XPRESS TIMES

Municipality insists “solar charge” is not intended to enhance revenue

Subsequent to the Xpress Times' Page 2 article last week, headlined “Pay Up, Or Face Darkness, warns KDM”, KwaDukuza Municipality has maintained the fixed charge proposal contained in the draft KwaDukuza Energy Policy is not meant to enhance revenue generation. The municipality insists that a possibility exists whereby customers with embedded generation equipment might need to have their installations checked for safety. An application process also forms part of the proposals, as the municipality argues that it needs an inventory of such installations for safety and regulatory purposes.

The equipment being considered in the proposal falls under the category of small scale embedded generators/medium scale embedded generators.

“This is not a revenue

KDM explains regulation, benefits for solar users

enhancement motive. The main purpose of the policy is to promote safety which is linked to embedded generator installations in and around the municipality. There are some private entities and citizens that have installed embedded generators that may not be in line with various prescripts of law such as the Electricity Regulations Act. The municipality seeks to get an inventory of such installations and to have these installations registered formally should they not have undergone a formal application process,” the Municipality stated.

While the Municipality came under fire from opposition parties after the item came before Council, KDM has attempted to allay any

fears, adding that the policy takes into account the objectives of the Energy Action Plan which was issued by national government.

And, says KDM, there is an added benefit for consumers.

“following the announcement of finance minister Enoch Godongwana's 2023 budget speech, it was indicated that individuals who install rooftop solar panels will be able to claim a rebate of up to 25% of the cost of the panels but limited to a maximum of R15 000 per installation. “There would be a regulatory framework to be followed such as certificates of compliance that will be required by the South African Revenue Services to prove such

installations. Such certification is issued by the municipality. The Municipality has further clarified that the said tax benefits are dependent on the following conditions:

a. Only new and unused solar PV panels qualify, to ensure that the capacity is in addition to what the country already has in place. The panels can be installed as part of a new system, or as an extension of an existing system.

b. Only solar PV panels with a minimum capacity of 275W per panel (design output) qualify for the rebate. Other components of a system batteries, inverters, fittings or diesel generators and installation costs do not qualify. Portable panels will also not

qualify.

c. Solar PV panels must be installed at a residence that is mainly used by an individual for domestic purposes. The installation will have to be proved with a certificate of compliance in terms of the Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009 to ensure safety of the installation and compliance to electric regulations.

d. The solar PV panels must form part of a system that is connected to the mains distribution of the private residence.

e. The rebate applies to qualifying solar PV panels that are brought into use for the first time in the period from 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024.

MECs celebrate International Day of Families

In a practical demonstration of a Presidential call of joint planning and coordination of service delivery through the Operation Sukuma Sakhe/District Development Model, three strategic government departments and municipalities: KZN Treasury, Department of Social Development, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilembe District as well as Mandeni Local Municipality joined hands to provide a package of much-needed comprehensive services to Mandeni residents at Ngcedomhlophe Sports field, ward 15 today.

This service delivery crusade, hosted under the theme: “Families and Demographics

Changes” further features stakeholders such as Home Affairs, SEDA, SASSA, Ithala Bank, Natal Shark's Board, the Office of the Premier's Youth Skills Desk which houses

Continued on Page 2

From left iLembe Traditional Local House Chairperson Inkosi Bhengu, KZN Treasury MEC Peggy Nkonyeni, KZN Social Development Department MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza, Thobeka Madiba, District Mayor Councillor Thobani Shandu and Maphumulo Mayor Cllr Zibuyisile Khuzwayo-Dlamini.

In a ground-breaking initiative set to swell and rev up the agricultural sector in Ilembe District, KZN MEC for Finance, Ms Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, who is also the Political Champion of Ilembe District, facilitated a strategic engagement on growing organic medical herbs in communities.

This initiative, first of its kind in the District, saw KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Super Zuma, Ilembe political, religious, business and traditional leadership converge at KwaDukuza Town Hall. This agricultural programme promises to create thousands of job opportunities and instill various agricultural skills in the youth and is led by seasoned experts from Zimbabwe working with traditional leadership and the business community of Ilembe District.

Thobani Shandu, Mayor of Ilembe District, said the engagement was very strategic as it helped to bring together differently skilled professionals, especially in a scarce and unique agricultural platform such as growing and selling organic medical herbs, to share ideas on how they can further develop the livelihoods and the economy of Ilembe District. “The partnership with Amakhosi is crucial because they facilitate availability of agricultural land for development of communities”, said Shandu.

Super Zuma, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, said he was happy to have his Cabinet colleague who holds a finance portfolio in the province, Ms Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, spreading a message about the significance of agriculture.

“This shows that agriculture is for all

of us. As the Department of Agriculture, we focus more in agricultural projects that help us fight poverty, create employment and reduce inequality.

That is why we are focusing strongly on our programme in one home, one garden. We are working with Amakhosi to help us demarcate agricultural land and make it available for communities. This initiative in Ilembe District is a breath of fresh air and we hope to see many people getting involved,” he said.

Speaking on the focus of the project, MEC Nkonyeni said they want to focus on growing cannabis and other indigenous plants and then facilitate entry into markets so that all their organic agricultural products can be sold to foreign countries.

“We are here to offer our services to teach all communities under Amakhosi to plant and use their vast agricultural land to improve their livelihoods. Through this initiative, we also want to afford an opportunity to the youth and unemployed graduates to get involved in farming. We are here to share experience, learn from each other and grow our agriculture commercially. As much as we want to fight poverty and food shortages, but what is equally important is to be creative and focus on organic plants that we can consume but also sell outside of our country to boost our economic development. This requires strong partnerships and commitment to succeed,” Nkonyeni said.

Youth Forum to host Family Fun Day

The Stanger Christian Ministers Forum Youth Ministry will be hosting a gala Family Fun Day on Friday, June 16 at the Stanger Manor Sports Ground commencing at 9am.

There will be a bumper athletics programme for toddlers, youth, adults and senior citizens, a five a side soccer tournament, mixed volleyball tournament and thunee competition.

Some of the events in athletics will include a toddlers' race, needle and thread, egg and spoon, father and son donkey derby, grandfather's and grandmother's walking race and musical cushion. Participation in the athletics programme is free and open to all. The first athletics event will get underway at 10am.

The five a side soccer tournament is expected to attract a large number of entrants with teams from afar as Phoenix in the South and Richard's Bay in the North.

The entry fee is R200 per team. No substitutes will be awarded.

A floating trophy will be awarded to the winning team and each player will receive an outright trophy and 10kg sugar.

The runners up will receive trophies.

The engagement today will soon be followed by the implementation where already identified agricultural land in Ilembe District will be used for training and planting, promising thousands of jobs spin-offs for local communities. Special awards will be presented to the highest goal scorer and goalkeeper of the tournament.

Volleyball teams must comprise of males and females with a maximum of 12 players per team. There must be a minimum of 2 females on the court during the duration of each match.

The entry fee is R200 per team with trophies awarded to the winners and runners up. Special awards will include setter, attacker and most valuable player.

The thunee competition will be played on a knockout basis of best of 3 balls. The entry fee is R50 per team. Trophies will be awarded to the winners and runners up.

There will be live praise and worship throughout the day. Church choirs interested in participating are requested to contact the officials prior to the event. Families are guaranteed of not going home hungry. There will be numerous food stalls including breyani, hot dogs, burgers, kebab and roti, hot chips, savouries, pop corn and fresh corn.

For further information regarding the Family Fun Day please contact Pastor Jonathan on 061 9669 988 or Pastor Eddie on 083 3117 772.

ORGANIC: Pictured (L to R) is MEC for Agriculture Super Zuma, District Champion MEC Peggy Nkonyeni and District Mayor Thobani Shandu

Riya Singh shines again

Riya Singh is continuing to make KwaDukuza proud, after she once again scooped the Influential Woman of the Year Award, in a function that was held at Sibaya Izulu Theatre, on Saturday.

Riya is a dynamic young woman who is a community activist and philanthropist. She is passionate about impacting people's lives. Singh is an educator, entrepreneur, dancer,

Generous donation for Stanger Animal Rescue

Team

Darnall Variety Cultural Show

The Darnall Association for the Aged is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Variety Cultural Show, on the 15th of October 2023, at the Darnall Old Age Hall. Free admission. Lunch will be provided. For further information, kindly contact Convenor Danny Genga on 077 405 1493 / 071 576 5833.

All welcome.

model, choreographer, as well as yoga and aerobics instructor.

Riya's vision is to empower women and make them believe in themselves and to inspire and motivate the youth

Riya, currently holds the title of Influential Women of the Year 2022, Miss Durban Public Choice Winner & Miss Durban 1st Princess 2022 along with 35+ other titles

“Life is nothing but a priceless journey with lessons, hardships & special moments. It will ultimately lead us to our destination & our purpose in life. I'm blessed to have reached out to so many and being a people's person..

“The biggest success factor in life is self-esteem. Believing you deserve it, believing you can do it and believing you will achieve it.” Riya Singh said.

Education MEC wraps up by election campaign

ANC's KZN Provincial Working Committee (PWC) members and Education MEC Mbali Frazer descended on Ward 15 in Mandeni on Monday this week to lead a door to door campaign ahead of today's by-election. Pictured is Mbali Frazer (far right) interacting with members of the community.

Former bodyguard gunned down

Police in KwaDukuza are investigating a case of murder after a local taxi driver, who also served briefly as a bodyguard in KwaDukuza Municipality, was shot dead last week.

KwaDukuza SAPS communications officer Constable Myeni said the victim was sitting inside his vehicle in Melville, with a female companion when the attack happened.

The deceased was laid to rest this last weekend in Groutville. The motive for the killing forms part of a police investigation.

Gail Thai Massage

Mozambik with Alan Chetty and Stanger SuperSpar donated towards Stanger Animal Rescue. Much needed animal food and blankets was handed over to members of Stanger Animal Rescue.

Model and dance instructor, Riya Singh

Acting Premier appoints new MEC for Human Settlements

The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed the reconfiguration of the Provincial Executive Council as announced by the Acting Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane.

Acting Premier Simelane announced the deployment of the following MECs:-

1. New MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Sipho KK Nkosi;

2. MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture

Cde Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.

The ANC in KZN is confident that Cde Sipho “KK” Nkosi will speed up

the rollout of socio-economic infrastructure as part of job creation, poverty alleviation, and to ensure improved quality of lives of the people of this province.

“With a strong background in organised labour, having served as the Provincial Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (KZN), we believe that Cde KK Nkosi will ensure that all categories of staff pull in the same direction in order to strengthen service delivery in both departments.

“His understanding of the Public Finance Management Act will enable him to ensure that taxpayers' money is used to build quality houses and that contractors responsible for shoddy service are blacklisted. People in rural areas and those living in informal settlements will be prioritised, as he understands that the ANC does not want anyone left behind,” the ANC stated.

The party added that it was confident in Nkosi's ability to drive the construction of

government infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, clinics and other facilities in line with the ruling party's manifesto of bringing government services closer to the people where they live.

Urgent attention

The ANC has given reassurance that, under Nkosi's watch as the new MEC, houses for people displaced by devastating floods will receive urgent attention. This also includes government infrastructure which was destroyed by ravaging floods, the ANC said.

“As the governing party, the ANC wants proper planning and execution of projects with all relevant stakeholders playing an active role. The silo-mentality will be a thing of the past.

“We want emerging entrepreneurs, women-owned co-operatives, the youth and people with disability to be assisted to enter the mainstream construction industry. This is in line with the government's policy of using infrastructure rollout to stimulate the economy.

“We thank Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba and many other deployees of the ANC,

who are too many to mention, and who previously served in this portfolio with distinction,” the ANC stated.

The ruling party has also thanked outgoing Human Settlements and Public Works MEC, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, who has since moved over to the Sports Arts and Culture Ministry.

“As the ANC, we are determined to use this sector to unite the people of this province and ensure social cohesion. In this regard, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba is mandated to embark on a series of consultative engagements with various strategic stakeholders within the creative arts, culture and heritage sectors.

“He will solicit their input on how to bridge the gap between the ANC government and the people on the ground. Importantly we want KZN to continue to host national and international sporting activities as we have done over the years.

“We have stated in the past that this province has produced athletes and artists that are respected the world over because of their amazing talent, not because of the colour of their skin. We want to showcase this talent to the world,” the ANC said.

EFF turns to prayer ahead of by election

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held a prayer and cultural event in Mandeni Ward 15, at the weekend. This comes as the part was wrapping u preparations of the by-3eetion, which happens today (24 May 2023). Elderly citizens were gifted with pinafores while others received blankets, to help them through the cold winter months. The by election is being contested by the ANC, EFF and IFP.

Early detection vital to conquering RSV disease

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg contributed three papers to a collection of papers published in the BMC Medicine peer-reviewed journal on 15 May 2023. This supplement focuses on describing the burden and cost of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness in children.

RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness and death in young infants, particularly in lowand middle-income countries. RSV causes 33 million severe respiratory infections, 3.6 million hospitalizations, and 101,000 deaths in children under five years of age each year, as well as significant strain on livelihoods and health systems. Advancing prevention is especially important for low- and middle-income economies where nearly 98% of child RSV deaths occuralmost half before six months of age.

New technologies like vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have just completed clinical trials. Some have recently been licensed in Europe and the USA, others are on the pathway to licensure. These products are aimed to protect infants against severe RSV in the few months of life.

“These studies further confirm the importance of preventing RSV

disease as early as possible in infancy, especially in places where health systems are strained and many children get sick or die from RSV without ever making it to the hospital,” says Dr. Bruce Innis, Global Head of Respiratory Infections and Maternal Immunization at PATH's Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access.

To better understand the impact and value of RSV interventions in low- and middle-income countries, more information is needed about the overall burden in these areas, particularly about the age at which infants get RSV.

A consortium consisting of investigators from South Africa, Kenya, Vietnam, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America has completed studies in South Africa, Kenya and Vietnam to better understand the impact and value of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

Specifically, studies from South Africa included a burden of disease study and a costing of RSV study, these data were used in a cost-effectiveness model in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

These data collected in a South African setting provide policymakers with detailed and

important data to support the introduction of prevention technologies when they become available,

There is a large burden of disease outside of hospitals which has been poorly recorded in the past.

The majority of cases occur in younger infants (<3 months of age), so new technologies aimed at the young infant could have a substantial impact and be costeffective.

Cheryl Cohen said “These results show the urgency of ensuring that low- and middle-income countries have access to life-saving RSV preventive interventions as fast as possible. RSV vaccines could lead to a major reduction in respiratory hospitalisations and deaths for South Africa, where RSV is the most important cause of hospitalisation for lower respiratory illness in young children.”

The studies were funded by a grant to PATH from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The investigators have no declared conflicts of interest.

The primary data collection was nested in our surveillance for respiratory illness and is partly funded by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA.

New MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Sipho “KK” Nkosi

Pictured are some of the elderly citizens who received gifts from the EFF, ahead of today's by-election in Mandeni

Food, in essence, gives you hope that maybe tomorrow will be better. That's why a plate of food is so important in those moments. Chef José Andrés

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust

Food, in essence, gives you hope that maybe tomorrow will be better. That's why a plate of food is so important in those moments. Chef José Andrés

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust

Natural ways to lower blood pressure

1. Walk and exercise regularly

Regular exercise helps make your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the pressure in your arteries.

In fact, getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running, can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health

2. Reduce your sodium intake

Salt intake is high around the world. This is largely due to increased consumption of processed and prepared foods. If you already have high blood pressure, it's worth cutting back your sodium intake to see if it makes a difference.

Most guidelines for lowering blood pressure recommend reducing sodium intake. However, that recommendation might make the most sense for people who are sensitive to the effects of salt.

3. Drink less alcohol

Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of several chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure. While some research has suggested that low to moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by adverse effects.

Drinking alcohol in any quantity may raise your blood pressure. Therefore, it's best to moderate your intake.

4. Eat more potassium-rich foods

Potassium is an important mineral that helps your body get rid of sodium and eases pressure on your blood vessels. Modern diets have increased most people's sodium intake while decreasing potassium intake

Foods that are particularly high in potassium include:

· vegetables, especially leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, and sweet potatoes

· fruit, including melons, bananas, avocados, oranges, and apricots

· dairy, such as milk and yogurt

· tuna and salmon

· nuts and seeds

· beans

5. Cut back on caffeine

If you've ever downed a cup of coffee before you've had your blood pressure taken, you'll know that caffeine causes an instant boost. If you suspect you're sensitive to the effects of caffeine, consider cutting back to see if it lowers your blood pressure.

6. Learn to manage stress

Stress is a key driver of high blood pressure. When you're chronically stressed, your body is in a constant fight-or-flight mode. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels.

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress can help.

7. Eat dark chocolate or cocoa

While eating massive amounts of dark chocolate probably won't help your heart, small amounts may. That's because dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that cause blood vessels to dilate.

A review of studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa may reduce short-term blood pressure levels in healthy adults.

8. Lose weight

In people with overweight, losing weight can make a big difference to heart health. The effect is even greater when weight loss is paired with exercise.

9. If you smoke, consider quitting

Among the many reasons to quit smoking is that the habit is a strong risk factor for heart disease. Every puff of cigarette smoke causes a slight, temporary increase in blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco are also known to damage blood vessels.

Helping hand for underprivileged families

As the committee embarks on our continuous strive for our community and societal rights and to be treated fairly and equitably as per our enshrined Constitution, we want to take this opportunity to remind our members that while your support and presence is crucial to our cause, to maintain respectable presence and open dialogue with the relevant stakeholders we distance ourselves from any member or action whom conducts themselves In an Illegal or improper manner, and we urge our members to participate constructively as per our rights and within the confinements of our law. Here are some useful tips or reminders to each of us:

1. Individual Responsibility: Each protest member is responsible for understanding and abiding by the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing legal protest action. This includes adhering to any requirements related to notification, picketing, peaceful assembly, and conduct during a protest.

2. Non-legal Consequences: While engaging in a legal protest may provide certain legal protections, it is important to recognize that there may be non-legal consequences associated with participation. These consequences may include, but are not limited to, potential strain on employment relationships, loss of wages or benefits, or the possibility of disciplinary actions from employers.

3.Confidentiality and Privacy: Members should exercise caution and be aware that communications made during the protest, both in-person and online, may not be entirely private or confidential. Employers, law enforcement agencies, or other parties may monitor or access such communications, which could have Implications for individual privacy and the protest.

4.Individual liability: Members should

Cloudy with rain Sunny Cloudy with rain Sunny Sunny

Two underprivileged families from Ward 11 in Thembeni heaved a sigh of relief last week after receiving grocery hampers from the ANC Ward 11 (AJ Luthuli) Branch, led by the Branch executive Committee (BEC) and he leadership of the ANC KwaDukuza SubRegion. Pictured are ANC officials during the grocery handover.

Classifieds

ACCOMMODATION

Ayer Rock Guesthouse Stanger's preferred choice for quality, tasteful executive accommodation. Contact 032 551 6503 or 071 685 7126. Email ayerrocksa@gmail.com. www.ayerrock.co.za.

VACANCY

Beautician and Hairdresser required. Call 083 776 6001.

Classifieds deadlines: Monday 12pm

STANGER MANOR SECONDARY

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO GRADE 8 IN 2024 IS NOW OPEN

Applications forms are available at school to Parent’s or legal Guardians with a valid Identity Document. Please take note of the following dates:

Collection dates: Tuesday, 23 May to Friday, 26 May 2023

Collection times: 08:30 to 11:00

Closing date for submission :Thursday, 15 June 2023

WANTED

Second hand clothes, household, dishes, mens and boys shoes, boots, takkies, curtains, beddings. Beds, TVs, fridge (working or non working) freezers, kitchen units, lounge suits. We collect and pay cash.

Contact Usha 064 888 8757 or 078 408 0488 whatsapp.

Community Notice

Help find natural parents

athinte usonhlalakahle Zanele Linda ku (032) 481-2093.

· Osonhlalakahle KwaMaphumulo bacela ukufuniswa ubaba kaWanele Gcwensa ozalwa nguMakhosi Gcwensa, ongasekho. Onolwazi uyacelwa athinte usonhlalakahle Zanele Linda ku (032) 481-2093.

· Osonhlalakahle KwaMaphumulo bacela ukufuniswa ubaba kaLuyanda Mbuyazi ozalwa ngu-Mcineka Boneni Nomasonto, ongasekho. Onolwazi uyacelwa athinte usonhlalakahle Zanele Linda ku (032) 481-2093.

uyacelwa axhumane nosonhlalakahle uK Mntungwa ku (032) 5525246.

· Osonhlalakahle KwaDukuza bacela ukufuniswa umama kaAmanda Madikane ozalwa nguNozuko. Ongaba nolwazi athintane nosonhlalakahl u-K Mntungwa ku (032) 552-5246 ngezikhathi zomsebenzi.

requested to contact social worker Ms N Madiba on (032) 4812093/2098.

481-2093/2098.

Please ensure that the minimum requirements stipulated on the application form are adhered too. All Late applications and applications via fax or email will not be accepted. You are advised to apply for more than one school. Kindly note that filling of the application form does not guarantee you a place at this school.

supporting documents must be accompanied with the application form.

For enquiries please contact: Principal : Mr H. Naidoo Receptionist : Mrs

Weekly satsangs are held on Mondays from 6:30pm - 7:30 pm. Shree Hanuman Temple, 19 Rose Road, Stanger Manor. Transport, contact us on 073 152 8910 or WhatsApp us.

· Osonhlalakahle KwaMaphumulo bacela ukufuniswa ubaba kaSenzo Zondi ozalwa nguThembisile Zondi ongasekho. Onolwazi uyacelwa athinte usonhlalakahle Zanele Linda ku (032) 481-2093.

· Osonhlakakahle baKwaDukuza bacela ukufuniswa abazali bakaAphelele Njoko umama wakho nguCebisile Shongwe. Onolwazi

· Maphumulo DSD seeks to find the biological father of Mpungose Nosipho Amahle (DOB: 2010-0910). The biological mother of the child is late. Anyone with information is requested to contact social worker Ms N Madiba on (032) 4812093/2098.

· Maphumulo DSD seeks to find the mother and father of Mbatha Khetha (DOB: 2020-0107). The mother of the child left the child with a friend at Maphumulo and never came back, while the father's whereabouts are unknown. Anyone with information is

Date : 7 June 2023, Wednesday (COLLECTION OF APPLICATION)

Final Date : 14 June 20232, Wednesday (12:00) (RETURN OF COMPLETED FORMS)

Collection Time : Strictly from 8:00 to 11:30

must be turning 5 years between 01 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.

- Learners entering Grade 1 must have turned 6 years by the year 2024.

NB:

1. As per Admission Policy- Preference is given to learners from Ward 17 Kwa-Dukuza.

2. The completion of the application form does NOT guarantee admission for grade R or Grade 1 at Stanger Manor Primary School.

3. Admissions for grade 1 will be done space permitting.

4. You will be informed telephonically if successful. If not contacted by 28 July 2023 deem your application unsuccessful.

5. Successful applicants will be guaranteed:

5.1 For Grade 1 after part payment of school fees of R1000.

5.2 For Grade R after part payment of school fees of R2000.

6. Note: Grade R successful applicants must make full payment (as per Budget Meeting, TBA) before Thursday 30 November 2023, to secure place in 2024.

·

Maphumulo DSD seeks to find the father of Zondi Kwanele (DOB: 2000-05-16). The biological mother of the child is late. Anyone with information is requested to contact social worker Ms N Madiba on (032) 481-2093/2098.

· Maphumulo DSD seeks to find the mother and father of Makhanya Mnqobi (DOB: 2016/03/10) and Makhanya Sakhile (DOB: 2011/07.27). The biological parents of the children re both not known. Anyone with information is requested to contact social worker Miss N Madiba on (032)

· Maphumulo DSD seeks to find the biological father of Ngcamu Mnqobi Xolisa (DOB: 2012/06/13). The biological mother of the child, Ngcamu Ntombifuthi Sylvia, is late. Anyone with information is requested to contact social worker Miss N Madiba on (032) 481-2093/2098.

· KwaDukuza DSD social worker would like to be assisted in finding the whereabouts of the father of Hadebe Amahle and Hadebe Njabulo Revaldo. The late mother of the children concerned is Hadebe Pretty Ntombenhle. Kindly phone (032) 552-5246 during working hours

Letters to the Editor

Open letter to Cllr Dolly Govender

Dear Cllr Dolly Govender, what legacy are you going to leave once you leave office because ever since you were elected as a Ward 19 councillor, Ward 19 has collapsed with a high rate of crime, grime, badly maintained pavements and walkways that are a danger to cause bodily harm to shoppers and pedestrians, some unavoidable potholes which are like a salad grater, sewer overflow and not forgetting the Rocky Park incomplete housing projects that the rate-payers are funding 24hrs for security services.

Now with some of the many issues that I have highlighted, can you please respond on what you are doing to address the above issues as you (have been) in office for over 7 years. Explain your vision to modernize KwaDukuza in your lifetime to attract visitors because, right now, under your leadership, you are attracting criminals.

Since the dawn of democracy, this once pristine CBD has now turned into a shanty town under your watch.

I believe all politicians and leaders that hold high office should be held to account. Show me you are bona fides.

ANGRY RESIDENT

KwaDukuza

bacela ukufuniswa ubaba kaAndiswa Ngcobo noSiphosethu Ngcobo abazalwa ngu-Tholakele Ngcobo, ongasekho. Onolwazi uyacelwa

Bongi Msomi leads exciting mix of youth and experience

Proteas netball captain

Bongi Msomi will lead a South African side that's filled with an exciting mix of youth and experience at the 2023 Netball World Cup held in Cape Town in July.

The 15 South African squad members were named in Johannesburg on Friday evening, where Netball

South Africa president

Cecilia Molokwane read out the names of youngsters

Nicholé Taljaard, Elmere van der Berg, Sesandile Owethu Ngubane, Nicola Smith and Jeante Strydom.

Within that brimming youth, though, head coach Norma Plummer made sure that the spine of the team

remained intact, with Msomi, Karla Pretorius, Phumza Maweni and Lenize Potgieter forming an experienced core.

However, Boitumelo

Mahloko, Zanele Vimbela

and Monique ReynekeMeyer, who were part of SA's Quad Series against Australia, England and New Zealand in January in Cape Town where South Africa finished fourth were left out.

The Netball World Cup will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28 July to 6 August, where 16 of the world's best netball countries will vie for the ultimate prize, to be world

Sun sets on Downs' CAF Champions League campaign

Mamelodi Sundowns were left rue another missed CAF Champions League chance when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club on Saturday. The result meant Sundowns was eliminated on the away goals rule after last week's first leg was a goalless

draw.

Wydad will have a two-legged final against Egypt's Al-Ahly next month to defend their title, while Sundowns are again left to reflect what could have been.

Carrying the hopes of a football nation that's serially underdelivered at club

continental level, Sundowns had done the hard work by not conceding a goal in Casablanca last week. Despite goals from Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile, they were cancelled out by headers from Ayoub elAmloud and painfully, Mothobi Mvala, who turned the ball into his own net.

Mvala's goal knocked the stuffing out of his team mates properly and they simply couldn't raise themselves to find the winner a game of such high quality so deserved. It not only robbed one of the best games, if not the best game of football played in South Africa this season of a grandstand finish, but it robbed Sundowns of a chance to get into the CAF Champions League final for the first time since winning it 2016.

This was the trophy Sundowns really craved and in playing within themselves in the midweek draw against Maritzburg United in their coronation game, they went all out for this one.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wydad Casablanca

Manchester City celebrated their third consecutive Premier League title on Sunday as a much-changed side was still good enough to beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola's men clinched a fifth title in six seasons on Saturday when second-placed Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Nottingham Forest. That gave Guardiola the luxury of resting most of his star names with one eye on the FA Cup and Champions League finals next month as City go for the treble. The strength of City's squad was exemplified by Julian Alvarez, who has spent most of the season as Erling Haaland's understudy, scoring his 17th goal of the campaign to extend the English champions' unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 games.

The treble is on!

Man City beat Chelsea to celebrate Premier League title triumph

champion.

South Africa finished a highly commendable fourth at the last showpiece in the United Kingdom in 2019, where they lost narrowly to Australia in the semi-finals before losing the bronze

medal playoff to hosts England.

The hosts have been drawn into the same group with Jamaica in Pool C, their strongest rivals for a top four place, as well as Wales and Sri Lanka.

Norma Plummer (L) (coach) and Bongi Msomi (R), skipper of South Africa

Julian Alvarez celebrates against Chelsea