Queenstown Express 1 June 2017

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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

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Council approves budget TEMBILE SGQOLANA

C

HRIS Hani District Municipality’s final budget for the new financial year was approved by Council on Wednesday last week An operating revenue of R1.039 billion was approved, while the operating expenditure stands at R1.285 billion. The capital revenue amounts to R514 million and the capital expenditure is budgeted at R611 million.

The final budget shows a deficit of R343.5 million in comparison with the adjust-

ment budget deficit of R382.1 million.

“The budget deficit indicates that the municipality is not generating its own revenue to fund the capital budget, and thus depends heavily on grants,” says CHDM Executive Mayor, Kholiswa Vimbayo.

“Some 60% of the operating budget comes from grant funding. The grant funding to be received for the new financial year was, however, reduced due a decrease in grant allocations and grants not being provided for.”

Operating Budget The operating revenue for 2017/18 totals

R1.039 billion. This is an increase of 14% (R125.146 million) compared to the second adjustment budget of R914 million for the current financial year.

According to Vimbayo, the significant increase in operating revenue results mainly from increased billing and the possible increase of water and sanitation (6%), operating grants (4%), and other revenue (6%).

“The 6% increase in other revenue will largely be sourced from input VAT from conditional grants, increased investment interest (6%), and a higher interest rate on outstanding service debtors that are in arrears.”

The operating expenditure for 2017/18 totals R1.285 billion. It is a 1% increase compared to the 2017/18 draft budget (R1.271 billion) and a decrease of 1% compared to the adjustment budget (R1.299 billion).

The increase is due to the 2% increase in debt impairment, a 3.5% increase in asset depreciation and impairment, and a 7% increase in employee related costs. Councillors’ remuneration increased by 7%, and bulk water purchases increased by 8%. The decrease is owing to the 48% abatement in contracted services and 11.9% diminution of other expenditures.

Continued on page 2

Bullhoek Massacre commemorated The Church of God and Saints of Christ and the community of Enoch Mgijima Municipality commemorated the 96th anniversary of the Bullhoek Massacre at the Bullhoek Development in Ntabelan­ ga on Sunday. Almost 200 members of the Israelite church were killed by the police on May 24 in 1921. During the commemoration Bishop Vukile Mdekazi laid a wreath at the grave of the church members who died in the massacre. Read the full story on page 4.

PHOTO:TEMBILE SGQOLANA

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June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

Council approves Chris Hani Municipaliy’s budget Continued from page 1 “Debt impairment was increased in relation to the audited outcomes for the 2015/16 financial year, while the asset depreciation is in relation to that of the 2016/17 financial year,” says Vimbayo.

“Employee related costs were increased to allow for cost of living adjustments, CPI increase and staff integration. It also makes provision for the prioritised positions and

contracted services such as security services at all satellite offices in the district.”

The equitable share-funded projects decreased by 6% when compared to the adjustment budget.

“The projects had to be decreased due to limited resources available. The municipality will have to explore alternative avenues to improve the revenue,” says Vimbayo.

The tariff increases are 6% for municipal health tariffs, while water and sanitation

will be calculated as a step tariff for 70% of water consumption and municipal health.

Capital Budget The capital budget will mainly be funded from government grants and subsidies.

The capital revenue for 2017/18 totals R514 million. This is a decrease of 26% compared to the second adjustment budget.

“The decrease in capital funding will have a negative effect on the planning and

implementation of projects,” says Vimbayo.

The capital expenditure for 2017/18 totals R611 million, which is a decrease of 12% when compared to the second adjustment budget.

The capital expenditure is made up of R524 million from conditional grants and R97 million from asset financing reserves.

The latter will be used to fund municipal assets and the CHDM Village.

MEC Xasa only approves appointment of 4 of 8 councillors TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Fikile Xasa has told Enoch Mgijima Municipality that it cannot afford to appoint additional councillors, including a portfolio head, on a full-time status without compromising service delivery.

This letter comes after the municipality applied for additional full-time councillors from the MEC. The application came after the inauguration of the executive mayor of Enoch Mgijima Municipality, Lindiwe GunuzaNkwentsha, who announced her mayoral committee consisting of eight councillors, including the chief whip and the municipal public accounts chairperson.

After the matter was raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the municipality made an application to the MEC. In a letter addressed to Gunuza-Nkwentsha dated May 11, 2017, Xasa said his decision was made after critical consideration of the financial health of the municipality,

with specific reference to the debt of R5.1 million inherited from the former Inkwanca and Tsolwana municipalities, the former Lukhanji Municipality labour unrest which resulted in a loss of approximately R50 million in revenue and the depletion of reserves of approximately R100 million within a few months of the new entity.

Xasa advised in the letter that the municipality should focus on revenue generation. “Once this is improved other positions can be considered,” the letter stated.

Xasa said that he had approved the final designation of the chief whip, Municipal Public Accounts chairperson and chairpersons of four key portfolio committees.

Xasa approved the portfolio head of budget and treasury, corporate services, technical services and community services.

The directorates for which appointments were not approved are the local economic development, community safety, human settlements and special programmes unit.

He said the full-time status of the councillors becomes effective once the final

designation has been made by way of notice in the provincial Gazette. It becomes effective on the first day of the month following publication.

The MEC’s letter comes after DA councillor Malibongwe Xhelisilo wrote to the municipality’s acting municipal manager, Siyabonga Nkonki, requesting that he immediately cancel the appointment of the fulltime councillors.

According to Xhelisilo’s letter, the councillors “were unlawfully appointed by the municipality in 2016. The councillors should immediately pay back all the money paid to them in salaries since their appointment in September 2016.”

He said the municipality appointed eight full-time councillors instead of two as permitted by law.

“The August 2016 Provincial Gazette permitted the municipality to employ two full-time councillors, the executive mayor and the speaker. This meant that any appointment outside this provision would have been against the law,” he said.

According to Xhelisilo the municipality deliberately flouted this provision and

went on to appoint eight full-time councillors, “who have been illegally paid with municipal funds that could have been used for infrastructure and service delivery.

“Failure by the acting MM to comply with my request, will make him personally liable as he is the accounting officer for Enoch Mgijima Municipality,” said Xhelisilo.

The municipality’s spokesperson, Fundile Feketshana, had at time of going to print not yet responded to questions sent to him by Queenstown Express.

Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha said the letter was addressed to her by the MEC and she was shocked to see it circulating before it got to her.

“In a meeting, the MEC explained to us how he had reached that decision and encouraged us to write to him. We have written to the MEC providing him with more information which will assist him,” she said.

Gunuza said nothing has been done wrong in the process and they are busy liaising with the MEC.

Whittlesea community shocked by many rapes TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE residents of Oxton Village and surrounding villages in Whittlesea are fearing for their lives after three rape incidents in less than a month in the area.

Angry residents held a meeting on Tuesday after the murder and rape of the latest victim while on her way home on May 20.

The victim suffered head injuries and died a day later in hospital.

On Monday the angry residents of Oxton and surrounding areas protested outside the Whittlesea Magistrate’s Court against the granting of bail to the accused in this incident, as well as in the case of another accused who appeared before the court for the alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl from the same village.

In the third rape incident, the suspect was granted bail of R300 and will again appear in court on June 27. Since the suspect have not yet pleaded on the charges, he may not be named.

The suspect in the alleged rape and murder case will appear in the Whittlesea Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application on Monday.

The suspect in the alleged rape of the 9-year-old girl was denied bail and will appear in court on July 2. In both these cases the suspects may not be named.

Queenstown Express visited the small village of Oxton on Tuesday and on arrival found angry residents filling the small building which villagers use to hold meetings.

Elderly women and men came in numbers to show their support for the victim who died and who has left behind seven young children.

Speaking to Queenstown Express about the incidents, one of the victims said the accused dragged her out of her house and raped her outside.

“My husband was not at home at the time.

He raped me and took me inside the house.

He got inside the house and wanted to rape me again. We fought and he went home,” she said.

She said she still remembers all the details of that day.

Her husband said the suspect saw him leave the house and came to his house to rape his wife.

“I don’t know what to do with this man; I am angry and if I saw him I would have killed him,” said the victim’s husband.

The leader of the village of the area, Sipho Jaxa, said people must know that bad things are happening in Oxton.

“Rapists and murderers are not welcome in the village. We want people to know that we won’t tolerate criminals in Oxton,” he said Community police forum member Thabisa

Residents of Oxton village at a meeting on Tuesday.

Hlazo said the community was angry about the rape of the two women and a young girl in the space of a month.

Hlazo said they don’t want these suspects out on bail.

“We don’t sleep at night fearing for our own safety as we don’t know who will be attacked next,” she said.

One of the residents Nomzwakhe Rhabe said women are not safe in the village.

“These children break into our houses and rape us. They steal our things and as old peo-

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

ple we are not safe from these criminals. I do not want them to be released on bail,” she said.

Another resident Nomfundo Tshikolo said this all started with the stealing of people’s things. This was followed by the throwing of stones at people’s houses. Now it’s the rape cases – about seven people have been raped in the village.

“Even old people here are raped. The community don’t want to see these criminals in this village,” said Rhabe.

News

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

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UDM interdicts council to stop MM appointment TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE United Democratic Movement interdicted the Enoch Mgijima Municipality council to stop the appointment of the municipal manager claiming that he was appointed without following proper procedure.

This was the second council meeting to be stopped after the first one was stopped due to disagreements within the ANC and the South African Municipal Workers Union.

According to the interdict issued by the Grahamstown High Court, the application was postponed to June 20 for hearing.

Queenstown Express has the selection report of the appointment of the municipal manager.

In the report, it is stated the interviewing panel convened on February 3, 2017 but had to abandon proceedings due to circumstances beyond its control and the panellists agreed to reconvene on February 6.

A total of 27 applications were received for the

vacancy and out of that five people were shortlisted.

The shortlisted people were, former Tsolwana municipal manager Similo Dayi, Nomthandazo Mazwayi, Mcebisi Nonjola, Thembeni Samuel and Andile Sihlahla who has since been appointed as the municipal manager of Buffalo City Metro. The candidates were subjected to the screening process and the security vetting and reference checks.

The report stated that the interviews were conducted on February 20, 2017, and the panel unanimously agreed that Thembeni Samuel had performed to the satisfaction of the selection panel during interviews and should therefore be recommended for appointment.

It further stated that based on interview scores and the independent verification assessment, the panel resolved to propose that council consider the appointment of Samuel as the municipal manager, although he achieved a basic scoring rate from the assessors.

The report said Samuel had proved competent

in the critical areas of financial proficiency, planning, organising, project management as well as programme management.

On March 2, 2017, United Front Eastern Cape councillor Aaron Mhlontlo submitted questions to the office of council speaker Mzoxolo Peter asking why the acting municipal manager Siyabonga Nkonki was given up to the end of May, implicating that the appointed municipal manager will assume duties on June 1.

Mhlontlo said in a council meeting on January 31, 2017, Peter had interrupted Enoch Mgijima Municipality executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha while she was about to announce the panel, reminding her of the principles and the particular way to deal with the matter.

“Clarity seeking questions were asked with the expectation that they would be dealt with in the next council meeting which was never done in the council meeting on February 28, 2017,” he said.

Responding to the questions, Peter said the

processes have not been completed yet and when the processes are done council will duly be informed.

In last week’s agenda, it was recommended that council appoint Samuel on a fixed term of employment that shall be terminated one year after the election of the next municipal council, subject to that Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa is supplied with the written report regarding the appointment within 14 days from the date of the resolution.

It was also recommended that the executive mayor be authorised to negotiate and finalise an employment contract and an all-inclusive remuneration package within the statutory limitations within 14 days from the date of the resolution.

Enoch Mgijima Muncipality executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha confirmed the interdict by the UDM stopping the council meeting from appointing the municipal manager. She said she could not comment further on the details of the interdict.

Correction: Wrong person quoted in report on ANCYL calling for the appointment of municipal manager QUEENSTOWN Express incorrectly attributed quotes to Siyabonga Nkonki, interim Municipal Manager for the Enoch Mgijima Municipality, in a report that was published on page 2 of last week’s

newspaper.

The report was on the ANCYL calling for the appointment of a Municipal Manager for the Enoch Mgijima Municipality.

The mistake was made in the subediting process and Queenstown Express unreservedly apologises to Mr Nkonki as well as to ANCYL STT convener Zithulele Sigonyela, who is the person who the quotes

ANCYL calls for the appointment of MM TEMBILE SQOLANA THE SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Subregional Task Team (STT) are at loggerheads over the appointment of a Municipal Manager for the Enoch Mgijima Municipality.

While Samwu opposes the appointment of a Municipal Manager, the ANCYL’s STT urges that an end must be put to all the delays hampering the successful appointment of a Municipal Manager.

The Enoch Mgijima Municipality has been without a Municipal Manager since its establishment in August last year when Tsolwana, Inkwanca and Lukhanji local municipalities amalgamated.

Former Lukhanji Municipal Manager Nolwandle Gqiba was appointed as the Interim Municipal Manager, but resigned soon after the position was advertised earlier this year. She has since joined the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

Similo Dayi, former Tsolwana Municipal Manager, stepped in, and was later replaced by former Lukhanji Corporate Services Director Siyabonga Nkonki.

STT Convener Zithulele Sigonyela said in a statement earlier this month, that Nkonki should be replaced by a manager who is more focused on creating administrative stability, instead of fuelling discord among municipal employees.

“It is our desire that all those deployed by the ANC for causing friction within the municipality, should immediately withdraw themselves from this unscrupulous activity,” said Sigonyela.

“The placement of employees raised more questions than providing answers. Therefore, we feel that all processes relating to the recruitment and placement of employees, should be postponed until a Municipal Manager is appointed. Once appointed, everything else will fall into place.

“We cannot afford to see our communities divided and service delivery compromised. We will fight until this battle is won, bringing harmony to this municipality. We call on municipal employees to be aware of individuals who advance their selfish personal interest at the expense of the institution.”

Sigonyela said the Samwu leadership deliberately ignored its responsibility of protecting workers’ interests, improving material conditions of workers, imparting ideological clout and advancing the struggles of the classless society.

“It is our call upon all responsible Samwu members to defend this noble revolutionary trade union from being hijacked and infiltrated by lumpen pro-

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letariats,” said Sigonyela.

According to him, it is the responsibility of Samwu members to take the union “from the hands of opportunistic and ambitious people who represent selfish interest at the expense of the organisation.”

“As ANCYL Enoch Mgijima STT we observed with great anxiety how factionalism is destabilising the municipality. This tendency needs to be rejected with the contempt that it deserves as these actions are contaminating the administration of the institution.

“It is depressing to bear witness to the battle for the soul of the municipality by the local and regional Samwu leadership, and in doing so, sow disunity within the municipality.”

According to Sigonyela, the investments of the former Lukhanji Municipality decreased to such an extent that it will be depleted within the next two to three years.

“An investigation must be launched to determine how this former municipality’s investments have been exhausted in such a short space of time.

“The management void created by the absence of an accounting officer exacerbated by a plethora of acting subordinates, impacts negatively on the municipality’s stability,” said Sigonyela.

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News

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

Israelites commemorate Bullhoek Massacre

TEMBILE SGQOLANA THE Church of God and Saints of Christ and the community of Enoch Mgijima Municipality commemorated the 96th anniversary of the Bullhoek Massacre at the Bullhoek Development in Ntabelanga on Sunday.

The event commemorated the brutal killing of close to 200 members of the Israelite church by the police on May 24 in 1921.

Speaking about the purpose of the day, Mavuso Dokoda said the issue of land led to the killings.

“Prophet Enoch Mgijima had a vision for the land and there were plans to build an irrigation scheme. When the white people wanted to remove the Israelites here, Mgijima and his people did not want to vacate their land,” he said.

“Mgijima stopped all men from going to the mines. We wanted to create jobs as he had a vision to have a scheme here to feed these men,” he said.

Enoch Mgijima Municipality executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha said the struggle that was fought by Mgijima was the struggle of the land.

“He wanted to develop this land and have irrigation schemes here. The idea to use the land is what these people were killed for,” she said.

Nkwentsha said it is time for the church to work together with the municipality to practise economic freedom.

“We must have a clear programme on how we can use the name of Enoch Mgijima to push for the development of the municipality. As the municipality we have an interest in developing this area and our IDP talks to that,” she said.

Nkwentsha said as the municipality they wish to walk in the shoes of Mgijima according to his wishes.

“We want to be a municipality that knows how to eradicate poverty and to develop the economy and skills of the people in the area with what we have. We need to professionalise farming and change the mind-set of black people,” said Nkwentsha.

Nkwentsha said they must start using the Bullhoek Development as a heritage site and not only use it in May. “This place must be used as a tourist attraction to grow the economy of the town,” she said.

Standing at the grave are from left, Bishop Solomon Pehlo, Bishop Zolile Mgijima, Enoch Mgijima Municipality executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza­Nkwentsha, Bishop Mkhuseli Matshoba, Bishop Simon Sybok and Bishop Vukile Mdekazi.

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Candle Light Memorial for those affected by HIV and Aids TEMBILE SGQOLANA CHRIS Hani District Municipality held a Candle Light Memorial in memory of residents who passed away from HIV and Aids.

Chris Hani District Municipality Chief Whip Bongiwe van Heerden and HIV and Aids Activist Linda Nika lights a candle at the recent Candle Light Memorial in honour of those who passed away due to HIV and Aids.

PHOTO:TEMBILE SGQOLANA

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EX press

The memorial preceded the State of the District Address held at the Cala Indoor Sport Centre on Friday.

Speaking at the event, CHDM Special Programmes Unit Head Nonzukiso Matiwane said recent statistics show that new HIV infections have increased with 34%.

“It is more expensive to treat people with HIV, than to prevent people from con-

tracting the disease,” says Matiwane. “We cannot sit idle and wait for people to get sick and then want to cure them. The focus must be on awareness and prevention. ” In her State of the District Address, CHDM Executive Mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo said they had started the day by lighting candles in remembrance of all those who have passed away from HIV and Aids, as well as those who are affected by it.

According to Vimbayo, a survey was done beforehand to determine the burning issues that affect community members and need to be addressed to improve living conditions.

“This information will be used to

change services rendered for the better,” says Vimbayo.

“One of the main issues was HIV and aids. To address this, safety, health and environmental representatives and first aiders were trained to create an incident-free work environment where employees are empowered and conscious of occupational risk. First aid kits have also been installed in all municipal vehicles.

“Education and awareness programmes on personal protective clothing and equipment for employees in high risk positions have been implemented in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Strategy and Health Risk Assessment Policy.”

Residents plead for reopening of Philani Clinic in Mlungisi ZINTLE BOBELO IT has been more than four weeks since the shutdown protest at Philani Clinic in Mlungisi and the gates are still locked.

Queenstown Express reported on May 4 that the residents of Mlungisi had shut the clinic down due to grievances that include the mistreatment of patients by a specific nurse and nurses who were required to work overtime, but did not receive adequate payment.

The residents demanded a resolution be made by the Department of Health MEC. Clinic Committee chairperson Nompumelelo Kweza said there has not been any form of communication from the Department and they have not received any feedback on the matter. Kweza said they want the clinic to

open because community members are suffering and they are treated unequally when visiting other clinics.

“We don’t know why they are prolonging the process. It is evident that they do not care about this community because if they did, something would have been done by now.”

She said they are guarding the gate to protect the premises against vandalism.

Kweza confirmed that they have sent an email to the Minister of Health, asking Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to intervene.

Queenstown Express on Monday morning spoke with distressed residents who are Philani Clinic patients but have been forced by the shutdown to go to the New Rest Clinic.

Two female residents, who chose to not disclose their names, showed dissatisfaction, saying the situation has greatly affected

them. One of the residents said they spend hours outside in the cold, waiting in long queues and they are sometimes told that there is not enough medicine for everyone.

The other resident pleaded for intervention, saying that this causes interruption of their treatment and taking of medicines because they are sometimes told to come back another day.

“This is affecting our health. It’s a major setback,” she said.

Department of Health provincial spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, said despite all the efforts made, it is now up to the community to allow operations to take place.

“We have engaged with the unions and we are dealing with the matter internally. They cannot interfere with internal processes,” Kupelo said.

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Patients wait for assistance at the New Rest Clinic, following the closing of Philani Clinic.

Philani Clinic remains closed after residents demanded the attention of the Department of Health MEC. PHOTOS: ZINTLE BOBELO

News

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

Opposition parties applaud Vimbayo’s SODA TEMBILE SGQOLANA

Giving a message of support, African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor Sabelo Nxawe and Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Robert Venske said they welcomed the state of the district address and assured residents of Cala, who packed the Cala Indoor Sport Centre, that there is service delivery in Chris Hani District Municipality.

Chief Xolela Mbali said as chiefs that are in council they agree that the SODA is a true reflection of what they have been talking about in council.

Addressing the packed tent, Vimbayo said, that while acknowledging the great strides they have made with regard to the delivery of services, they must also admit that there is a series of challenges still confronting their municipalities.

“We intend to work tirelessly in the next five years and leave no stone unturned to ensure that we deliver on our promises,” said Vimbayo.

She said since July 2014, they have assumed responsibility for all water provisioning operations and revenue management functions of all the local municipalities including absorbing all staff.

“This also meant inheriting the former Lukhanji municipality’s 25year private contract with Water and Sanitation Service South Africa (WSSA) which was limited to Komani and Ezibeleni. Our contract with WSSA is coming to an end and we wish to express a word of gratitude to them for the high standard of service and the transference of skills to staff over this period,” she said.

Vimbayo said WSSA operational staff will all be absorbed by the CHDM as at July 1, 2017, except for their management whom they are negotiating with for their services for a short-term contract not exceeding 18 months.

“Our management will be working with them on site in order to fully understand their operations and making sure that the services are rendered optimally to our communities,” she said.

Vimbayo said their drinking water is safe and far exceeds the set minimum standards as it has improved from 53% to 97% and these results have been independently verified through the National Blue Drop programme.

She said they are on high alert as the low dam levels – due to the drought – could affect water quality.

“We spare no effort in monitoring and controlling the situation across the district – particularly in Dordrecht

Gran gets electricity for first time after 4 decades YOLANDA DAMANE AFTER decades without electricity, an elderly Komani resident is now able to cook food, wash clothes and do other household chores at the flick of a switch after having her lights switched on for the very first time.

OPPOSITION parties and traditional leaders applauded Chris Hani District Municipality executive mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo’s state of the district address (SODA) claiming that it is a true reflection of what is happening in the district authority.

Sakhisizwe Municipality mayor Siyabulela Nxozi, Chris Hani District Municipality executive mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo and Emalahleni Municipality mayor Nomveli­ so Nyukwana.

PHOTO:TEMBILE SGQOLANA and Cradock,” she said.

She said they have injected close to R290 million in the Xonxa Bulk Water Supply project which will benefit Enoch Mgijima and Emalahleni municipalities.

These include communities like Xonxa and surrounding areas, Machibini, Ilinge, and Komani.

Furthermore, a 5-million-litres reservoir has been constructed and mechanical and electrical equipment for a pump station, as well as a steel pumping main, has been installed at Xonxa.

This project has created a number of jobs in the area.

“We are deeply concerned by the non-compliance of the licensed waste management sites across all local municipalities where only 3 have complied out of 14 waste sites.

“We can attribute this to non-compacting of waste, burning of waste and absence of access control on sites. We have allocated a sum of R2 million to assist local municipalities with outstanding compliance issues,” she said.

She said they applaud pockets of excellence and strides by the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality in this regard as they received an award for their best practices in waste management from the Department of Enviromental Affairs.

According to Vimbayo, the Chris Hani Development Agency will work with other partners to operationalise the four district irrigation schemes, drive value addition and manage the district mechanisation centre.

“They will also facilitate local economic investment through the revitalisation of the Komani Industrial Park, foster local business linkages and facilitate access to markets locally and beyond. This shall be achieved through broad based participation in the industrial sector by community and ruralbased enterprises and the promotion of black industrialists,” she said.

She said the agency is administering the Community Skills Development Fund to assist highly performing stu-

dents in scarce skills acquisition to the cost of R2 million per year and facilitating learnerships and Career exhibitions.

Vimbayo said the municipality operates with a budget of R1 039 billion with R629 million appropriated through government grants and subsidies.

“The municipal budget for capital expenditure is R514 million which is a meagre amount compared to what is required to dent service delivery challenges before us.

“The municipality wishes to encourage its communities to pay their water and sanitation in order for the municipality to maintain its operations.

“As a means of substituting our shrinking fiscus, council has approved a 6% tariff increase in an attempt to ensure sustainable delivery of services,” she said.

Vimbayo said they have committed to ensuring that 30% of its total budget is benefiting its local suppliers (SMMEs) in order to improve their competitive edge, economic growth and job creation.

“We are going to speed up our capital projects to stimulate the local economy in order to create jobs in the affected areas. This seeks to ensure our commitment to fiscal prudence and we shall monitor all our programmes closely in order to deliver on our mandate,” she said.

She said the district municipality will be working closely with the Auditor General’s office to improve their audit outcomes as they have been receiving qualified audit opinions for the past three years.

“We have declared war on leaks and will announce in no time our programme of action in this regard focusing more on indigents across the district.

“We plead with our communities to report illegal water connections as this is damaging the whole system and denies the community from receiving the best service the district can offer,” Vimbayo said.

5

Since Nosiphiwo Mdayi and her family moved to Komani more than four decades ago, it has been a daily struggle living without electricity. Even after her neighbours received electricity in 1994, Mdayi continued living without power, envying the luxury her fellow community members enjoyed. This despite the fact that electrical cables were installed at her house some years ago, but were never connected.

That has now all changed thanks to the hard work and dedication of Ward Councillor Mncedisi Mbengo. In doing so, he not only brought an end to the “darkness” but also restored her standing in the local community.

According to Mdayi, it was tough living without electricity.

“I had to use a flame stove to cook. If there was no money to buy paraffin, I only had water before going to bed at night. Some houses had electricity installed, but we were always skipped.

She exploited every possible avenue to have electricity installed at her house, but without any success. “We had people die in this house. Councillors came and went without any assistance,” says Mdayi.

“For 22 years I watched other people enjoy the freedom electricity brings. I, however, was not able to enjoy the same freedom.”

Mdayi says, were it not for the endless assistance of her church and Mbengo, she still would not have had electricity. “I would still have been a nobody,” she says.

“They helped me a great deal.

I thank them very much. Thanks to them, I am also somebody. I am really overjoyed. Now, I too, can enjoy the pleasure of switching on a light. It is still very unreal. I have to pinch myself to ensure that I am not dreaming.”

Mbengo says, “I first noticed Mdayi’s struggle when I was a Ward Committee Member some 20 years ago. Unfortunately, at that stage I did not have the power to assist her in her fight for electricity. In conjunction with the church, we wrote several letters to the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

“Usually a household that did not have electricity before, is referred to a private company who will install electricity at a cost of between R7 000 and R8 000.

Knowing that Mdayi does not have that kind of money, we continued our fight to ensure that the municipality connect her to the electrical grid free. Finally our hard work paid off.”

According to Mbengo, he is grateful for the cooperation of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Lindiwe Gunuza, who played a vital role in ensuring a swift application process.

< After decades of struggling without electricity, Komani­resident Nosiphiwo Mdayi (right) is now switched on thanks to the hard work of Ward Councillor Mncedisi Mbengo (left). PHOTO: YOLANDA DAMANE

Queenstown Academy’ cross country athletes excel THE Queenstown Academy’s cross country team excelled at the Tarka Twizza Trophy and ACSA Regional Event on May 20.

Bokhe Mgijima (girls u.13) and Lu-

fezo Bambata (boys u.11) both boast with gold medals, while Inathi Moyeni (girls u.10) and Yibanathi Witbooi (boys u.11) received silver medals.

Poloko Rantsane (boys u.11), An-

athi Ngxatu (boys u.13), Lisakhanya Sikoti (girls u.10) and Sisonke Msutu (girls u.13) all secured a fourth place and received a bronze medal.

– REPORTER

< In front (from left), are Poloko Rantsane, Lisakhanya Sikoti, Sisonke Msutu, Inathi Moyeni, Anathi Ngxatu, Yibanathi Witbooi, Bokhe Mgijima and Lufezo Bambata. In the middle (from left) are Bukho Lembese, Okuhle Gqoboka, Lisolawo Tshaka, Anganathi Jikija, Kamvalihle Nokepeyi, Lisakhan­ ya Mgulwa, Hlumelo Marutha and Ayabonga Witbooi. At the back (from left) are Lufefe Nokepeyi, Namhla Hoko, Bavuyile Mhobo, Luvo Fumbata and Ohluma Maqula. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

X1TLA38J-QE010617

6 Komani­filmmaker dreams big News

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE LIGHTS ... camera ... action ... take one ...

Komani-born Lindokuhle Kuka (21) dreams of being the next Quinton Tarentino or even Steven Spielberg. But with one difference for now: his debut short film Mid-night Murder will not feature famous Hollywood stars like Morgan Freeman, but will rather star local talent.

Kuka is a second year film student

at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) majoring in scriptwriting and film directing.

Mid-night Murder being a noncommercial project, Kuka is in dire need of sponsors to help him realise his dream of producing his first home-based short film and creating a platform for local, talented young people.

The short film is about a psychic detective who investigates the murder of a Jane Doe. “I have always been fascinated by

sci-fi and film noir,” says Kuka whose passion for film was ignited during a gap year in 2015. “My debut film is a combination of my two favourite genres.”

According to Kuka, he thought long and hard about what he wanted to do with his life and being a film producer came out at the top.

“I plan to submit my short film to the Jozi and Durban Film Festivals.

Should it receive positive reviews, which I hope it will, I want to submit it to international film festi-

vals,” says Kuka.

“I want to share this experience with my home town. I hope that the film will give exposure to Komani’s talent and shine a spotlight on the town at large.”

Aspiring actors or investors can contact Kuka at 073 273 5457 or email buhle.kuka@gmail.com. ; Lindokuhle Kuka, a young filmmaker from Komani, is currently working on his debut film Mid­night Murder. PHOTO: SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE

Eastern Cape schools awarded 23 000 computers SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE THE Mobile Data Devices campaign for teachers and senior district officials in the Eastern Cape was recently launched.

The campaign was launched by the Eastern Cape Department of Education Head of Department (Hod) Themba Kojana at the Trinset Education Institute in Mthatha last week.

This multi-million ICT campaign is set to equip schools, Education Development Officers (EDO), circuits and district officials with laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

According to Kojana, providing these organisations and employees with the necessary resources, is the first step to help ensure smooth functioning in the districts.

“We are assisting all our workers to do their work effectively and efficiently by providing the tools necessary to do so,” says Kojana.

“In addition, delivering a service to our people is now made easy as districts will function to their full capa-city with these new tools.”

The first phase of the digital programme will be rolled out to 16 000 foundation phase teachers and support staff members at district level.

“Once everyone at primary

school level receives the supporting mate-rial, it will be rolled out to high schools should the necessary funding be available,” says Education MEC Mandla Makupula.

The programme will be rolled out to subject advisors, district officials, and school principals and educators.

Subject Advisors Working directly with schools as field workers, each Subject Advisor will receive a traceable laptop with a 2GB data card monthly and a mobile phone.

This will enable them to keep up to date with reports and requests for information, thus improving

the service they deliver to their alloca-ted schools.

District Officials Selected officials in each district - including Personal Assistants (PA), Assistant Directors and Senior Education Specialists (SES) will receive laptops with 2 GB data monthly and a mobile phone in order to provide support to circuits.

School principals and educators All school educators and principals will receive a laptop with a 2 GB data card monthly, a tablet and mobile phone.

The Department scheduled ongo-

ing basic computer training for all these recipients to equip them to uti-lise these devices effectively.

The training will focus on email and Internet usage.

The Department has also appointed district and school support teams to ensure the smooth running of the project.

This, according to Kojana, will minimise paperwork while equipping officials to be technologically friendly.

“This campaign should help restore hope to our people while also emphasising that we are putting theory to action as the Department is turning the corner in servicing our people,” he concludes.

Mend A Broken Heart gives siblings new hope ZINTLE BOBELO TWO Whittlesea siblings, whose mother passed away more than 10 years ago, have received a second chance in life.

Two siblings from Whittlesea received donations as part of the Mend A Broken Heart initiative. From left are Councillor Lulama Sokhuphe, benefici­ aries Zintle and Zenzo Nomgenge and Councillor Zukiswa Ralane.

PHOTO:YOLANDA DAMANE

Living in a two-room house in Whittlesea, Zintle (21) and Zenzo Nomgenge (24) faced dire circumstances with little support from family members after their mother’s passing in 1996. Many a day they went to bed hungry.

Their future looked bleak, until the Mend A Broken Heart initiative, in conjunction with Doves Funeral Directors and local congregations, extended a helping hand.

Through the assistance of Ward 25 Councillor Lulama Sokhuphe, the siblings were identified as beneficiaries of the Mend A Broken Heart initiative.

The siblings received a new bed, refrigerator, mini stove and oven, clothes and food parcels at a handover at Sada Community Hall. Their house was also painted.

The Mend A Broken Heart initiative was kicked off by Umhlobo Wenene FM radio personality, Sizwe Saliso. He is also known as DJ Slyso.

Saliso says the initiative started as an outreach programme at the launch of a Whittlesea church soup kitchen by Reverend Nomathamsanqa Rweqana of Umhlobo Wenene FM. Saliso used his social media platform and drove around the Eastern Cape collecting clothes to donate to underprivileged families.

This drew the attention of Doves Funeral Directors who joined in the movement to lend a helping hand.

Doves Area Manager Noxolo Soqaka

says their aim is to help the community and try and change the lives of the disadvantaged. “We want to show the community that although we are a funeral business, we are here for our people.”

Sokhuphe says, “The siblings were living in bad conditions. They didn’t have a proper bed to sleep in, no spoons and only three plastic plates. They had no food to eat.

“The visit to their house was very emotional and everyone was touched.

Through the initiative we have the ability to change their circumstances.”

Zenzo and Zintle, who expressed their emotions during their thank you speech, shared words of appreciation for the support given to them.

Zintle hopes to become a nurse so that she can create a better life for her and her brother.

Komani-born artist dreams big ZINTLE BOBELO LOCAL afro-pop artist and songwriter Kaya “Kejavu” Pambo recently shot a music video for his latest single, Intombi yasemaphupheni.

X1TLA38K-QE010617

Pambo, who is originally from Komani, started singing in school choirs at a very young age. He said that while he was growing up, music was never this joyful and he never considered pursuing it as a career.

He later moved to Port Elizabeth with his mother where he was exposed to instrumentals and the music environment. His love for music was revived. He joined a church choir and discovered his talent for playing the guitar.

Eager to climb the musical ladder, Pambo moved to Johannesburg to pursue his singing career.

While doing gigs around Johannesburg, he was spotted by Three Rings Circus and was chosen to participate in the FNB Rocking Future Roadshow which travelled around

the country, giving performances at career exhibitions.

Pambo then started working doing events and marketing with institutions like Damelin and Boston College. After countless attempts in the industry, he started his own events company, Honey Combo Media Production and Events.

“There were so many empty promises; that’s when I realised that I have come too far to let everything go. I thought, let me learn the game, and manage myself to become an institution.”

Pambo is the first artist his company signed and he hopes to manage other aspiring artists.

His company also facilitates in hosting health awareness events and will be having a talk on healthy lifestyles at an old age home on June 5 in partnership with the Health Shop.

Guest speaker, Doctor Lydia Jaceni, a Naturopath, will be in attendance.

Pambo’s latest song, which speaks about his ideal woman, was inspired

Local artist Kaya “Kajevu” Pambo recently released a music video for his latest single, Intombi Yasemaphu­ pheni.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED by a break-up. The song is currentlyaired on various radio stations and the video is also available on YouTube. He hopes to release another single this year.

Pambo encouraged young people to always follow their dreams.

“Life is not about giving up. Be willing to push and never underestimate the small things that you have done. You will regret not having tried what you always wanted to do,” he said.

7 Local farmers compete at agricultural show News

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

< Vumani Pele’s lucerne trees were for sale at the Enoch Mgijima Municipality Agricultural Show.

TEMBILE SGQOLANA CHRIS Hani District farmers shone at the Enoch Mgijima Municipality Agricultural Show.

Farmers and crafters from the former Lukhanji, Tsolwana and Inkwanca municipalities showcased and sold their fresh produce, hand-made articles and other products at the show held at Abambo Agricultural High School in Mceula Village last Thursday.

Enoch Mgijima Municipality Department of Agriculture Director Mfokazana Ndaba, says the show is aimed at motivating local residents to become good farmers and to heed agriculture as a business.

According to Ndaba, they would have liked to see more farmers participate in the

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

show, but they are positive that the next show will boast more farmers.

Pumpkins, carrots beetroot . . . The quality of the fresh produce on sale was judged by a panel of experts.

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

“We want farmers from all over the Enoch Mgijima Municipality that are

able to compete with farmers from across the country and to produce products that conform to the standards of the Department of Agriculture,” says Ndaba. “As government, we are assisting farmers to farm according to these national standards.”

Farmer Zamukhwakha Ndarha from Sibonile Village in Whittlesea, says the show was great. “Our participation in the show will help to revive our farming,” he says.

Lucerne farmer Vumani Pele of Vumubuntu is dreaming of starting a lucerne farm in Whittlesea.

“We are currently dealing in lucerne trees and attended the show to showcase our trees to other farmers. These trees are drought resistant and evergreen.” says Pele. “Lucerne trees can grow up to six metres and must be pruned.”

Crafters sold their colourful hand­made ware at the show.

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

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Lifestyle

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

9

FOCUS ON : CHILD PROTECTION WEEK (May 28 to June 4)

Residents have their say on Child Protection Week Queenstown Express correspondent SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE took to the streets, asking locals if they think there are enough rights to protect children in South Africa; whether the education system is doing enough to educate children on their rights and whether parents are doing enough to protect them.

NATIONAL Child Protection Week (May 28 to June 4) is marked annually to raise awareness of the rights of children.

It aims to mobilise all sectors of society to care for and protect children. The campaign is led by the Minister of Social Development. It is, however, incumbent on all South Africans to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them.

tion of children, but not all parents protect their children. Some parents even trade their children for money. The Government also has a critical role to play and could do so much more to curb the problem.

cause there are some parents that are doing enough, but then there are those parents who are not doing their part in protecting their children.

) Fezile Zimemo: Parents play a big role in the protec-

) Bongile Kwinana: There are enough rights and the Government does enough to ensure the safety of children, but the issue lies within the family background and the homes the children grow up in. I would say that the issue is not entirely clear-cut, be-

) Anele Gali: I say it is the parents, because in my neighbourhood, I know of a woman who locks her children in the house when she goes out drinking. The Government could also assist in providing the community with recreational activities, such as sport and games for the people to engage in.

Fezile Zimemo.

Bongile Kwinana.

Anele Gali.

) Bongeka Dodwana: Some children have a way of getting out of hand. They escape from home where they are under the guidance of their parents. The main pro-blem here is rebellion.

They avoid being disciplined and run to the streets where they end up engaging in all sorts of illegal activities. So, I wouldn’t say they don’t get enough protection from home. It is the children who run away from the safety of their own homes.

that it is the parents who are responsible for the safety of children. I would say that some are protecting their children, while some don’t. Rights are also not enough when it comes to the safety of children, because you find that the law can sometimes fail to act on certain criminal charges while the child’s right still stands. The education system also plays a big role in the protection and safety of children.

) Patrick Mvelashe: I think

) Nomazwe Nzuzo: Parents are not doing enough. The

education system is not doing enough to educate these children on such matters. I am just not happy with the discussion in general. Even I, as a parent, am not doing enough because we are not open enough with our children. I feel that if I open up too much, then I will be sending the wrong message to my child.

So, I am scared for our children. The people molesting our children are sometimes the ones we see as close relatives. Therefore, I don’t feel we are doing enough as a whole.

Bongiwe Dodwana.

Patrick Mvelashe.

Nomazwe Nzuzo.

Violence against children a national disaster: World Vision SA REPORTER AS South Africa marks Child Protection Week, several humanitarian organisations voiced their concerns on the recent increase of violence against children.

World Vision South Africa, the global humanitarian organisation, emphasised that the current state of violence against children should be declared a national disaster.

According to the organisation, the country is faced daily by horrific reports of violence against children which at its current rate will snowball to impact on many generations to come.

World Vision South Africa National Director Paula Barnard says, “Violence against our children has reached epidemic proportions and like any other disease, be it HIV/AIDS or Ebola, it should be treated as a national disaster and remedied accordingly.”

“As a collective group of humanitarian organisa-

tions, churches and the Department of Social Development concerned about the shocking levels of violence against children, we simply can’t keep up with the investment required to reach children affected by violence.

“A recent National Dialogue on Violence Against Children held by the Mandela Initiative and UCT’s Children’s Institute, also made it clear that the allocated budget by Treasury to the Department of Social Development for Child Protection services is grossly inadequate - drastic steps need to be taken.”

SA’s ongoing violence against children paints an incredibly bleak picture and underscores the findings by the first national prevalence study conducted in 2016 and highlighted by the Children’s Institute Out of Harm’s Way? report which estimates that up to 34 percent of the country’s children are the victims of sexual violence and physical abuse before they reach the age of 18.

The study further states that in the Western Cape and Mpumalanga alone over half of children reported a lifetime prevalence of physical abuse by caregivers, teachers or relatives.

Vicious cycle Additionally, if violence is not stopped it can span generations, says the Children’s Institute Report.

“Violence is interlinked and cumulative in nature.

Children who experience or witness violence are at increased risk of re-victimisation or perpetration later in life and when they become parents themselves they often lack the ability to bond with their own children and are more inclined to use violence.” violence Furthermore, against children has a severe impact on SA’s economy. A report by Save the Children:Violence Unwrapped – The Social and Economic Burden of Violence Against Children in South Africa, states the estimated economic value of

DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) lost due to violence against children (including both fatal and nonfatal) in 2015 totalled R202 billion. This accounts for 3.3 percent of SA’s GDP in 2015.

The study however accentuates that the data underestimates the true situation in the country.

Barnard adds, “If one considers all the statistics and current dire lack of resources, it is clear that declaring violence against children a National Disaster is the only feasible solution. This is not a problem that is going to go away – we need political will, increased funds and personal commitment from government to start to address the impact of this social disease.”

World Vision SA also forms an important part of the World Vision International’s current global campaign:It takes a world to end violence against children.

For information visit:http:/ /www.wvi.org/ittakesaworld.

10

Motoring

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

China’s best­selling vehicle is set to hit SA roads REPORTER GREAT Wall Motors’ (GWM) vehicles is now entering its 10th year on the local market with well over 55 000 of its vehicles having been sold through its 40-plus dealerships across the country.

Now, it is fully controlled by the Chinese parent company and the local subsidiary has been branded Haval Motors South Africa (Pty) Ltd. As a result South African motorists can look forward to an ongoing raft of best-selling, continually updated GWM products, which includes the reintroduction of the popular H5 and H6 SUVs, as well as the advent of refreshed Steed bakkie line-ups.

The big news, however, is that premium Haval products are being rolled out, starting with the Haval H2 last month.

Haval is the premium sub-brand of GWM. While the name might still be strange to South African tongues, it is massive in its home market of China, having achieved sales of over one million units last year.

This makes it the best-selling SUV brand in China.

GWM says the H2 is set to shake up the unquenchable South African market for sub-compact SUVs, with its mixture of excellent driving dynamics, slick styling, high safety levels and superb quality inside and out.

Powering the H2 is a punchy, proven 1.5-litre turbopetrol motor making 105kW and 202Nm of torque.

Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed

Great Wall Motors’ Haval H2 is set to shake up the unquenchable South African market for sub­compact SUVs. manual or automatic gearbox and equipment levels are stellar, with everything

The interior of the Haval H2.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

from durable, man-made leather upholstery to a high-resolution touch-screen infotainment system.

Reassuringly, this vehicle boasts a fivestar C-NCAP rating.

However, GWM says the biggest surprise with the H2 promises to be its price, which will be announced at the launch and which will certainly undercut the competition in this hugely popular segment.

At the same time as the H2, the smaller H1 crossover will debut.

Both the Haval and GWM brands are set to soar on the value-hungry local market with a standard, five-year/100 000km warranty.

This only sweetens the appeal of GWM’s Steed 5 D/C, Steed 6 D/C, H5 and H6 products, as well as on all Haval vehicles.

All Havals come standard with five years’ road assistance.

Charles Zhao, managing director of Haval Motors SA, said, “The South African market plays an important part in our international expansion strategy and going forward we will continue to distribute Haval and GWM vehicles, offer parts and service support, as well as administer war-

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

ranties through the already established dealer network.”

The exterior of the Haval H2.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

TALKING F1: NATALIE LE CLUE

Ferrari score 1-2 victory on streets of Monaco VICTORY around the Monaco streets had eluded Ferrari for sixteen years until last weekend’s comprehensive one-two victory.

Kimi Raikkonen, after a sublime polewinning lap on Saturday, led the field cleanly through the first corner with teammate Sebastian Vettel behind. The pair quickly set the pace and pulled away from third-place man Valtteri Bottas and the two Red Bull’s of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Early on in the piece it was evident that none of the chasing pack would have the pace to threaten either Ferrari.

Despite Ferrari’s domination of the weekend, debate has simmered around the Italian team’s conduct. While social media has been abuzz with passion and positivity for Ferrari’s other two wins this season, the tone of the comments was slanted more towards disapproval this time around.

While Raikkonen comfortably led the opening stint of the race from Vettel by roughly two-and-a-half seconds, the pair began to lose time behind backmarkers. It meant that Vettel closed to within a second of Raikkonen before the fated strategy call.

Traditionally the lead car on the track is the one that receives the optimal strategy. This wasn’t the case for Ferrari and Raikkonen in Monaco as the Finn was called into the pitlane first only to emerge amongst a bundle of traffic. With Raikkonen mired in traffic, Vettel was in clear air and free to push as much as possible.

He turned a stunning pace too by dipping in the low 1:15s before his stop. As expected he emerged from the pitlane in first position.

There should be no mistaking that Vettel had the pace to win the race. However, the biggest factor that led to Vettel winning the race was Ferrari’s decision to give him the optimal strategy. Had the strategy calls been reversed and Raikkonen been left out longer, Vettel would’ve been in traffic and the Finn would’ve retained his P1 position.

As it were, despite running five blistering laps longer, Vettel scraped into the lead by roughly half a second at the exit of the pit lane. On the fact that he dropped nearly eleven seconds behind Vettel, Raikkonen said there was no point to run close to his teammate. “I had nothing to lose or gain. Nobody passes you here.”

Ferrari’s choice to run Vettel on the opti-

mal strategy at the expense of Raikkonen was well within the sporting regulations and no rules were broken.

But Raikkonen’s demeanour and expression as he clambered out of his Ferrari at the end of the race spoke volumes.

There was little doubt that he was unhappy and well aware of what had transpired.

Raikkonen was not alone though as Red Bull made the same strategy calls with Verstappen and Ricciardo – with the latter inheriting third place as a result.

Bottas held onto fourth ahead of a furious Verstappen in fifth. Carlos Sainz was undoubtedly the driver of the day with a fine sixth place finish in the Toro Rosso.

A difficult qualifying session for Lewis Hamilton left the Brit in thirteenth place on the grid, which he would recover to seventh by the time the chequered flag dropped. Romain Grosjean brought the Haas home in an anonymous eighth ahead of Williams’ Felipe Massa in ninth and Kevin Magnussen in tenth.

While several drivers attempted to barge their way through to a better position, the Monaco Grand Prix on the whole was little more than a procession towards

lap 78.

Still this race is often one of attrition and keeping it out of the barriers often leads to an opportunity for points.

There was no such luck for McLaren though who had turned a relatively competitive pace throughout the weekend.

Despite qualifying an impressive ninth on his return, Jenson Button was relegated to start from the pit lane due to changing elements of his power unit and making set-up changes.

JB would eventually retire with car damage after attempting a far too ambitious overtaking move on Sauber’s Pascal Wehrlein into the tunnel.

It ended with the Sauber resting on its side against the barrier but, thankfully, without injury to Wehrlein. Stoffel Vandoorne had been running in tenth before sliding into the barrier at turn one.

Regardless of the divided opinion on Ferrari’s conduct with its two drivers, the fact remains that the Italian team has landed a crucial blow for Sebastian Vettel in the driver’s championship.

The German driver leaves the French Riviera with a comfortable twenty-five point lead over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

11 New Suzuki Ignis to hit South African roads Motoring

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

REPORTER SUZUKI has announced the launch of its Ignis, a small crossover vehicle, in South African last month.

The new Suzuki Ignis is an ultracompact crossover that combines the dynamic benefits of a wieldy lightweight hatchback with the stance and clearance of an all-terrainer.

The Suzuki Ignis range consists of three models, spanning two specification levels, and two transmission choices. The efficient 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine is employed across all three variants.

At just 3,7 metres long and 1,69 metres wide, the proportions of the Ignis express agility, while the generous 180mm ground clearance confirms that the newcomer is not scared to get its boots dirty.

The shape is chunky and muscular, with wide tracks that position the wheels at each corner of the vehicle. Pronounced wheel arches, a high waistline and a relatively narrow glass aperture add a sense of purpose, while the broad C-pillar adds further visual muscle.

The design is unmistakably Suzuki, but reflecting styling influences drawn from previous generation Suzukis, as well as current models, while also pointing the way to Suzuki’s design future. The newcomer’s lines are cleanly drawn, creating an emphatic, unequivocal identity.

The bold, almost square headlights, with their striking daytime running lights, frame a narrow, aggressive grille, while the deep, integrated front bumper is home to large air intakes, as well as front fog lamps on GLX

The interior of the new Suzuki Ignis. models.

The new-generation, modular chassis underpinning the Ignis contributes to the crossover’s low mass, while also offering a rigid platform for the suspension. The result is enhanced ride comfort and engaging handling.

Powered by the well-known K12M 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine already familiar from current Suzuki models such as the Swift 1.2, the Ignis benefits from a lightweight 850kg

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

kerb mass to achieve sprightly performance, together with impressive fuel economy.

The standard transmission is a five-speed manual design, driving the front wheels.

However, there’s also the option of Suzuki’s so-called Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which links the convenience of a selfshifter to the efficiency of a manual gearbox.

The manual-transmission model accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in 11,6 sec, while top speed is 165km/h. Fitted with the automated

manual transmission, the Ignis gets to 100km/h from rest in 13 sec, while top speed is 155km/h.

The fuel-injected K12M engine is an economy star, allowing the Ignis to achieve an impressive combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5,1 litres/100km in the case of manual gearbox models, and an even more frugal 4,9 litres/100km for the automated manual model.

Offered in GL and range-topping GLX versions, the Ignis features a modern, surprisingly spacious and well-equipped interior.

Despite its compact size, there is no shortage of legroom or headroom, while the luggage compartment offers 260 litres of cargo space, expandable to 469 litres with the rear seatback folded flat.

Standard items across all models include electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, electric power steering, and an MP3-compatible CD sound system with USB port and 12V accessory power socket.

Safety is comprehensively addressed via dual front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, side impact protection beams, Isofix child seat anchors and childproof rear door locks.

Prices and Warranty 1.2 GL Man R169 900 1.2 GLX Man R189 900 1.2 GLX AMT R204 900 The new Suzuki Ignis is covered by a standard three-year/100 000km warranty, as well as a two-year/30 000km service plan.

Services are at 15 000km/12-month intervals.

The new Suzuki Ignis combines the dynamic benefits of a wieldy lightweight hatchback with the stance and clearance of an all­terrainer.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Automobile Association: Fuel relief beckons this month REPORTER SOUTH African motorists are in for some fuel price relief in June.

This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

“Our expectation for June is that petrol will drop by up to 26 cents a litre, with a 20 cent drop for both diesel and illuminating paraffin,” the AA said.

The Association noted that the Rand advanced against the US dollar during most of May, with further support from retreating international petroleum prices.

“Both of these factors have contribut-

ed to the reduction in the fuel price,” the Association said.

The AA said OPEC’s decision to continue its production cut for another nine months showed that there was concern in oil producing nations about a continued world oversupply of oil.

This could mean a period of relative price stability.

On the home front, the Association said the background political noise affecting the Rand continued to play a role.

“With political uncertainty set to continue, our medium-term outlook for the fuel price is that lower international petroleum prices will be key to maintaining local fuel price stability if the Rand weakens again,” the Association concluded.

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12

Sport

June 1, 2017 Queenstown Express

omani K Komani C onquers Conquers w in K aizer win Kaizer U nited C up United Cup

A Komani Stars player falls in their highly contested match against Jet Mart on Saturday.

TEMBILE SGQOLANA KOMANI Conquers were crowned this year’s Kaizer United Football Club 12 anniversary cup winners after beating Komani Stars in a highly contested game at the Dumpy Adams on Sunday.

The tournament, which was organised by Kaizer United, attracted 12 local teams from the Komani area. They competed for a trophy, fourteen medals, R1 360 for the winner and R960 for the second prize.

The tournament, which started the previous week, finished this past weekend. The quarterfinals started with Valgas beating

Phiko 4-2 on penalties after the two teams drew 2-2 in the game.

Conquers beat Super12, 2-1 while Komani Stars thrashed Jet Mart 3-1.

In the semi-finals, Conquer beat Valgas 1-0 to book a place in the finals while Komani Stars was on standby.

The final was the highlight of the tournament with both teams playing entertaining football. Both teams wanted to win the tournament and be the first team to win the cup.

It was such a tight match that the game had to be decided on penalties.

Conquers were the first team to celebrate after Ayabulela Scott and Avene Mhlalisi scored two goals for the New Vale team giv-

PHOTO: TEMBILE SGQOLANA

ing them a well-deserved 2-0 lead going to the break.

Things changed in the second half, as Komani Stars scored two goals to force the game to go to penalties.

Komani Stars have a bad history of allowing teams to come back at them and scoring goals to steal the game away from them.

The game between the two Komani teams went to penalties and after none of the teams missed a penalty, it was time for sudden death.

Komani Stars missed a penalty which cost them the game giving Komani Conquers the well-deserved win. The organiser of the tournament Zolile “Kaizer” Maphoyi

Arbitrator names ABC Motsepe League champions ELETHU MTIKI IT is official. Eastern Cape Bees are the ABC Motsepe League champions in the Eastern Cape.

This was confirmed by SAFA Eastern Cape on Monday after a long battle between Bees and runners-up, Future Tigers.

The Ginsberg-based outfit lodged a complaint against their rivals from across the river that they had fielded an improperly registered player, Anele Jakuja, during their league clash against Highbury FC in April.

Bees, who were initially regarded as the champions after the two teams met in what was supposed to be the league deciding game on May 6, had three points deducted after SAFA’s Disciplinary Committee found them guilty of fielding the above mentioned player.

The decision saw Bees drop to 71 points, trailing Tigers by a single point and it looked as if Tigers were set to represent the province in the national promotional playoffs.

However, the tables were turned when

Bees appealed against the DC’s ruling by taking the matter to an arbitrator.

The arbitration process took place on Saturday morning. Rumours that Bees had won the case started making the rounds on Sunday, but the official statement only came out on Monday.

Now that the dust has finally settled, Bees will join eight other teams from across the country in the promotional play-offs to be held in East London from June 4 to June 11.

This was a huge relief for Bees’ management, technical team, players and supporters at large. Speaking after Monday’s training session at the Bhisho Stadium, Bees’ team manager Zama Nene was on cloud nine.

“I’m very excited. It’s like a huge pile of heavy things are lifted off my shoulders.

It’s a good feeling. It’s an amazing feeling,” she said.

Nene admitted that it was very difficult to deal with the process. Be that as it may, she said they never allowed the situation to affect the players in their preparations for the promotional play-offs.

“The mood was very calm. We were just

waiting for the verdict on the matter. We were much more vigilant on what we do, much more vigilant on what we say when handling the whole matter. We did say it before – that we’ll (continue to) prepare as if we’re the winners and whatever verdict comes out we will respect it,” Nene added.

When Express visited the team during their training session on Monday afternoon, the mood was high, with players cracking jokes among each other and coaches.

Bees’ head coach Vuyisile Njedu said they had remained optimistic that the verdict would be in their favour as they had done nothing wrong. There were concerns though, as Tigers on the other hand were also making their preparations for the play-offs.

“We were almost distracted when we saw the two teams (Bees and Tigers) training and Tigers were full of confidence. You could see that they were determined that they were going to the play-offs,” said Njedu.

Njedu said his charges were more than ready for the play-offs as they had been playing friendly matches to stay fit.

said the tournament was a resounding success. “People braved the cold weather to come and watch the teams play this weekend. Both teams in the final were hungry for the win and they all played well,” he said.

Maphoyi congratulated Komani Conquers on their win. “The final was entertaining. The tournament was on a high level and I would like to thank all the teams that participated in the tournament especially those who helped me with organising the tournament,” he said.

He said with the help of local businesses and sponsors, he would like to make next year’s tournament bigger than this one.

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