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ISSUE 22 – 15 October 2020 Email: olifants@papashamedia.co.za Tel: 010 023 1845 www.theolifants.co.za Find us on

Fibre internet comes to Clayville

Curro starts grade 12

Diepsloot man gets 15 year sentence

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R41 Million Fire Station opens in Olifantsfontein

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he new Olifantsfontein Fire Station opened at 3 Axle Street, Olifantsfontein on Friday, October 9.

The new fire station is built to relieve the old fire station that was built in the mid 1940’s in the same area. It is located opposite the Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) factory in Olifantsfontein.

The R41 Million station will mainly serve newly developed

areas in the vicinity such as Winnie Mandela, Tswelopele, Clayville and the logistic corridor developing along the R21 freeway.

According to William Ntladi, Spokesperson of Ekurhuleni Disaster a nd Emergency Management Services (DEMS), the Olifantsfontein Fire Station is much bigger than the old one housing five fire trucks and three ambulances.

“The staff will be in shifts

comprising of 11 officials,” adds Ntladi.

When asked why position the station at the heart of industries Ntladi said the risks of emergencies are very high in the area bearing in mind the types of business surrounding the station.

“From here we have places such as the Winnie Mandela informal settlements where we have the smaller trucks so they maneuver easily in

cases of emergency,” said Ntladi. when he came to visit days before Joining the City Mayor in the official launch day. revealing the plaque was MMC “The City of Ekurhuleni has 119 for Community Safety Cllr Frans informal settlements which are Mmoko. The plaque reads “The registered in our database, which Olifantsfontein Fire Station was expands the services of the city,” officially opened by the Executive said Masina.

Mayor of City of Ekurhuleni The CoE Mayor also congratuCouncillor Mzwandile Masina on lated the team behind the state 09 October 2020”. of the art station for proper use of The mayor during his speech said resources. he was impressed by the facility Pictures on page 3.

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Mental illnesses a huge Washing challenge shoes forfor people cash T

Issue 22 | Thursday, 15 October 2020

Issue 02 - 2018

he past months have brought about many challenges, ushering in new and unique Email: theolifants@papashamedia.co.za m theolifants@papashamedia.co.za dynamics in how people live their lives. While some may be coping Publisher Publisher Saki Mabhele well, others continue to suffer in Saki Tel: 010Mabhele 023 1845 silence – this should not be the case, Tel: 7444478 674 Fax:0861 086 611 seek help.

Fax: 086 611 4478 m saki@papashamedia.co.za Email: saki@papashamedia.co.za Acting Manager of Acute and Chronic Care in the City’s Health Interviews Zandile Mankayi and Social Department Patrick Journalist 010 023 1845 Magodzho says this year’s World Sibusiso Masango m zandilem@papashamedia.co.za Tel. 0861 744 674 Mental Health Day, celebrated on Fax: 086 611 4478 10 October, comes at a time when layville – JobEmail: sibusisom@papashamedia.co.za Advertising Sales lessness is high people’s daily lives have changed Zandile Mankayi Join the WhatsApp in South Africa considerably, making it paramount 010 023 1845 support for but for Dennis Vundla (29) m zandilem@papashamedia.co.za for residents not to turn a blind eye Advertising Sales this was not game over as on mental health issues.

South Africans Saki Mabhele Art Director he found a niche “Untreated mental illness can lead He urged those suffering in in his the comailment. This will be followed 0861 744 674 Liza Mijburgh and started a laundry Fax: 086 611 4478 to more serious chronic health prob- silence to seek helpmunity as Ekurhuleni’s by a referral to the secondary men010 023 1845 business to make a living. VundEmail: meth@papashamedia.co.za lems that may cause instability in healthcare facilities offer free men- tal health service. At the secondary m info@papashamedia.co.za la, a resident of Clayville Ext 26, one’s daily life. Stigma and shame tal healthcare. started his business inmental 2016. health service level, a speLayout / Graphic Designer is often what keeps people from getAll clinics in the City render mencialist or an mental health expert such “I have always wanted to be The Olifants subscribes RonaldNews George Wakulato the ting help and this is what this month tal health services at a primary level, as psychiatrists, psychologists, occuentrepreneur, I noticed that most South African Press Tel. 0861 744Code, 674 which seeks to do, break the stigma,” said which entails the assessment and pational therapists or social workers people in Clayville are the workEmail: ronaldw@papashamedia.co.za prescribes news that is truthful, acMagodzho. screening of a patient to identify will time assisttothe patient. ing class and don’t have curate, fair and balanced. do chores and their laundry, so I If we don’t live up to standards set started a laundry company and Puleng Malete be able to feed my fam#coronavirus out in the Code, please contact the merged it with house cleaning,” The Olifants News subscribes to ily, said Kodibona. KodiPress Ombudsman at the Press said Vundla.

Eyethu Hygiene is the South African Press Code, Tembisa - Sethopane bona makes about R200 Council on: www.sacoronavirus.co.za currently providing employment which prescribes news that Tel: 011 484 3612/8 Kodibona (33) from Tem- on a busy day which is is truthful, accurate, fair and to 3 people and has a monthly Fax: 011 484 3619 bisa started an unconven- on weekends mostly, he balanced. turnover of about R12 000. www.presscouncil.org.za tional business washing charges his customers ac“The business can sustain itself, If we don’t live up to standards set shoes for cash. Kodibona cording to shoe size kids however I want it to grow even out in the Code, please contact the started his business in pay R10 and adults R25 more,” said Vundla. Eyethu HyPress Ombudsman at the Press 2017 after years of unem- and all suedes shoes are giene provides a number of serCouncil on: ployment. Employment R35. “My clients are the vices including Wash, Iron, FoldTel: 011 484 3612/8 is hard to find in Tembisa community, police, nurses ing and house cleaning. Eyethu’s Fax: 011 484 3619 and the surrounding areas and everyone who would www.presscouncil.org.za 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 exDennis Vundla (29) drove Kodibona to start bona uses a big board panding and providing more owner of Laundry this type of a business to which he places by the employment opportunities.

Services 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. to said Cancer check-ups and cancer screening for health. We know that we’re living in statement continues. business ccording so that I can Kodibona Association of South early detection, as symptoms don’t unprecedented times with COVIDMen over 40 are also encouraged Africa CANSA, Cancer is always present until cancer has 19 taking centre stage in our lives, to go for annual cancer screenings. predominantly caused by environ- spread. Women need to lead a bal- however the cancer risk does not According to CANSA, the most mental factors, rather than inherent anced lifestyle,” says the statement go away due to the pandemic, and common type of cancer that is killbiological factors. Cancer is still issued by CANSA. women still need to go for regular ing men is prostate cancer followed taking many lives in South Africa Cutting out lifestyle factors that cancer screening as early detec- by lung cancer. Mine workers and than TB, Covid-19, or Malaria. At increase their cancer risk tion saves lives, and get to know the smokers are at a higher risk of develleast more 115, 000 people are diag“Women generally put others first. early warning signs and symptoms oping lung cancer. While alcohol Staff Writer nosed with cancer each year.

We want women to realise that they of cancer so that they’re informed is regarded as one of the causes of “We encourage annual medical too have the right to prioritise their and can seek help if needed,” the other cancers in men. akmore - High unemployment in South Africa is one of the major factors leadingCancer to an increase in crime rate. The awareness ribbons chart that is used to help raise awareness for common cancers: 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.

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Thursday, 15 October 2020 | Issue 22

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

From page 1

R41 Million Fire Station opens in Olifantsfontein

The City of Ekurhuleni Mayor, Mzwandile Masina addresses audience on the official launch of the Olifantsfontein Fire Station

The station houses five fire trucks and dedicated front line workers

Clayville to get Fibre Optic as Vumatel begins a rollout

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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layville and Hospitalview residents will be getting fibre to the home as Vumatel has started a rollout in the area. According to one of the main contractors appointed to work on the project, Papi Mongala, the rollout began two weeks ago.

“We are busy building a site for Vumatel. The project is a fibre rollout for people in Clayville and Hospitalview. Currently we are still waiting for Vumatel to finalise negotiations with community leaders about the rolling out,” Mongala tells The Olifants News.

According to Mongala, his company Koketso M Projects has started installing a feeder that will allow people to connect.

“We are going to give the community an opportunity to work with us and show them how to blind post,” Mongala says. “We are anticipating the project to run for two months,” he adds. Mongala

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Safety Cllr Frans Mmoko introduces Mayor Masina

says 7 local subcontractors were appointed to provide assistance with installing the fibre. Various meetings were held, and subcontractors were invited to submit their applications. “We gave them a mandate to appoint local people,” he said.

According to community leader, Tshidi Mokwele, a variety of fibre packages will be available on a prepaid basis, with residents not being tied into a contract. “Residents will have a choice to choose a package that

suits their pocket. They will also get uncapped internet connection, a free in-home fibre installation and a Wi-Fi enabled device,” Mokwele says. She says the negotiations between Vumatel and community leaders have reached the final stages, and the appointed subcontractors are expected to begin working to speed up the installations. “We are not certain about the date when the rollout will be completed, but I can only speculate that it might go live by January 2021,” she says.

The plaques officially opened by the City Mayor Mzwandile Masina

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The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 22 | Thursday, 15 October 2020

Curro Academy Clayville welcomes new learners

by Obedience Mkhabela

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urro Academy Clayville prepares to welcome their first class of matriculants in 2021 as admissions for the new year begin. Parents who wish to enroll their children with Curro Academy are urged to visit the school during weekdays, between 08h00 and 13h00. The school prides itself for transforming learners into leaders by offering them quality education.

Curro Academy Clayville currently has 715 learners registered across all grades.

According to Dean Verwey, Curro Academy Clayville Executive head, they are excited to welcome their first class of grade 12 students.

“Since 2017, when we first opened the school gates, our goal has always been to develop responsible, independent and proud individuals who will make a positive contribution to society,” said Verwey.

“Our aim is to achieve this through valued added programmes which include character building

programmes to teach respect, good manners, hard work, honesty and integrity, respect for all cultures, selfworth, career guidance and entrepreneurship.

“We also offer various sporting codes and cultural activities. In addition, in the new year, we plan to build a swimming pool and introduce swimming as an extracurricular activity, “adds Verwey.

Despite Covid-19 disruption of the academic calendar, the school is confident that they will finish the year on a high note. Due to Covid19, Curro Academy only offers two sessions a day to manage the number of learners in class.

The school provides an entrepreneurial value-added programme (EVAP), to teach learners how to start, operate and manage a business. “The aim of this programme is that the entrepreneurial ability of every learner must be sparked into

Dean Verwey, Executive Head says they are ready to have their first matric class of 2021.

Dean Verwey, Executive Head, at the mobile food trailer students can use for business purposes.

gear and they must then be given an Learners in the EVAP will have said Verwey. opportunity to become a business facilitators or business managThe institution is planning to host owner within the secondary educa- ers who will mentor them in their a special event for grannies of its tion programme,” Verwey explained. business of choice,” he continued. surrounding communities, namely “The guiding principles of the pro- “Every entrepreneur learner will the Gogo’s Day Charity event. gramme is that learners will register pay 30% of the business profits to for a Basic Education NSC Exam, the school account which will go ENROLMENT ENQUIRIES the entrepreneurial EVAP will towards uplifting community projContact Mbavhalelo Malofha allow registered learners to start a ects and charities as well as improvon 083 961 1500 / 087 288 0315 business within the programme of ing the resources pool for further m mbavhalelo.m@curro.co.za the school, which includes using the business opportunities while the m info.clayville@curro.co.za school infrastructure and resources. learner keeps the 70% profits,”

The 2021 Hyundai Accent is just the car you need right now

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he 2021 Hyundai Accent is the entry-level Hyundai has done a sterling job of throwing an ideal for first time car buyers. It is a user- update here and there to make your ride delightful. friendly car that anyone, including a terrible driver like myself won’t struggle to drive. It has been • The SLE comes with Apple CarPlay and Android given a fresh look along with its other Hyundai sibAuto compatibility feature, lings released early in 2020. And one of the notable • A cruise Control to help ease foot-fatigue, improvements include a few newly added exterior • A power steering, colours, safety features and entertainment.

• 6-way adjustable driver’s seat.

With this model, Hyundai is proving to be committed to offering you the best value for money. The 2021 SAFETY AND TECH FEATURES Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6 engine, which is As far as safety and tech features are concerned, the just enough for a fuel efficient car. With this car you Accent has raised the bar. It comes equipped with the will drive around without any worry of running out following features: of fuel. Hyundai has also added a Dual Continuously • A standard 5.0-inch touchscreen radio, Variable Valve Timing in both the camshafts along • A USB and auxiliary ports for connecting devices with the Alternator Management System to upgrade to the interface, the efficiency of the engine.

• A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes on SEL and Limited trims, EXTERIOR • The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, The Accent will attract you with its ‘Fluidic’ body • As well as a second USB port located on the back design which gives it an appealing look. It is availof the center console. Both systems offer Bluetooth able in the following colour options: Olympus Silver, phone connectivity.

Pomegranate Red, Frost White Pearl, Absolute Black, Admiral Blue, Clearwater Blue, Mocha Bronze, and Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Electrolyte Green.

It is not surprising that the 2020 Hyundai Accent was given 4 stars by NHTSA for its safety features. They Other notable exterior features include: include: • Boxy headlights, big tail lamps and sharper edges • Electronic Brake Force Distribution(EBD) that give the Accent a striking look.

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS) • 16-inch alloy wheels complement the design well, • Front Seatbelt Pretensioners • Front daytime-running-lights (DRLs). Pssst! Some • Front and rear crumple zones new colours are also planned for the 2021 model • Remote keyless entry with alarm like Ironman Silver!

• Available forward-collision warning • Available automated emergency braking INTERIOR The design and luxury interior of Accent is aimed This is just the car at people who want great value and quality. On the you need right now. inside, it is spick-and-span; exactly what you’d like.

Imfundiso yokongwa kwamanzi iyaqhubeka

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

kwemithetho yeCovid-19 kusigaba sokuqala (level 1), kube masipala wase Ekurhuleni nomthelela ekutheni umasipala uzophuma umkhankaso ubuyise imfundiso yokongwa wokweluleka izak hamuzi kwamanzi. Izisebenzi zikamasingokubaluleka kokonga amanzi. pala ziqale umkhankaso wokuNgokombiko okhishwe ngu- fundisa ezindaweni ezifana masipala wase Ekurhuleni, neBrakpan, Nigel and Benoni kusemqoka ukuthi umphakathi lapho bezinikeza abantu amasu ubike uma kukhona amaphayiphi okonga amanzi. Kulendeleke ageleza amanzi. ukuthi lomkhankaso uqhubeke “Izindlu zangasese yizona ezi- nasezindaweni zaseTembisa. bikwa ukuthi zisebenzisa amanzi Njengoba lapha eGauteng sinamaningi kakhulu. Ukuxhuma gena kwisizini yokuna kwemvula, ibhodlela lamanzi endlini yan- umasipala unxusa abantu ukugasese kuyasiza ekwehliseni thi bazame ezindlela zokugcina inani lamanzi,” kuixwayisa amanzi emvula. Amanzi atholwe esikhishwe ilungu lweMeya ngalendlela angasetshenziswa yeKhomithi Yamanzi, uCllr kwezinye izidingo zasendlini Tiisetso Nketle. ngaphandle kokupheka kanye Ngokomasipala, ukuxegiswa nokuphuza.

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Thursday, 15 October 2020 | Issue 22

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

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COVID-ready Cradle Day Care Centre gets a thumbs up

by Obedience Mkhabela

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he City of Ekurhuleni has hosted a readiness campaign called Early Childhood Development (ECD) at Heavenly Cradle Day Care Centre. The event was held in Olifantsfontein on Tuesday September 22. It was led by the City officials in about 100 ECD centres, coming from different parts of the region. The aim of the campaign is to help ECD centres meet government Covid-19 regulations.

Pheladi Frans Mmoko, City of Ekurhuleni MMC of Safety said the office of the mayor took an initiative to look into ECD’s safety to ensure that they are ready to re-admit children. MMC Mmoko also congratulated the Heavenly Cradle Day Care for meeting all the Covid-19 regulations. He specifically commended Cradle Day Care Centre manager, Anneke van Heerden for her ‘spirit of Ubuntu’.

“This woman, van Heerden is the champion of ECD centres. A white female who dedicates her life to looking after black children in our community, a true advocate of transformation,” said Mmoko.

“Other ECD’s centres headmasters can learn from this facility. As you enter through the gate they have an isolation room just in case they pick up some cases, and my team was impressed by this.

“I am looking forward to visiting other ECD centres which are not on par with Cradle. We are urging them to come forward and have

our social development team coming over to assist them,” continued Mmoko.

Van Heerden said they were very privileged to have been honoured by the presence of all the government delegates who took their time to visit the centre.

“It is such an honour to have received the Covid-19 clearance and compliance certificate. It has been a few tough months and we thank all parents who trusted us with their kids,” said van Heerden.

“During the lockdown period we had to undergo some training, we got to look into new policies and procedures which had to be implemented,” she said.

Save The Children South Africa, a non-profit organisation operating in 120 countries worldwide and advocating for the rights of children, also joined the event. Led by Nyika Machendedze, Save The Children South Africa, donated resources to help ECD’s meet the government gazette regulations. The donations included personal protection equipment (PPE’s) and water purifying buckets to keep water clean even in rural or informal settlements.

Machendedze said The City of Ekurhuleni remains one of their major stakeholders. “We have made commitments with the City that we will help ECD centres to meet the requirements as part of our emergency response work. We support the prioritisation of ECD’s centres.

We supported them by handing over pocket sanitisers, and face masks.

Nyika Machendedze, Save The Children South Africa, children and migration manager explains how their organization works.

Pheladi Frans Mmoko, City of Ekurhuleni MMC of Safety (left) and Chief of Police Issac Mapiyeye hand over the Covid-19 clearance certificate to Anneke van Heerden, Heavenly Cradle Day Care manager.

Diepsloot man gets 15 years in jail for Ivory Park murder

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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tation Commander, Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, has welcomed the conviction and the 15-years- direct imprisonment of a Diepsloot man, for the 2017 brutal murder of his then girlfriend in Ivory Park.

The Tembisa Magistrate’s Court has on Tuesday, 2020/09/30, sentenced Mpho Mainela, 42, for fatally stabbing Martha Sekwaila, 36, after the two had a verbal argument. She was stabbed once on the chest and succumbed to the injury there and then. On the night of her murder the deceased had been visiting Mainela’s relative and the two had an argument while they were somewhere near the busy Swazi Inn informal settlement. Immediately after he stabbed her, Mainela ordered those that he was with to drive back to Diepsloot, leaving

Pheladi Frans Mmoko, City of Ekurhuleni MMC of Safety, addresses the audience on the importance of protecting children.

the deceased lying on the ground until the police were alerted to the body by passers-by.

Using the evidence that he gathered at the scene and witnesses that came forward, the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Malope Thaba, traced murder to Mainela, and subsequently arrested him at his shack in Diepsloot. This he managed to achieve in just 48 hours.

“Gender-based violence is very prevalent in our communities and this sentence is sure to send a clear message to people prone to abuse others that they will also get their day in court and end up like Mpho Mainela,” said Brigadier Ngcobo.

Brigadier Ngcobo also congratulated Detective Sergeant Thaba for the job well done, for giving the Sekwaila family the justice they so much deserve.

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Issue 22 | Thursday, 15 October 2020

Young musician with a dream to move crowds

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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and above that, perfection is crucial, which means an artist needs to be focused,” she says.

Nompumelelo says one of the best concerts she has had was a live recording. “It was the best because the sound was clear, vocals were on point, artists sang very well, the unity, love and mostly people attended the concert ,time was well managed. All those things made the concert the best,” she recalls.

Just like any artist, Nompumelelo had witnessed a few bad performances. A memorable one was when one performing artist forgot her lyrics.

To aspiring musicians she says: “The journey is not easy ,stand firm ,never give up, keep on pushing and hustling, never stop praying for your gift. God is good and he always makes a way.”

ompumelelo Simelane (17) is an up-and-coming artist based in Ivory Park Extension 2 in Tembisa. She is a young lady bristling with ambition and a talent to be uncovered.

Her dream is to see herself moving crowds with the power of her voice.

Accomplished artists Nompumelelo looks up to include Dumi Mkokstad, and Ntokozo.

“I’m a hardworking person, committed in whatever I do. I’m a young, God-fearing and a goal orientated lady. Always striving for perfection and success in all that I do,” Nompumelelo tells The Olifants News.

Nompumelelo discovered that she had a singing talent at a tender age of 13, and she says this is what she was born to do. “In my CONNECT WITH NOMPUMELELO: perspective, for an individual Facebook: Lelo Simelane to be a good musician, the person should be committed, hard Email: Kamogelovilakazi@gmail9.com working, and goal driven. Over Whatsapp: 060 357 9181

Thursday, 15 October 2020 | Issue 22

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A social running club for men over 50

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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unning is not only the best way to stay fit, but also the best way to bring people together. Brooks is a recreational running club with a membership consisting of men in their early 50s upwards. The name Brooks was derived from the running shoe with the same name. Currently, Brooks has about 15 members, but each month the group seems to be attracting new members.

According to Brook’s chairperson, Tshepo Monamodi, all Brook’s members come from different

career backgrounds, such as law, finance, aviation health and others.

“What happens is that we meet every Saturday and do our runs. Some of the members are road runners, while others are not,” Monamodi said.

“When we started it in 2019, Brooks was only a social running club, but as time went on, it went beyond just that. After our runs we allow married men to discuss a wide range of social issues,” he added. Monamodi said they were greatly disturbed by the issue of gender based violence, and decided to have a 10 kilometre run called Men Against GBV.

Brook’s treasurer, Jones Makhubela said when he joined Makhubela, said he joined Brooks Brooks he was overweight, and had when he was working towards adopt- a high cholesterol problem. “The ing an active lifestyle. “Prior to join- doctor said you must do something ing this group I used to train on my to reduce your weight. So as I was own. And there was no motivation doing it on my own, I couldn’t to do it. So as a group we motivate benchmark myself against other each other, advise each other, and people. And I can tell you right we have targets that we have set for now that when I go to the doctor for ourselves. Another great thing about my regular check-ups, his machine this group is that you always look doesn’t pick up anything,” he forward to meeting with other peo- revealed. According to Makhubela, ple,” Makhubela said. “As you know regular exercise helps in controlling that we live in the times when we chronic illnesses such as diabetes (as professionals) don’t get a chance and high cholesterol. to socialise. So this is the only time In 2019, some of Brook’s memwhen we can do it,” he explained. bers entered for the Comrades

Marathon, and they are looking forward to entering for another race in 2021. “We’re looking forward to entering next year. There are few guys who are fit enough, (like myself). We’re told that it might be around September; which means we have 11 months to prepare ourselves,” he said.

One of the fittest Brook’s members is Bra Klaas Mabasa, a 63- year old man who is as fit as a fiddle.

So far, Bra Klaas has entered 9 Comrades Marathons and he is looking forward to entering his 10th race next year.

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