“TELLING OUR OWN STORIES IN OUR OWN VOICE” ENTERTAINMENT
EDUCATION
SPORTS
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
SAFETY & SECURITY
ARTS & CULTURE
BUSINESS
SAFETY & SECURITY POLITICS
EDITION 4
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
BVM MAYOR OFFICIALLY WELCOMES NEW MR & MISS ZWELETHEMBA
What’s Inside
Annual Carnival produces fireworks Pg. 2
LEFT: 2nd PRINCE BUHLE MASIMINI, BVM MAYOR; ANTOINETTE STEYN AND NEW PRINCESS; ELLODINE KETSO
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t’s been almost 15 years since Zwelethemba has hosted its Mr. & Miss Zwelethemba pageant. This past Friday, all came alive when the new faces [Mr. Shaun and Miss Ellodine Ketso] were crowned as this year’s Mr. & Miss Zwelethemba. 2nd Prince Title went to Buhle Masimini and 2nd Princess crown to Yanga Soga. In his endeavor to resurrect the pageant in Zwelethemba, Xolisa Hlomendlini [MD of BCM] partnered with Bongani Magawu, Palesa Ramokgabi, and Mawande “Stevovo” Ndamoyi to prepare the pageant. A week before the official pageant, participants took part in a modelling workshop facilitated by the Judges, Bongani Magawu and Palesa Ramokgabi. The intention of the workshop was to prepare all participants on what will be judged upon and what is expected from them. “As the Zwelethemba community, we have to give a full round of applause to Xolisa Hlomendlini for pulling it off, it wouldn’t have been possible without this
young creative brain. We might have been additional hands to the project, but Xolisa believed in it 150% more than anyone” said Magawu. Speaking to Khwezi Times, Ellodine said the experience she gained from participating in the pageant encourages her to think about entering more regional pageants including the national Miss Teen. “Walking in the township, I see girls who can perform well. From now on, I want to instill that belief in them and motivate them. They just need someone to persuade them to participate in modelling, and the rest will be history. We can have our Miss South Africa straight from Zwelethemba,” said the Former Miss Zwelethemba and Judge of this year’s pageant, Palesa Ramokgabi.
DSD fighting against domestic violence
All the winners are expected to participate on various community programs. This also includes do guest appearances in events focussing on disability, health, environment, youth, etc. If interested in participating on next year’s pageant, please contact Xolisa at 083 770 9346.
DA ward candidate starting her campaign Pg. 3
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
Jazz Phanya toping the LFA goals chart Pg. 4
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN THE BVM Department of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) partnered with SAPS and the Traffic Department to educate motorists about road safety. This awareness campaign formed part of the national Department of Transport cracking down reckless driving. This educational campaign allowed officials to distribute information items and explain basic road safety tips to the road users (motorists, pedestrians and cyclers). SAPS and Traffic Department are promising to resort into a more serious approach against reckless driving especially looking at those motorists who drink and drive causing unnecessary accidents. In an interview with Khwezi Times, GCIS Regional Communication Co-ordinator, Mr. Peter Titus called on upon all motorists and cyclers to buckle-up as large numbers of fatal accidents very often caused as a result of not buckled-up properly. “All passengers who are not buckled up, especially children are far more likely to die in crashes and are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle than adults” said Peter Titus. The GCIS with its partners have vowed to roll-out some of these safety campaigns to other areas within the municipality. Some of these awareness campaigns will target local schools with clear need before they close for the festive holidays. Campaigns will focus on educating learners to be vigilant, visible, and conscious when crossing the road at all times. Parents are also urged to strictly ensure that children wear highly visible clothes at all times and children must be supervised at all times.
EDITION 4
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
DSD FIGHTING AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE
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epartment of Social Development [Zwelethemba Office] in collaboration with Department of Health, GCIS, Arts in Livity, SAPS, and Independent Electoral Commission [IEC] hosted a Domestic Violence community outreach campaign as part of the International 16 Days of Activism. This awareness campaign was to encourage the Zwelethemba community to stand up against violence especially against women and children.
find yourself assistance with your anger or frustrations. When the newly-elected Community Policing Forum committee came into office recently, it clearly declared a total war crime and violence against women. Local SAPS and Community Policing Forum are working hard to bring effective crime prevention programs to protect the community of Zwelethemba, not only during festive season but through the year.
Some of the programs and services ofThey also encourage community memfered included IEC registration of first time bers to speak out against woman and child and re-located voters, products on genderabuse and to report illegal activities hapbased and child violence rights, arts & craft exhibition, safety & security tips, entertain- pening around the community. ment, and many more. On his address, Thulani Nkentsha called upon community members to volunteer some of their time and energy in support of all nongovernmental organisations or community groups working towards helping abused women and children. In his message he also encouraged those who are silent victims to speak out and report their cases. If you’re a perpetrator, friendly advice is that you better stop what you’re doing and
DSD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TAST TEAM
ASP ANNUAL CARNIVAL PRODUCES FIREWORKS AS EXPECTED BY MANY LOCALS Those who were not that much of gaming favourites had a chance to be entertained with live music or they could enjoy variety of exquisite dishes and finger food sold at the stalls around the venue. With a minimum of R10 at the gate for entry and also R10 for each carrousel kids take, it was clearly parents had to budget very-well for this carnival even for next time. Good news is that no injuries or accident occurred at the event and that's profiles the high safety measures and skilled personnel that operates these gaming machines. As Khwezi Times we interviewed some of those who attended to share
BEATIFUL EVENING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CARNIVAL
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their insights about the event and this is what they had to say; "What a weekend it has been for the kids. I came with my boy and I totally didn't
he long awaited fun carnival weekend has come and ended
expect this kind of fun. If I didn't have phobia for heights, I would have
with tears for others, as some kids finding hard to leave this
loved a roller coaster ride but nevertheless maybe next year I'll be ready
joyful event. This 2-days glamorous annual community carni-
for that ride" Lukhanyo Sithole. "This carnival was fabulous and I fully en-
val has established itself as crowd-puller and profit spinner since it was
joyed my weekend with my kids. The vibe is very impressive especially if
introduced for the first-time by Alfred Stamper Primary school in 2014.
you are into socializing and networking that's why I keep on coming each
When it was kick started it was usually seen by most as a kids fun event,
year" Sindiswa Mabel.
but now adults attendance has increased over the period of two years. The event has evolved to become an amusement park filled with variety of games for children, teens, as well adults. Hosted at ASP school sports field, this spectacular event features a variety of modern games ranging from carrousel, to a roller coaster ride and other gaming attractions.
"ASP has set a the bar high with this carnival and each year I've seen an improvement in games, look & feel, and attendance. Big up to all those behind this wonderful success" Songezo Velelo.
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
EDITION 4
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
CAPE ACCESS CENTRE REACHING A WHOOPING 10 000 STATS OF USERS SINCE INCEPTION
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ape Access Centre has finally reached a whooping 10 000 major service needed by the users each and every day. CV typing, users this year since inception. When it opened its doors for printing and photocopying services were rated also as part of the the first-time mid last year 2014, everyone assumed it most needed and used service at the Centre. would became what locals call a “White Elephant” structure; servicing Based at the Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre – the CAC has proonly a limited numvided various ICT services to various commuber than the whole nity members of all ages including foreign community, unfortuinternationals. According to the Centre Mannately it was the way ager Ms. Pamela Stokwe, although the Centre around. This statishas reached this milestone, more still needs tics reflects that the to be implemented and improved. Part of Centre has doubled that plan includes building a proper ramp for its reach this year as the disabled to get easy access at the Centre. it reached close to Secondly, finalise the Wi-Fi project which is 4 800 last year. The set to operate early next year. Thirdly, part of Centre has regisour expansion plan is to increase the number tered more 1000 of PCs we have so that we increase the nummembers since inber of users per day. ception and the This plan will lay foundation for kick-starting number go up as our computer training programme for adults the day goes by. CAC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER; JUDY BIKANI PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENT as we have started mid-year with the Junior For those who’ve Training Program. never been at the Anyone with interest to join the Centre as a registered member must Centre or those who would like to find out how it rates its services this visit the Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre at Corner of Mtwazi/ is how. When you enter at the CAC as a registered member, you fill in a service register – were you have to state what kind of service you Nkentsha Avenue on the first office. Don’t forget to bring your ID and proof of address along for registration. You can reach the Centre at require, and how many PC sessions required based on your need that 023 345 1001. day. This detailed statistic report has highlighted internet usage as a
WARD 16 DA CANDIDATE PALISA RAMOKHABI KICK-STARTING HER CAMPAIGN
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ith 2016 Local Government Election around the corner, Zwelethemba residents have been staging protests throughout the year. These residents were and still are complaining that are not getting basic municipal services such as water, houses, sanitation and electricity. Ward 16 is one of underserviced areas in Zwelethemba with no access to basic municipal services. To address their needs in this ward, former Miss Zwelethemba and active Democratic Alliance member, Ms. Palesa Ramokhabi (32) is putting her head on the block as a candidate for next year’s election running for this ward.
As a resident herself in this ward, Palesa sees her availability to stand in this ward as a calling to serve her people, which according to her is what she does on daily basis as an employee in Speaker’s Office at BVM.
In an interview with Khwezi Times as they launch their campaign, this dynamic democrat reassured ward 16 residence that her campaign is not based on empty promises or food parcels distribution for votes, but its centred around service delivery. She said, “Today our door to door campaign gets under way in full force as we move towards achieving our electoral objective, which is to win this While her counterparts from ward and serve everyone no matter other various political parties which party they’re affiliated to”. are playing their cards close to Unlike other parties contesting for their chests, Palesa and her DA WARD 16 CANDIDATE; PALISA RAMOKHABI GETTING READY FOR LGE this ward, Palesa is not stepping on campaign team have already anyone’s toes or trashing anyone’s started with their Door-toimage in order to get votes. “Our efforts today are part of a planned Door campaign around this ward. For those who’ve never been in massive door to door campaign starting now in order to be in touch Zwelethemba before; Ward 16 covers the whole new Mandela with people of this ward to listen and act on their grievances and Square – which is an area with lots of shacks only few built proper mainly canvas for their support on Election Day” she added to conhouses. This ward has been under an ANC Councillor and until this clude the interview. far nothing much has improved in terms of service delivery.
“TELLING OUR OWN STORIES IN OUR OWN VOICE”
PROUDLY PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY BMH
THANDISIZWE “JAZZ” PHANYA TOPING SOCCER CHATS
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espite failure in making it for trials at Ajax Cape Town several times, this 23-year old has managed to make a name for himself as one of the youngest shining soccer stars with brighter future ahead in the SAB league. United Pirate’s dynamic midfielder Thandisizwe “Jazz” Phanya excellent soccer skills have been singled out for praise at the recent Street Soccer Tournament hosted by the Zwelethemba Youth Developers [ZYD] NPO in partnership with Cape Winelands District Municipality, Department of Government Communications, and YWAM. Born and raised in Zwelethemba, Jazz is the youngest of four and he grew up with a great love for sports and reading. His football shot to stardom started when he was selected as a youngest rookie to play for Vusisizwe Secondary School senior team [U/19] at age of 15. In 2007 he was head-hunted by the Boland Soccer Club to compete in the U/15 Schools Regional Tournament in order to qualify for trials at Provincial level. Unfortunately things didn’t go as planned for Jazz, as his soccer team was knocked out during group stages of this tournament. On the domestic league side, Jazz was netting [scoring] goals for Mountain Sweepers; a team he refers to as his “home” since he started his career. When chosen for U/13 of Mountain Sweepers, he played 2 successful seasons and then he was promoted to the A-Team playing both as either a striker or midfielder. In his bedroom wall of achievements, he has various medals and awards as he has been part winning squads in both Mountain Sweepers and United Pirates that scooped
BEST SOCCER STAR: THANDISIZWE “JAZZ” PHANYA the Worcester Easter Tournament and Local Football Association [LFA] trophy several times. Jazz has also played for various teams outside Worcester boundaries and that has exposed him to different soccer techniques and trials opportunities. While Jazz spends lot of his time on the training ground improving his soccer skills, on the side he always makes sure that he doesn’t neglect his job as a Data Capturer for Empilisweni Community Clinic. Some of his future plans are to continue with his Information and Communications Technology [ICT] qualification as he was part of first intake to benefit from the Vodacom Resource Centre newlyestablished programme focusing on ICT.
INDIGENOUS GAMES FEW MONTHS AWAY BY DCAS
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ust few months beand provincial competitions. Participants are fore hosting one its trained on the following games which are major sporting aligned with the national Indigenous Games events on its calendar, the guidelines and score cards. These are the games: Department of Cultural Moraba-raba; Ncuva; Diketo; Rope-skipping; Affairs and Sports Dibeke; Kho-Kho; Iintonga; Jack Skie, and [Zwelethemba MOD Centre] 3-Stokkies is gearing up for this year’s According to Thibogang, these training proIndigenous Games champigrammes intends to help in keeping youth onships. After producing engaged and productive after school hours and top young players who away from social ills such as gangsterism, drug competed on both regional TUMISANG PREPARING HIS TRAINEES FOR THE DCAS GAMES and alcohol abuse, crime, violence and difficult and national championships home environments. Besides focusing on last year, the MOD Centre aims to mobilize more young people, training only, the centre also offers training life skills to help them which the Centre Co-ordinator, Tumi Thibogang refers to as overcome the above-mentioned challenges facing the community. “undiscovered rough talent”. All those with interest in joining these indigenous games proTraining sessions started on the second week of the month, so far up grammes, please note due to weather conditions of the heat wave, to 70 participants have been recruited and more are still expected to training classes have been shifted from 14:30 after school to 16:00. join. The centre targets girls and boys including parents to participate Please for more information contact Tumi at 082 701 6667. and form their own community clubs that can compete on regional