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PONDOLAND TIMES
PONDOLANDTIMES
PONDOLANDTIMES
Mbizana mayor gives local roads a 23 million rand facelift
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10 MARCH TO 10 APRIL 2021 REACH OVER 50 000 READERS EVERY MONTH
By Mbizana LM Communications Unit
Mbizana Local Municipality (MLM) started the new year by handing over 3 contractors in different parts of Mbizana. In ward 09 at the Envis Methodist Church her Worship, the Mayor, Cllr TD Mafumbatha handed over MVI construction to construct Ebumnandini to Enqabeni Access Road which will be 2.5kms with 3 bridges and will take a period of 5 months. The cost of this project is R7 134 809. In ward 18 at Ekuthuleni Church, Denisa Civils was handed over to construct Mqonjwana to Greenville Access Road which will be 2kms and will cut across ward 29 including a 50m long conventional bridge. This project is expected to take 5 months at a cost of R8 478 910. In ward 28 at Lubekelele we handed over Isivuno Esihle Construction to construct Lubekelele Access Road which will be 8kms including a 10m long bridge. This project is expected to take a period of 6 months with the cost of R8 000 000.
In this month’s issue: •
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
THE BLACK HORSE HAS ARRIVED AND IT IS HERE TO STAY By Quan Dambuza At the heart of Bizana CBD a beautiful restaurant awaits you with some really delicious meals and great hospitality. Da Black Horse restaurant, owned by Chwayita Mndela is so loved by it’s customers that they even went as far as creating an active Facebook page for the restaurant. In recent times the restaurant had moved several times but has since settled Kwa-Nomzamo. “The privilege of moving from place to place is that you move with your customers to the new location and get new customers at the new place. However, the disadvantage is that the places are not always the same, sometimes the new place is smaller than the previous place.” – says Chwayita. Despite the success, like any small business Da Black Horse has faced numerous challenges. Especially in the current economic landscape of Covid19.
For an example, Chwayita desires to extend the restaurant’s menu, introducing new and exciting meals. However, the Bizana market is very set in its traditionalways. There is also an issue of finance, having to pay salaries, stock and run a business from her own pocket, plus the covid lockdowns, have all badly affected the business. Despite these challenges the restaurant is thriving and the owner is optimistic about the future of the business. Besides serving delicious meals, Da Back Horse Restaurant also hosts awesome events. These include baby showers, birthday parties, meetings for small groups just to name a few. They are currently open for
bookings and you can contact Chwayita on: 073 887 4396 or e-mail: Cmndela@yahoo.com
PONDOLAND TIMES
10 MARCH—11 APRIL 2021
ESIDAYENI BAR & LOUNGE GETS NEW LOOK By Quan Dambuza
Quan Dambuza Editor | 081 743 8224 dambuzaq@gmail.com
Avela Gontsana Journalist | 068 096 2679 avelagontsana3232@gmail.com
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Esidayeni, one of the best hangout places in Bizana, is constantly changing. The current Esadayeni looks way better than what it was a couple of months ago. Regulars now boast about the new and improved facilities of the once shabby looking pub. This unique urban pub offers a wide range of drinks such as gins, cognacs, and whiskies, to vodkas, beers and ciders. Esidayeni not only appeals to the urban
youth of Bizana for its drinks menu, but it also offers amazing food options. There are traditional pub classics such as lunches, salads, and snacks, while also offering their very own unique in-house specials. “Our house specialties are steak, wings, fish & chips, and umnqambulo ensuring there is something to satisfy everyone and quench every kind of thirst. This is such a good meeting spot for friends and sometimes they hosts group bookings for small parties. Our kitchen opens from 9am until late “The renovations took us time, we are working on slowly making this place the best pub and restaurant in town.” – says Mncedisi “The Kobiano” Zitumane, the pub manager
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Alfr ed Nzo East learners a t the 2020 Pr emier’s Awards
Pictured above: Yolanda Mpayipheli (AD Tshayingca), Siseko Sirhamza (Mzamba Comp High School), Inam Madikizela and Sibulele Somhlaba (Bizana Village SSS)
Dj Cndo warmed the 5th day of level 1 lockdown in Bizana By: Avela Gontsana tainment owned by Lwando Mthwa AKA Wakanda.
After the lockdown restrictions have been eased again an ultimate sit-in with DJ Cndo which was organised by Wakanda-
Biztown lounge was privileged to host The legendary female DJ, Sindisiwe Zungu (known as DJ Cndo) on the 5th of March 2021, things haven’t been really good for both hosts and the artists since last year due to the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic, now that there is a chance for them to go back and do what they do best they are not wasting opportunities. A number of local artists such as DJ Blaqsoul, MC Awethu Twabu, DJ Mayo, DJ Zisto and Scheming Fox got a chance to perform along
Lwando says his wish is to see these young stars succeed and performing in big events, he is providing an exposure platform for them this professional. Lwando says his wish is to see these young stars succeed and performing in big events, he is providing them
Local filmmaker shoots his movie despite lack of resources By: Quan Dambuza Based Violence (GBV) especially in Siyabulela Phakathi, a self-thought aspir-ing our country.” – says Siyabulela filmmaker has decided to start shooting his film despite having many failed atThe message he tempts at trying to get funding. aims to send to KAMVA is a title of his first the public is that movie, currently being shot in children and Bizana with aspiring actors women need to that he is grooming himself; be loved, protectnot an easy one for a selfed, must be valfunded film. “It’s about Above: a scene from KAMVA, a film by local ued and they Fighting against women and film-maker Siyabulela Phakathi shot in Bizana must not be child abuse as we all know abused. that we are facing Gender
10 MARCH—11 APRIL 2021
PONDOLAND TIMES
MISS BIZANA 2019 IS NOW CO ONWER OF DM MODELS By Avela Gontsana evangelise where ever we are, that’s why I always give glory to the Lord whenever I am about to take a stand.”
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The people’s DJ has suf fered grea tly due to lockdown By Avela Gontsana
Avela was crowned Miss Bizana first Princess in 2019 June, where she had no support at all “I just cried instead of celebrating, I had no one, I even wanted to quit” said Avela who is now a co-owner of Destiny Minds Models. Avela said modelling has thought her to grow, believing in herself to love her body and has gained a lot of confidence. Believe it or not, behind that beautiful smile is a comedian, that was confirmed when she hosted a comedian programme in 1KZN (Sakha isizwe ngomuntu wesifazana awards) SINW.
(pictured above): Avela Radebe “My support system is what keeps me going” said a 24-year-old single mother who is a Christian and a model, Avela Radebe: was born, raised and studied in Bizana. She had to leave her home town in persuading her dream of being a TV personality. The ambitious model was raised by her mother after her father passed away in 2003. She says her journey has never been a pleasant one since the society has its own perspective on how a Christian must leave their life or how they should present themselves in public and “seems like people forget that we (Christians)
While sharing her experience Avela mentioned that she once had to turn down an agency offering a character in a well-known soppy on ETV, as much as it seemed to be a great opportunity I turned it down because gentleman wanted too much in return, that’s where she decided she doesn’t need an agency, that she is going to do it by herself. Avela believes it is not easy in this industry That’s why she joined DM models to mentor, protect and groom young models, it is her great wish that young stars shall be careful.
Sithembiso Nontlanga (DJ Sthera) still doesn’t have bookings as yet after cancelling some of his gigs to abide with Covid-19 rules, the local DJ is playing at Biztown lounge based in Bizana at Nikhwe location lately as a resident DJ. Sthera believes that his unique style is the reason why he is admired by his fans. “Though my favourite music is deep house and afro tech, when I’m out there I play all types of music, remember I am not playing for myself but for my fans” said DJ Sthera who believes that there is a lot of art In Bizana. He mentioned that there some “dope” rappers, producers and vocalists that people are soon to discover.
Again ther e is hope for young people living with disabilities By Avela Gontsana
“In the world of disabled hypochondriac (being a cry baby) and greed are not allowed, you need to be strong and never let anybody take you out of your way.” Said the living legend Advocate Steve Kekana who shared the stage with Mr cyril Mbongwa (known as ibhubesi lakwamashu) in a WE CAN ARTS FESTIVAL 2019, on Saturday the 16th of November. The advocate continued “Be strong you are not less than anyone, trust in God and in your talents.” This massive event was held in Zamokuhle Special School, a public visual impairment
school that started as a project (registered with the department of Education in 1987) to unsure that blind students and partially sighted students are not left out in education. The purpose of this event was to encourage students leaving with disabilities in performing arts, and to unsure them that they are able to do everything if they believe in themselves. The Principal extended her gratitude to their sister schools (Nompumalanga and Vukuzenzele special schools) as well as to Ms M. Majola (an official
“The purpose of this event was to encourage students leaving with disabilities in performing arts, and to unsure them that they are able to do everything if they believe in themselves. from Department of Education). She was overwhelmed by everything and students too, they were dancing to the live performances enjoying every part of it.
PONDOLAND TIMES
10 MARCH—11 APRIL 2021
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Jacaranda FC finally Broke Their Dr y Fast By Avela Gontsana On Sunday the 28th of February 2021 Jacaranda FC celebrated their first win after losing seven consecutive tournament’s finals since last year “finally we did it after losing seven times in the final” said Mshini (Liyanda Ludude ) the head coach of Jacaranda who went home with R3000 (the price for the first place). The guys won against Dion FC on penalties after playing (1-1) draw in 90 minutes game. The Tournament was held in Ngcingo location at Zamilizwe sports ground, hosted by a small business owner Mr Sipho Phohlwana (39) known as Speech. Speech is the former player of Dion FC which took the second place of the tournament. Mr Phohlwana said he decided organise this tournament because he have been observing these young stars roaming around with nothing to do since lockdown. “This is the first tournament I have organised in about five Mawande Nala (also known as Gqala) of Jacaranda FC during the years, I am grateful that it turned out this successful, I am Semi Final thinking of involving netball on the next tournament ” Said the man who gave back plus minus R7000 to his community where he runs his small businesses. Speech’s initiative of bringing professional referees brought peace in the field. Everyone seemed to be happy with their judgment, as some of the fights that usually take place in such tournaments are normally caused by referee’s decisions in the fields. Among those referees there was a young lady whom had every one amused by her great job Babongile Kale(24) who started playing lady’s soccer at the age of ten (10).
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