8 Tel: (045) 839-4040 / editorial: mjekulal@therep.co.za / advertising: charodinev@therep.co.za 22 October 2021 THE R E P R ES E N TAT I V EAvid line dancersstep out to moveand meet againYOUNG SCIENTISTSeniors say classes a boost physically, mentallyNOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: Louis Rex Primary School pupil Lukhanyo Njenjezi, second fromleft, came second at the Chris Hani West Natural Science Olympiads 2021 which was recentlyheld at Gali Thembani Centre. In the picture were subject head Ntomboxolo Mfamana,Njenjezi, principal Bevan Christoffels and subject teacher Nomawabo Swapi Picture: ZINTLEBOBELOFRUITS OF LABOURDANCE MOVES: A group of women enjoying line dancing classes, and getting together, at theWesley Methodist Church hall in Ebden Street every Tuesday Picture: ZINTLE BOBELOZINTLE BOBELOLine dancing classes are not only a funactivity for a group of senior Komani citizensbut also have, according to them, the benefitof mental and physical stimulation.A group of 24 elderly women who gatherevery week at the Wesley Methodist Church inEbden Street have started a social culture of linedancing, which involves synchronisedmovements to music.Megan Moorcroft said the classes had beenrunning for about nine years.“We started off with a small number of dancersbut the members have grown incredibly. Most ofthe dances are a sequence of 16 steps.“We meet once a week, on Tuesdays and wedance for about 45 minutes.“We do not charge anything. The eldest of thedancers is 85 years old,” she said.The pandemic unfortunately brought things toa standstill when sessions had to be halted. Thiswas a setback for some of the dancers.“We obviously had to stop because of thepandemic. We are now on the third lesson sinceCovid-19 lockdown regulations were eased.Everyone is excited to be back. The classes arealways exhilarating and good for our bodies andminds because you have to remember thesequence of steps every time.“The doors are open to anyone who would liketo join in the fun, be it males or females,” she said.Long-standing member Berenice Levack, whojoined the group five years ago, said she lookedforward to the sessions every week.“It’s a pleasure meeting new people andgetting the opportunity to exercise. We were stuckin our homes during Covid-19. It’s nice to be back.“There were about eight of us when I joined.“Every second or third month somebody elsewould come in. It’s always great to see new faces.”Newcomer Suzanne van Heerden said it washer third time with the group this week.“I have done it before and I loved it when I wasstill at the old age home in Adelaide.“I asked if there was anyone offering anyclasses this side and I was told it was closed due toCovid. So, when everything opened again that iswhen they reached out to me.“The togetherness, to see people happy andhow much they enjoy it, is so fulfilling.“I don’t know all the dance routines, but oncethe instructor shows you some steps and you graspeverything, it becomes easier from there on.”WELL DONE: Olivet Private High School held a valedictory and prizegiving ceremony at TheGallery Guest House and Venue where the top three academic achievers were announced.From left were head of department Lindelwa Njamela; Alizwa Koltana, in first place, secondplaced Akholwa Makeleni; Mahle Bikitsha, third, and teacher Augustine Akuoko Picture: ZINTLEBOBELOWHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR KOMANI?Send us your story via WhatsApp on 073-025-2220 and we will publish it.It can be a cleaning campaign or pothole repair project.500 families receive food, clothes from Gift of GiversHELPING OTHERS: Gift of the Givers donate food and clothing on World Hunger Day to 500 familiesin Emalahleni. At the handover, from left, are Emalahleni Local Municipality speaker Dumisa Kalolo,Gift of the Givers project manager Ali Sablay, corporate governance and traditional affairs MEC XolileNqatha, Emalahleni mayor Nontombizanele Koni and Gift of the Givers EC project manager CoreneConradie Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANAABONGILE SOLUNDWANAOn Saturday, World Hunger Day, Gift of theGivers provided food aid to 500 families basedin Emalahleni Local Municipality.The families also received clothing fromWo o l wo r t h s .Gift of the Givers national project managerAli Sablay said the initiative honoured thelegacy of late struggle icons Nelson Mandela,Chris Hani, OR Tambo, and Walter andAlbertina Sisulu.He believed it would have been a proudmoment for them, to witness people served inthis way.“The mayor explained the dire situationthat there is a lack of clothing so we broughtsome from Woolworths.“Unfortunately we did not get sizes butthey can be given to the family members whothey fit.”Corporate governance and traditionalaffairs MEC Xolile Nqatha said he was happythat Emalahleni municipality was serving thepeople.“What affects the financial situation ingovernment is that local, provincial andnational entities each do their own thing.“This is not a favour, but a requirement ofthe constitution.“People want government to be responsiveand their needs to be attended to.”He said responsiveness did not meanpeople got what they needed immediately.The MEC was also grateful for thecontribution of the outgoing councillors.Emalahleni Local Municipality mayorNontombizanele Koni said the large ruralcommunity could not just depend ongovernment, but needed assistance from otherorganisations.“Gift of the Givers is not the first non-profitorganisation to have contributed toEmalahleni.“The food will be given to those between35 and 59 who have no one to turn to.“We also asked for 42 boreholes. So farseven have been approved.“We asked for wheelchairs and soccer kit.“People will be receiving clothes forChristmas. We are closing the books for whatwe had to do in this five-year term,” Koni said.
THE REPRESENTATIVE 22 October 2021 Tel: (045) 839-4040 / editorial: mjekulal@therep.co.za / advertising: charodinev@therep.co.za 9