The Rep 20 October 2017.compressed

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10 Tel: (045) 839-4040 Emergency: (A/H) 083-272-0955 ° Editorial: sonjar@timesmedia.co.za - advertising: charodinev@timesmedia.co.za THE REPRESENTATIVE 20 October 2017 IN OUR POST BAG 24 Prince Alfred Street, Queenstown or sonjar@dispatch.co.za or fax (045) 839-4059 Letters must be accompanied by the name and address of the author. A pseudonym should be supplied where necessary. The editor reserves the rights to choose and edit letters for publication. Defamatory and slanderous letters will not be considered. Letters have to be brief and to the point due to space restrictions. Please limit letters to 250 words or less Schools must consider more scholar patrols KEEP IT SAFE: While driving past some schools in Mlungisi this week, I noted that there is a lack of scholar patrols when it’s home time for the pupils. The result is children who run wild and are at risk of being hurt or even killed by passing cars. I am sure that Lotto or even the education department would show interest in funding such initiatives – all it would need is some traffic boards and lumo vests for the pupils. It is quite an honour for pupils to serve on these patrol bodies and it teaches responsibility and discipline. It also shows that the schools care for the wellbeing of their pupils – so how about it? KOMANI W E AT H E R A SUNNY weekend awaits residents of Komani with a low of 7°C today warming up to 22°C later on. To m o r r o w ’s cool start of 9°C will warm up to 25°C later in the day. Prepare for a hot Sunday with a temperature start of 14°C warming up to 31°C . –w w w. a c c u w e at h e r. c o . z a ON THE SCHOOLB E AT Donate school shoes to drive IF you have not yet dug that old pair of school shoes out of the cupboard – or headed to the shops to buy a new pair for a child in need – you still have time to do so. The Girls’ High School Interact Club’s Shoe Challenge Project is well underway with partner schools Balmoral Girls’ Primar y School, Queen’s College Junior and Hangklip High School also collecting school shoes. Protea SUPERSPAR is donating the packets for packaging of the PLEASED TO MEET YOU: Meeting up in Johannesburg recently were, from left, Komani teacher Ronald Williams and ‘Sewende Laan’ actor Jacques Blignaut Picture: SUPPLIED donated shoes with the aim to collect 300 pairs by November 27. If you want to be part of an initiative to make the 2018 year of education easier for a needy child, drop off your donation at one of the schools or at The Rep offices, 24 Prince Alfred Street in Komani and help us make a difference. Contact the organisers of the drive on 076-834-6417 (GHS), 064-850-7685 (Balmoral), 082 877 4593 (QCJ) or 072-701-7074 (Hangklip) for more i n fo r m at i o n . – Rep reporter WELL DONE: Teacher Monica Duna with Grade 6 Louis Rex Primary pupil Reese Loots. Reese obtained first position in a map work quiz in Grahamstown at the provincial competition Komani litter needs action E N V I R O N M E N TA L I ST of Komani writes: So many suggestions have been made in The Rep about how to solve the problem of littering. I propose that the municipality should convene a meeting where such ideas can be concretised into an action plan. Representatives of business, labour, councillors, green CBOs, NGOs, and provincial Department of Environmental Affairs should be invited and I am sure that a solution can be fo u n d . The Rep of September 19, 2003,(page 5) reported that Queenstown was chosen as the cleanest town in the Eastern Cape. We can not allow our town to deteriorate any fur ther. SOCIETY SNIPPETS From birthdays to anniversaries to achievements to notices ... Share your information with us on sonjar@dispatch.co.za or fax (045) 839-4059 B I RT H D AY wishes go to Leonard 'Baas' Mahash who will be celebrating his 60th birthday on October 23, Romaine Bredenkamp (October 25), Helena Wagener (October 28), Mandla Msitshana (October 29), Geneva Ndlovu, Someleze Nguna, Alice Steven and Maureen Baartman (October 30), Joey Hattingh and Kirwin Christoffels (October 31), Rowan Knight and Judy Faltain (November 1), Patrick Jacobus (November 2) and Kayla Gaylard, Mariette Kapp and Di van der Mescht (November 3). BEL ATED birthday wishes to Bertus Kilian and Holly Mager (October 16). WELL done to former Queen’s College headboy Ryelan Hardnick who was honoured during the Stellenbosch Universit y’s Rector’s Awards for excellent achievement recently. WEDDING anniversary wishes go to Danny and Danielle Mulder (October 23), Brendan and Najlique Schlebusch (October 24), Loren and Lee-Anne du Plessis (October 25), Daval and Sharon Genade (October 30) and Adriaan and Natasha Rossouw (October 31). RAN into former Queenian and star rugby player Yaw Penxe, currently doing duty for the Kings, in Komani over the weekend. Yaw is here on holiday visiting family and friends. We continue to watch his progress on the rugby field with great anticipation. KOMANI welcomes Comrades legend Bruce Fordyce to town as he officially opens the first Komani parkrun tomorrow. BEST wishes to the organizers of the Tamboekie Festival. CONDOLENCES to the friends and family of the late Vuyo Smith, Nontyaba Yantolo, Luvuyo Ndabeni, Nicolette Jacobs, Magwangwana Ndoyiya and Siyabulela N o ke p e y i . GOODBYE: Girls’ High School matriculants say goodbye to teachers at the Valedictory Service on Friday Picture: SONJA RAASCH ACHIEVERS: Ndlovukazi High School and KwaKomani Comprehensive School Grade 10 pupils represented the Chris Hani District at the Mqhayi cultural day Provincial Championships in East London recently, with, from left, department of education official Phindo Somkebe, Asisipho Sokatsha, Unako Stengile, Noxolo Mayekiso and Zoliswa Kani. Stengile was placed first in the Xhosa poetry category and Sokatsha third in the prepared topic Picture: SIVENATHI GOSA FINAL STRETCH: Queen’s College matriculants do the warcry as they bid farewell following the Valedictory Service on Friday Picture: SIVENATHI GOSA YOUNG LEADERS: The Hangklip learners’ council, from left, Stephan Erasmus, Marli Bakkes, Liam van Gass, Dalize Aucamp, Alistair Nel, Abby Wiehahn, Chennise van Wyk, Divan Pelser, Jenae van Wyk, Riaan van der Merwe, Anke van Pletzen, Christoffel Labuschagne with their shirts sponsored by Lekkerland and MXPrint Picture: SUPPLIED
THE REPRESENTATIVE 20 October 2017 Tel: (045) 839-4040 Emergency: (A/H) 083-272-0955 ° Editorial: sonjar@timesmedia.co.za - advertising: charodinev@timesmedia.co.za 11 EDITORIAL OPINION EMLM – it’s time to get real THE Enoch Mgijima Local strain is starting to show. Municipality (EMLM) is in So, where to now? The Rep this t rouble. week reports on the formation of Despite opposition, it was a task team which includes decided in 2015 that the former members of the private sector Lukhanji Municipality would and municipal representatives amalgamate with the Tsolwana who will strive to find solutions and Nkwanca municipalities to and to turn the ship around. form a new local authority – What is positive is that there EMLM – which would oversee the will be a joint effort to try and towns of Komani, Tarkastad, turn EMLM into a financially Hofmeyr, Whittlesea, Ilinge, Sada, viable entity and to ensure that Sterkstroom and Molteno. service delivery happens in the Tight financial restraints facing area. Now is not the time for the former Lukhanji have since politics. We all have a vested then bloomed into a crisis as interest in ensuring that the power cuts and a lack of municipality and the area it maintenance of infrastructure, serves recovers and that it, resulting in the accompanying hopefully, grows and develops woes of pot-holed streets without into a thriving structure. lights, collapsing stormwater The benefits of local drains, a filthy environment and government that is accountable more with no money to fix it, take and prospers are manifold – its toll on the area. better services, improved The added pressure of two working relationships with the massive strikes by municipal community, investor confidence workers within just over a year, and more jobs. has done little to improve the A failing local government will situation as the concern and result in the exact opposite – grumblings over service delivery more unrest and protests, a lack grow among residents. of service delivery, disinvestment To be fair, the new EMLM and less jobs. inherited a difficult situation after It’s time to get real and to join the amalgamation of three efforts – regardless of political or municipalities – not one of which personal interests – to make this was thriving financially – and the area work. What next? I HAVE never been to any other country other than South Africa in my 40 odd years of existence. Even though that might be so, I bet ours is one of the most eventful count ries. Things occur at breakneck speed and if you do not keep abreast of it, you will be left behind. I jokingly said on Facebook that teachers must from now on never include in their tests to their pupils this particular question: “Who is the minister of what portfolio?” This would perplex the poor pupils as our commander-inchief has a nasty habit of reshuffling his cabinet as often as a card player on the blackjack table. His party, the ANC, seems powerless to do anything about it. By the look of things, December is too far, so much water would have flowed under the bridge by then that it would well-nigh be impossible to turn the tide. The choice is simple, really – shrug your shoulders and brace for more or stand up and push back. Both choices have their own inherent risks and there are sure to be casualties – but what is losing bodyguards, a luxury car and a driver as compared to the real possibility of death and imprisonment during the struggle? Why are our gallant freedom fighters so scared to stand up for principles when their lives are not in danger as compared to during the struggle? IN TOUCH ... with Phumelele P Hlati Have they gone so soft that their comfort and job security are more important than principle? Are VIP lounges and five-star hotels so impor tant? Or were we sold a ruse about these gallant fighters who were going to march down Church Street in Pretoria and liberate us all? Are we seeing their real selves? Can the ANC be saved or, more importantly, are there enough leaders of high moral standing and integrity to right the capsizing ship? Do those leaders possess what is needed to forge their way through the dirty tricks that are sure to come their way? Once again the hopes are pinned on one person in December to right all the wrongs. I am afraid we are set to be disappointed again. The saying goes: “Histor y teaches us nothing”. People have said Zuma is not the problem – instead its the multitudes that allowed him to ascend to the top. All he is doing is being himself. Now that has happened, what are they doing to pull the country back from the brink? Not much, except whine at every opportunity. Have I depressed you enough? I had hoped to write about the positives, but these are hard to come by. Even the brave loss by the Springboks is still a loss – so here we are. ON THE STAGE: Enjoying the limelight at the Wonderland playschool concert were, from left, Nelisha Haripersad, Helen Galatia Smith and Caitlyn Aspey Picture: MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY FACE 2 FA C E Question: What best defines a good leader? Answer: A good leader is someone who listens to others and allows his or her inner wisdom to learn, grow, change and reflect. Q: If you were to meet a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give h i m? A: Be strong and courageous, and all your dreams and desires will come t rue. Q: Do you think we are living in the best or worst times and why? A: We are currently living in the worst times ever, where our leaders’ only concern is their own enrichment. Our country’s economy is in junk status because of that and political intolerance and instability is also at its peak, hence the political killings in K wa Z u l u - N at a l . Q: What is your typical weekend like? A: Playing cricket and going LUTHANDO DONDOLO DO YOU think society has enough knowledge of – and empathy with – people suffering from depression as they do for people with disabilities? The Rep intern S i v e n at h i Gosa took to the streets of Komani to find out. Luthando Dondolo from Whittlesea I think people do not have enough knowledge about depression, because they have not experienced it or they do not know someone who is suffering from it. Depression leads to people to church with my family. Q: Describe South Africa in three words? A: Democratic rainbow n at i o n . Q: What is that one thing you do everyday? A: Pray. Q: If you were an animal, which one would you be and why? A: A lion, it's a symbol of strength and courage. Q: What do you think are the biggest problems facing the countr y? A: Corruption, inequality and pover t y. Q: What is your motto in life? A: Fight for what is right until you have nothing left for which to fight. Q: What would you change about Komani? A: I would bring back the love of sport and build and maintain the sports fields so that our children and the younger generation can keep on playing. YOUR VOICE ... vox pops on the street What do you think about ... GLADILE MINGA committing suicide, because they do not have enough support from their relatives and friends. It is not a physical problem, but an emotional one. Gladile Minga from Mlunigisi Society is not aware enough about depression. People suffering from depression tend to keep their emotions to themselves. I think there should be support groups where they could share their stories with other people. I think it would be better to share your story with chairman of the Queenstown club cricket association Siviwe Ngoqo SIYABULELA MKOSI NOLUTHANDO PETER with a stranger, than with someone you know because some people are afraid of being judged. Siyabulela Mkosi from E zibeleni We as the society are not fully aware of mental illnesses like depression because it is not talked about as much as other diseases. I think there should be support groups for people with depression and anxiety. Noluthando Peter from Khayelitsha Depression is dangerous, SITHELISO SINYANDA as it makes people delusional about things that affect their lives. There should be more awareness, just like there is for HIV/Aids. People do need support from their families and friends. Sitheliso Sinyanda from Khayelitsha I do not think people have enough knowledge about mental illnesses, and society does not empathise with people suffering from such illnesses due to a lack of knowledge. There is more to depression than what people think.
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The Rep 20 October 2017.compressed

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