Queenstown express 21 september 2017

QUEENSTOWN

DEBT CATCHING UP WITH YOU? UNENGXAKI YAMATYALA NA?

WE CAN HELP! “NCR” DEBT COUNSELLOR NCRDC 2295

Call/WhatsApp/PCB: 082 378 3743 Tel: 045 838 9764

X1TW3BM1-QE070917

20 000 COPIES WEEKLY THURSDAY September 21, 2017 | 0 082 667 9883 | 045 838 2820 | E­mail express@media24.com |

Queenstown Express |

@Queen_Express

EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

Komani goes green Local businesses and residents are taking a stand against littering in Komani as part of the Go Green initiative, headed by Queenstown Jackson’s Motors, and supported by Twizza, Pick n Pay, Mica and the local Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

Last week Friday 250 learners of Balmoral Pre­primary and Stepping­ stone Primary, alongside their parents and the staff of Queenstown Jackson’s Motors, rolled up their sleeves and collected refuse and tidied up the Komani Memorial Gardens. Among the participants were Sylvester Adams and Terence Mayers with sisters Allegrea and Terenae Turner. Read more on page 4.

PHOTO: SANELE JAMES

ENOCH MGIJIMA: YEAR AFTER AMALGAMATION NO BY­LAWS YET IN PLACE

No local municipal by­laws SANELE JAMES

A

YEAR after the establishment of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, which was a merger of Tsolwana, Nkwanca and Lukhanji local municipalities, the institution is yet to create any by-laws of its own.

This was recently revealed by the local municipality’s spokesperson, Gcobani Msindwana, when the Express enquired about the enforcement of by-laws in the jurisdiction of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

“You must remember that the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality is a fusion of three local municipalities

and the institution is still new.

“As such we don’t have our own bylaws that we can say they are the bylaws of the newly established municipality,” said Msindwana.

By-laws are a set of rules or laws established by an organization to regulate itself but must comply with the laws of the country and its constitu-

tion.

Common municipal by-laws include, among others, vehicle parking and stopping regulations, animal control, building and construction, licencing, noise, zoning and business regulation, and management of public recreation areas.

The Express’s inquiry into the local

municipality’s by-laws was sparked by a plea made by the chairperson of the Chris Hani Area Tourism Organisation (Chato) and tour guide at the 045.com Tourism, Tsepo Moerane, to the local municipality during the launch of tourism month.

Continued on page 3

Weirs Toyota 164 Cathcart Road Queenstown Tel: 045 839 3044 X1TXNCBW-QE210917

2

News

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

Police officer receives recognition for heroic act ZINTLE BOBELO A POLICE officer was commended for her heroic act of helping a woman give birth at Mlungisi Police Station last Wednesday.

Constable Khanyiswa Xezu, who is a mother herself, said Thembakazi Ntsuku, who is originally from Zola in Ndlovukazi, came to the station just before 10pm, seeking assistance and asking the officers on duty to call < Constable Khanyiswa Xezu was commended for helping a woman give birth at Mlungisi Police Station.

PHOTO:ZINTLE BOBELO

an ambulance as she was in extreme pain.

“We called the ambulance and I gave her water, but I had noticed that the baby’s head was already coming out.”

Xezu said she was terrified, but her main concern was to save the baby boy’s life. She then sent the male officers out of the room and bravely played midwife.

“The ambulance then arrived and took over. I am still shocked as to how I managed to pull that off, but I did.”

After giving birth at the station, the mother and her baby were taken to Frontier Hospital for examination and were discharged the following day.

The Mlungisi Station Commander, Colo-

nel Gcinikaya Taleni, described Xezu as a reliable police officer who is always willing to serve. He added that she was also one of the recipients who received recognition and encouragement at the Station Commander Awards held in May. “This occurrence fulfils one of the concepts within the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) vision and mission and that is to serve and protect. This now gives an indication that a police officer is everything.”

Constables Busisiwe Nkuzo and Nomzamo Manu helped in collecting clothes for the infant to donate to the family. The mother thanked Xezu for helping deliver her baby boy.

Mlungisi small business centre rise from the ashes SANELE JAMES MAYOR of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha, officially handed over the R5 million Mlungisi Small Business Centre for use on Tuesday.

The centre went up in smoke in December 2013 leaving 12 small entrepreneurs who operated in the place with nowhere else to go.

It is not clear what might have caused the fire.

Four cars that were in a neighbouring workshop for repairs in the centre were also destroyed in the blaze.

The centre was then reconstructed in 2014 and finished in May last year.

Sadly two of the entrepreneurs who used to operate in the Mlungisi Small Business Centre have passed away before their new state-of-the-art workspace was completed.

The multimillion rand centre has 14 rooms, of which three are vacant.

Gunuza-Nkwentsha said there were already 11 other local entrepreneurs who had applied for working space at the centre but said priority would be given to women applicants as all the current occupants are men.

“Everybody knows how desperate our people are to make a living for themselves.

EX press

“And we already have a long list of people who want to occupy the vacant rooms but we need to balance things out.

“The other rooms will be given to deserving female applicants,” she said.

Gunuza-Nkwentsha said some of the key things they’d be looking into on the applicants would be the legitimacy of their businesses -whether they are registered or not – and the sustainability of the business – something which she said would be determined by the demand of the product or service rendered by the applicant.

Good news for the entrepreneurs is that they will only pay their monthly rentals and for municipal services three months after they have moved in.

Gunuza-Nkwentsha said the municipality was doing this to allow the businesses to generate profit.

Services that used to be offered at the centre ranged from plumbing, motor mechanics, auto electrics, welding, upholstery, building and construction, glazing and woodwork.

Councillor for Ward 17, Mncedisi Mbengo said there had previously been cases of theft at the old centre because there was no guard but said they would look into hiring a security guard to look after the property as there is also a guards' booth by the main entrance.

The newly built multimillion Mlungisi Small Business Centre. PHOTOS:SANELE JAMES

; Mayor of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Lindiwe Gunuza­ Nkwentsha, cuts the ribbon to officially open the long­awaited facility.

Family loses everything in shack fire

To advertise in King William's Town Express Queenstown Express Mthatha Express Isolomzi Express Uvo Lwethu Express contact:

Onke Socikwa Tel. 045 838 2820 E-mail: Onke.Socikwa@media24.com 140 000 copies weekly

X1TBCNBD-TE020317

A family residing in the Rhawutini informal settlement could only save themselves when a fire broke out in their shack. It is not clear what might have started the fire but the owners of the shack lost all their belongings. Neighbours tried to douse the fierce flames with the little water they had in their shacks but their efforts fell short. Municipal firefighters were also called to assist, but when they arrived the flames had spread to almost every item. The firefighters had to also drench the neighbouring shacks to prevent the blaze spreading. No injuries or deaths were reported.

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

News

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

3

Council rejects MM appointed by Department of Cogta SANELE JAMES AS political infighting has stood in the way of filling the municipal manager vacancy at the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, the institution resorted to writing to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) asking for their intervention.

In response, Cogta on Monday delegated officials from its Bhisho offices. One of them, Chris Magwangqana, was meant to fill the municipal manager post.

Magwangqana had been a manager at the Amathole District Municipality (ADM).

It was under his leadership when the ADM awarded a tender worth over half a billion rands to a private company for the construction of 66 000 pit toilets in the district.

It was reported that the tender was awarded without following the proper procurement procedures and the matter ended up in the hands of the then Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela.

Magwangqana and those who accompanied him, weren’t welcomed with warm hands at the local municipal council chambers. He was rejected as the new manager of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

Instead the council opted for another acting manager – Mzoxolo

Dingan, who has been serving at the directorate of community services.

Asked about their stance on the dramatic state of affairs at the municipality, Cogta spokesperson, Mamnkeli Ngam, said they were doing everything possible in their power to normalise the situation.

“The municipality wrote to us asking for our assistance and by sending the delegation we had sent on Monday it was our way of trying to resolve the matter and it is unfortunate that things turned out the way they did,” said Ngam.

He said they (as Cogta) would continue with their mediation plans but said it wasn’t the right time to divulge their next move.

The local municipality has not had a permanent municipal manager since its establishment after last year’s local government elections.

Earlier this year opposition parties halted the filling of the strategic position which is at the heart of service delivery saying Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality Mayor, Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha, had flouted the appointment processes.

The UDM interdicted a council meeting meant to endorse one of the applicants, Tembeni Samuel, who the party said had failed a test that he and other applicants had undergone.

In another turn of events, Samuel is reportedly taking the municipali-

ty to court over the matter.

Gunuza-Nkwentsha confirmed the news on Tuesday.

“Yes, one of the dissatisfied applicants – Mr Samuel – is taking us to court and it is his right to do so.

“But we haven’t received anything from the court or his legal team. For now we are focused on filling the vacancy so it can be business as usual,” said Gunuza-Nkwentsha.

She added that the council had resolved to start the appointment processes afresh by readvertising the post.

Samuel refused to comment on the matter and said he’d consider stating his side of the story next week.

More learners to benefit from Scholar Transport Programme ZINTLE BOBELO THE Eastern Cape MEC of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Weziwe Tikana, visited the Chris Hani District on Tuesday to engage with school principals, school governing bodies and district officials in a scholar transport dialogue held at Gali Thembani Youth Care Centre.

In partnership with the provincial Department of Education, the dialogue was aimed at discussing the verification processes taken in identifying learners who will benefit from the Scholar Transport Programme as of January next year.

“The department is there to ensure that there is safe and reliable transportation for learners to go to

school, so this gathering is an outreach to verify the number of learners who are currently being transported and those who will be transported as from next year.

“We noticed over the years that we have provided more vehicles, but there were only a few learners who were benefiting.

“We are here to make sure that there is accuracy to avoid misspending,” she said.

Tikana said the province used to transport 50 000 learners around the province, but the number has now grown to a total of 80 000.

“In this programme we are not very accurate. Hence, we have decided to conduct these engagement sessions in all districts. Our wish as the Department of Transport is to

contract all service providers by December so that by January 2018 vehicles can undergo compliance procedures at the traffic department for learners to be safely transported to schools.”

She added that R462 million is allocated each year around the Eastern Cape to pay service providers.

The data captured showed that 43 schools in the Chris Hani West district made submissions for verification and a total of 2 031 learners were in need of transportation.

A total of 2 489 learners in the district are currently being transported by the Department.

She encouraged schools and officials to be proactive in addressing challenges so that both departments can work together to find solutions.

The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Weziwe Tikana, at the scholar transport dialogue that was held at Gali Thembani Youth Care Centre.

Cofimvaba hospital celebrates 30th anniversary ZINTLE BOBELO

Department of Health MEC, Pumza Dyantyi, together with Cofimvaba Hospital’s chief executive officer, Sicelo Msi, at the hospital’s 30th anniversary celebration.

RESIDENTS flocked to Cofimvaba Hospital on Tuesday to celebrate the hospital’s 30th anniversary.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health MEC, Pumza Dyantyi, led a panel of dignitaries and senior government officials who came to witness the memorable event.

The hospital is said to be the only one built by the former Transkei government.

According to Sicelo Msi, the current chief executive officer, the hospital services a population of 145 686, treating various diseases including tuberculosis, cardiovascular problems, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and HIV/Aids.

Msi said one of their biggest challenges was patients arriving at the hospital with their conditions already in an advanced state, and as a result hospital management was looking to strengthen the referral system within primary health care services.

He also emphasised that maternal services were handled by advanced

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

midwives. “Our operating theatre is fully functional while pharmaceuticals are rendered by pharmacists with improved drug stock levels.”

Msi is heading the hospital, assisted by the nursing service manager, Ntombiyesithathu Qotoyi, quality assurance manager, Sivuyile Naki, and administrator Vukile Rini.

The hospital has more than 250 permanent employees, including six medical doctors, a dentist, physiotherapist, operational managers, radiographers, professional nurses and general workers.

Dyantyi, who was visiting the hospi-

tal for the first time, said she was very pleased with what she saw during her visit.

“I am impressed to notice how clean the hospital is. I encourage the respect and kindness towards patients. A good attitude towards them is significant to assist in their health.”

She promised to help the hospital improve the infrastructure, construction and help build a separate accommodation for children.

Intsika Yethu Mayor, Jongumzi Cengani, said the hospital was the heritage of the people of Cofimvaba and had a praiseworthy legacy.

Enoch Mgijima: No local municipal by­laws Continued from page 1 Moerane appealed to the municipality to enforce its by-laws to curb the increase in littering in some parts of Komani and the pasting of flyers on heritage sites. Moerane said the two issues impacted negatively on the growth of the tourism industry in Komani.

“The industry is evolving and local tourism players need to move with the times.

“We need to find ways to attract people into our small town but in

order for that to happen – everybody needs to play their role.

“The municipality needs to enforce its by-laws. We can’t have people posting adverts for abortion on heritage sites. We must protect those areas as they are tourist attractions,” he said.

In his presentation during the launch, Moerane highlighted many other factors which he said the municipality need to work on in order for tourism to thrive in Komani.

Untimely cut offs of both electricity and water were among the is-

sues he made reference to.

“A number of businesses in town do not comply with their trading licences. Advertising techniques by some businesses in the CBD leave one with questions.

“For instance if you walk around town you find some businesses displaying their merchandise in places where people should be walking.

“And because of this, people end up walking in the road and interfering with the cars on the road. That is not good for visitors,” he added.

PHOTO:ZINTLE BOBELO

CONTACT US PHONE: 045 838 2820 EMAIL: express@media24.com EDITOR: Elizabeth Giliomee elizabethg@media24.com REPORTER: Sanele James Sanele.James@media24.com

Thabo.Mothlabane@media24.com CORRESPONDENTS: Siphosihle Dyonase sihledyonase@gmail.com Yolanda Damane yolandaruru@gmail.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Onke Socikwa Onke.Socikwa@media24.com

Zintle Bobelo zintlebobelo@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS: Thabo Mothlabane

SPORT: Thando Mgedezi thandomgedezi@gmail.com

4

News

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

Locals take matters into own hands against littering

SANELE JAMES INSTEAD of sitting back and complaining, local businesses and residents are taking a stand against littering which has seemingly become a norm in Komani.

The initiative – Go Green – is headed by Queenstown Jackson’s Motors and supported by Twizza, Pick n Pay, Mica and the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

Last week Friday, 250 learners from two schools – Balmoral Pre-primary and Steppingstone Primary – alongside their parents and the staff of Queenstown Jackson’s Motors, rolled up their sleeves and collected refuse on the streets.

The learners, under the supervision of their teachers, spread across the Toptown suburb and converged at the Komani Memorial Gardens where they also assisted in tidying up the recreational facility.

HOD at the Balmoral Pre-primary School, Celitha Korf, said the programme also assisted the school in driving home the message of looking after the environment, which is at the heart of their life skills lessons.

“At the school we constantly teach our kids to look after themselves and the environment but we never get time to make meaningful demonstrations to the kids.

“So the Go Green initiative also assisted us in emphasising and demonstrating some of our teachings.

“For instance, we always tell our kids not to play with sharp objects such as broken bottles and metals or touch dirt with bare hands as they might hurt themselves.

“During the clean-up they were able to see all what we have been talking about in class,”

Locals join forces to clean up the Komani Memorial Gardens as part of the Go Green project. said Korf.

General manager of Jackson’s Motors, Patrick Casey, said the Go Green programme had been going on for the past six years across Komani.

“We can’t always sit back and point fingers –we have to take a stand and set a precedent.

“The Go Green project happens once a year but it makes a huge difference as we also educate the learners about the dangers and ef-

fects of littering with the hope that they’d spread the word into their homes and effectively their neighbourhoods,” he said.

Another Go Green day, which will cover the vast Mlungisi and Ezibeleni townships, is set for October 14.

The big clean-up campaign will involve 10 schools from the two townships.

“When we go to Ezibeleni and Mlungisi we will be dealing with approximately 1 300

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

learners and it should have a huge impact.

“Things will not change overnight but if we pay special attention to the little ones as they are the future of the country we’d be creating a strong force that will stand against unauthorized littering,” he said.

Casey also expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported the Go Green campaign and urged them to spread the initiative.

Learners benefit from DSRAC’s heritage celebration buildup YOLANDA DAMANE FALO Senior Secondary School in Qhumanco took the crown in the 2017 Heritage Essay Competition, an initiative of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC).

Three learners from the school won equipment which are meant to assist them in their tertiary education next year when they pass their matric.

Four schools located near the Zwelenqaba Kingdom were selected by the Department of Education to participate in the competition. Grade 12 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds competed against each other by writing essays in the English language.

DSRAC provided a theme for the essays, which was legends of heritage in the Chris Hani District.

The first prize winner received a laptop and a bag, while the second place learner won an iPad and a pouch and the third place

From left, Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa, winner Abongile Desemele, Chief Azenathi Dalindyebo and Intsika Yethu mayor Jongumzi Cengani handed 2017 Heritage learner his prize.

PHOTO:YOLANDA DAMANE

winner received a tablet and its cover.

The heritage and museums manager and manager of the project, Zuko Baninzi, said the department was mandated to conduct this writing competition annually in heritage month.

“We are celebrating heritage month

while encouraging children to have pride in their heritage.

“These schools were selected by the Cofimvaba Department of Education district office.

“Selected schools are located near the kingdom.

“The idea behind this initiative is that Grade 12 learners are going to enrol in tertiary education the following year.

So, we do not want parents to dig deeper in their pockets by rewarding them with equipment that will assist them in tertiary education. The learners had to be children from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Baninzi said.

Baninzi added that the marking criteria was to check the relevance, creativity, accuracy and understanding of the greatness and diversity of the rich heritage within the district.

First prize winner, Abongile Desemela, said all citizens should pay tribute to the power and strength of living human treasures, the legends, and salute them for providing them with a sense of belonging and pride in their living heritage.

“I’m very excited today, even though it was a tight competition. I did my research with the help of people, the internet and newspapers. I’m very excited I made it,” Desemela said.

Thembelihle Public Primary bids fond farewell to Grade 7 pupils SANELE JAMES MIXED emotions and fond messages were the order of the day when the Thembelihle Public Primary School held a farewell for its Grade 7 pupils at the Skhweyiya Community Hall recently.

Some parents sat quietly at the back of the jam-packed hall with tears of pride and happiness as their children were being encouraged by their teachers preparing them for the examinations ahead and the high school life that

Achievers on the day display their certificates.

awaits them. Those who did well in their years at the school, both academically and in extra-curriculur activities, were issued with certificates and accolades.

Xiphu Zintle and Mpofu were the first to be called up on stage for excelling in IsiXhosa as a school subject.

Asonwabise Mzsndisi was recognised for his good performance in English as the first additional language.

Migcobo Nomnabo and Olwam Shumani were recognised for their performance in mathematics.

PHOTOS:ZINTLE BOBELO

Mraji Inganathi came top in natural science.

The most prestigious award of the ceremony – top achiever – went to Mbali Mashiqa, who received the award for displaying excellent ability to balance the level of performance in each learning area.

Azola Sihlahla was awarded the promising learner award for portraying an incredible improvement in his studies. Zusiphe Nkone, Nandile Tyokololo, Iviwe Dodo and Sesona Nomkhonwana were among those who were awarded for best academic performance.

A special award for neatness went to Qhamisa Kapa.

In the extra curriculum category, Lwandise Taba and Lisanele Smile were crowned for their contribution to the school choir.

No one went home empty handed on the day as another group of 80 learners from Grade R to 7 were rewarded for their good attendance records.

Deputy principal at the school, Dinah Fulane, said the school had always maintained a good academic record especially in mathematics and science studies.

The boys' choir was also recognised for their continuous entertainment and melodic voices.

5

News

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

Twizza Longhill Challenge participants brave the cold SANELE JAMES SATURDAY’S icy temperatures couldn’t deter the determined supporters and participants of the annual Twizza Longhill Challenge, which took centre stage at the Lawrence De Lange and Longhill Nature Reserves.

More

than

200

participants

Buddies jog in the 10km race before the rain came down.

braved the cold to experience the tranquility of nature.

The challenge featured an array of activities from a 20km, 40km, 65km cycling race for adults and a kiddies’ 10km race, 10km off road run and 5km family walk.

One of the most challenging races, which was also the longest, was the 65km cycle race, which went over the mountain on a narrow gravel road.

In the men’s race Jason Peach was the first to cross the line with a record time of 2:32:55, followed by Donovan o’Reilly with 2:40:34.

Hot on his heels was Cobus Gouws 2:40:57.

Komani’s David McEwan was placed fifth after Paul Steyn in 02:47:11.

In the women’s 65km category, Larra-An van de Venter was placed first with 3:16:33.

In second place was Sheryl Hanger with 3:43:53, followed by Annelize Marais, who crossed the finish line in 4:23:06.

Out of 58 participants, Tarn Derman was the first man to cross the finish line in the 40km race, followed by Mark de Swart and Morne Marais in third position.

Hester Lemmer led in the women’s race with an impressive record time of 1:55:54.

Ilze Landman was placed second, followed by Lauren Kilian.

Marie and Dean Rossouw dominated the 40km race as they were placed first in the women’s and men’s races respectively.

In the kiddies’ 10km race, Taygan Ritcher came tops with 0:37:03 record time followed by Aiden van Jaarsveld.

Ryan Barber was placed third only a few seconds behind Van Jaarsveld.

Carla van Jaarsveld led the young girls, followed by Tarien Wantzel with Dinelle Deysel being placed third.

The entry fee for the event varied according to the race from R20 to R150 per athlete.

All the proceeds went to assist the Lawrence De Lange nature reserve.

Pound master at the reserve, Kevin Lieberum said they would use the money to buy feed for their animals which occupy the 1,7 hectares of land.

“Most of our animals are herbivores and with the drought that continues to grip the Chris Hani District we are starting to feel the impact but the funds from this event will surely make a difference,” said Lieberum.

Twizza sales administrator, Glenda Mikkelsen said they were happy with the event but conceded that the ice-cold weather influenced the attendence.

Terrence Grewar and Peter Hodgskiss at the finish line.

PHOTO:SANELE JAMES

Ezibeleni youth care workers fight to get paid ZINTLE BOBELO ISIBINDI youth care workers in Ezibeleni are demanding answers after going six months without being paid by the Department of Social Development (DSD).

The workers claim that they last received their salaries in March this year and nothing is being done by the Department to resolve the matter.

Child and youth care worker, Sindiswa Nkwana, detailed the daily struggle experienced at the site due to non-existing funds.

“We now have to take money out of our own pockets to help these families. There are children here that we need to transport for physiotherapy appointments and sexually abused children who need to be taken to Ethembeni Crisis Centre, but it is difficult to do so because we do not have the money.”

Isibindi is a project that assists families and children who are vulnerable, sexually abused, victims of

domestic violence, or disabled.

The site in Ezibeleni was established in 2007 under the National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW) organisation. The project was funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and later handed over to the Department of Social Development in 2013.

Nkwana said they were promised that payments would be made by Wednesday last week, but there was still no reflection thereof.

“Our manager and supervisor went to enquire and they were told that the money was deposited into a previous account that is no longer active.”

Two other workers shared their own struggles as a result of the outstanding payments.

“We also have families that we need to support. Our own children are now walking long distances to schools because we don’t have money for transport. We can’t even feed our

children. We are really suffering. No one from the Department is bothered to come and explain what is going on.

We are being completely disregarded,” said Mandisa Nandi.

Boniswa Madadasana added, “I have a child studying at a university in Port Elizabeth. My child hasn’t been going to school and she has no groceries and has now been kicked out of her flat because she hasn’t been paying rent. They are treating us like animals, not people. Many of our funeral policies have now lapsed. It was the same case last year. Every time when they have to make payments, we have to struggle and fight with them.”

The workers are now demanding an intervention by the Department of Social Development MEC, Nancy Sihlwayi, and Minister Bathabile Dlamini.

Speaking to Queenstown Express, DSD provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Solani, said the Department will do a follow-up with relevant bodies on the matter.

X1TXVK6D-QE210917

Church leader aims to build Komani youth back up through music ZINTLE BOBELO THE leader of the St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission of Southern Africa Queenstown New Valley Circuit Church is determined to rebuild the youth of Komani through music and worship.

Julia Kasana, who requested a donation of brass band instruments, said the band is one of the crucial platforms in their church for praise and worship.

She wishes to change the lives of young people in her area.

“Many of these children come from homes where they are neglected or abused and are exposed to crime and the use of drugs.

“I believe that this will be a great tool to gather the youth, especially young

boys, to be more active in the work of God,” Kasana said.

She said the children come to her house to attend services and have now developed a great passion for singing and playing instruments.

“I took some of the kids to a church function and they created their own instruments with used plastic bottles,” Kasana said.

She said she occasionally cares for the children because some of them are not being fed.

“I want them to stop using drugs.

“I want them to be active in positive things that will help them grow.

“So, I am pleading with anyone who would like to make a donation of such instruments to please assist us.”

For more info contact Kasana on 078 538 8718 or 045 854 8383.

REGISTER NOW AT BOSTON FOR A SHORT LEARNING PROGRAMME!

Apply the skills you learn today in the workplace tomorrow with a short learning programme in: • Assistant Bookkeeper, Credit Controller or Debt Collector • Brand Ambassador, Public Relations Assistant or Media Consultant • Office Administration, Executive Secretary or Call Centre Operator • Sports Club Administration or Lay Counselling • Events Planner or Booking Agent • Data Capturer, Computer Clerk or Web & Graphic Design • Computer-Networking or Security-Technician • Conveyancing Secretary or Paralegal • Digital Music Production, DJ101 or Music Business • Project Management, Small Business Ownership or Management Essentials • Marketing 101, Retailing, Sales Representative, and many more Walk-ins welcome! FREE Financial Independence Short course for Registered Students!

SMS BOSTON AND YOUR NAME TO 45139 AND GET ON COURSE!

EAST LONDON | 043 743 7624 | Boston House 26St Georges Road, Southernwood Queenstown | 045 839 7363 | 3 Grey Street Cnr Alexander & Stephenson Roads R1 per sms * T&C 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 X1TXMX9W-QE210917

6

News

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

SAPS launch crime awareness programme on the road

YOLANDA DAMANE IN a bid to stop crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape killed two birds with one stone when officers from various stations conducted a crime awareness programme while on their way to the SAPS music competition in Pretoria.

It started in Komani’s provincial

office when the men in blue said they would stop in certain towns on their way to Pretoria and disseminate information about crime awareness.

The programme started off at the Hexagon, where the police choir and band paraded to Nonesi Mall to showcase some of the activities they would be doing in Pretoria and handed out pamphlets.

Komani SAPS spokesperson,

The SAPS cultural group showcase their dance moves at Nonesi Mall during the awareness campaign.

PHOTO: YOLANDA DAMANE

Namhla Mdleleni, said they were raising awareness against criminal activities, especially the scourge of abuse against women and children.

“We are on our way to Pretoria and stopping from town to town, spreading the gospel of crime prevention, saying stop the violence against women and children. We are placing emphasis on the crimes taking place openly in our communities.

Komani SAPS communications liaison, Namhla Mdleleni, hands out pam­ phlets at Nonesi Mall.

PHOTO: YOLANDA DAMANE

“Citizens must assist by reporting to the police and making use of sector forums so that we can fully fight crime together.”

Mdleleni said the department fights crime in various ways, the competition being one of the strategies.

“Our songs are composed with lyrics that carry a message about stopping crime, through which we are hoping to have a huge impact

and get residents to actively take action.”

Komani resident, Lihle Ntwana, said programmes of this nature were much needed in the area.

“There is too much crime in Komani and the surrounding areas.

We need police visibility.

“Such initiatives scare criminals off, knowing that our police are actively looking out for us and are easily accessible.”

The SAPS band paraded from Komani Hexagon to Nonesi Mall as part of their crime awareness programme.

PHOTO:YOLANDA DAMANE

Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture hosts Heritage Day build up ceremony YOLANDA DAMANE THE Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) held a Heritage Day build up ceremony at Intsika Yethu Local Municipality this past Friday.

As mandated by the Department’s MEC, DSRAC this year answered a call from Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa of the Abathembu Kingdom to host the celebration in Qhumanco.

Chris Hani District DSRAC senior manager, Peter Mbebe, said this year’s theme is to remember the heroes and the people who hold knowledge of their history “We have decided to consider politics where we had taken one of the heroes, Oliver Tambo, who worked hard, but never came close to benefitting from the privileges he fought for.

“It is our month to celebrate our culture and traditions, working together with the chiefs and Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. We are here with the intention of reminding our people of our history and to exhibit the ways our people had been living in before apartheid,” Mbebe said.

Mbebe said this was also to remind the nation “that now that we

are free, in order to live well, we need to regain our history. In this district, we are people who know that there are rules created to constructively bring up and discipline a person, where there are traditions and customs followed.

“Grandparents used to keep homes warm by telling bedtime stories to children. By doing so, they were trying to educate and instil morals in their children.

“Hence, you’d find people from that generation different from those of this one because respect was something instilled by whipping, communication and seeing good examples from our parents.

“Alcohol was used in traditional ceremonies and was not as easily accessible.”

Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa said the programme is educational even The Qhumanco Umngqungqo cultural group performed at the DSRAC Heritage to the learners.

He highlighted the shortfall of Qhumanco. the current government and said tures and legacies, so that we can we want to take other traditions and we should move on from them. customs and combine with ours to “We should be hosting such an pass these to our children.” event at a cultural facility that was Guest speaker Chief Azenathi Dal- feel complete. This day is to remind supposed to have been built, but the indyebo said the day was intended to us of who we are; where we come R15 million funding was taken back celebrate the humanity of a black from and where we are going.”

He emphasised that there was because of certain people who don’t person.

“As a person who is well travelled, nothing more important than knowwant progress.

“As DSRAC is doing, I wish you I have noticed that we tend to under- ing and embracing who you are. “Be would visit all the kingdoms so that mine our humanity, which is being proud of who you are, and know that you could find out about their cul- black. We are not proud of being us; a black person is as capable as any

Minister to pay tribute to fallen Umkhonto we Sizwe heroes ZINTLE BOBELO MILITARY combatants from around the Eastern Cape will be making their way to Komani where the Minister of Human Settlements and presidential hopeful, Lindiwe Sisulu, is expected to address detachments of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) on Monday, September 25.

MK national council regional convenor, Sipho Ngwetsheni, said the purpose of the visit was to honour all MK cadres within the housing programme

and to honour the late Qonda Hoho from Qoqodala, who died fighting for the country in 1987.

Hoho was famously known as the Lion of Mlungisi.

His combat name was Johnny Majola, and he was a member of the MK intelligence unit and was killed together with his uncle, Mzimkhulu Hoho, amid a political engagement.

Sisulu will be visiting the home where the two struggle heroes were killed to lay a wreath as a sign of remembrance, 30 years after their deaths.

Day build up ceremony in

PHOTO:YOLANDA DAMANE

other race.

“Getting an education is empowering our nation; education is an essential legacy that could never be taken away by any witch.

“Equip yourself and try to develop where you come from.

“Our mandate as traditional leader is to see you succeed into becoming better people.”

Unemployed duo sells handmade crafts

< Two unem­ ployed local residents, Luvuyo Nikani and Zola Mbanga, are trying to make a living using their talent for handmade crafts.

The pair are hoping to get more buyers and appeal to the public for their support. PHOTO: ZINTLE BOBELO

News

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

7

Author says ‘poverty should not determine your destiny’ YOLANDA DAMANE COKISA Thusi, the author of the A Diary of a Poor Woman, wants to teach people from poor backgrounds that poverty should not determine their destinies.

Agnes Peterson and Thomas Vincent from New Vale.

PHOTO:YOLANDA DAMANE

Two senior residents to receive first social grants YOLANDA DAMANE TWO senior Aloe Vale residents are about to receive a social support grant for the very first time without their identity documents (ID).

Agnes Peterson and Thomas Vincent are above the eligible age required to receive the government grant, but have been unable to access it due to having no IDs. With the help of a newly established structure, Basil February Detachment, they will receive the support they have been in need of and be able to support their families.

Basil February Detachment is a non-political structure made up of ANC members and was established to assist the community, regardless of their political affiliations.

Acting chairman of the interim board of Basil February Detachment, Peter King, said they would appreciate it if the leaders also realised the needs of the people.

“Every member of ANC is obligated to do something for the society. We saw that the minorities feel left alone and neglected or they leave themselves out.

“We are playing this role not to fight with the government, but to ensure that our communities are benefiting from their rights.

He said that the pensioners had been struggling until the structure intervened.

“We are very excited that they are going to get their first social grants without their IDs, after this long.

“They’ve been sent from pillar to post by

the department; they even said to one of them there is no help for him.”

Vincent lost his ID years ago and said that when he went to the Department of Home Affairs for assistance, they tore up his photos and gave him back the documents he had without clarification.

“I have been waiting for the book for more than three years. The people at Home Affairs do not want to help me.

“I’m struggling because I’m unemployed and have no source of income.

“I should be getting my social grant, but because of this problem I am unable to.

“Now, I am very excited to say that this organisation has helped me and I’m very grateful because if it wasn’t for them, I would not be getting my ID and my very first social grant payment. I have been struggling too much,” Vincent said.

Peterson, who supports her family by collecting bottles and selling them, is also awaiting for her ID and first social grant.

She said that she had been using a passport before she lost it.

Her daughter had been unable to register her children for birth certificates and child support grants as she also did not have an ID. Ellise Kepkey, of the Ward 12 committee, said that the structure was going to assist them with their reports to the council as they were usually blocked in the offices they go to individually, but with the establishment of the structure, doors had been opened.

“We are strengthened and will be able to assist our societies easily.”

Thusi’s book was published in July this year by Memezela Press, a community publishing company.

She said that the book had resulted from a conversation she had with her friend.

“I was reminiscing about my childhood with a friend when the idea of writing a book about my upbringing, which was plagued by dire poverty, came to me.

“I had noticed a trend in my life that everywhere I go, I have been challenged directly and indirectly, vocally and silently.

“Then, at some point, I had to put it out there that I grew up a poor woman. It’s not that I am proud of it, but it has made me get where I am at today. It did not kill me, but made me even stronger,” Thusi explained.

She said that her parents died when she was young and she was brought up by her grandmother, who took care of her, her four siblings and other cousins. She said that they were not well provided for because of the little money her granny made at her job.

“This kind of upbringing is very common in black families and that is why I felt the need to write this book. My father was an alcoholic who used his salary for his own need.

“If you read the book, you will learn that poverty is not a disease; it is not contagious.

“By reading the book, you will learn the hardships other people go through while still rising above those challenges.”

Thusi said that today’s generation did not

learn from the mistakes of their elders to equip themselves.

“There is very little difference between our generation and this generation simply because they do not learn from older people.

“There are children with their own babies and children who honour alcohol more than their futures.”

She said that this was a vicious cycle that made people not to develop because of their circumstances. “The objective of writing the book is to educate people that life happens to the best of us, but we should not allow whatever happened to us to determine our destiny.”

The book is available at Keens Office Equipment in Komani.

Cokisa Thusi, author of A Diary of a Poor Woman.

PHOTO:YOLANDA DAMANE

Mandela’s spirit lives on in Komani

Local businessman, Alias Garedew Deboch, recently donated warm blankets to senior residents of Mlungisi Township in Komani. From left are chairperson of the Sphiwo Sishuba ANC branch, Luyanda Nogema, beneficiary Nonyanya Ngondo and councillor Mncedisi Mbengo. Deboch said the donation was inspired by Nelson Mandela Day, which was on July 18.

PHOTO: SANELE JAMES

F0RUM24-OS160617

8 CLASSIFIED

QUEENSTOWN EXPRESS | THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

Classifieds

EX press QUEENSTOWN

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

CHURCH NOTICES CHURCH SERVICE TIMES QUEENSTOWN: NG KERK: 09:00 METHODIST CHURCH: 08:00 & 09:30 ANGLICAN CHURCH: 07:30 & 09:00 ASSEMBLY OF GOD: 09:00 & 18:30 HERVORMDE KERK (Opposite Hangklip Primary): 11:00 JESUS CHRIST CHURCH (1 Queens Drive): 09:00 – 13:00 UNITED CHURCH (Army Base): 10:00 CITY OF DAVID APOSTOLIC WORSHIP CENTRE: 10:00 & 12:00; Wednesday's: 19:00 POTTER’S HOUSE CHRISTIAN CENTRE 10:30 & 18:00 BIBLE LIFE FAMILY CHURCH (Ezibeleni): 09:00; Wednesday: 17:00 FAMILIA CHRISTI (Balmoral School Hall): 09:00 FIVEFOLD APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES 10:00 ST COLUMBUS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 09:30 LIFEPOINT CHURCH 09:00 HOLY TRINITY MINISTRIES 11:00; Tuesday Youth Service, 17:30, Wednesday, 18:00 HIS GRACE TABERNACLE 08:30; Tuesday, 18:00; Thursday, 17:30, Friday, 18:00; Saturday, 15:00 & 17:00 COVENANT KEEPER’S MINISTRIES (Bede Location): Friday, 18:00 Sunday, 10:00 UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD Mon. - Fri. 06:00, 07:30, 10:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00; Saturday, 07:00 & 10:00; Sunday, 09:30 ST PETERS ANGLICAN CHURCH 09:00; Tuesday, 17:30; Wednesday, 17:30; Thursday, 15:00 CHRIST EMBASSY 09:00 & 12:00; Thursday, 17:30 DIVINE LIFE FAITH MINISTRIES 10:00; Tuesday, 18:00; Friday, 18:00 FORWARD IN FAITH MINISTRIES (Louis Rex Primary): 09:30 GLADSTONE AFM/AGS PASTOR JAN GELDENHUYS: 10:00 Afrikaans, 17:00 English APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION-SHONA ASSEMBLY 10:00; Wednesday & Friday, 18:00 APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION-NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY 10:00; Wednesday, 18:00 KINGDOM REALITY CHURCH 09:30

Masibonane nge

DR Maama Sibu & Tata -Marriage problems & Divorce - Abortion Protection -Rats to bring money in your house, Magic Stick -Financial/Court problems -Penis problems -Win Lotto & Casino -Syptomps of HIV -Bad Luck Consultation Fee R100 073 106 0722 .

FUNERAL NOTICES like this...

G.H.MTHETHO

Born: 01.01.1900 Died: 01.01.2000 Funeral: 001 Diamant st Victoria Park Address:Moravian Church KwaMlungisi Interment:KwaMlungisi Cemetery ULALE NGOXOLO QHWESHA,MSUTHU FROM R220.00 CALL: 045 838 2820 thabo.mothlabane @media24.com .

eQueenstown (Komani) X1TX7865-QE210917

1845

BABALWA MPOTSANA Looking for Domestic Work, Sleep in or daily, look after kids, B&B, Housekeeping Komani & Surrounds 078 810 3992 .

door to door in Queenstown

DID YOU

The fortune teller •Magic Ring •Manhood Cream •Financial problems •Relationship/Affair problems •Bring back lost lover •Pregnancy issues

83 000 of our readers say that advertising inside their local newspaper influence their decision when it comes to applying for an educational institution.

•Remove bad luck & Win lotto

MOTHLABANE

EX press UDExpress EX press EX press EX press

X1TUB53W-QE170817

5X1THAB0-110216-QE-bhtmot-thabo

KO U GA

QUEENSTOWN

063 127 1547

045 838 2821

UITENHAGE DESPATCH

PORT ELIZABETH

Call/Whatsapp:

A local footprint like never before

Isolomzi Express

Queenstown Express 20 000 copies

Mthatha

Indwe

Queenstown

Bedford

Cofimvaba

Fort Beaufort

Uitenhage

Joubertina

Loerie Humansdorp

Jeffreys Bay

Lusikisiki

King Williams Town

Grahamstown

Peddie Despatch

Willowvale

Butterworth

Stutterheim

Kirkwood Addo

Nataza

Dutywa

UD Express 30 000 copies

KwaNobuhle

Port Edward

Flagstaff

Ngcobo

Sada

Klipplaat Steytlerville

Bizana

Elliot Cala

Jansenville

Mount Frere

Port St John’s

EASTERN CAPE

Kouga Express 20 000 copies

Mount Fletcher

Qumbu

20 000 copies

Tel: 041 503 6111 Express@media24.com

Mount Ayliff

60 000 copies

327 000 copies FREE every week

KING WILLIAM’S TOWN

Uvo-Lwethu Express 20 000 copies

Mthatha Express

Patensie Hankey

Port Alfred

Gonubie East London

King Williams Town Express 25 000 copies

Motherwell

Port Elizabeth

PE Express 120 000 copies

EX press UDEXpress EX press EX press EX press EX press EX press EX press EX press PORT ELIZABETH

UITENHAGE

DESPATCH

Free - Gratis

5X1THAB0-110216-QE-bhtmot-thabo

20 000 free copies

MAMA ALI

THABO

THABO

045 838 2821

A total of

5X2VULLER-PX060917

Somerset East

MOTHLABANE

X1TXJ9VW-KX200917

EP Media and Media24 have not verified whether any of the services or products advertised are safe to use or will have the desired effect or outcome. Readers are warned that they should carefully consider and verify the advertiser's credentials.

EP Media and Media24 does not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of any of the services and goods advertised.

Mid-Karoo Express 12 000 copies

.

Contact Harcourts on 045 838 2560

www.mvemnyama.co.za

MISCELLANEOUS

Born: 03.11.1972 Died: 16.09.2017 Funeral: 22.09.2017 Address: John Wesley Methodist Church Ezibeleni Interment: Lukhanji Cemetery . Lala ngoxolo MADIBA

Monthly rental R 6 500 excl VAT

Venue: J J Serfontein

.

REV SIMON MATIWANE

Commercial rental available in Queenstown (59 m²) Offers reception area, one office, bathroom, kitchenette. Situated in prime business area

22nd nange 23rd September 2017

GENERAL & HOME SERVICES

.

TO LET

“It’s our heritage, our legacy”

1435

.

1005

.

Iqhayiya laMabongwe

HERBALISTS

DEATH NOTICES 1205

.

1400

.

.

.

Mvemnyama

PERSONAL SERVICES

FAMILY NOTICES

GENERAL NOTICES

20 000 COPIES WEEKLY

KOUGA

KING WILLIAMS TOWN

MTHATHA

UVOLWETHU

ISOLOMZI

QUEENSTOWN

MID-KAROO

Lifestyle

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

9

RECIPE: LAMB KORMA POTJIE

ational B raai D ay Embrace your SA heritage this N National Braai Day REPORTER ANTICIPATION is once again in the air in the lead up to National Braai Day, which takes place annually on September 24.

September 24 also happens to be Heritage Day, making it the perfect day for South Africans to celebrate the country’s rich history though the tradition of lighting a fire, inviting a few friends over and shaking off the day’s stress.

The man behind the National Braai Day initiative, Jan Braai, has prepared a few mouth-watering recipes to get the South African spirit going.

“Add this tasty recipe to your braai day repertoire and grab your friends and family, light a fire and wave your flag as you reflect on our proud heritage.”

Korma is one of the world’s most popular curries and is traditionally prepared in a potjie on the fire.

It’s been around since way before the days of electricity, and back then it was really the only way to do it.

“Prepare it with the actual spices as opposed to using a premixed masala or paste.

“Even though it is spicy, the korma is relatively mild and quite creamy, so it suits a wide variety of palates.

You’re unlikely to need to down jugs of water and milk after enjoying it.

“Some people will tell you that it’s possible to make the korma with chicken, which is true, but then it’s not a traditional korma.

“Your only options are lamb or goat

but as I’m not much of a goat man, I reckon the only meat you should use for a korma potjie is lamb. I prefer deboned leg, but any deboned chunks of lamb meat will do.”

Lamb Korma Potjie

Feeds 4

Ingredients:

1kg deboned leg of lamb, cut into cubes 1 tot olive oil 1 tot butter 2 onions, chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped Ginger, equal in volume to the garlic 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chilli powder 1 tsp cumin 5 whole cloves 5 cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick 2 tots tomato paste (or a 50g sachet) 1 cup plain yoghurt 1 cup fresh cream 100g ground almonds Salt and pepper Fresh coriander

Method:

) Get as much heat as possible under the potjie and flash-fry the meat in two batches. You’re not trying to cook the meat and you don’t even need to seal the meat on all sides. All you want is some brown searing on some or all sides of each piece of meat. ) Set the seared meat aside in a safe place for later use. If the meat has a bit of fat on it, I fry it as is without any oil or butter, but if the meat looks very lean to you, add a dash of oil or blob of butter to ensure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the potjie. ) With the flames still licking away

at your now empty potjie, add the oil, butter and chopped onion to the potjie and fry the onion for a few minutes until it gets some colour. ) Then add all the other herbs and spices and toss around with the onion for about 1 minute until it has the type of fragrance that makes your neighbours jealous and the lions downwind from the camp roar.

The potjie could get quite dry and run the risk of burning in this step, so add a splash of water if needed. ) It’s now time to fetch the lamb from step 1. Add it to the potjie together with any liquids that might have pooled in whatever container you had the lamb resting in. Also add the tomato paste. Stir everything through. ) At this stage, there might be some sticky bits on the bottom of the pot, trying to burn themselves onto the pot and take up permanent residency there. Add a dash of water to the potjie, and use a wooden spoon to scrape and negotiate it all loose. ) Now stir in the yoghurt bit by bit and once all of it is in, close the lid of the potjie. You want it to simmer very gently for the next 30 minutes with the lid closed. ) After 30 minutes, stir in the cream and ground almonds. Don’t close the lid again, just let the potjie simmer uncovered until you are happy with the consistency of the sauce. ) When you are almost entirely but not quite happy with the consistency, taste the potjie and add salt and pepper to taste if needed. ) Serve with basmati rice and fresh coriander.

Jan Braai's lamb korma potjie. PHOTO:MATTHYS VAN LILL

PE Express First Choice Kids and Baby Expo

Plenty to please everyone at Eastern Cape’s best family expo in PE THIS year’s winning purse tops R72 000 of fabulous family prizes, with one main prize valued at over R54 000 and six bumper finalist prizes, to be won at the PE Express First Choice Kids and Baby Expo from September 29 to October 1 at the Boardwalk.

Expo visitors have a chance to win prizes on a daily basis, while two winners will be drawn each day at 4pm.

The winners will then re-enter the draw for the whopper of a family prize to be won on Sunday.

Keep a look out for the entry form on the Queenstown Express Facebook page, online at www.harwoodevents.co.za and at the expo entrance in your goodie bag.

Stokke has put together an exquisite array of high-quality baby items and accessories as part of the main prize, consisting of a Stokke Xplory pram valued at R18 000, a Stokke Sleepi Bed worth R13 000 and gorgeous Stokke linen valued at R3 000.

Parents can experience complete peace of mind with the iZisleep car chair valued at R7 000 and the com-

fortable Stokke Flexi bath and insert valued at R1 000.

Kids Emporium will also offer a bumper hamper valued at R4 000, while Impact Photography offers a family shoot valued at R1 600.

Finally, Windsor Forest Products’ portable jungle gym, valued at R6 500, is also up for grabs.

The six consolation prizes include six Kids Emporium hampers valued at R1 350, six R500 First Choice vouchers, three 12-inch balance bikes from Muna Bikes worth R1 150, and three party hire vouchers from Beans with Wings worth R1 000 each.

Bring your little ones to meet First Choice’s Milki Moo Mascot and much loved characters such as Barney, Mr Pritt, Spiderman, Elsa, Moana, Minion and Tinkerbell.

The First Choice Smoothie competition is also back again with a live onstage competition taking place at 1pm daily with First Choice and the Boardwalk supplying ingredients.

There will be great action for boys and girls in the First Choice Fun areas with an exciting new climbing wall, kids’ golf, action cricket, soccer nets, a bike park, Windsor Toddler

Park, SoftPlay Toddler Park, Sandart creative area and free face painting.

Visitors to the Eastern Cape’s biggest and best family expo can look forward to a number of new exhibitors who will be showcasing their products, along with expo-exclusive offers. . You will be spoilt for choice with gorgeous clothing and accessories.

Visit Nesting Place, Kids Emporium, Baby Republic, Monkeybum, The Little Closet, Baby Baby, Koosh Toosh, Blessed Day, Peekaboo and Angora Rabbit Fibre SA. . Find fun with exquisite toys and games at Fairy Folk & Friends, Oumies Dolls, Hi Gorgeous, Play World Toys, Djeco & Mombella, and Toys 4 You. . Visit awesome new and popular party venues at Valley Crag, Caterpillar Kids, Beans with Wings, The Barn, Emily Elephant and the Willows Resort. . Win a full 80-session Bio-Link Attention training course valued at R9 600 . Win a birthday party with 12 friends at the Sun Boardwalk stand worth R7 500 or a date night with

Make sensory sense of meltdowns and tantrums “DO you know that there is a difference between meltdowns and tantrums?” asked Magdaleen Stadler, occupational therapist and convenor of growing sensory smart workshops for parents and professionals.

Stadler will be sharing her knowledge and experience with

delegates at the Parenting 911 workshop this month.

The PE Express First Choice Kids and Baby Expo will continue its strong family focus this year with the launch of a new workshop, in collaboration with Early Childhood Business Forum (ecBF), called Parenting 911.

The workshop will be aimed at busy parents, au pairs, nannies and preschool teachers working with children aged three and younger, and will be held at the Boardwalk Conference Centre on Saturday, September 30, from 9am to 12:30pm.

The Parenting 911 workshop,

mom and dad worth R500 . Win a beautiful Elephant support cushion from Hi Gorgeous valued at over R500 . Pure Water 4 Life will be offering a 10% discount on all water purification equipment and replacement filters purchased at the expo . Win a year’s free EQ4kids program for your child or enjoy 2017 rates when you sign up for 2018 with EQ4kids . Guess how many blocks in the jar at Curro Westbrook stand and win a R300 Toys R Us voucher . Play World Toys will be running lucky draws where you can win awesome Lego sets . Two lucky young visitors can win a Young Entrepreneurs 2018 programme . Win a free course at GoFocus or enjoy a 20% discount when enrolling at the expo.

Pre- Primary School, St George’s Schools, Curro Westbrook Independent, EQ4kids, Young Entrepreneurs, Go Focus Learning Centre, Victory Kids Early Intervention Centre and Biolink Concentration Centre.

Education focus For parents looking to explore educational options for their children, top local schools and learning centres will be participating, including Woodridge College, Preparatory and

Scrumptious food and treats The family-friendly café rest area will include Sun Boardwalk, Rhubarb & Lime, Chip & Dip, Habibo’s Griller, Chipstix, Party Design’s Sweet Store and Urban Express Coffee Company where you can choose from a selection of savoury or sweet treats.

Entrance will be R40 for adults and R25 for kids and pensioners, while babies under 12 months attend for free.

Tickets can be pre-bought online via www.harwoodevents.co.za and will be sold at the entrance to the expo on the weekend. An exciting all-day, 9am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday, entertainment programme is planned for all three days.

For more information contact Linda Harwood on linda@ harwoodevents.co.za. – REPORTER

presented by ecBF, will cover the following topics presented by field experts: Musicking through mothering – influence of music on learning and mothering, destressing parent and child, make sensory sense of meltdowns and tantrums, and discipline with love.

Stadler will chat to delegates on understanding that different strategies and plans are needed

for different behaviours and will be joined by three other expert speakers at the workshop.

The delegate fee to attend the Parenting 911 workshop is R150, which includes a light snack and entrance to the expo.

Preregistration is essential and can be done at www.harwoodevents.co.za/parenting911.

For more info contact Seugnet on ecbfpe@gmail.com.

10 Toyota’s RAV4 made even more appealing Motoring

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

REPORTER THE modern SUV has become the quintessential multi-purpose vehicle, living up to the sports utility vehicle (SUV) moniker.

Whether you are loading up the spacious 480litre boot with your family’s belongings, heading out for a boys’ weekend away or carting your surfboard to the local hot spot, the RAV4 is perfect for you.

Moms needn’t feel excluded as the RAV4 will serve as the perfect companion on the daily school run, loaded up with the proverbial soccer team.

Specification touch­ups With a host of comfort and convenience features, seating for five and a myriad of cupholders and storage compartments, road trips are a cinch.

Making long-distance trips even more relaxing now is the fitment of cruise control to all GX derivatives.

Drivers can operate the system easily from the multifunction steering mounted switchgear.

Tactile feel of the steering wheel has also been bolstered with the inclusion of leather upholstery. On the exterior front, a new metallic red hue has been added to the colour palette.

Model line­up The model line-up remains untouched with a choice of three engine configurations and two spec levels: GX and VX. Buyers can opt for a 2.0 litre four-cylinder unit producing 107kW and 187Nm, available in either six-speed manual or self-shifting continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Diesel fans are also accommodated with a perky 2.2 litre mill, serving up 110kW and 340Nm, which is offered in both GX and upscale VX trim.

GX models feature a six-speed manual transmission, while VX spec derivatives receive a six-speed automatic.

Rounding out the line-up is a smooth 2.5 litre

= The popular Toyota RAV4 has been adjusted to make it even more appealing.PHOTO:SUPPLIED four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a sixspeed automatic transmission, delivering 132kW of power and a healthy 233Nm of torque.

RAV4 2.0 GX 6MT – R374 500 RAV4 2.0 GX CVT – R387 200 RAV4 2.2D GX 6MT – R467 500 RAV4 2.2D VX 6AT – R552 400 RAV4 2.5 VX 6AT – R518 200 Peace of mind All RAV4 models come standard with a three-year/100 000km warranty and fiveyear/90 000km service plan.

The interior of the new Toyota RAV4.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

2018 WesBank South African Car of the Year finalists announced REPORTER THE South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the finalist vehicle ranges for the 2018 WesBank South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition.

Announced by the master of ceremonies, Derek Watts, during an interactive reveal event hosted by WesBank at the Bryanston Country Club, the finalists represent the robust relationship between the South African motor industry, the SAGMJ and the COTY competition’s headline sponsor.

The finalist reveal follows a vote cast by a 26-member jury, from an original list of 35 eligible vehicle ranges. They are, in alphabetical order: . . . . . . . . . .

nomics, fuel consumption, environmental friendliness, safety features and value for money.

These aspects are not only important with regard to the actual testing, but also to how the public perceives the COTY process, the finalists and ultimately the winning car.

“We’ve seen many of these finalists performing well in our search volumes, with more than half appearing in our top 200 most searched for makes. It will be interesting to see who the judges choose as the winner,” said George Mienie, AutoTrader CEO. The jury will also have access to per-

formance test data, comparative pricing and specification data, as well as comparative parts pricing data, compiled by the Guild’s digital partner, MAPO International.

“As sponsor and digital partner, the MAPO team is looking forward to engaging with jurors and OEM representatives respectively, and will always offer our full support and continued commitment to the motor industry and this prestigious event,” said Gerhard Coetzer, the organisation’s managing director.

While all finalist vehicles represent examples of outstanding automotive engineering, there can be only one winner and

after careful deliberation by the COTY jury, the vehicle range that best represents automotive excellence when compared to its segment peers, will be crowned the 2018 WesBank South African Car of the Year.

The overall winner will be revealed at an evening function on March 13, next year.

The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists has run the SA Car of the Year competition since 1986, with WesBank – one of South Africa’s largest vehicle finance institutions – as its headline sponsor since inception. AutoTrader and MAPO supply support sponsorship.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Audi Q5 BMW 5 Series KIA Picanto Land Rover Discovery Peugeot 3008 Porsche Panamera Suzuki Ignis Toyota C-HR Volvo S90

Preparations now continue for the COTY evaluation days that will be held in late January next year.

At these evaluation days – the most critical of which will be the scheduled procedures to be held at a dedicated testing facility – the COTY jury will assess the cars independently, with routes and modules designed to test the vehicles in a similar way in which the average consumer would use them.

The evaluation days offer the jury the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the vehicles on specific criteria including aesthetics, build quality, ergo-

The finalist vehicle ranges for the 2018 WesBank South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Motoring

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

11

Volkswagen introduces new limited edition Beetle REPORTER THE new Volkswagen Beetle is one of the world’s best known, most loved and most individual cars ever created.

The new limited edition Volkswagen Beetle R comes in a White Silver Metallic colour.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Volkswagen has refined the lifestyle icon’s design, engineering and technology.

For the South African market, Volkswagen is launching a limited edition Beetle R-Line model with only 50 units being made available to participating Volkswagen dealerships.

Design Identifying features of the new version of the Beetle include a redesigned front bumper.

The central air inlet has been made larger and framing it now in the vehicle body colour are bars that strive outwards in an A-shape, making the Beetle appear wider and sturdier.

On both the left and right outer edges of the bumper a black trim element emphasises the width.

Customers opting for the new limited edition R-Line version will acquire a Beetle that additionally has a further narrow air inlet between number plate and bonnet.

The Beetle is furthermore equipped with a new trim element in elegant gloss black that runs all around the car.

It frames, among other features, the central air inlet and – acting as body-wideners – the wheel arches and side sills.

Also black on these versions is the central and lower part of the rear bumper, diffuser included, which has been remodelled in line with the front of the car. The exterior modifications are rounded off by a new optional paint finish, white silver metallic, standard park distance control, the newly colour-coordinated 18-inch Ravenna Adamantium silver alloy wheels and smoked LED tail lights.

The Beetle’s interior has a black painted dashpad and upper door panels, the glove compartment in original Beetle style, the standard additional instruments above the instrument panel and the ambient lighting it all elevates this limited edition sport model above many other cars of it class.

Volkswagen has significantly changed the seat fabrics with the exclusive R-Line inspired seats.

Front sports seats are finished in contemporary ‘Kyalami’ cloth upholstery, with an embroided ‘R-Line logo on the head restraints.

The Crystal Grey ‘Microfibre’ side bolsters provide excellent lateral support when cornering, while manual height and lumbar ad-

justment allows you to find your perfect driving position.

The Beetle R-Line is equipped as standard with the Composition Media radio system and eight loudspeakers. Its features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface as well as App-Connect.

The optional ‘Fender’ premium soundpack delivers a unique audio experience thanks to the 400 watt output from the eight speakers and subwoofer. The visual experience is created with ambient illumination around the speakers, door panels, lighting strip under the door trim and the LEDs on the loudspeaker ring.

The Beetle R-Line has ten key standardspecification details, namely: 18-inch ‘Raven-

na’ alloy wheels, distinctive sporty exterior styling elements, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED tail lights, Composition Media with AppConnect, ambient lighting, black painted dashpad, exclusive R-line interior sport seats, pedals in brushed stainless steel, leather steering wheel with gloss black inserts and R-Line logo and climatronic 2-zone air conditioning The limited edition Beetle comes with three paint finishes to choose from: pure white, tornado red and the new white silver metallic, with the black varnished roof as an option.

In addition to paint finishes, an extra three options are available to personalise the R-Line: panoramic sunroof, fender sound system and technology package.

Engines, transmissions and running gear The 1.4 TSI with 110kW that is available for the Beetle R-Line is a four-cylinder engine that features added power thanks to turbocharging.

The TSI engine has an output rating of 110kW and offers a maximum toque of 250Nm (between 1 500 and 3 500rpm). Fuel consumption is stated as 5.7litres/100km.

Recommended retail prices R-Line 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG – R419 500 The new Beetle R-Line model comes standard with a five-year/90 000km service plan, three-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.

TALKING F1: NATALIE LE CLUE

Singapore GP: Ferrari’s pain, Hamilton’s gain IN 2008 Singapore became part of Formula 1 as the first night race on the calendar. Fast forward a decade and delivered another first by becoming F1’s first-ever night race in the rain.

As uncertainty ran rampant, the rain wasn’t enough to induce a safety-car start.

Sebastian Vettel, after producing a scintillating lap on Saturday, lined up in pole position with Max Verstappen alongside.

The Singapore Grand Prix should’ve been one where Ferrari could inflict serious damage, in terms of points, on Mercedes given that Hamilton and Bottas were fifth and sixth respectively.

But yet again Formula 1 has proved itself to be the most unpredictable sport in the world.

Both the front-row starters, Vettel and Verstappen, were solid if unspectacular off the start-line.

In contrast, the fourth-place starting Raikkonen hooked up his start perfectly and rocketed to the front.

However, Vettel, in trying to cover his position, swept across the track to block Verstappen, not realising that Raikkonen was on the other side of the Dutchman.

It resulted in an enormous crash which brought an end to all three’s prospects and collected Fernando Alonso for good measure.

After the fact the crash was deemed a racing incident, and rightly so.

While many would cast Vettel as the villain for cutting across the circuit, this reasoning would be tenuous, at best.

Firstly, Vettel wouldn’t have known that Raikkonen had made an amazing start and was on the other side of Verstappen.

Some would argue too that Vettel shouldn’t have cut across the circuit in the manner that he did, but consider the fact that any driver, in any conditions, in any race, would have done the same.

In fact, cast your mind back two weeks to Hamilton cutting across the track in Italy, in exactly the same manner, to cover the Williams of Lance Stroll.

Whatever your opinion on the incident, the one thing everyone would agree on is that it was a disastrous day for Vettel and Ferrari.

Where he was expected to take back the lead in the driver’s standings, Vettel leaves Singapore significantly on the back foot.

Thus through all the chaos Lewis Hamilton emerged in P1 and was never troubled on his way to the chequered flag.

The expectation that Daniel Ricciardo could take the fight to the Merc was nipped in the bud early on as the Aussie had to manage an oil leak from as early as lap 15.

Valtteri Bottas may have finished an uninspiring third but with it has ensured a more than 100-point lead for Mercedes in the constructor’s standings.

In fourth, Carlos Sainz delivered the drive of the day while Sergio Perez in the Force India snapped up fifth place.

In sixth, and scoring his first points of the season, was Renault’s Jolyon Palmer who is to be replaced by Sainz in 2018.

Stoffel Vandoorne was able to translate his good form to a seventh place finish for McLaren while Lance Stroll, Romain Grosjean, and Esteban Ocon rounded out the top ten.

offer valid 01 August - 30 November

cash back* 144 Cathcart Road • Queenstown • 5320 • Phone Number (045) 839 3943 Contact Rowland Godeffroy 072 196 6171 Get

R50 000

incl. VAT

X1TXQ8T9-QE210917

Although Ferrari rue what might have been Hamilton’s victory, it has gained him a 28-point lead in the driver’s standings with six races remaining. On such things do world championships turn.

12

Sport

September 21, 2017 Queenstown Express

X1TXX4GH-QE210917

Madrid FC wins top notch local tournament THANDO MGEDEZI ENOCH Mgijima-based football teams organised a top notch tournament in preparation for the next SAB Regional League.

The tournament was played at Ezibeleni Stadium on Sunday, September 17.

The teams that took part in the one-day tournament were Ezibeleni-based teams, Amavarara FC, Madrid FC and Callies FC, and MK Academy FC from Whittlesea.

The toss was made earlier that day, and the first game was between Amavarara FC and Callies FC. The game was very tense between the home teams who played in very cold weather. The first half did not produce any goals and the teams went to the half-time break with a score of 0-0.

The second half started on a very high note with Amavarara wanting to score to book their place in the finals.

The goal finally came in the later stage

of the second half, courtesy of striker Olwethu Poni, booking a place in the finals for Amavarara after the 1-0 full time score in their favour.

The second game of the tournament was between Madrid and MK Academy.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw and the teams were forced to take each other on penalties. Madrid of Ezibeleni won on penalties 5-4 after MK striker, Luntu Ngxulelo, missed a penalty.

The final was a local derby between Ama-

varara and Madrid. Amavarara seemed more likely to score first than their counterparts as they controlled the game, but they did not convert their chances into goals.

Madrid got a chance in the later stage of the second half and scored.

They managed to protect their lead until the final whistle blew.

Madrid FC walked away with R2 000 cash, while the runners-up, Amavarara FC, went home with R500.

Cumakala Ladies score three easy points against Golden City THANDO MGEDEZI THE Lady Frere-based ladies’ football team playing in the Provincial Sasol Women’s League, Cumakala Ladies’ FC, received another three points on Saturday afternoon after their opponents from Ilinge, Golden City FC, arrived late for their game that was supposed to start at 1pm.

To make things worse, the Ilinge-based team arrived without their players’ playing cards and the team list book.

After a long discussion between the match officials, team managers and captains, the referee, Luyanda Mkhumla, decided to give the home team soft points for Golden City’s late arrival.

The ladies’ teams are the only teams from the Chris Hani District still playing in the league after All Star XI FC of Komani was relegated last season.

Before this game, Cumakala were the favourites since they are the better team from the region. The Cumakala Ladies now boast 18 points from 11 games after Saturday’s fixture.

Cumakala’s team manager, Fundile Jacob, said they wanted to play the game because they believe they would have scored more than two goals in that game.

“We really wanted to play this game be-

cause soft points come with only two goals and I believe, playing at home, we would have scored more than two goals. We don’t know what will decide the championship at the end of the season.

“It may be goal difference, so we really wanted to play this game. But we are happy that we did not drop any points.”

This is the third time Golden City FC has dropped points in this fashion this season.

The struggling team has yet to win a game this season and they are sitting at the bottom of the log table with 0 points after losing 10 games.

Queenstown Express had a chance to speak to City’s chairman, Melikhaya Mlandeli, who was very disappointed in this behaviour from his team.

“This is my first time leading a team playing in this level; surely this is a learning curve for me and the young girls.

“But we need support from the parents, teachers and the whole community of Ilinge because taking up this team I wanted to make sure that this team stays in that area.”

; The referee at Saturday’s match between Cumakala Ladies and Golden City, Luyanda Mkhumla, with team managers and captains

PHOTO:THANDO MGEDEZI

Komani Royals defeat Queen’s College in Sunday cricket match THANDO MGEDEZI LAST week the Chris Hani District Cricket Association postponed the 2017 Mayor’s Cup Play-offs that were supposed to take place from Saturday, September 16, until the first week of October at the Dumpy Adams Sport Complex.

The final match is between the SADA Cricket Board and WSU Cricket Club, while the third and fourth play-off matches will be between Siseko Dalamba and Komani Royals.

After the postponement, Komani Royals managed to get a game going against Queen’s College at the Queen’s College

Grounds on Sunday morning.

The game was decided to be a 40-over affair and Royals won the toss, electing to bat first. They managed to score 233, losing five wickets in 40 overs bowled by Queen’s College.

The top scorers for Royals were Justin Kuyler, who scored 70 runs, and Marvin

Group, who scored 39 runs.

Queen’s College entered the match chasing a target of 234 in 40 overs, but that did not go as planned. They fell short of their target, only scoring 210, losing eight wickets after 40 overs.

Komani Royals Cricket Club won the game by 23 runs.

Qhumanco Village hosts Heritage tournament in Qhumanco Village THANDO MGEDEZI THE Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) in the Chris Hani District, together with the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, House of Traditional Leaders and the community of Qhumanco in the Cofimvaba area, held a Heritage tournament last week Thursday in Qhumanco Village in

celebration of Heritage Month.

The tournament included a fun walk and various football and netball matches.

Ladies’ netball teams and football teams from Qhumanco and surrounding villages participated in the tournament. Overall, seven teams from each sporting code took part in the entertaining event.

The participating teams were Castelo

Club, Nongqayi Club, Giant Killers Club, Super Stars Club, Junior Swallows Club, Green Lovers Club and All Star Club.

The teams faced off against each other in a point system format in both sporting codes for the top prize.

In football, Green Lovers took first place, topping the standings with ten points. They went home with gold medals, a sports kit

and one soccer ball. The second placed team was Castelo who received silver medals and a soccer ball.

In netball, the Castelo ladies were declared the winner and received gold medals, a sports kit and a netball. The team that finished second in netball was Giant Killers who walked away with silver medals and two netballs.

ANY NEWS TIPS? Send an email to express@media24.com or contact Sanele James at 082 667 9883