Go 18 February 2021

Thursday 18 Februar y, 202 1
GO!
& EXPRESS
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BODY OF MISSING GIRL FOUND P4
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Aimed at youth PAGE 3
PROGRESS
Laws to help trans people PAGE 7
‘Nobody will go to school’
Parents gather
outside John
Bisseker Senior
MATTHEW FIELD
Tensions continued to rise
in Parkside, with
protestors threatening to
burn tyres and shut down
schools in the area if their
children were not admitted.
On Monday February 16,
concerned parents gathered
outside John Bisseker Senior
Secondary School to air their
grievances, first noted at a
meeting on February 8.
As reported by the GO! &
Express last week (‘Pa r e n t s
threaten to shut down schools
over enrollment controversy’,
February 11), parents had raised
concerns about schools taking
in students from outside the
community while local children
were excluded.
At the first meeting, parents
wrote down the names of their
children in a book as well as the
school they wished to be
enrolled in. The book was then
shown to local schools, who
were given two days to accept
the new students.
Speaking at the protest on
Monday, community leader
Schalk van der Sandt said that
they had met with school
officials the week before and
had been told that their children
would be accepted.
“We want all our children to
go in and not to fight the school
a ny m o r e ,” Van der Sandt said.
“If our children can’t get into
school, we will close
everywhere here; we will burn
tyres and nobody will go to
s ch o o l .”
Parents were also enraged by
LET US IN: Parents gathered outside John Bisseker Senior
Secondary School in Pefferville on Monday to protest the
exclusion of their children Pictures: MATTHEW FIELD
the alleged theft of money by an
employee of the school.
According to Van der Sandt,
a woman accepted R600
deposits from parents on the
assumption that their children
would be enrolled at the school.
“People have been asking
❝
People have been
asking where their
deposits have gone
and the school just
says ‘she’s been fired’
where their deposits have gone
and the school just says ‘she’s
been fired’,” Van der Sandt
said.
Parents said this sort of
behaviour is not new at the
school. Another complaint
raised was that John Bisseker
had witheld final reports from
children with outstanding
school fees and would only
release them after parents paid
R200.
“I had to go to a loan shark
to get the money for my child’s
r e p o r t ,” one parent said.
John Bisseker Senior
Secondary School declined a
request to comment.
CHECK IT TWICE: Community leader Schalk van der Sandt, centre with book, goes through the
list of names of children and the schools they wish to enroll in
Pupil’s passion for modelling
BEAUTY
QUEEN: EL
pupil
Asandiswa
Maqhubela
has a passion
for
modelling
P i c t u re :
SUPPLIED
SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
George Randall High School
grade 11 pupil Asandiswa
Maqhubela is gearing up to take
part in the upcoming Miss King
Wi l l i a m ’s Town (Miss KWT)
2021 pageant which will take
place in December.
Maqhubela’s passion for
modelling began in 2018, when
she took part in the Miss
Gompo beauty pageant.
Maqhubela said she started
modelling because she wanted
to avoid sitting at home with
nothing to do. She said that
teenagers these days often get
caught up in bad choices .
“They either fall in for the
good stuff or the bad stuff, and
they end up smoking, being
involved in teenage pregnancy,”
she said.
For her, modelling was a way
to avoid making the bad choices
she’d seen other teenagers
make.
“It’s also a way to show other
teenagers that you do not have
to get inloved in the bad things
to be appreciated by society or
to gain popularity,”
Maqhubela said.
Miss King William’s Town
organiser Unathi Luthweyi said
she encouraged other young
girls in the BCM area to take
part in the pageant.
She said that Miss KWT is a
year-long journey where
participants are trained in how
to look best on the runway.
“We mentor them, we take
them to bootcamps and we
❝
It’s a way to show
teens you do not
have to get inloved in
bad things to be
appreciated or to
gain popularity
groom them for other
c o m p e t i t i o n s ,” she said.
“It’s not only about the
runway but for teens to
showcase their potential for art,
there has to be someone to help
them unlock that artistic
potential . We do not groom
them to be just title holders, we
brand them to compete on
bigger platforms.”
Entries for the pageant close
on February 21. For more
information, visit the Miss King
Wi l l i a m ’s Town Facebook page.
Maqhubela is looking for
help in raising money to meet
the pageant’s entry fee. To
donate, call 065-920-6194.

2 GOT A NEWS STORY? Call our news desk on (043) 702 2125 or (043) 702 2046. Find us on Facebook 18 February 2021 GO & EXPRESS
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CROSSWORD number 1217
Exam confusion
could cost my
daughter her job
Dear GO! & Express
Iam totally over the no-care
attitude of Unisa
My daughter did a Business
Management diploma this year
through Unisa.
Her last exam was English.
All the subjects exams were
done online.
After not receiving her final
exam results she firstly struggled
to get a response from Unisa.
They eventually let her know
she was “Absent from exam”,
that after they acknowledged
that they received her exam
paper “In good order”.
None of the Unisa staff at
call centre at Unisa head office
could help her.
We went to EL Unisa
offices and they said they will
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
FRUSTRATION: Getting
different answers from Unisa
Picture: SUPPLIED
escalate all her email enquiries.
It’s been three weeks since
visiting the local offices and
always the answer is that
“it’s been escalated”.
My daughter needs to
register for her degree before
March 13. She can’t without this
mess being sorted out.
She stands to lose her job at
an auditors firm because she
was employed because she will
be studying Accounting.
She will lose her
membership of her medical aid
because she has to be studying
to stay on my medical aid.
I am sure that my daughter is
not the only Unisa student with
this problem due to the
incompetence of Unisa.
Can you please publish this
letter to make Unisa realise they
are playing with students’
futures.
Thank you,
MALCOLM VORSTER
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SOLUTION to Crossword number 1216
RIPPLE EFFECT: The clouds form intriguing patterns over Amalinda, like that of hands making
the shape of a heart Picture: MILIND CHITNIS
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Typos Club, Union Avenue
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S ch o o l ) .
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Send in a completed, correct crossword #1184 for a chance to win a 1x 250g bag of coffee
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GO! & EXPRESS 18 February 2021 For all your advertising needs call Cheryl on (043) 702 2031 or Yaneliseka (043) 702-2122. Find us on Facebook 3
Online radio
growing daily
Spreading the word of God and creating jobs
SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
King William’s Town
resident Dr Mandla
Makubalo is filling the
airwaves with his online radio
station, which he launched in
S e p t e m b e r.
Makubalo was born and
grew up in the small karoo town
of Tarkastad. Married, and a
father to five children, he has
been in the radio industry for 35
ye a r s .
He first started out at Radio
Xhosa n 1986.
“Then in 1992, I joined the
Institute for Democratic
Alternatives in SA (IDASA)
under the leadership of Alex
Borraine and was given a task of
establishing a radio unit
to produce voter education
p r o g ra m m e s ,” Makubalo said.
Makubalo joined Radio
Ciskei in 1995 and in 2010, he
was headhunted by TruFM
where he worked until 2015.
He got the idea for starting
an online radio station after
noticing a gap in the local
sphere.
“I saw a need for a platform
to train young people in
broadcasting and so decided to
FAMILY BUSINESS:
Siphosethu Makubalo is the
station manager at Mandla
Makubal Radio
Picture: SUPPLIED
come up with an online radio
that will spread the word of God
as well as being something that
will change people’s lives,”
Makubalo said.
And that is how Mandla
Makubal Radio was born.
“It [the station] will bring
opportunities to young people,
introducing them to the world
of broadcasting and training
them to become better
presenters.
“We are also contributing by
creating jobs. It’s a vehicle for
small businesses to grow and to
become known in King
Wi l l i a m ’s Town and
s u r r o u n d i n g s ,” he said.
Makubalo’s daughter,
Siphosethu Makubalo, is serving
as the station manager while
also working on her final year
studying marketing and
communication at the
University of the Free State.
“The challenge is that I’m
turning 24 this year, but I have to
manage people who are way
older than me,” she said.
“Each and every day I’m
learning new things and I’m
enjoying it.
“I’m a shy person but being a
station manager really pulled
me out of my comfort zone,
because I have to interact with
people everyday.”
- Mandla Makubal Radio is
available for download on the
Google Play store.
LONG WALK: Budget cuts will deprive nearly 40,000 students in the province of school
transport Picture: MLONDOLOZI MBOLO
Stranded by budget cuts
MATTHEW FIELD
The DA has raised concerns
about cuts to the provincial
budget, which were announced
at the recent EC Education
Portfolio Committee.
In particular, shadow
MEC for transport Marshall von
Buchenroder said that the cuts
would leave nearly 40,000
students in the province
stranded as they would now be
deprived of school
t ra n s p o r t .
Last year, according to Von
Buchenroder, the EC
department of transport was
able to provide assistance to
over 120,000 pupils, but the
number had been cut to just
87,000 for the 2021 academic
ye a r.
“The same department that
has claimed the reduction in
numbers is due to budget cuts,
underspent their budget by R94
million in the 2019/20 financial
ye a r,” he said.
“The same department was
able to blow through an extra
R17.2 million for travel and
subsistence for officials, up
nearly 25% year-on-year, from
R69.4 million in 2018/19 to
R86.6 million in 2019/20.
“The same department,
pleading poverty, was able to
spend R13.4 million on catering
for its officials.”
Van Buchenroder accused
the government had “t h r ow n
our children to the wolves” and
said he would be writing to EC
premier Oscar Mabuyane and
finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko to
try and convince them to
arrange additional funds.

4 GOT A NEWS STORY? Call our news desk on (043) 702 2125 or (043) 702 2046. Find us on Facebook 18 February 2021 GO & EXPRESS
Girl’s body found in a garden
Lihlumo Mzini, 8, reported missing, was discovered in East London on Tuesday
SIVENATHI GOSA
The body of young Lihlumo
Mzini, who went missing
on Friday, has been found
in a garden. Residents of
Dorchester Heights informal
settlement in East London and
police launched a search party
soon after the eight-year-old
girl’s disappearance.
On Sunday, her mother was
arrested on a charge of child
neglect. She is due to appear in
court soon. On Tuesday, a
shocked family member told
DispatchLIVE that Lihlumo’s
body had been found in the
place they had searched.
This has left the family
unsettled and asking questions.
Lihlumo was found naked near
a community garden by a local
man on Tuesday afternoon.
Provincial SAPS
spokesperson Col Sibongile
Soci confirmed the Cambridge
police were summoned to a
scene at Dorchester Heights
informal settlement where the
body of an unknown child wa s
d i s c ove r e d .
“At this stage, we cannot
confirm whether the body is that
of an eight-year-old girl reported
missing a few days ago, as the
investigation is still continuing.
A murder docket was opened
for further investigation,” she
said at the time.
After the little girl’s
disappearance, a frantic search
by the SAPS and the community
ensued. Some East London
residents flooded social media
platforms pleading for help to
find Lihlumo.
Residents called her aunt,
Nolukholo Smanga, about the
discovery of the body.
Smanga said: “We did
search where the body was
❝We did search where
the body was found.
It left me with so
many questions,
because the person
who did this is surely
from our community
found. It left me with so many
questions, because the person
who did this is surely from our
c o m m u n i t y.”
The search had continued
for two days with dogs in the
area where the body was later
found, therefore they were
suspicious about how the body
suddenly appeared there.
On Friday morning, the girl’s
mother asked Smanga about the
whereabouts of her child after
realising she did not spend the
night at home.
Smanga said: “I do not know
how I am going to break the
news to [the mother], as she is
not home.
“Losing a child is not
something I wish upon anyone.
Parents aren’t supposed to bury
their children, especially at this
young age.”
A source, who wished to
remain anonymous, said the
informal settlement residents
were traumatised.
BLOWN AWAY
FEEL THE LOVE: Model Shantay Roux posed for a special Valentine’s Day photo shoot at Nahoon Reef over the weekend Picture: STEFAN COETZEE PHOTOGRAPHICS
“The person who found the
body is still being questioned by
the police. Everyone is making
their own assumptions because
we are still wondering who is
this cold-hearted person that
would do such an inhuman
act?”
With her voice breaking,
Smanga said Lihlumo was a
loving and playful child who
enjoyed being around people.
“Most of the time she would
spend time at my house when
her mother was not around, and
she loved playing with her
cousins. She was an expressive
ch i l d .”
Smanga said there were two
men who were drinking with
the girl’s mother on Thursday
night when Lihlumo was out at
a friend’s house.
“One of these men has gone
missing after we declared the
child missing. The other is a
bush dweller and it has been
difficult tracking his
wh e r e a b o u t s .
“We want justice to be
served, and Lihlumo’s killers to
be found. That is the least we
can do for her. She did not
deserve to be treated like that.”
Missing Children SA says
two other children went missing
in Eastern Cape recently.
Siyamthanda Jim, 8, from
Komani, went missing in
January; and Esethu Xethu, 14,
from Willowvale, went missing
in December.- DispatchLIVE
TO CONTACT US - News: (043) 702-2125;
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Another case of misprinted DoB in Sotho Village
SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
Another incident has emerged involving an
allegedly incorrect date of birth being printed on
an ID book. This allegation comes after Sotho
Village resident Nosizwe Makhoba, told the the
Go! & Express she’s been dealing with the
incorrect date since she first got her ID book in
February 1990.
Nosizwe said she had been pushing to get the
details on her ID revised but to no success.
To put food on the table, Makhoba sells
brooms around Balfour area in Vincent.
“The only thing that makes things worse for
her in getting the amendments is that she is
i l l i t e ra t e ,” said relative Sandile Tshazibana.
“We visited EL home affairs in November
2017 to request that her date of birth be changed
from 1971 to 1958. This application didn’t work
since there was no proof available to support this.
Her only proof was a clinic card issued in the
early 1980s. [Makhoba] had no RSA reference
book or Ciskei/Transkei traveling documents for
the department to work with,” he said.
“In December 2017 we sent an email to the
then-director general of home affairs Mkuseli
Apleni requesting for direction on the matter,
since the department should be dealing with
thousands of these. I forwarded the email to
directors, who also forwarded to a relevent
person who heads the amendments office. She
asked for a copy of the only proof, the clinic card,
the ID of the her mother who was born in 1925.
“All were sent to her in Pretoria. We waited
through the whole of 2018, emailing and calling
her often for updates,” Tshazibana said.
He said that eventually in July 2019, the head
of amendments in Pretoria asked for the
Mooiplaas ward counsellor to investigate the
matter and talk to Makhoba’s peers and submit a
report in the findings.
“The report was sent to her in Pretoria,” he
said. “The lady in Pretoria then directed us to an
East London home affairs manger to ask him to
carry out an investigation. This was done, the
report was sent to Pretoria in September 2019. It’s
been 18 months, and we have had no feedback.”
The Go! & Express made several attempts to
get in touch with home affairs but no response
was received by the time of going to print.

GO! & EXPRESS 18 February 2021 For all your advertising needs call Cheryl on (043) 702 2031 or Yaneliseka (043) 702-2122. Find us on Facebook 5

6 GOT A NEWS STORY? Call our news desk on (043) 702 2125 or (043) 702 2046. Find us on Facebook 18 February 2021 GO & EXPRESS
HAVE YOUR SAY
HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THEIR BENCHES
After President Cyril Ramaphosa
delivered his State of the Nation
Address last week, The GO! &
Express hit the street to ask locals:
What did you
hope to hear
during SONA
that was not
d e l i v e re d ?
ONGEZIWE MNUKWA:
“It’s the issue of sate capture
for me — it has been ongoing
but nobody has been arrested.
I wanted to hear about its
progress and where it will end
up. Also, the vaccine saga.
They said it would expire in
April, what will happen
thereafter? Youth has been
widely afffected by Covid, but
not much was said about
youth unemployment. I
believe many got posts as
teacher assistants but what
will happen after at the end of
those contracts.”
FRESH START: The grade R pupils were a little nervous but excited for their first day at school
Pictures: SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
❝
Students at
P re s i d e n t
Primary
School
in East
London are
ready for
the new
academic
year
MZUKISI TZERANI:
“I only watched a little bit of
it. I would say that I was
hoping to hear a lot around
jobs for the youth and job
creation in general, to help
the unemployed recover since
many people lost their jobs
during the pandemic.
Another thing I wanted to
hear about is the problem of
the vaccine.”
Pictures: SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
LET’S GO:
Grade 3 pupils
get ready to do
some learning
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EXCITED: The
Grade 1 class
was eager to
get started

GO! & EXPRESS 18 February 2021 For all your advertising needs call Cheryl on (043) 702 2031 or Yaneliseka (043) 702-2122. Find us on Facebook 7
New ID law proposed will
benefit trans, non-binary people
A number of problems exist with current rules
MATTHEW FIELD
Proposed changes to South
Africa’s ID laws put
forward by the
department of home affairs
(DHA) will be a “phenomenal”
benefit to transgender and nonbinary
people, said EL-based
organisation Social, Health and
Empowerment (SHE).
“Essentially the department
of home affairs wants to
authentically capture the
citizens of South Africa,” the
organisation said.
According to the Draft
Official Identity Management
Policy released by the DHA a
number of problems exist with
current ID laws, one of which
was the exclusion of trans and
non-binary people.
“Gender and sexual identity
minorities are excluded because
the laws and policies do not
cater for changes in the
gender/sex attribute of the
identity system.
“These people experience
discrimination when attempting
to register or update their gender
in the ID system,” the document
s ay s .
The department also said
that the Identification Act of
1997 and the Births and Deaths
Registration Act of 1992 don’t
cater for children who are born
intersex.
To remedy the situation, the
department recommended
updating the format of identity
numbers, the 13-digit code
which record basic information
about all citizens.
At the moment, the first four
digits after your date of birth
classify citizens as either female
(0000-4999) or male (5000-
9999).
“The new legislation must
make a provision that enables
❝ People experience
discrimination when
attempting to
register or update
their gender in the
ID system
the establishment of a category
that is neither male nor female.
That is, a sex category that
caters for biological males with
feminine gender identity or
expression or biological females
with masculine gender identity
or expression in the identity
s y s t e m ,” the document reads.
Alternatively, it suggests a
random unique identity number
for all citizens that is not linked
to date of birth, gender or any
other marker.
According to SHE, these
propsed changes mark a big
step forward for trans and nonbinary
equality in South Africa.
“The proposed [amendments
to the] laws are progressive
because it means the South
African government sees and
recognises transgender and nonbinary
people, which is
precisely what we want,” said
the organisation.
However, they cautioned
that as progressive as the
proposed changes were, they
could potentially backfire.
“Even though the law is
progressive and gives an ‘x’ or
third gender, it could lead to
more discrimination.
“What happens when you
go to the hospital, for example?
The doctors will be able to pick
up that you don’t fall in the
gender binary, male or female,”
said SHE.
PROGRESS:
EL-based
o rg a n i s a t i o n
Social, Health
and
Empowerment
say the proposed
changes to ID
laws address
discrimination
against
transgender and
non-binary
people P i c t u re :
torbakhopper/
C R E AT I V E
COMMONS
“Our suggestion is to
perhaps not identify ‘male’ or
‘female’ on the document —
keep that info c o n f i d e n t i a l .”

8 GOT A NEWS STORY? Call our news desk on (043) 702 2125 or (043) 702 2046. Find us on Facebook 18 February 2021 GO & EXPRESS
Protect and
preserve our
wetlands
DWS calls for communities to get involved
MATTHEW FIELD
The department of water
and sanitation (DWS) is
urging residents to work
together in order to protect the
country’s many precious
wetlands.
According to DWS
communications officer Lameki
Jumba, wetlands provide
important benefits to the
environment, water security and
local communities.
“Wetlands need to be
protected from all sorts of angles
including fencing and pollution,
because many streams are
v u l n e ra b l e ,” Jumba said.
“Wetlands are used to store
water and slowly release it,
which helps deal with dry
seasons when there is little
rainfall. Apart from their role in
water security, wetlands also
provide habitats for animals and
plants and many contain a wide
diversity of life, supporting
plants and animals that are
found nowhere else.”
Jumba also pointed out how
wetlands play an important role
in removing toxic substances
and sediment from the water,
while improving downstream
water quality.
However, he noted that
wetlands were under increasing
threat.
“The manner in which
communities [use] water
resources leaves a lot to be
desired and it is high time that
people start valuing resources
such as wetlands and
understand the role they play in
our livelihoods,” he said.
“The protection of water
resources begins with an
individual understanding of
what water is to us and how we
cannot survive without it.
Without water, there is no life,
the world will perish.
“Water is a source of life and
we need to start valuing it and
conserving at all times.”
25 years for cigarette truck robbery
SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
The Mdantsane Regional Court
sentenced Ndibulele Siqu to 15
years in prison for robbery, five
years imprisonment for
possession of an unlicensed
firearm, including a five year
imprisonment for possession of
ammunition on Friday.
His total sentence comes
to 25 years.
Siqu's sentencing comes
after he helped rob a British
American Tobacco
(BAT) vehicle in October 2015.
“The driver parked the
vehicle to get a quick bite at a
service station in Mdantsane
when he was confronted by five
unknown armed men who
hijacked and drove to a
secluded area near Crave
butchery where they offloaded
all the boxes of tobacco worth
more than R500,000,” said
❝ It begins with an
individual
understanding of
what water is to us
and how we cannot
survive without it
CRIME DOESN’T PAY:
Ndibulele Siqu will serve 25
years for his part in the
robbery of a BAT truck
Picture: PIXABAY
p r ov i n c i a l
H aw k s s p o k e s p e r s o n C a p t a i n
Yolisa Mgolodela.
She said two suspects,
Sinqu and Sibongiseni Mbele,
were identified and arrested.
Mbele later escaped from police
custody and he is still being
s o u g h t - a f t e r.
The national head, for the
directorate for priority crimes
investigation Lt Gen Lebeya
applauded the investigation and
prosecuting teams for
outstanding display of
collaborative skills in ensuring
that these suspects are
c o nv i c t e d .
He also encouraged the
teams to utilize all resources
available to them to ensure that
the remaining suspect is brought
to book.” said Mgolodela
The Eastern Cape provincial
head of directorate for priority
crime investigation Maj Gen
Obed Ngwenya commended
the Serious Organised Crime
Investigation team for a series of
successes in their cases, stating
that this is an indication of great
dedication and commitment to
their work.
STAY IN YOURSELF: Self-love is also important during the Month of Love Picture: PIXABAY
Looking for love?
Start by loving you
STAFF REPORTER
February is the Month of Love,
so why not start with loving
yo u r s e l f ?
This can be achieved by
saying affirmations. These are
positive statements that can help
you to challenge and overcome
self-sabotaging and negative
thoughts.
When you repeat
affirmations often, and believe
in them, you can start to make
positive changes.
‘SELF LOVE’
(From Getting Good at Being
Yo u by J. Jampolsky)
When you love yourself
You know who you are and why
you are here
You know that you are valuable
and worthwhile
You respect yourself
You are aware of your gifts and
cultivate them.
You do not have to compete or
compare yourself with anyone.
You discipline yourself knowing
that life is not easy.
You expect the best for yourself
REFLECT: Start with repeating affirmations Picture: SUPPLIED
You are free to forgive yourself
You accept responsibility for
your actions.
Your conversations are positive,
uplifting and enhancing.
You do not criticize – you know
that all people are human and
make mistakes.
You help others know that they
too are worthy of love.
You need praise less and less.
You are humble.
Loving is wanting the best for
everyone and that includes you.
Some more affirmations:
● Love always find me, I
embrace it
● I use kind words when I
speak about myself.
● I have lots of good to offer the
wo r l d
Remember that only when
you truly love and accept
yourself, can another person
love and accept you.
- Masithethe Counselling
Services (formerly LifeLine East
London) has been offering
confidential and free counselling
to residents of the Buffalo City
Metropolitan Municipality since
1985 (35 years). Contact
number: 043 7222 000 or
whattsapp 084 091 5410

GO! & EXPRESS 18 February 2021 For all your advertising needs call Cheryl on (043) 702 2031 or Yaneliseka (043) 702-2122. Find us on Facebook 9
‘For
Everyone
Who’s
S u ff e r i n g ’
Reader shares a
poem to help deal
with effects of
the coronavirus
DAVID CARROL
Our world has changed
And our lives have changed
Like never before as
families suffering
Every day and I feel your pain
and our
Happiness has gone away and
it's only pain today
Hiding our tears as they fall
in the rain
Saying I’m fine when I’m
anything but fine
And when will this heartache
ever go away
And indeed my skin is on fire
My skin is burning within me and
No more hug’s or kisses today it’s
Just sadness for the world today
Coronavirus coronavirus is here
And it’s taken so many
loved ones away
And loneliness really hurts you
It kills you deep inside and
I’m lost without you in my life and
The world has changed so much
Coronavirus not going away
And darkness surrounds the world
And it’s so cold and painful
And our warm hugs
Have all faded away
Just like our loved every day
And nobody to hold more
and I watch
As a lonely tear rolls down my face
But I promise you all I’ll love
And pray for everyone
Who’s suffering from coronavirus
Every day.
BCM to regulate cell towers
BHONGO JACOB
Buffalo City Metro wants to regulate
cellphone towers.
Council resolved that a policy
should be drafted to regulate how the
towers are erected after several
complaints and petitions from BCM
residents in the past three years.
The item was contained in city
manager Andile Sihlahla’s report on
telecommunication infrastructure mast
policy during BCM’s last council
meeting in January.
Sihlahla’s report revealed BCM
does not have a telecommunication
infrastructure policy that sets out
uniform guidelines for the erection of
telecommunication mast base stations
and related infrastructure.
“The policy seeks to regulate and
standardise the process associated with
the construction of telecommunication
infrastructure masts within the BCM
area of jurisdiction.”
He said there was an increasing
growth of new and existing
telecommunications systems and the
policy would facilitate provision of the
masts in an efficient, cost-effective,
environmentally appropriate and
sustainable way to promote economic
business activity within the metro.
“The policy contains information
which can assist applicants when
preparing an application regarding the
siting and design of telecommunication
infrastructure masts and
information required on submission.”
In his report, Sihlahla said public
concerns over the potential visual
impact and possible impact on human
health and wellbeing from electronic
magnetic energy emissions had been
addressed.
There had been strong opposition
Suspects in Mandela Funeral scandal appear in court
SIPHOSIHLE DYONASE
Fifteen suspects, including high-profile
Buffalo City Metro employees,
prominent political party members and
businessmen, appeared in East
London Magistrates court on Friday in
connection with the Mandela Funeral
scandal.
The Hawks’ serious commercial
crime branch in East London said it
from residents who demanded the
removal of some of the masts in the
city voicing health concerns.
“The approach taken is to protect
the visual character and amenity of
BCM as far as possible. And to
minimise the health risk associated
with electronic magnetic energy, in
line with the metro mandate.”
However, the policy will not affect
telecommunication infrastructure
masts that have been lawfully
approved, unless the approval lapses
had conducted a thorough
investigation which led to the arrest.
Charges included counts of fraud,
money laundering, contravention of
the Municipal Finance Management
Act and corruption.
Those accused include former BCM
official Nqaba Ludidi, and former
supply chain manager, Tembelani Sali
as well as health MEC Sindiswa
Gomba, the ANC’s Dr WB Rubusana
UNDER
S C R U T I N Y:
Buffalo City
Metro has
proposed a
new policy
that will
regulate how
cellphone
towers are
e re c t e d
P i c t u re :
TYLER RIDDIN
and a new application is to be made.
Sihlahla’s report listed guidelines
which will be applicable when
evaluating applications.
“The masts shall either be
camouflaged or painted in a colour
designed to blend in with the
surrounding background and which
shall be non reflective. The masts will
not be permitted to carry advertising
signs, boards or flags of any kind.
“Artificial tree types may be used as
a suitable camouflaging in the erection
regional chairperson, Pumlani Mkolo,
former BCM executive mayor Zukiswa
Ncitha, her former deputy Themba
Tinta, then council speaker Luleka
Simon-Ndzele, ex-CFO Vincent Pillay,
ex-administrator Ondela Mahlangu,
and business figures Nosiphiwo Mati,
Zintle Nkuhlu, Viwe Vazi and Dean
Fa n o e .
“All accused appeared except for
one who is in quarantine and will
of masts. Consideration must be given
to the context of the site in relation to
its surrounding topography and
landscaping when selecting any
artificial tree.”
The move was welcomed by local
NPO The Centre for Local Community
Rights chair Christo Theart, who has
been fighting with the metro over the
towers since 2018.
“There was no policy with regards
to erection of cellphone towers while
all other municipalities have such a
policy and in the past, there was an
aesthetic committee in council that
used to comment on the erection of
cellphone towers and that was stopped
abruptly three years ago, so they had
no control of the aesthetics of these
t ow e r s .”
He said residents feared the towers
might affect their health and devalue
properties in some residential areas.
“The municipality has now come
to the rescue of the people of the city
by demanding that everybody that
puts in a building plan for a cellphone
tower must now apply in terms of the
town planning act.
“This would then allow residents to
object to towers in their communities
by writing to the municipality, which is
a good thing, but the process is slow.”
Residents had not been consulted
over the installation of the masts in the
past, Theart said.
“There are many petitions against
cellphone towers. It has been three
years since a cellphone tower went up
in our neighbourhood without the
consent of any person that stays here.
“There are quite a lot of towers in
this town, but we have objected to
each and every one of them. The
situation has been of great concern for
e ve r y b o dy.” - DispatchLIVE
appear once healthy enough to do so.
The accused were granted R1,000 bail
each with conditions and will appear
again in court in March,” said
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale.
The Eastern Cape provincial head
of the directorate for priority crime
investigation Major General Obed
Ngwenya lauded the Serious
Commercial Crime Investigation team
for bringing the perpetrators to justice.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Live auction of over 200 government vehicles
STAFF REPORTER
On the March 3, GoIndustry
DoveBid will be hosting a
government vehicle auction on
behalf of the Eastern Cape
Department of Transport. Buyers can
look forward to over 200 vehicles on
auction.
The auctions will be held at
1 York Road, North End, Port
Elizabeth and will feature a range of
passenger vehicles, ambulances,
bakkies. Brands include Ford,
Volkswagen, Audi, Nissan, Chevrolet
and Toyota.
Due to national Covid-19
regulations, on-site auctions are
limited to 70 people and therefore
pre-registration is mandatory.
To avoid missing out, buyers can
also submit proxy bids online by
using the Make An Offer function on
AllSurplus.com.
A refundable R10,000 registration
fee is payable in order to be
approved for bidding, and successful
purchasers will be charged a R1,000
documentation handling fee.
All proxy bids must be submitted
by noon on March 2 to be
considered.
To pre-register, send a WhatsApp
message, saying “car auction” to
076-931-9904. You will be taken
through an easy pre-registration
process.
- For more information visit the
website: www.allsurplus.com
For enquiries, contact Ryno Nel at
082-567-2029l / 086-000-0010 or
ryno.nell@liquidityservices.com /
africa.buy@allsurplus.com
UNDER THE HAMMER: Over 200
government vehicles will be going up for
auction in March Picture: SUPPLIED

10 GOT A NEWS STORY? Call our news desk on (043) 702 2125 or (043) 702 2046. Find us on Facebook 18 February 2021 GO & EXPRESS
CLASSIFIED
INDEX
DOMESTIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
1010 Births
1040 Engagements
1050 Marriages
1070 Deaths
1100 In Memoriam
1220 Congrats / Best Wishes
1230 Birthday Greetings
1290 Thanks
PERSONAL
2070 Health & Beauty
2140 Lost
2142 Found
ENTERTAINMENT
3060 Entertainment General
SERVICE & SALES GUIDE
5010 Education & Tuition
5090 Plumbing
5100 Electrical Services
5120 Building Services
5122 Home Maintenance
5160 Walls / Fencing
5190 Painting / Decorating
5210 Pools, Spas, Accessories
5260 Computer Services
5360 Garden Services
5451 For Sale
5510 Kennels and Pets
5550 Misc Wanted
5570 Removals and Storage
5630 Services Offered
5640 Shuttle Services
EMPLOYMENT
6140 Education & Training
6150 Employment Wanted
6151 Employment
6170 Estate Agents
6370 Employment Wanted Domestic
ACCOMMODATION
7020 Accomm. Off / Wtd
7060 Flats to Let
7090 Houses to Let
7151 Holiday Accommodation
PROPERTY
8010 Flats For Sale
8050 Houses For Sale
8161 Business Premises To Let
8163 Business Premises For Sale
MOTORING
9070 Used Car Sales
9440 Motorcycles
9381 Motor Sundries
9640 Vehicles Wanted
9200 Used Bakkies / Panelvans
NOTICES
11010 Legal Notices / Auctions
11030 Businesses for Sale
5560
Repair / Services
2
PERSONAL
Personal
5
2230
HOME MOVIES onto DVD
Cassette tape onto CD
Also LPs put onto CD.
Recording for singers.
Tel 043 7483721
2275
Loans & Finance
SERVICES & SALES
GUIDE
5550
Misc. Wanted
LEE- BUY & SELL
have moved to Vincent
Paphos Park (opposite
Total Garage) in Devereux
Ave. Contact Lee
Anne on 061 453 4330.
CLASSIFIEDS
Contact Cheryl Larsen on T: 082 432 5665 |
E: cheryll@goexpress.co.za or Yaneliseka
Dyomfana on T: 043-702 2122 |
E: dyomfanay@goexpress.co.za
FAX: 086 545 2648
FRIDGE REPAIRS Regas
of fridges on site. Contact
Hendrik 072 368
3030.
Under R300
5541
BOOKS: Sports (cricket,
rugby, soccer, athletics
etc); murder mysteries,
autobiographies; Romance
- various authors.
All in excellent condition.
10 for R240. Phone
083 890 5269.
CAMPING COT: Good
condition. R295. Phone
Rob 076 573 9179.
Pop and Gospel. 15
at R10 each. Phone
083 728 0728.
DECK CHAIR: In good
condition. R145. Phone
063 244 9202.
DOWN LIGHTERS: Box of
LED down lighters. R150.
Phone Rob 076 573
9179.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER:
New. 4,5kg. R125. Phone
Rob 076 573 9179.
FOOTSPA: Remington.
R50. Phone 083 728
0728.
HEATER: R30. Phone
083 728 0728.
HIGH PRESSURE
CLEANER for spares.
Stihl make. R250. Phone
082 820 8916.
LAMP: Single bedside
lamp. R30. Phone
083 728 0728.
PC SPEAKERS: Logitech.
As new. R200. Phone
082 563 5622.
Under R300
BUILDING PLANS DRAWN
Home & Comm. SACAP.
Large & small Entire SA
Kathy 082 939 8131 or
kathy@yourplans.co.za
11
LEGALS
5541
PYREX DISHES: Glass
(Pyrex) dishes. 3 for R95
Phone 063 244 9202.
SINK MIXER: New, fancy
sink mixer. R299. Phone
Rob 076 573 9179.
SINK: New, single bowl
sink. R150. Phone Rob
076 573 9179.
SKOTTELBRAAI TOP
ONLY: R299. Phone
063 244 9202.
TILE ADHESIVE: 4x Bags
tile adhesive. R200.
Phone Rob 076 573
9179.
TILE ADHESIVE: 5x Bags
porcelain tile adhesive.
R200. Phone Rob
076 573 9179.
11010
Legal Notices
NOTICE
5121
Home Improvement
CEMX BLOCKS & BRICKS
(PTY) LTD: M6 Block
R7,80 each; M4 Block
R7,30 each; Stock Bricks
R2,70 each. Sand per
ton R280; Stone per
ton R400; Sabunga per
ton R280. Prices include
delivery. Contact /
WhatsApp 082 602 1196.
DEREK'S ELECTRICAL:
Fault finding, repairs,
new installations. Prepaid
electricity and water metres
for sub lets supplied
and installed. Call Derek
082 557 4099.
7
ACCOMMODATION
5121
Home Improvement 7020
Accomm. Off / Wtd
WEAVERS RETIREMENT
SHAREBLOCK Various
flats To Let or For Sale.
Persons between 50-80.
Call Elaine from 8-2pm
043-7029800 Prices have
been reduced Come see.
8
PROPERTY
8161
Business Premises
To Let
A Storage space 50sqm
To let by Shoprite in
Oxford St, R3200p/m
Tel 043 7483721
11
LEGALS
11010
Legal Notices
Notice of application for the registration of a Party
in terms of Section (16)(1)(a) of the Electorial
Commissions Act, 1996 (No.51 of 1996)
This notice ser ves to infor m par ties tha t the
PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT,
abbreviated “PCM” hereinafter has submitted
an application for registration in terms of the
Electoral Commission Act, 1996 (Act No.51 of 1996)
Anyone wishing to raise an objection against
the intended registration must do so by written
notice in which are set out the grounds for
objections and which must be delivered at
the office of the Chief Electoral Officer within
fourteen (14) days after publication of this
notice.
65 Beach Road
Nahoon
East London
5241
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SWEET AND SOUR: Lemons have a number of different health benefits Picture: PIXABAY
Lemons keep you
fresh and healthy
Although biting into a fresh
lemon is sure to make you pull a
face, this fruit has many benefits
to bring to you.
It is summer, and a great time
to indulge in lemon water. Fresh
lemon squeezed into water can
be sipped throughout the day.
This will help you keep
hydrated, and boost weight loss
by stimulating your metabolism
and supporting liver function.
Lemon is also recognized as
supporting the lymphatic
system. The lymphatic system is
part of the immune system and
helps clear away toxic cells.
Any support you can give
your lymphatic system helps
❝
[Fresh lemon juice]
will help you keep
hydrated, and boost
weight loss by
stimulating your
metabolism and
supporting liver
function
protect against illnesses.
Lemon belongs to the citrus
family, and the aroma is highly
prized as an air-freshener. This
fruit is high in vitamin C and
fiber. However the actual
essential oils, that are especially
concentrated in the skin of this
fruit, are some powerful agents.
In bygone days, people often
used lemon to clean the
household. To this day many
natural products may
incorporate lemon in a useful
way as a disinfectant.
Lemon has a solid history of
being incorporated as a reliable
food preservative.
Scientific research has since
validated lemon as an effective
agent against harmful bacteria
and pathogens.
Rubbing lemon essential oil
with a carrier oil over the
abdomen may ease
constipation. In emergency
cases where you have no
deodorant, you might try rub
some fresh lemon juice under
your arms.
Interestingly, although
lemon is acidic at first, it is
alkaline forming in the body. So
it helps you when you have too
much acid in your body.
This mellow yellow fruit may
also assist with acne.
If you often enjoy lemons,
rather drink lemon juice with a
straw. Excessive lemon
consumption may erode
enamel. Enamel is a protective
coating around your teeth, to
prevent sensitivity.
Lemons clean and whiten
the teeth but it may also be too
strong for someone with less
protective enamel around their
teeth.
Let good old lemons help
support your immune system,
where they can.
Expect another sharp fuel
price hike in March, says AA
STAFF REPORTER
Bullish international oil prices
are setting the stage for yet
another hefty hike in fuel prices.
This is according to the
Automobile Association (AA),
which was commenting on
unaudited mid-month fuel price
data released by the Central
Energy Fund.
The association says the
current picture shows monthend
increases of up to 56c a litre
for petrol, 47c for diesel, and 41c
for illuminating paraffin.
“Oil prices advanced at a
leisurely pace during January,
but the increase has quickened
FOOD HEALTH
Anastacia Sampson
since then. International product
prices shot up by about eight
percent in the first two weeks of
Fe b r u a r y,” the AA says.
The association notes that on
the plus side, the rand/US dollar
exchange rate has worked in SA’s
favour, with the rand
strengthening about 8c against
the US dollar in February, though
this has been far from enough to
offset the oil price.”
The AA said if oil continues
on this trajectory, SA’s fuel prices
might edge back into record
territory in the medium term.
Fuel users remain vulnerable to
economic shocks which weaken
the rand. -Sowet anLIVE
PRICE HIKE: Fuel is expected
to rise in price in March, says
the AA Picture: PIXABAY

GO! & EXPRESS 18 February 2021 For all your advertising needs call Cheryl on (043) 702 2031 or Yaneliseka (043) 702-2122. Find us on Facebook 11
Stay safe
around water
all year round
Memorise these vital safety tips from the NSRI
GO REPORTER
The National Sea Rescue
Institute (NSRI) has said
that it is very concerned
about the high number of
drownings that have occurred
around the country.
They have urged that
members of the public
memorise vital safety tips to
prevent themselves or their
friends and loved ones from
becoming a victim.
● Be careful when near water.
Rivers, dams, canals, and
reservoirs can be dangerous.
You should always keep safe
around water:
● Do not climb on barriers and
over fences — they are there to
protect people from serious
injury and accidents.
● Always obey “danger” signs
— reservoirs and treatment
works can be dangerous places,
so stay away when warned.
● Stay away from trenches
and open manholes — they
are dirty, deep and often
contain hidden dangers.
● Dams, canals, and reservoirs
may present a deceptively still,
flat appearance that can
promote a false sense of
s e c u r i t y.
However, conditions may
change rapidly with the onset
of strong winds.
● When swimming in dams,
enter cold water slowly and
remain in for short periods —
always remember dams contain
“cold spots” and the mud
around the edges is usually very
KNOW THE SIGNS: Lifeguard flags indicate safe swimming areas at the beach Picture: PIXABAY
slippery, soft, and difficult to
move through.
● When you want to dive in a
dam, check the depth and
explore the bottom to locate any
trees, logs, sandbanks, weed,
rocks or any other hazards.
Leave water when getting cold.
● Remember the golden safety
rules: Never swim alone and
never swim without adult
supervision.
- NSRI instructors offer free
water safety courses to schools
and other organisations.
To request a lesson, call
073-648-4867 or email
siya@searescue.or g.za
Your mental health is
just as important as
your physical health
MATTHEW FIELD
While the Covid-19 pandemic
continues to dominate the
headlines, there is another,
silent, pandemic stalking the
c o u n t r y.
“Mental health has always
been critically important
however, as the pandemic
continues to evolve and take its
toll, greater focus needs to be
placed on taking care of our
mental health and the mental
health of those around us,” said
Life Healthcare Brackenview
clinic manager Johan
Lombaard.
According to Lombaard,
Covid-19 and the ensuing
lockdown has placed a lot of
stress on the South African
population, worsening an
already bad mental health
crisis.
“Isolation, loss of family,
financial burdens and loss of
income are all triggers to the
development and exacerbation
of mental health conditions that
in many cases, requires medical
intervention for the safety of the
patient. Since the start of the
pandemic, we have seen that
the when mental health care
users are admitted, the severity
is much more pronounced
because of a delay in seeking
t r e a t m e n t ,” he said.
Statistics released by the SA
Depression and Anxiety Group
(Sadag) estimate that around
one in six South Africans suffer
from anxiety, depression or
substance abuse problems.
Of equal concern is the
growth in reports of depression
among adolescents.
The increased isolation and
inability to interact with their
peers due to the lockdown has
taken a severe toll on their
❝ Isolation, loss of
family, financial
burdens and loss
of income are all
serious triggers
mental health, Lombaard said.
He said that the pandemic
has shown, among other things,
there is a need for improved
access to mental health care in
the country.
“It has shown that more
emphasis is needed on creating
awareness and education on
mental illness to reduce stigma
and ensure early intervention
before someone reaches a level
where they are considering selfharm
or suicide, particularly in
adolescents.
“Now more than ever,
opportunity exists to
destigmatise and promote a
culture of acceptance of mental
health that will lead the way in
2 0 2 1 ,” said Lombaard
“We need to eliminate the
social stigma associated with
mental health and promote a
culture of acceptance.
“Coping mechanisms vary
from person to person and an
increase in psycho-social care is
critical to ensure the wellbeing
and livelihoods of those living
with mental health conditions.”
Venues must obey lockdown
restrictions warns SA Breweries
MATTHEW FIELD
South African Breweries has
called on all tavern owners,
restaurants, liquor outlets and
bars to adhere to the necessary
lockdown restrictions in order to
prevent staff and customers from
falling victim to Covid-19
infection.
The statement was in
response to viral videos on
social media which showed
patrons at a number of venues,
such as EL-based Buccanneers,
blatantly flouting health and
safety regulations.
“The warnings are clear and
unambiguous – s u ch
compliance with the new
operating hours for taverns, bars
and restaurants as well as
restrictions on retail outlet
trading times,” the SAB said.
Regular checks will be
conducted by the SAB to ensure
premises are adhering to the
restrictions.
They added that tavern
owners had committed to an
industry-wide charter.
The charter makes a number
of pledges, such as promising
not to serve alcohol to people
who were already inebriated
and promoting an anti-drunk
driving message.
“Let us be responsible,
together. Be brave and act
against behaviour from traders,
patrons, bars and restaurants
that contravene the current level
3 regulations by reporting
incidents of criminality linked to
the sale and consumption on
080-001-4856.
“The lives and livelihoods of
your fellow South Africans
depend on it,” said SAB senior
corporate affairs manager Kgosi
Mogotsi.
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SPORT
Fuel hike on the cards PAGE 10 Be water wise PAGE 11
Project can return rugby to
glory days, says Thobile Mtya
ATHENKOSI TSOTSI
Border Rugby legend
Thobile Mtya is optimistic
about the future of rugby
in the region and believes a
‘Project Rebuild’ can propel it
into a new and prosperous
future.
This comes from seeing the
likes of Sharks captain
Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fasi,
Sanele Nohamba, and
Thembalani Bholi turn up in the
Currie Cup final and Lwazi
Mvovo bow out of the game
after a long, illustrious career.
Mtya, who broke through the
Border ranks in the early ’80s
and is proving to be an
inspiration to those from the
The desperate state of Border rugby is cause for concern
rural outskirts around East
London, believes the Sharks
players are a beacon of hope.
“I support the Sharks
because that’s where our
children are playing, we must
thank the Sharks because they
have shown us that we can
produce players,” Mtya said.
“Rugby is alive, we need to
take the sport back to the
people.
“We need to go back and
remember our traditional rugby
way s .”
It’s no secret that the state of
the Border Rugby Union is an
uninspiring one, leaving many
who love the sport feeling
hopeless.
With all the talent left in
limbo, not knowing what’s next,
many are looking for escape
routes.
However, the former coach
believes a “Project Rebuild” is
needed, to lay a new foundation
for Border Rugby.
For the project to be
successful, it will need heavy
input from the Buffalo City
Metro and the Eastern Cape
department of sports, recreation,
arts & culture.
It must start with youth
development, Mtya said.
“We have to look to the
future, we have to rebuild and
not cry and complain about the
current state of rugby,” said
M t ya .
“We need BCM and the
department to sit down and set
out plans to take back the sport
to the people and get children
involved again.
“Children from the age of 10
years are doing drugs in our
communities because there are
not enough programmes.
“Sports is a way of life, and it
can help shape a child’s future.
“It is able to instil values, and
help children from 12 to 17
have a foundation.
“We now need more annual
tournaments for these age
groups, here we can identify
talent and nurture it.
“We need to prioritise rugby
and help those who have
natural talent so they can have a
future. I am where I am because
of rugby. Look at where
Makazole Mapimpi is, it’s
because of rugby.”
Mtya said governing bodies
needed to rope in professional
players who had the knowledge
and skills to give back.
Investing in local clubs, and
strengthening rugby in the rural
areas was vital as they were the
lifeblood of the sport, he said.
The embattled Border Rugby
Union is under the
administration of the South
African Rugby Union.
Mtya said when the reigns
were handed back to border, the
election of board members
would be crucial to “Project
Rebuild”.
“We need to get a board of
executives who have rugby at
heart, people who have played
the game. We don’t want
people who want the benefits of
council and positions.
“The clubs have to vote
responsibly and not be drawn
into factions but vote for the
future of rugby.” - DispatchLIVE
MESULI ZIFO
Boxing icon Mzimasi Mnguni
will have two funeral services to
accommodate the hundreds of
people expected to pay their last
respects to him.
This was revealed by his
brother Sihle Mnguni after the
family met. Mnguni, 73, died at
the weekend in East London
after a long illness following a
stroke he suffered in 2014. The
stroke confined him to a
wheelchair and resulted in
regular hospital visits.
Considered a boxing icon in
SA, the promoter’s reputation
transcended sports barriers.
Government officials and the
sport fraternity have paid their
respects to the man dubbed “Mr
Boxing”.
Two funerals for boxing icon Mnguni
“Bra Mzi was a people’s
person but also he has his roots
where he wanted to be buried,”
Sihle said. “This is why we have
decided to give everyone the
opportunity to pay their last
respects to him.”
The first service will be held
at the Uniting Presbyterian
Church of Southern Africa in
Gompo on Saturday. C ov i d - 1 9
regulations will be in place. The
second service will be on
Sunday at Mnguni’s home
village of Mazotshweni in Alice.
“Bra insisted he wanted to
buried at his home and we will
honour that request,” Sihle said.
S u n d ay ’s service will be to
accommodate the people of
Alice who want to pay their
respects. Besides the two funeral
services, a series of memorial
services are also being planned,
with the first scheduled for
Wednesday as a drive-through
at his home in Vincent, East
London.
The Eastern Boxing
Promoters Association is
expected to lead the occasion.
“We urge boxing people to
join us when we pay our
respects to Bra Mzi,” association
chair Thando Zonke said.
On Thursday it will be the
turn of the Uniting Presbyterian
Church to conduct its own
memorial service, also with a
drive-through to his home.
The office of the premier
Oscar Mabuyane promised to
write to President Cyril
Ramaphosa to grant Mnguni a
provincial state funeral.
However, Sihle said there
had been no official
confirmation regarding the
request.
“As a family we are
continuing with our own
preparations, but if the
government gets involved we
will adjust our programme
a c c o r d i n g l y.”
Tributes have been pouring
for Mnguni, with former sports
minister Ngconde Balfour also
paying his respects. Balfour,
who hails from Alice, enjoyed a
good relationship with Mnguni
when he was the sports minister.
Although he often butted heads
with Mnguni, they got along
well.
“We used to fight when there
was a need but we did that all
for the good of boxing,” Balfour
said.
One incident that stood out
was when Mnguni’s boxer Ali
Funeka lost a close points
decision to Mzonke Fana for the
SA junior lightweight title in
Cape Town in July 2002.
Mnguni believed that his
boxer had won and staged a sitin
with his technical staff and
Funeka in the ring and refused
to leave. With the fight televised
live on national television,
Balfour saw Mnguni’s protest
and immediately called
Mnguni.
“Mzimasi, get out of that
r i n g ,” Balfour told Mnguni.
“If you have a complaint you
know what to do, but what you
are doing is not one of them.”
- DispatchLIVE
FOND
FA R E W E L L :
Boxing icon
Mzimasi Mnguni
will have two
funeral services
to accommodate
the hundreds of
people
expected to pay
their last
respects to
him P i c t u re :
MICHAEL
P I N YA N A