recited his cer, and he started showering them poetry at different events, and with praises. Magoei’s flair with his dream is to travel abroad and words was noticed at once, George commentate there. He wants to Maluleke approached Magoei and commentate on English Premier asked him to come and commentate League for football teams such as in his tournament; and as they say, Chelsea, Manchester United, or the rest is history. even Liverpool.

Magoei right now needs a pow“In 2014, I commentated at George ered wheelchair that can it make Maluleke’s tournament. In 2016, on easy for him to move around. Those Jerry Skhosana’s event, and I have who are able to help Magoei to buy been commentating ever since,” he a wheelchair can reach him on 066 tells The Olifants News. At school, 402 5553. “Due to this Covid-19, I Magoei was active in sports. He spend most of my days indoors played soccer for players with dis- watching TV. Sometimes I even abilities. “I played as a striker but go to the shops to get something sometimes as an attacking mid- for myself. I will appreciate it if a fielder. This is because I am left Good Samaritan out there can buy handed,” he explains. me turntables to keep myself busy,” In 2008, Magoei relocated from he concludes.

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HELP MAGOEI TO BUY A WHEELCHAIR WhatsApp or phone him on 066 402 5553

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Taps drip as residents and business owners struggle for water pressure Cllr Derek Thomson – DA Ward 1 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

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he Residents and Business owners of Clayville and Olifantsfontein are under siege from the lack of a steady water supply from the ANC-led City of Ekurhuleni. The problem is either low water pressure or no water pressure at all on a daily basis and no reasons have been forthcoming by the City.

The department is evasive and cannot give or will not give reasons for the current water crisis. I have been reliably informed that the primary reason for the water outages is that the pumps are missing or not working and pressure sustaining valves failed up to two years ago.

As COVID-19 continues to grip our country and the world, we need a caring government that will ensure basic services are

delivered. How are communities expected to practice good hygiene, when their taps barely have running water. The ANC-led City is placing peoples’ lives at risk due to its failure to maintain infrastructure.

The ANC Mayor, Cllr Mzwandile Masina calls this ANC-run Metro a “World Class City” where rate-paying residents and big businesses are subjected to the total incompetence of the ANC to offer the most basic of services to them.

Water is a basic right, enshrined in our Constitution, yet the ANC in Ekurhuleni finds it acceptable to supply this sporadically. As the Democratic Alliance, we will not tolerate this poor level of services and with the residents, we will be petitioning the City to urgently act and rectify this crisis.

SEND YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR editor@papashamedia.co.za

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The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 23 | Thursday, 29 October 2020

Siphinde siyakhuphuka isibalo sabantu abangenwa yiCovid-19

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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ulenyanga ka October isibalo sabantu abangenwe yi-Covid-19 siphinde sakhuphuka. Kusukela ngomhla ka 20 kuze kube ngu 23 kuOctober, abantu abantu abayi 4000 baye batheleleka.

UNdunankulu weZempilo uDr Zweli Mkhize ukhiphe isexwayiso ngalokhu.

“Njengohulumeni, kungumsebenzi wethu ukuthi sikuxwayise uma into efana nalena yenzana. Kungaba wubudedengu obukhulu

ukuxwaya amalangabi angaba ngumlilo odlobayo,” kusho uKhabazela ngoLwesithathu.

NgokoMnyango Wezempilo, Amasu okuzivikela yilawa: • Qhela kwabanye ukuze kube nethuba elincane lokusabalalisa i-coronavirus.

• Lokhu kuzosiza ekuvikeleni labo abasengozini ye-COVID-19 embi kakhulu – labo abaneminyaka engaphezu kwengu-60 noma abane-abanesifo sengculaza, isifo samaphaphu, isifo sikashukela, umfutho ophakeme wegazi, umdlavuza, izinkinga

zenhliziyo noma isifo samaphaphu.

• Kuyosho futhi ukuthi imitholampilo yethu nezibhedlela akugcwali kakhulu ukuze labo abadinga ukunakekelwa impilo bakuthole.

9 Uma kunomugqa, gwema ukusondela kwabanye – qhela kubo ngamamitha angu-1,5.

9 Hlanza izandla zakho ngamanzi ahlanzekile bese uzisula ngethawula lephepha noma uziyeke zizomele.

9 Uma ungekho umpompi ekhaya, yenza isitsha sokugeza izandla: • Vula imbobo esivalweni sebhodlela likaphulasitiki elingenalutho.

• Gcwalisa ibhodlela ngamanzi. Vala ibhodlela.

• Manzisa izandla ngamanzi amancane.

Geza izandla usebenzisa izinyathelo ezingenhla.

• Hlanza izandla zakho nebhodlela.

Creativity from Grade 3

by Staff Writer

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ebohang Nkoana (29) is an artist who works with a variety of mediums, chiefly fine art, visual and digital. Born and raised in Tembisa in the Tshepo section, Nkoana started drawing at a young age.

“Art is something that I’ve always had in me. The first glimpse of it was when I was still in primary. I think I was still in grade 3. While everyone was designing a 2D and I came up with a 3D; and that’s how they got to acknowledge my artistry,” Nkoana says.

“Formally my work explores the balance between reality vs. abstract and the conception of Contemporary Art strategies. Through my artistic work I use different mediums, most of it revolves around painting, drawing, and digital,” he says.

Nkoana considers himself as a multi-medium artist and believes that certain thoughts and concepts need a certain mode of representation. “Using only one dimension by limiting a concept to one medium would simply feel wrong to me. I also like to think of the variety of mediums and materials as a metaphor for the issues of cultural hybridity that my work addresses.

I see it as my duty as an artist to understand and reflect on-going struggles in our society and ask abstract materialised questions,” he says.

“I am certainly drawn to human figures in the raw, especially Body Nudes and Portraits.

My paintings are strongly influenced and inspired by the Renaissance Art Movement.

Although my work is of this age and more contemporary, I still draw inspiration from the works of Michelangelo’s life-like sculptures and paintings. Michelangelo was influenced and inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art and was strongly based on Christian themes and depicted human figures from the biblical scenes,” he continues.

His work encompasses Michelangelo’s body of work based on human figures and nudes. The composition of his work is more proportional and lifelike. Nkoane has exhibited at Tshwane North College, The Social Market, and Market@The Sheds. The competitions that he has participated in include Sasol New Signatures and Barclays L'atelier.

To buy his work Lebohang Nkoana is available on this number 073 185 6136.

Lebohang Nkoana in his studio

Media House is looking for singers in Tembisa P

apasha Media is about to give all talented on all Papasha Media social media platforms,” them to venture into this competition because it singers in Tembisa a chance to showcase their Madiba reveals. will unleash their great potential. Move mounsinging talent. The name of the project is aptly The competition is expected to start on the first tains and obstacles in your way and set forth new called The Olifants News Music Show. One of of November 2020. To enter the competition all records, the sky is not even the limit. It is doable, the team members, Chumile Madiba, says she is participants are expected to adhere to these rules: be the best you can ever be. Lastly, enjoy yourself excited to be part of the project of this magnitude.

• They must be between the ages of 18 and 35, in this competition,” Madiba concludes.

“Eligible participants in the competition should • Reside in Tembisa, Clayville or For more information about the competition, be between the ages of 18 to 35. It is a great Olifantsfontein. please visit our website and Facebook page. opportunity, especially for those who are keen • They must be active on social media plat- Alternatively, send us an email to olifants@ to fulfil their dream of singing and getting the forms such as Facebook, Twitter, and papashamedia.co.za. appropriate exposure,” Madiba says.

Instagram.

To enter is free and there are great prizes to be • Have a working email address. won. Prizes up for grabs include an overall prize Website: theolifants.co.za of R3000 for the best singer category, the runnerAt this stage, Papasha Media is only looking Telephone number: 010 023 1845 up will get R2000, whereas the third runner up for vocalists. will walk away with R1000. “The overall winner “I urge everyone who is eligible to enter this FB | Twitter | Insta: The Olifants of the show will also get a 3 days getaway, will competition to do so as soon as possible. This be featured on TransformSA magazine, get a free is a life time opportunity that is rare to be found. makeover, a brand-new cellphone, and featured To all the young people out there, I encourage

Thursday, 29 October 2020 | Issue 23

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

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Mob justice death in Tswelopele, community silent

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man was killed in by a mob in Tswelopele.

According to the police in Ivory Park, the identity of the victim is still unknown. The Station Commander of the Ivory Park SAPS, Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, has expressed shock at the brutal killing of a man by the community.

“The victim, whose identity is not known as yet, was severely beaten, placed on a mattress, and burnt to almost beyond recognition. It is not yet known what he was killed for, and the blanket of silence by the community who was found at the scene of the

murder is not helping the situation “What happened to the man is at all,” says a statement issued by cruel to the core, and we call all the police station. law-abiding residents of the area According to the statement, to let us know who killed the Ivory Park police officers on man and for what reason,” said patrol were called to a scene on Brigadier Ngcobo.

Thursday night. Upon their arrival, Brigadier Ngcobo is appealthey found a group of people who ing to the community to refrain dispersed from the burning man from taking the law into their after they saw them coming. The own hands and to work with the man was removed from the burn- police through the already existing mattress, but by that time he ing police-community structure. showed no signs of life and was He said failure by the commudeclared dead by the paramed- nity to work within the prescribed ics at the scene. The post mortem structures and within the law will will definitively reveal if the man create a law of the jungle for the died of the assault wounds or burn affected community, for which the injuries. consequences will be dire.

Kaalfontein man nabbed for dealing in drugs

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

Aurum launches Covid-19 trials in Tembisa

by Staff Writer

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he Aurum Institute’s Clinical Research Division is about to start several COVID-19 trials in Tembisa. Thabang Nhloko, Liaison Officer at Aurum, says they will be using a multifaceted approach in all their Covid-19 clinical trials. According to Nhloko, clinical research is a branch of healthcare science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, products, and treatment regimens intended for human use.

“Right now we’ve got multiple trials and part of them is a vaccine trial. The first one is an observational trial where we are observing individuals who volunteered to be participants. For example, let’s say a person tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday; we will use an acute study.

So, we will be observing the natural history of Covid-19 within the acute stage. To know how the immune system reacts to Covid-19 and make sure that it doesn’t become severe,” Nhloko tells The Olifants News.

“A second observation trial is a convalescent approach; these are people who are in recovery, or they are in the post isolation stage. The first vaccine is for our front line workers, as you will recall there was a general concern about the safety of the frontline workers. The vaccine that will be used for them is a baseline vaccine called MMR,” he explains. The MMR vaccine is a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose is generally given to children around 9 to 15 months of age.

“We thought because kids are less susceptible to Covid-19, it may be because their immune system is induced more than that of an adult.

Because most frontline workers are

always busy, we go to them and test them. However, if they are close to us they can come to us,” Nhloko says. He says once a vaccine is administered, the participants are observed for 30 minutes to see their reaction to the vaccine. From there, people can go to Aurum’s platform and use their app which guides them to report reactions to the vaccine, or any other infection they might have.

Nhloko says the fourth approach is a vaccine for everyone which is conducted the same way as health workers. “We want to see if this vaccine can mitigate Covid-19, or reduce the severity of it,” he says.

Aurum’s projects and programmes cover a wide spectrum of activities from programmatic implementation and technical assistance for HIV/ AIDS and TB prevention, care and treatment services throughout the

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olice in Ivory Park have arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly dealing in drugs.

The arrest took place on the morning of the 15th of November 2020 following a tip-off. The man was found in possession of 71 so called double star pills, valued at almost health system in South Africa, and R4, 000. Additional money, reasonHIV prevention clinical research ably believed to be proceeds of drug studies. Nhloko says another vac- sales, was also found and seized cine trial that has been ongoing for as well. three years is for HIV. “We have The officers have, during the recruited people for it. They come station’s Operation O Kae Molao, for periodic visits where we check received information that the man for HIV, STI, and other illnesses. deals in drugs, and that he had a We are trying to see whether or habit of moving up and down with not this vaccine can prevent HIV,” those drugs to avoid arrest by the he says. police. Shortly after observing the “We are looking for people in address, the officers noticed that Tembisa who are interested to take people are coming in and out of the part in the Covid-19 trials. Out of shack at regular intervals, leading those people, not everyone will be to the officers believing that someeligible for the study. There are thing akin to the tip off, may be takeligibility criteria that we use. We ing place at the address- Extension will be assessing if the person is 23 Kaalfontein. in a position to make a sound deciFearing that he may start operatsion for themselves to partake in ing from elsewhere should he susthis study. And a person is allowed pect he is being watched, the officers to withdraw any time they feel,” Nhloko concludes.

went in. Upon arrival, they duly introduced themselves, explained the reason they were there and permission to search was granted. He was found in possession of pills on his person, while others were found in a shack, and some undisclosed amount of money, suspected to be the proceeds of selling drugs, was also found and confiscated as well.

The suspect is part of the nine suspects arrested during Operation O Kae Molao in the Ivory Park policing precinct since it commenced this morning. Major General Vincent Leshabane, the Ekurhuleni District commander, was at the scene as well to provide the junior members with advice and how to navigate the arresting process in order for us to end up with successful convictions as well.

All of the nine arrested suspects are due to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on Friday or as soon as possible, to answer to charges of possession and dealing in drugs Any information relating to crime please call 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.

24-year old woman found strangled in Ivory Park

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body of a 24-year old woman, suspected to be strangled, was found by the police strangled in Ivory Park.

According to a statement issued by the police, the victim was found in one of the passages at Extension Six. “The police are appealing to any member of the public with information regarding the murder and possible rape of a 24-year old woman in the early hours of Saturday (2020/10/10), to assist them,” said the statement.

Initial information suggests that the victim left her friend on Friday afternoon to go home but it is not known where she went between the time she left her friend’s place and the time she was found. She

had been strangled and she was naked from the waist down, leading to suspicions that she may have been raped as well. A case of murder has been registered with the Ivory Park SAPS, and the detectives are doing all they possibly can to get to the bottom of what had happened and who the responsible perpetrator is.

“The family of this lady deserves to know what had happened to their loved one; hence we are calling on anyone with information to tip us off, by calling Ivory Park police on 011 990 9600, or 08600 10111. Confidentiality is guaranteed,” said Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, the Station Commander of the Ivory Park SAPS.

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The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 23 | Thursday, 29 October 2020

A garden wonder in Tembisa

Mr. Simon Mahlangu in his beautiful garden

by Staff Writer

Tembisa we used to live in Ekangala Mrs Mahlangu says gardening isn’t in Mpumalanga where we also had a just about making a house look good, it ake a walk or drive along beautiful garden like this one,” says can do wonders to your well-being as Reverend R.T.J Namane street Simon Mahlangu, a former researcher well. “I think also for therapy’s sake. in Tembisa, your eye will be in Mpumalanga provincial government. It’s very therapeutic gazing at the garintrigued by a beautiful garden. The Mr Mahlangu says they have been den. In a way it has a soothing effect on first glimpse of the house is an unusual collecting ornaments and sculptures my soul,” she tells The Olifants News. one. You will expect this kind of a gar- since 2012. “We started with only two “We want to try to stop this mentality den in a leafy suburb rather than in a ornaments. Then we bought tables and that a beautiful garden is only meant for township. other things,” he says the suburbs,” she adds. Mrs Mahlangu “We did this out of sheer love for garAccording to Mr. Mahlangu, occa- says they want to add trees and some dening. My wife and I share this pas- sionally they take out umbrellas and flowers. “We are afraid not to make it sion. Everywhere we stayed we had a drinks and sit outside every time they clustered.” She passersby occasionally beautiful garden. Before moving to host visitors. come snap photos in their garden

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Tembisa young poet publishes her first poetry book

by Obedience Mkhabela

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arabo Digasho (18) was bristling with excitement after her debut poetry book was published. Aptly titled Poetic Minds Combined, the book showcases poetry by different writers.

The Tembisa gifted wordsmith, also popularly known as Karabo The Poet, couldn’t contain her excitement when her name was printed on the front cover.

The Combined 2nd edition was published by author and founder, Charles Kgabo (also known as Charles Hoby) under his publishing company called Ava’s publishers (Pty) Ltd. Born and raised in Polokwane, Kgabo graduated with an engineering qualification and is currently completing a degree in psychology with UNISA. In 2018 Kgabo was featured in two international anthologies, the Evergreen Poetry Journal and New London anthology. In 2020 he became one of the authors of a poetry collection called Mercy and Poetic Healing which features poets across different countries such as Canada, India, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. He was the only author representing South Africa.

As a beacon of hope and an inspiration to many upcoming poets in

the country, it’s no surprise that many budding writers needed Kgabo’s help to get published. And Karabo The Poet was one of them.

With 6 moving poems, Karabo rightly occupies the first pages of the book. According to the young energetic writer, Kgabo has done the impossible for her career.

“Poetic Minds Combined is a South African anthology that features poets from a different province in South Africa. The book comprises of almost all 11 official languages in South Africa,” said Karabo.

“The book fight issues that are happening in South Africa such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), women and children abuse, rape, human trafficking, alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, depression, and all other issues that are happening in South Africa,” she added.

Karabo says she will forever remember her interview with a Turfloop based radio station, My Radio Turf. During the interview, she referred to Charles Hoby as her mentor in poetry.

“In receiving the book I was without a care in the world as feelings of joy overtook me and tears of joy flooding from my eyes and friends whipping them off my chick bones,” said Karabo.

Thembisa young writer and poet Karabo “Karabo The Poet” Digasho displays her first published book alongside other writers from across the country.

Interestingly, Ava’s publisher everyone will get healing from this (Pty) Ltd was founded during lock- medicine written by the future lyridown after Covid 19 kept everyone cal doctors. I believe writers are indoors. Founder Kgabo gathered healers and words can change how writers, and that’s how Poetic Minds we view things in life,” said Kgabo.

Combined was born. Kgabo said, “I “This South African anthology was wish the book will reach out to every created after I have seen how writers corner of South Africa including struggle to make it in the publishing schools, churches, hospitals, prisons, industry. I have gathered a group of and every centre or library where 16 poets in the first edition of poetic

minds combined and we worked on issues happening in South Africa,” he explained.

“I further created a second edition of the same book in which Karabo The Poet is featured and it also reached out to the UK, United States of America and other countries through Amazon distribution,” Kgabo concluded.

Thursday, 29 October 2020 | Issue 23

ISSUE 23 – 29 October 2020 Email: olifants@papashamedia.co.za Tel: 010 023 1845 www.theolifants.co.za Find us on

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Aerobics keeps elders health in check

Clayville runners participate in Cape Town Marathon Virtual Race

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he Cape Town Marathon 2020 was one of many races that were cancelled this year due to Covid-19. However, runners across the country were invited to participate in the race virtually.

The marathon was renamed, Cape Town Marathon Virtual Race, and took place on Sunday 18 October 2020. Yanda Mntonga and his team called FITempo participated in the 42.2 kilometres race.

“We started at 6:00 am here in Clayville. Immediately when you press the start button on the app, it started recording your race automatically. If you are done with that 42.2 km it stopped,” Mntonga tells The Olifants News.

Mntonga says the race was not as easy they all anticipated, the temperature was rose to 31 degrees, making it difficult for some of the members to finish early. “One of my friends, Solomon went down and I had to assist him. I balanced him until one of the guys who was helping

us brought us water,” he explains.

Mntonga and his team were targeting 4:30 hours but their finishing time was 5:38:43. He says they got medals, t-shirts, and everything. “Sanlam was so wonderful to us. Thanks to them because we managed to participate in this race virtually,” Mntonga says.

According to Mntonga, running the Cape Town Marathon Virtual Race was part of staying fit and preparing for next year.

The Clayville athlete has plans of entering more virtual races before the end of 2020, including the Soweto Marathon.

“There is another race that we are targeting that will take place in November which will be South Africans against Kenya. It is called the African Challenge. It is not like we want to win against them, all we want to do is keep our bodies fit,” Mntonga says winning against Kenyans will be a monumental task as most Kenyan athletes can easily complete a 42.2 kilometres race in two hours.

three months I go for checkups they find that my high blood is balanced.

Many of our elders also come back with good feedback when they go for their checkups,” explains Mathebe.

“Though we have seen a high level of success over the years we still call out on good samarithans to help us with training e eb equipment’s including your training mates, uniform etc.

Cathrine Mathebe (front) leads the “Those who dance routine with other members. wishes to join us which they both said I needed to be “The rest is hiscould simply foloperated,” said Mathebe. tory, today I battled low our Facebook “By God’s grace I did not go for it, through arthritis to pages at Bophelong one time around the house I started owning a fitness club Fitness Club or call at to move after I head Joe Shirimani’s which caters for the elders 0822925319,”said Mathebe. song on the radio called Zulu of our community and its free entry, The club offers their exercises Ngilele,” no joining fee’s,” for free at Hospital view 575 Albert “The message on the song motiThe Bophelong Fitness Club Luthuli Street, their aerobics sesvated me to get up and do the small- accommodates grannies with dif- sions starts from 16:00 to 17:00pm est things on my own, I used to pull ferent health conditions, accident every Mon-Thursdays and from a broom to use as a balancing object, survivors, high blood, sugar diabet- 17:30 to 18:00 respectively to days after I started to take up more ics and so on. accommodate those who returns space,” adds Mathebe.

“I myself have high blood, every late from workplace.

Ma th

B

ophelong fitness club, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) founded by Cathrine Mathebe promotes healthy living in Hospital View which keeps elders fit and healthy.

Cathrine Mathebe (65) has endured a lot before founding her fitness club, for more than ten years her family had it tough because she couldn’t walk. She was suffering

from arthritis, at the end she ended up using crushes.

The club was founded in 2016 after a miraculous recovery where she had now started moving around on her own without anyone’s help.

According to Mathebe, standing up after has seated was a mayor problem because she wouldn’t be able to stand on her own.

“Imagine the pain I had to go through during that point of time, I went to see two private doctors

C at h r i n e

by Obedience Mkhabela

Magoai: Call for Thembisa birds

by Obedience Mkhabela

S

wallows FC aims to reclaim its fan base in Thembisa after its successful return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the 2020/2021 season.

Back and strong the Dube birds are no strangers to Thembisans as Panyanza Lesufi (MEC for Education in Gauteng) is publicly known for his support of the team.

Swallows returns to PSL ready to reclaim its former glory. While that desire is undoubtedly true, Swallows FC Thembisa branch is formed in support of the team’s vision by fans.

According to the branch Chief Secretary Tiisetso Magoai, the Thembisa branch is a fan club that consists of both young and old people who came together for the love of soccer and their team Swallows FC. “The birds have elected a new Thembisa branch executive committee voted on the 19th of September 2020,” said Magoai.

“Consisting of Solly Mphafudi (managers chairperson) Millicent Matinketsa (vice chairperson) Tiisetso Magoai (Chief Secretary)

Meshack Makhura, vice organizer of Swallows FC Thembisa branch invites you to join them on their branch meeting on Sunday, October 25.

Bashana Mokgoshi, Lucky Mahlaba (Organisers), Meshack Makhura (vice organiser) Refilwe Matlala (Treasurer), Sipho Sithole & Philly Mhlongo,” “The new and vibrant committee has done a lot since from the day they were appointed,” adds Magoai.

The Thembisa branch will on Sunday, October 25, be hosting their 3rd branch meeting at No. 461 Leboeng section next to Jhatinga Guesthouse, where matters

pertaining to the growth of the branch will be discussed.

Members who wish to join may visit their Facebook page at Swallows Fc Thembisa Branch.

Alternatively, those who wish to join and become members can also call/ WhatsApp Meshack Makhura on the following number 074 803 8681 and Lucky Mahlaba on 083 644 8377 that is where you will be able to get hold of representatives for more information.