The Olifants News Edition 64

PAGE 2 PHEPHA ENDLELENI

PAGE 3 PROTESTING PARENTS

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BEATING ANXIETY

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Bertharry celebrates the class of 2022

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

B

ertharry Private School hosted an awards ceremony in honour of the 97.8% pass rate of the class of 2022. Out of 76 learners who sat for their exams, at least 75 learners passed, with 50 landing Bachelor’s degree entries or exemptions. The remaining achievers proudly grasped their diplomas and certificates, showcasing their remarkable potential.

The school attributes this great accomplishment to hard work and discipline; Deputy Principal Hendry Kutshinga said that without these core values, such results could never have been achieved.

“Our success can be attributed to our dedication, discipline, and commitment to the course. We have a team of teachers who always put in extra hours during the week. They sometimes work weekends and during holidays and decide to be away from their families,” Kutshinga said.

To ensure that the learners succeed, Kutshinga revealed that they go above and beyond traditional teaching methods. They ignite the passion

HEAD OFFICE Orlando West 9212 Xorile Street Kilarney Orlando West, Soweto

for learning through extraordinary programmes, and invigorating talks by motivational speakers handpicked from local districts.

For two whole decades, the institution has been standing its ground, blossoming from the union of its ingenious founders - Harry and Bertha

Kumwenda, whose merged monikers christened the school. Undoubtedly, Bertharry’s unwavering consistency has etched its name in the realm of esteemed establishments. In 2020, in the face of a global pandemic, Bertharry Private School recorded an astounding 97.8% pass rate.

“We are not just a Private School but we are also recognised for our hard work in the community of Tembisa. We are in position two as an Independent School in Tembisa Class of 2022 Matric Awards,” he said.

In the midst of applauding the remarkable accomplishments of the

Class of 2022, the school simultaneously mourned the loss of their beloved educator, Samuel Kandeu Tembo. As a passionate and diligent teacher, Mr. Kandeu touched the hearts of countless students and will be dearly missed.

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Washing Phepha endleleni kulephasika shoes for cash

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kangaka abanye balimale kanzlayville – Job-nabanya abashayeli engcupheni. is high 2. ima emigwaqweni. lessness Minyaka Qinisekisa ukuthi imoto in South Africa yonke sibona izimo ezinyantisa yakho isesimweni esikahle but forsonke Dennis Vundla jengoba sesibheke kumaho- umzimba. Siyazi uku- (29) Uma uzothanda uhambo olude, this was not game as lidi ephasika, kusemqoka thi sidinga ukubamba iqhaza over kusemqoka ukuthi uqinisekise he found a niche in his comukuthi wena nomndeni ngokushesha njengoba akekho ukuthi amabhuleki akho asebenza munity and started a laundry wakho niphephe emgwaqweni. osizakalayo ngalesi simo. Kodwa kahle. Kanti futhi namathaya akho business to make a living. VundIphasika yiholide oligujwa min- siyazi futhi ukuthi kungumthwalo akagugile kakhulu, isitelingi sakho la, a resident of Clayville Ext 26, yaka yonke, ngokuthi kukhunjulwe wabasebenzisi bomgwaqo ukuqin-in 2016. naso silungile. started his business usuku okwabethelwa ngalo UJesu isekisa ukuthi ziyancipha izingozi 3. be anGwema ukuhamba nge“I have always wanted to Khrestu esiphambanweni, eGol- zomgwaqo. entrepreneur, I noticed jubane that mosteliphezulu - Kweminye gotha. Lolu suku lugujwa emhlabeni Uma ngabepeople uzobein ushayela, imigwaqo Clayville are the work- ijubane elisemthethcishe wonke jikelele, kukhunjulwe sebenzisa nanka amathaweni libonakale liphansi ing amasu class and don’t have timelingase to ubuhlungu uJesu Krestu owadlula thu ukuze uphephe: kakhulu. do chores and their laundry, so I Kodwa ukweqa ijubane startedukushayela a laundry company and kukho, lokhu kwenziwa abazalwane 1.

Gwema akuvamile kwenza umehluko Puleng Malete be able to feed my fammerged it with house cleaning,” noma amaKhrestu. uphuzile utshwala - Ukushayela otheni. Yingakho abashayeli ily, said Kodibona. KodiVundla.

Eyethu Hygiene is bazithola bengalinaki Izwe lethu alikwazi ukuqhubeka imotoR200 uphuzile said kuyicala elibomvu, abaningi Tembisa - Sethopane bona makes about currently providing employment nokulahlekelwa futhiiskungafaka impilo yakho kakhulu ijubane elisemthethweni.

Kodibona (33) from ngabantu Tem- onabaningi a busy daykanti which to 3 people and has a monthly bisa started an unconven- on weekends mostly, he turnover of about R12 000. tional business washing charges his customers ac“The business can sustain itself, shoes for cash. Kodibona cording to shoe size kids however I want it to grow even started his business in pay R10 and adults R25 more,” said Vundla. Eyethu Hy2017 after years of unem- and all suedes shoes are giene provides a number of serployment. Employment R35. “My clients are the vices including Wash, Iron, Foldis hard to find in Tembisa community, police, nurses ing and house cleaning. Eyethu’s and the surrounding areas and everyone who would clients range from businesses to and this affected the entire love to support my busihouseholds. Vundla’s long term household and it is what ness is welcome. Kodiplan is to see the company exdrove Kodibona to start bona uses a big board panding and providing more this type of a business to which he places by the employment opportunities. make a living. “No one main road to market his “I want to see my businesses is working at home, one business. “My wish is to growing with branches in other day I saw a guy washing see my business grow and areas which will in turn proshoes for cash I took the employ other people, who vide employment to the youth idea and started my own are unemployed like me, of South Africa,” said Vundla. business so that I can said Kodibona

By Staff Writer

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Ekurhuleni partners with Unisa to make education accessible

Ngokwesibonelo, ohambweni oluyibanga elingamakhilomitha angu-80, ukukhuphula isivinini sisuka emakhilomitheni ayikhulu ngehora kuya kwangu-130 kungakongela imizuzu engaphansi kwengu-9.

Uma amathayi aphelile, amasondo awabambeleli kahle emgwaqweni ikakhulukazi uma kumanzi, noma kunothuli, isihlabathi kanye amatshe awuhlwayi. Ngokunciphisa ijubane nje, cishe imoto ngeke ishelele lapho unyathela amabhuleki.

Dennis Vundla (29) owner of Laundry Services

SAPS Crime Alert for Oakmore Staff Writer

O

By Dumisani Hlatswayo akmore - High unemployment in South Africa is one of the major factors leading to an increase in crime rate. The SAPS in Olifantsfontein haveherecently releasedcelebrated a state-library week through City of Ekurhuleni ment alerting residents of crimes thatpoetry are happening in Oakmore. and storytelling on Friday, 24 March at the Community members are advised toGermiston stop walking in the with the University libraryalone in partnership late hours because they might be victims of armed robbery and of South Africa (UNISA). rape. The SAPS says motorists are advised not to park at the The library week celebration is old one of many events the Pretoria road next to Oakmore,City rather they parkwith at UNISA the nearest will be hosting to provide access to library garage to avid being victims ofmaterial crime. as According to Constable well as library literacy training to Ekurhuleni Mokete Serakwana Communication Offi cer Olifantsfontein SAPS library staff and patrons.

Oakmore has become a crime hotspot for criminals, many crime “Through the partnership, Ekurhuleni library patrons cases have been reported that happened in that area so it is best can have academic who are UNISA-registered students to avoid especially at night.“We urging the nearest community books are couriered to their library from the academic 086 000it 10111 / 112 members to take our crime alerts into consideration to avoid beinstitution, ensuring easy and convenient access to study ing victims of crime,” said Constable Serakwana. material,” explained Ekurhuleni’s Library Information and Educational Development Manager Zukiswa Peter.

Olifantsfontein In addition, library patrons who are not registered with SAPS the learning institution are also trained on how to access UNISA online material that may not be available from their 011 316 8022 local library at the time of their request.

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South African Police Service

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

Department of Health

012 395 8000

Children Welfar e

074 080 8315

Friday, 24 March 2023 | Issue 64

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

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Shukumani Primary School’s principal is blocked by protesting parents

By Staff Writer

I

n Caleni Section Thembisa, frustrated parents protested outside Shukumani Primary School.

There are claims made by parents that there was favoritism when it came to employment. The principal allegedly hired workers from Daveyton, leaving locals unemployed.

“There is a problem in that the principal does not want to hire the community of Thembisa. Classes need to be built, he only wants people from Daveyton,” one of the parents explained.

“The principal of this school threw away the remaining food after giving free food to the students from this school. This is wrong. That principal of the school doesn’t respect us,” she said.

Shukamani has one of the highest failure rates in the province.

According to parents, most learners fail isiZulu and English. There is no clear reason why most learners fail

those two subjects.

“I don’t understand how a child could fail a native tongue,” she said.

Another parent, William Mhlambi, said some parents used to sell food and snacks at the school gate, but now they cannot as the principal doesn’t allow them to sell at Shukumani.

“They are not wanted here by the principal. They sell to support their children, and this worries me,” he said.

When parents asked if they had tried to speak with the principal of the school, one of the parents said they had tried to engage the principal numerous times, but he had refused to talk to them. Attempts to reach the principal were unsuccessful.

035 474 0710

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The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 64 | Friday, 24 March 2023

Removing evasive plants Rapist gets more from dams gets underway charges

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

CHLOORKOP - The district commissioner of the Ekurhuleni District, Major General Anna Sithole, has welcomed the addition of more rape charges against a 38-year-old man.

In January of this year, the suspect was arrested, and he will appear in Daveyton Magistrate Court again on the 27th of February 2023 to face 38 charges of rape committed in Tembisa, Tembisa South, Benoni, and Putfontein over a period of four years.

The suspect, Sipho Lucas Phiri, was arrested by the Benoni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives following an elaborate investigation, utilizing of in house expertise

By Staff Writer

T

he process of removing the evasive water plant known as hyacinth from the city’s lakes, dams, and pans has begun in earnest, providing a lifeline to unemployed young people from townships.

The robust hyacinth removal project began in November 2022 and has provided employment to over 100 young people through the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP).

These young people use integrated methods such as manual removal, spraying herbicide, and biocontrol agents.

The project is set to run until June 2023 and the focus is on the Blesbokspruit, Witfield, and Bredell dams, and the Wattville Pan. The impactful work caught the attention of two young women from Slovo Park near Springs, Johanna Makoe (38) and Fikile Nkonyane (36) who saw the group of workers removing the evasive plant from

Blesbokspruit and took the opportunity to gather the plants, dry them up and make furniture to sell to the public.

“This is how we make a living of late. Gathering and drying hyacinth, then weaving it into dry furniture is our daily bread. All you need is time and patience,” said Johanna Makoe.

The City’s wetlands management unit will continue working around the clock to remove hyacinth on the water bodies beyond the end of the current programme.

Stokvels still relevant to our society

By Sisandile Cikido

S

outh Africa’s most traditional savings methodology is surging into the 21st century, but a cautious approach is required to ensure that members are protected.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. One could argue that this is particularly true when it comes to the evolving world of the stokvel, that quintessentially South African institution created by marginalised communities to create some level of financial security and, increasingly, to build wealth.

‘Stokvel’ derives from the English word ‘stock-fair’, a livestock auction and farmers’ gathering. It was at such gatherings in the Eastern Cape that farmers and their employees came together to socialise, and often to pool money to purchase livestock. Somehow, ‘stock-fair’ became

‘stock-fele’ for speakers of isiXhosa, and eventually mutated into something that sounds Afrikaans.

This concept was introduced to the goldfields by migrant workers from the Eastern Cape. It became an essential tool for marginalised communities to save and socialise. ● Fundamentally, stokvels are mutual savings societies. The most common of them is contribution based, with members receiving a lump sum in rotation. These contribution stokvels can often be linked to specific goals or purposes — to buy groceries over the Christmas period, or bigger expenses like furniture and funerals. ● Ultimately, one can characterise stokvels as vehicles for saving towards a common goal. There’s an estimate of more than 800 000 stokvels in the country, and they are responsible for savings of more than R44 billion a year – a significant

(linking through DNA and and the modus operandi analysis) and a pointing out parade. The vehicle, which has also been used during the commission of these crimes, and his licensed firearm were confiscated as well.

“The evidence is there for all to see that we are dealing with someone, had he not been caught, hellbent on causing trauma and untold pain to women wherever he went,” said Major General Sithole.

Major General went on to thank the Benoni FCS detectives in general and the investigating officer in particular for the manner in which he is handling the case and she is confident that the ultimate outcome will be a lengthy jail time for the suspect.

Tembisa Hospital request assistance

Elizabeth Voster

Unknown patient

The Tembisa Hospital requests your assistance in finding the family of Elizabeth Voster in the picture. Anyone who knows how we can get hold of her loved ones can get in touch with the Tembisa Hospital Communications Office on 0825745857.

Tembisa Hospital requests your assistance in finding the family of the unknown patient. Anyone who knows how we can get hold of his loved ones can get in touch with the Communications office on 0825745857.

Missing Child alert! market segment. ● Interestingly, as more and more Africans have begun participating in the formal economy, and as African graduates enter the workforce, this traditional, somewhat old-school form of saving is mutating as a new generation is adapting it for its own needs.

Given that stokvels remain such an important financial tool for a large portion of South Africans, it’s worth setting out some principles that people should follow to ensure that they keep their money safe.

Unknown patient Tembisa Hospital requests your assistance in finding the family of the unknown patient. Anyone who knows how we can get hold of his loved ones can get in touch with the Communications office on 0825745857.

A 16 year old female Mandisa Mahlatjie is missing.She was last seen Thursday 2nd March 2023 at Vusimuzi, wearing a military mini skirt and brown crop top.

She has never returned back home and has missed school.

Anyone who might have information that may help in locating Mandisa May Contact: 064 801 7133 or Tembisa South SAPS.

Friday, 24 March 2023 | Issue 64

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

How to eat to beat anxiety

By Staff Writer

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eeping a mindful diet means knowing the true cost of your food, not just to your pocketbook, but also to your physical and mental health. It is vital that we choose a diet that provides our brain with the tools it needs to function optimally, as it consumes 20% of our daily calories.

It is always a good idea to keep a food (and mood) diary when examining your diet to narrow down foods that might trigger anxiety.

Avoid fast food It may be tempting to eat fast food, but it is harmful to our physical and mental well-being since it contains many compounds that worsen inflammation levels in the body. Many large chain supermarkets now offer readymade ‘homestyle’ family-size portions that come in a variety of flavours.

Avoid alcohol Even though alcohol increases serotonin in our brains (the happy chemical), it can also cause anxiety.

Symptoms of depression may also be

exacerbated by alcohol, which makes antidepressant medication less effective. Instead choose virgin cocktails or 0% beer.

During the process of refining grains (e.g. turning brown rice into white rice) much of their nutritional value is lost. Making a conscious choice to eat unrefined foods enables your body to make use of the vitamins it needs to tackle your day-to-day.

Sugar Sugar has long had a bad reputation as it’s known to hurtle our systems through highs and lows. To avoid sugar many have turned to artificial sweeteners to satisfy their sweet tooth. However, research has shown that people with a diet high in aspartame experience more depression and irritability. This is because aspartame increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Natural sugars are winners as they come packaged with extra vitamins.

Try honey in drinks and recipes, or a block of dark chocolate when you crave a little something extra.

Try increasing your protein intake throughout the day, as this lowers sugar craving.

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Missing person alert!

Lutho Matshoboza A 41 year old male Lutho Matshoboza is missing. He was last seen in In Rabasotho on the 6th of February 2023, wearing a formal black blazer, some people have indicated that they saw him around Ivory Park wearing a tracksuit and he was topless.

Anyone who might have information that may help in locating Lutho may contact BigBoy Matshoboza, 072 720 8901 or Rabie Ridge SAPS.

Writing, rapping, and acting all in one small package!

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

KARABO “KAY SLEEZY” SEABELA is an incredibly gifted artist from Thembisa Khatlamping.

She has mastered music composition, lyrical flow, and acting - all under the tutelage of renowned actor Israel Matseke Zulu (aka GP Maorange).

Karabo’s finely calibrated capabilities mark her as another burgeoning creative force within South Africa’s entertainment sector.

“Alex was fast and beautiful back then, but I wouldn’t have drowned in the streets since I spent most of my time with drama and dance rehearsals,” she told The Olifants.

Kay Sleezy inherited her incredible singing talent from a special family member - her beloved grandfather, who was renowned for his beautiful voice many years ago. “I have always looked up to GP Maorange, and I was passionate about becoming a superstar like him,” she said.

Kay Sleezy has a hip-hop song with Kid-Lyric and Michael Sausin Zaka. On the 5th of November 2022, Karabo released Manyesa alongside Bruhsthibo music, an Amapiano song.

She is currently recording my EP under Pitbull entertainment.

Since she was a child, she admired Keep your ear to the ground because the possibility of combining mul- Kay Sleezy is about to drop a hot hit. tiple art forms and showcasing her All digital outlets will be stocked talents. At only eight years old, this with her latest sound, so you don’t ambitious artist began to bring her want to miss out. imaginative vision to life by taking center stage and performing for audiences near and far.

“At the tender age of eight, I took free dance and dramatic arts classes at a primary school. I went to Dr. Knak Primary, and GP Maorange always ensured we were up to standard. While most kids were terrified of him, he ensured that energy was most important in class. I used every opportunity to get to know him, asking questions and finding out how I wanted to lead everything, song introductions, character excursions, whatever I could raise myself and do.”

In 2014 she had an opportunity to appear in a short film. She said it wasn’t her first encounter as she had done only extra roles for Rhythm City, “It was amazing because I was working with my best friend, so everything flowed wonderfully on set. I would do anything in this world to work with Siyabonga Zubane again, may his soul rest in peace,” she recalled.

Kay Sleezy is not just a talented musician and actor, but a sought-after MC who can bring fire to the stage.

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Issue 64 | Friday, 24 March 2023

The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Signs a man is in a toxic relationship

you are more likely to envy couples behind closed doors. who seem to have it all. But what we Many men will still celebrate Easoften fail to realise is that this roman- ter with their spouses or partners as oxic relationships can be incred- ticised “grass-is-greener” viewpoint usual. However, there may be a nagibly difficult to navigate. When may not necessarily hold true - you ging feeling in the back of our minds you are in a toxic relationship, never know how things really are about confusion over whether to stay

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

T

together - is it really an unhealthy 3.

Controlling freak relationship...or just insecurity?

She wants to be in control of everyWhile there’s no denying that men thing in your life. Everything from in today’s world are often seen as the how much you should send your culprit for relationship struggles, it mother to what you shouldn’t buy. If stands to be said that these expec- she calls, you should answer immeditations can put unfair pressure on ately. If she texts, you should respond. them. Too frequently we expect a That’s toxicity. man to apologise and take respon4.

Grudges sibility even when they have been Whenever there is an argument, she wronged; something which does not tends to bring up the past. Intimacy is reflect justice or equality. eroded when she holds onto grudges and lets them fester.

Signs as man you are in a toxic relationship: 1.

The communication is always toxic Rather than kindness or respect, most of your conversations are filled with sarcasm or criticism. She calls you useless and stupid, among other things. Unemployment is the most common cause of this.

2.

Jealousy She constantly suspects that you are planning to cheat on her. Every woman you interact with is a potential lover. She checks your WhatsApp chats nonstop, and she asks you about every call you receive.

Follow us for updates on what’s happening in your community!

Celebrating cultural heritage through fashion

ventures. As the founder of Moetlo, Our ultimate goal is to use our plat- injection to create the first prototype.

I’m dedicated to promoting and cele- form to bring together individuals However, we remained determined brating my cultural heritage through from diverse backgrounds and spark to see our vision through and worked PHEELLO MAHLOKO is a self- fashion and other ventures,” he told meaningful conversations that lead tirelessly to secure the resources necdriven entrepreneur hailing from The Olifants News. to greater understanding and appre- essary to bring our ideas to fruition,” The experience Pheello gained ciation of one another’s cultures,” he Pheello said.

Botshabelo, a township in the Free State. He began his career as a Busi- from promoting brands made it eas- said.

His newest Premium shoe colness Developer working for FMCG ier for him to launch his own clothing But his journey to bring his vision lection, Neo, pays homage to an multinationals, honing his skills in line, Moetlo, which is a Sotho word to life was not without its hurdles. indigenous plant found only in marketing and strategy. He then for tradition and culture. He said One of the most significant obstacles Lesotho, the kharetsa. He explained: transitioned to the digital marketing his brand is driven by a desire to Pheello encountered was taking the “These premium unique sneakers are space, where he has been working educate our generation about the initial step towards realising his goals. available for pre-order only and can in senior positions as a strategist. often-overlooked elements of our cul- “The prospect of starting something be viewed at our store for those who “My ambition and expertise have ture. “Through fashion, we aim to new can be intimidating, and we had want to get a feel of the shoe. But propelled me to success in my pro- promote our cultural heritage in mod- to overcome doubts and fears to begin. that’s not all, we are also working on fessional career, and I bring that same ern and innovative ways, while also In addition, we faced a challenge with our first-ever locally produced shoe drive and skill to my entrepreneurial fostering cross-cultural discussions. funding, as we needed an initial cash range, which will be fully produced

By Dumisanai Hlatswayo

in Thembisa by locals, for locals and the world.”

Those who want to buy Moetlo can find the brand at KasiColab, at the Mall of Thembisa, opposite Roman’s Pizza. For your convenience, Moetlo products are also available for purchase online at www.moetlo. co.za. Alternatively, you can contact Moetlo through various social media channels, including Facebook at @ moetloapparel and Instagram at @ moetloapparel_za, or reach out to them directly via WhatsApp or phone call at 0685220838.

Friday, 24 March 2023 | Issue 64

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Meet the winners of the 2022 Rabie Ridge Stream League

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

M

eet Lucky Dunn Nkulisa, the charismatic coach behind the unstoppable Nkulisa Football Academy. As a result of his unwavering drive to succeed, he guided his under-11 and under-13 teams to victory in the Rabie Ridge Stream League in 2022. Nkulisa’s youngsters are making waves in the football world with over 54 trophies and players snagged by the prestigious ABC Motsepe League.

“We won the 2022 season with almost all divisions, U11, U13, U17, U19 And U15 almost won it as well.

We only needed two points but became position runners ups,” he revealed.

At 46, Coach Nkulisa is on a mission to change the lives of Thembisa’s youth. In a heartfelt interview with Olifants News, he firmly declared his unwavering commitment to making a difference, promising not to let these young bright minds down.

It wasn’t easy for Coach Nkulisa to

win the league in 2022. His biggest setback was poor player attendance, which he blamed on parents’ lack of support. “ The real reason for all difficulties with youth is poverty. This is accompanied by a lack of facilities to train and play games with

these kids,” he revealed. The problem is compounded by the fact that most corporations no longer sponsor township football, according to Coach Nkulisa.

In the future, he wants his academy to be as famous as Supersports

and Chiefs. “We want to reach their level and compete in the Gauteng Development League with them so that our children can have what they dream about. We want to own our training and game stadium, as well as resolving a transport issue by getting

an official transport sponsor. By letting our youth play football for free, we will be able to overcome drug, alcohol, poverty, and early pregnancies.,” he said.

A year ago, Nkulisa Football Academy had 144 children attending training sessions. A total of 85 children went on to register for a league division. The divisions are under 9s, under 11s, under 13s, under 15s, under 15 girls teams, under 17, and under 19.

“Nothing makes me more proud than seeing the kids smiling, laughing, and enjoying my presence. I sleep like a baby when they do,” Nkulisa told The Olifants.

Share your sport story with us! Call us on 010 023 1845