“TELLING OUR OWN STORIES IN OUR OWN VOICE” ENTERTAINMENT
EDUCATION
SPORTS
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
SAFETY & SECURITY
ARTS & CULTURE
BUSINESS
SAFETY & SECURITY POLITICS
EDITION 5
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAMME [CWP] CREATING MORE JOBS
What’s Inside
Local schools bringing back choral music Pg. 2
UNOBUNTU THUSONG CENTRE MANAGER, MR. LIZO PAUL WITH CWP BENEFICIARIES [EMPLOYEES]
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welethemba-based non-governmental organisations [NGOs] and civil society organisations [CSOs] can now smile and actually say Thank You to government’s Community Work Programme [CWP]; a state initiative designed to provide an employment safety net to eligible participants by offering them a minimum wage every month. When it started few years ago, most of us we were mistaken it with the Expanded Public Works Programme [EPWP], but it turns out CWP is actually a component of the EPWP. Most of our community based non-governmental organisations are doing so much in terms of fighting poverty, raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, youth development, etc. But one of the main obstacles is not having enough funding availability to carryout operational expenses, administration and paying volunteers. For some local organisations like Inkwenkwezi Community Garden Project, Mzamomhle Orphans Project, Siyabenza Community Project, and many more. CWP has committed itself
to partner and subsidize volunteers from these organisations with minimum wage rate aligned to the EPWP. In order to get paid, CWP expects these volunteers to work 8 days per month and an overall of 100 days per year. On weekly basis each organisation has to sign and submit to CWP a register highlighting activeness of each organisation and its volunteers. Sharing about this partnership with these organisations was Khuselwa Majodina, one of the Supervisors based at the community. She explained their commitment as an on-going relationship, but it can only be terminated if organisations are found with misconduct and/or fraud. According to her more partnerships will be formed with other active community organisations that fall within their criteria. Majodina added, “By now we have to admit Government is doing something to alleviate poverty in our communities. It might not be much but at least anything is better than nothing”.
Blak Kalamawi giving back to the needy Pg. 2
Reconciliation concert hailed success Pg. 3
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
DCS officials getting their bodies healthy Pg. 4
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
BLAK KALAMAWI CARING FOR THE NEEDY
EDITION 5
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
CREATIVE BRAIN BEHIND LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT AND 023 LIFESTYLE himself as a jack of all trades in the entertainment showbiz and his star continues to shine in 2016. Some copycats have tried to duplicate his style of doing things, but fell short. I guess like Kabelo’s says “You can’t keep a good man down”
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kululeko Zungula [27] affectionally known by many with his stage name Blak Kalamawi is one of local most loved and promising reggae talents to come out of Zwelethemba. Born in 1988, March 03, Kalamawi started his musical journey at an age of 10 as a lead vocalist for a gospel group called Worshippers of God. With over a decade in the professional music industry, BK is soon to be a force to be reckoned with. Last year ended on a high-note for him as he managed to release his debut 5-tracks E.P and a collection of his latest videos. Last year has seen him performing on biggest stages around the country in festivals, commemorations, and tours with other Reggae sensations like Nathi B, Bongani Belu and others. While expecting him to share about his latest offering, it turns out this multi-talented artist besides making music he’s having a new community initiative in the pipeline titled Blak Kalamawi Legacy Project [BKLP]. This initiative is aimed to collect clothes that are no longer used by everyone around the community. This clothes bank it intends to preserve and distribute them to those who are in need. This comes after many shack dwellers around Cape Town and other surround areas suffered through fire outbursts during festive season. In partnering with Department of Social Development, BK and his team plans to distribute these clothes via the department’s database of trauma centres, orphanages homes, and community youth centre. “I believe that through our efforts with this outreach campaign, we will be able to protect and provide for those needy families affected, that’s why we invite everyone to get involve and donate. We are also in need of volunteers to assist with collection and distribution. In Xhosa we say Umntu ngumntu ngabantu; an expression circled around Ubuntu, so let’s all get involve”, urged Kalamawi. In a telephonic interview with the Project Manager, Lerato Ramasesane, he explained that as it might look like Kalamawi’s solo project, but in actual fact is a community initiative; driven by the community for the benefit of the community. According to Ramasesane their intention with this project is to try and collect clothes that are still in good conditions, which can still be worn by others. “Our target is not only to distribute these clothes only in our community, but to extent it to other affected areas which will be identified by the Department and other distribution partners”, he explains.
KING OF ENTERTAINMENT: MSHOESHOE
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elf-proclaimed Zwelethemba’s King of Entertainment, Mshoeshoe Bushwana has done it once again! Coming from a successful turn-out of the 023 Lifestyle Picnic, it wasn’t a surprise that his new Emthini Summer Festival will live-up to everyone’s expectations. He regards
From my perspective, what makes Mshoeshoe different from other entertainers in Zwelethemba is the fact that his ideas are fresh, innovative and doable. With the Emthini Summer Festival, he took something most people would regard as “nothing” [a big deserted tree] and turned it into a most talked about social space during festive. This week long event was hosted at the Italian Lounge surroundings and it featured everything anyone could ever ask for in a summer event [i.e. food, entertainment DJs, nice venue, free parking bay, and beverages] all in one venue.
CHORAL MUSIC BROUGHT BACK ONCE AGAIN BY LOCAL SCHOOLS
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rom a local’s perspective, when last did you attend a choral music concert? Or even listen to a latest album of our local choral group? If I’m not mistaken [subject to correction]; it was since after the death of the most-renowned local veteran and musical director: Mr. J. Majaka and talented conductor “Dopla” Fonk to count few. Well, history aside and the good news is choral music is back in action! All thanks to local junior choirs. All the participating choirs treated audience to a very high standard of choral music at the Schools Choral Music Concert, held on Sunday at the Zwelethemba Community Hall. This event was initiated by the PJB Cona Primary School [Music Committee] and it turns to be an annual event on its calendar. According to Thobani Tsewu, PJB Cona educator and Event Co-ordinator, “The aim of the concert is to raise the standard of choral music in the community and to enrich people’s lives, both as individuals and choristers, through their interaction with one another and their involvement in the concert.”
Only 4 choirs entered this year’s lineup, these include the hosts PJB Cona, Alfred Stamper, and Vusisizwe Secondary School. “As the organisers of this initiative, we are committed at recognizing and nurturing the exceptional musical talent that exists in this community” he added. Just after their exquisite performance, we caught up with Vusisizwe’s choir conductor and a chorister of a Cape Town-based choir PSS [Princess Square Singers]; Abongile Malambile just for his input on the event. “With an excellent turn out from both teachers and parents, for me this event promises to raise the bar every year. It’s an amazing and powerful event and I’m extremely proud to be part of it and this also goes for my choir” said Mr. Malambile. Among other key points raised by Thobani Tsewu, this concert on its own it promises also to produce vocal talented young artists that can study further music. This includes also attract more choirs from across the Cape Winelands district.
JOURNALIST: JOHN BULANI
EDITION 5
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
ANNUAL RECONCILIATION CONCERT LIVING UP TO FANS EXPECTATIONS
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very year community of Zwelethemba commemorates Reconciliation Day, and this year organisers treated gospel lovers from across the district to an exciting and uplifting debut launch of Gospel Reconciliation Concert. An annual event which features prominent gospel artists combined with local upcoming artists to celebrate and educate others about the meaning of this day.
Although Lundi pulled a no-show stunt, the show continued successfully as both Malibongwe and Veliswa left the crowd craving for more. A disappointed fan, Thembile Jacobs said; “it’s better for event organisers to let us know in time when an artist is not coming. Lundi has always disappointed on many occasions when it comes to his shows this side”.
This event was collaboration between the Breede Valley Municipality [BVM], Brand Media House, and Cape Winelands District Municipality [CWDM]. Based on the recent xenophobic attacks few months ago in the community, for the organisers it was vital to align this event under the national theme, “Bridging the division: Building a Common South African Nationhood”. A message set to remind everyone to strengthen relations with fellow South Africans and foreign internationals in order to build a future where we all live together in harmony.
Promoting their debut albums, Lawrence Ndzima and Pastor Mdoda got the house on fire with their killer dance moves, let alone their new musical material. In a post-event interview with the newspaper, Pastor Imminent Mdoda confirmed that he has been working very hard for the past few weeks in preparation for this concert. “I’ve been working tirelessly to take my fans [audience] to another level and I strongly believe I have achieved that based on my performance”, said Mdoda.
Speaking to Khwezi Times, event organiser and founder, Lawrence Ndzima described the concert as a tool to encourage everyone to become powerful instruments and active citizens in order to develop a cohesive society. “The objective of this event is not only entertainment -focused, but is to create one banner that promotes the universal principles of peace, freedom and social transformation around the country”, he added. Audience was given a rare opportunity to indulge in a unique combination of gospel musical choices. Those billed to perform included multi award-winning trio gospel stalwarts, Veliswa Skeyi, Lundi Ndyamara and Pastor Malibongwe Gcwabe.
KUYABONELELWA HIT-MAKER, DR. GCWABE DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST
PJB CONA PRIMARY PAYING TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THEIR OWN SPECIAL EDUCATORS
NTOMBEKHAYA IN HER CHURCH REGALIA
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ith only few days left before PJB Cona officially re-opened its gates for 2016 enrolment, it was surprised by the sad news of losing one of its passionate, dedicated and most-loved Grade R teachers. Ntombekhaya PhanyaMbombo passed away on Monday after a long and courageous battle with her health. Since the day after Mbombo died, the PJB
Cona admin foyer has been so quiet and colourful with flowers, condolence messages, and a candle lit throughout the week.
-heels, make-up and shades because Nosakhele always emphasised that beauty comes first” she reflects.
Zwelethemba Community Hall was filled into capacity as hundreds of community members, teachers, learners, and religious leaders came to pay their last respect and tribute to Mbombo. As organisers of this memorial service, PJB Cona top management and staff wore black colours with a blue flower as it represents their corporate colours. Before all the event formalities, PJB choir took centre-stage as they paid tribute to their beloved teacher through music and poems.
Also speaking at the service was the Principal of PJB Cona, Nontuthuzelo Matross as she handed-over a book of condolences and a large portrait with messages from each staff member. She urged her 3 children namely Sakhile, Sgantsi, and Mantombi to familiarise themselves with these messages everytime they feel left-out, sad or bored in life. “I want you to know and keep this in your minds, Ntombekhaya was an allrounder; she was trying her best in everything she was doing – whether it was in church or in class. Excellence was her middle -name, your loss is ours too” she added.
In his short and brief sermon, Pastor Gqalaqha encouraged Mbombo’s family, friends and colleagues to not accept the situation but try by all means to find a solution in dealing with their loss. When fellow Grade R teachers paid tribute to Mbombo, Ms. Zodwa Bentele described her as one of the stylish and confident teachers who was always dedicated to her job, especially when it comes to filing and teaching style. “I’m glad that all my colleagues are wearing their high
Before ending-off the service, all teachers present at the hall recited the Teachers Prayer with their candles as a sign of renewing their vows. As Khwezi Times, we say may your soul rest in eternal peace and rise in His glory. You have played your part in shaping your learners [our future generation of leaders] and for all you have done we are grateful. Lala Ngoxolo Zotsho!!
“TELLING OUR OWN STORIES IN OUR OWN VOICE�
PROUDLY PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY BMH
DCS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ZCFC IN PROMOTING FITNESS AND HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
DCS OFFICIALS AFTER GETTING READY FOR GETTING THEIR BODIES HEALTHY
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ZCFC AND DCS OFFICIALS HARD AT WORK TO LOOSE THOSE KILOS ith the Easter season out of the way, its was time to lose those extra kilos gained from all the braai gatherings, sweet niceties and curry-fish dishes of Easter for some
Department of Correctional Services personnel. This Regional Aerobics Marathon was organised by the Breede River Management Area and close to 80 employees took part in this in-house wellness initiative hosted at the Zwelethemba Community Hall. To join in the fun, Zwelethemba Community Fitness Club [ZCFC] also came to the party [marathon] with their members to promote a healthy lifestyle and fighting infectious diseases. In their small groups, participants were involved on various exercises and fitness programs conducted by different instructors in a period of 5 hours, with only few breaks/intervals. DCS Fitness trainer and Aerobics instructor, Teboho Motsoeneng, described the intention of the initiative as follows: "A healthy workforce is also of critical importance, allowing all public servants to deliver their best to government and its citizens. That's why its important in improving productivity we need to keep promoting healthy living in order to ensure employees have healthy bodies and healthy minds to fulfil their duties at all times". Participants we given some tips for shaking off that Easter flab. They were also warned about all the signs, kinds and diagnosis of diabetes; which is a serious disease that prohibits its patients to live their lives without chocolates, sweets or acid cool drinks. "Today was very fruitful and fun for us. We've realized in order to restore balance in our bodies
ZCFC Trainer, Matthews advised the group that exercising only will take them not that far; it's actually a good diet that is the key in losing weight. He also suggested the participants should cut-out on processed foods, drink water regularly, mix up their exercises, and develop good eating habits. Newu adds; "What better way to improve productivity than through better health and good fitness? exercising and eating well can help improve stamina and even reduce the risk of suffering from health conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. Newu also called upon those with interest of joining their free aero-
and boost immune system; we actually have to live a healthy lifestyle;
bics classes and fitness programs, to come at the Unobuntu Thusong
eat nutritious food and exercise regularly" said some of the partici-
Centre, Gymnasium hall on weekdays at 17:00. For more information,
pants , Siphiwo Gcwabe and Natasha Moile [Correctional Officers].
they must call Judy Bikani at 023 345 1001.