Uvo lwethu express 25 06 2014

press UVO LWETHU

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Port St Johns | Mbizana | Flagstaff | Lusikisiki | Mt Ayliff | Ntabankulu | Mount Frere

THURSDAY June 26, 2014 | 0 039 251 0834 | www.uvoexpress | uvoexpress.mobi | greg.nota@media24.com or express@media24.com | Previously known as the Uvo Lwethu Fever

EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE

Anarchy grips Ncora BABALWA NDLANYA

A

T least 15 people were arrested last week when anarchy erupted in the Ncora Administrattive Area in Cofimvaba.

Special police forces were deployed to restore order and residents were warned to stop their violent behaviour or face arrest.

Cofimvaba Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Gcinikhaya Taleni, said people had to stop fighting immediately and find other ways to resolve their disputes.

“SAPS have deployed Public Order Police (POP) and the Tactical Response Unit (TRT) to defuse the conflict. These units will continue

patrol the area until the situation is calm. Anyone who continues with criminal activities will be arrested immediately,” said Taleni.

Whitlesea Corporate Communication, Warrant Officer Namhla Mdleleni, confirmed that police officials from Cofimvaba had arrested 15 suspects and that 13 cases had been opened at the station following the conflict.

“The fifteen suspects were arrested after allegedly burning down houses and committing other crimes. The suspects were charged with arson, attempted murder, murder, rape and assault,” said Mdleleni.

She said Police officials also confiscated a number of dangerous weapons from the public. It is alleged that nine homesteads were burnt down and that a woman (50) was raped,

stabbed and robbed of an undisclosed amount of money.

In another incident a man (50) was stabbed to death and his wife seriously injured. A case of murder had been opened.

The conflict follows a dispute in which two factions – Board 4 and Producers Assembly – are not seeing eye to eye about development in the area.

According to a source, who wishes not to be named, faction members were blaming one another for not reporting back to the community about developmental issues in the area, with specific reference to the Ncora Irrigation Scheme (NIS).

A resident, Ace Posholo, said according to his knowledge, a dairy was operating in the

NIS, and that another one was in the pipeline.

“Some of the land has already been ploughed.

These people who are attacking us, say they don’t want the development.”

He said he was victimised and attacked while he was at home, and told Express that his house was bombed and his tavern, tractor and other vehicles vandalised.

“Even though the situation is tense, we are sleeping in our homes. But I have heard that some people were sleeping in the mealie fields out of fear of being victimised at home. According to my knowledge eleven houses were burnt down.”

The secretary for the House of Traditional Leaders, Chief Xolile Ndevu, said he was unaware of the problems.

Winter circumcision season launched Nyandeni Great Place recently launched its winter circumcision season and has come up with plans to curb botched circumcision and deaths. Read full story on page 3. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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News

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

Summit boosts business in Bizana YANDISA POPPY DLEMBULA THE Mbizana Local Municipality (MLM) recently held a business summit at the Wild Coast Sun for local business owners.

The summit was aimed at giving business owners advice on growing their businesses through investment, while avoiding getting

into debt.

MLM Mayor, Makhaya Twabu, said that the summit’s purpose was to inspire business owners, young and old, to be successful to their own advantage and also to the advantage of Mbizana’s economy.

Financial institutions and other stakeholders were given the opportunity to do presentations.

Cllr Falithenjwa Matekana, Cllr Ncediwe Bongwana and Cllr Makhaya Twabu attended the Business Summit that was held at the Wild Coast Sun. PHOTO:YANDISA DLEMBU-

Linda Magadlela from the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc), said they wanted to advise business owners to take care of their money through investing it, so that as their businesses grew, more job opportunities would be created for local unemployed individuals.

A young business owner from Bizana, Noluthando Bentswana, agreed with all the com-

mon weaknesses that were pointed out by business analysts, including a lack of commitment, no investments and poor organisation.

“We, as business owners, learnt a lot at the summit. We got the chance to interact with business analysts who gave us tips on how to become successful business owners, making a difference in the community,” said Bentswana.

Bizana business owners, stakeholders and municipal representatives during the Business Summit.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

OMBUDSMAN

LA

In accordance with the editorial policy of the Uvo Lwethu Express, we invite readers to comment on mistakes in the newspaper and shall correct significant errors as soon as possible.

Send info to the Ombudsman of Media24’s Local Press, George Claassen, at george.claassen@media24.com or call him at 0 021 851 3232. Readers can also contact the SA Press Ombudsman at 0 011 484 3612/8 or e-mail ombudsman@presscouncil.org.za.

Residents angry over clinic’s staff shortage YANDISA POPPY DLEMBULA STAFF shortages and general disrepair at the Flagstaff clinic have residents fuming.

Alleged slow service and uncleanliness at the clinic were cited by residents as reasons for a recent protest, during which they demanded that more people were employed at the clinic.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Bhele Mgulugulu, said the staff shortage had been going on for too long and that it was time for members of the community to take action. “We want to see change within our community with better services at clinic, since people’s lives depend on it,” added Mgulugulu.

The manager at the clinic, Thandiswe Saphepha, apologised for the inconvenience

and said the Department of Health was aware of the huge shortage of nurses.

“We want to bring in nurses to help, but our biggest challenge is the lack of accommodation in our area, resulting in people having to commute over long distances,” added Saphepha.

Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Sizwe Kupelo, said the department was working on the problem.

Ngexesha Lasebusika

Become our Youth Journo today FROM the people who brought you Citizen Journalist, now comes the new and exciting initiative for our young writers – Youth Journo.

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email: admin@shellybeachhospital.co.za

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Youth Journo is a programme presented

by Media24’s Local Newspapers, of which OP Koerante forms part of, that gives high school students the opportunity to share their schools’ news with the rest of the community online.

But it is not only restricted to school news – anything that is of importance to teenagers could be submitted under Youth Journo on our website, whether it be dating tips, book

or CD reviews or more serious matters like drug abuse among teenagers.

To launch this exciting project, OP Koerante will be giving away a laptop to a school that submits the most Youth Journo entries online.

To enter for this competition, learners – or rather Youth Journo’s – would have to go to our website to tell us why their school is the best (only online entries will be accepted).

How to enter Go to www.uvoexpress.co.za. The Youth Journo (or his/her parent) must register as a user on the website and then click on “Tell Your Story”. (This could even be the perfect assignment for an essay

or great practice in the computer class!)

The online form you need to fill in is as easy to use as Facebook.

The Youth Journo must remember to fill in his/her name and surname, upload a photo of himself or herself and also mention the school’s name somewhere in the story.

Stories should be at least 250 words.

What the school does with the laptop, is totally up to them. So what are you waiting for school principal? Motivate your learners to upload their stories today.

For further information, contact the Online Editor, Tanya van Zyl at 0 041 503 6059 or send an e-mail to tanya.vanzyl@media24.com.

News

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

Circumcision season launched AYANDA MILLISA MADIKIZELA NYANDENI Great Place launched its circumcision season last Monday in Libode, aiming to prevent botched circumcisions and deaths this winter season.

Nyandeni Great Place spokesperson, Mlamli Ndamase, said the circumcision ritual was becoming uncontrollable so they had to come

up with a plan.

“Nyandeni came to an agreement that each season will only be officially opened by King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase to prevent illegal initiation schools in our locations,” said Ndamase.

On the day of the launch, an ox was slaughtered and traditional beer (umqombhothi) was prepared to perform a ritual to talk to the ancestors about a safer circumcision season.

Ndamase said the ritual was performed to

apologize to the ancestors for any wrongs that they have done for their children to die when this custom is performed and to also urge the ancestors to guide the initiates throughout the season. “We hope for a death-free season and we work closely with the department of health and the police,” he said.

Traditional leaders attending and community members were urged to be on the look-out for any suspicious surgeons and initiation

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schools in their areas and to quickly report such information to the police and to health authorities. Nkosi Nzululwazi Nobuya from Port St Johns, who was among the traditional leaders attending the launch, said the plan was yielding positive results.

“We are now able to control what is going on in our areas and it makes it easy for us to spot illegal initiation schools and the deaths have decreased,” said Nobuya.

Government to assist victims of veld fires in Matatiele YANDISA POPPY DLEMBULA LOCAL government is stepping in to lend a helping hand to victims of veld fires that had ravaged farms in Matatiele and Cedarville, claiming at least ten lives and hundreds of live stock.

Over 15 000 hectares of land was destroyed as fires raged from June 13 to 17, destroying everything in their wake.

MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, has pledged government’s help by providing emergency relief support to the victims, in partnership with the Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM).

Qoboshiyane said health care facilitators would be visiting the affected areas to provide health care support for burn victims.

He also said that the South African So-

cial Security Agency (SASSA) was already assisting people who had lost documentation as a result of the fires.

“Rural Development will supply animal feed to provide food for animals,” added Qoboshiyane.

A farmer, Naphtally Juqu, said government’s intervention would help them a lot, since the affected farmers were still traumatised by what had happened to their farms.

One of the farms that were affected by the fire. When Express visited the farm, the field was still smouldering from the fire that left livestock with no grazing land.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

End of mine workers’ strike welcomed GREG NOTA THE end of the Platinum belt strikes bodes well for relatives of mine workers who are living in the Eastern Cape.

The strikes had a crippling effect on businesses in the Eastern Cape, since thousands of Marikana mine workers have families here.

These workers had been unable to send money home to their families ever since the strikes had started at the beginning of the year.

Nafcoc’s, OR Tambo Region chairperson, Vuyisile Ntlabati, said they were happy that the strikes had ended.

“Some children who were studying at terti-

ary institutions had to drop out because their parents were no longer sending them money to pay for their tuition. Others were building houses and had to stop since there was no money coming in.

“Business people were also severely affected by the strike. People were taking goods on credit and we had to allow it, since we knew they had no other option,” said Ntlabati.

He said that as the strike comes to an end, they hoped that business would boom again and that those who bought on credit would now be able to settle their debt.

“The busıness communıty was affected by the mıne strıkes as the people who work ın the mınes are bread wınners for their families back home,” said a member of the Mthatha business community, Andile Nontso.

Mqanduli residents arrest six suspects after alleged gang rape SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE SIX men, aged between 19 and 25, were arrested by Mqanduli residents on Monday, following the alleged gang rape of a girl (17) on Saturday night on the road between Mampingeni and the Luthubeni location.

According to a police report, the victim went to visit her boyfriend in the Luthubeni locality, but he wasn’t at home when she arrived.

His elder brother allegedly offered to accompany the victim to go looking for her boyfriend.

The brother, three of his friends and the victim left the house together at about 8:30pm. Along the way, they allegedly attacked her and took turns raping her.

It is also alleged that two other men later joined the group of four and that they also took turns raping the girl.

After the incident members of the com-

munity searched tirelessly for the perpetrators.

Police spokesperson, Major Zamukulungisa Jozana, confirmed the arrest of six men in connection with the rape.

Jozana expressed his gratitude to the residents for not attacking the suspects when they had made the arrests.

“This is a good example of people realising they shouldn’t take the law into their own hands”, said Jozana.

A community leader in the area, Bonga Vice, called on parents not to allow their children, especially girls, to go out alone at night.

“The police were able to arrest the suspects through the good work done by members of our community.

“We have an organization called Masifunisane, through which we aim to curb criminal activities in our area,” said Vice.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court soon.

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News

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

Letter to the Editor

Reader responds to “PSJ needs help with unwanted ‘tourists,’” published in last week’s Express.

I was shocked to read the article published yesterday in the Express newspaper. The alleged ‘facts’ of the article were untrue, unsupported, and inaccurate. The article paints a very different picture to reality. I am even more concerned about statements made by Mnyamezeli Mangqo, the current Mayor of Port St Johns, which are misleading and also untrue. And having spoken to a great number of Port St Johns business owners and residents this morning, we share the opinion that this kind of publicity works completely against our attempts to further develop

the tourism potential in our little town.

Port St Johns attracts a number of international tourists. Unfortunately, however, we attract far less international interest than the majority of other parts of SA. Whilst the majority of international tourists head straight to Cape Town and along the Garden Route, the Wild Coast is often missed. This is extremely unfortunate considering the natural beauty, rolling hills, massive waterfalls, and stunning beaches. Port St Johns is also rich in culture, and nowhere else in SA will you find such strong traditional values as in this region.

Amapondo and Jungle Monkey Backpackers are the two largest backpackers in town, both of which are successful businesses with great reputations throughout South Africa and even abroad.

The owners of these two establishments work in support of each other to develop a positive reputation for Port St Johns as a tourist destination. They are responsible for attracting a great deal of international tourists, as well as providing a large number of jobs for local residents.

Amapondo Backpacker Lodge runs a volunteer programme called the Amapondo Children’s Project (or ACP for short), which is a non-profit organisation located in Port St Johns. (They prefer to refer to their volunteers as ‘voluntourists’.)

The Amapondo Children’s Project (ACP) started in 2001 and was registered as an NPO in 2006. It focuses on recognizing the needs of the local people in order to create communityled initiatives, jobs, education, self-empowerment and valuable exchange whilst utilizing the skills and experience of both local and international voluntourists.

The ACP offers ongoing community support through its involvement in a number of projects. Their current focus is the PSJ Childcare Centre, the Mthumbane Pre-Primary School and the Khulani Sewing Centre, and they are always looking for more support from voluntourists who give of their time selflessly and altruistically to benefit the local impoverished community. They offer short-term or longterm packages where voluntourists pay a levy that goes into the Non-Profit Organizations private bank account. This is a fund-raising initiative and all the money that is raised from this (mostly) international investment is used directly with the people most in need in Port St Johns. This means that whilst the voluntourists get the opportunity to become involved in teaching, gardening, building and maintenance for a number of these worthy Projects, at the same time, their financial contribution adds to the sustainability of the Amapondo Children’s Project, and all the beneficiaries thereof.

Jungle Monkey Backpackers is also involved in various community projects and have even hosted fund-raising events focusing specifically on the musical talent of the Port St Johns’ youth. Events such as these raise the opportunity for disaffected youth in PSJ, whilst encour-

aging skills, opportunity, and empowerment.

The article published in the Express newspaper also mentions drug abuse as a problem within the community of Port St Johns, and makes inferences to these problems being associated with the backpackers (which are described as ‘drug lords’ in the article) as well as the volunteers. This is not true.

Whilst the Wild Coast region carries a reputation for marijuana, which is grown in abundance in some of the more rural areas, this ‘national’ concern certainly does not stem from the backpackers of Port St Johns. Both Amapondo and Jungle Monkey Backpackers have strict policies towards drugs. Sign boards frequent both establishments explaining their approach to drugs indicating that illegal substances are not tolerated.

The Mayor, Mnyamezeli Mangqo, also made references to illegal activity of boats and ships that frequent the Port St Johns shore lines, where strange and suspicious dealings are going on. The insinuation is that these boats are somehow related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Although I have no evidence to claim otherwise, as a resident of Port St Johns, and with a home that overlooks Second Beach, I have never seen any such suspicious boating activity at sea. Furthermore, I can guarantee that if such activity does go on, it has nothing to do with any of the backpackers in town.

If a drug problem exists, then this should be confronted directly by the municipality and the police, who should work with the residents and business owners, as well as the backpackers, to ensure that Port St Johns does not attract tourists for the wrong kind of reasons.

Instead of this kind of negative criticism of Port St Johns, we should instead be embracing our wonderful community, and be grateful for the local, and especially the international voluntourists who frequent our town and contribute money and time to our residents in need. There are so many reasons to visit this stunning little coastal town. I hope that articles like these, and the statements made by prominent representatives of PSJ, are considered carefully before being made public.

Neil Clayton Owner: Amapondo Backpacker Lodge

Money will never buy love I wonder what the gossip team is going to say?

kuphele lona kuba ngoku awusafuni nalo mali.

Ja, some eloquent speakers were used in this utterance who stress that money will never buy love.

You can be monied but if you don’t satisfy your partner intimately you are nothing even if you can be a money provider.

Kaloku there is our buddy who was in hot relationship with a woman who was older than him. OW! The guy was living a king’s life even thina he used to bail us out if we do have a problem financially because usisi was providing everything.

Even when we visited their place sasiphuma izisu zibomvu sihluthi okwemibundlwane, kuba kutyiwa kwanto and kwaku mnandi.

Bencedakele ke ooGesh bezithandela ukutya.

In some couple of weeks ago the guy disclosed that he is no longer happy in that relationship and he wanted to quit.

We tried to convince him not to surrender that relationship because even thina will be affected since we were benefiting even if we don’t have money to buy something to drink or to braai over the weekend.

Hayi yangathi le chap isivile but sithetha nawe nje they are no longer in good terms with this woman and ayifuni nokuva uba ngayicinga umy sister ayinike iGolf yakhe afune ukomtyisa in these expensive restaurants as she normally did when they had differences hayi umfana akasazi ngeni zonke ezo akasafuni nalo mali na kakade.

Mara usilambisile mfethu xa sithetha inyani, but ayikho into esingaba sayenza xa

Zithwele ntoni ezi bags?

Yebafethu there is an outie esingazi ukuba sidididi kanjani but he always carries the bag on his shoulders every morning and we don’t know ukuthi what is really happening to this guy.

You can meet him in the streets of Ngaru if not Mbuqe even in town. The bag is not clean at all.

Mfethu please come forward and tell the gossip team ukuthi ithwele ntoni le bag.

Rhoqo ekuseni le outie nje ngabantu abavukayo soze singayiboni.

Perhaps there is a business eyiqhubayo.

About sex scandal in Bhisho Uyazi sometimes uyakumana ungazinaki izinto ezithethwa nguMgosi mara ngenye imini uthi kabele le nto umgosi wake wayithetha.

Kwakukudala simana sisithi la maxego aphethe kwezi-departments axhaphaza oosisis bethu kuba bedesperate for umsebenzi bona bebenza le nto ngenye imini umqolo uyakuze ube selubala.

Umamelise kakuhle, le nto ayikho eBhisho kuphela is all over in the Eastern Cape kusafanele iphandwe nzulu kuba kudala bemana ukuba ntama oosisi bethu kodwa thina kube kungekho nto siyiphethe ngesandla ukuba yenzekile.

Asazi nje ukuba why abantu bengazihloniphi kangaka kuba uninzi lwabo badala.

Sakhile umkhanyo njalo sizakubona ukuba eli hlazo lizakuphuma nantoni.

News

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

5

Computers for best performing schools REPORTER THE Umzimvubu Local Municipality (ULM) recently rewarded two of its best performing schools with five brand-new computers and a printer to the value of R75 000.

Daluhlanga Senior Secondary School and Mount White Senior Secondary School in the

Ntlabeni Village, had shown the best academic results in the region, with matric pass rates of between 90% and 100% in 2013. The Umzimvubu’s Corporate Services Department saw it fit to donate computer equipment which would help exposing learners to Information and Communication Technology skills.

ULM Mayor, Khulukazi Phangwa, handed

over the computers to both schools and pleaded with school staff to utilise the equipment for the benefit of the future leaders.

She also said students should embrace this privilege and that they should make use of the opportunities that government was creating for them.

Esethu Nongqotho, a Grade 12 pupil from Mount White, was excited about having the

computers installed and said she couldn’t wait for the computer lessons to start.

Daluhlanga’s Headmaster, Mandisile Mpuma, expressed his sincere gratitude towards the Municipality and the Department of Education, saying they were pleased to see the efforts by government. “This makes us confident that services are not only brought to us when it is voting time.”

Esethu Nongqotho from Mount White posing in front of their school’s new computers donated by Umzimvubu Local Municipality.

Umzimvubu Local Municipal representatives and stakeholders with a pupil from Daluhlanga SSS during the handover.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Alfred Nzo District hosts Youth Seminar YANDISA POPPY DLEMBULA THE Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) recently held an Educational Youth Summit in Port Edward.

The summit was aimed at encouraging interaction between public representatives and the youth, in order to find lasting solutions for the district’s education system.

It was themed, “Advancing socio-economic opportunities for young people towards vision 2030,” with the focus on unlocking economic opportunities for the youth and better dialogue between government and young people.

ANDM Mayor, Eunice Diko, said she was happy with the outcome of the seminar which was attended by young people from all over the district.

“Our vision, as the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, is to make sure that young people are always empowered and that their voices are always heard.” Panel discussions were held, during which young people reflected on the progress made since 1994.

A delegate, Zoleka Dikiso, said the government was trying to make a difference, but that action wasn’t really taken to develop young people.

“Young people are more corrupt now than ever before. They never get the opportunities that government keeps promising. The high unemployment rate contributes to young people getting involved in the wrong activities,” said Dikiso.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Dr MP Noqamza BA (Hons)(Psych.) & BEd (Hons)(S.G.C.) Unisa FDE (RAU) PhD (Community Psych.) UZ; MEd (Guidance & Counselling) Unisa CERTIFICATE IN (Marriage Guidance & Counselling) Unisa

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BURSARIES AVAILABLE FOR TRADE TEST (RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING) Ingwe Public FET College and Artisan Development Academy (Pty) Ltd have bursaries available to assist competent persons that meet the required criteria to obtain a Trade Test Certificate. The Trade Test process will consist of a pre-evaluation, brush-up training and the Trade Test and is available for the following designated trades: BRICKLAYING PLUMBING CONSTRUCTION CARPENTRY ELECTRICAL WELDING MOTOR MECHANIC

REQUIRED CRITERIA TO PARTICIPATE The Mayor of Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Cllr Eunice Diko, welcoming young people to the Educational Youth Seminar that was held in Port Edward.

PHOTO:YANDISA DLEMBULA

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered : N2 Certificate including relevant Trade Theory and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience ; OR Relevant Engineering NCV at NQF Level 3 and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience ; OR Relevant Engineering NC(V) 4 plus completion of all relevant work experience modules and a minimum of 18 months relevant work experience ; OR Technical Grade 12 with Maths, Engineering Science and related trade theory subject and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience ; OR Grade 9 and a minimum of 4 years relevant work experience ; OR Relevant (directly related to trade theory subjects) N6 Certificate or National Technical Diploma (S or N stream) with 18 months relevant work experience.

All applicants must provide a CV and certified copies of I.D. Book, school certificates and qualifications, proof of training and proof of relevant work experience.

Applications are to be handed in toIngwe Public FET College at one of their campuses: Maluti (039 256 0670) Mt Fletcher (039 257 0991) Mt Frere (039 255 1340) Ngqungqushe (Lusikisiki) (039 253 7270) Siteto (Bizana) (039 251 5299) or Administration Centre, Mt Frere (039 255 0346).

NOTE : This is a funded programme and there are no Fees or charges for applicants.

Cllr Eunice Diko in the front row with Umzimvubu Local Municipal Mayor, Cllr Khulukazi Pangwa, stakeholders and Alfred Nzo municipal representatives at an educational seminar held in Port Edward.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

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CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY 30 JUNE, 2014.

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6

News

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

Ex-actor chooses forest over civilisation

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE DESPITE a decent education and fame, a man (74) who once starred in a television show, chooses to live like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe in the forest near Port St Johns.

Ben Adolf Dekker has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a BA honours degree, and he used to be an Afrikaans actor.

He became known for portraying the character of Gaitsigubib in the Afrikaans TV series Vlakte Duskant Hebron.

He said his father was Managing Director of an oil company here in South Africa, but that he had forgotten the company’s name.

Ben left a life of comfort for the forest where he stays alone and lives off the land.

Big Ben, as he is affectionately known, has been staying in the Mthumbane forest next to Second Beach, for almost 35 years now and said he enjoys every second.

He told Express that the reason he chose to stay there was his love for the environment and for plants. He cultivates plants to prevent soil erosion.

He has built “shanties” inside the forest and sometimes he even accommodates people who don’t have a place to stay.

He has a studio where he puts his work and some items he has collected from the sea, a study room and a place where he dries plants which he uses as medicine.

He said no one hinders him and that he always sleeps peacefully.

Big Ben said he does not spend too much money. “I only buy oil. The rest I get from nature.” He doesn’t smoke and likes to read books about plants and the history of the world and even has copies of Mthatha Express and Uvo Lwethu Express.

“The only money I spend is to buy my favourite drink, red wine. The rest I get from

the plants and sea,” said Big Ben. According to him, most tourists visit his place to see how he survives.

He said he has friends all over the world, including the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Ben said death alone could terminate his love for the environment. He doesn’t have any children or a woman in his life.

When the Express arrived at his place he was busy paving the way to his shanty. “I am preparing the route for my visitors so that they can walk here easily.”

Big Ben was born in Centane, before his parents moved to East London, where he pursued his studies at the Saasveld Forestry College.

He then went to Rhodes University where he obtained his BA honours. Thereafter he went to Cape Town, where he worked for Amnesty International. He travelled a lot in the countries he was deployed to by Amnesty International. Among other countries, he was deployed to Sudan.

Simbongile.mdledle@media24.com

Ben Dekker uses primitive cooking methods to prepare his food.

PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

Ben Dekker in his study with a picture of Nelson Mandela.

PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

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2010 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 TD V6 HSE FULL HOUSE, 65 000KM, BAL OF MAINTENANCE PLAN

R1 100 000

2014 RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0 V6 SUPERCHARGED HSE - FULL HOUSE, LOTS OF EXTRAS, 6 500KM, BAL OF MAINTENANCE PLAN & WARRANTY

R399 990

2013 LAND ROVER FREELANDER SD4 2.2 S AUTO - FULL HOUSE, 25 000KM, BAL OF SERVICE PLAN & WARRANTY

ABOVE AND BEYOND

R869 990

2012 RANGE ROVER SPORT 5.0 SUPERCHARGED SE - FULL HOUSE, LOTS OF EXTRAS, 32 000KM, BAL OF MAINTENANCE PLAN & WARRANTY

R219 990

2010 LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 TD4 2.2 S FULL HOUSE, SUNROOF, 76 000KM, BAL OF SERVICE PLAN & WARRANTY

R699 990

2013 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 SD V6 SE FULL HOUSE, 30 000KM, BAL OF MAINTENANCE PLAN

R199 990

2009 LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 TD4 2.2 S AUTO FULL HOUSE, SUNROOF, 78 000KM

R494 990

2011 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 SD V6 SE FULL HOUSE, 84 000KM, BAL OF MAINTENANCE PLAN

R339 990

2013 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 3.0 V6 AUTO FULL HOUSE, 9 000KM, BAL OF SERVICE PLAN & WARRANTY

6 Sunset Close, Umhlanga Ridge, 4320 P.O. Box 632 Tel: 031 571 2610 Fax: 031 566 5116 Andrew Gooding: 084 503 4050 email: andrewgo@cmh.co.za Chris Govender: 082 580 4921 email: chrisg@cmh.co.za Chris Burger: 076 123 1755 email: christopherbu@cmh.co.za

R629 990

2011 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 TD V6 HSE FULL HOUSE, 81 000KM, BAL OF MAINTENANCE PLAN

R589 990

2014 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 2.0SI DYNAMIC UNREGISTERED, FULL HOUSE, 1 000KM, BAL OF SERVICE PLAN & WARRANTY

2013 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 2.0SI4 COUPE FULL HOUSE, 25 000KM, BAL OF SERVICE PLAN & WARRANTY

R284 990

R184 990

2011 MERCEDES BENZ C180K BE AUTO AMG KIT, FULL HOUSE, 39 000KM, BAL OF MOBILO PLAN

2011 VW GOLF VI 1.4 TSI COMFORTLINE FULL HOUSE, SUNROOF, 77 000KM, BAL OF SERVICE PLAN

ABOVE AND BEYOND

News

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

7

People like us

The Ethaweni villagers cooking food for people attending the Prayer day that was held in Flagstaff recently.

PHOTO:YANDISA DLEMBULA

Siyabonga and Siyamthanda Ndabankulu from Ingquza Hill attended the Ingquza Hill Memorial ceremony for fallen heroes.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

Masiwakhe Ndava and Ncumile Mdingi, who are interns at the Mbizana Local Municipality, attended a business summit at the Wild Coast Casino.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

George Gusha from the Mbizana Local Municipality during an educational youth summit hosted by the Alfred Nzo District Municipality at the Estuary Country Hotel in Port Edward.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

INGQUZA HILL LOCAL MUNICIPALITY PROVINCE OF THE EASTERN CAPE 135 Main Street PO BOX 14 Flagstaff 4810 TEL 039 252 0131/61 Fax 039 252 0699

66 Main Street.

PO BOX 7 LUSIKISIKI 4820 TEL 039 253 1568/1096

PUBLIC NOTICE: ISAZISO SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING The Municipal Manager, Mr. Fihlani, as duly instructed by the Speaker of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Cllr D. Mjokovana, hereby gives notice that, in terms of Section 29(1) of Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998 that a Special Council Meeting of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality will be held as follows: Men and women who were the organisers of the Prayer day that was held in Flagstaff recently.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

Venue Date Time

: Lusikisiki College of Education Hall : 26 June 2014 : 10H00 am

The Special Council Meeting is convened to consider the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) for 2014/2015 Financial Year.

In terms of Section 20(1) of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, members of the public and media houses are invited to the meeting.

INTLANGANISO EKHETHEKILEYO YEBHUNGA LIKAMASIPALA Umphathi Masipala, uMnu. Fihlani, njengoko eyalelwe ngoBekekileyo uSomlomo woMasipala wasekuHlaleni Ingquza Hill uCeba D. Mjokovana, uyazisa ngokweCandelo lama – 29 (1) loMthetho woBume booMasipala (uMthetho we – 117 wama – 1998) ukuba iNtlanganiso eKhethekileyo yeBhunga loMasipala wasekuHlaleni Ingquza Hill izakuthi ibanjwe ngoluhlobo lulandelayo: Indawo Umhla Ixesha

: Lusikisiki College of Education Hall : 26 kweyeSilimela 2014 : 10H00 ekuseni

Le Ntlanganiso izakuthi iqwalasela uHlahlolwabiwo – mali nesiCwangcwiso sokumiliselwa nokuHanjiswa kweeNkonzo (SDBIP) konyaka – mali wama-2014/2015.

NgokweCandelo lama – 20(1) loMthetho oLawula ooMasipala (uMthetho wama – 32 wama – 20000), amalungu woluntu ngokubanzi, amaZiko ezosasazo lweendaba kwakunye namanye amaqela anomdla ayamenywa ukuba abeyinxalenye yalentlanganiso.

Sikhutshwe ngu: Ingquza Hill Community members during the memorial lecture on the Ingquza Hill massacre which was held in Flagstaff recently.

PHOTO: YANDISA DLEMBULA

M. Fihlani MTKFHV-260614-UE-ebnnon-SKOOL

8

Sport

June 26, 2014 Uvolwethu Express

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Councillor boosts youth through soccer YANDISA POPPY DLEMBULA MBIZANA Local Municipality ward 30 councillor in Nyanisweni Village, Ntombi Sibutha, organised a soccer tournament as part of her initiatives to promote youth development in the region.

This was the first tournament of its kind in the small rural village.

Seven teams from around Nyanisweni Village participated in the tournament that took place last week. New Arrows, from the deep rural area of Emxinga, were crowned champions, after beating Masakhane of KwaMbuzi in Mngqongweni by 2-0.

Sibutha said young people were the future and that elders should help promote outdoor activities like sport. “The tournament fulfilled my dream of supporting the young people of my ward. They showed appreciation and dedication to the sport that they love the most,� added Sibutha.

The councillor donated a 45-piece soccer kit for the winning team and 10 soccer balls for each team that participated. This is aimed at encouraging young people to stay active and healthy and most importantly, to develop their talent for greater achievements to come.

Well-known referees, including Lucky Nxulu and Fezile Siramza, were present to ensure that the games were played fairly.

Lindela Mabuwa, speaking on behalf of the Nyanisweni Village community, said they appreciated what the councillor was doing for young people.

New Arrows are the champions of the tournament that was organised and sponsored by Mbizana Local Municipality ward 30 councillor in Nyanisweni Village, Ntombi Sibutha (front), as part of her initiatives to promote youth development in the region.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED