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ISSUE 17 – 2020 Email: olifants@papashamedia.co.za Tel: 010 023 1845 www.theolifants.co.za FB | Twitter | Insta | The Olifants

Soup kitchen brings relief

Olies back to school plans

New Boxer store for Ivory

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Thembisa Marathon 2020 cancelled

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arlier this year, The Olifants News reported about Thembisa Mile and 10 kilometres marathon which was expected to take place in October 2020.

According to the marathon organiser, Donald Mathipa, the marathon has been cancelled following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is still possible to train even though we train as individuals.

However, the event has been cancelled because of the lockdown regulations. There’s nothing we can do, and that’s the fact right now. We will reintroduce it in 2021, “ he tells The Olifants News.

The Thembisa Street Mile allows anyone to participate in a 1 mile and 10km road race, fun run and walk in the township of Thembisa. The main purpose being the revival of athletics in the township.

Mathipa says some of the challenges they face as athletes in the

townships include lack of income:” Right now there’s no income for athletes because there are no races. Also, most of them don’t have contracts,” he says.

“It is not easy to get a sponsor as an athlete if you’re not running for the elites such as Nedbank Running Club or Mr Price Running Club. Those are the professional teams that allow athletes to sign contracts. But when you talk about community clubs, it’s not easy,” he reveals. He says community clubs are used as a development phase for athletes.

“If you’re not in the Olympics squad the right thing to do is to train on your own,” he cautions. According COVID-19 regulations, people are allowed to exercise from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Other marathons that were cancelled this year Soweto Marathon, The Spar Women Race, and Comrades Marathon.

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Issue 02 - 2018

Libraries to open under level 3 Washing shoes for D cash

by Staff Writer

ISSUE 2 2018

www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 17 | Thursday, 30 July 2020

• Places and premises must provide limited service and contact as far as possible between visitors and to prevent a gathering; • Sufficient sanitisers must be made available; • The premises should be deep cleaned before reopening, and commonly used areas sanitised frequently; and • A person with an elevated temperature can be refused entrance into the premises.

ivisional Head for the City’s Library division City Karin Muller says a state of readiness plan has been submitted to the minister’s office for blessings to open library services in Ekurhuleni.

The latest directive from the minister’s office introduced a number of guidelines, amongst others: • Limiting operating hours as per the amendment standard operation procedure posted on the website of Department of Arts She said control librarians are the and Culture; only members of staff who have and also looking at promoting vir- well as Encyclopedia Brittanicca • Social distancing must be prac- returned, and their role layville is ensurtual library which is called over- which is where research and infor– Joblessness ticed at all times, which is a dis- ing that compliance and gear up foris high drive. This is where people can read mation are accessed,” she explained. in South Africa tant of 1.5m; re-opening. the latest book online for free, or Muller said she was hopeful that if but for Dennis Vundlapress (29) reader which is where people things go according to plan libraries • Staff and visitors must wear a “The plan is to first open the study game over as cloth face mask at all times; facilities and the this dropwas andnot collect, can access and read newspapers as should open by the end of July. 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. KodiCounselling for victims said Vundla. Eyethu Hygiene is Tembisa - Sethopane bona makes about R200 currently providing employment of abuse and rape Kodibona (33) from Tem- on a busy day which is to 3 people and has a monthly bisa started an unconven- on weekends mostly, he Cutting down turnover of about R12 000. the monthcharges to cele-his customers actionals August businessis washing “The business can sustain itself, women, let us allcording remem-to shoe size kids of trees in shoesbrate for cash.

Kodibona however I want it to grow even ber that his South Africa has of R10 the and adults R25 started business in one pay more,” said Vundla. Eyethu HyOlifantsfontein 2017 afterrates yearsof of violence unem- and all suedes shoes are highest against giene provides a number of serployment.

Employment R35. “My clients are the women in the world. must stop vices including Wash, Iron, Foldis hard to fi nd in Tembisa police, nurses The Gauteng Departmentcommunity, Social ing and house cleaning. Eyethu’s and areas Violence and everyone who would andthe thesurrounding Gender Based Dear Editor, clients range from businesses to and this affected the entire busiCentre (GBVC) now offers love free to tel-support rape,my abandoned children andVundla’s ver- - social worker, police station, hospihouseholds. long term household and it is what ness is Kodiephonic counselling to victims of welcome. bal abuse.

It also attended cases tal, or safe I would like to express my plan is totosee the company ex- house. In this way, help Dennis Vundla (29) drove Kodibona to start bona uses a big board panding and sexproviding more abuse, domestic violence, sexual of stalking, emotional abuse, is dispatched immediately. concern regarding cutowner of the Laundry this type of a business to which he places by the employment opportunities. assault, rape and human trafficking. ual harassment, forced marriages, The Centre can also assist in ting down of trees around Services make a living. “No one main road to market his “I elderly want tocitizen see my businesses service provided a coun- “My forced the prosecution of perpetrators Olifantsfontein. This area will isThis working at ishome, one bybusiness. wishprostitution, is to growing branches other sellor andaisguy available abuse, bullying family with disputes. as ininformation collected throughhave few trees in a very short day I saw washing24-hours see mytobusiness grow and andareas which will in turn pro-intervention process can individuals in Idistress. a caller contacts the out the space of time. People are cutshoes for cash took the employ other When people, who vide employment to the youth The Based GBVClike from phone, they be made available to the courts as ting trees and selling them as idea and Gender started my own Violence are unemployed me,a mobile of South Africa,” said Vundla.

Centre (GBVC) variety can be geographically located, evidence. firewood. Almost every day business so thatattends I canto asaid Kodibona of emergency situations including enabling the centre to determine The GBVC toll-free number is you will come across a bakkie indecent assault, physical violence, the resources nearest to the caller 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). loaded with tree trunks. The bakkie in the picture was spotted along Van Street. Some of CALL NOW 0800 428 428 PLEASE CALL ME *120*7867# the wood is sold to people owning Chisa Nyamas. Metro Emergency Line Supported by a USSD is doing nothing about this.

We need these trees to grow.

Clayville Laundry Creates Employment for Youth

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Did you know?

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SAPS Crime Alert for Oakmore Staff Writer

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Tel: 010 023 1845 akmore - High unemployment

Skype address - Helpme GVB

in For South Africa isofone of community members deaf 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 to take our crime alerts into avoid be086consideration 000 10111to/ 112 ing victims of crime,” said Constable Serakwana.

035 474 0710

012 395

SMS 'help' to 31531 For persons with disability

Regards, Steve

South African Police Service

Olifantsfontein SAPS South African 011 316 8022 8000

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

Department of Health

012 395 8000

Children Welfar e

074 080 8315

Thursday, 30 July 2020 | Issue 17

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

Soup kitchen launched in Clayville extension 29

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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ard councillor Laisa Phoko and other community leaders have started a soup kitchen in Clayville extension 29 at Hosanna church.

The soup kitchen was launched on the 25th of July on Saturday at 10:00 am.

“With this soup kitchen we’re targeting Clayville’s residents, especially children, and unemployed people,” says Phoko.

She says the residents of Clayville responded positively to the idea.

“They came out in large numbers.

They are happy with this feeding initiative. On Saturday we served the residents of extension 29, but on Sunday we decided to serve residents who live in the flats at extension 25,” Phoko reveals.

More than 100 people received food but not everyone could be served. Phoko says on Saturday they ran out of food and decided to feed others the following day. “The

campaigns to see how people are living. If you are an outsider, it’ll be impossible to see that we also have people who are living in poverty here. What worries me most is that our municipality and society at large doesn’t know that there are people who are struggling to make ends meet in Clayville,” Phoko says.

Another community leader, Johnny Skhosana says the aim of the soup kitchen is to alleviate poverty in Clayville. “We do this fully understanding the dynamics that we are facing. There are many childsoup was cooked by myself, Johnny headed households in Clayville.

Skhosana and other community There are also many adults who are leaders,” she reveals. unemployed here,” he reveals.

Phoko says as long as donors conSkhosana says the community of tinue to donate, the soup kitchen Clayville was also severely affected will be available every Saturday. by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many Currently Spar donates bread, Early people are no longer working in Bird donates meat, Mccain donates Clayville, which means they have vegetables and Chef Choice donates lost an income. This is not the first spices. time we have done something like “This was my idea. As a PR coun- this. On five occasions we distribcilor living among a community uted food parcels, at Endaweni secin Clayville, we do Door to Door tion and extension 45,” he reveals.

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The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 17 | Thursday, 30 July 2020

How Olifantsfontein Primary has coped with the reopening

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

health. And ours is to comply. The problem is class that is more than 20 because as soon you when you don’t comply,” says Molepo. have a class that is more than 20 it means you he COVID-19 pandemic has affected “Obviously you will meet up with problems can no longer guarantee social distancing,” schools in Gauteng as government but with us, we comply because both educa- he reveals. struggles to keep the virus at bay. The tion and health came and they were satisfied “Even when learners go out for break or restreopening of schools left many teachers fear- about the simple principles of compliance. rooms we supervise them,” says Molepo. ing for their lives, and parents concerned That would mean the school should be kept He says they encourage transport operators about the safety of their children. clean,” Molepo continues. to keep the standard operational principles.

The Olifants News spoke to Lesibana He says there is also a social distance that is “We write parents newsletters, we send them Molepo, principal at Olifantsfontein Primary observed at Olifantsfontein Primary. “Classes sms to encourage them to be safe. We don’t to find out how his school coping with the are divided so that we have halved them. If have to be worried when the Department of novel virus. “The good part about us is, we do we had 40 learners in each class now, we have Basic Education or those in power decide to have guidelines given by both education and reduced that number to 20. We don’t have any close schools. We don’t have to worry that schools are now closed and learners are not going to be safe at home. We need to trust that whether learners are at home or at school, they are being taken care of,” he reveals.

“If you observe the protocols chances are slim

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that you’ll get infected. The first one is social distancing, sanitise or wash your hands with soap and water. And wear a mask all the time,” Molepo cautions.

He says should one of his staff members test positive for Covid-19, chances are it would be from our community not from his schools.

“We are getting masks, bar soaps, sanitisers and other cleaning materials delivered to our school by the Department of Basic Education.

We don’t have any shortages,” he says.

About plans for learners to catch up on the lost syllabus he says the Department of Basic Education has reduced syllabus. “We have other grades that did not reopen. We have prepared a reduced syllabus for them. Every Friday, we prepare the packages of the syllabus and give it to parents. They come to collect their material according to their grades,” he reveals.

All government schools will be closed from Monday until 24 August.

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Thursday, 30 July 2020 | Issue 17

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

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The building of the school in Clayville about to begin

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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arly this year, The Olifants News reported on a school that is about to be built in Clayville. The school is expected to be a combined school, which means it will cater for primary and secondary learners.

Baphiwe Sibangela, spokesperson for Clayville Development Community (CDC) expects negotiations between the land owner and government to begin.

“We are waiting for the results of a geotech. This is a combination of a geotech report and a dolomitic report. They already took the samples of the soil to test it. In 14 days from now we will have those results. Once we get the results then “By mid-August we should have the Department Of Infrastructure those results. Because they said the Development will sit down with process takes about two to three the owner and make an offer,” weeks,” he adds. He says the name Sibangela reveals. of the school hasn’t been decided yet.

Be wary of scammers posing as fire brigade officials

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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he City of Ekurhuleni has issued a warning about scammers posing as fire officials.

“These scammers, armed with a ‘compliance’ form bearing the City’s logo, target schools and Non-Governmental Organisations, the statement begins.

“They indicate that they are tasked to investigate if the school or organisation complies with the City’s fire and safety practices and issue fines of non-compliance,” the statement continues.

The form the scammers present has an account number that they claim the purported fine must be paid into, claiming it belongs to the municipality.

“This scam was brought to the attention of the City and already five cases of fraud have been opened with the SAPS and are now under investigation,” “The notice form used by the scammers has an incorrect e-mail address, order number and contact number.”

“All official CoE correspondence emails have an ekurhuleni. gov.za not a gmail address.

Fraudulent orders are handwritten and don’t have the DEMS/FSS reference number.

An official order number is typed and signed by the official inspector as well as the client. In order to comply it must have the contact number 011 999 0193 and the e-mail address.

The correct contact number during working hours for the Executive Manager in charge of the Proactive Section is 011 999 0193.

The offices are located at DEMS Head Quarters, Emergency Services, 3 Hawley Road, Bedfordview,” says the statement.

“Residents must note that members of the emergency services must at all times be in uniform, with a nametag, and drive an official vehicle with City of Ekurhuleni branding. The notice form should be handwritten with the correct email address and contact details of the relevant officer.

Members of the public suspecting they are scammed can contact the Executive Manager Proactive Services, Sandra Du Rand on 011 999 0193 or e-mail Sandra.

Durand@ekurhuleni.gov.za.

Phone 10177 or 011 458 0911 or dial 112 from your cell phone (all networks). The Service Call Centre number is 0860 543 000.

On the procurement of service must be a civil engineer for the layproviders, Sibangela says all proj- ing pipes and sewers, painters, elecects will go through a tender. “Then tricians and so on,” he says. the right candidate will be appointed “Job creation in Clayville is key. for the building of the school. There The project will be empowering

the people of Clayville in terms of creating employment and business opportunities. The subcontractors that are going to work there can’t be just one subcontractor. That school must be maintained by small businesses from Clayville,” Sibangela says.

He says women in Clayville should be given an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent.

“The playing field needs to be equal.

There are many women that I have come across in my life who I think have leadership qualities. I was also raised by a single parent, which is my mother. So, I know all the difficulties women face,” he explains.

“We’ve got a project across the street called Mall of Thembisa. So, I encourage all women of Clayville to organise and go for such opportunities. They can meet with the CEO of the mall or Patrick Moraka,” he continues.

UMMC Nkosi ukhathazekile ngokuhlukunyezwanodlame olubhekiswe kubantu besifazane

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MMC Cllr Nomadlozi Nelson Mandela Day, nokuwu- kakhulu. Bafuna ukuthandwa Nkosi ube ngomunye waba- suku olusetshenziselwa ukusiza kanye nokuvikeleka,” kwaqhuba holi abavakashele umphakathi umphakathi. uMMC Nkosi. waseThembisa, epha abantu “I-Covid-19 kanye nokuhUthe umphakathi waseTukudla ngoMgqibeko wezi 18 l u k u n ye z w a k w a b a n t u hembisa kufanele ulandele imiJuly. Uphinde wasebenzisa lelo besifazane yizingcinamba esib- thetho yeCovid-19 ukuze abantu thuba ukugqugquzela amadoda hekene nazo kuyimanje,” kwasho bakhoseleke kulobhubhane. ukuthi adlale ingxenye enkulu uMMC Nkosi.

“Masiqhubeke nngensipho kanye ekuqedeni udlame olubhekiswe “Amadodo, ikakhulukazi yiwona namanzi, sibenzise amasenikubantu besifazane. Izi 18 July, okufanele azibandakanye ekul- thayiza bese sihlale ekhaya. wusuku lokugubha ukuzalwa weni nalenkinga esibhekene nayo. Masiphume ekhaya uma kunekwalowo owayengumholi kuleli, Amadoda kufanele afunde ukuthi sidingo kuphela, kodwa sizivikele UNelson Mandela. Lolu suku abantu besifazane abazona izitha ngokuthi sihlale emakhaya,” solwaziwa njenge International zabo, kodwa bahlukumezekile kusho uMMC Nkosi.

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The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 17 | Thursday, 30 July 2020

New Boxer store opens in Ivory Park I n less than a week, Boxer Ivory Park will open its doors and give shoppers the renowned Boxer experience! With a combination of affordable prices on groceries and warm service, it is certainly set to be Ekurhuleni’s most anticipated store openings.

Located on the corners of G Malatsi and Riverside Street, Boxer promises shoppers great products, prices and services. “The opening of Boxer Ivory Park is another huge celebration for us, possibly one of the biggest since the celebration of our 300th store milestone. Boxer has a wonderful history in Gauteng, and we are incredibly proud to be able to offer Ivory Park shoppers another opportunity to fill their trolleys with Boxer groceries at our Superstore,” said Boxer Ivory Park Branch Manager, Thabang Letlotlo.

“Boxer Ivory Park will focus on you, your family and the community which we serve. The Superstore opening means that Ivory Park shoppers won’t have to travel far and will save more both on transport costs and at the till,” added Letlotlo.

With Covid-19 disrupting businesses and income stability for many families, Boxer’s lower prices will allow shoppers to feed their families. The Superstore’s close proximity to the taxi rank means shoppers can load shopping bags into waiting transport with ease.

Inside the Superstore, a range of fresh food and produce departments await shoppers. Within the Butchery highly trained staff prepares a wide range of fresh and frozen cuts of meats and prepacks. A short walk over to the Bakery promises a reward of tasty, freshly baked bread and confectionary.

The Fruit and Vegetable department is packed with a range of seasonal fresh produce every day and hungry customers will also be able to grab ‘kitchen fresh’ hot foods in the Deli.

Boxer Ivory Park will also be convenient for shoppers wanting to top up on their electricity, play the lotto, pay their DSTV bills and other EasyPay accounts.

One of the country’s fastest growing digital banks, TymeBank, will have a kiosk in store where shoppers can sign up for a bank account; no paperwork required. In addition SASSA grantees can check their balances, plus withdraw their monthly grants at any till.

Shoppers can also look forward to convenient parking with lots of mall parking bays waiting for eager shoppers to load boots full of their paid for Boxer groceries.

Letlotlo said his team is ready to give Ivory Park shoppers a true Boxer service: “Boxer Ivory park will offer the highest quality service to all shoppers and because we are opening right in the middle of our iconic More Boxer Birthday promotion we are going to be celebrating with even more amazing deals on groceries! We are honoured to be part of this incredible community,” he added.

Stay informed on #COVID19 Join the WhatsApp support for South Africans

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Local painter looking for a partner Like when you’re painting a house.

Then you wait to get another client,” he reveals.

There are many reasons why it is advantageous to hire a local painter like Mlangeni. Firstly, because he is a local painter it is easy to ask him for references. Second, he is affordable.

“It’s been one week without working. Before that I had a job in Bramley. I specialise in painting and the design of rooms. I do external and internal painting. I do room painting, wall painting, floor vanishing. As long as it is painting, I’ll do it for you,” he says.

“Besides painting I also do ceiling installations,” he continues.

Mlangeni says his business was here are two types of paint- affected by the outbreak of the ers. On the one hand, you get COVID-19. “There are a lot of chala painter who is an artist, on lenges,” Mlangeni tells The Olifants the other hand you have Nkululeko News. “I’m always subcontracted Mlangeni (35). Mlangeni is a pro- to work under a company. When fessional painter solely involved that company is affected, I’m also with the painting of property, be it affected,” he says. commercial or residential homes “Getting new clients is a huge in Thembisa. challenge for me. I would be grate“For a long period, I was working ful if I can partner with someone under construction companies. And who can find clients for me. I won’t with the kind of experience that I mind partnering with him or her. have, I had a drive to try something We can agree on a certain percentfor myself. Even though I’m still age. It doesn’t make sense to say I like a toddler in business. It’s now don’t want to share profits with any been like two years,” says the father one while I can’t even get one client,” of two.

Mlangeni says.

One of the challenges experiIf you need a painter or know enced by Mlangeni is getting new how to get new clients, contact clients for his painting business. Nkululeko Mlangeni on this num“Construction work comes and goes. ber +27 65 8147 027.

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www.sacoronavirus.co.za

Thursday, 30 July 2020 | Issue 17

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Issue 17 | Thursday, 30 July 2020

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Upcoming Afro Pop star in Clayville

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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handisile Sidinga is one of the upcoming Afro pop singers to watch out in the South African music scene. Sidinga who lives not far from Phumulani Mall, says he was inspired to write and perform by the late Stompie Mavi’s music. Other artists who made an impression on Thandisile are Ringo Madlingozi and Ntando.

“I sing Afro jazz and Afro pop songs. I am also big on love songs.

I grew up singing in church and at school, just like most South African artists,” Thandisile tells The Olifants News.

“This is my first album called Imizamo Yam’. The album has ten songs. I wrote all the songs myself,” he continues.

He says in this album he worked with Prince Mopedu from Face of

Music record label.

“We have shot a video for a song called Umaqondana. The video is yet to be released,” Thandisile says.

UMaqondana was inspired by South African actress and TV presenter, Jessica Nkosi. Nkosi is best known for her leading roles in M-Net commissioned telenovela Isibaya where she plays Qondisile.

“Jessica has touched my heart to write that song that has now become a hit,” Thandisile reveals.

“As we speak, I’ll be performing that song on Galaxy TV,” he reveals.

According to Thandisile, Jessic is not aware of UMaqondana. He says his dream is to make her aware of the song.

Thandisile says the release of his album was delayed by the outbreak of COVID-19. “As an artist who used to perform at restaurants, I can no longer do that,” he adds.

“My music is available on all online stores. You can find it on platforms such as Spotify and iStore. But people can order my album directly from me,” he says.

“My music is also available to my fans in the eastern in places such as Qumbu, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth and other places.”

Other hits on his album include Ndiliqaba. “This song is loved by people who appreciate our culture and tradition,” he says.

One of the major concerts where Thandisile performed is Buyel’ ekhaya held every December in East London. “Last year I opened the stage for other artists there. But my dream is to perform at Cape Town Jazz Festival as well,” he says.

CONNECT ON TWITTER @Thandisileiqaba ORDER HIS ALBUM: +27 78 319 1858

Tel: 010 023 1845