FREE
FRIDAY 17 DEC—ISSUE 15
Amahle Masentse Her radio show won “The best produced show” at Inkonjane Community Radio Achievement Awards
DOCTOR KHUMALO IN BIZANA
PRINCESS STELLA SIGCAWU II
Visit our website to read more
The founder of the p02
Mpondo Reed Dance
p03
p04
JACOB ZUMA IS GOING BACK TO PRISON “THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COURT HAS RULED THAT THE FORMER PRESIDENT SHOULD BE RETURNED TO PRISON, SAYING MEDICAL PAROLE WAS UNLAWFUL”
Residents of Bizana has vowed to take matters into their own hands in the R61 pothole issue as years— Page 2
In this month’s issue: The time Mr Zuma has spent outside prison should not be counted in his 15-month sentence, the Pretoria court ruled. The former president was released on 5th of September 2021 for undisclosed medical condition. He had been jailed for failing to attend the Zondo Commission of Inquiry. The 79-year-old handed himself in to police in July after a public stand-off, but his jailing, unprecedented for an ex-president, sparked violent protests and looting mainly in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu-Natal. More than 300 people, mostly in Kwa-Zulu Natal died during that protest. The former president had testified only once at the inquiry into what has been known as the state capture. The allegation that the government decisions were taken on behalf of business interests through a corrupt relationship. Zuma is also facing a separate corruption and fraud trial related to an arms deal in the late 1990’s
•
Tender scandal gets mayor sacked by Mbizana Local Municipality
•
Bizana Youth Radio to host a music competition for local artists
•
From Miss Bizana first princess to Miss Durban finalist
Prison authorities say his release on parole was compelled by a medical report, but his ailment has never been disclosed. He did however undergo surgery after he was imprisoned. The former president’s spokesman said at the time that imprisonment had “an exponential impact in terms of deterorating his condition.” his lawyers also argued that their client’s illness had re ndered hm incapacitated. To read more visit: www.pondolandtimes.co.za
By without any action from the. Department of Transport Eastern Cape Department of Transport—Page 3
THREE PASTORS IN MANGQOFOZA SLEPT WITH A 16-YEAR OLD GIRL Avuyile Ncanga wabisa Nteyi shares her pain of a Pastor who allegedly slept, impregnated her 16-year-old daughter and later aborted the pregnancy without consulting any adult. The pastor allegedly promised to change the life of the young lady and continued to sleep with her, Nwabisa says her daughter says that, the pastor first brought concussions to give to the young lady in attempts to terminate the pregnancy. It is alleged that when the mixtures seemed not to be working the pastor took the young lady to hospital to do an abortion. Nwabisa Nteyi told Pondoland Times that she confronted the pastor about the circumstances and he admitted to sleeping with the young lady, the pastor allegedly told Nwabisa that two other fellow pastors and him slept with the young lady.
After the abortion the pastor insisted that the 16-year-old inserts a lube contraceptive which she agreed to. The young lady’s mother said, she went to St Patricks Hospital to get assistance in order to open a case against the pastor and his friends, to her surprised she was ridiculed and told her daughter was old enough to open a case for herself and there is no case in her finds. The pastor allegedly offered to pay for damages however Nwabisa Nteyi, refused saying the matter is beyond damages because the compensation will not take away the trauma her daughter and her family are currently going through. Nwabisa Nteyi says she urges people who might have been victimised by the pastor to speak out and fight this before it gets out of hand.
PONDOLAND TIMES
PAGE 2
FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021
DIVERSITY OF OUR CONSTITUTION , ACT 108 OF 1996 Bongani Dinga ka Luvatsha
As stated above, South Africa has been a party to a lot of fundamental treaties which seek to protect human rights, in particular, the rights of women and children. It is imperative that the State takes initiative to ensure compliance with the fundamental provisions of these treaties and accords. Failure to do so would mean that the State is disregarding the rights of the most vulnerable of people who are living in the country, in this regard, women and children. The Constitution confers the right upon traditional societies to practice their respective cultures and traditional norms however, in such practices due care must be taken not to infringe upon existing rights. The ukuthwala custom is South Africa is yet another form of indigenous practice which is unconstitutional and out-dated.
There are ways to reconcile living customary and the Constitutional provisions in order for the indigenous people of South Africa to live in peace and harmony with each other, knowing that their own unique practices are in no way contrary to constitutional provisions.
INKONJANE COMMUNITY RADIO HELD IT’S SECOND ANNUAL AWARDS
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION
These awards were launched in 2020 and they are expected to be held on an annual basis
Indigenous law is expressly dealt with in sections 33, 35, 181, 183, Principle XIII and Schedule 6 of the Constitution. The terms "customary law" and "indigenous law" are employed interchangeably. Sections 33(2) and 33(3) of the restriction provision, as well as section 35(3) of the interpretation clause, in Chapter 3 of the Bill of Fundamental Rights, relate to "customary law." These provisions deal with the common law, customary law, and laws in general. Sections 181 and 183 of chapter 11, and in Constitutional Principle XIII, which deals wholly with indigenous law and institutions, the term "indigenous law" is engaged. Sections 33(2) and 33(3) of the restriction provision, as well as section 35(3) of the interpretation clause, in Chapter 3 of the Bill of Fundamental Rights, relate to "customary law." These provisions deal with the common law, customary law, and laws in general. Section 181 (2) determines that indigenous law shall be subject to regulation by law. The house of aboriginal leaders has the authority to consult and make recommendations to the provincial legislature or government on issues relating to traditional authorities, aboriginal legislation, or the practices and customs of native cultures within the province, according to section 183(2)(a). Schedule 6 indicates "indigenous law and customary law" as one of the legislative competences of the provinces. Section 14(3) states that nothing in Chapter 3 shall preclude legislation which (a) recognises a system of personal and family law adhered to by persons who profess a certain religion and (b) the validity of marriages concluded under such a system of religious law. Even if indigenous law is accepted as a religious legal code, there is no statute that recognizes indigenous weddings as legitimate marriages, so this provision does not apply to indigenous law. Kerr points out that there is a conflict or at least competition between Constitutional Principle XIII and the equality clause contained in section 8 of the Bill of Fundamental Rights, as well as between Constitutional Principles XIII and 111.25 On the one hand, Constitutional Principle XIII determines that the Constitution will protect the "institution, status and role of traditional leadership, according to indigenous law" and that "indigenous law, like common law, shall be recognised and applied by the courts, J subject to the fundamental rights contained in the Constitution and to legislation specifically dealing therewith". Section 8(2), on the other hand, states that arbitrary discrimination on the basis of gender, sex, or age is prohibited, and Constitutional Principle Ill states that the Constitution "shall forbid racial, gender, and all other types of discrimination and shall encourage racial and gender equality and national unity”.
Bulelani Matshoba The Media Connection's Mike Lunika was amongst the guest who were part of the ceremony. He acknowledged the work that is done by Inkonjane FM station manager Simbongile Mmbo, who ensures the development of the community through media. "As The Media Connection (TMC)we strive to make community Radios a healthy and pleasant workplace as we know that few will join public broadcaster. We are in a fight to make the community radio workers to feel like they are working, not volunteering"
Mike Lunika said as he was giving the words of support. Here are the winners in their respective categories: Best dressed male: Zama Sigebetshu. Best dressed Female: Buhle Dumzela. Best Newcomer: Yonela Nontshakaza. Best All rounder: Mzuvukile "Mzura"Diko. Best Innovative presenter: Yolanda "Yhozza" Pandle. Best male presenter: Lwazi "Mastermind" Siyothula. On the 10th December, Inkonjane Community Radio hosted its second annual achievement Awards,known as Inkonjane Community Radio Achievements Awards(ICRAS),in Lusikisiki resource centre. These awards were launched in 2020 and they are expected to be held on an annual basis. The main purpose of the awards is to honour and appreciate the hard work that is done by the presenters. Various stakeholders were part of the event to give support to the Inkonjane FM staff.
Best Female presenter: Sinobomi "Sino" Ngesi. Best religious show presenter: Mvuyisi Mnisi. Best show: Masakhe Sikhule Babhinci. Best Overall presenter: Zimvo "First lady" Sigongotho. Best Newsreader: Asanda Maliwa. Best IsiMpondo newsreader: Siyamanga Mhlahlelwa. Best Current affairs presenter: Yonela Thamela. On the same day Inkonjane Community Radio launched its website. To find updates go to www.inkonjane.co.za.
Whilst Constitutional Principle II makes provision that a new, revised Bill of Rights be drafted after due consideration of the existing Bill; the Constitutional Assembly is bound in terms of sections 71 (1) and 7 4(1) by the Constitutional Principles contained in schedule 4 when they draw up the final Constitution and they are not allowed to amend or repeal these principles. Also the preamble to the Interim Constitution requires that the new ·constitution shall be "in accordance with a solemn pact recorded as Constitutional Principles". As a result, while the Constitutional Assembly is free to change or restrict the current Bill of Rights if it conflicts with Constitutional Principle XIII, there is nothing the Constitutional Assembly can do to resolve the dispute between Constitutional Principles II and XIII. The Constitution's Chapter 3 will serve as a basis for a discussion of the regions where indigenous law and Western law seem to be most likely to clash. By Bongani Ka Luvatsha Dinga
PONDOLAND TIMES
FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021
PAGE 3
Maidens educated about GBV, human trafficking and HIV/AIDS during the Mpondo Reed Dance 2021 WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
CONTRACT NO: WMM LM 003/ DP
Umgubho wentombi zamaMpondo
RE-ADVERT: MULTI DISCIPLINE (BUILT ENVIRONMENTAL & ECONOMIC SERVICES) PANEL FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS FOR 3 YEARS
Bid proposals are hereby invited from suitably qualified and accredited service providers who are interested in the multi discipline (built environmental & Economic Services) Panel for 3 years for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality. Bid documents can be downloaded from e-tender portal website. (www.etenders.gov.za ) or Mbizana Local Municipality Website (www.mbizana.gov.za). Proposals will be evaluated on functionality Bids should score a minimum of 70% for functionality in order to be considered for further evaluation. The bids will be evaluated on the 80/20 preferential points system Failure to submit the following fully completed document(s) will render the bid null and void: • A copy of Entity Registration Documents, Certified ID Copy(ies) of Director(s) (not older than 3 months), CSD Registration • SARS Valid PIN Printout • Bid documents MBD1, MBD4, MBD6.1, MBD 8 and MDB 9 • Billing Clearance Certificate or Statement of Municipal Accounts confirming that no undisputed municipal accounts are overdue by more than 30 days and letter signed by the bidder declaring that all accounts have been disclosed and no account is more than 30 Days in areas • A certified copy or Original BBBEE Status Level Certificate (SANAS accredited)or original affidavit • In case of a joint venture, an original valid Tax Compliance Document of both partners should be submitted as well as a signed agreement by both parties clearly indicating the lead partner Closing date: All tenders must be emailed to tenders.scm@mbizana.gov.za by no later than 12h00 on the 17th of January 2021 after which they will be opened. All tenders must be clearly marked the Name of the project and Reference number indicated above. There is no tender briefing No late, incomplete or facsimile bids will be accepted for consideration. The only or lowest bid received shall not necessarily be accepted. Mbizana Local Municipality reserves the right to accept part or full bid. For technical enquiries, please contact Ms. Z. Ndzelu at (072) 548 7021 email: ndzeluz@mbizana.gov.za during working hours. For Supply Chain Management related enquiries, please contact Mr. Z. Khala at (079) 886 0942, Ext. 2113, email: khalaz@mbizana.gov.za during working hours
…………………………………… Mr. L. Mahlaka Municipal Manager
WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
CONTRACT NO: WMM LM 10/12/21/01 CBD
INVITATION TO BID FOR CBD ROAD MAINTENANCE Bid proposals are hereby invited from suitably qualified and accredited service providers who are interested in the provision of insurance services for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality. 3CE or higher CIDB grading is required to qualify for the project. Bid documents can be downloaded from e-tender portal website. (www.etenders.gov.za ) or Mbizana Local Municipality Website (www.mbizana.gov.za). Proposals will be evaluated on functionality as follows:
Evaluation Criteria 1. Previous Experience 2. Key Personnel 3. Methodology 4. Schedule of Plant and Equipment
Total Points 30 30 20 20
Bids should score a minimum of 70% for functionality in order to be considered for further evaluation. The bids will be PAGE 3 evaluated on the 80/20 preferential points system Failure to submit the following fully completed document(s) will render the bid null and void:
• • • • • •
Maidens from various parts of the Mpondo Kingdom on 11 December 2021 gathered at Bomvini Great Place, Lwandlolubomvu in Ntabankulu, for the annual Mpondo Reed Dance (Umgubho wentombi zamaMpondo). Mpondo Reed Dance was founded in 2008 to revive, promote the age old customary practice of amaMpondo which encourages young girls to preserve and take care of themselves, enjoy being young and not engage in activities that may compromise themselves and their future including engaging in sexual activities at an early age. The event was also launched to celebrate Mpondo culture and heritage as well as create awareness and educate about HIV/AIDS. The event is multi culture as it is also attended by maidens from other Kingdoms and promotes unity in a diversity of cultures. The theme for this years Reed Dance was, “creating awareness on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and HIV/ AIDS whilst celebrating culture and heritage" The event also served as a closing ceremony for the 16 days of activism. Delivering the key note address was Nkosikazi Nobhongo Ngonyama of the National House of Traditional Leaders of South Africa. Municipalities from around the Mpondo Kingdom were represented. Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality was Counselor Makholosa. Representatives from SAPS presented on Human trafficking, Social development on GBV and Health on HIV/AIDS. The Department of Health also sponsored sanitizers and masks to ensure that the event adhered to covid regulations. They also had vaccination stations for those who wished to be vaccinated or educate about vaccination.
Johannesburg based specialist and philanthropist Dr Avela Mayekiso educated the maidens on body development, reproductive system and menstrual hygiene and diseases due to lack thereof and Ndlunkulu Nombethe Sigcau, Ndlunkulu Mampuru from the Pedi Kingdom, Ndlunkulu Ncube from the Zulu Kingdom and Ndlunkulu Madikizela commended the maidens for conducting themselved in an exemplinary manner and for being the pride of the nations and encouraged them to continue to treat themselves with dignity. Princess Stella Sigcau II through Khuthaza Ukufunda Initiative donated sanitary towels whilst the Department of Social Development in Ntabankulu donated hygiene packs, soaps and towels to the maidens. The maidens from the Pedi Kingdom (Mamone) in Limpopo joined the maidens from the Mpondo Kingdom to share and exchange their culture and heritage. Since men are also affected by GBV as perpetrators and as victims, Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau, Senior Traditional Leader of Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council who is also the Chairperson of the Alfred Nzo Local House of Traditional Leaders in his address also spoke in this regard and on the important role men should play in the fight against GBV. Speaking on this theme were also Traditional Leaders Nkosi Mthuli from Kwazulu Natal who is also the member of the Kwazulu Natal House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Serake Mampuru from the Pedi Kingdom (Mamone) and Nkosi Jongisizwe Madikizela in his welcome address. The Mpondo and Pedi Kingdoms have a partnership on promotion of culture and heritage that dates back to 2004 which also includes sharing and exchanging of their relative cultures. The guests were entertained by Pedi and Mpondo traditional groups.
Talented Eskom Expo alumni receives prestigious award for pneumonia research Eskom congratulates Eskom Expo for Young Scientists (EEYS) alumni, Storm Rhoda, who received a R500 000 Social Innovation Award from the SAB Foundation for his Pneumonia Diagnostic Tool Suite. Storm first presented his outstanding project titled “Pneumonia Diagnosis with Machine Learning” at the provincial leg of the Eskom Expo Expo in the Western Cape in 2019, where he won a gold medal. He proceeded to compete in the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), in the same year, where he attained a silver medal. He went on to represent South Africa at the 2020 Buca International Music, Science, Engineering Energy Fair (IMSEF) in Turkey, where he also impressed judges and received a gold medal for his innovative idea.
A copy of Entity Registration Documents, Certified ID Copy(ies) of Director(s) (not older than 3 months), CSD Registration SARS Valid PIN Printout
“The purpose of the project was to prove that machine learning can identify and distinguish the difference between a pair of infected pneumonia lungs and a pair of lungs that are not infected in an efficient manner in order to assist doctors and patients as well as taking into consideration the patients’ symptoms through a graphical user interface which was developed. I was able to achieve the objective of the study. The general pneumonia diagnosis model used reiterative learning to train its neural network. With more data and time the model will become more reliable,” explained Rhoda in his research paper.
Bid documents MBD1, MBD4, MBD6.1, MBD 8 and MDB 9
This model has been endorsed as credible by radiologists in the country.
Billing Clearance Certificate or Statement of Municipal Accounts confirming that no undisputed municipal accounts are overdue by more than 30 days and letter signed by the bidder declaring that all accounts have been disclosed and no account is more than 30 Days in areas A certified copy or Original BBBEE Status Level Certificate (SANAS accredited)or original affidavit In case of a joint venture, an original valid Tax Compliance Document of both partners should be submitted as well as a signed agreement by both parties clearly indicating the lead partner
Closing date: All tenders must be emailed to tenders.scm@mbizana.gov.za by no later than 12h00 on the 06th of January 2021 after which they will be opened. All tenders must be clearly marked the Name of the project and Reference number indicated above. There is no tender briefing No late, incomplete or facsimile bids will be accepted for consideration. The only or lowest bid received shall not necessarily be accepted. Mbizana Local Municipality reserves the right to accept part or full bid. For technical enquiries, please contact Mr. L. Gwala at (066) 043 8195, email: gwalal@mbizana.gov.za during working hours. For Supply Chain Management related enquiries, please contact Mr. Z. Khala at (079) 886 0942, email: khalaz@mbizana.gov.za during working hours
…………………………………… Mr. L. Mahlaka Municipal Manager
The 19-year old scientist is grateful to the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists for affording him the platform to showcase his project. “The Eskom Expo has opened the door of opportunity for me. Since my participation in 2019, I had the pleasure of presenting aspects of my project at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Buca International Music Science Energy Engineering Fair where I was awarded a gold medal in the Math-Computer Category. The recent SAB Foundation Social Innovation Award is a cherry on top. I will use the cash prize to continue the development of the diagnostic tool suite and expand its functionality,” said Rhoda. His message to his peers is: “Believe in yourself, test yourself and don’t be afraid of competition.” “We are proud of Storm’s achievement. His study is a significant contribution to the fight against pneumonia, which is regarded by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the single largest infectious cause of death in children globally, already having resulted in 740 180 deaths in children under the age of five in 2019, and accounting for 14% of all deaths in children under five years old,” remarked Eskom’s Group Executive for Government and Regulatory Affairs, Nthato Minyuku. “The degree of scientific knowledge and innovation displayed by Storm and other participants of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists should give us comfort that South Africa’s youth are up to the challenge of solving key developmental challenges if we equip and support them to do so,” added Minyuku. Rhoda is a shining example of a talented young scientist who took his original Eskom Expo project and developed it further into a product that could become commercial. Eskom encourages young scientists from all over the country to participate in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
PONDOLAND TIMES
FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021
PAGE 4
ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE ROUND UP: BIZANA TEAMS CONTINUE THEIR DOMINANCE AS THE AMATURE LEAGUE CLOSES FOR THE MID SEASON BREAK. Mawande Genu STREAM A – SA SPEARS OF THE NATION FC AND BIZANA MPONDO CHIEFS It looks like an all-Bizana affair in Stream A as SA Spears of The Nation FC lead the log with 19 points after seven games with Six wins and one draw. Hot on their heels are their home rivals and former ABC Motsepe League champions Bizana Pondo Chiefs with 17 points in Eight games. The Blue Nation is yet to lose a game this season and they have only dropped two points in the Bizana Derby against Bizana Pondo Chiefs out of a possible 21. The highly contested stream has been dominated by abakhaya from the Winnie Madikizela Mandela from the onset as Bizana Pondo Chiefs FC has only one defeat so far this season. STREAM B – SINENKANI FC AND THOHOYANDOU FC
The Stubborn Mases started their season like a house on fire and never took their foot off the peddles as they maintained pole position in Stream B of the Eastern Cape edition with 17 points out of a possible 21 points. Hot on their trail is East London based high flyers, BCM Stars with 14 points in as much games with only one loss and a single draw. The Pondoland side finished off the first half of the season on a high note after an emphatic win 2 nil victory over Swartkop Valley FC on Saturday, 11 December 2021 with goals coming from Mjozi and Gqu. Contrary to the perfect start the Stubborn Masses have enjoyed their home town rivals, Thohoyandou FC are having a tough life in their maiden season in the ABC Motsepe league. However, the rookies were able to end the season on a good note with a 1 nil win over Mata Millan.
An athlete got disqualified at Umzila ka Thambo Marathon after taking a taxi trying to cheat his fellow runners Avela Gontsana -tment of Education sponsored by Old mutual, Metropolitan, Neptune, African Bank, in memorial of OR Thambo and mama Charlotte Maxeke also to encourage People of South to follow in their trail. Among the attendees was a leaving legend Nosipho Ntsethe (45) who is an international runner from the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality, Nosipho have been in Mauritius Hungary etc, this legend’s speciality is 21 KM, of which she was not able to participate to this marathon due to the job she does.
CLASSIFIED ADS THE THIRD ELECTRONICS—WE REPAIR TLEVISIONS, DVD’S, LCD’s, Car sound fitting and more. Contact us on 078 700 1500 WE DO COMPANY REGISTRATION, TAX REGISTRATION & BEE. T.A BUSINESS, WhatsApp: 063 338 1662 Email: thuthuetwabu@yahoo.com Facebook: Thuthue Aims Businesses FISH EAGLE ALUMINIUM, for glass, folding doors, windows, pevic doors, balustrade etc contact 063 770 0557… opposite Roma next to St Patricks Hospital
JUICY INK TATTOOS, for tattoos please Call orWHATSAPP 065 684 3536—FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: “SIBULELO MAJOZI”
HIS TIME TECHNOLOGIES—WE PRINT TSHIRTS, SIBHALA IZIKIPA, IIMOTO, AMABHODI, SIGCWALISA i-Gas @BAM CENTRE next to Easy Pay, behind Honchos—Shop no. 3, CALL 0784677933/0710088307
Loveness Madziva (a 31 year old female from Zimbabwe) broke the record by finishing 42,2 KM in 3 hours 4 minutes following a young man from Pietermaritzburg (Ndumiso Sokhela, 25 year old) who ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON CLASSIFIED ADS FOR LESS ON OUR WEBSITE AND NEWSPAPER, CALL finished in 2 hours 29 minutes, both awarded with 0738618912 email us on: advertise@pondolandtimes.co.za a R12000 cheque each. Honourable Mayor Mafumbatha contributed R12000 to two runners from Bizana and running shoes she also congratulated a female legend, 65 year old Nomfanelo who finished 21 KM and was the only one in her category.
Umzila Ka Thambo 3rd Annual Marathon was held at Winnie Mdikizela Local Municipality on the 23rd of October 2021 where 668 runners participated from the Easten Cape province, KZN as well as few neighbouring countries such as Lesoto, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is clear that this was not an easy one as some of the runners were taken to the hospital while one was caught taking a taxi. This Massive event was hosted by Department Of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture (DESRAC), working together with WMMLM, Alfred Nzo Municipality and the Depart-
“I would like to personally extend my gratitude to the Mayor for attending this event, as we are the most neglected ones in sport and thank all the sponsors and all the participant of Umzila Ka Thambo Marathon and also to apologise to our people for the mistakes we have done in the process, it is normal to commit mistakes when building we promise to do better next time” said the Eastern cape president of Athletic South Africa. People have already responded and shown that they are not happy with the event on social media, the most disappointing part was the shortage of water on such a sunny day which most of people complained about. People have decided to boycott events of this nature moving forward.