The Rep 21 July 2017.compressed

More documents

Recommendations

Info

2 Tel: (045) 839-4040 Emergency: (A/H) 083-272-0955 ° Editorial: sonjar@timesmedia.co.za - advertising: charodinev@timesmedia.co.za THE REPRESENTATIVE 21 July 2017 Drugs and alcohol in the park More security needed in Memorial Gardens SIMTEMBILE MGIDI T HE Memorial Gardens in Komani, once a haven for families in which to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings, is fast becoming a hangout spot where drugs and alcohol are being consumed. The gardens, located in Robinson Road in Komani, fall under the jurisdiction of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipalit y. A member of the grounds staff, who wanted to remain anonymous, said a problem existed with young people who were drinking in the gardens over weekends, leaving the bottles behind and the facility in a general filthy state. “On Mondays, we have to clean their filth such as faeces and other disgusting things. I know I am a cleaner, but some things are outrageous and not good for our health.” He said a high fence and security should be provided to keep the facility cleaner and safer for the general public. “We do try to chase away the youngsters who smoke their drugs here but they are not always afraid of us.” A Westbourne man who did not want to be named was sitting on a bench in the park with two friends. He said people were being robbed while walking home from a tavern situated opposite the park. “We are drunk and defenceless and what else can we do as the youth? As a result, we become targets on the way home – the police should pull SAFETY CONCERN: The Memorial Gardens in Komani, once a place for families to relax, is fast becoming increasingly unsafe up their socks.” The youths agreed that more entertainment facilities should be provided to keep the youth busy and away from drugs. The Rep reporter observed a few groups smoking dagga in the park during the time of the interviews, which were shortly after 2pm last Thursday. The issue of safety in the park was raised with the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality with spokesman Fundile Feketshane acknowledging there was a problem at the public gardens. He said a security guard, based at the gardens, had to be relocated to another area. “We have submitted a request PUFFING: Smoke wafts from the cigarette of a visitor to the Memorial Gardens in Komani Pictures: SIMTEMBILE MGIDI to our safety and security directorate for assistance before the close of the 2016/2017 financial year and we are awaiting their response. As an interim intervention, our parks department has written to surrounding schools.” This was, he said, according to a municipal assessment that schoolchildren were perceived to be the ones using drugs in the area. “We will write another letter when the schools re-open to sensitise them about this problem and also engage the security cluster.” He said in 2014, a business plan was developed to fence the gardens but due to financial and budgetary constraints it could not be done. “ When we receive financial assistance as the parks department, we will definitely fence the park.” Go-ahead for more cell towers From page 1 environmental appeal, the South African Civil Aviation Authority would also need to give a p p r o va l . The council indicated it would be a good idea for the towers to be placed on council property for revenue. The proposal and its recommendations on Land Use Scheme requirements and advertisement for objections were approved. A contentious issue under discussion was contractors, tasked with construction and patching of potholes, wanting more money during the project. Gunuza Nkwentsha said construction companies wanting more money than the initial quote should be held accountable and an inquiry made into the spending. Acting director of technical services Ayanda Gaji said requests of more than 20% of the original amount were sent to the mayoral committee for approval. “However, when quotations are brought forward for a tender, it normally is based on the amount of money needed for the job to be completed which is based on research done at that moment.” DA councillor Zuko Mandile said while the time period since the quote had to be taken into account in terms of costs, some escalations were around 100%, which were unacceptable. The public and the media were then asked to leave the meeting for in-council discussions at about 1pm. By 4.30pm, the meeting remained closed. It is however believed that the motion of no confidence in Gunuza Nkwentsha and council speaker Mzoxolo Peter, which have been raised by the DA and the United Front, were due to be discussed during the closed session. The outcome was not known. Women march against abuse SIVENATHI GOSA THE plight of women and children who are being abused, were raised during a march by the Anglican Church of Southern Africa Mothers’ Union Diocese of Ukhahlamba, with different church members last Thursday. The women, accompanied by spiritual leaders of the Anglican Church, started the march from Philani Clinic to the Mlungisi police st at i o n . The women walked in silence with placards bearing messages slamming the actions of perpetrators and expressing support for victims. M ot h e r s ’ Union president Lindiwe Thabo said while the march was being carried out in silence, their actions and cries were going to be seen and heard. “This is the first time that we are having an event like this. It is also happening in the surrounding areas of Komani such as Whittlesea, Dordrecht and Cacadu. We are slowly losing our dignity as women and our children are being raped and killed mercilessly – enough is enough. Society is losing its humanity.” The M ot h e r s ’ Union handed over a memorandum, pleading with the police to protect the women and children of the community from the killings, raping and human trafficking. Other issues raised included drug dealing and use in schools, the disappearance of police dockets and complaints about suspects returning to communities. “We are praying for our community and country. We, as the M ot h e r s ’ Union, stand for a stable family life,” said Thabo. Acting station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Xolani Sali said the memorandum would be sent to Komani cluster IN PROTEST: Church of Souther n Africa Mot h e r s ’ Union Dioceses of Ukhahlamba marched against the abuse of women and children Picture: S I V E N AT H I GOSA commander Major-General Thembisile Patekile. “We are pleading with the community to work with us as we can see that Komani is no longer the same. Girls from as young as 13 are involved in prostitution. We are pleading with the members of the community to speak out when they witness unlawful acts.” Komani Networking Event The Networking Event of Border-Kei Chamber of Business Komani will be held on Wednesday 26 th July 2017 at 18h00 at Queens Casino & Hotel. For more information, contact Michelle De Klerk on 045-839 5662 or email admin@bkcob.co.za Advert sponsored by BTC BEEF CHUCK R53.95 KG PORK SHOULDER CHOPS R39.95 KG MUTTON SHOULDER CHOPS R69.95 KG SAUSAGE SIZZLER R36.95 KG GROUND BEEF R39.95 KG AAA GRADE SIRLOIN & RUMP R94.95 KG SUGAR BEANS LOOSE R17.95 KG MIELIES LOOSE R 2.95 KG TOMATO SAUCE ALL GOLD 700ML R19.95 EA SUPER WHITE MAIZE MEAL 12.5KG R59.95 EA FRUITREE JUICES 1LT R14.95 EA DELICIOUS 5LT ALL FLAVOURS R27.95 EA ROYCO SOUP SACHETS 50G R 3.50 EA OIL D'LITE 2LT R29.95 EA GRANNY SMITH APPLES ECONO 1.5KG R 7.95 EA POTATOES 7KG 1st S/M R22.95 EA CARROTS 5KG R16.95 EA E&OE-WHILE STOCKS LAST-LIMITED QUANTITIES-WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW SPECIALS WITHOUT NOTICE SPECIALS VALID FROM THE 21st UNTIL THE 22nd!!!! Security officers on their toes RED Guard response officers found a man, believed to have been stabbed to death, lying in the street in Westbourne last We d n e s d ay. Operations manager Willie Reynecke said officers on patrol had spotted the man at about 11pm. He had sustained several stab wounds. The police were called and the scene handed over to them. Response officers, reacting to a panic button alert at a house in Top Town, caught a suspect who was renting SLIDING GLASS DOORS ARE VULNERABLE. SPECIAL LOCKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BETTER SECURITY. CHECK WITH A LOCKSMITH OR HARDWARE STORE FOR ALTERNATIVE DURABLE LOCKS. 35 Ebden Street, Komani Tel: 045 839 7228 | 044 010 0541 | Fax: 045 838 2430 the house but who allegedly threatened the home owner with violence on Thursday. The suspect was handed over to the police. On Friday, response officers apprehended a man who was allegedly breaking into a Westbourne home. The owner was inside and unaware of the situation, Reynecke said. The suspect was handed over to the police. Suspected stolen items and cash were recovered after a breakin at a local shop on S at u r d ay. The goods were returned to the owner and the suspect handed over to the police. Two suspects who were allegedly trying to break into a vehicle parked at the Nonesi Mall were apprehended and handed over to the police on Sunday. – Rep repor ter
THE REPRESENTATIVE 21 July 2017 Tel: (045) 839-4040 Emergency: (A/H) 083-272-0955 ° Editorial: sonjar@timesmedia.co.za - advertising: charodinev@timesmedia.co.za 3 CHDM helps beneficiaries in honour of Mandela Day SIVENATHI GOSA MADIBA DAY: From left, Enoch Mgijima Municipality technical services portfolio head Sibusiso Mvana, Enoch Mgijima executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza, human settlements portfolio head Luleka Gubula, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Fikile Xasa and community services portfolio head Zukiswa Ralane cut a cake for the pupils of Phumelela Special Care Centre on Tuesday Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA Xasa calls for focus on development ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA C OOPERATIVE Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Fikile Xasa spent his 67 minutes for Mandela Day doing gardening and painting at the Phumelela Special Care Centre in Ezibeleni on Tuesday. Addressing the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality representatives at the event, he said the vision of municipalities focused on resources more than its people, neglecting that people were the real gold of communities. “Let us focus on human development and not only on economic development and agriculture. The gift of singing in this area has a story to tell. We should use it towards the development of this place.” He said the day’s purpose was to celebrate former President Nelson Mandela – respected by South Africans and the rest of the world. At the age of 90, Mandela had visited London for his birthday c e l e b r at i o n s . He had said at the time that it was not only a day to celebrate his birthday but a day that “should keep everyone busy doing something for the less fortunate”. “However there are people among us, who teach our children things that are unworthy, using Mandela’s name. When Mandela was arrested in Rivonia in Johannesburg he said, “I am fighting against white domination. I will equally fight against black domination. He was implying that he was fighting against the system and not the colour.” He said there were people, who preached hatred against whites in the name of Mandela, planting seeds of division, which was contrary to what the late statesman had stood for. “Mandela was preaching reconciliation and not hatred. It is bad when those at the top are the ones teaching the youth corrupt politics.” Xasa said the freedom charter stated that South Africa belonged to all who lived in it, black and white. He said there were thieves using their positions to steal money, and citizens would have to play a watchdog role. “They even want to call the ANC a black political party. Our vision states we want to build a non-racial, a non-sexist SA. That is why veterans of the ANC are angry because they can see we are destroying what they started.” Xasa said he was anti-Gupta and the people who were following them must not be allowed to divert the revolution of the country. He also stated his support for ANC deputy Cyril Ramaphosa for president. Phumelela principal Nobuntu Gulwa thanked the Cogta Community Workers Programme, CTM for donating clothes, blankets and groceries and Protea Spar for sponsoring cakes and groceries. CHILD-HEADED households, disabled people and child care centres were the main beneficiaries of a 67 Minutes for Mandela Day outreach by the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) on Tu e s d ay. CHDM executive mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo, accompanied by a municipal delegation and Intsika Yethu Local Municipality mayor Jongumzi Cengani, visited two families and a child care centre in Cofimvaba and two families in Illinge. “We are honouring Madiba’s legacy by making the lives of the unfortunate better. He was a man who believed in peace and a better life for all. Instead of hosting luxurious expensive events and wasting money, we must give back to the communit y,” Vimbayo said. CHDM had chosen the beneficiaries based on their poor living conditions. Two families in Cofimvaba received new houses while the Fountain of Hope Child Care Centre in the same town received groceries and appliances. Nompucuko Njotini, 62, from Foti Mkhwanti Village, who is physically disabled, and Zikhona Frans, 24, from Qamata Village, who is the head of a family of three, received furnished houses with groceries from CHDM. MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Executive mayor of Chris Hani District Municipality Kholiswa Vimbayo, with executive mayor of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality Jongumzi Cengani, officially opens a home of one of the beneficiaries in Cofimvaba during International Nelson Mandela Day Picture: SIVENATHI GOSA For years, Frans and her family have been living in a disintegrating hut with the roof patched with plastic bags. The Fountain of Hope Child Care Centre provides shelter to 25 children who are victims of abuse and neglect and was started five years ago with a vision of taking children off the st reets. “We all know how much Madiba loved children, so it is relevant for us to emulate his humanitarian work by donating to this centre,” Vimbayo said. The centre received a refrigerator, lounge suite, two wardrobes, microwave and groceries and R13000 to upgrade its security. CHDM was assisted by Qhumanco Tradings, Absa and Standard Bank with donations. Cengani thanked CHDM for the donation within the Intsika Yethu area, saying the municipality was focusing on helping disabled people living in 21 wards. Illinge resident John Sizani was promised a new house by the end of the month. The Rep reported (“Illinge man needs help repairs to his RDP house”, March 3 2017) about a man who lived in a dilapidated house for four years. “We saw the story in The Rep and we thought we should do something about this. For now Sizani is going to live in a temporary home while is new house is being built,” said V i m b ay o . KOMANIW E AT H E R CLEAR skies, cool days but sadly, no rain have been forecasted for this weekend in Komani. To d ay ’s minimum temperature has been set at 3°C, with the maximum at 22°C. Wrap up warm again early tomorrow with a minimum of 3°C and a maximum of 21°C. Sunday will have a chilly start of 1°C, warming up (slightly) to 14°C later in the day.
Page 1: TheRep CONCERNS OVER DRUG AND ALCOH
Page 5 and 6: THE REPRESENTATIVE 21 July 2017 Tel

The Rep 21 July 2017.compressed

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?