Queenstown Express 4 February 2016

QUEENSTOWN

Classic Fabrics

35/37B Robinson Road, Queenstown 045 839 6767 | 045 838 1389 malldean@telkoma.net

Dress Material | Haberdashery | Wool | Rugs Sewing Machine | Upholstery | Curtaining X1R1KJ8M-040216-QE-ebosoc-classic

20 000 COPIES WEEKLY WEDNESDAY February 4, 2016 | 0 045 838 2820 | E-mail express@media24.com |

Queenstown Express |

EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

@QExpress

Queenstown Express is here

INSIDE:

SCHOOL: Grade 1 pupils get ‘tools’ for education P. 8 WIN FOR VALENTINE’S: Tell us your love story P. 14

Today is another proud moment in the history of Media 24, with the first publication of their brandnew free local newspaper, the Queenstown Express which will be distributed to 20 000 homes in the town every Thursday. The newspaper is hyperlocal and will give the people of the Queenstown community a voice and platform. Read more on page 2 about the newspaper and its staff which are, back from left, Sanele James and Onke Socikwa. Front from left are Tembile Sgqolana and Thabo Mothlabane.

MOTORING: We test the Ford B Max P. 17

PHOTO: CLAYTON SMITH

UNION DIESEL + PRE-OWNED

MULTI-FRANCHISE

Tel: 045 839 7153 | ud.sales2@awe.co.za

X1R1J39H-040216-QE-ebosoc-mazda

2

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Newspaper has well-established roots REPORTER TODAY is another proud moment in the history of Media 24, with the first publication of their brand-new free local newspaper, the Queenstown Express.

Making this an even more significant milestone is the fact that the media house is investing in a print edition at a time when print media are increasingly under pressure globally.

“This is testimony to the popularity and success of the Express brand of local newspapers, which have been a favourite read in people’s homes since the first edition of Port Elizabeth Express was published in November 1983 – more than 32 years ago,” said Bettie Giliomee, regional editor of EP Media and editor of Queenstown Express.

Queenstown Express will be distributed to 20 000 homes in Queenstown every Thursday.

“The content of the newspaper is hyperlocal and gives the people of the Queenstown community a voice and platform. The focus

Meet the Queenstown Express staff Onke Socikwa

will be on school, sport, municipal matters, entertainment and motoring news, as well as any other news that may affect or interest the local community,” said Giliomee.

The newspaper has a staff of four, two reporters and two advertising representatives, who are based at the newspaper’s offices in the Sampau Building in Robinson Street.

EP Media is part of Media 24 and publishes seven local newspapers throughout the Eastern Cape. More than 300 000 free copies of Express newspapers, i.e. Port Elizabeth Express, Express Indaba, Kouga Express, UD News, Mthatha Express, Isolomzi Express and UvoLwethu Express, are distributed every week, door to door.

How to make the headlines: To publicise your news is as simple as sending an email to express@media24.com with the information and photos. Alternatively, and preferably, you can liaise directly with one of our Queenstown reporters to cover an event. Publication of news snippets is limited to the available editorial space.

OMBUDSMAN

Copyright

In accordance with the editorial policy of the Queenstown Express we invite readers to comment on mistakes in the newspaper and shall correct significant errors as soon as possible. Send info to the Ombudsman of Media24’s Local Press, George Claassen, at george.claassen@media24.com or call him at 0 021 851 3232.

Readers can also contact the SA Press Ombudsman at 0 011 484 3612/8 or e-mail ombudsman@presscouncil.org.za.

Queenstown Express is a member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations of South Africa and is managed, printed and distributed by Media24 Newspapers, on behalf of the owner, Media24 Limited, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town. In terms of Art. 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 no report, article or photo may be reproduced without the permission of the owner.

ACCOUNTS MANAGER/ SALES REP

Achievements: Four times sales rep top achiever award winner at Liberty Life Interests: Socializing and meeting new people Cell: 0786100631 Email: onke. socikwa@ media24.com

Thabo Mothlabane TELE SALES REP/ RECEPTIONIST Education: Degree in Graphic Design Interests: Art and motoring Cell: 071 576 8377 Email: Thabo.

Mothlabane@ media24.com

Tembile Sgqolana REPORTER

Education: Diploma in Journalism Interests: Politics, sport and entertainment Cell: 071 851 9216 Email: Tembile.

Sgqolana@ media24.com

GET ON

E S R U cOTO BE THE BOSS Sanele James REPORTER

TO ROCKET TO THE TOP, GET THE CREDS YOU NEED!

Apply the skills you learn today to be a success in the workplace tomorrow. Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates in IT, Accounting, Business Management, Marketing, Advertising, Office Administration, Event Management, HR, UNISA BCompt Support and more.

SMS BOSTON AND YOUR NAME TO 45139 AND GET ON COURSE! East London | 043 743-7624 | 26 st Georges Road southernwood

Over 40 Support Centres Nationwide

boston.co.za

R1 per sms *T&C’s apply.

Boston City Campus & Business College (Pty) Ltd Reg. No.1996/013220/07 is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No.101 of 1997). Registration Certificate No. 2003/HE07/002.

Education: B Tech degree: Journalism, National Certificate: Sound Engineering and National Cert: Versatile Broadcasting Interests: Music production, Deejaying and gadgets.

Cell: 082 667 9883 Email: sanele.james@ media24.com

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Mayor welcomes Queenstown Express TEMBILE SGQOLANA LUKHANJI municipality executive mayor Nozibele Makhanda has welcomed the Queenstown Express to Queenstown and wished it well for the future.

In a statement to Queenstown Express on Monday, Makhanda said it gives her great pleasure and excitement to welcome into their space an additional newspaper.

“We are looking forward to reporting that is balanced and fair, that will tell the stories of our communities across all sectors. I am not sure if you will be in competition with the existing local paper, but we are expecting that you will not be its carbon copy but rather challenge our readers with content that is informative, uplifting and towards building social cohesion and harmony,” she said.

Makhanda said they are living in times of sensationalisation of facts in the media space.

“We trust that your focus will be based on facts and are looking forward to interacting with you,” said Makhanda.

She said on behalf of the council and the people of Lukhanji, they wish to welcome the Queenstown Express newspaper in their local space to participate and contribute positively in shaping development in the area.

“We live during times wherein we must engage in the battle of ideas that seek to improve the well-being and transformation of our society for the better. Critically, we must all move towards improving the capabilities, knowledge and freedom of our people,” she said.

Makhanda said they hope that Queenstown Express will enjoy its stay in Queenstown and make a vital contribution for the better.

“We wish that we shall always have open dialogues and engagements in this regard and work in partnerships. Ours jointly is to em-

3

Neighbourhood Watch hands over weapons to the police NOMZAMO Neighbourhood Watch members handed over weapons they recovered during their patrols to the Mlungisi police officers last week.

Neighbourhood Watch chairman Mnqophiso Naye said at the hand over that the community of Nomzamo wanted to make Queenstown a crime-free zone.

“We have been engaging the community on these issues and people are interested in joining the Neighbourhood Watch,” he

said.

Naye said they were working closely with the police to fight crime in the whole of Mlungisi.

Mlungisi community policing forum chairman Zimasa William thanked the community for forming the Neighbourhood Watch.

“Police cannot fight crime alone. We as the community need to stand up and help them fight crime in our own areas,” she said. – TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Lukhanji municipality executive mayor Nozibele Makhanda.

PHOTO:LANGOOTA PHOTOGRAPHY

power citizens and ensure that they partake positively in the decision making processes that must shape their lives for the better. Congratulations and all the best for the future,” she said.

THE NEW RAV4

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE

Weirs Toyota Mzolisi Gwantshu, Lukhanji’s former acting mayor and portfolio head of the technical services department welcomed EP Media GM Tasmia Ismail (left) and regional editor, Bettie Giliomee, at the Queenstown Express’ offices in Robinson Street.

Queenstown Express is an EP Media publication. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

165 Cathcart Road Queenstown Tel: 045 839 3044 X1R1L78H-040216-QE-ebosoc-rave4

X1R2264H-040216-QE-ebosoc-sign

X1R2E9TR-040216-QE-cknnon-help

4

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Lukhanji receives qualified audit after five years of disclaimers TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE Lukhanji Municipality has received a qualified audit opinion from Auditor General Thembekile Kimi Makwetu for the first time in five financial years and the local authority’s chief financial officer Nomthandazo Ntshanga has resolved that they will do better in the 2015/2016 financial year.

Residents protest against the granting of bail to a Mcbride village man accused of murdering two people in January. PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Family worried about delay in court case TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE families of Nogaqambu Nyewe (75) and Zingisile Mqile (28), who were allegedly murdered by a McBride village man, Yolando Lurumo, on December 27, are calling for the trial to be expedited as they are living in fear.

Lurumo, who allegedly accused Nyewe of being a witch before the murder, made his first appearance in the Queenstown Magistrate’s Court on January 12.

During his appearance members of the ANC Women’s League, ANC Youth League and the community protested outside the court demanding that the accused not be granted bail.

The case was postponed for a formal bail application.

Nyewe’s daughter, Funisa Cawe, speaking outside the packed court on Monday last week, said the family was sad

cited that a lot of progress had been made in the AG report.

“We received a qualified audit opinion. We are coming from five years of consecutive disclaimers.

We need to continue making sure that the workforce is complying with the AG requirements,” she said.

Makhanda said they had a chief financial officer who had managed to help the municipality to obtain a qualified opinion.

“The basis of the opinion according to the AG was inability to gain sufficient evidence on a number of issues. The municipality did not account for its property, plant and equipment in accordance with GRAP 17,” she said.

She said the authority had not accounted for its investment properties in accordance with GRAP 16.

“The AG said that the municipality’s processes and procedures to record irregular expenditure are insufficient and the municipality did not account for revenue from exchange transactions in accordance with GRAP 9,” Makhanda said.

She said the municipality had managed to produce information that could be audited by the AG and from that they had managed to obtain a qualified audit opinion.

about the delays.

“We want this case to be finalised quickly so that we can carry on with our lives. We want the accused to face his trial and go to jail,” she said.

Cawe said it was painful for the family.

“Our mother was killed because she was called a witch. We ask for the law to take its course,” she said.

Sibongile Mqile thanked the community for their support when his brother was murdered.

“We hope the law will restore the community’s trust by imposing harsher sentences against murderers,” he said.

Nomzamo Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Mnqophiso Naye said they were attending the cases to show support to the families of the victims and were calling on the court not to grant the accused bail.

“We call on all the people to

come and show support for these two families,” he said.

The Reverend Zodwa Kakaza said they have had enough of murders in their area.

“We are here to say enough is enough; the accused must not be granted bail. He must be sent straight to jail. We seek justice,” she said.

The accused appeared briefly in the packed Queenstown Magistrate Court on Monday last week for a bail application.

His legal representative, Bismarck Boqwana, asked the court to postpone the application as they are not ready for it.

“There are things that we need to look at,” he said.

The case was postponed to this week for a formal bail application.

At time of going to print, no further information was available on the bail application. Read the Express next week for the outcome of the bail application.

Speaking during a special council meeting recently, Ntshanga said they had noted the issues raised by the AG and had started working on them.

“We will investigate the report and find a solution. We need to find corrective measures. The monthly reviews are important and we have checked some of the things that were raised by the AG since July and come 2015/2016 all the issues that were raised will not be there,” she said.

Municipal manager Nolwandle Gqiba added that a qualified audit was a big deal when you had been receiving disclaimers for more than five years. “ We do not want to go back into a disclaimer,” she said.

The municipality last received a clean audit in the 2008/2009 financial year.

Lukhanji executive mayor Nozibele Makhanda said they were ex-

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Like our Facebook page (Queenstown Express) and leave a comment

Qualified audit opinion for Chris Hani District: ‘There is still room for improvement’ TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) moved from a disclaimer to a qualified audit opinion after it took back the water services from its local municipalities.

However, there is still room for improvement, Sandile Hlatshwayo from the office of Auditor General (AG) Thembekile Kimi Makwetu, said during a CHDM ordinary council meeting recently.

The CHDM received a qualified audit opinion and its subsidiary the Chris Hani Development Agency received an unqualified audit opinion from the office of the AG for the 2014/2015 financial year.

There has been no improvement from CHDM since its 2013/2014 financial year audit opinion where it received a qualified audit, but Hlatshwayo said it had dealt with some of the issues raised in the past.

X1R14U5M-040216-QE-ebosoc-sound

Presenting the audit outcomes in council, Hlatshwayo said on irregular expenditure, they showed they were a step in the right direction.

“Receivables revenue and revenue from exchange transactions are some of the issues that we need to place a lot of emphasis on. Some issues of usefulness and reliability have been partially addressed,” he said.

Hlatshwayo said compliance was another area that needed a little work.

“I noticed non-compliance with the law. There is a need to address some of the issues, especially data cleansing, in order to have an adequate report on how customers are billed, to give reliable information to customers,” he said.

He said the accounting officer needed to make sure that irregular and unauthorised expenditure was taken seriously and corrective measures were taken.

“The management needs to deal with irregular and unauthorised expenditure. It needs to be investigated and people must be held accountable for this. When this is noticed by the people they will say it is corruption, not understanding what unauthorised or irregular expenditure is,” he said.

Hlatshwayo said the CHDM needed to improve its data cleansing and revenue collection, as well as eliminate irregular and fruitless expenditure in order to achieve a clean audit.

CHDM executive mayor Mxolisi Koyo presented the audit action plan for the 2015/2016 financial year which was adopted by the council.

“I am convinced that there is nothing wrong from what the AG said. The AG gave us an interpretation of what is happening in this municipality. Receiving a qualified audit opinion means there is a lot to

be done,” he said.

Koyo said they had taken note of the things that had been raised by the AG in the audit action plan.

“We are already dealing with the issues raised by the AG and we say come March we will have addressed these issues. We have identified issues of faulty metres, debt control issues, consequence management and non-compliance,” he said.

Councillor Nonzukiso Matiwane said the improvement made by the municipality showed that it could achieve a clean audit.

“As much as we are in the same place, we have improved and some of the issues raised have already been dealt with.

Come the 2015/2016 financial year, we won’t be in this area,” she said.

Councillor Mzwandile Bula said since they stayed in the same area, there was a system problem that needed to be dealt with.

To read or download the newspaper online, go to www.issuu.com and search for QUEENSTOWN EXPRESS

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Lukhanji underspending questioned in council TEMBILE SGQOLANA

T

HE Lukhanji municipality’s midyear budget assessment report shows that the local authority has underspent during the first six months of the 2015/2016 financial year.

Speaking during a special council meeting, DA councillor Chris de Wet said the under expenditure was shocking.

“We need to know when it was detected and what the mayor and management have done to address this,” he said.

Council chief whip Sinethemba Dyantyi said the underexpenditure had been detected earlier by the mayoral committee and meetings were being held to find ways to solve this.

“We have a clear plan to make Ilinge Township and Whittlesea pay for their services,” he said.

Lukhanji municipality executive mayor Nozibele Makhanda said some of the issues that had led to underspending in the capital projects had been beyond their control.

“Some are contractors that are not performing and we had to re-advertise the tenders. We will be looking into that in detail,” she said.

Makhanda said they had two areas, Ilinge and Whittlesea, which were not paying for their services.

“Now they have to pay and the council must advise us about mechanisms on how to make them pay.

“We still have a challenge of service delivery at Ilinge, like refuse collection, and we also need to look into how many people will be able to pay for their services,” she said.

She said the list of indigents in Lukhanji was growing and they needed to make sure that all indigents were registered.

“There is a challenge of refuse collection; huge accounts are owed by people and lawlessness has increased as fines are not paid,” she said.

Makhanda said she was not happy with the spending on capital projects and the council must look into reasons for not spending, and find a strategy to fix that.

“The purpose of this is to make a plan on how to spend and to make budget adjustments.

We have noted that we have started with a data cleansing exercise. We can identify revenue that we can spend. We have a challenge of payments in our areas because of accounts that were not delivered by the

post office and we had to source the services of a private company.”

She said there were debts owed by government departments, but they were decreasing.

The report states that property rates income is 31% below budget for the midyear, amounting to R11.1-million.

The electricity tariffs revenue was above the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) by R3.3-million.

Income from refuse collection showed under-collection of R2.7-million, while fines including traffic fines and loss of library materials showed an under-collection of 42%.

Licences and permits showed a 9% under-collection when compared to the approved SDBIP. Operating expenditure showed an under expenditure of R19.4-million, while the operation budget showed that the municipality has collected 3% less cash, amounting to R7.847-million, than what was planned for the year and spent just what was planned for the second quarter.

Bulk purchases remain the most significant expenditure type for the municipality as R13-million was spent in the second quarter. There is, however, a reduction in bulk purchase compared with the first quarter.

Only 17% of the capital budget was spent, while 46% of the operating budget was spent and in terms of revenue collection, 55% of the cash revenue was collected.

Grant spending on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects showed an expenditure amounting to R11-million, while spending on own-funded projects showed an expenditure of R5.6-million.

The MIG spending is at 30% of the budgeted amount for the 2015/2016 financial year and no expenditure was recorded on the Integrated National Electrification Programme after the municipality received R2-million last year - down from R3-million in 2014/2015 financial year - due to under expenditure.

The Financial Management Grant showed underexpenditure because some of the activities submitted to the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs are only going to be done in the second half of the year. These relate to the Standard Chart of Accounts programme and training.

Out of the R5.4-million MIG roll-over received in November, R1 342 692 has been spent so far on projects that were not completed in the 2014/2015 financial year.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Like our Facebook page (Queenstown Express) and leave a comment

5

EMERGENCY NUMBERS ELECTRICAL: 045 839 2181, 045 839 2181 (after hours) WATER FAULTS: 045 839 2233, 045 839 2181 (after hours) TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT: 045 807 2761, 045 839 2181 (after hours) FIRE BRIGADE: 045 839 2233, 045 839 2233 (after hours)

HEALTH SECTION: 045 807 2753 NATURE CONSERVATION: 045 838 1627 POLICE: 10111, 045 808 1000 QUEENSTOWN FRONTIER HOSPITAL: 045 808 4200 LIFE QUEENSTOWN PRIVATE HOSPITAL: 045 838 4100 AMBULANCE EMERGENCIES: 10177, 045 838 4126

WE DELIVER DOOR TO DOOR, WEEKLY, TO THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

- Aloevale

- Queenstown Central

- New Rest

- Queensview Park

- Victoria Park

- Sandringham

- Sabata

- Westbourne

- Park Vale

- Windsor

- Newvale/Popcorn Valley

- Balmoral

- Top Town

- Kingspark

- Van Coller Park

- Madeira Peak

- Queenstown Part 1 Sp

- Laurie Dashwood

- Bergsig

- Weshof

- Blue Rise

- Amberdale

- Kingsway

- Khayalitsha/Magxahi

- Komani Park

- Mlungisi

ALSO GET YOUR COPIES AT THESE RETAILERS:

- Basil Stores - Checkers - Hessels - Spargs - Weirs

- Shoprite - PnP - Lukhanji Spar - Protea Spar - Whittlesea Spar X1R2E9TT-040216-QE-ebnnon-queenstown

CTM QUEENSTOWN 6471 N6 (CATHCART RD) QUEENSTOWN 045 838 5376/7/8 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Bouquet Toilet Almond/Blue/Beige Top Flush, Toilet Set incl Seat R1 190.90 White Coral Bath with Handles 1700mm x 700mm Built-in Bath R999,90

Gala Pattern Floor Tile 500mm x 500mm Shiny Finish R69,90/m²

Sherwood Cherry Floor Tile 430mm x 530mm Shiny Finish R84,90/m²

White Front Flush Coral Toilet Includes Toilet Seat R595,00

Pro Grip Sub Contractors Tile Adhesive 20kg Entry Level Adhesive for Ceramic Tiles R29,90

CTM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES

Versilia Bianco Floor Tile B Grade 500mm x 500mm Shiny Finish R69,90/m²

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 20 KM RADIUS (Valid for orders over R2 000 only)

PRICES VALID WHILE STOCKS LAST X1R1J36D-040216-QE-ebosoc-ctm

6

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Members of the Israelite Church pray during the Enoch Mgijima memorial lecture at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sport Centre on Thursday last week. PHOTO:TEMBILE SGQOLANA

‘Mgijima an icon equivalent to Mandela’ TEMBILE SGQOLANA

“E

NOCH Mgijima is a national icon who is equivalent to Nelson Mandela if not more.”

This was said by University of Fort Hare national heritage and cultural studies centre senior manager Vuyani Booi when he delivered the memoral lecture for the late prophet Mgijima, after whom the new municipality formed by the merging of the Tsolwana, Inkwanca and Lukhanji municipalities will be named.

Mgijima was the leader of the Israelite church which was involved in the Bullhoek massacre where 200 of its members were killed by the police after they refused to move their settlement from the crown lands.

He was sentenced to six years in prison and served two years.

Addressing a packed Thobi Kula Indoor Sport Centre on Thursday last week, Booi said Mgijima had been born 11 years after the dispossession of the AmaXhosa , the loss of their land and the widespread political fragmentation as the result of the land loss.

“The Halley’s Comet that the prophet encountered was a symbol of representation of a divine message directed to him to unite African people

under an African spiritual banner that would also be a political home to local Africans,” Booi said.

He said Mgijima had argued that the Halley’s Comet was a symbol that God was angry with him for refusing to heed a call to serve him.

“It may remain true that the ancestors were angry with him for failing to heed a divine call to lead, guide and unite African people who were under colonial bondage.

“In 1912 he broke away from the Wesleyan Methodist Church because his African religious convictions and clear political consciousness did not mingle with western psychological orientations that define the Wesleyan Methodist Church,” he said.

Booi said to Mgijima the white-controlled domination with Eurocentric values was colonial and imperial machinery that advanced colonial interest through the gospel was difficult for Africans to understand.

“For the prophet this Eurocentric religion, its ways of life and the gospel that it propagated was an opium of the masses. He realised that the growth of African spirituality and political consciousness was deliberately delayed,” Booi said.

He said when Mgijima broke away from the church, it had been an act of disobeying colonial authority and its system.

“It was a moment of awakening of his political

consciousness. This was an act to heed the ancestral call to indigenise religion and make it relevant to the political, social and economic conditions of the time. He was very much preoccupied with the Africanisation of churches in South Africa,” he said.

Booi said Mgijima had been influenced by the ANC question of African unity and decided to unite his own people under the spiritual home.

“The clash of the Israelites and the police was caused by ingrained fear of the white minority rule that African people would have a political home disguised as a church. This killing of the people in Ntabelanga village was an act of desperation to curb the national revolution and to instill fear in the African people and the ANC,” he said.

Booi said it was time for pupils to study about Mgijima.

“We have been reading about Jan Van Riebeeck and now is the time to read about Mgijima,” he said.

Lukhanji executive mayor Nozibele Makhanda said they hoped to change the history of the area with a positive mind.

“The three municipalities have a high potential for development. We must open our hearts and minds to welcome development programmes in this area. We must also attract international investors to come and invest in the

new municipality,” she said.

Chris Hani District mayor Mxolisi Koyo said after the three municipalities were merged, it was time to submit the names which the new municipality was going to be named after.

“There were other names submitted, but the ANC came up with Mgijima and the opposition parties and the community were vocal in supporting the name. His name united the people of Chris Hani across the political spectrum.”

tembile.sgqolana@media24.com

Vuyani Booi during the Enoch Mgijima memorial lecture on Thursday. PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

X1R23QAR-040216-QE-mfosoc-fruit

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

7

Queenstown Express readers have their say Residents tell SANELE JAMES what they think their newest newspaper, the Queenstown Express, should be covering ) Yusuf Badat (32): “Having a new newspaper in town is a great initiative in the sense that it’s going to help in providing the community with a variety of news in different angles. It would be great if the new newspaper focused on local news, especially municipal news and crime in the Queenstown area.” ) Darryl Westran (42): Having a number of news providers means an avalanche of information which will be of benefit to the Queenstown community and it

Yusuf Badat

would be great if the new publication filled the gap that is left by the so-called big publications. I would like to see absolute local content whether it’s politics, social, sport or business news. ) Lwando Silandela (26): Seeing more local news being documented would be good. By local news I mean the news that matters most to the Queenstown community, especially the living conditions of our people on the outskirts where there is no running water and no proper sanitation

Darryl Westran

facilities - so in a nutshell, service delivery by the local government whether it’s negative or positive news.

money-laundering by officials.

) Zenande Gcado (19): The publication should live up to its mandate as a community newspaper - play the watchdog to the local government and enhance transparency of the local municipality to the people.

There are actions by the municipality that the public is never updated on, such as the removal and installation of councillors and the neverending scandals of

Lwando Silandela

) Ringo Klaas (49): All we need is exposure of local talent, especially of local football. There are a lot of sport activities happening around Queenstown, but they never get published, let alone being attended to by the provincial and national newspapers, so if the Queenstown Express can fill that gap we would be grateful. ) Brumilda Bruintjies (19): I personally cannot dictate the content of the publication. However, as a

Zanele Gcado

concerned Queenstown resident I think if the publication can be a voice of the people by voicing out their woes, that would be remarkable. And in these days what matters most to the people is the delivery of services by the government, so the Express should keep the local government on its toes and shy away from this trend of protecting or defending the government’s inefficacy hoping to get advertising deals. ) Solulele Mjongile (19): I don’t know much about newspa-

Ringo Klaas

pers and the process of content production, but I would like to call on the public to make use of the publication as their mouthpiece to address whatever issue they have, such as crime and poor service delivery by the local municipality.

Also, the government and other potential employers should make use of the new publication to advertise vacancies, scholarships and bursaries as our youth faces a national crisis of unemployment and shortage of funding by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Brumilda Bruintjies

Solulele Mjongile

) Tulisa Mketsu (28): Having another community publication is really enchanting as it guarantees different approaches to news events and a total variety in content as a whole. I expect to see Queenstown content and that from surrounding areas such as Whittlesea, Cofimvaba, and Lady Frere. But I would like to see more township school news, crime, entertainment and of course recipes.

The focus should not only be on news events that only appeal to a certain race or group of people.

Tulisa Mketsu

Large Angle Grinder

0601850162/GWS 20-230H * Spindle lock for quick disc change * 230 mm * 200W

elements 3-in-1 High Velocity Fan FA453-IN-1

1099

99

Contractors' PVA

* Suitable for external & internal walls & ceilings * Good opacity & whiteness * White only

* High velocity motor comes with 3 interchangeable bases converts from pedestal to floor fan to wall fan * 3 Speed oscillating function

Plaster Primer

•Blinds loose plaster work & neutralises alkalinity to extent top-coat life-span •White only

599

99

•20L

199

99

TM CON WH 20LT

•TM CON WH 5LT...6999

•20L

599

99

TM PP WH 20LT

•TM CON WH 5LT...18999

X1R1MBN5-040216-QE-mfosoc-mica

8

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Send your news to express@media24.com

SCHOOL NEWS Joyful Grade 1 pupils of Nonesi Primary School show their brandnew pencilbags and stationery. PHOTOS: MICHAEL HEALY

Newspaper gives tools for education The pen is mightier than the sword and staff of QUEENSTOWN EXPRESS recently visited the Hangklip and Nonesi primary schools to ensure that their grade 1s were equipped with the right tools to start their journey towards a good education.

Nonesi Primary School teachers and their pupils flanked by Queenstown Express staff Sanele James (left) and Thabo Mothlabane. In front, from left, are pupils Asithandile Raba, Okuhle Gasela, Iminathi Ntambula, Ongeziwe Mtatsi, Sinomzi Mbekeni, Azakhanye Siko and Sakhiwo Njoli. The teachers, at the back from left, are Sisiviwe Dyonase, Pinki Nkatu, Thami Sawu and Gloria Ngqasa.

Nonesi Primary School Grade 1 pupils with Queenstown Express staff Onke Socikwa (left) and Tembile Sgqolana. In front, from left, are pupils Lilitha Sleyiti, Lithalethu Sleyiti, Anele Blani, Sakhiwe Njoli and Mzoleli Tamba.

The Nonesi girls striking a pose with their new stationery are, from left, Mivuyo Hani, Asiphe Blani, Lithemba Ningiza, Zanele Blani and Lisakhanya Vamba. With them are (back) Bettie Giliomee, regional editor: Queenstown Express, and Tasmia Ismail, GM EP Media.

Among the Hangklip Primary School grade 1 pupils who were spoilt with back to school stationery

by EP Media are, front from left, Megan Fourie, Francois Le Roux, Rico Kersop and Robiniho Prins.

Back from left are Jason Els, Cole Augustus, Minke van Heerden, Danica Meredith, Sibulele Bonde and Isenathi Ngculu.

News

SCHOOL NEWS

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Send your news to express@media24.com

9

Colourful start for Hangklip athletics Hangklip Primary School recently kicked off the new year with their colour athletics. Cheerleaders of the different houses arrived in style in veteran vehicles which showed that even though they are old they definitely aren’t cold. QUEENSTOWN EXPRESS was there to capture their colourful arrival.

Mpendulo athletes to represent district

Lukhanji defeated in semis TEMBILE SGQOLANA LUKHANJI municipality U13 soccer team suffered a 3-2 defeat on penalties at the hands of Engcobo soccer team during the semi-finals of the Build it U13 provincial finals at Dumpy Adams on Saturday.

Nine pupils from Mpendulo Public Primary School will be representing the Queenstown district at the Chris Hani regional athletics competition in Cradock. They are, back from left, with teacher Zanele Samson, Sinovuyo Simama, Sinako Nyamaka, Mihle Yekani, Ziphozihle Tshali and Brendon Mzamo. Front from left are Sinesipho Mntuyedwa, Ayabulela Diena, Cebisa Charlie and Anele Luwaca. PHOTO:TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Nonesi athletes excel

The Nonesi Primary School team that represented the school at the Queenstown district athletics competition at Hangklip Primary School on Saturday was, back from left, teachers Singathwa Mdingi, Maxhoba Kweleta, Khanyiso Rantsane, Ntomboxolo Qagana and Siyabonga Makeleni, middle from left, Ndinani Mfengu, Bridget Soyi, Mosi Mdise, Zimasa Skipa, Noluthando Tshatshweni, Halala Tshikala and Tsulufelo Mosi. Front from left are, Esam Mariman, Yibanathi Saleni, Lisakhanya Mdivasi, Mihlali Mgqamqo, Sibongile Dingiswayo and Onwaba Baba.

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

The results came after the two teams failed to produce results during 90 minutes of playtime.

Both teams had their fair chances of producing stunning goals but lack of finishing and selfishness from strikers resulted in the game ending in a stalemate.

The road to the semi-finals for Lukhanji was not easy; they drew their first game against Peddie 0-0.

Their second game, which was against Cradock, boosted the teams hope of going through to the semis. A goal from Sibabalwe Matyatya helped the team secure their first win of the tourney.

Lukhanji played Xhorha in

their last game of the group and needed to win the game in order for them to go through to the semifinals.

Xhorha on the other hand had nothing to lose as they were already out of the race to the semi-finals. Both teams played good football throughout the game but a mistake by Xhorha’s defence cost them the game. With only two minutes of play time left, Siphosethu Siyo scored the winning goal for his team and helping his team go through to the semi- finals.

Seven players from the Lukhanji team were selected to represent the province at the national tournament later this year. Owam Siziba, who is one of the players selected for the provincial team, was named the best player of the tournament with three other players.

The other players that were selected are Khanyisa Madolo, Athenkosi Mase, Othandwayo Bukani, Siphosethu Siyo, Sisa Marhwana and Liya Mathole.

Schools to be given more support BABALWA NDLANYA THE Portfolio Committee on Basic Education (PCBE) has committed itself to supporting schools even more this year, especially those in struggling districts.

Committee chairperson Nomalungelo Gina urged all stakeholders to work hard in ensuring that the year ahead was a success.

“The committee pledges its support to all teachers, pupils, parents and civil society.

“We encourage those provinces that did not do well to put all their efforts into increasing

the pass rate.

“The focus for the year should not be just on Grade 12, but on an improvement of performance for the whole system,” Gina said.

The country achieved a 70.7% matric pass mark in last year’s exams.

The Eastern Cape was the lowest-achieving province, with about 56% of matriculants passing.

Gina wished teachers, pupils and parents a great school year ahead.

“This administration is committed to education, and for our children we will not compromise,” she said.

10

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

‘Drought-ridden SA needs divine intervention’ SANELE JAMES

T

HE least we can do as leaders is to lead and invest where necessary, but the drought needs divine intervention. It is beyond our capability as the government.

These were the words uttered by Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane during an interdenominational prayer for rain in the droughtstricken Chris Hani District Municipality.

Qoboshiyane joined hands with scores of residents, farmers and members of various church organisations praying for relief from the drought at the Apostolic Church in Queenstown.

The MEC’s visit to the region came after the Chris Hani District Municipality was declared a disaster area following a scorching and dry summer which saw temperatures reaching 40 degrees in the area.

The aftermath of the drought continues to haunt the entire country’s food production and security system.

However, speaking for the Eastern Cape alone, Qoboshiyane revealed that local farmers had lost at least 33 771 cattle, 5 500 sheep and 3 036 goats so far.

Qoboshiyane further announced an allocation of R33-million to assist the province’s farming industry.

The drought has not only affected

PHOTO: SANELE JAMES

Residents pray for rain to bring an end to the crippling drought. farmers in the Chris Hani District but it has also affected every resident in the area as it has resulted in water shortages, forcing the municipality to implement water conservation measures, which includes watershedding in some parts of the municipality.

Mayor Mxolisi Koyo also

weighed in on the water crisis, saying some residents were to blame.

“The municipality hasn’t done anything wrong in this case. Instead it’s the people who put a strain on the water supply system by making illegal connections of water pipes to their homes.

“This makes it hard for us to regu-

late the water supply,” he said.

Among the dignitaries who attended the gathering in the jampacked hall were Lukhanji mayor Nozibele Makanda, MEC Fikile Xasa and leaders of various farming organisations in the province.

sanelejames@media24.com

A local footprint like never before Mthatha Express 60 000 copies

Tel: 041 503 6111 Express@media24.com

Uvo-Lwethu Express 20 000 copies Mount Fletcher

Mount Ayliff Mount Frere

310 000 copies FREE every week

Indwe

Queenstown

Kouga Express 20 000 copies

Uitenhage

UD News 30 000 copies

Joubertina

Loerie Humansdorp

Addo

Willowvale

Butterworth

Fort Beaufort Stutterheim

Grahamstown

King Williams Town

Gonubie East London

Peddie Port Alfred

PE Express Indaba 40 000 copies

Despatch

Patensie Hankey

Cofimvaba Dutywa

Kirkwood

KwaNobuhle

Lusikisiki

Ngcobo

Sada

Bedford

Klipplaat Steytlerville

Nataza

Elliot Cala

EASTERN CAPE Jansenville

Port Edward

Port St John’s

Queenstown Express 20 000 copies

Somerset East

Mthatha

Bizana Flagstaff

Qumbu

Isolomzi Express 20 000 copies

MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane informs residents about the government's intervention on the drought predicament. PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

Motherwell

Port Elizabeth

PE Express

Jeffreys Bay

100 000 copies

EX press EX press UDnuus news EX press EX press EX press EX press EX press PORT ELIZABETH

FREE - MAHALA

UITENHAGE DESPATCH

KOUGA

MTHATHA

UVOLWETHU

ISOLOMZI

QUEENSTOWN

Indaba

X1R2E9TU-040216-QE-bhosoc-MAP

News

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

11

Rain causes havoc in Mlungisi TEMBILE SGQOLANA NANCY Futshane (78) had to evacuate her home after water flooded it and submerged some of her furniture during the heavy rains in Queenstown on January 22.

Prepare for more high temperatures REPORTER THE high temperatures experienced at the beginning of the week is set to continue this weekend with maximum temperatures for Queenstown forecast between 30 and 33 degrees.

On Monday the SA Weather Services issued a warning for heat wave conditions over most of the Eastern Cape.

Many schools all over the province cancelled all outdoor sport and other activities on Monday.

In places the heat danger index stood at 121. Any number above 110 is regarded as extremely dangerous for people. On Monday the maximum temperature in Queenstown stood at 35 with the Heat Danger Index at 100.

And it is not only schools that had to take heed. The weather service also warned that any hard labour should be avoided if the index is above 110.

According to the SA Weather Services, when temperature and humidity are high at the same

time, humans’ ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced. This can be a real threat.

Precautions include staying indoors in a cool room near a fan if possible, as well as ceasing any strenuous outdoor activity and playing sport The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are the groups who are particularly at risk when the weather is very hot. Very hot weather can cause overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration.

The temperature in a motorcar can rise to more than 10 degrees higher than the outside temperature in just 10 minutes and 20 C in 30 minutes. Pets or children should therefore not be left in motor-cars, especially in hot conditions.

Drinking plenty of fluids is also advised in heat wave conditions.

It is however recommended that alcohol be avoided.

About six families in Nomzamo and five in New Vale had to evacuate their homes as the rain flooded them and left them with no electricity that Friday.

Futshane was alone that night when she noticed water coming under the door. “ I used a blanket to stop the water as I always do, but this time the water was too strong and within minutes my house was filled with water,” she said.

She said she had tried to call neighbours, but the rain had been loud and no one could hear.

“I noticed that the water was about to reach my knees and I went outside to call for help. My grandchild arrived and we managed to divert the water from the street,” she said.

Futshane said she now had no electricity and some of her electrical appliances were not working.

Afrika Kula said he had been watching TV with his family when he noticed that water was coming inside the house.

“We used a blanket to stop the water and ignored it. When we checked later on, the house was filled with dirty water,” Kula said.

They opened a hole in the bathroom wall so that the water could escape.

“That helped, but we lost electricity,” he said.

Kula said he was not sure whether his electricity board had been damaged or the transformer had exploded.

Ward councillor Fundile Dayimani confirmed the flooding and promised that something would be done to improve the situation.

“This has been happening for a long time. Every time it rains people living here have the same problem and the recent one was also reported to us.

“We are waiting for the contractor to finish building the RDP houses in Nomzamo so that it can start doing the stormwater drains to divert the water away from the houses,” he said.

One of the houses that were affected by the rain in Nomzamo.

PHOTOS: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Nancy Futshane cleans up the water in her home.

Tips to save water at home WATER scarcity across the country resulted in water restrictions being imposed in Queenstown.

Here are tips that can help save water and survive the drought. . Take shorter showers and turn off the shower while soaping up; then turn it back on to rinse. . Put a full load into your washing machine and dishwasher before starting a wash cycle. . Cut down the amount of water flushed down the toilet by placing a 2-litre plastic bottle full of water in the water tank (cistern) of your toilet.

This could save you up to 7 300 litres of water each year. . When washing dishes by hand, do not leave the water running to rinse dishes. If you have a double basin, fill one with clean water to rinse. . Install a system to pump grey water (from the washing machine, basins, shower and bath) to the garden.

heat and require little watering. . Group plants with the same water needs together. . Put a covering layer around trees and plants to slow down evaporation. . The best times to water your garden are at sunrise and sunset. Watering between 9am and 4pm is not allowed. . Water your lawn long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly. . For winter rainfall areas, you will need to plant in autumn and early winter. In summer rainfall areas, you can plant in spring and early summer. . A dripping tap (one drop per second) could waste up to 30 litres of water an hour.

Bruce 082 773 6279 SANDRINGHAM

Tami 083 715 8764 R950 000

A starter home which consist of 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge, kitchen, storage space and single garage. Erf size 1060sqm.

Bruce: 082 773 6279 Web ref: RXCM-0233

RENTALS CENTRAL: Modern 1 Bed flat R4750pm OFFICE SPACE: Prince Alfred Str, available 1 March 2016 - R11400 pm OFFICE SPACE : Joubert Str, available 1 Feb 2016 TOP TOWN: 3 bed Town house R7500 pm, excl elec, water & refuse.

Cheryl 082 465 3747 KOMANI PARK

Neat and tidy face brick home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fitted kitchen, laundry, lounge, d/room, single garage and carport.

Cheryl: 082 465 3747 Web ref: RXCM-0209

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Natalie (Rentals) 045 838 2340 R9 500 000

Block of flats for sale close to centre of town. The property consists of 16 flats. There are 7 (1 bedroom), 7 (2 bedrooms), 1 (3 bedrooms) and 1 bachelor flat.

Bruce: 082 773 6279 Web ref: RXCM-0218

Contact your number one Real Estate Agency today for sales, rentals, commercial, farms and valuations on 045 838 2340.

In the garden: . Plant indigenous plants that can tolerate extreme

Max Buyiselo 083 761 6981 083 944 0964 R1 380 000 CENTRAL

Property professionals

46 Prince Alfred street, Queenstown Tel 045 838 2340 | Fax: 045 838 2776 www.remax.co.za | office@remaxqtn.co.za X1R23W3W-040216-QE-ebosoc-remax

12

Entertainment February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

Madolo out, Gabada in SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE IT never rains but it pours for Mthatha’s Unitra Community Radio (UCR), which is faced with numerous problems, including a power struggle.

First of all it was announced that several of its assets had been attached by the sheriff of the high court. The reason for this was that the radio station owed money to the South African Revenue Service.

As a result the station could find itself off air.

A few days after the announcement, station manager Mnyamezeli Madolo was suspended and former UCR presenter Phumzile Gabada took over in an acting capacity.

Reliable sources have said the radio station is faced with a power struggle among the present leadership and board members.

In the previous leadership there were also battles, some of which ended in court.

Meanwhile, some former employees have sued the radio station over money allegedly owed to them.

Madolo confirmed his suspension, but said it was illegal because he had been suspended by a disbanded board of directors.

He said the board had been disbanded in a meeting on December 4 with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) because of a lack of compliance and policies. “The resolution in that meeting was that the board and Community Forum Committee (CFC) be disbanded and a steering committee that would organise the next annual general meeting was elected.

“It was agreed that that committee would work with the station manager, so I am surprised that they decided to suspend me, disobeying the agreement with Icasa.”

He said the disbanded board had gone to a lawyer, allegedly using station funds.

Interim board chairperson Babalwa Nophelo Mbelesi confirmed the suspension of Madolo, saying they had given him a letter of suspension on January 18.

She said they had charged him with gross insubordination and dragging the name of the station into disrepute.

“Now we are facing the problems of SARS because he was failing dismally to lead the radio station,” Mbelesi said.

She denied that the board had been disbanded in December.

“You cannot disband a board in the board-

Gospel Awards to be held again

Suspended UCR FM station manager Mnyamezeli Madolo. PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE room with only one person giving instructions for that. You need to call an annual general meeting so that the community can take a decision.

So the interim board is waiting for February 07 to hand over officially to a new board elected by the community,” she said. She denied they had used the station’s funds to tackle the Community Forum Committee.

TO encourage gospel artists in Butterworth and the surrounding areas, Vision Holders members Bulie Mketshane and her husband Sine will be hosting the Mnquma Gospel Awards at the Msobomvu Sports Stadium this Saturday.

Bulie said they had decided to encourage local gospel artists by giving them awards.

“We want them to know that we acknowledge their work and our main vision is to encourage them to do more in this industry,” she said.

She added that they had started to host this event last year and they wanted to do it every year.

They would also give awards to artists who were legends in this industry, such as Lusanda Mcinga, Veliswa Skeyi, Malibongwe Gcwabe and Khanyisa Nkantsu.

Bulie said those who were interested in attending the function could buy tickets from Computicket. VIP tickets are R250 and others are R100. – BABALWA NDLANYA

Vukani presenter nominated for gospel music awards BABALWA NDLANYA GOSPEL presenter Patric Msengana of Vukani Community Radio in Cala has been nominated as the Best Ezenkolo Presenter in the Mnquma Gospel Music Awards at the Msobomvu Sports Ground in Butterworth on Saturday.

Msengana said he was nominated with Asan-

da Detyana from Kanya Community Radio in this category.

“I could not believe my ears when I received a call informing me about the nomination. I know that I am always nominated in different awards, but even if I don’t win, I don’t complain because I see that people recognise and like my programme,” he said.

He said it was good to be nominated because it showed that he was doing his best to promote the gospel music of local artists.

“What I can say to other nominees is that we must not be disappointed when we do not win, but we must know that we are doing a good job. We must continue promoting the music of local artists because they also depend on us,” he said.

Gospel presenter Patric Msengana has been nominated in the Mnquma Gospel Awards.

PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

X1R2E9TV-040216-QE-bhosoc-media

News

LIFESTYLE

Send your news to express@media24.com

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

13

ADVERTORIAL: THE HERITAGE BED AND BREAKFAST , ,, ,

The Heritage is steeped in history of hotel family THE four-star Heritage Bed and Breakfast, on the corner of Fletcher and Frost streets in Queenstown, is run by a family with deep roots in the hotel industry across the Eastern Cape.

Ownership of this well-known Queenstown establishment passed to the Brown and Shadiack families on June 18, 2014.

The Heritage Bed and Breakfast is personally managed by Roland and Nadia Brown (formerly Shadiack), and consists of 17 ensuite rooms which are situated within the most beautiful gardens.

It has always been a dream of Nadia to own a guest-house and this dream became possible when the previous owners of the business decided to relocate from Queenstown.

The families have for many years been associated with the hospitality business. Nadia’s late father, Tony Shadiack, prior to relocating to Queenstown and marrying Mary Sahd, was the owner of the hotel in Indwe and in Reddersburg. These towns were in those times characterised by bustling communities. Tony and Mary served as the town’s mayoral couple for a number of years.

Nadia’s father also owned the Queen’s Hotel in Queenstown, and she managed the hotel and ran the then well-known “Bulls Inn Restaurant”.

Subsequent to Tony’s death, and upon the Sahds having acquired ownership of the Hexagon and Jeantel Hotels, Nadia assisted the late Richard Sahd in running both establishments and took charge of Guido’s Restaurant which served as the restaurant for the Jeantel Hotel.

The Heritage Bed and Breakfast enjoys an almost 100% occupancy all week round.

It was awarded its fourth star rating a month ago.

In running the guesthouse, Roland and Nadia are assisted by the very capable Tanya Hattingh who is Nadia’s assistant in reception and all other spheres of the business.

The Heritage has on-site parking facilites with security. Future plans include building a bigger conference hall and function room which will replace the existing facilities.

Reservations may be made by telephoning Tanya on 045 839 4927 or 083 276 4839 or by e-mail: bookings@heritageguesthouse.co.za.

The Heritage’s Olive Rooms. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The Heritage Guest House staff who are always ready to make their guests feel right at home while away from home are, front from left, Roland, Nadia and Tanya, and back from left, Jenna, Vuyiswa, Jane, Sisanda, Abby, Eunice and Cindy. PHOTO: THEO JEPTHA

The Heritage offers 17 en­suite rooms which are situated within the most beautiful gardens.

The pool area where guests can relax on a hot day.

Basotho, Xhosa heritage inspires local designs REPORTER ALTHOUGH Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana has spent most of her life in South Africa, she has never forgotten her roots in Lesotho, her place of birth.

The Nelson Mandela Bay clothing designer crafts contemporary fashion using traditional Basotho blankets – and one of her designs, titled “Starburst Coat”, is one of the 10 contenders in Design Indaba’s prestigious Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) 2016 exhibition.

She and another MBOISA finalist – knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo, whose works are inspired by traditional Xhosa culture – are both alumni of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth.

The travelling exhibition, which opened in

Thabo MakhethaKwinana.

Johannesburg on January 11, moved to Durban on January 26, and then Cape Town on February 8. The overall winner will be determined by public vote and announced at the Design Indaba Festival in Cape Town on February 19.

The 10 finalists were nominated by a select panel of influential commentators on South African culture, including museum curators, radio and TV commentators, designers and editors.

Makhetha-Kwinana (28) said her use of Basotho blankets was a reminder of her heritage.

“It’s an interpretation of my culture in modern days. These traditional blankets are daily attire in Lesotho. When people move away to big cities, they leave their traditional culture behind. My work is a way of having the traditional keep up with the times.”

Her “Starburst Coat” consists of panels that come together at the back, resulting in the per-

ceived “starburst”. It was one of several items she sent to Elle Magazine last year for a fashion shoot – and it was Elle editor Emilie Gambade who nominated the piece.

“It is uniquely African; combines heritage, craft and beautiful proportions; it is timeless, colourful and says a lot about who we are and where we are from but at the same time it is exceptionally modern and very contemporary,” said Gambade.

Makhetha-Kwinana, who graduated with a national diploma in fashion design from NMMU in 2008, is a living advertisement for her boutique store in Port Elizabeth, which houses her “Thabo Makhetha” range. “My shop is a giant wardrobe.”

Johannesburg-based Ngxokolo (29), a knitwear designer who completed his BTech in textile design in 2010, has won numerous awards here and abroad for his Maxhosa by Laduma fashion label.

Laduma Ngxokolo.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: COLIN MILEMAN

His shawl was nominated for MBOISA 2016 by designer and curator Tracy Lee Lynch, who said: “When I started looking for the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa … for a piece that I found really spoke to me, I found this particular piece – the shawl.”

“I always design with an intention to make my products relative and relevant to the South African market as much as possible,” said Ngxokolo, who is completing his masters in Material Futures at London’s Central Saint Martins.

The pattern in the middle section of the 3m by 1m shawl was inspired by the textures of ripe “umnqusho”, a traditional Xhosa dish.

The end sections are inspired by traditional Xhosa decor embellishment styles and beadwork motifs. ) To vote for the 2016 Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA), go to: www.designindaba.com/events/mboisa-2016.

Model Asanda Sizani wears the shawl which won knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo a nomination in Design Indaba’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) for 2016. PHOTO: TREVOR STUURMAN

; A model wears the “Starburst Coat”, cut from a Basotho blanket and designed by Port Elizabeth fashion designer Thabo MakhethaKwinana. The piece is in the running for Design Indaba’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) for 2016.

PHOTO: JUSTIN MCGEE

14

Promotions

VALENTINE’S DAY

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Win Valentine’s lunch at Queen’s Casino The Queen’s Casino and Hotel.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

FOR those wanting to celebrate Valentine’s day in style, the Queen’s Casino is the place to be, offering entertainment, accommodation, functions and food and beverage, all in one complex.

In celebration of this special day for romance, The Junction Restaurant at the Casino will be offering a special Sunday buffet lunch on February 14.

And who knows – those who are lucky in love might just also be lucky on one of the casino’s 180 slot machines or their six tables, including roulette, black- jack and poker.

For those wanting to make a weekend of it, the hotel offers 32 exquisite rooms. Here guests can enjoy the perfect balance of escape, luxury and vitality.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the blissful experience of the hotel’s Hadley’s Bar, where they can hang out with their friends. Or they can watch sporting events in comfort and style in the sports bar.

The Junction Restaurant has tantalising menus, where diners can in-

dulge their palates’ every desire with fanciful flavours from around the world. The restaurant caters for the whole family with a lunch a la carte menu, as well as an evening buffet restaurant. They also cater for group bookings and private functions.

Win! Win! Win! Three lucky readers of the Queenstown Express can each win a Valentine’s Sunday lunch that includes a buffet lunch for two at the Junction Restaurant.

To stand a chance to win the prize, like us on Facebook (Queenstown Express) and then share your love story on our wall.

Winners will be notified on Facebook, so be sure to check back regularly to see who the winners are.

LOCAL FLAVOUR: MORNE EDWORTHY LOCAL FLAVOUR:

Treat your loved one to a Blueberry Mille-Feuille VALENTINES can treat their loved ones this Valentine’s Day to a sweet treat that is sure to delight anyone with or without a sweet tooth.

This week Chef Morne Edworthy of the Queen’s Hotel and Casino shares his recipe for a blueberry mille-feuille with Express readers.

A mille-feuille (translation: thousand sheets) is made up of multiple layers of puff pastry with a filling in between. The top layer is coated with garnish.

BLUEBERRY MILLE-FEUILLE

INGREDIENTS:

1 roll of puff pastry 100ml whipped cream 30ml readymade custard

50g fresh/frozen blueberries 2 Tablespoons sugar 1 Tablespoon water 10ml vanilla essence

FOR GARNISH:

Icing sugar Caramel treat Chocolate Chocolate sauce Cherries Mint

METHOD: 1. Cut out 2 pieces of puff pastry 10cm x 5cm.

2. Put these in the oven and allow to rise. Once golden brown, separate with a sharp knife and allow to cool.

3. Make a blueberry coulis by adding your blueberries, sugar and water. Heat this mixture and allow to

reduce by half. Once done, allow to cool.

4. Mix your whipped cream with your custard and cooled coulis.

5. Starting with your puff pastry, layer the pastry with the blueberry cream mixture, ending with pastry.

Sprinkle your dessert with icing sugar. Pipe with caramel treat and place your cherries, chocolate decoration and mint leaves.

CHOCOLATE DECORATIONS. To make chocolate decorations, grate chocolate and melt it over a low heat. Once combined, lay whatever design you require on wax paper. Once your design has cooled down, peel it off gently and use as required.

Chef Morne Edworthy of the Queen’s Hotel and Casino with a blueberry mille-feuille.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Show some love to furry friends WANT to show your precious pup some extra love at mealtimes?

Montego Pet Nutrition’s new squeeze-on Sauce for dogs helps turn nutritious meals into extradelicious meals!

A South African first, the new Montego Pet Nutrition Sauce for dogs is low in salt and fat, and is available in four delicious flavours – Roast Lamb, Grilled Steak, Boerewors and Roast Chicken – and can be used to

freshen up your dog’s daily dry food diet, or even when you want to just give them an extra little treat! The handy 500ml bottle makes it easy to squeeze out a little added flavourful treat for your discerning doggie.

Montego Pet Nutrition’s Sauce will be available in 500ml squeezy bottles, and will be available at your nearest Montego Pet Nutrition retailer at a Recommended Retail Price of R29.99 per bottle.

Win! Win! Win! We are giving away Montego hampers, to the value of R310 each, to spoil your furry loved ones this Valentine’s Day. To enter, follow us on Facebook (Queenstown Express) and upload/share a photo of your beloved pet.

QUEENSTOWN EXPRESS | THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2016

Shoprite bursaries still available for students REPORTER

TATUM Cox (18) from Port Elizabeth, received a Shoprite bursary worth R60 000 when no other bursar would consider an application to fund her first year of study – this was a dream come true for her.

Tatum is enrolled for her first year of study towards a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).

Her mother found information on Shoprite’s bursaries on the internet and Tatum is extremely grateful that Shoprite will not only assist her financially, but also provide her with valuable work experience on completion of her studies.

“I was so excited to find out that Shoprite was willing to give me an opportunity to study pharmacy. I am only enrolling for my first year now and no other bursar was willing to even consider me for a bursary. I had no idea that Shoprite awarded bursaries for pharmacy. I then found out that they offer bursaries for so many other areas of study as well.”

Thousands of the 455 753 matric learners qualifying for admission to tertiary institutions this year are in need of financial support in order to access one of the various post-school system opportunities available to them.

Prospective students can look to the Shoprite Group, who still has about R8 million available for financial assistance from their extensive bursary programme.

Bursaries are awarded for scarce skills programmes such as pharmacy and chartered accounting, along with qualifications such as logistics and supply chain management, information technology, industrial engineering, hospitality, retail business management and marketing.

With limited space available at tertiary institutions, prospective students who achieved an average of more than 70% in matric, are urged to apply for one of the remaining bursaries by visiting shopritebemore.com or contacting their training institution’s bursary office for assistance.

Candidates may qualify for a bursary of up to R70 000 per year which allows for registration

fees, tuition, textbook and accommodation fees depending on the course of study and institution.

Each bursary granted is linked to a work back agreement with Shoprite and in this way a bursary holder is assured of career prospects with South Africa’s largest private sector employer.

On successful completion of their studies, pharmacy students have employment opportunities within one of Shoprite’s 159 MediRite pharmacies throughout South Africa and the Group’s trainee management programme will aid retail business and hospitality management graduates in preparing them to become store managers.

Chartered Accountant (CA) field candidates can be placed within Shoprite’s South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) approved CA training programme to complete their internship as article clerks.

The Logistics and Industrial Engineering graduates programme trains managers for positions within one of the Group’s 20 distribution centres, whilst the IT and Marketing Trainee programmes assist graduates to gain the necessary specialised workplace experience.

The Shoprite Group recognises the value of investing in opportunities for young people to obtain a qualification and acquire the necessary skills for gainful employment.

A consistent employment generator, the Shoprite Group currently employs more than 136 000 people with 3134 jobs created during the last six months alone.

By providing bursaries to qualifying students, as well as educational loans and grants to its employees and their dependents, Shoprite aids and strengthens economic security and social welfare in the communities within which it trades.

The Group has already awarded 193 tertiary study bursaries to deserving candidates for the 2016 academic year. The Shoprite Group has also committed to financing more than 60 students for the National Certificate (Vocational) Wholesale and Retail qualification studying at the College of Cape Town, who will be offering this programme for the first time this year.

Tatum Cox (18) received a Shoprite bursary worth R60 000 when no other bursar would consider an application to fund her first year of study – this was a dream come true for her. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

NEWS 15

16 CLASSIFIED

QUEENSTOWN EXPRESS | THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2016

Classifieds Thabo Mothlabane 045 838 2821 e-mail: thabo.mothlabane@media24.com

EX press QUEENSTOWN

20 000 COPIES WEEKLY

.

PERSONAL SERVICES .

HERBALISTS 1400

DR ADAM

HERBALISTS .

1435

1435

PROF HASSAN MALE ENLARGEMENT Extend your manhood using Herbal powder gel & lotion. Results guaranteed MAGIC RING Magic Wallet Magic Stick To win money games Big amounts of money To improve your finances Same time results GENERAL SERVICES Fix lost love, Divorce & Marriage, Promotions, Jobs, Salary Increase, Business Booster, Attraction ring www.profhassanwendy.blogspot.com BBm 2931D318 Whatsapp 071 686 3532

BANK TELLERS WANTED SMS 'teller' to

34389

X1R2HL5W-040216-QE-ebnnon-tel

POWERFUL PSYCHIC HEALER 100% HERBAL MASTER (Never Fails) * * * * *

Bring back lost lover Enlargement Marriage & divorce Lotto & casino Improve your financial problems * Remove evil spirits * Unfinished jobs

SAME DAY RESULTS 100% guaranteed

073 5062282 X1QG50WR-250815-OS-mgyste-adam

KING MNOSI

* ingxaki zomtshato xa uhlutshwa yindoda okanye ngumfazi * ndibolekisa ngempuku eziku zisela imali endlini yakho * Hlukanisa abantu abathandanayo akwi-account zakho 40 minutes * ukuqinisa umzi, ishishini, imoto bayishiye beyibona * Imali ekhawulezileyo ehmaba ngomoya * amagundwane emali, mejic stick ikuphatela imali * umshato okhawulezayo nokufumana abantwana * chanasa oil ukuzisela imali kwi account yakho 1 day * ukubuyisa isithandwa sakho esilahlekileyo same day

UITENHAGE

083 866 6853

X1QHFV71-200116-XT-bhtkin-MNOSI

ATTENTION TAXI OWNERS!!!

ITC CLIENTS WELCOME!!!

FESTIVE SPECIAL!!!!

Toyota Quantum - R55 000 Nissan - R45 000 Sasuka - R35 000 Hilux Bakkies - R30 000 Repo Quantum - R30 000 JinBei - R20 000

OOS-KAAPSE PROVINSIALE GEOGRAFIESE NAMEKOMITEE

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING Lede van die publiek word hiermee in kennis gestel, en uitgenooi na Openbare Verhore rakende die standaardisering van name van provinsiale geografiese plekke wat binne die Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Joe Gqabi en Sarah Baartman Distriksmunisipaliteite geleë is. 'n Skedule van die verhore, sowel as lyste van aansoeke wat in elke munisipaliteit aan die verhore onderworpe sal wees, word hieronder aangedui:

BRING A CLIENT AND GET CASH!!

Makhosazana 079 031 9296 / 078 629 9231 Ntando 071 849 1440 / Themba 073 237 9208 Nombuso 083 762 6414 / Fax 086 603 7954 X1QWN251-091215-XT-bhtkin-taxi

INAIT’D-IT Inikezela ngeCourse kuqeqesho phakathi kwe Gel ne-Acrylic. Le- Course intsuku-ntlanu ukuqala ngoMvula ukuya kulweSihlanu.

Iphuma ne-Start-up kit. Nawe ungazibona sele ungusomashishini wakugqiba ukwenza le course. Siyakunika nencwadana ethwele ulwazi ngeeproducts oza kuzisebenzisa. Sizinze kummandla weNorthern Areas kufutshane nendawo yezithuthi zikawonke wonke.

Akunyanzelekanga ukuba ube nematriki.

Qhagamshelana noCarmen ku: 0795152587 kungenjalo nailedit717@gmail.com Nait'd-iT offers Nail Training Course on either Gel or Acrylic. It is a 5-day Course, Monday to Friday, 9am till 1pm. It comes with a Start-up kit. You can also become an Entrepreneur.

We also provide you with a manual of the knowledge of the products you will be using.

We are based in the Northern areas, with easy access to public transport.

Matric is not a necessity.

Contact Carmen 079 515 2587 or nailedit717@gmail.com X1QJ2685-090915-XT-mgtkin-foxy

Lys van aansoeke vir standaardisering van geografiese name

Motoring

MOTORING

Send your news to express@media24.com

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

17

EXPRESS ON WHEELS: BETTIE GILIOMEE

Ford B-Max opens the door to multi-activity vehicles FORD has launched its B-Max compact vehicle in South Africa and, with prices starting at just more than R220 000, it is set to get the attention of the many people in the market for a car which is just a little bigger than a hatch and smaller than an SUV. The B-MAX represents Ford’s vision for a compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV). It’s an urban runner taking one from A to B, C and D in a stylish, cost-effective way, but is also quite capable of taking to the open road with comfort and excellent performance.

So what makes the B-Max unique? Its name says it all – the absence of B-pillars (the pillars between the front doors and the back passenger doors) ensures the maximum unobstructed access when the front and back doors are simultaneously open.

The back doors are sliding doors which open backwards like a van’s side door - perfect for those tight parking spaces on shopping and school runs, especially in windy conditions.

In addition, the B-Max is equipped with Ford’s award-winning 1.0 litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine – which was voted International Engine of the Year for three consecutive years. All models have a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The B-Max is available in three trim levels, with the test car being the highest spec Titanium model, featuring the Ford SYNC infotainment system, a rear-view camera, full-length panoramic roof, Ford MyKey functionality, as well as automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

All models are well-equipped and even the basic Ambiente model

The absence of B­pillars (the pillars between the front doors and the back passenger doors) in the Ford B­Max ensures the maximum unobstructed access when the front and back doors are simultaneously open.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED comes with air-conditioning, onetouch electric windows and a sixspeaker sound system with Bluetooth connection, voice control and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Additional features in the Trend version are cruise control, a trip computer, an eight-speaker sound system with a touchscreen colour display, alloy wheels and front fog lights.

Safety features in all the models include front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability programme

The B­max features a spacious interior, which is dominated by a rather busy instrument panel. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

VW's new Amarok Special Edition. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Exterior The B-max is based on the same platform as that of the new Fiesta – but is just a little longer, wider and taller than the Fiesta.

When both front and rear doors are open, the access to the interior is 1.5 metres wide, making it easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load and unload shopping.

Interior The B-max features a spacious interior, which is dominated by a rather busy instrument panel. The Titanium has a high class look, with a reverse camera in the instrument panel and stitched leather seats and leather steering wheel.

The flexible seating system features 60/40 split rear seats that can be folded flat with a “one-hand, one-motion” mechanism. It also boasts seven different seat-folding combinations and an adjustable luggage compartment floor.

The front passenger seat can also be folded, creating an extensive flat-load floor from front to rear.

Here, you could load or unload long objects from the side of the car as there is no B-pillar in the way.

Plenty of cup and bottleholders in easy-to-reach positions add to the practicality of this vehicle.

Ride The rear sliding doors are not as heavy and difficult to operate as expected and my 11-year-old found them easy enough to manage.

The only downside to the different B-pillar configuration is that you have to stretch your neck a bit to look out for oncoming traffic from the side as it creates a slightly wider blind spot.

The car offers outstanding agility and manoeuvrability for city driving. I found the movement from first to second gear a bit jerky, but after that it was smooth changing all the way to fifth gear.

The roadnoise of the 1.0 litre engine is surprisingly low at speed

and on the open road.

To test the BMax to its full potential, it was taken out for a family outing to Jeffreys Bay. The BMax is very responsive and quick off the mark when foot is put to the accelerator, allowing for confident overtaking.

The steering is light and yet it doesn’t have a floaty feel.

According to Ford, the average fuel use from a combination of start-stop city driving and open road cruising is 4,9 litres/100km.

Price The B-Max also comes standard with four-year/60 000km service plan and four-year/120 000km warranty.

1,0 EcoBoost Ambiente – R221 900 1,0 EcoBoost Trend – R246 900 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium – R271 900

More about the columnist This column is written by EP Media regional editor and Queenstown Express editor Bettie Giliomee, a full member of the Guild of Motoring Journalists, who test drives vehicles looking at them from a mom’s taxi and non-motoring expert’s perspective.

Volkswagen introduces Ultimate Amarok REPORTER VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles is introducing a special edition Amarok Ultimate, which is the first bakkie in the local market with Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard.

It is based on the top-of-the-range derivative, 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4Motion Highline with 8-speed automatic transmission.

For exclusivity, the Amarok Ultimate boasts numerous features such as Bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED lighting strip. The Bi-xenon headlights give the Amarok not only improved lighting, but with the twin chrome bars on the radiator grille they give the Amarok Ultimate a greatly improved visual appearance as well.

Additional exterior standard features of the “ultimate” Amarok include silver wing

mirror covers, darkened rear lights with LED number plate illumination, polished 19inch “Cantera” alloy wheels, special “Ultimate” lettering, a silver-coloured design underbody guard and a styling bar, as well as sill sidebars in chrome.

The Amarok Ultimate also comes as standard with park distance control with rear-assist reversing camera, electric folding and heated wing mirrors, heated front seats in either Vienna or Alcantara leather, RCD 510 Radio/CD system with cellphone preparation, rain sensor with intermittent wipers, auto dimming rear-view mirror and special velour floor mats.

The optional features offered with the Amarok Ultimate are the RNS 510 radio/navigation system with six speakers and electrical interface for external use.

The Amarok Ultimate retails for R600 200 (Vat included).

18

Motoring

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

MOTORING

Send your news to express@media24.com

Toyota gives its Avanza a make-over REPORTER

the driver’s foot area, helping to preserve the carpet from heavy usage.

TOYOTA has recently introduced its new-look Avanza compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) sporting a refreshed exterior design.

The advancements continue under the skin, where the new model offers reduced NVH levels, improved ride quality and refinement.

New Exterior Identity The exterior design of the new Avanza receives a substantial make-over thanks to the adoption of the new Toyota “corporate face”. At the front, a large radiator grille forms the main focal point, framed by a bold colour-coded “brow”, which also plays host to the Toyota insignia.

This “brow” extends outwards to the sides, meeting the new trapezoidal headlights, creating a strong, unified appearance.

The lower grille follows the curved shape of the upper grille area, with upswept sides, which terminate in the side air inlets.

On TX models, the air inlets also incorporate fog lamps to provide increased visibility.

Moving to the rear, revised rear tail-lights and an enlarged rear door garnish complement the refreshed image.

Revised Interior On the inside, new interior decor welcomes passengers, exuding an elevated sense of quality.

A classic mono tone black interior colour scheme forms the base of the new interior.

The driver is treated to a new instrument cluster, adopting striking amber-hued inserts, a silver outer bezel and white night-time illumination for greater visibility and user-friendliness.

All models receive a new Eco indicator, to provide feedback to the driver on economical driving - contributing to even better fuel economy.

Adding to the durability is a heel-pad built into

Enhanced Convenience The Avanza continues as a highly versatile vehicle, and as such a strong focus has been placed on creating added convenience for all occupants.

A new, split third-row seat allows passengers to independently adjust the back-row seating, affording the user the freedom of multiple configurations. In addition, the third-row seats feature a tumble function to conveniently increase cargo space when required.

The adjustable second- and third-row seating of the Avanza make it possible for owners to configure the interior layout to suit their exact requirements, offering various combinations of passenger versus cargo space.

Auto Up/Down operation has been incorporated into the driver’s power window for easier use.

A new console tray positioned at the front in close proximity to the 12-volt power outlet creates a convenient storage space for loose items, within easy reach of driver and front passenger.

The rear window wiper now gets an intermittent function, with the interior room lamp receiving auto-off functionality, preventing the risk of battery depletion.

New safety features Contributing to an increased level of safety, the second seating row has been fitted with a centre headrest. It uses a smart split design, allowing the seats to fold down individually.

A three-point centre seatbelt is also on offer, providing greater occupant safety.

ISOFIX restraint points are featured, which are further complemented by a seatbelt warning system for driver and front passenger, as well as driver and passenger airbags - all standard across the range.

Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) has been added to all models, bolstering the active

The exterior design of the new Avanza received a substantial make-over. PHOTO: SUPPLIED safety specification of the new Avanza which includes ABS. An anti-theft system with alarm and immobiliser completes the safety specification.

Under the Skin The new Avanza’s suspension geometry and design have been tweaked to provide improved handling and stability, steering feel and enhanced ride comfort. These design changes also deliver a reduction in cabin noise, helping to lower NVH levels while travelling.

New engines The Avanza range also sports two new engines, in 1.3 and 1.5 litre guise. This family of engines is shared with the Etios hatchback, with specific tuning to optimise it for use in the Avanza. The 1.3 litre engine delivers 70 kW with 121 Nm of Torque, with the 1.5 litre delivering a perky 77 kW and 137 Nm. Fuel economy is improved, with a frugal 6.1 l/100 km figure being quoted for the 1.3 litre and a low 6.3 l/100 km for the 1.5 litre manual.

The automatic derivative weighs in only slightly higher at 6.7 l/100 km.

Buyers have the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic on the 1.5l model, which drive the rear wheels.

Model range The Avanza range offers customers three grades to choose from depending on their indi-

vidual needs.

Forming the starting point of the line-up with a strong value focus,is the S grade model, which features power windows, remote central locking, power steering, a centrally mounted console box, intermittent windscreen wipers and an anti-theft system as standard.

The SX grade brings touches of added comfort and style with colour-coded exterior mirrors with power operation, a refreshing air-conditioning system and vanity mirror for the front passenger.

Forming the flagship of the Avanza range is the TX grade, which is equipped with new sporty “switchblade” 15-inch alloy wheels and adorned with chrome treatment on the front “brow”. A rear-mounted roof spoiler adds a stylish touch to the profile.

Providing the entertainment for family road trips is a four-speaker audio system with USB input for added convenience. A multi-information display provides feedback on various elements to the driver. A 1.3 litre panel van remains part of the line-up.

Pricing and line-up 1.3 S - R 193 400 1.3 SX - R 208 500 1.5 SX - R R214 900 1.5 SX AT - R 231 600 1.5 TX - R 245 600 1.3 Panel Van - R 198 000

QUEENSTOWN VEHICLE DEALERS GIVE ADVICE

The do’s and dont’s of buying a vehicle SANELE JAMES

From

R 167,900

From

R 207,900

If you're going to go, go Grand!

• Open your eyes to inspiration • Stylish outside • Roomy inside • Quietest cabin in its class

H100

From

·1,3 Ton Load Capacity ·Power Steering ·Versatile Dropside Deck INTRODUCING THE INDUSTRY-LEADING HYUNDAI 7-YEAR / 200 000KM WARRANTY

R 239,900

Our cars lived up to the 5-Year Warranty, and we know they will live up to the 7-Year / 200 000km Warranty, because we believe in their quality and reliability.

For you, we don't follow the standards, we set them.

144 Cathcart Road • Queenstown • 5320 Phone Number (045) 839 3943

X1R23TJM-040216-QE-mfosoc-Hyundai

next service appointment with your dealership. The maintenance of your car will determine its reliability as well as its future value.

A full service can be costly, but it is essential to routinely take your car for a thorough service which encompasses car diagnosis for visible and invisible malfunctioning parts.

FOR many South Africans, buying a new car is a nerve-racking experience.

Queenstown Express talked to local dealers to get the best tips on buying a car, from the proverbial horse’s mouth.

In this week’s edition, we get advice from Anthony, aka Ant, Botha of Union Diesel Multifranchise in Queenstown, who has more than 15 years experience in the motoring industry.

Visible and hidden fraudulent activities by dealerships to lure customers; what to look out for?

What should one consider when buying a car?

First decide what you will be doing with the car, for example work, family or leisure. It is important to buy where you are comfortable and feel as if you are being treated well as this is a vital decision and one of the most costly things you will ever buy.

Also try to support local dealers; besides investing money in the town that you reside in, it also makes a lot of sense to buy local so that you have the support when you need it.

What are the advantages and disadvantages when comparing buying a vehicle new or preowned?

Buy what you can afford. That new-car smell is something that everyone wants, but it isn’t always affordable. There are many very good options as far as pre-

Anthony Botha of Union Diesel Multi­franchise is this week’s expert giving advice to Queenstown Express readers on things to consider when buying a vehicle.

PHOTO: SANELE JAMES

owned cars are concerned in the Queenstown area. Warranty and service plans are important and these options are available on most used cars as well. In view of this, should your financial situation force you to go for a used vehicle, it is important to look for a car that has a service and warranty plan.

Tips on keeping one’s car in its best condition?

Service is everything! Make sure that you don’t miss your

Try to buy from a franchise dealer whether new or used.

The franchise dealers will be established and will have been approved by the respective franchise that they represent.

We live in a digital age where almost everything is done on the internet, such as online advertising, banking and transacting and in spite of it being time-saving; the internet will always have its risks.

Although many legitimate dealers use the internet to advertise, there will always be fraudsters waiting to take your money and give you nothing but headaches in return.

Just remember that if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Your favourite car?

The Mazda CX-5 Akera because of Mazda’s tough engines and the car is very spacious.

Motoring

MOTORING

Send your news to express@media24.com

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

19

Hyundai sets benchmark with longer warranty REPORTER HYUNDAI Automotive South Africa has again set a benchmark in the local car industry with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for 7 years or 200 000 km.

The new, extended warranty will cover a wide array of engine and transmission components of any Hyundai passenger car and light commercial vehicle sold by Hyundai Automotive SA with entry from 1 February 2016.

“We are proud to be a leader once again in

the South Africa automotive industry with a manufacturer’s warranty that really bears testimony of the trust that we place in our products. Our cars’ quality and reliability have established excellent resale values over the years, and many thousands of Hyundai customers and drivers can vouch for the peace of mind that our products bring to the consumer,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“Hyundai introduced the 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty at the end of 2007,

and it caught our competitors by surprise. It was a feature of a Hyundai buyer’s package that quickly became a promise of our cars quality and reliability.

“The new, extended warranty fits in with Hyundai’s mission, which is to become a trusted lifetime partner to our customers by bringing a new perspective to automobiles through innovation,” says Anderson.

In the engine, items such as the timing chain, cylinder block, head gasket, cylinder head and crank case, to name a few, are covered by the extended warranty. The turbo-

charger, water pump, flywheel and engine mountings also fall under the warranty, while the pressure plate and the torque converter are also covered in the manual and automatic gearboxes.

Several other components in the transmission – front wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive – are also covered by the warranty, including the transfer case, universal joint, prop shaft, axle shafts, constant velocity joints and front and rear differentials. Front and rear hub bearings are also on the list of parts that enjoy the warranty cover.

TALKING F1: NATALIE LE CLUE

Formula 1 in 2016: It’s out with the old, in with the new TOO many times new F1 circuits are talked up and promised to be glorious showpieces that will electrify the racing. And then you end up with Valencia, a dull F1 street circuit somewhere in Spain that evokes more winces than grins.

But the new hosts of the European Grand Prix may have hit on something special. As the most recent addition to the F1 calendar Azerbaijan’s Baku City circuit promises much from the initial glimpses of its layout. At six kilometres it’s second in length only to Spa-Francorchamps and with twenty corners behind Abu Dhabi’s 21 and Singapore’s 23.

But the most arresting feature of the circuit is slim width in certain areas of the track. It’s not pancake flat either; in fact it has significant elevation changes and

even a cobbled section.

Because it is a temporary circuit it isn’t required to subscribe to the FIA sporting code which stipulates a width of twelve meters, with an additional three meters on the starting grid. While the circuit has some areas which stretch to 13 metre width, its narrowest point, on Aziz Aliyev Street, is just 7.6 metres wide. The average speed of lap is currently projected at 210 kph and a top speed of 340 kph.

From an early perspective the Baku City circuit has many positives going for it: high-speed, tight sections, fast corners and for a street circuit, a longer than usual lap. Already it bears some similarities with China’s legendary Macau circuit.

While Baku is the ‘new’ that the title alludes to Pastor Maldonado is the one get-

New vehicle sales under pressure REPORTER THE latest Naamsa figures show that new vehicle sales in South Africa have dropped in January to its lowest in almost 5 years.

The overall industry was down 6.9 percent versus the same period last year, despite high rental sales, which accounted for one in four passenger vehicles sold.

In amplification of the new vehicle sales statistics for the month of January, 2016 – released on Monday for public consumption on the website of the Department of Trade & Industry - the Association commented that in line with general industry expectations, new vehicle sales had started 2016 on a weak note. Export sales of new motor vehicles had also registered a major year on year decline largely due to logistics and shipment issues.

In the event, January 2016 aggregate of new vehicle sales at 48 615 units had registered a decline of 3 613 vehicles or a fall of 6.9% compared to the 52 228 vehicles sold in January last year.

The January 2016 export sales at 13 057 units reflected an unexpectedly large decline of 3 652 vehicles or a fall of 21.9% compared to the 16 709 vehicles exported in January last year.

Overall, out of the total reported Industry sales of 48 615 vehicles, an estimated 36 456 units or 75.0% represented dealer sales, 18.4% represented sales to the vehicle rental Industry, 4.4% to Industry corporate fleets and 2.2% to government.

The new car market continued to experience pressure during January 2016 and at 34 936 units reflected a decline of 2 272 cars or a fall of 6.1% compared to the 37 208 new cars sold in January last year. The car rental Industry again made a strong contribution and accounted for 24.6% of new car sales in January, 2016.

X1R250J9-040216-QE-ebosoc-kia

ting the boot. The driver who signed up to race alongside Jolyon Palmer for the returning Renault team appears to be out of a job. Instead, former McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen has inked a deal and will be announced as a Renault driver within the coming days.

It may look as if the rug has been pulled from underneath Maldonado’s feet but not quite. The Venezuelan’s time in Formula 1 has been littered with far too much inconsistency and far too few performances of real value and competence.

In his three seasons with Williams he registered an impressive victory at Spain in 2012 but solid and consistent performances were a rarity. The inconsistency and throng of crashes, some inexplicable, continued throughout his two subsequent

seasons at Lotus and has marred the driver’s reputation.

Still he remained in F1 thanks to a lucrative sponsorship from Venezuela’s state-owned oil and gas company PDVSA. The sponsorship total, believed to be $46 million, is now no longer guaranteed as plunging oil prices and a volatile political landscape in Venezuela will stymie PDVSA’s involvement in F1.

For now, it doesn’t look like Maldonado will find a spot in F1 for 2016 but there are still two seats available at Manor, should he be interested in a seat at this team and should he be able to bring along the bulging sponsorship purse the team would likely be interested. Chances are though that Pastor Maldonado may have bid F1 an abrupt farewell.

20

Sport

February 4, 2016 Queenstown Express

# DEBT REPAYMENTS CAN FALL Debt Stress / We Can HELP!!

“NCR” Registered Debt Counsellors NCRDC1347 / 2295 Call / Whatsapp / send “please call” to

082 378 3743 / Office 045 838 9764

X1R1KG71-040216-QE-ebosoc-debt

Ntetha to represent Queenstown Boys’ Boxing Club TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE Queenstown Boys’ Boxing Club (QBBC) orthodox boxer Thimna Ntetha will be among QBBC pugilists who will be participating at the Chris Hani Amateur Boxing Organisation (CHABO) Chris Hani district boxing trials in Cala over the weekend.

Lukhanji soccer team players attacking Xhorha during the Build It U13 tournament on Saturday.

PHOTOS: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Buffalo City wins Build It U13 tournament TEMBILE SGQOLANA BUFFALO City U13 soccer team was crowned this year’s Build It Eastern Cape U13 champions after beating Engcobo 4-3 on penalties after the game ended in a stalemate on Saturday.

The team captain, who was also crowned the player of the tournament, Luxolo Nyala, said the tournament was not easy but his team worked hard to achieve the results. “ I want to thank Build It for giving us this opportunity and the South African Football Association (Safa) for looking after the future of football in the province,” he said.

Nyala thanked the supporters for cheering them and promised to defend the title next year.

Les Pillay from Build It head office said the tournament started in 2006 and it involved all the Build It stores around the country. “ All the stores had their own tournaments where best players are selected to represent the

store at the provincial event,” he said.

Pillay said the tournament is the best place to select the best players in the province.

“Taking into consideration the quality of football being played now in South Africa, this tournament will play a role in boosting the quality of football we have in the country,” he said.

Pillay said although football is quickly declining in South Africa, it is still a uniting factor of our society.

Daliwonga Tshandu from Build It said the tournament has produced a number of professional players.

“We have a woman who is now playing for Banyana Banyana and another player who is in the development of Amazulu,” he said.

Brian Hayes from Build It head office thanked the people who attended the tournament.

“This is the future of football and it needs all the support it can get,” he said.

Thimna Ntetha with his medal.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Ntetha is a young and talented boxer who surprised his trainers when he won all his bouts last year. He closed the year with a silver medal at the premier games where he lost by a small margin. That has motivated him to do more this year.

Speaking to the Express about his achievement, Ntetha said he will do everything in his power this year to be one of the best amateur boxers in the country.

“Every time I step into the ring, I focus on the fight and all my opponents know that. I love boxing and when I am at the ring I feel free,” he said.

Ntetha said he will be doing his best at the trials and warns his opponents. “I am ready and I will fight with anyone who challenges me,” he said.

QBBC coach and CHABO secretary Mabhuti Mapeyi said Ntetha will be fighting in the junior division. “ He had a successful year last year when he was undefeated in 14 bouts until the premier games where he was beaten in a close bout. Now we are hoping that he will win the premier games and represent the province at the national tournament later this year,” he said.

Mapeyi said Ntetha started boxing in 2010 and has improved a lot since then. “He is a disciplined boxer and will go a long way.

If he aims for anything and tells himself that he wants it, he gets it, that is the type of boxer he is. Outside boxing he is also a very good person who loves his family,” he said.

At the trials over the weekend they will be selecting a Chris Hani regional team which will represent the district in East London in March. “ All boxing clubs in Chris Hani district municipality will be represented as pugilists between the ages of 15 to 18 years will be fighting to be included in the regional team,” Mapeyi said.

QUEENSTOWN NISSAN | 167 CATHCART ROAD, QUEENSTOWN Tel: 045 8392127 | Patrick 082 471 2898 | Loyiso 073 0697616

The Buffalo City U13 team was crowned this year’s Build It U13 Eastern Province winners.