“TELLING OUR OWN STORIES IN OUR OWN VOICE” ENTERTAINMENT
EDUCATION
SPORTS
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
SAFETY & SECURITY
ARTS & CULTURE
BUSINESS
SAFETY & SECURITY POLITICS
EDITION 1
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
CAPE ACCESS CENTRE LAUNCHING A NEW COMPUTER LITERACY COURSE
What’s Inside
AME commemorates Youth Month in style Pg. 3
CAC CLIENTS HARD AT WORK TRAINING ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT CENTRAL SUPPLIER DATABASE
T
he Cape Access Centre has real turned itself into a much needed resource centre around the community of Zwelethemba. After ending-off 2014/15 financial year with flying colours by reaching over 10 000 users and establishing its first-ever Junior Computer Training course; now the CAC is back with more offerings for free of charge. This week CAC has open it call for applications from all those who are interested in getting practical training on their newly developed Computer Literacy Course. This training course is open to anyone for free of charge and its intended for first-time computer users and beginners who never had access to a computer. This covers in and out-of-school young people, disabled persons, women, and elderly persons with a positive mind to learn something new. “Since we’ve opened our doors 4 years back in 2012, community members have been querying about availability of this training program and now it has come later than expected” said Judy Bikani,
CAC Community Development Worker. She adds, “We plan to start with a smaller number of beneficiaries for now based on our capacity, but program expansion is not by any chance excluded on our strategic plans going forward”. Base on her explanation, over 40 to 50 beneficiaries are targeted on the first-phase of the program and that will only depend on the number of applications received. According to the Centre Manager; Pamela Stokwe this program will give the trainees an opportunity to learn the basic skills of using a computer. This includes covering topics such as browsing internet, e-mail etiquettes, basic online research, Microsoft Office, and basic typing skills. “Acquiring these basic computer skills means that these trainees will be able to structure their employment covering letters, send & receive emails, and draft professional CVs”, Pamela added. She also urged Zweletans to grab this useful opportunity to their advantage as it only comes once in a lifetime.
SAPS Officials Celebrating Africa Day Pg. 2
Londi residents struggling with a blocked drain Pg. 2
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS June 2016
August 2016
September 2016
October 2016
Youth Month Celebration event
Women’s Month Celebration event
Annual Heritage Celebration
Older Persons Week Campaign
PJB Cona netball ball team ready to rumble Pg. 4
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
EDITION 1
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
SAPS CELEBRATING AFRICA DAY BY: JOHN “NGCONDE” BULANI
W
orcester SAPS office personnel
celebrating our African identity and learning
celebrated Africa Day in a true
about other various cultures we have in our
African style under the national
country" he adds.
theme: "Building a Better Africa and a Better
After his message these officials paraded
World". Broadcasted live at Valley FM, this
through the streets of Worcester Central
celebration started with a briefing session by
Business District [CBD] ululating, singing, and
Colonel Vuyisile Xokozela at SAPS Admin-
dancing wearing their traditional attire.
istration building next to Mc. Donald. Xoko-
Through their attire these officials represent-
zela shared a brief insight on the history of
ed variety of ethnic groups and some even
this celebration and what countries were
wore their springbok t-shirts. This parade
involved. An addition to his address, he also explained the roles of the African Union [AU], formerly known as the Organisation of AfriSAPS OFFICIALS: PROUD AFRICANS
can Union [OAU]. "Today is about us
MASIHLANGANE DOING GOOD WORK
ended off at the Worcester SAPS Cluster Head offices situated next to the Worcester Magistrate court.
Londi residents gatvol over a week long drainage
R
esidents of Londi streets were gatvol last week by spending almost a week with a smelly blocked drain and noth-
ing being done by the municipality. According to the residents they've reported the blockage several times to the municipality but no response was heard from their side until it got fixed after a week. MASIHLANGE SOCIAL CLUB MEMBERS WITH PARTNERS, VSS STAFF AND BENEFICIARIES
I
n a bid to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged learners,, newly -established Masihlangane Social Club in partnership with the Worcester South African Police Service [SAPS] hosted a Back-to-School campaign at Vusisizwe Secondary School. This outreach campaign was aimed at ploughing back to the community, especially to needy learners with no proper school uniform. Great excitement of this event was evident when each beneficiary was handed their new uniform, their smiles said it all. Over 83 learners from both Vusisizwe and Alfred Stamper Primary school benefited from the initiative. Based on the availability of school material [stationery] and uniforms, 51 learners were identified as beneficiaries from Vusisizwe and 32 from Alfred Stamper.
In his address, Lieutenant Thobela Sampi also the Chairperson of Masihlangane echoed the importance of education and the role they intend to play as Masibambane in taking away students from all criminal activities which among others drugs, theft, vandalism, and also mob justice participation. Sampi also highlighted that the organisation intends to identify two more local schools during winter season in few months’ time and also their target is to raise the bar to reach more beneficiaries. After all the formalities, all eyes were on the Worcester Bikers Association as they drove through the streets of Zwelethemba with their big machines [bikes], raving rhythmic sounds exciting those watching this beautiful display.
Thandile Yeko claimed that her daughter got ill after she was playing with her friends next to this blocked drain and it was not the first time this happens due to this blockage. She adds: "We've reporting this incident to the municipality since the first day it happened, but until now we haven't heard anything from their side as when they will come and fix it". A week later, Khwezi Times visited the street and find out this problem got fixed, despite that some residents still are not happy. "Its not fair sometimes to be treated as if we are not humans, I simply don't understand why we have wait this long to get most of the time in order to receive assistance for the municipality, especially here at Mandela square area" said an angry Nonceba Mgobhoza.
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
EDITION 1
AME COMMEMORATES YOUTH MONTH IN STYLES
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
Matina as the Director of Board of Church Education [BOCE] delivered a motivational speech to young people in attendance and presided a candle-light moment. He said: "Our role as leaders is to groom these young minds to be future leaders not only to lead our country, but also move our church forward with new ideas and exciting youth-focused programs of this nature". Sister Thabisa Gqotso delivered her sermon from the book of Isaiah 55:6 which proclaims "seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near". In her message, Gqotso encouraged youth to be always be responsible of their actions and take ownership of their mistakes to in order to become adults. She adds: "As young people we need to seek the Lord while he may be found. Whatever difficulties or challenges we face in our youth days, the Lord has the solutions and plans for each and everyone of us here today".
SELFIE: AME YOUTH LOOKING BEAUTIFUL IN THEIR UNIFORMS
A
As an additional slot to their service, these young people also celebrated Fathers Day by handing over gifts and one of the key
frican Methodist Episcopal church popularly known as
beneficiaries was the aged Shadrack Tsabile; who received a
AME commemorated youth day with a service led by
surprise visit at his house from the group and the congregation to
the Young People's Division [YPD] member, Zandile
present him with his Fathers Day gift. "I feel so blessed and loved
"Lhozi" Yawa as the selected worship leader for the day. Everyone
by these young people on this special day dedicated to us as
came dressed in a school uniform and this service was aligned to
Fathers. I didn't expect this kind of a surprise and I wish they could
this year's national theme for youth month. YPD President,
extend this love even to other aged members of the church" said
Khuselwa Thafeni and Thato Ramokgabi did scripture readings.
this AME church Lifetime Award recipient.
As a token of remembrance for the 1976 fallen heroes, Nkosinathi
LUNDI AT HOME ANNUAL GOSPEL FESTIVAL ent expected to perform along-side international acclaimed and multi award-winning gospel artists like Lusanda Mcinga, Deborah Frazer, Reverend Nkomfa Mkabile, Fikile Mlomo, Sechaba Padi, and many more. Anele as Lundi Ndyamara’s new Manager told Khwezi Times that local audience must brace themselves for an unforgettable praise & worship weekend. “This is the first of its kind in Zwelethemba and is definitely not the last one. This show has potential to grow stronger and bigger year-in, year-out” added Hlazo.
PROUD ZWELETAN: MULTI-AWARD WINNING, LUNDI
N
ext month, Worcester Town Hall is the place to be for gospel music lovers and promoters in support of the long awaited Lundi At Home Annual Gospel Festival. This festival is set to take place on the same weekend as the Cape Town Jazz Festival, which is one of the crowd pulling events at national scale. According to Anele Hlazo, Head of Moon & Earth Media and event organiser, it is not a coincidence for this festival to be hosted on the same weekend, but the plan is to actually mobilize music lovers all over the Province Zandile “Whasi” Mamali, Pastor Imminent Mdoda, Glory Singers, and Pastor Mbuyiselo “Bobby” Mnqikana are some of the local tal-
The Zwelethemba-born, Lundi Ndyamara will use this festival as marketing platform to promote and distribute his latest live DVD titled the Best of Lundi. Shot at the sold out Gold Reef Casino, this live DVD featured music stalwart Peter Mokoena and other gospel musicians like Malibongwe Gcwabe, Sechaba, and Babalwa. In the pipeline, Lundi is currently working on his latest offering [CD] produced by the music heavy-weight Chicco Twala. Hlazo described this product as something different from what Lundi’s fans and public are used too. In his explanation, he mentioned that he and Chicco are looking at using different sounds, rhythms, and featuring relevant artists Lundi has just finished shooting the first season of his own gospel TV show called Tanai. This show is soon to be broadcasted on Soweto TV next month.
“TELLING OUR OWN STORIES IN OUR OWN VOICE”
PROUDLY PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY BMH
ALFRED STAMPER PRIMARY’S TOP THREE ATHLETES
H
ard-work and deter-
als at Zone B Athletics last week, the 7-year old Jimm Jordaan
mination to succeed
fell short with some few minutes on his 80m race to obtain his
is the secret to suc-
first Silver medal. For the 60m race, Rebbeca Mofo fought hard
cess for Alfred Stamper Primary
and ran her heart out until she scooped a second Bronze medal
school athletes. When they re-
for ASP.
turned home last week from the
From the management-side, Deputy-Principal of ASP, Mr.
North-Boland Tournament, ASP
Charles Mpekula conveyed whole-hearted congratulations to
brought 9 medals in total with 7
this trio for pushing the boundary until this far in the tourna-
Golds, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze.
ment. Mpekula added by saying: “Although this marks an end to
From an excellent performance
their further on into Provincial-level, but in our eyes they’ll al-
in the previous North-Boland
ways be the best at what they do”. It is unfortunate for these
tournament, it was vital for this
three athletes to continue competing in the next level due to
ASP to go with one vision in
their age based on the tournament qualification criteria. The
their minds and that was concur-
ASP has attained an overall of twelve [12] in total since the first
ring.
tournament after their friendly match with the PJB Cona Primary.
Last week’s outcomes unfortu-
ASP TOP 3 ATHLETES AND COACH JAYIYA
nately didn’t go as planned for this young side, and that resulted in the decrease in number of accolades attained at this regional-level tournament. In this stage of the tournament; stakes were high and only those who had what it takes would have survived and walked away with something. In the under 8 category, Inam Luthili was the first on the ASP sheet to clinch a Bronze medal in a 60m – 80m race. After taking home 2 Golds med-
ASP is currently in preparations for their Inter-houses Athletics between themselves and one of the local schools, which is not
yet been confirmed which one. This tournament will only be focused on foundation-phase pupils and whoever accepts this challenge will be in for a surprise. Those were the words of the ASP Sports Coordinator, Mr. Junior Jayiya standing outside his class with Luthili, Jordaan, and Mofo.
PJB CONA NETBALL TEAM GETTING READY TO RUMBLE ON THEIR HOME GROUND Mr. Zolile Ntetha, Sports Co-ordinator at PJB confirmed that both their soccer and netball sides will start soon with their practice in a week’s time. “When these two schools meet next month, only the grass will surfer” he jokes. He also said it was very crucial to build a good relationship between the school, parents, and community members. Mr. Ntetha believes this is going to give them [school] a chance to build up a learner holistically, as according to the mission of the school. Coach of the PJB under 11 netball team is confident that her side will come out guns blazing as wounded animals after they’ve sufPJB COACH: SINETHEMBA CHOLE AND HER TEAM GETTING READY
P
JB Cona primary has an opportunity to level the scores when they face their counter-parts Nqubela Primary next month for the Return Games in their home-ground. Zwelethemba Stadium has been announced at the official venue for what it expected to be value-for-money rivalry between these two schools. This tournament is set to take place on either the first or second week in March.
fered a defeat on their away game in Robertson. With only 3 games on the reigns as coach, Chole is adamant to keep their winning ways as they go to this tournament with only 1 loose and 2 wins. “We intend to assemble our best team and with home-ground advantage to our side, I clearly don’t see any obstacle to stand in our way to come out victorious” said Chole confidently.