The Rep 8 February 2019

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6 Tel: (045) 839-4040 Editorial: mcharter@tisoblackstar.co.za - advertising: charodinev@tis o bl a ck s t a r. c o . z a THE REPRESENTATIVE 8 Februar y 2019 EDITORIAL OPINION All pull to g et h e r It is encouraging when members of the community proactively take ownership of their town. In this edition, we report on a new campaign – Komani 4 Me, a non-political grass-roots community campaign which aims, within this year, to extend its reach to other parts of the CBD, as well as townships and suburbs. The aim of the special Va l e n t i n e ’s month project, say the organisers, is to “c o - c r e at e dignified, safe and beautiful pavements, specifically in the centre of Komani’s Central Business District (CBD), on roads that lead off the Hexagon.” The Rep is a partner in the project. Read about it on Page 5. The saying “Charity begins at home” rings true when residents take the initiative in this fashion. The central business district is the commercial and cultural hub of a town/city and it is therefore imperative that it is welcoming to both locals and visitors. Projects such as Komani 4 Me would go a long way in meeting cash-strapped municipalities halfway. Regular protest action, which ends with the trashing of streets, does not help. In recent months, the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has been in the news for spending thousands of rands on non-essential items while the streets are littered with rubbish and roads are full of potholes. To the municipality’s credit, we reported recently that the Mlungisi clean-up campaign was launched in partnership with various stakeholders to eradicate illegal dumping. The launch also saw 39 wheelie bins donated to schools around the Mlungisi area. A representative of the municipality at the launch appealed to Komani residents to work with the municipality in keeping the entire town clean. Meanwhile, the Valentine’s month project asks all property and business owners in the CBD who face the Hexagon and are situated along the streets leading outwards from the Hexagon, to show their pavements some love. It is hoped the campaign will receive the support of the Komani community. Children running amok Yesterday I read an interview of National Council of Provinces chair Thandi Modise. While she said, “I have not been surprised because as we opened up the party, opportunists came in. “You serve the people, not the leader. There is a difference.” This is not what I found most interesting in what she said. I found – “Sometimes SA m u st not be scared to go back. Were we right when we outlawed [corporal] punishment for children at home and at school?” – more interesting. We have seen many videos on social media of children behaving badly. In one instance, a teacher was attacked by pupils in full view of everyone in that school and no one came to the rescue of the t e a c h e r. It was as if nothing extraordinary was happening – as if society had become numb to the violence, insolence and horrible behaviour of our youth. In another video, a female pupil was seen taunting a male teacher while other pupils looked on and even cheered. To their credit many people roundly condemned the insolent girl and even questioned the kind of upbringing she was getting at home. Others pointed out the utter powerlessness of that teacher to do anything about the humiliating treatment he was subjected to. No one knows what happened to that girl and the many others who have displayed that kind of behaviour towards their teachers. This week another video hit the social media scene wherein a IN TOUCH ... with Phumelele P Hlati teacher is seen slapping a pupil in class. Many have condemned her and some even suggested that her behaviour was racially motivated. I watched the video that was posted. Yes, she slapped her hard in the face after the pupil pushed the desk on to the teacher, came at her and stood chest to chest with h e r. Now the question you have to ask yourself is – if you were the teacher here, what would you have done? Would you have allowed things to get that heated and reach such a point? When a pupil refuses to take your instructions and talks back like this one did, would you have taken her head-on or would you have ret reated? In this age of no corporal punishment and generally rude children, what effective options were available to her to assert her authority in her class and enforce the rules? I was a teacher from 1993 to 2012 and saw this kind of behaviour more and more in the last few years of my teaching career. I shudder to think what else the teachers are faced with – on a daily basis – today. Teachers basically have little room to manoeuvre when faced with a determined r a b b l e - r o u s e r. They can run to the office and report pupils, in the process appearing weak or they can stand up for themselves and run the risk of getting into trouble like this t e a c h e r. We have to do something drastic and very quickly. TRUE GRIT: At the beginning of February, Harold Swingburn, centre, marked his 40th year at Union Diesel and he was presented with a special 40-year service award by Willie Botha, right, who said, “It takes a special person to last 40 years at the same company and to hardly be off work”, with Wimpie Botha Picture: SUPPLIED FACE 2 FA C E Question: Why did you choose to be a l aw y e r ? Answer: Being a lawyer is about rights, justice and the understanding of human behaviour and society. This gave me a platform to serve my nation and people and fight for their rights and my own. Q: In which area is the justice system failing the people? A: The justice system is failing children, vulnerable people – such as mentally challenged people – who live with disabilities and have learning needs. Firm measures need to be put in place to make the courts a place of safety for all vulnerable people. What are your predictions for the 2019 e l e c t i o n s? A: The ANC will comfortably get 60% and I think the EFF will get very close to the DA this time around, not the 16% difference there was between them in 2014. Any comments on the Bosasa saga? A:This is a strong indicator of how a country with great potential can be mismanaged. All those implicated should be dealt with through the law and the country should strive and effect changes in the leaders we choose and also bring in young, hungry and vibrant leaders and do away with old and unaccountable SINETHEMBA KIBIDO YOUR VOICE Prophet Sheperd Bushiri and his wife were recently arrested for fraud and moneylaundering. The Rep reporter Zintle Bobelo asked locals if they thought Bushiri should be charged and why? Sinethemba Kibido from Queensview Park If the major one is found to have transgressed any South African law he must be brought to book. This is people's hard-earned money, you do not play like that by hiding behind religion. If he ... vox pops on the street What do you think about ... TULANI LEWU WONGA MPEMBA THEMBAKAZI MABEKA FEZILE HOKWANA has done any wrong he must pay. Papa must pay! Tulani Lewu from Central We know that most people join his congregation willingly and out of their free will, but I think probably through his ways of hypnotising, they end up giving him more than he is meant to be given. These pastors take advantage of vulnerable people and their situations, especially around black people. I think he should be charged. He was investigated by the Hawks for . . . with Luzuko Mazaleni leaders who are merely there to suck the blood of our country. Q: What is your opinion about money? A: We work for financial fulfilment and comfort, and in today's world, much emphasis has been placed on money. I struggle to believe money is a motivator for a young man and woman, but it is the enjoyment and perfection in one's trade that should be the reason one wakes up in the morning – and money will follow the great work you have put in. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? A: I mostly enjoy watching sports with friends, have a knack of cracking good jokes and spending time with loved ones. I also enjoy reading and cooking. Q: Your best childhood memories? A: I always felt at peace in my school days when I was with friends singing amagwijo also known as chanting, while enjoying sports. These were wonderful times indeed. Q:February marks Valentine's Day. What is your best advice on love? A: No relationship is perfect and there will be conflict now and again. What matters is the desire to solve the problem. Q: The job market is moving into the four years, surely there must be proof. We should wait for the law to take its course so we can clap hands after that. Wonga Mpemba from U n i fo u n d There is no one above the law, anyone charged with crime needs to face the consequences. We just need to leave it to the judge and the lawyers to handle. The court will then settle ever ything. Thembakazi Mabeka from U n i fo u n d I believe much more fourth industrial revolution. What career will place youth at an a d va n t a g e? A: Agriculture and farming are going to be key for the black child I believe, and more so now that the land issue is being debated heavily. I have always believed that learning a skill is more key than merely learning from books. information is yet to be discovered. More investigation needs to be done because there is something eerie about these pastors. Church is just a form of business for them – a money-making scheme. Investigations need to be conducted. Fezile Hokwana from E zibeleni I am not against anyone and their church but if someone has broken the law they must be charged. Money laundering is a criminal act.
THE REPRESENTATIVE 8 Februar y 2019 Tel: (045) 839-4040 mcharter@tisoblackstar.co.za - advertising: charodinev@tisoblackstar. c o . z a 7 IN OUR POST BAG 24 Prince Alfred Street, Queenstown or sonjar@tisoblackstar.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 SOCIETY SNIPPETS From birthdays to anniversaries to achievements to notices ... Share your information with us on sonjar@tisoblackstar.co.za or fax (045) 839-4059 H A P PY birthday wishes are extended to Pat Filmer ( Fr i d ay ), Sakkie van Heerden (February 10), Isabel van Zyl (February 13), Antoinette Godley, Rensie Cloete and Ellen du Plessis (February 15), Andrew Baillie and Rachelle Barnard (February 16), Dylan Petzer and Lungi Dube (February 18), Joan Hollis (a special one) and Maureen van Vuuren (February 19), Elise Naude and Lesley Pretorius (February 21), Abré Wagener and Thea van Eeden (February 22) BEST wishes to Cleo Abersalie, who celebrated her 21st birthday on January 29. CONDOLENCES to the family and friends of the late Johanna Marais, formerly of Dordrecht, Nombulelo Ngxamngxa, Libalele Gwe, Notele Dastile, Notobile Lumko (shortly before her 101st birthday), Maggy Halonisi, Nonkuzana Gushinduku and Nosingle Ndoyiya. CONGRATULATIONS to Susan and Wayne Hempel on the birth of their baby son, Wayne Anthony, on We d n e s d ay. VELLE and Lizette Potgieter were involved in a motor accident in East London. Velle was unhurt, but Lizette suffered some injuries, although not too serious. Best wishes to Stuart Weir who has had surgery. MANY young people from these parts have gone off to start their studies at various universities elsewhere in the country, while others have returned to complete their courses. Our best wishes for their happiness and success. VERY welcome rain fell over the past week, the first substantial rain the area has had in a long time. Reports are that our dam levels have risen, but the drought is far from broken and plenty more is needed. However, it does lift people’s spirits and several were heard to remark, “It looks greener already.” WATER, GLORIOUS WATER: There was so much water in the upper part of College Avenue during last weekend’s downpour that drains could not cope WARM WELCOME: Edlelweni Primary School new staff members, from left, head of department Christopher Mdlangu, Jongizizwe Maci, Ncebakazi Skoti, retired HOD Thembekile Thamba, principal Zukisa Sondlo Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA Teacher boost for school ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA Edlelweni Primary School in Mlungisi welcomed three new teachers who have recently joined the team after the school had experienced a shortage of five teachers since April 2018. Principal Zukisa Sondlo said one of the contributing factors which led to teacher shortages in public schools, was the growing number of pupils and teachers who were retiring. According to Sondlo, the school has attracted 1,469 pupils and has only 32 teachers. “We have requested two more teachers from the department of education and are waiting for their appointment.” He said the new teachers would bring relief from the backlog challenges the school had been experiencing. “We are delighted to have KOMANI W E AT H E R After several days with reasonable temperatures, the heat will be back with a vengeance on Friday, when the mercury will rise to 38°C after a 17°C star t. The sky will be clear and there will be a moderate breeze. On Saturday there is an 80% chance of a thunderstorm. The minimum temperature will be 17°C and the maximum 30°C and there will be a gentle breeze. On Sunday, there will again be a very good chance of a thunderstorm and the humidity will be high. The maximum temperature will be down to 27°C after starting at 16°C. – w w w. i n f o s i g h t . c o . z a the new staff members and are hopeful that they will deliver with their expert knowledge.” Christopher Mdlangu, a post level two teacher, is the new head of department who will teach natural science and technology in the intermediate phase. Jongizizwe Maci will teach social sciences and home languages and Ncebakazi Skoti English and social sciences in the intermediate phase as post Too many workers doing too little ... Curious resident writes: We have all been living with the main road through our village being ripped up for some time now and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Travelling between the Caltex garage and town at 8.30 this morning, the possible reason struck me. There was a mechanical digger working. There were 51 labourers along the road. Of them, six were “working”? (two waving flags, one slowly moving pavers from one pile to another, one raking and the level one teachers. “We also bid farewell to the former HOD and sports manager, Thembekile Thamba, who has worked at the school for 20 years and has served the department of education since. Thamba coached soccer and brought the school quite a number of trophies. The staff wishes him farewell. We are thankful for the contribution and development he has brought about in the school.” other two gently moving soil with shovels). The other 45 were either watching the “w o r ke r s ” or standing/sitting around talking. Not a good utilisation of labour and not much different from any other day. What more needs to be said? To cap it all, the pavement already laid on the west side of the bridge, has been lifted and the pavers neatly stacked. I ask, will the work ever be completed? READVERT OF NOTICES FOR THE SALE OF PORTIONS OF MUNICIPAL GROUND IN KOMANI : PROPOSED PURCHASE, SUBDIVISION AND REZONING OF A PORTION OF PAVEMENT/ROAD AND CONSOLIDATION TO ADJOINING ERF. STREET CONSOLIDATION TO ADJOINING ERF QUEENSTOWN 66 BERRY STREET ERF 1448 1 DUNBAR PLACE ERF 6516 2 DUNBAR PLACE ERF 6516 10 HORNE AVENUE ERF 768 79 WODEHOUSE STREET ERF 2151 44 FOCH AVENUE ERF 3006 WAINWRIGHT STREET ERF 7601 2 A COUNCIL CRESENT ERF 2955 PORTER STREET ERF 230 AND 233 10 BATCHELOR STREET ERF 1458 3 HORNE AVENUE ERF 749 22 HAIG AVENUE ERF 2236 74 LIVINGSTONE ROAD ERF 10332 AND 10333 90 BERRY STREET ERF 1536 4 HORNE AVENUE ERF 763 8A BATCHELOR STREET ERF 3692 37 COLLEGE AVENUE ERF 3390 60 GREY STREET ERF 10312 PROPOSED PURCHASE, SUBDIVISION AND REZONING OF A PORTION OF ERF 1 QUEENSTOWN AND CONSOLIDATION TO ADJOINING ERF. ERF ERF 1 ERF 3282 (12 TAFELBERG ROAD) PROPOSED PURCHASE, SUBDIVISION AND REZONING OF A PORTION OF AN ERF AND CONSOLIDATION TO ADJOINING ERF. ERF 4661 ERF 10363 (4 FLAMINGO CRESENT) ERF 1514 ERF 8476 (40A MILNER STREET) ERF1 AND ERF 8224 ERF 3175,3176 AND 3177 (19,21, 23 LONGHILL ROAD) ERF 12367 (PTN ERF 2580) ERF 8450 (HOGSBACK PLACE) ERF 3261 ERF 3261 (AERODROME ROAD) Council has received the above applications for the sale of portions of Municipal ground in terms of Land Use Planning Ordinance No 15 of 1985 and SPLUMA No 16/2013. Any objection, with valid reasons shall be lodged in writing to Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Directorate of Human Settlements and Land Development, Attention Mrs L Bam, Physical address 2C Komani Street Komani, 5320 or Postal address: Private Bag X7111, Komani 5320 within 30 days of the publication date of the advertisement. Further information on any of these applications can be obtained from Town Planning (Mrs L Bam) on tel 0458076400. Full particulars and plans of these applications may be inspected during ¿¿ days from the date of publication of the advertisement.
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The Rep 8 February 2019

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