Saturday ,25 February ,was the second fun crawl/walk/run event.This was a whole fa were concerned about the weather ,but the turnout was still wonderful.See you at the next event on Saturday 25 March.
Monday, 6 March 2017
Burning Kidnap/Murder Victim Identified
By Sonica Naude'-Steyn
A woman who was kdnapped and burnt alive near a bridge in Kokstad last Mondayhas been identified as Hardings Nedbank's manager and mother of three,37 year old Thembi Memela.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zandra de Beer Wiid,Memela and her one daughter was kidnapped in the early hours of last Monday from their home in Machi Village near Harding."Ms Memela was at home with her two daughters when three men entered the house,their faces were covered.They covered the 14-year-old daughter with blankets and took them to Ms Memela's carwhich was parked outside.Ms Memela was forced into the boot and the kidnappers drove off towards Kokstad.They then stoppednext to a river ,poured petrol over both mother and daughterand set them alight,"said De Beer Wiid.
The young girl managed to escape her attackers and and allegedly jumped into the river where she waited for them to leave.Once the attackers had left in Memela's vehiclethe daughter made her way to the police station and reported the incidence.Police then rushed to the scene and discovered the renains of Memela.No arrests have yet been made and the vehicle has not yet been recovered however police continue to investigate the matter.
The 14 year old daughter is allegedly recovering in hospital.This was however the second cruel murder to shock the small community of Harding as in another incident,a 28 year old taxi operator was gunned down by two men in Harding a week earlier.It is believed that the taxi-violence related incident is being investigated by a provincial task team.
By Sonica Naude'-Steyn
A woman who was kdnapped and burnt alive near a bridge in Kokstad last Mondayhas been identified as Hardings Nedbank's manager and mother of three,37 year old Thembi Memela.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zandra de Beer Wiid,Memela and her one daughter was kidnapped in the early hours of last Monday from their home in Machi Village near Harding."Ms Memela was at home with her two daughters when three men entered the house,their faces were covered.They covered the 14-year-old daughter with blankets and took them to Ms Memela's carwhich was parked outside.Ms Memela was forced into the boot and the kidnappers drove off towards Kokstad.They then stoppednext to a river ,poured petrol over both mother and daughterand set them alight,"said De Beer Wiid.
The young girl managed to escape her attackers and and allegedly jumped into the river where she waited for them to leave.Once the attackers had left in Memela's vehiclethe daughter made her way to the police station and reported the incidence.Police then rushed to the scene and discovered the renains of Memela.No arrests have yet been made and the vehicle has not yet been recovered however police continue to investigate the matter.
The 14 year old daughter is allegedly recovering in hospital.This was however the second cruel murder to shock the small community of Harding as in another incident,a 28 year old taxi operator was gunned down by two men in Harding a week earlier.It is believed that the taxi-violence related incident is being investigated by a provincial task team.
Focused High School
Valentine’s Day
On the 14th February we hosted our Valentines Fun Day at school. The learners were actively involved in a variety of fun activities. There was face painting, a variety of games, cake sales and raffles. The learners thoroughly enjoyed the day. We would like to thank Mrs. E Van Rooyen and the staff for organising this event and making this day a great success.
Valentine’s Day
On the 14th February we hosted our Valentines Fun Day at school. The learners were actively involved in a variety of fun activities. There was face painting, a variety of games, cake sales and raffles. The learners thoroughly enjoyed the day. We would like to thank Mrs. E Van Rooyen and the staff for organising this event and making this day a great success.
Friday night saw the final round of the ever popular "night bowls" taking place at the club. It was great to have so many enthusiastic teams participating in this event, which took place over a four week period during which we all enjoyed some great bowls along with plenty of the usual fun and banter one is accustomed to when participating in an event of this nature. When all was said and done and the points were tallied it was the Wesbart Motors team of Dennis Gray, Colin and Ken in third position, followed by the Usher Tyres team of Alan, Sherwin and Samantha in second position, with the overall win (not for the time) going to the formidable JM Irrigation team of Roddy, Jimmy and Bruce Izatt. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who contributed towards the success of this event.
On Sunday the club singles for both men and ladies took place, it was wonderful to see a good number of entries for this event. Thank you to everyone for supporting our club tournaments. The day produced some very close games with plenty to keep the spectators interested whilst enjoying the action on the greens. In the ladies event the final eventually saw Sharmaine Aylward up against Mariki Bothma in what was a well contested final which saw Mariki being crowned the ladies club singles champion. The men’s’ final saw Peter Subke up against Alan Izatt in what proved to be yet another hard fought affair which eventually saw Peter being crowned the men’s club singles Champion. Congratulations to both our well deserved winners!!
This coming weekend two Kokstad teams will be participating in the very popular Underberg 5's tournament, we wish them Good Bowling and trust they will make us proud!
Good Bowling!
Captions
1-2. Men and Ladies Club Singles champions, Pete Subke and Mariki Botma.
3. A very tightly contested match between Alan Izatt and André Naudé.
4. Night bowls winners, the JM Irrigation team of Roddy, Jimmy and Bruce Izatt.
5. Night bowls runners up, the Usher Tyres team of Alan, Sherwin and Samantha.
Harry Gwala Hockey trials
Congratulations to the following hockey boys on making the Harry Gwala hockey team: Sinethemba Dlanjwa; Lizalise Lurwengu; Siseko Sithole; Liyavuma Hangana; Ncedo Nyakeni; Unathi Phungula; Qhayiyalethu Nkomo and Luvo Hlati. We wish them all the best for the season. - Ms S. Joubert.
1. The hockeys boys choosen for the Harry Gwala hockey team: Back Row: Sinethemba Dlanjwa; Luvo Hlati; Liyavuma Hangana; Siseko Sithole. Front row: Lizalise Lurwengu; Unathi Phungula; Ncedo Nyakeni (Qhayiyalethu Nkomo was absent for the photo).
International Missed Call Scam
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Local residents have reported a surge in what seems to be an international scam which targets cellphone users.
Residents report receiving numerous missed calls from unknown international numbers at all hours of the day and night. Many of these numbers originate from Somalia, New Guinea and various other countries, mostly North African countries. Often phones will only ring once before the call is discontinued.
According to Techwelkin.com, this is a scam which has been around for many years known as the ‘One Ring Scam’. According to this website, the scammers hire international premium rate numbers and then proceed to phone random numbers and disconnecting the call. The idea is that unwitting victims see the missed call and try to phone back. The victim is then charged an exuberant rate for the call which can somehow be claimed by the scammers.
Former victims claim that upon returning the call, many were met with silence while others heard a voice whispering. This was however obviously done in an effort to keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. Residents are urged to be vigilant and not to answer or return unknown international calls. Cellphone users are further urged to employ security and caller identification applications such as ‘Mr Number’ to allow early identification of spammers and scammers and to further block unwanted calls.
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Local residents have reported a surge in what seems to be an international scam which targets cellphone users.
Residents report receiving numerous missed calls from unknown international numbers at all hours of the day and night. Many of these numbers originate from Somalia, New Guinea and various other countries, mostly North African countries. Often phones will only ring once before the call is discontinued.
According to Techwelkin.com, this is a scam which has been around for many years known as the ‘One Ring Scam’. According to this website, the scammers hire international premium rate numbers and then proceed to phone random numbers and disconnecting the call. The idea is that unwitting victims see the missed call and try to phone back. The victim is then charged an exuberant rate for the call which can somehow be claimed by the scammers.
Former victims claim that upon returning the call, many were met with silence while others heard a voice whispering. This was however obviously done in an effort to keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. Residents are urged to be vigilant and not to answer or return unknown international calls. Cellphone users are further urged to employ security and caller identification applications such as ‘Mr Number’ to allow early identification of spammers and scammers and to further block unwanted calls.
Life Sentences for Raping Foreigner
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment in the Maluti Regional Court for raping a Lesotho national.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Raphael Motloung, a 45 year old female Lesotho national was allegedly walking home from a shebeen in Tsita village near Matatiele when she was accosted by two men.
“The men followed her until they caught up to her. They then beat her and pushed her to the ground. They then instructed her to remove her clothes before taking turns to rape her,” said Motloung.
The men, 30 year old Tankiso Motluli and 40 year old Sebatana Motluli allegedly told the victim that they would not be prosecuted for the crime as she was a foreigner. The victim then reported the matter to the police and due to the vigilance of the investigating officer, Constable Makhetha from the Matatiele FCS Unit, the men were arrested and prosecuted.
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment in the Maluti Regional Court for raping a Lesotho national.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Raphael Motloung, a 45 year old female Lesotho national was allegedly walking home from a shebeen in Tsita village near Matatiele when she was accosted by two men.
“The men followed her until they caught up to her. They then beat her and pushed her to the ground. They then instructed her to remove her clothes before taking turns to rape her,” said Motloung.
The men, 30 year old Tankiso Motluli and 40 year old Sebatana Motluli allegedly told the victim that they would not be prosecuted for the crime as she was a foreigner. The victim then reported the matter to the police and due to the vigilance of the investigating officer, Constable Makhetha from the Matatiele FCS Unit, the men were arrested and prosecuted.
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Men from across the district gathered at Kokstad College over the weekend to attend the first ever Mighty Men conference.
The three day conference was aimed at creating fellowship amongst local Christians and also gave men the opportunity to find God with their families. The first two days was exclusively for men with a family service being hosted on Sunday. The event was well supported despite the last minute change of venue due to inclement weather and Sunday’s service enjoyed very good attendance.
The guest speakers at the event were Africa Mhlope and Adriaan Vlok who delivered very powerful testimonials and messages. Many guests at the event were especially touched by the meaningful testimonials delivered by Adriaan Vlok who is often considered some-what of a controversial figure.
It is hoped that the conference will become an annual event and all interested parties are urged to follow the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/East-Griqualand-Mighty-Men-579266072264226/) for more information on upcoming events.
1. Guest speaker, Adriaan Vlok.
2. Guest speaker Africa Mhlope and Adriaan Vlok.
3. Guest speaker Africa Mhlope.
4. Sunday morning family service.
5. Praise and Worship team led by Dominic Momberg from Kokstad.
The first ever Kokstad Art, Craft and Food Market took place at the Kokstad Town Hall on Saturday. Numerous local crafters and small businesses showcased interesting, homemade, fresh and home-produced products to eager members of the public. The event was organised by locals Lona Mnguni and Talita Praim who hope to make it a monthly event.
“The aim of this market is to promote and uplift local small business. We invite local businesses and crafters to come and showcase their products and promote their business,” explained Talita.
The next event is planned for 1 April 2017 and it is hoped that the market will then continue to take place monthly on the last or first weekend of the month.
1. Event organisers, Talita Praim and Lona Mnguni.
Music to Fight Abuse at Umuziwabantu
Issued by Ndumiso Vethe
The KZN Tribute band is calling on music fans and all residents of the Umuziwabantu Local Municipality to help save their community by attending a one-off gig at the Harding Sports grounds on 21 March 2017.
The event will also serve as a grassroots campaign launch by the Campaign Institute South Africa in association with Umuziwabantu Local Municipality and SADC Youth union representation. The campaign is named: ‘Music Against Violence and Crime’ which lobbies for fighting domestic violence and crime, encountering 100 percent community participation and high range tourist visit in the 2017 annual Mandela Weekend Expo. The KZN Tribute band will be performing tributes and new well composed songs to convey community safety messages.
According to event spokesperson, Ndumiso Vethe the ‘Music against Violence and crime’ initiative is also an opportunity to commemorate the late KZN gospel hero S’fiso Ncwane, Councillor Mshiyeni Wilson Memela and late Councillor Ace Houston.
“It will also be an opportunity to promote peace among councillors as well as among taxi industry, business owners and their workers and the community at large. There is a high rate of domestic violence and crime incidents in Ugu and Umuziwabantu, especially in ward 3 Winterton phase 1, 2 and iLindelani where people get injured and killed. Other violent incidents are also taking place within families where you find that the men are violent against women and children. This also affects the broader community. There has also been a large increase in murder and violent crime in the last few months,” said Vethe.
The event will also serve as an audition for the newly established music group ‘Ugu Regional Gospel Choir’’ which will be performing at the first annual Mandela Weekend Expo in July.
“Music Against Violence will be used to make peace since we understand that music is the greatest creation of man, which touches the soul and also helps man to sympathetically manifest unspoken desire and humanity in him. The effect of music in man is what separates him from other animals. Due to the high effect of music in the life of human being, it is capable of breaking boundaries to unite people from different backgrounds and cultural heritage,” concluded Vethe.
SABC 1 actress, Mongumusa Dlamini, from the drama series ‘Uzalo’ is also set to attend the launch of the campaign.
Issued by Ndumiso Vethe
The KZN Tribute band is calling on music fans and all residents of the Umuziwabantu Local Municipality to help save their community by attending a one-off gig at the Harding Sports grounds on 21 March 2017.
The event will also serve as a grassroots campaign launch by the Campaign Institute South Africa in association with Umuziwabantu Local Municipality and SADC Youth union representation. The campaign is named: ‘Music Against Violence and Crime’ which lobbies for fighting domestic violence and crime, encountering 100 percent community participation and high range tourist visit in the 2017 annual Mandela Weekend Expo. The KZN Tribute band will be performing tributes and new well composed songs to convey community safety messages.
According to event spokesperson, Ndumiso Vethe the ‘Music against Violence and crime’ initiative is also an opportunity to commemorate the late KZN gospel hero S’fiso Ncwane, Councillor Mshiyeni Wilson Memela and late Councillor Ace Houston.
“It will also be an opportunity to promote peace among councillors as well as among taxi industry, business owners and their workers and the community at large. There is a high rate of domestic violence and crime incidents in Ugu and Umuziwabantu, especially in ward 3 Winterton phase 1, 2 and iLindelani where people get injured and killed. Other violent incidents are also taking place within families where you find that the men are violent against women and children. This also affects the broader community. There has also been a large increase in murder and violent crime in the last few months,” said Vethe.
The event will also serve as an audition for the newly established music group ‘Ugu Regional Gospel Choir’’ which will be performing at the first annual Mandela Weekend Expo in July.
“Music Against Violence will be used to make peace since we understand that music is the greatest creation of man, which touches the soul and also helps man to sympathetically manifest unspoken desire and humanity in him. The effect of music in man is what separates him from other animals. Due to the high effect of music in the life of human being, it is capable of breaking boundaries to unite people from different backgrounds and cultural heritage,” concluded Vethe.
SABC 1 actress, Mongumusa Dlamini, from the drama series ‘Uzalo’ is also set to attend the launch of the campaign.
College News - Youth/Junior/Senior Athletics – Submitted By Ross Chapman
When I got to Kings Park, I sent my mom a text telling her that she had entered me into a league for ballies and that I was running against giants. She replied “David went up against Goliath ….. who was victorious?” I was so nervous. The sun was roasting us. There were 27 athletes for the 800m including the SA ladies champ. I am U15 and these athletes were U17. It ended up being one of my best races with my best time. I came 6th overall (5 th male) in a time of 2:11:27. It was 5 seconds faster than my MENLO time.
Country Districts Cricket
Congratulations to Mr Bronwlee on his selection for the Country Districts Cricket Side. The following applies in order to qualify for selection: Minimum of 14 games played in a season. Need to be ranked in the top 11 batsman and bowlers in the league, which consists of 8 Teams. A selection panel sit down after the season and go through every players stats from the season which include the amount of half centuries and centuries a batsman has made as well as their average. They look at bowlers’ average and amount of wickets taken. Mr Brownlee was lucky enough to end up top wicket taker in the league which was a bonus and only 9th highest runs scorer.
Prep School News - U13 Sisonke Cricket
Congratulations to Joshua van Breda on his selection to the U13 Sisonke Cricket Team.
Prep Inter-Schools’ Gala - Detailed
The previous version had some omissions, sorry for any inconvenience caused. The following boys and girls from St Patrick’s were the age group winners and runner up: G u8 age group runner up: Mila Armour. G u9 age group winner: Daena Robinson. G u13 age group runner up: Zahra Mohaud. B u8 age group winner: Rory Raw. B u9 age group runner up: Guy Fender. B u12 age group runner up: Joshua van Breda. Congratulations to Codi Maartens for bettering the Gu13 25m Butterfly record.
Prep Sisonke Swimming
Congratulations to the following boys and girls for making their Sisonke Swimming Colours: Joshua van Breda, Mieke Chapman, Codi Maartens, Sean Robinson, Rory Raw, Sidney Johnson, Daena Robinson, Mila Armour, James Clark, Craig Raw, Zahra Mohaud, Woza Maganya, Guy Fender, Sophia Armour, Jaime Simpson.
U11 Cricket vs UPS
St Patricks batted first and made 72 runs all out. Underberg Primary went into bat and reached that score in 22 overs. St Patricks only lost by 1 wicket. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the morning in Underberg; thank you to all those parents and grandparents who supported our boys.
Fun Crawl/Walk/Run
Saturday, 25 February, was the second fun crawl/walk/run event. This was a whole family affair. We were concerned about the weather, but the turnout was still wonderful. See you at the next event on Saturday 25 March.
Maritzburg City Marathon
Congratulations to Mrs van Vuuren on completing the half marathon on Sunday 26 February.
1. Sisonke colours for Prep school swimmers.
2. Congratulations to Joshua van Breda for making the Sisonke U13 cricket side.
3-6. 5km Fun Run.
Officer Shot in ‘Lovers Quarrel’
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
A 30 year old female police constable was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after her alleged boyfriend shot her following an argument last Thursday evening.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Raphael Motloung the female officer, who is stationed at Cedarville SAPS and her 34 year old boyfriend, also a constable at Cedarville, were both off duty at the time of the incident.
“It is alleged that the suspect telephonically contacted his girlfriend, the victim, requesting that she come to visit him at his home. At that time the girlfriend was at her friend's house with other friends, enjoying themselves. The girlfriend allegedly refused to go to her boyfriend’s house and an argument ensued before the call was ended. Having been refused, the suspect then decided to go to where the girlfriend was,” said Motloung.
Shortly after the alleged phone call, the suspect arrived at the home where his girlfriend was visiting friends. He then allegedly stormed into the home before using his firearm to shoot his girlfriend in the stomach.
The complete motive behind the incident has not yet been identified however the suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder and investigation into the matter continue.
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
A 30 year old female police constable was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after her alleged boyfriend shot her following an argument last Thursday evening.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Raphael Motloung the female officer, who is stationed at Cedarville SAPS and her 34 year old boyfriend, also a constable at Cedarville, were both off duty at the time of the incident.
“It is alleged that the suspect telephonically contacted his girlfriend, the victim, requesting that she come to visit him at his home. At that time the girlfriend was at her friend's house with other friends, enjoying themselves. The girlfriend allegedly refused to go to her boyfriend’s house and an argument ensued before the call was ended. Having been refused, the suspect then decided to go to where the girlfriend was,” said Motloung.
Shortly after the alleged phone call, the suspect arrived at the home where his girlfriend was visiting friends. He then allegedly stormed into the home before using his firearm to shoot his girlfriend in the stomach.
The complete motive behind the incident has not yet been identified however the suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder and investigation into the matter continue.
The Kokstad Leo’s continue to assist during the weekly soup kitchens in Riverview, which has grown bigger and bigger with more people to feed. The Leo’s also recently visited the Kokstad SPCA and assisted the society with various things including the washing of some of the animals and walking and playing with the animals. Well done to the Leo’s for their continued efforts in supporting the local community and those in need.
Kokstad Junior School
We are very grateful for the rain which our countryside has been blessed with. It has led to some school functions and sports fixtures having to be postponed. The cricket which was scheduled for last week against Kokstad Primary will take place this week. The Family Camp Out which was postponed due to the field being very wet and muddy will also take place at a later date.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who received their Sisonke colours at assembly on Monday. William Todd; Nathan Steyn; Kendra Thomson; Isobel Todd; Michael Scott; Nathan Westerdale; Chay du Plessis; Hannah Clothier; Mathew Haigh; Dawid du Plessis; Cathleen Hamann; Bryce Haigh; Philip du Toit; Megan Thomson; Kyla Maartens; Gareth Westerdale and Brent Kemp. Well done to Gareth Westerdale who played, for the South Coast Team, at the KZN Tennis Tournament in Durban last weekend. Despite the hot weather, great tennis was played by all and the South Coast Team did quite well.
Our Grade 7 learners embarked on their Mtunzini tour on Monday morning. This is such a fun tour where the learners learn about ecology and our environment. We wish them well while they are away and safe travels back on Friday.
Our Grade 1 classrooms have received much appreciated donations and this has enabled the school to upgrade their technology. This makes teaching lessons much more interactive and exciting for the children! Now, instead of just reading a “Letterland” book, the children can see the characters come to life on the TV screen. This has caused much excitement for our Little Learners.
Captions
1. KJS busses ready to depart on Gr 7 Mtunzini Tour early on Monday morning.
2. Some of the KJS swimmers that received their Sisonke Colour for swimming on Monday.
3. The South Coast Tennis Team that played at KZN Trials in Durban on the weekend.
We are very grateful for the rain which our countryside has been blessed with. It has led to some school functions and sports fixtures having to be postponed. The cricket which was scheduled for last week against Kokstad Primary will take place this week. The Family Camp Out which was postponed due to the field being very wet and muddy will also take place at a later date.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who received their Sisonke colours at assembly on Monday. William Todd; Nathan Steyn; Kendra Thomson; Isobel Todd; Michael Scott; Nathan Westerdale; Chay du Plessis; Hannah Clothier; Mathew Haigh; Dawid du Plessis; Cathleen Hamann; Bryce Haigh; Philip du Toit; Megan Thomson; Kyla Maartens; Gareth Westerdale and Brent Kemp. Well done to Gareth Westerdale who played, for the South Coast Team, at the KZN Tennis Tournament in Durban last weekend. Despite the hot weather, great tennis was played by all and the South Coast Team did quite well.
Our Grade 7 learners embarked on their Mtunzini tour on Monday morning. This is such a fun tour where the learners learn about ecology and our environment. We wish them well while they are away and safe travels back on Friday.
Our Grade 1 classrooms have received much appreciated donations and this has enabled the school to upgrade their technology. This makes teaching lessons much more interactive and exciting for the children! Now, instead of just reading a “Letterland” book, the children can see the characters come to life on the TV screen. This has caused much excitement for our Little Learners.
1. KJS busses ready to depart on Gr 7 Mtunzini Tour early on Monday morning.
2. Some of the KJS swimmers that received their Sisonke Colour for swimming on Monday.
3. The South Coast Tennis Team that played at KZN Trials in Durban on the weekend.
King Edward Tennis Players at Inter-District Tennis Tournament
Last Thursday, 23 February, King Edward High School learners Tristan Phizacklea, Neo Khoatane and Eathan Phizacklea travelled to Durban as part of the South Coast Tennis Team. They took part in the KZN Primary Schools Inter-Regional Tennis Tournament at Westridge Tennis Stadium, which was held from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. There were some grueling matches as singles, doubles and mixed doubles played in the extreme heat, but perseverance was the order of the day. Everyone had a great deal of fun, wonderful tennis exposure and learned new skills. We would like to thank all our sponsors for the kit and Glynis Westerdale for being such a good team manager.
Favourable Financial Situation at GKM
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Greater Kokstad Mayor, Bheki Mtolo on Tuesday addressed members of the media to issue a mid-term progress report.
“I want to assure you that this current term of Council is fully behind the local media as a public watchdog for the community of Kokstad. Government has a responsibility that is informed by our Constitution to keep the citizens informed about the progress in terms of service delivery. Kokstad is a small town with limited resources however it is still our duty to change the lives of our people,” said Mtolo.
Mayor Mtolo said that since the induction of the new council on 18 August 2016, stabilising finances and infrastructural projects were prioritised and then followed to detail them. The projects include the following: Small Town Rehabilitation Project phase 3 (R15,4 million) - The contractor was introduced to the community. Landfill Site (R3,8 million) - The project was been awarded to the successful bidder. Midblock Roads (R4,6 million) - The contractor has been introduced to the community. Ward 4 Shayamoya Community Hall (R2.7 million) - Still on progress and anticipate the completion by the end of June 2017. Ward 8 Community Hall (R2.8 million) - We anticipate completion by the end of March 2017. Ext.7 Roads Upgrade (R6.1 million) - The service provider has been appointed. Electrification of Wansberg (R4.5 million) - The contractor is already on site. Jim Payne Sports Complex (R12.7 million) - The contract has been appointed. Upgrade of MV Electric Cable (R2.5 million) - Design stage.
The projects total an expenditure of R55, 1 million of which about R24 million is from local municipal revenue.
“These projects shows our total commitment in creating a people’s centred government in Greater Kokstad Municipality. And I feel the GKM needs to be applauded doe their efforts in using local revenue to subsidise many of the projects,” said Mtolo.
Mayor Mtolo further highlighted that last week the Council took a resolution to write off an amount of R8.6 million debts for all registered indigent households in aid of prioritising the most vulnerable in our society. He further added that increased efforts were being made to collect outstanding debt from the commercial, business, domestic and agricultural sectors and believes that this will be completed in three months.
Mayor Mtolo concluded the briefing by stating that the municipality was in a moderate financial situation: “Our finances are showing resilience, as of 31 January 2017. Bank and cash, we had a favourable balance of R7,493 m with outstanding deposits and payments amounting to a net of R 2, 960m . On investments, the council has investments of R133, 961m being R104, 919m unconditional and R29, 042 conditional investments balance.”
Mayor Mtolo believes that the financial turnaround strategies have paid off within the local municipality and will even be sharing the experiences with other cash-strapped municipalities.
In conclusion the Mayor said that he hoped to turn the Greater Kokstad Municipality into one of the best performing municipalities in KZN and that part of the plan was to prioritise basic services such as grass cutting, fixing of drains and general cleanliness of the town.
1. Greater Kokstad Municipality Mayor, Councillor Bheki Mtolo addressing members of the media on Tuesday morning.
Issued by the MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu Natal has positively identified the Spodoptera Frugiperda, known as Fall Army Worm. It has been identified on maize crops in Amajuba, uThukela, uMkhanyakude and Zululand districts. This outbreak in the province follows pest alert by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) which was issued on the 1st of February 2017.
“I want to assure the farmers and people of KwaZulu Natal that the Department is in control of the Fall Army Worm in the province,” said MEC Themba Mthembu.
Fall Army Worm is a new pest in South Africa and it is a quarantine pest which affects a wide range of crops such as maize, sorghum, soya beans, ground nuts and potatoes. This pest is fast traveller and cannot be contained in one specific area. The Department has put up emergency Plant Pest Response Plan which is already in motion. As part of mitigating this scourge, the Department will do the following:
1. Conduct pest scouting, collecting and reporting on the spread and damage.
2. Conduct awareness and education to producers.
3. Solicit resources for control such as procurement of Agrochemicals and traps.
4. Promote integrated pest management.
5. The Department is working closely with DAFF and farmers to determine other hosts affected. A creation of database to coordinate other provinces is being considered.
As the Army Worm being a new pest in South Africa, an interim control programme aimed at assisting farmers with a proper guide for pesticides usage as an emergency measure is being done. Such a control programme would be effectively communicated to all various role players and would be made available to DAFF website and our own website. Presently, the Department has pesticides products which are approved for usage in controlling the Army worm in the maize and other crops vulnerable to it.
“I want to encourage all farmers that they use registered pesticides products in fighting this scourge. We direct farmers to use products approved in terms of Fertilizer, farm feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, of 1947 (Act no. 36). I want to call on all farmers, both commercial and subsistence farmers, to report and suspected detection of this pest to our Departmental Local and District Offices for immediate quarantine and intervention, concluded MEC Themba Mthembu.
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
A pilot, allegedly from East London, died on Saturday when the helicopter he was flying in crashed near Port St Johns.
According to Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesman, Sizwe Kupelo, the helicopter was flying above the Indian Ocean near Port St Johns towards Coffee Bay when the pilot seemingly lost control and crashed into the bushes of Mpande village.
The name of the pilot has not yet been released as investigations into the incident continue. The unidentified pilot died on the scene although villagers had rushed to his aid.
“Community members who witnessed the crash rushed to the scene and managed to move one male from the helicopter. He was flying alone,” concluded Kupelo.
By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Following the above average rainfall experienced over the last few weeks, the Harry Gwala District Municipality has allegedly reported that Crystal Springs Dam is nearing it capacity.
This according to Kokstad Chamber of Commerce spokesperson, Margi Fleming: “I have recently had a number of queries regarding the situation with Kokstad's water supply, with a number of people asking when the restrictions will be lifted. I have spoken to Harry Gwala District Municipality this morning and have been advised that Crystal Dam is currently at 80% capacity but is being used for our water supply at the moment while work is done on the pumps on the river.”
Harry Gwala District Municipality spokesperson, Zekhethelo Ndlovo confirmed the allegation and said that the dam was steadily improving and was between 70% and 80% full. This shows a miraculous improvement of 50% since the end of January when the dam was reportedly at a mere 30% capacity. Currently, the dam is being used in the interim to supply water to the town as the two pumps used to pump water from the river needs replacing.
“Due to the mud and flooding there have been challenges to the service provider who is contracted to carry out this work and they are hoping that both pumps will be up and running within the next week. Once these pumps are working all abstraction from the dam will be stopped and it is expected that with the current flow from the springs, the dam should be at 100% capacity within approximately two weeks,” said Fleming.
This in turn could possibly allow the Harry Gwala District Municipality to lift the current water restriction imposed on the town since the onset of the drought. The community is however cautioned to continue to conserve water with the approaching winter season which strains local water resources and to report any water leaks and damaged water pipes as a matter of urgency.
1. A major water leak at the intersection of Hope and Barclay Street on Monday caused incalculable litres of water to be wasted and washed along the road. The Harry Gwala District Municipality however reacted quickly to the problem and by Monday afternoon repairs were being conducted to avoid further wastage.
By Farrah Biggs
On the 17th and 18th February the Shaya Moya Endurance Club hosted their first Ride for the 2017 season at the New Amalfi Sale pens. There were 99 entries in total for the 2 day event, with riders entering various distances, namely 40km(for Novice Horses), 80km – Novice and Competitive as well as for the brave 120km. The 120km riders pulled off nice and early at 3am on Saturday morning which was the start of a long 7 hour ride. Well done to Deirdre Duminy who finished 1st in the 120km competitive class.
Many successful riders and horses completed their rides. The success of the 2 day event would not be possible if we did not have the support from the local riders and surrounds. Thank you EG Vets for doing a sterling job at the Vet lanes, to Marita Green for all the catering, to the Committee and members who helped organise everything as well as to Gordon Date for some spectacular photography, Ria and Derek for the Time keeping and commentary. We would like to invite the community to come and support our next event on the 31st March/1st April in Underberg. For further information contact farsbiggs@gmail.com.
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