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Mbengo goes after

regional leadership

ANC Ward 17 councillor points finger at ANC for collapse of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality

ANDISA BONANI

ANC Ward 17 councillor

Mncedisi Mbengo has

accused the party’s

regional leadership of being

responsible for the collapse of

the Enoch Mgijima Local

Municipality (EMLM), in a voice

recording currently doing the

rounds.

In the recording, Mbengo

makes scathing allegations

against the ANC Chris Hani

regional treasurer, Madoda

Papiyana, and secretary,

Lusanda Sizani, accusing them

of stealing municipal money

through the illegal sale of land,

and calls chairWongama Gela

“useless”.

He accused the regional

leadership of wanting ANC

members to grovel before them

or face the threat of being

removed from the party.

“I was not made by

Papiyana, Gela and Sizani, I was

made by my patriotism, the

revolution and the ANC. These

young boys just arrived and will

remove anyone who dares to

disagree with them. However, if

they want to remove me they

must do so by dawn so I may

look for a new family that will

accept me and allow me to

speak against corruption,” said

Mbengo in the recording.

He said the EMLM was not

collapsed by mayor Luleka

Gubula, but by the ANC Chris

Hani house cohort in Ebden

Street.

“They want to be decisionmakers

even in matters that do

not concern them. They have

planted their rotten seed and

caused divisions in the branches

of the ANC by buying certain

members cars so they may side

with them and do their dirty

work for them. They have even

employed a DA member to push

their illegal deeds from inside

the municipality,” said the

c o u n c i l l o r.

He said a clear example was

that two former human

settlements municipal

department heads were

removed because the Ebden

Street cohort was against

anyone who worked to improve

service delivery.

“There are Indians who have

been given municipal buildings

in Ezibeleni, Komani and

Whittlesea by ANC comrades

MNCEDISI MBENGO

for their personal benefit. There

is a syndicate deployed in the

local authority by the Ebden

Street comrades to collapse

Enoch Mgijima and I will not sit

back and not say anything. They

must remove me, and I will call

a meeting with the people of

Mlungisi to inform them about

the corruption going on at the

EMLM. I am not in the pocket of

Gela, Sizani, Papiyana and

ANCYL chairperson Zithulele

Sigonyela. I will challenge them

and they can do what they will,”

lamented Mbengo.

He indicated he was

planning to write to the ANC

provincial secretary, Lulama

Ngcukaitobi, about the issues in

the ANC because every time he

raised important matters he was

not taken seriously and treated

as though he knew nothing.

“Maybe I am deemed

irrelevant or one who could not

lead again but if they remove

me I will lead the same ward

from a different political home.

When I look at what this Ebden

Street cabal is doing in the

municipality I see them as antipatriotic

thugs,” Mbengo said.

He said had he been a

proportional representation (PR)

councillor he would have long

been removed, but that

fortunately for him he was

elected by the people and his

work for the community spoke

for itself.

It is not clear what led to

Mbengo’s outburst and he could

not be reached when contacted

for comment.

Sizani’s phone rang

unanswered and a text sent to

him was not replied to by print

deadline.

The EMLM had scheduled a

council meeting for Tuesday that

was going to discuss an alleged

transgression of a code of

conduct by a councillor but it

was postponed until further

notice.

MP hands out

pepper spray

after murders

FUN LEARNING

ABONGILE

S O L U N D WA N A

One hundred pepper sprays

with pouches and whistles were

handed to women in

Ezingqolweni village in Cacadu,

during a gender-based violence

awareness campaign, after the

recent murder of six community

members.

MP Nonkosi Mvana, whose

constituency office is based in

Emalahleni Local Municipality

(ELM), said president Cyril

Ramaphosa had allocated a

budget to focus on the GBV

scourge in SA.

Mvana said: “It is two days

after Human Rights Day, which

stems from the Sharpeville

Massacre day.

“We are a disgrace in the

world. It is difficult for me to say

I come from the Eastern Cape.

“I asked police if there was a

community policing forum in

the village, but there is not.

“We have to form one today.

We have experts who know

how to form one. There is no

way things can remain as before

in this village.”

Mvana said the visit was

aimed at creating awareness.

“This is the year of activist

Charlotte Maxeke.

“She was the intellect of

women, which requires us to

follow in the footsteps of the

women of her time.”

A resident who cannot be

named, for safety reasons, said

life in the village was difficult,

especially for single women.

“Our children work in Cape

Town and they cannot leave

work to come and look after us.

“It grieves us that no arrests

were made and the most painful

thing is that some women know

who is behind the murders but

are afraid to go forward with the

information.

“Often women defend the

culprits. It is an agonising

situation.

“What makes the matter

worse is that alcohol and drugs

are being sold in the village.”

Another community

member said crime was rife and

had increased in Zingqolweni

since last year.

He said a pattern that

residents had noticed was that

crimes occurred at the

beginning of every month,

which coincided with the grant

payment period.

Balmoral Primary School teacher Bronique Scharnick pictured with grade 0 and R pupils who dressed up in funky costumes

during phonics day at the school last week Picture: ANDISA BONANI

“Last year, a young man was

stabbed who we think had gone

to collect a grant payment.

“A woman was murdered in

January this year.

“At the beginning of

February, three women and a

man were murdered in the same

night. This has affected our lives.

“People do not sleep at night

- they are afraid.”

He said the community were

calling for protection, as they

were being attacked in their

own homes.

He said it was not only the

elderly who were victimised, as

a young couple were attacked in

their home recently as well.

“We have no security. We

ask legal entities to play their

role.

“Our worry is that many

residents live alone, their

families are based in other

provinces. They can be attacked

any time. Our doors are

knocked down, windows

broken and people’s throats are

slit.

“We wish for the sun not to

set because of the fear we are

gripped with. No one is at peace

in the community.

“We wish people would not

lose their lives without anyone

being arrested and suspects

must be thoroughly

i nve s t i g a t e d .”

Emalahleni Local

Municipality mayor

Nontombizanele Koni said:

“We came here because of the

horrific murder incident which

took the country by storm.

“Last time we came here

with the police we said we

would speak to a member of

parliament because crime had

not subsided. Uncedo Taxi

Service and Association also

assisted in this programme.”

2 Tel: (045) 839-4040 / editorial: mjekulal@therep.co.za / advertising: charodinev@therep.co.za 26 March 2021 THE R E P R ES E N TAT I V E

Police station revamp protest

Tender seen

as lacking

t r a n s p a re n c y

ANDISA BONANI

Members of the Hewu

Civic Organisation

marched to the

Whittlesea Police Station to

question the lack of

transparency in the employment

of locals, and the 30%

beneficiation of small, medium

and micro enterprises (SMME)

in a R13m Whittlesea Police

Station renovation tender, on

Tu e s d ay.

The group of residents

handed over a memorandum of

demands to the site manager of

the project, where they cited

their dissatisfaction about the

lack of involvement of the

community as is normally done

with other projects.

One of top priorities in the

memorandum was ANC

councillor Papama

DISGRUNTLED COMMUNITY: Members of the Hewu Civic Organisation marched to the

Whittlesea Police Station to submit a memorandum of demands Picture: SUPPLIED

Madubedube, who members of

the organisation dubbed a

“bulldozer” for thinking the

buck started and stopped with

him in matters concerning the

c o m m u n i t y.

The organisation treasurer,

Ayanda Mxhosana, indicated

that Madubedube appointed a

few locals of his choice,

including the community

liaison officer (CLO) without

consulting the community.

“Normally when a

contractor is going to work in a

particular area it is introduced to

the community by the

councillor so that the

employment of local people is

discussed, but that did not

happen. The councillor

appointed a CLO, which is not a

deployment post, but was

supposed to have been

advertised so that transparent

and fair processes could be

conducted.

“There was supposed to be a

community meeting to inform

the people about the position so

that suitable candidates could

a p p l y,” he said.

Mxhosana said the

councillor thought he could hire

and fire people in community

projects as he pleased and that

he was untouchable.

“There are two gentlemen

that he fired, and appointed the

children of well-known people.

“We did not speak to him

about our concerns because

when we established this

organisation we invited him, as

the councillor of this area, so we

could work together, but he

refused to meet with us and

instead brought in ANC

p e o p l e ,” said Mxhosana.

The treasurer said they were

also not satisfied with the lack of

transparency when it came to

the national policy of 30%

SMME beneficiation.

“This is a R13m project and

we are not quite sure about the

beneficiation of local SMMEs.

There is no transparency about

the SMME involvement, but the

contractor said he would meet

with us on Thursday to discuss

the matter further.”

EMLM spokesperson

Lonwabo Kowa said the project

was initiated by the department

of public works last year and

that Madubedube got involved

through a meeting co-ordinated

by the community policing

forum.

“Madubedube advocated for

the introduction of the project to

communities who had no

knowledge of it at the time.

“An advert for the position of

the CLO was published and

interested individuals sent their

applications. After the

recruitment process was

conducted an appointment was

made.

“Currently, over 15 local

people of ward 19 to 27 have

been employed in the project.

Furthermore, 15 young people

from surrounding wards will

participate in a learnership

programme which also forms

part of this project.

“It is unfortunate that some

local organisations are making

demands to be responsible for

recruitment of labourers for the

p r o j e c t ,” said Kowa.

Parolees get

jobs chance at

train stations

ABONGILE

S O L U N D WA N A

Fifteen ex-offenders from the

Chris Hani District who are out

on parole are set for work

placement at train stations in the

region from April 1.

They will be part of 80

parolees who will benefit from

the programme in the province.

The six-month programme,

formed by the department of

transport, Prasa and correctional

services, aims to uplift exoffenders

who experience

difficulty in accessing the job

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The programme, which seeks to

address stigmatisation, prevent a

reversal to crime, and give a

chance to ex-offenders to earn a

decent living, will target areas

with railway stations.

Eastern Cape Prasa facilities

and technical division head of

department, Gcobisa Ndandani,

announced the news during the

induction of the parolees at the

Queenstown station on Tuesday.

The ex-offenders who

attended were from Komani,

Cradock, Burgersdorp,

Middelburg and Somerset East.

¿

24 Prince Alfred Street, Komani

PO Box 453, Komani, 5319

045 839 4040 / Fax: 045 839 4059

Chris van Heerden, vanheerdenc@arena.africa

Luvuyo Mjekula, mjekulal@therep.co.za

Charodine Visagie, charodinev@therep.co.za

www.therep.co.za

@RepKomani

COLLISION AT THE ROBOTS

The national Prasa pilot

programme is in partnership

with the department of transport

and the department of

correctional services (DCS).

Ndandani said the parolees

would be paid a stipend of

R2,500 for rendering cleaning

services and the managers were

negotiating with the office of the

t r e a s u r y.

“Their work will include

grass cutting, cleaning the

operating environment, the

trains and looking after the

ablution facilities.

“Most toilets are either

closed or dysfunctional and

Prasa is losing many customers

due to their unhygienic state.

“We want to bring back the

dignity of commuters,”

Ndandani said.

Thehe programme was

supposed to begin in March, but

due to hitches was moved to

April.

He said medical surveillance

would be conducted before the

parolees started work in the

towns where they were from.

Though some employees

had expressed concern about

working with ex-convicts,

The Rep Komani

the_rep_komani

The Rep subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online

Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up

ŽŚĞŽĚĞŝŚŝŶĚĂŽĨŚĞĚĂĞŽĨďůŝĐĂŽŶŽĨŚĞŵĂĞŝĂůůĞĂĞĐŽŶĂĐŚĞ

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Ndandani said correctional

services officials would

continue to monitor them

during working hours.

Parolee Sisanda Bukula,

from Molteno, said: “I feel

happy to get this job.

“I will be able to cover most

of my expenses and meet my

n e e d s .”

Bukula said it was difficult to

get work as an ex-convict.

“Sometimes I apply for work,

but I am told my criminal record

is not cleared. I need to wait for

that period to be over.”

DCS Sada management area

coordinator, Ndzimeni Cekiso,

said Prasa was giving the

parolees a chance.

A police vehicle

collided with a VW

Golf at the

Cathcart Road and

Griffiths Street

intersection on

Thursday morning.

Police

spokesperson

Capt Namhla

Mdleleni was at

the scene and told

The Rep that no

one sustained any

injuries in the

collision P i c t u re :

LUVUYO MJEKULA

Cekiso urged the parolees

not to return to their former

criminal activities, but to focus

on acquiring new skills.

“This is a lifetime

o p p o r t u n i t y, “ Cekiso said.

“You know there is a stigma

because no one wants to

employ you, they lose interest

when they find out you have

been in prison.

“People do not know that

correctional services is a place

where people are rehabilitated

to change.

“DCS approached Prasa

because we have people with

degrees and skills who are

sitting idle and we are grateful

for their response,” he said.

MONDAY

12 APRIL 2021

Dr Christiane Practice (Wendy)

41 Grey Street, 045 838 1671

Dave 083 460 6503

THE REPRESENTATIVE 26 March 2021 Tel: (045) 839-4040 / editorial: mjekulal@therep.co.za / advertising: charodinev@therep.co.za 3

Water bills

f o r w a rd e d

to BKCOB

TIDYING UP MLUNGISI

Chamber says businesses can't

pay when meters not read

ABONGILE

S O L U N D WA N A

Alist of accounts of

businesses that ow e

Chris Hani District

Municipality for water was

distributed to the Border Kei

Chamber of Business (BKCOB)

for its members to begin talks

with CHDM after its water cut

announcement.

The list was issued after the

ch a m b e r ’s recent stakeholder

engagement with CHDM.

According BKCOB secretary

Adre Bartis businesses are not

happy with accounts not being

mailed to them monthly,

inaccurate meter readings and

account duplication which

resulted after CHDM took over

the water services from the

former Lukhanji Municipality.

Bartis said businesses were

more than willing to pay,

provided these issues were dealt

with. She added failure to do so

may lead to a dispute.

“The accounts were for

businesses which have not paid.

“The municipality has not

been taking meter readings for

three years.

“The current billing people

are receiving is incorrect - the

meters have not been read.”

She said businesses could

not pay for something they had

not used.

“It does not make sense. The

municipality needs to sort out

the system.”

According to Bartis, when

CHDM took over the water

services from the former

Lukhanji Municipality, it added

new digits on account numbers,

which meant some people

received two accounts.

“That is why there is

duplication. This means if a new

tenant moves into a place they

are billed for the previous

Workers from the department of environmental affairs were seen cleaning up parts of Top Street and other areas in Mlungisi

Township on Wednesday, to the admiration of local resident, Monwabisi Mgijima, who was passing by. ‘At first I was not happy

because I was born here in Mlungisi but people who are not from here have been talking about the filthy state of our town.

Even the premier [Oscar Mabuyane] was ashamed.’ Mgijima encouraged the cleaners to continue with the cleanup. One of the

workers urged residents to wait for the municipal refuse truck to collect their garbage Picture: LUVUYO MJEKULA

tenants as well. CHDM now has

the old tenant and the new one.

“This is not just about

sending out billing, but making

sure it is accurate, because if

they are not reading meters, the

billing will not be accurate.”

BKCOB had raised these

issues with the municipality.

“We raised these matters in

the IDP with CHDM.

“The municipality told

BKCOB they were aware of the

billing issues and were working

on a new system.”

Customers were also faced

with the difficulty of getting their

billing queries addressed.

“When people go to the

municipal office to resolve

issues, nobody wants to take

responsibility. People are sent

from Peter to Paul. The only

answer one gets is that one must

pay the account.

“BKCOB has been taking

steps to resolve matters and

highlight issues and we will

continue doing so.”

CHDM spokesperson

Bulelwa Ganyaza said the

district municipality had

embarked on a data-cleaning

project.

“Among others, the process

will help counter the challenges

associated with customer data

which has an immense impact

on revenue collection.

“In addition, Smart metering

must be introduced to

accurately measure customer

consumption. This has been

prioritised to resolve billingrelated

issues. Procurement

processes are underway.“

Customers who had billingrelated

enquiries must contact

the municipal revenue offices

across the district or e-mail

c u s t o m e rc a r e @ ch r i s h a n i d m .

gov.za, Ganyaza said.

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Shiloh community call for help

Residents air many challenges

at Human Rights Day event

ZINTLE BOBELO

The SA Human Rights

Commission (SAHRC),

together with the office of

the public protector in the

province, celebrated 25 years of

human rights under the theme

“Maintaining and ensuring

human rights during Covid-19“

at the Shiloh community hall

this week.

Zukiswa Mqhakanya, a

representative from the SAHRC,

said the visit was aimed at

c o m m e m o ra t i n g the milestone,

and ensuring the community

were aware of their rights

enshrined in the constitution.

“The district is one of the

places we receive a lot of

complaints from, so we thought

we should pay a visit and speak

to the people.

“We invited different

departments and other chapter

nine institutions with the hope

that people would know more

about our services so we can

continue to assist helping

communities and ensuring

human rights are protected,

respected and promoted,” said

M a q h a k a nya .

Pertinent matters relating to

lack of water supply in the area,

unemployment, housing and

the high crime rate were raised

by residents, who said they

received minimal assistance

from government departments .

They called for the office of

the public protector to conduct

a full investigation into projects

they claimed were meant to be

a residential land development

in the area that would benefit

previous land owners.

“We gave out our land in the

hope that the developers would

work cohesively with the

people. Instead we have been

exploited. The commission

needs to assess this situation.

“We are calling for an

investigation on what is

happening in Shiloh. It is a

shame. Our municipalities have

failed us,” said one resident.

Unathi Nako, from the office

of the public protector, said the

resident's claims would be

i nve s t i g a t e d . Complaint forms

were handed out individually to

the residents so that further

evaluations could be made.

Chris Hani District

Municipality deputy mayor,

Noncedo September, said she

had taken note of the grievances

and that a meeting should be

organised for residents to table

their concerns.

She encouraged residents to

IT'S MY RIGHT: To

commemorate

Human Rights Day,

Zolisa Maqhina from

Legal Aid SA,

Zukiswa Mqhakanya

and Sithembele Tito

from the SA Human

Rights Commission,

Unathi Nako from

the provincial office

of the public

protector and SA

Human Rights

Commission

provincial acting

manager Loyiso

Mpondo visit the

Shiloh community

hall this week

Picture: ZINTLE

BOBELO

report issues to ward councillors

for follow-ups, to ensure they

got better services, highlighting

that it was their right to do so.

School’s theme for year encourages pupils

ANDISA BONANI

Cacadu-based Thambekile High

School has continued its

tradition of launching a school

theme every year since 2002, to

encourage and motivate its

pupils for the year ahead.

The school faced many

challenged last year, and this

ye a r ’s theme, launched on

March 5, is “The Ezra year of a

smooth pathway”.

Thambekile spiritual advisor

Siphuxolo Siwalala said the

culture of launching a school

theme started 19 years ago and

had always been embraced by

pupils over the years.

“Our first-ever theme was

‘We shall overcome’ wh i ch ,

after a while, was incorporated

in our school anthem, “ he said.

“The aim was to encourage

pupils so they know that

whatever challenge they may

face, they can overcome it.

“Since then we have been

launching themes annually and

it has become our culture.”

Siwalala said his duties as a

spiritual advisor included

conducting a prayer at the

beginning of the year to

officially open a new school

year, to motivate, encourage

and give hope to pupils.

“Pupils go through hard

times and as youngsters they

need to learn not to dwell on

them. It is incumbent on us to

deal with matters of life and get

through them in due course,”

said Siwalala.

He said the school aimed to

move smoothly with its plans

this year, “to reach heights we

have never thought of before “.

SMOOTH PATHWAY AHEAD: Thambekile High matric pupils attend the launch of the school's new theme for the year earlier

this month Picture: ANDISA BONANI

Shiloh vineyards need wine

cellar to create more jobs

ABONGILE

S O L U N D WA N A

The quality of grapes harvested

at Shiloh Irrigation Scheme

vineyards in Whittlesea was

compromised by the drought

over the past year.

This was due to water

shortages at Klipplaat and

Waterdown dams, which supply

the scheme.

Oxkraal Dam, as an

alternative source, also had its

share of problems due to cable

g l i t ch e s .

In spite of this, the grapes

endured the climate challenges

sufficiently to produce Inkosi

Wine, which is still in its early

stages in the wine industry.

The vineyard was planted in

2012 and the first harvest was in

2016.

The Chris Hani

Development Agency (CHDA)

contributed R350,000 towards

the harvest, to cover the logistics

cost of having the produce

distributed for processing to

Ladysmith in Stellenbosch, in

the Western Cape.

This also presented a twoday

job opportunity for 100

community members,

compared with 150 last year.

The irrigation scheme is run

by Mayime Co-operative, which

has 395 beneficiaries and 14

permanent employees.

Selborne Cecane, who

chairs the co-operative, said

boreholes could bring relief.

“We cultivated 12ha of land.

We want to extend to 100ha as

our business grows. We

produce red and white grapes.

“Our wine range includes

pinotage, sauvignon blanc,

chardonnay and colombard.

“Our latest addition is sweet

rosé and we will introduce

winterberg soon,“ he said,

adding that their wine business

had not yet taken off, which

meant it was still dependent on

CHDA for support.

“Our wine is still new. It is

only available in two outlets in

Komani. We are in negotiations

with other stores.

“Our biggest challenge is

that we do not have our own

wine cellar to make the wine

and process it here.

“We have to hire a truck for

R40,000 to deliver the grapes to

the Western Cape.“

Cecane added that 7ha of

grapes went to waste after

ripening in January before the

rest of the vineyard was ready.

“This is because we could only

afford one truckload.“

Acting mayor, Chris Hani

SUCCESS STORY: From left, farmer and Mayime cooperative

chair Selborne Cecane, Chris Hani District Municipality

Integrated Planning and Economic Development (IPED)

portfolio head Sibongile Mbotshane, Chris Hani Development

Agency executive operation manager Nomveliso Nyukwana,

FarmVision MD Lieb Venter and Enoch Mgijima Local

Municipality IPED portfolio head Sibusiso Mvana at Shiloh’s

sixth harvest Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA

District Municipality economic

development portfolio head

Sibongile Mbotshane, said

engineers estimated that it

would cost about R11m to

establish a cellar at the plant.

He commended Shiloh as

one of the stable schemes in the

district.

“There are many social

challenges in Qamata which

undermine development due to

infighting. Shiloh has 395

members, but some have only

10 and yet there are fights.

“This is why CHDM and

CHDA will continue investing

resources in the scheme.“

Mbotshane added that the

hope was for the Mayime Cooperative

to stand on its own

without leaning on its partner,

Farm Vision.

CHDA CEO Zolile Duze

said the programme was started

by the CHDM six years ago for

Whittlesea's economic

development and as part of

revitalising irrigation schemes in

the district.

“The municipality assisted

with irrigation infrastructure,

tractors and machinery.

“Our long-term plan is for

the wine to be pressed here for

more job opportunities to be

c r e a t e d .”

He said events would be

targeted to market the wine so it

gained popularity with locals.

Duze said the DRDAR

would be approached for

intervention to install boreholes.


GEPF’s 3.2%

‘deplorable’

EMPOWERMENT DRIVE: Women in business in the Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi District municipalities attend a workshop at

Roydon last week on the presidential 40% public procurement programme Picture: SUPPLIED

Workshop for local

women in business

Attendees informed on government 40% procurement programme

ZINTLE BOBELO

Aworkshop on the

presidential 40% public

procurement programme

aimed to empower women in

business was conducted for

residents of the Chris Hani and

Joe Gqabi district municipalities

at Roydon last Thursday.

Small Enterprise

Development Agency (Seda)

provincial manager Siphiwo

Soga said the provincial

workshops were aimed at

informing women so that they

could take advantage of

procurement opportunities

“There is a drive from the

office of the presidency to set

aside 40% of procurement from

government to go to womenowned

entities.

“We conduct workshops

throughout the province to

make sure these entities are

aware of the opportunities so

they can start planning.”

He said registered womenowned

entities were identified

on the provincial treasury and

Seda database.

Soga said several ch a l l e n g e s

on the issue of compliance were

raised during the session.

“In most cases, a lot of

companies, whether they are

women-owned or not, lose the

opportunity for tenders because

they do not comply, sometimes

due to small errors when

submitting bids.

“There is also a drive from

women to say ‘maybe the bids

should not be centralised in

Bisho for the province, they

should be decentralised’.

“I know the challenges that

would come with decentralising

as I am involved in the process.

“Centralising has its own

strong points and weaknesses

that women raised.

“What I can highlight is the

whole opportunity on

localisation that was

emphasised to make sure they

do not just buy and supply —

that they look at opportunities to

substitute imports and grow in

manufacturing and making sure

that they create opportunities of

employment locally.”

Asanda Dlikilili, a

multifaceted businesswoman,

said the event showed serious

commitment by the government

after the president’s

announcement, while pointing

out some of the challenges

faced by women in business.

“Access to funding,

competing with the same

manufacturers that we buy from

❝ Government needs to open up more funding

houses and be more lenient. With more of

these sessions, people grow bigger and

better. I have been in business for 13 years,

but I have learnt so much and I was also able

to network

Asanda Dlikilili

BUSINESSWOMAN

— we need to be able to

influence legislation and favour

wo m e n .

“Government needs to open

up more funding houses and be

more lenient. With more of

these sessions, people grow

bigger and better.

“I have been in business for

13 years, but I have learnt so

much and I was also able to

n e t wo r k ,” Dlikilili said.

REP REPORTER

The Civil Servants' Pension

Redress Movement (CSPRM) is

livid with the annual pension

increase awarded to former

government employees.

The Government Employees

Pension Fund (GEPF) has

suggested a 3.2% annual

increase for government

pensioners, with effect from

April 1, which it states is in line

with inflation.

The CSPRM, representing

former state employees who

were discriminated against on

the basis of race and gender,

says the inflation rate can no

longer be the basis for pension

increases – not in the current

economic climate.

“This is completely

unacceptable. Pensioners are

struggling to make ends meet,

some having to survive on less

than R2,000 per month.

“This new percentage

increment means a mere R60

more in the pocket for a

pensioner currently receiving

R2,000 per month,” said

CSPRM national chairperson

David Jantjies.

“It should not be forgotten

that the current pensions

received by former civil servants

are based on meagre salaries

and benefits during the

apartheid years.

“That was the result of

flagrant discrimination meted

out to persons on the basis of

race, gender and status.

“The result is that there are

huge discrepancies between

pensions accrued during

apartheid and those accrued

during post-apartheid service.

“Thus, the older the

pensioner, the smaller the

monthly pension. However,

both mentioned groups are

exposed to the current economy

and financial demands.

“The crux of the matter is

that employee unions and state

representatives decide on these

increments.

“Those board members earn

monthly salaries way beyond

R80,000 and receive GEPF

board honorariums amounting

to thousands. They clearly have

no regard for the plight of the

e l d e r l y.

“The legitimacy of these

GEPF decisions and actions

should undoubtedly be tested

and revised, as the former civil

servants are no longer members

of the employee unions and

neither are they state employees

any more.

“For the union and state

representatives to make

decisions on their behalf is more

than a slap in the face of the

e l d e r l y.

“There are no legal grounds

for them to do so, and even if

there were, the principal would

be immoral,” said Jantjies.

“The GEPF sits on R1.82-

trillion and brags about it, while

its members are starving.

“This fund is the strongest on

the African continent and the

eighth strongest pension fund in

the world.”

Jantjies said the GEPF should

change the rules and that an

adjustment would hardly affect

the fund's assets.

However, it would provide a

significant boost to the

livelihood of 480,000

pensioners and simultaneously

contribute to the coffers of the

national treasury.

The CSPRM was established

less than two years ago to fight

for pension redress for all former

civil servants who worked for

the government between 1961

and 1998.


Act, no

matter what

There is always a question one

asks: “Why now, why start with

me, what about the others

before me?” I suppose this is a

very natural thing to ask when

you observe many wrong things

being done by others and poor

behaviour being exhibited by

others and nothing of any

consequence happens to them.

This also becomes a very

n a t u ra l question when the

person or persons taking the

action against you also have a

cloud hanging over them, which

might not have been tested.

With impending elections

there is also the ever-present

suspicion that certain actions

are not taken with pure

intentions but with an eye firmly

on the leadership battles ahead.

Those reservations are expected

and are par for the course, but

that does not necessarily always

have to be true.

The question then becomes

— when is the right time to act

against wrongdoing? Does it

matter whether the person or

persons taking the actions are in

some way tainted, even though

nothing yet has been concretely

p r ove n ? Should we then discard

any action taken by those

people just because there are

rumours swirling around them?

You might be wondering

what I am talking about. Let me

lay it out for you.

The Eastern Cape ANC

provincial executive committee

has announced a slew of

suspensions and disciplinary

measures against very senior

members of its structures.

Provincial ANC secretary

Lulama Ngcukaitobi explained:

“The PEC has decided to invoke

the ANC constitution 25.70”,

and they sent two of the

regional leaders who had

refused to step aside to the

integrity committee and had

their roles in the organisations

halted.

In total there are more than

25 people affected by these

IN TOUCH

Phumelele P Hlati

actions taken by the PEC. It is

quite clear that the PEC, led by

the embattled provincial chair

and premier Oscar Mabuyane,

has gone for broke by disturbing

the hornet’s nest.

The questions that I posed at

the beginning are now

becoming a song by many

people and those who support

these individuals.

I have this view on the

matter and many like it. There is

no right or wrong time to do

something — what is wrong is

wrong, no matter who is saying

it. That in the past the PEC or

any other ANC structure failed

to act on similar issues does not

mean that when they do they

are incorrect. They have to start

s o m e wh e r e .

I am not privy to their

intentions, whether nefarious or

good, so I will only concentrate

on the action itself. Are these

suspensions and other actions in

line with the ANC constitution?

If the answer is yes, then what is

the issue? If down the line some

who have been part of the group

that took these decisions get

implicated in something similar

then the ANC must act against

them with similar vigour.

For me it is as simple as that,

and I have no time for any

conspiracy theories about the

impending leadership contests.

Act and act now, I say. Bravo

to the PEC for not only talking

the talk, but for walking the

walk too.

SOCIETY SNIPPETS

From birthdays to anniversaries to achievements to notices ...

Share your information with us:

mjekulal@arena.africa or fax (045) 839-4059

Happy birthday wishes are

extended to Andy Jerrard, Jaco

Goosen, Kathy Helm and

Lourinda Richter (March 26), Sam

Millar, Peet van der Walt, Lynne

Terblanche, Chante Adonis and

Chantel Brody (March 27),

Graham Pohlmann, Dylan Jacobs,

Kayla Bekker, Val Green and

Mapaseka Pelesa (March 28),

Dierdre Schwartz, Amelia Martin,

Charlene de Villiers, Corne van

Heerden, Ed Clark, Malvin

Charasika, Juan van der Walt and

Herman Venter (March 30),

Hanneke Coetzee (March 29),

Ronel Taylor, Claudia Solomon,

Marlene Siloan, Karin du Preez,

Jeanna Bowes and Lynne de Waal

(March 31), Shania Mulder, Alroy

Kriedemann, Denise Wagenaar,

Riana de Lange (April 1), Michelle

Henson, Lindy McKerry (April 2),

Jarred Scharneck, Natasha

Strdyom and Betsie Pretorius

(April 3), Ernest Dowling, Jason

Strydom and Kim Stone (April 4),

Tamryn Henning, Sade Solomon,

Muffet Hartley and Lyle

Sonemann (April 5), Zane Lee,

Kay-Lee Mentoor and Zane Lee

(April 6), Marie-Louise Hellstrom,

Nicole Enslin, Sam Breetzke,

Beryl Hughes, Shane Brody,

Michael Edkins and Toy Mulder

(April 7), Ernest Littleford, Jo Love,

Marlene Serfontein, Dave

Mitchell, Erlene Westerberg and

Emily Tromp (April 8), Riaan

Verster, Bev Jacobsen and Eugene

Pautz (April 9).

Tomorrow marks exactly one year

since lockdown was first imposed

as a result of Covid-19. Isolation

has certainly affected different

people in different ways - some

decidedly negative such as

creating feelings of loneliness,

being left out and breaking down

friendships and social life as we

enjoyed it. On the other hand it

has taught some people much

about being self-supporting,

creating one's own entertainment

and brought some parents and

children closer together. With talk

of Covid being around for several

more phases and a time period of

three to five years mentioned, one

wonders if we will ever get back to

‘normal’ as it used to be... or will

we have forgotten what ‘normal’ is

by that time?

Condolences are extended to the

families and friends of Penny

Whitehead, Robdyn Cloete,

Zongezile Badiwe, Ntombekaya

Lufele, Nontutuzelo Leeuw,

Ntombekhayo Tandeki, Beauty

Ngece, Ursula du Plessis,

Nzimeni Mthiyana, Phumelele

Ramncwana, Mlandeli

Mvakwentab, Mlandeli

Mvakwentaba and Maxon

M j i k wa .

IN OUR POSTBAG

KOMANI WEATHER

The ‘going into autumn’

weather seems set to continue

this weekend, with cooler

overnight temperatures, while

the days are warm and pleasant.

On Friday, the temperature

will vary between 12 and 27°C,

though it will be partly cloudy.

There will be a gentle breeze

- an ideal day for a relaxing

outdoor family meal.

Saturday will dawn at just

9°C and it will be overcast with

scattered thundershowers,

reaching a maximum of 24°C.

In spite of that, the humidity will

be high.

After a coolish start of 8°C

on Sunday, the temperature will

peak at 22°C. It will be partly

cloudy and the humidity will

still be a bit raised, but there will

be a moderate breeze.

To close off the weekend,

M o n d ay ’s minimum

temperature will be 11°C and

the maximum 27°C. It will be

cloudy but no moisture is

forecast and the wind will be

gentle. - w w w. a c c u w e a t h e r. c o . z a

YO U R VOICE opinions on the street

What do you think about …

S I K H O N AT H I

S I WA N A

SA commemorated

Human Rights Day this

week, and The Rep

reporter Zintle Bobelo

took to the streets to ask

people what the day

meant to them.

SIKHONATHI SIWANA

from Komani

It reminds me of how

black people were

treated in the apartheid

era. It must be celebrated

because people fought

for human rights.

MOHAMED ASIF

MUSHI

I had to spend the day

at work but I think

everyone should be out

somewhere celebrating

the day and not be at

wo r k .

MOHAMED ASIF

MUSHI

from Sandringham

Human rights belong to

all of us because we are

all human. They embody

key values in society.

They are a form of

protection to us.

MONIQUE

SCHOEMAN

M O N I QU E

SCHOEMAN

from Sterkstroom

It means e ve r y b o dy

should be treated fairly

and equally because no

one is better than the

o t h e r.

L U YA N DA

M AG X I D O L O

from Komani

It is a day of recognising

people's rights as they

are the foundation of

their freedom. We have

L U YA N D A

MAGXIDOLO

the right to life, privacy,

education, sanitation,

housing and all the other

rights that are enshrined

in the constitution.

They are important

because it means once

people come to an

understanding that we

have rights, they will start

to attach value to one's

life and respect and

know we are all human

beings who deserve to be

treated as such.

They need to be

XOLANI

GUGA

graphic © liudmyla pushnova / 123RF.com

24 Prince Alfred Street, Queenstown or mjekulal@therep.co.za or fax (045) 8 3 9 - 4 0 59

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

Conserve region's once rich natural habitat

Small towns like Komani and

Lady Frere have many villages

around them, stretching sparsely

below high mountains with

dense natural forests. What

beauty. Indeed we are rich!

The forests on our mountains

used to have trees and shrubs

that had medicinal value to us.

Our forefathers taught us

this. They were medicinal in

that they cured minor illnesses.

Today, many of those trees

such as umkhwenkwe are no

more. Are they extinct? If not,

are they protected elsewhere in

some reserve?

Our small areas need to have

reserves and conservationists.

If we do not protect our

natural species, smugglers and

foreigners will remove them and

sell them in another form to us.

Ngamayeza ke lawo.

Let us wake up, my rural and

peri-urbanists.

ALFRED ZANEMVULA

M AG AT YA

Political interference ruining

area, Enoch Mgijima legacy

When I received the news that

Lukhanji, Nkwanca and

Tsolwana municipalities would

merge and be renamed Enoch

Mgijima, I was so excited that

the legacy of the prophet would

be lived.

I recall when former

executive mayor, L Gunuza

promised the family and Church

of God leadership that they

were committing themselves to

good governance, efficient and

effective service delivery.

By doing that, they would

uphold the name of the prophet,

a founding leader of the Church

of God and Saints of Christ in

SA.

However, the first thing that

made me sceptical about the

municipality was its frequent

change of political leadership,

Gubula being the third mayor

within five years.

I also noticed that the troika

is not speaking with one voice.

Councillors are divided, with

those loyal to Ebden Street and

others loyal to the sub-region.

If this is the situation, how

were they going to play an

oversight role and give political

direction?

I also noticed there is no

differentiation between the

ANC as a political party and

ANC in governance - hence a

lot of interference by the ANC

leadership in the running of the

m u n i c i p a l i t y.

To eliminate this, the ANC

must organise a workshop to

clearly define the roles of

political principals and

deployees in governance. Then

create sound working relations

between the political head and

administrative head.

The two are inseparable and

must complement one another.

The above has resulted in the

embarrassing situation we find

ourselves in. Therefore, the first

thing to do is to close ranks.

Administrators must play

their implementation role and

politicians their oversight one.

The Batho principles are just

ornaments. There is no value for

money. If you drive through Dr

Ntlabathi Road in Ezibeleni,

named after a prominent doctor

in the municipality, the road has

just been sealed, but potholes

are emerging because of shoddy

work. Then Fikile Gwadana

Drive, named after a political

activist, was done less than two

weeks ago and has returned to

the swimming pools that made

it very difficult for drivers.

The business community is

trying to clean the area, but if

the community service

directorate has no strategic plan

to see that the area remains

clean, this is a futile exercise.

If municipal by-laws were

applied, it would eliminate the

open space salons operating in

Cathcart Road. By letting this

continue, you are exposing the

council to litigation, by failing to

uphold the constitution.

If the directorate of

community service is serious

about the municipality’s

obligation to provide a clean

and safe environment, as

prescribed by the constitution, a

plan must be in place on how to

create and sustain it.

Lastly, my heartfelt plea to

the mayor, revive the Mayoral

Business Forum for the

development of the town and

you will not regret it.

“It always seems impossible

until it is done.” (Nelson

Mandela, 2001)

MZWABANTU DAPULA

commemorated so they

become a constant

reminder that we are all

human beings with

inalienable rights.

XOLANI GUGA

from Komani

During apartheid we

were restricted from a lot

of things. We attained

democracy and we can

see change from how

things were in the past.

The day means a lot

to me.


Nine NPOs unite in their plight

Services can end if lease agreement not sorted

ANDISA BONANI

Nine independent nonprofit

organisations

(NPOs) based at the

former Rowell Old Age Home

in Mlungisi elected a structure

that will work towards

achieving their needs, including

fundraising to ensure their

continued operations.

Newly-elected secretary,

Athenkosi Twaku, said the

NPOs needed to work together,

which had not been the case.

“We identified the lack of

unity as a stumbling block to the

development of the community

of Mlungisi in particular.

“The elected people must

represent all nine organisations

here as best they can.

“Eight of the nine

organisations are represented in

the structure to allow fairness

and inclusivity,” he said.

Twaku said their work would

include ensuring that they

secured a lease agreement with

the local municipality because

there were already rumours that

some people wanted to use it for

profit-making purposes.

Chair Mlungisi Gegana said

the work done by the individual

NPOs was critical because they

catered for the disabled, the

poor and the ill.

“This is just an example of

the important work done here

for the benefit of the Mlungisi

community, so we need to try to

secure this place for years to

come. There is so much we

need to help with and the most

urgent one is space.

“We need more room for the

work being done here because

we are squashed in small rooms

to try accommodate everyone.”

Gegana said it would be difficult

for potential sponsors to donate

because of the lease agreement

issue.

Deputy chair S i p h i wo

Mnyaka, who founded one of

the first NPOs to occupy the

former old age home, said they

had tried for years to get a lease

agreement from the

municipality and had been sent

from pillar to post.

“However, when there is a

consortium in place they will

dedicate their time to this

important matter because if we

are removed from this place,

some NPOs will not function.

“We ’ve been told to speak to

different people in the

municipality who have not

helped us to date. We really

hope we can sort this out until

someone comes to claim the

land for themselves,” he said.

NEW LEADERSHIP IN PLACE: The newly elected structure comprising some members of the

nine NPOs at the former Rowell Old Age Home. Front, from left, additional members Thobeka

Tsotetsi, Kholeka Masumpa and Nandipha Madikwa, deputy secretary Nobuntu Kondlo and

treasurer Sophia Manxala. Back, from left, additional member Vuyiseka Chibwe, secretary

Athenkosi Takwe, administrator Vukile Mciteka, deputy chair Siphiwo Mnyaka and chair Mlungisi

Gegana Picture: ANDISA BONANI

Ways to

support

Earth Hour

REP REPORTER

In preparation for Earth Hour, which begins at

8.30pm on Saturday, March 27, regional director

and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian

Goslett encourages all homeowners to take a

moment to consider the environmental impact

their household is making.

Started by WWF in Sydney in 2007, Earth

Hour is meant to serve as a reminder to all

individuals to make a positive environmental

impact. Each year, people around the world

switch off their lights for one hour to show their

symbolic support for a greener, more sustainable

future. One of the easiest places to show one’s

support for this cause is to make a difference

within one’s own home.

According to Goslett, becoming a more

sustainable household is not only the right thing

to do, it is also a good way to future-proof one of

your largest financial investments. “Demand for

homes with sustainable features is growing. New

developments are opting to use sustainable

materials and install eco-friendly features, such as

rooftop gardens, grey water tanks, and solar panel

e n e r g y.

“Over time, it is likely that this kind of

property will become the norm. Homeowners

who choose to install eco-friendly features now

will be ensuring that their home remains

appealing to buyers,” he explains.

Those without the capital to invest in ecofriendly

upgrades can still minimise their

environmental impact in other ways. For example,

RE/MAX SA suggests that households can

minimise the amount of waste they create by

purchasing items that have no packaging waste

and can be reused or refilled when its contents

have been depleted.

Instead of using cleaning protects with toxic

chemicals, RE/MAX SA suggests that households

use natural cleaning solutions such as white

vinegar diluted in water. This solution is an ecofriendly

alternative for a surface cleaner. Its natural

acidity is strong enough to dissolve dirt and soap

scum without emitting any harmful chemicals.

Another way to lower a household’s

environmental impact is to compost kitchen and

garden waste that would otherwise end up in a

landfill. Items such as egg boxes, old newspapers,

tea bags and coffee grounds, as well as eggshells

and all vegetable scraps, can be used to create a

fertiliser mix. RE/MAX SA suggests that

homeowners consult an expert at their nursery to

find out more about how to create an odour-free

compost heap.

“The choices we make today will have an

impact upon our future. Instead of switching off

our lights for Earth Hour, let’s use this as an

opportunity to start living a more sustainable

lifestyle every hour,” Goslett concludes.

Bringing hope for small businesses

CREATIVES: Entrepreneur Siseko Tshonti, right, kick-started Project Hope, a

platform to assist small businesses, with local fashion designer and owner of

Onodoli Boutique, Andiswa Shenxane

Picture: ZINTLE BOBELO

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DON’T DELAY

With many small businesses

hard hit by the Covid-19

pandemic, Siseko Tshonti, the

brains behind Project Hope, is

working on collaborating with

fellow entrepreneurs to help

promote their businesses.

As an entrepreneur

specialising in the field of media

and photography, Tshonti,

among other young people, had

to adapt to the new normal and

a business negatively affected

by the outbreak.

“Most small business owners

did not have enough resources

to sustain themselves. They

were extremely affected and as

a result they had to close down.

“Many people have become

depressed so I have been trying

to draft ideas on how I can help

someone who is in the same

situation as me. I started Project

Hope to reach out and

collaborate with other business

owners so we facilitate a way

forward to keep these

businesses thriving,” he said.

He has reached out to local

fashion designer and owner of

Onodoli Boutique, Andiswa

Shenxane, to help promote both

their services through social

media as local creatives.

Shenxane, who has many

accolades to her name, has

been in the fashion industry for

10 years. She said the outbreak

had made a it difficult and she

had to let go of two of her staff

members. “Closing down was

not an option. I love what I do. I

had to have a plan B because I

am dependent on this business.

“Although I have exhausted

my savings, it is important and

wise to save. I think this project

will bring hope to those who are

s t r u g g l i n g ,” she said.

“The goal is to work towards

hosting events in various fields

and offer training sessions and

workshops in partnership with

several departments,” Tshonti

said. “The aim is to support one

another instead of competing

with each other.”

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1

DOMESTIC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

In Memoriam

Contact Nofisa Makaula on tel: (045) 839-4040 / fax: (045) 839-4059 / e-mail: makaulan@therep.co.za or charodinev@therep.co.za

1100

1

DOMESTIC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

In Memoriam

1100

1150

Funeral Notices

1150

Funeral Notices

1150

Funeral Notices

1150

Funeral Notices

1150

Funeral Notices

1150

Funeral Notices

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Xesha

Tembeka Priscilla

~ Born 20-01-1955 - Died 23-03-2020 ~

Your life was a blessing,

your memory a treasure.

There is not a day “dear

mother” that we do not

think of you. You are loved

beyond words and missed

beyond measures.

Rest easy Mbeka wethu.

Your loving family.

Sivuyile Sechaba Kobokana

SONTI

LUVUYO

Late of 197

Nqakula Street,

Khayelitsha,

Mlungisi, Komani

Born: 24.04.1970

Died: 18.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday

27.03.2021

Starting at home

then to the

Methodist Church

in Africa (Donki),

Mlungisi for a

service at 09:45.

The cortege will

proceed to the

Komani Town

Cemetery for the

Interment at 12

noon

LALA

NGOXOLO

TSHAWE TOGU

TSHIWO

RUSSELL AND SON

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Tel. 045 839 4012

Contact us for your

advertising needs

045 839 4040

26 March 2012, Nine

years ago is the day

when you left us to

be with the Heavenly

Father.

We will always

remember you.

All our love mom,

Ludwe and

children.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

®

25 March 2011, ten years ago you

Ť

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1150

1150

Funeral Notices Funeral Notices

MRWEBI

MKHULULI

Late of Ngqanda,

Lady Frere District

Born: 05.03.1973

Died: 16.02.2021

Funeral: Saturday

27.03.2021

Starting at home

at 8am (Methodist

Church of SA).

Thence to the

Ngqanda Cemetery,

Lady Frere for the

interment at 10am

LALA

NGOXOLO

CELE NDOSI

KHUMBUZA

RUSSELL AND SON

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Tel. 045 839 4012

MSENGANA

MAWETHU

WILSON

Late of Elixeni,

Zingquthu, Lady

Frere District

Born: 20.01.1955

Died: 17.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday

27.03.2021

Thence to the

Elixeni Cemetery,

Zingquthu for an

early burial at 8am,

Followed by a

service at 9am

LALA

NGOXOLO

RADEBE

MTHIMKHULU

BHUNGANE

RUSSELL AND SON

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Tel. 045 839 4012

MALEFANE

LEEPO

JONAS

Late of Mitfort

Village,

Ntabethemba,

Komani District

Born: 19.10.1958

Died: 17.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday

27.03.2021

Starting at home at

9am. Thence to the

Mitfort Cemetery,

Ntabethmeba for

the Interment at

11am

ROBALA KA

KGOTSO

LEPHUTING

LA KGOASA

AAH!!! KGOASA

RUSSELL AND SON

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Tel. 045 839 4012

SIKHOJI

NOKWANDISA

Late of McKeys

Nek, Lady Frere

District

Born: 26.03.1962

Died: 16.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday

26.03.2021

Starting at home

at 08:00 (Roman

Catholic Church).

Thence to the

McKeys Nek

Cemetery, Lady

Frere for the

Interment at 10:00

LALA

NGOXOLO

MAJOLA

MQAM

THOLELOMTHWAKAZI

RUSSELL AND SON

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Tel. 045 839 4012

DUKUMBANE

THANDIWE

BORN: 1969-11-15

DIED: 2021-03-16

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)

VENUE: Funeral service

will be held at home at

3338 Zone D, Kwa

Themba Ezibeleni

at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Ezibeleni

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

TSHANGANA

EUNICE

BELLA

Late of Upper

Tsojana,

Eqombolo,

Cofimvaba District

Born: 23.12.1934

Died: 17.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday

27.03.2021

Thence to the

Qombolo Cemetery,

Cofimvaba for an

early burial at 8am,

followed by a

service at home

at 9am

LALA

NGOXOLO

MAMNUNE

RUSSELL AND SON

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Tel. 045 839 4012

NTISA

NOKWANJE

LIESBETH

BORN: 1947-04-06

DIED: 2021-03-21

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)


will be held at home at 2285

Ezitandini location Ilinge

Township, Komani

at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Illinge

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

Call CHARODINE OR MAVIS

on 045 839 4040

if your business is about to celebrate a special

event/anniversary.

advertising features.

24 Prince Alfred Street,

XHINTI

NONTEMBEKO

BORN: 1972-08-21

DIED: 2021-03-18

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)


will start at home at 35

Eagle street West Bourne

Park Komani then move to

Jesus Christ Church next to

Railway station for the

service at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Komani Town

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

NDINI

NOMAKHORASI

BORN: 1969-01-21

DIED: 2021-03-18

FUNERAL: 2021-03-28

(Sunday)



Jekeni location Agness Rest

A/A Cacadu district

at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Jekeni

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

NKABALAZA

THOZAMA

MAYAKI

MIRRIAM

BORN: 1962-06-01

DIED: 2021-03-18

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)



Thando Street, Nomonde

Location, Molteno

at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Molteno

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

MALGAS

OLWETHU

BORN: 1995-10-15

DIED: 2021-03-18

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)



Nzolo location Qoqodala

A/A Cacadu District

at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Nzolo

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

MJODO

MXOLELANISI

SIMON

BORN: 1975-10-26

DIED: 2021-03-15

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)



Tshamazimba location

Machubeni A/A Cacadu

District at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Tshamazimba

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

FUZILE

NOTEMBILE

NASIPI

Born: 05.05.1925

Died: 16.03.2021

Funeral: Sunday,

28.03.2021

Address: Mthwaku

Village, Lady Frere

Venue: Mthwaku,

Elokishini

Time: 09H00

Interment: Lokishini

(Mthwaku) @11H00

Rest in Peace

Mamqawthi, Dikela

Service Conducted By

ĂĞŽĨĞŝŽŶĂů

ŶĞĂůŝĞĐŽ

ĸĐĞŽĞĂ

ĞĞĞĞŶŽŶ

083 431 6800 /

076 324 1255

MDWABA

HLAZEKA

MAGGIE

BORN: 1945-08-04

DIED: 2021-03-17

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)



Mitford Village,

Ntabethemba A/A ,

Whittlesea at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Mitford

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

THALIWE

NOMPUMELELO

CAROLINE

BORN: 1968-01-02

DIED: 2021-03-16

FUNERAL: 2021-03-27

(Saturday)



Thando Street Nomonde

location Molteno

at 09:00 am

CEMETERY:

Molteno

TIME: 11:00am

PHUMLA NGOXOLO

KOMANI AVBOB

FUNERAL SERVICES

ROBINSON ROAD 29

QUEENSTOWN

Tel: 045 838 2771

Cell: 083 503 8057

BREAKFAST

KHANYISA

Born: 16.06.1993

Died: 13.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday,

27.03.2021

Address: 309 New

Location, Sterkstroom

Venue: Home

Time: 09H00

Interment: Sterkstroom

Cemetery @11H00

Rest in Peace

Mamnqarhwane



ŶĞĂůŝĞĐŽ

ĸĐĞŽĞĂ

ĞĞĞĞŶŽŶ

083 431 6800 /

076 324 1255


1150

Funeral Notices

SIFOLO

NOSAKHELE

NOMBULELO

IRIS

Born: 1957.10.21

Died: 2021.03.15

Funeral: 2021.03.27

Address: Thornhill

Village, Ntabethemba

Venue: Home

@ 10H00

Interment:

Thornhill Village

Cemetery

Lala Ngoxolo Majola,

Mpondomise

S&A PROFESSIONALS FUNERAL

DIRECTORS

30 BERT STRAUSS STREET,

QUEENSTOWN

045 838 4676

078 007 1862

5

SERVICES & SALES

GUIDE

5010

Education & Tuition

1150

Funeral Notices

TSHOLWANA

NOSECTION

NONTUTHUZELO

Born: 03.05.1921

Died: 14.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday,

27.03.2021

Address: Kuhndulu

A/A, Lady Frere

Venue: Khundulu A/A

Time: 09H00

Interment:

Khundulu Cemetery

@11H00

Rest in Peace



ŶĞĂůŝĞĐŽ

ĸĐĞŽĞĂ

ĞĞĞĞŶŽŶ

083 431 6800 /

076 324 1255

Contact us for your

property advertising

needs 045 839 4040

5

SERVICES & SALES

GUIDE

5010

Education & Tuition

1150

Funeral Notices

MA-AWU

ERIC

BEKWAPI

Born: 03.09.1962

Died: 14.03.2021

Funeral: Saturday,

27.03.2021

Address: Mtsheko

Village, Cacadu

Venue: At Home

Time: 09H00

Interment: Mtsheko

Cemetery @11H00

Rest in Peace Mgcina,

Jikazi



ŶĞĂůŝĞĐŽ

ĸĐĞŽĞĂ

ĞĞĞĞŶŽŶ

083 431 6800 /

076 324 1255

5

SERVICES & SALES

GUIDE

5010

Education & Tuition

VALUABLE ASSETS: Because of their resale value, outdoor security cameras and sensors are often stolen, so it is

recommended they are installed in hard-to-reach places. Picture: 123RF/ANDRIY POPOV

Smart security still

not the norm in SA

Cost of fibre internet and data, power cuts, theft the issues

REP REPORTER

Are you looking for a school that builds young men into

future leaders? At Queen’s College we aim to develop the

best possible version of each young learner.

APPLICATIONS FOR GRADE 8 – 11 for 2022

will close on 21 May 2021

For applications, visit our website

www.queenscollege.co.za

Admissions

Tel: 045-839 4188

e-mail: admissions@queenscollege.co.za

OPEN DAY – 27 MARCH

RSVP: admissions@queenscollege.co.za

8

PROPERTY

8170

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8

PROPERTY

8170

Offices / Shops

TO LET

ĸĐĞĂĐĞĂ

ŝŶĐĞůĨĞĚĞĞ

ŽŵĂŶŝ

045 838 3460 / 084 202 1767

Contact us for your

advertising needs

045 839 4040

Call MAVIS or

CHARODINE

045 839 4040

if your business

is about to

celebrate a

special event/

birthday/

anniversary.

Call now

more about

our advertising

features.

In developed countries

across the globe, home

security has become

synonymous with smart

t e ch n o l o g y.

Though making progress

towards this same trend,

developing countries such as

SA still have a way to go before

these smart security features

become the norm.

Regional director and CEO

of RE/MAX of Southern Africa,

Adrian Goslett, explains that

there are several reasons why

smart security features are not

as widely adopted within the

South African context — the

availability of high-speed fibre

internet and the high cost of

data being one of the main

reasons against it.

“Security systems that

allow homeowners to lock and

control all security features

through a mobile app are

incredibly convenient.

“However, until data costs

fall and fibre internet becomes

more widely available, it is

unlikely we will see these

kinds of smart security systems

gain any kind of widespread

use within the local housing

m a r k e t ,” Goslett predicts.

GETTING

THERE: SA still

has a way to go

before smart

security

f e a t u re s

become the

norm P i c t u re :

123RF/

P RY K H O D O V

The reliability of our

national electricity provider,

Eskom, is another obstacle for

homeowners who adopt smart

security features.

“Although most smart

security features have back-up

batteries and power systems,

the fear of being locked out of

one’s own home during loadshedding

is not entirely

u n wa r ra n t e d .

“Until we have more

certainty around our power

supply, I remain doubtful that

the use of smart security

features will become any more

widely spread than c u r r e n t l y.”

Another aspect that hinders

the popularity of smart security

features is the prevalence of

petty crime in SA.

Because of their resale

value, outdoor security

cameras and sensors are often

stolen. When installing these

S U P P O RT

NEEDED: The

availability in SA

of high-speed

fibre internet

and the high

cost of data is

one of the main

reasons against

adoption of

smart security

features P i c t u re :

123RF/DOTSHOCK

security features, Goslett

recommends installing them

in hard-to-reach places.

Homeowners could even

consider installing a cage over

them so they are not easy to

remove and steal.

“While there are obstacles

that make smart security

features less prevalent within

the local market, these features

will still have a positive effect

on the resale value of the

h o m e ,” Goslett says.

“Depending on what is

popular among buyers within

the given suburb, smart

security features can increase

the appeal of the home which

could lead to the seller

reaching a higher asking price.

“For example, smart

security features are in

demand within suburbs that

attract foreign buyers and

residents, such as Camps Bay

and Bantry Bay.

“Ultimately, if the first

world countries are anything

to go by, then smart security

systems will become the norm

in the long-term.

“Homeowners who are

unsure of whether smart

security features will increase

the value of their own home

should contact a local real

estate expert for advice.”


Selecting right

agent is tricky

Going for highest listing price not always best

REP REPORTER

With so many real

estate brands from

which to choose, it

can be difficult to know which

agents will provide the best

service.

Word-of-mouth is often the

most reliable way to select a

credible real estate professional,

but this is not always possible.

Those having to find an

agent on their own have several

factors to consider.

Whether buying, selling, or

renting, regional director and

CEO of RE/MAX of Southern

Africa, Adrian Goslett, explains

that it is best to work with a

skilled real estate professional

who is not only passionate and

knowledgeable about the

industry, but who also has a

working knowledge of the areas

in which the client is buying,

selling or renting.

“Not only should they be

knowledgeable, but an essential

element to the agent-client

relationship is effective

communication and trust.

“The agent should work with

the client’s best interest in mind

at all times.

“For that to happen, the

client must be able to feel

comfortable with the agent and

be able to discuss matters

openly and freely,” he says.

As important as having a

good rapport with the agent is

knowing the agent is wellconnected

and has an

established network of buyers

and sellers to whom he/she can

connect the client.

“Find out if an agent or the

brand they work for lists

properties for sale on national

and international websites or

just smaller localised ones.

“Sellers should remember

that the more exposure their

property has, the better their

chances of finding a suitable

buyer in the shortest possible

time. When you partner with a

network that is in over 110

countries and territories, you

receive worldwide brand

presence and cross-border

capabilities competitors cannot

t o u ch .

“This attracts clients who are

interested in international

opportunities, which can mean

more potential business if you’re

an agent, more potential buyers

if you’re a seller, and a wider

variety of properties if you’re a

b u ye r,” Goslett explains.

As a word of caution, Goslett

warns sellers never to choose an

agent based purely upon who

provides the highest listing price

and lowest commission rate.

“The right agent will be

realistic and base their

evaluation on location, market

conditions and what similar

houses have recently sold for in

the area.

“Beyond this, real estate

HAPPY DAY: Receiving the keys to one’s new home is exciting Picture: 123RF/FIZKES

commissions vary depending on

the brand as well as the agent’s

level of experience and the

services he/she offers.

“Often an agent that offers

their services at the lowest

commission will also provide

the lowest level of service and

s u p p o r t ,” he clarifies.

As one last final check,

clients can ask the agent for

proof of their Fidelity Fund

Certificate.

Not only will this provide

clients with protection against

fraudulent agents and

confirmation that the agent is an

accredited professional, but it is

also a good indication that the

agent complies with the

conduct rules stipulated in the

state Agent’s Code of Conduct.

“RE/MAX recognises that the

agents are the experts in their

given market, so the control

stays with them,” Goslett says.

“They set their own

objectives and determine how

to handle everything, but they

are not in it alone. They receive

support services that help them

stay ahead.

“This is why motivated

agents who are focused on their

success are drawn to the

RE/MAX brand.

“Great people, great

attitudes and great results – it is

a compelling combination that

continues to attract repeat and

referral business since our

inception back in 1995.”

Responsible return to

training is called for

REP REPORTER

The easing of SA’s adjusted

lockdown regulations to alert

level 1 has raised school

h o ck e y ’s prospects of returning

to competition in the not-toodistant

future.

The government has given

the go-ahead for the resumption

of contact sport training

provided that all social

distancing, hygiene and safety

measures are observed and that

there is no physical contact

between participants during

t ra i n i n g .

The South African Schools

Hockey Association (SASHOC)

highlighted in a statement that

the physical and mental benefits

of sport were important.

The SASHOC is a regulatory

board that promotes, upholds,

supports, controls, and

maintains rules for all pupils

playing hockey in SA.

The association said

according to a South African

Medical Research Council

(SAMRC) policy brief, regular

exercise or physical activity in

children and adolescents had

been associated with significant

health benefits.

Exercise is critically

important for their ageappropriate

physical, social and

emotional development needs,

while physical activity in

schools has been linked to

improved academic

performance.

“Regular physical activity

can help children and

adolescents improve

cardiorespiratory fitness, build

strong bones and muscles,

control weight and reduce

symptoms of anxiety and

d e p r e s s i o n ,” SAMRC wrote in

the policy brief on physical

activity for children during

C ov i d - 1 9 .

READY FOR ACTION: There is hope that schools hockey will

return to competition in the near future Picture: SUPPLIED

Other benefits include the

reduced risk of children

developing health conditions

such as heart disease, Type 2

diabetes, high blood pressure

and obesity.

The association e n c o u ra g e s

aspiring young players and

parents to find out from their

local organisers or coaches

about training sessions.

The SASHOC said its

accredited coaches would help

guide young players to ensure

their return to play was done

safely and responsibly.

This includes health

screening, washing of hands,

wearing masks, physical

distancing, sanitising, and

record-keeping for tracking

purposes.

Coaches must conduct a

thorough risk assessment and

ensure the risk profile of

activities are low, and ensure

players maintain physical

distancing while engaging in

physical activities (three stick

lengths in all directions at all

times).

The current focus during

training sessions is physical

development, technical skills,

tactical skills development,

social interaction and emotional

wellbeing.

The association has

published guidance on its

website for coaches on how to

mitigate the risks associated

with returning to training during

the global pandemic.

“While the SASHOC is

delighted that young players can

return to training, it is important

to remind sports organisers,

coaches, and players to do so

r e s p o n s i b l y.

“The SASHOC appreciates

the frustration and uncertainty

around the delay to the return to

play, but appeals for patience

and are hopeful that we will

soon be back enjoying the

beautiful game as players,

administrators, coaches and

s u p p o r t e r s .”

THE CHAMP: Shawn Anthony (manager of the Burgersdorp SPAR, and main sponsor of the day)

with Burgersdorp open golf champion Gabriel de Jongh, seen in action, right Pictures: SUPPLIED

Queenian De Jongh does

his school and club proud

REP REPORTER

Gabriel de Jongh, a Grade 12

pupil at Queen’s College, took

part in another Border Country

Districts Open championship

last weekend in Burgersdorp.

This was his second

championship in quick

succession, having played in the

Molteno Open two weeks ago.

De Jongh was defending his

2020 championship.

Competition was fierce as

the field gunned for him.

Being in the first covey to tee

off, the temperature was still

moderate and he played a

respectable first round of 35 and

was feeling comfortable,

wielding his driver

exceptionally well.

While the temperature

started to soar, a strong breeze

offered some respite, but still left

the players feeling parched.

During this round, De Jongh

was consistent and carded a 36,

giving him a total of 71 - level

par for the course.

At this stage, he was one shot

behind the leader, Pierre du

Preez, who was one under par.

De Preez was looking good

and feeling confident.

De Jongh’s third round of 35

was also consistently good but

was equalled by two of his close

competitors.

However, as they say in the

classics, “it’s not over till the fat

lady sings”.

He started the fourth round

looking exhausted and worn

out, the heat having taken its

toll, but his biggest supporter

and mentor (his dad), topped

him up with fluids.

The weather then changed,

which cooled conditions, but

intermittent showers of rain,

thunder and lightning resulted

in several coveys seeking shelter

in the course dugout and at the

clubhouse. The cooler weather

enabled the players to card

better scores, despite this being

their final round, with several of

them managing 35s and 36s.

Ryan Koekemoer,

Burgersdorp High School pupil

and De Jongh’s fellow Border

junior player, carded the best

round of the day with 34.

De Jongh remained true to

form with 36, carding another

71 and staying on par.

His 142 gross was enough to

win, three shots ahead of his

closest and fiercest competitor,

Johan (Vossie) Vosloo, a Border

senior player from Burgersdorp,

on 145.

Ben Jonas, another Border

senior player from Qonce (King

Wi l l i a m ’s Town), was third on

146.

De Jongh’s next big

competition is the Aliwal

North/North Eastern Districts

open, on March 27.


SPORT SCENE

graphic © liudmyla pushnova / 123RF.com

TAKING THE LEAP

AIM AND SHOOT

Former Queen’s College pupil Sinikithemba Hani received gold for his performance during the

provincial long jump league games held in Gqeberha last Saturday Picture: SUPPLIED

A Phefeni FC player aims for the net during a practice game against Kaizer United at the Dumpy

Adams Sports Complex on Saturday. United won 2-1

Picture: ANDISA BONANI

Relief as municipality finally

heeds athletes’ call for help

CALL ANSWERED: An Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality grader clears the pitch at Sada Stadium on Tuesday following a report in The Rep last Friday Picture: SUPPLIED

Grader sent to

attend to poor

state of Sada

Stadium pitch

LUVUYO MJEKULA

After two years of training

and playing on a bumpy,

dangerous pitch, athletes

in Whittlesea and surrounding

areas breathed a collective sigh

of relief this week as an Enoch

Mgijima Local Municipality

(EMLM) grader gave the local

field a new look on Tuesday

morning.

The Rep reported on Friday

last week (“Lack of facilities,

support frustrates Whittlesea

athletes”) that sportspeople in

the area had been calling for the

municipality to help, but to no

ava i l .

However, after The Rep’s

report, the field was attended to.

Alaska FC manager

Thembinkosi Mapuko said:

“Our training field has been

fixed! The grader from Enoch

Mgijima municipality was here

this morning to do the work. We

really appreciate the work that

[The Rep] has done.

“Keep up the great work.”

It is hoped the development

will provide the much-needed

boost for sportspeople who are

passionate about their sport.

Local football managers had

urged EMLM to support sport

development in the area,

starting with repairing Sada

Stadium and maintaining

pitches at least twice a year.

“What we are doing for the

love of football is very important

because even parents

appreciate the responsibility we

take for their children to have

something positive in their

lives," Mapuko said.

He stressed that getting

young people involved in sport

was everyone’s responsibility.

NEW LOOK FOR WHITTLESEA COMMUNITY PITCH P11

THE Rep

SPORT

CONTACT

Friday 26 M a rc h , 202 1

US WITH SPORTS NEWS:

m j e k u l a l @ t h e re p.co. za

(deadline: noon Tuesdays)

World record at Queen’s

In 1950 Wynton Edwards,

captain of the Queen’s College

first XI, would make history

REP REPORTER

Decades ago Queen’s

cricket coach Ivan

Busse remarked: “M a ny

Queenians have made

outstanding successes of their

sporting careers, here and

overseas. There are those who

have gained international and

provincial honours in sport.

There are three such

achievements which I regard as

remarkable because of the

discipline, application and

character they reveal.”

On March 25 1950, one of

these remarkable achievements

would manifest. It was

described as being a clear, fine

day with no wind at all followed

by gusty, though slight winds as

the innings progressed.

Wynton Edwards, captain of

the Queen’s College first XI,

would make history by taking

10 wickets for 0 runs in 9.7

overs, an almost impossible feat

against strong opposition in

Selborne, a leading South

African cricketing school.

“Young Edwards cleanbowled

five batsmen and had

five caught off his out-swingers,

varied by the occasional inswinger.

At times he moved the

ball quite 12 inches (30cm)

against the wind. The innings

over, crowds of cheering, capthrowing

schoolboys and

masters literally swept the

central figure of this world

record-breaking performance

off his feet.

“The Selborne batsmen were

the most enthusiastic in their

c o n g ra t u l a t i o n s .

“Cricket is a wonderful

game!” stated AW Rider.

The best ball of the day was

the first ball of Edwards’ 10th

over. It was a fast in-swinger

which fizzed off the pitch and

struck the top of the middle

stump to bounce high in the air

and hit the sight screen, about

RECORD

BREAKER:

Wynton

E d w a rd s ,

captain of the

Queen’s

College first

XI, made

history by

taking 10

wickets for 0

runs in 9.7

overs back in

1950 P i c t u re :

SUPPLIED

40m behind the batsman. There

was an expectant hush as the

last man, Jones, took his stance

at the wicket. He played out five

balls, but the sixth, which beat

him all ends up, swung inwards

and scattered his stumps.

Busse, umpiring the game

from Edwards’ bowling end,

was relieved to have not given

any man out LBW.

Cricket, however, is a team

game and praise needs also be

given to the rest of the team

fielding for not conceding a

single run off of the 77 balls

bowled by Edwards and only 10

runs off the balls bowled by

Victor Maitland.

Edwards himself was too

overcome by the occasion to

realise fully that he had broken

a world record. He was carried

off the field by the very sporting

opposing team.

However between the

coaches and umpires was a kind

of silence, as they didn’t know

what to say in the face of such

an extraordinary feat.

“A world record? Well, it

cannot be bettered and it all

happened on the Queen’s

College Parry-Davies Field,”

said Busse.

Youngsters from Komani on the rise

GOING PLACES: Liyema Mgwigwi, left, Sihlalo Benge and Geraldo Flusk have all been signed by bigger unions as they pursue their c a re e r s

MAXWELL LEVINE

Unfortunately 2020 was a

year to forget for

aspiring rugby players

who were “robbed” in pursuit of

their dreams of playing 1st XV

rugby for their schools in their

final school year.

It should also have served as

a stepping stone to the Craven

Week, the SA Schools team and

eventually winning a junior

contract with one of the bigger

unions.

For three Komani players

whose dreams have come true

despite being inactive last year,

it seems all three did enough in

2019 to secure junior contracts

with top unions.

The year 2021 started with a

bang for these rugby players and

Komani keeps producing

players of the highest calibre

who are sought after.

For these three players, like

many other youngsters around

the country who have a

childhood dream to play at the

highest level where only a lucky

few can make it, it is the start of

greater things to come in their

rugby careers.

Geraldo Flusk (Blue Bulls)

Born and bred in Komani, Flusk

has been signed on a junior

contract with the Blue Bulls. He

was schooled at Hangklip

before he moved to Grens in

East London. He easily walked

into the Border U12 and U13

teams. The explosive backline

player was snatched up by

Garsfontein in Pretoria, when he

signed a contract with the Blue

Bulls Academy. Flusk soon

made his mark by being

selected for the Blue Bulls Grant

Khomo U16 team and became

a firm favourite with the Bulls

sevens team.

He captured the imagination

of the country at the 2019

Craven Week where he was in

top form, scoring scintillating

tries which led to the

commentators nicknaming him

the “Rolls Royce of the Blue

Bulls”.

Those performances didn’t

go unnoticed, which elevated

him to being selected to the SA

Schools team. He has just been

selected to participate in the SA

Rugby Academy programme in

Stellenbosch which will run

from April 7 to June 30.

Sihlalo Benge (Lions)

Benge was one of the shining

lights of the recent Queen’s

College teams that have been in

a rebuilding phase. His 2019

performances at Craven Week

did enough to impress the Lions

selectors, who did not hesitate

to sign the mercurial pivot.

The irony is that Benge went

into the 2019 Craven Week

nursing an ankle injury and

started off on the bench for

Border. When he eventually

started, he grabbed the

opportunity with both hands,

even proving his versatility by

slotting in at centre. This

eventually earned him a spot in

the SA Schools A side.

The left-footed player is a

powerful runner and very

aggressive. He has a calculated

boot and his natural skillset and

ability sets him apart.

Under the guidance of Lions

captain and Springbok, Elton

Jantjies, who is Benge’s idol and

also a left-footed playmaker,

Benge can only grow from

strength to strength.

Liyema Mgwigwi (Cheetahs)

The Queen's College hooker

Pictures: SOURCED

and captain has signed with the

Cheetahs. Mgwigwi represented

Border at the Grant Khomo

Week in 2018.

He kept up his impressive

form for the Queen's College 1st

XV in 2019 so it came as no

surprise when he was selected

for the Border Academy team at

the 2019 Craven Week.

Known for his high work

rate, the stocky hooker has often

caught the eye with his

attacking flair, passing skills and

excellent ball handling.

He was named the Queen’s

College captain for 2020 and

was in line to succeed as the

Border Craven Week hooker for

the 2020 Craven Week, which

was cancelled due to the

coronavirus pandemic.

He has chosen the Free State

above other pursuers as he feels

their attacking brand of rugby

will suit his style of play.

Virtual run

to raise

funds

ANDISA BONANI

The Komani chapter of the

Border-Kei Chamber of Business

(BKCOB) will host a virtual run/

walk on April 24 to raise funds

for its two flagship initiatives

that seek to assist local schools

and small, medium and micro

enterprises (SMMEs).

The fundraising event forms

part of the BKCOB’s attempts to

give back to the community by

offering mentorship to small

businesses and to help schools

and pupils in need.

BKCOB administrator Adre

Bartis said people can either

walk or run for 3km, 5km or

10km between 7am and 11am.

Bartis said the BKCOB

SMME programme had been

assisting small businesses, but

some owners could not afford

some activities requiring

financial input.

“We would like to roll out

the programme to more small

businesses. We welcome funds

to assist these initiatives. All

proceeds will assist the two

initiatives and any other

chamber matter that seeks to

uplift the community. We will

also host a Gold Day on June 4

to raise funds.”

Bartis said the only funds

that came in for the chamber

were the membership fees,

therefore the fundraiser was

important for its initiatives.

People of all ages can enter

for R120 which includes a free

T-shirt. Entry forms are

obtainable from the BCKOB

website, the Komani BKCOB

facebook page or email Bartis

on admin@bkcob.co.za.

The Rep 26 March 2021

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