Hillcrest Fever 20140408

www.hillcrestfever.co.za

www.hillcrestfever.mobi

@Hillcrest Fever

Hillcrest Fever

Assagay | Botha’s Hill | Crestholme | Everton | Forest Hills | Gillitts | Kloof | Waterfall | Winston Park

hillcrest

FEVER Your 24/7 local connection FREE

April 11, 2014

Sale of All Blinds

Oxford Village

‘Emergency calls ignored’ >> Residents appeal for better service KALISHA NAICKER

>>kalisha@witness.co.za

A

CALL for help to 10111 has resulted in ‘distress’ for many Upper Highway residents, who claim they have not received the help they needed.

Residents say that they are losing faith in their police and are starting to rely solely on private security companies for assistance.

The Durban call centre has come under fire after a Kloof resident dialled the police emergency line 10111 for help when armed robbers were invading his neighbour’s home one early morning last month.

“I was in a panic and dialled 10111, when the operator answered, I could hear loud party music in the background,” said the resident, who asked to remain anonymous.

“I looked at my phone to ensure I dialled correctly and started to give the address so we could get help.

“The next thing the operator bel-

lows at me that she cannot hear me and I must speak up. I said that she must turn her music down so that she might hear me and she just cut me off.”

The resident added that he eventually called SACAN (South Africa Community Action Network) for assistance. He said he feels that the South African police service is ‘a joke’.

Karen Buxton of Waterfall neighbourhood Watch, a former police officer, said she has also called the emergency line and has received no joy.

“During patrols on 22 March we called the 10111 line seven times for assistance but it was permanently busy. On the eighth try we got through to the operator and she took the address but no help arrived,” she said.

Buxton said no protocol was followed by the operator, as she did not ask for a name or phone number.

Turn to page 2

New science labs for deaf­school

Fulton learners Sphumelele Mkhwanazi, Mbali Mhlongo and Jennifer McMillan conduct an experiment in the new science lab at their school. SEE STORY ON PAGE 5.

NEWS

2

Sanele May not solely to blame says FEVER group, as expert reveals faults in truck April 11, 2014

hillcrest

CHRIS NDALISO THE Sanele May Support Group says that the truck driver should not be held solely responsible for the Field’s Hill accident that killed 24 people last year.

The group’s lawyers submitted a forensic report in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court early last week that contradicts the position of Sagekal Logistics, May’s employers — that the truck was roadworthy at the time.

After the submission was made to magistrate Siyabonga Mkhize and prosecutor Vikesh Sewnath, the matter was transferred to the Durban high court and May remained in custody.

Later, May’s support group held a press conference at a Pinetown hotel, where Gauteng engine, gearbox, differential and compressor diagnostic expert Thomas Rootman presented the report of his investigation into

Sanele May at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

PHOTOS: CHRIS NDALISO & SUPPLIED

the truck’s wreckage.

Rootman says he conducted the investigation for Sagekal Logistics last year.

Fever Attention all rural schools/schools with English as a second language Rural/previously disadvantaged schools are invited to enter their top two (2) English spellers from Grade 10 and Grade 11 (one from each grade) into the KZN Premier Spelling Bee Durban Central regional event, to be held in June/July 2014 (Date and venue to be confirmed, keep reading your local newspaper to find out the details!)

Words to be learnt for the Durban Central Spelling Bee will be published in the 2 May 2014 edition of the Durban North Fever & Hillcrest Fever & Upper Coast Fever.

Prizes: Cash prizes, book hampers, stationery hampers, bursaries and goodie bags for the top spellers, schools and teachers!

To enter: Complete the entry form found in this local newspaper and fax it to us at 0865344256, or email it to kznspellingbee@media24.com OR Send us the below information via email, kznspellingbee@media24.com OR fax, 0865344256.

“Sagekal Logistics’ attorney Theasen Pillay approached me in September 2013 to conduct the investigation. He specifically instructed me to report on the roadworthiness of the truck.

“This was meant to take two days, but after day one, I had seen enough to conclude that the truck’s braking system was appalling.

“When I reported back, Pillay said he was disappointed with my poor services. I have not been paid since,” he said.

Rootman’s report reveals a number of faults in the brake shoe linings of both the horse and its trailer, which had existed before the accident.

The left and right brake shoe linings of the horse were severely worn onto the securing rivets and the linings had started to break up in places.

Severe dust build-up on these sections was evidence that the lining material had been destroyed long before the accident.

Asked if May had, according to his investigation, engaged a lower gear, Rootman said the driver had not selected a low gear at a high speed.

“The truck was in neutral when I inspected it,” he said.

This contradicts the report of collision reconstruction expert Stan Bezuidenhout who said he found the truck in the fifth gear when he inspected it.

Bezuidenhout had said there was no evidence suggesting the brake system was compromised prior to the accident, as new brake linings were fitted to the vehicle and it was tested before May left for Johannesburg.

However, Rootman’s report indicates that the trailer’s braking system was also not in a

IS BACK!!! and the new home of

good condition. He said the brake linings of the right wheel on the front axle were worn out, while the linings on the left wheel were severely worn. Most of the lining material had come off from the brake shoe.

He made similar findings on the trailer’s middle and rear axles.

“Due to the condition of the brake systems, the driver would not have been able to sufficiently slow down the combination vehicle for the purpose of selecting a lower, appropriate gear for driving down a steep descent. It would be impossible for any driver to have executed proper or any control over the vehicle speed for the purpose of selecting a lower gear or to stop the vehicle,” he said.

Pillay said Rootman’s services had been terminated a day after they were engaged.

“A dispute immediately arose as to his fees, as he had failed to provide the scope of services specifically agreed upon. His report was received after the investigation had been conducted by our current expert. It is our view that Mr Rootman’s actions, in approaching Sanele May’s attorneys with his ‘report’, is a malicious and condemnable act,which may attract serious sanctions for him,” he said.

10111 call centre in the spot­light

* School name, school address, English teacher’s name and contact details, registration number of your school, district of your school * Full names of your two spellers * Both spellers’ ID numbers OR copy of birth certificate * Entries are limited per regional event * Get your entries in early to ensure your spot at the 2014 Durban Central Spelling Bee * Entries close on 13 June 2014

The left hand side brake shoe linings of the middle axle of the trailer were severely worn and cracked, and large sections (yellow arrow) of the lining material had been destroyed.

From the remains of these linings, it is evi­ dent that these linings were severely worn, as a result of which large sections of the lining material had come off from the brake shoe.

From the severe dust build­up on those sec­ tions of the brake shoe onto which the brake linings were glued and riveted, it is evident that the lining material had been destroyed long before the accident.

From page 1

Tel: 031 765 1677

Kloof resident Sam Shallcross also expressed her disappointment with the police emergency hot-line. Shallcross said she called 10111 on 22 March after an accident on the M13 and kept being transferred to different departments who cut her off.

“Ihadtocalleighttimesbeforesomeoneassistedme.Thisisbecomingreallyfrustrating,” she added.

Residents who raised the alarm claim that they cannot accept such pitiful service from the police emergency call centre and something drastic needs to be done about it.

“We depend on the men in blue for assistance and if we cannot rely on them to serve and protect us, then who can we rely on?” added Shallcross.

However provincial police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said that the department was unaware of such complaints and urged residents to direct all complaints to the call centre supervisor on 031 3323 744 with dates and times of the incidents.

“Once we have the details of the complaints, the department heads will investigate. We assure the public that the National Call Centre helpline is here to assist the public,” he added.

In case there’s an

emergency

10111

Crime Stop: 086 001 0111

ANIMAL RESCUE Kloof & Highway SPCA: 031 764 1212/3 Monkey Helpline...........................................: 082 411 5444 or 082 659 4711 COUNSELLING Life Line...............................033 394 4444 Open Door Crisis Centre: 031 709 2679 Jes Foord Foundation: 031 765 4559 Careline Crisis Centre: 031 765 1314 or 082 787 6452

EMERGENCY Hillcrest SAPS..........031 765 9116/9103 Kloof Police Station. . . . .031 764 2334 Fire.......................................031 361 0000 Gillitts Metro........................031 767 1222 Rescuetech KZN................086 167 2226 Together SA CAN Community Incident Management Centre: ................

08 616 SA CAN / 08 616 72226

PHOTO: RAJESH JANTILAL

The construction area on Inanda Road, Hillcrest, where a man was killed in an accident involving a pneumatic tyre roller.

Crushed at work site

>> Culpable homicide case being investigated

A

MAN was killed by a pneumatic tyre roller on a road construction site in Hillcrest on Wednesday.

Justice Khathi (21) was crushed to death while busy putting up a sign board alerting motorists of the road works on Inanda Road near the Balmoral Complex.

The construction is a Transport Department project and the contractor is Martin and East Construction.

The construction site agent, who identified himself as W.J. du Toit, said the driver of the eight-wheel machine was stabilising concrete on the road when the accident occurred.

“We spoke to people on the site and we spoke to the driver. He is traumatised by the incident,” said Du Toit.

“I understand that the

deceased was putting up a trapped under the machine,” sign board when the driver Zwane said, adding Khathi reversed and knocked him sustained forehead, chest off. I can’t comment on and leg injuries.

Zwane said a case of culwhether he saw the man behind him or not. The employ- pable homicide was being investigated but that no one ee died on the scene.”

Du Toit said one-on-one had been arrested.

Attempts to get comment counselling sessions were arranged for all the employees from the deceased’s family who were on site. Provincial were unsuccessful.

Transport department police spokesperson Captain Thulani Zwane said the driv- spokesperson Kwanele Ncaer told police he had heard lane said he would be issuing a strange sound and stopped a statement, but this had not been received by the time of the machine.

“When he stopped the ma- going to press. chine other workers started to run in all directions and when he JEWELLERY & SILVER moved around the LOANS • BUY • SELL machine he said he saw WE BUY KRUGER RANDS his colleague

CASH

FOR

GOLD

9ct at R165 per gram 18ct at R330 per gram 22ct at R403 per gram

WE OFFER CASH LOANS ON JEWELLERY AND CARS

T’S + C’S Apply

Prices are subject to change with Market Indicators

DEALERS WELCOME @ SPOT + 6%

Bellair Gold Exchange 927 Sarnia Road, Bellair, Durban 031 465 5397 • 071 900 5100

SMS: Bell3 to 32254 We will call back

AMBULANCE ER 24: 084 124 Netcare 911: 082 911 VEMA: 083 630 0000 Ambulance & Emergency Medical Centre: 10177

SECURE LINK SAFETY TIP: There is no doubt that large dogs serve as a deterrent, however un­ derstand that if they are left out at night they are vulnerable to being poisoned or at­ tacked.

April 11, 2014

hillcrest

FEVER

NEWS

3

CONTACT THE FEVER TELEPHONE: 031 533 7600 FAX 031 533 7972 (News) and (Classifieds)

April 11, 2014

NEWS

4

hillcrest

FEVER

Dr Anthony Zambelli Inanda Veterinary Hospital & Specialist Referrals www.inandavets.com 15 Howick Drive Waterfall 031 762 1816

To pee or not to pee (apologies to the great Bard) URINE, for most people, is a distasteful and annoying byproduct of pet ownership. But for vets, this liquid is an insight into the interior of a patient – a sort of “liquid biopsy”.

Urine can be evaluated in terms of its volume, colour, clarity, and odour. We also place great importance on its concentration (compared to pure water) – the

“urine specific gravity” or USG. Normally, USG is over 1.030 (dogs) or 1.035 (cats), but if lower it can indicate overhydration, kidney, liver or metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus.

In fact, these latter two diseases are named after the taste of the urine – the Latin for “sweet” = mellitus and “brackish” = insipid-

us. Yes, doctors used to taste the urine in the old days. No, no amount of money is enough for me to do this.

Vets will also evaluate urine with a dipstick for the presence of glucose and other substances, particularly protein and blood.

High protein in a dilute urine is an important early sign of kidney disease (I just gave three lectures

in the Netherlands on “proteinuria” last week, to give you an idea of it’s importance).

The vet may also do a “sediment” analysis – looking at the sample under the microscope, which is time-consuming but very important. Urine can be cultured to grow bacteria or fungi, which takes three to five days and helps guide therapy.

Mrs KZN reigns from Waterfall

>> Pageant winner aims to uplift her community KALISHA NAICKER

W

ATERFALL model Salome Nel Gouws was crowned Mrs Kwa­ Zulu­Natal 2014 at the Gateway hotel over the weekend.

Gouws was positively radiant as she competed against ladies from other re­ gions of KZN for this provincial represen­ tative philanthropic title.

This was the provincial round of the annual Mrs Mzantsi Africa Role Model ti­ tle.

The beneficiary of the pageant is the Rolemodels Foundation's Imfundo Proj­ ect. Rolemodels Foundation (084­ 422NPO) is a charitable association not for gain, registered under current legisla­ tion as prescribed by the non­profit or­

ganisation's act, Act 7 of 1997, with the Department of Social Development.

The word 'Imfundo' is derived from the Nguni language and directly translat­ ed means 'the acquisition of knowledge and education’.

The project is aimed at the building of pre­schools, after­care school homework and life skills centres, as well as establish­ ing food gardens.

Speaking to the Hillcrest Fever about her career, Gouws said she began model­ ling at the age of 12.

“I started doing modelling thanks to my gran. She entered me in a modelling school where they transformed a sports lover and tomboy into a model, I loved net­ ball, athletics," she said.

She ran her own modelling school for six years, and also focused on her ca­ reer as a beauty therapist.

Describing herself as proudly passion­ ate, Gouws said, "With modelling I have the ability to inspire those around me, uplift and encourage in the worst circum­

Mrs KZN 2014 Salome Gouws. stances. I work and minister to women daily, even if it's just a shoulder to lean

on. My dream for 2014 is to help women that have had mastectomies by doing

areolas with permanent makeup, or help­ ing someone to relax or camouflage a bad scar and make it a new enjoyable memory."

Now as Mrs KZN, Gouw has the ability to achieve her goals.

She thanked her mom for always standing by her and assisting her in achiev­ ing her goals.

"My mom is a phenomenal, highly in­ telligent, loving and fair person.

“If I can vote her best woman/mom/ best friend of the year, I'll do it in a heart­ beat.

"She supports me when I'm on the ramp, and teaches me morals which are important."

Gouws’ message to other aspiring models is to stay humble and true to yourself.

"We are all unique and no one is better than you. Beauty is more than skin deep and God created you in His image.

“Love yourself and be all you can be.

Dream and pursue," she said.

Science lab boost for Fulton School for the Deaf KALISHA NAICKER

Chris Hobson from Buco, Greg Setzkorn of Setzkorn Health and Wealth Con­ sulting, Agie Govender from CHOC, Rob Thunder of Car­Go and Bruce Lello of Discovery DCS get ready for the St Mary's Old Girls' Glitz & Glam Charity Ball on Saturday, 26 April.

Glitz and glam at charity ball KALISHA NAICKER THE Glitz & Glam Charity Ball, organised by the Guild of St Mary's Old Girls, will take place on Saturday, 26 April in the school hall.

The Matric Dance takes place the evening before so the 160 Ball guests will enjoy the beautiful matric dance décor which will be created by the St Mary's Grade 11s.

The charity event aims to raise money through a prestigious auction conducted by Rob Thunder, a Sunstoppers raffle and the sale of surprise envelopes, for the St Mary's Foundation Trust and CHOC (Children’s Haematology Oncology Clinics).

The purpose of the Trust is to create a capital fund which will allow the school a sustainable and expansive future.

The interest of the fund will be used to provide bursaries and scholarships to Old Girls’ daughters, previously disadvantaged pupils and academic sporting and cultural recipients.

This will enable these girls to reach their full potential.

The Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa will use the funds to provide holistic support for children suffering from cancer and life-threatening blood disorders, as well as for their families.

Violinist and St Mary's DSG pupil, Nina Kolev will be performing alongside pianist, Laura Rottcher.

East Coast Radio's Abi Ray is the compere for the evening.

Cameron Claassens and Black Coffee will get the dancing started after the indulgent three-course meal by Heritage Theatre caterers.

Jan-Nico Coetzee of VDP distributors will be conducting a wine tasting, before each course to pair the meal with the relevant wine.

The Guild of St Mary's Old Girls would like to thank the main sponsors, Setzkorn Health and Wealth, Discovery DCS and Discovery Insure as well as associate sponsors Buco, Nu Hair, Sumner Group and Pewter Studio for their contribution.

Tickets are R500 per person or R5000 for a table of ten.

Only two tables remain so to book please contact Derry on 083 786 1829 or emailderrybj@telkomsa.net.

THE Fulton School for the Deaf in the Upper Highway Area has received two new portable science laboratories courtesy of MySchool.

The labs will allow the school to use visual elements of the mobile lab as opposed to only relying on verbal teaching.

According to Jackie Busch, public relations officer of MySchool, seeing a science experiment is most beneficial to pupils, but for a deaf pupil visual is key as they will remember results.

Named PortaLabs, these portable natural science laboratories have been developed with the quintile one, two and three schools in mind where resources such as electricity and other teaching aids are scarce.

The Mini PortaLabs are compact, weighing only 22 kg and making them easy to carry from classroom to classroom or school to school.

They promote team planning and team work, get learners involved, capture the imagination and makes science lessons more meaningful, turning theory into practice.

Developed by Plastic Engineering Solutions (PES), each lab contains all the basic science lab needs for a school and includes test tubes, chemicals, a ray box, prisms, cell holders and electrical connections.

Also included are bulbs, magnets, petri dishes, dissecting scis-

sors, magnifying glasses and carbon rods.

Buschsaid that anyone can sign up for a free MySchool card in benefit of under-resourced schools all across South Africa.

“Select the MySchool Thuso

April 11, 2014

hillcrest

FEVER

NEWS

5

Fund as your beneficiary or your local school and help to raise funds for these schools without costing you a cent. To find out how you can support a school in your community go to www.myschool.co.za or call 0860 100 445,” she said.

TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT A SCHOOL GO TO WWW.MYSCHOOL.CO.ZA OR CALL 0860 100 445

NEWS

6

April 11, 2014

hillcrest

FEVER

THE office of the KZN premier has partnered with Media24 – owners of KZN local news – to bring the highly successful spelling bee project to the whole of KZN. The spelling bee began in the Zu-

Premier’s office partners on spelling bee luland community in 2010, through Media24’s local newspaper in that area, the Zululand Fever.

Because of the success of the event, and its rapid growth, Media24 mandated that it be taken throughout the KZN province. The Office of the Premier, in its ongoing commitment to youth education and uplift-

ment, has decided to partner with KZN local news (encompassing Fever, Weekly and Echo titles) to inculcate a love of the English language amongst second language English speakers from disadvantaged schools in the province.

Media24’s head of local papers in South Africa, Ishmet Davidson,

said the company is ‘thrilled’ at the prospect of the partnership, which will see hundreds of spellers throughout the province take part in the competition, which has hundreds of thousands of rands in cash, book and bursary prizes up for grabs.

“Media24 sees the spelling bee

initiative as having the potential to significantly increase the focus and discipline of pupils when it comes to learning the English language.

“Partnering with The Office of the Premier, schools and teachers, we believe we can make a positive impact on education in the province,” said Davidson.

Learners! Spell your way to success

C

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Pupils ‘get loose’ to shake out the tension before spelling starts at the Zululand Spelling Bee 2013.

NEW WINTER STOCK

LADIES MOCCASIN

MENS OLYMPIC

R139

R329

Navy, Black, Brown

The winner of the Zululand Spelling Bee 2013, Monitor Nyawo, when he was an­ nounced the champion. Monitor won thousands of rands in book, cash and bursary prizes with his suc­ cessful spelling of the word ‘omni­ scient’.

Hillcrest

MENS OLYMPIC FEATHER LIGHT

SHOE

ALLING all word wizards and book nerds.

Media24 Local News KZN (publishers of the Fever, Echo and Weekly titles) has partnered with the Office of he Premier to bring previously disadvantaged learners throughout the province their popular spelling bee competition.

A spelling bee works according to knock-out, where spellers are given a list of pre-chosen words (which will be printed in the abovementioned titles) two months before the competition.

These words have to be learned by entrants, who will then gather at compe-

CENTRE

LADIES, GENTS & CHILDRENS

R249

Navy, Kharki, Black, Beige, Red

LADIES BOOTS SPECIAL PRICE

R239

LADIES TSONGA Black, Pewter

LADIES ANGELS Navy, Black, Beige

Leading Stockists of Mens and Ladies Bowling Shoes and School Shoes Hillcrest Centre, 42 Old Main Road, Tel: 031 765 1127

FINAL SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE

- CAR WASH WITH FREE WIFI -

65 Old Main Road, Hillcrest. Tel: 031 765 5335 caltexhillcrest@freshstop.co.za

LADIES DR HART COMFORT

Hop over to the Bed Factory Shop and spoil yourself

titions in their areas, namely Zululand, North Coast, Durban central, Pietermaritzburg or the South Coast, to spell their way to glory.

The competition is open to grade 10 and 11 learners (one from each grade – ie two per school) from previously disadvantaged schools who speak English as a second language. There are hundreds of thousands of rands in prizes up for grabs, including a full medical bursary, a business bursary and a bursary to study journalism.

Teachers and schools also receive prizes.

The words for the KZN Premier Spelling Bee 2014 will be printed in the first week of May, with the competitions taking place in July.

Entry forms can be found in this week’s issue of your Fever, on page 11.

Entry forms will run until midJune.

For more information on the event, contact Sharmaine Smith on 082 496 0617 or Vusi Mthalane on 079 389 5205.

SALES MANAGER: Justin Watson: 082 762 0175 justinw@expressmedia.co.za CLASSIFIEDS ADS: Lynne Mathiesen: 031 533 7601 lynnem@witness.co.za PRINTING : Paarl Coldset, PMB. COPYRIGHT: Copyright of all editorial, advertising layout, de­ sign and photographs is vested in Hillcrest Fever and may not be used without the permission of Media24 News in writing.

DISTRIBUTION: For all distribution queries, please contact Mpume Sithole at 031 533 7614

OMBUDSMAN

CONTACT US

PHONE: 031 533 7600 PUBLISHER: Neil Tapinos neil.tapinos@expressmedia.co.za GROUP EDITOR Desiree Erasmus desiree.erasmus@witness.co.za EDITOR: Valene Govender valene.govender@witness.co.za 031 533 7600 ZULU EDITOR: Guy Vezi guy.vezi@media24.com 031 533 7600 REPORTER: Kalisha Naicker kalisha@witness.co.za corrie.lotter@witness.co.za

April 11, 2014

Ombudsman of Hillcrest Fever

hillcrest

According to the editorial policy of the Hillcrest Fever, readers are invited to comment about the newspaper’s contents, and significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Please send information about correc­ tion of mistakes in the newspaper to the ombudsman of Media24’s Community Press, George Claassen, at george.claassen@media24.com or call him at 021 8513232 or 083 543 2471. Readers can also complain about the contents to the South African Press Ombudsman. In that case, please phone 011 788 4829 of 788 4837, send a fax to 011 788 4990 or e­mail to press­ombudsman@ombudsman.org.za

FEVER

OPINION

7

Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Courage

October­December 2013: 19950

The tills are alive with the sound of Pravin

DESIREE ERASMUS Dear Pravin Gordhan, May I call you Prav? I feel that I know you intimately. Why? Because it is your name that flows through my head when I am crossing my fingers and hoping that my debit card is accepted at local retailers.

I dream about you Prav, and not in a Red Shoe Diary way. In fact, given my economic situation at present, my dreams about you fall more into the

been lodged in the crater for about 18 months. Nevertheless, I extricated myself and was super­grateful that I only had one medium sized foot bone protruding through my skin.

My husband immediately called an ambulance, which arrived within 42 hours. Apparently the engine had been stolen.

When the engine was eventually re­ trieved and reinstalled, the vehicle plunged into a pothole just as it left the station, adding another day to the delay.

I remained grateful though, Prav, that the medics were able to assist me.

Although they had no adequate pain killers in stock, I was happy to take the baby disprin I was offered.

Sadly, the stretcher had also been stolen from the ambulance, but I was happy to lie on the floor amongst the disprin and panado wrappers watching a

Scuffed Shoe Diary category, with a bit of gratuitous depression thrown in.

But enough semi­eroticism, that is for rich people. Poor people don't have time for sex unless they are selling it or making babies, which they then use to work the fields and oust governments.

Prav, I was elated at your statements last week that tax collection for the 2013/2014 fiscal year was 'excellent' and that R899.7bn was raked in.

So elated was I that I ran out into the streets like a scene from 'The Sound of Music': my arms flung open, my face aglow with all of the hope I was experi­ encing at the multiple improvements I was sure to see in my neighbourhood.

Unfortunately I plunged into a three metre deep pothole just outside my yard as I was about to break into song.

Thankfully, my fall was broken by a small abandoned vehicle that had

paramedic weeping and slowing rocking back and forth in the corner while mut­ tering "God bring us supplies”.

The ambulance ran out of fuel en­ route, but we were eagerly helped by a lovely bunch of primary school children that were sitting under a tree drinking beer. They pushed the vehicle.

When we arrived at the hospital, I hobbled in, helped by my husband, who slipped on a pool of blood from a stab­ bing victim that had been brought in three nights earlier.

The nurse who attended to me obvi­ ously knew her stuff though. She prod­ ded my foot three times, clucked while shaking her head and muttered some­ thing about a fractured scapula.

It was good to get out of the hospital into the sunshine when I was eventually healed, even though one leg was now six inches shorter than the other.

We managed to avoid two attempted hijackings on the return home, and I told my husband I felt so positive about the future of the economy that I wanted to contribute to it with a healthy shopping session that would befit a couple from the middle class. We eagerly made our way to Pep. Have you ever shopped at Pep, Prav?

Me neither; but after my little journey into what is now the retailer of choice for the middle class, I was delirious at the divine specials in barrel two, between the Kit­Kats and AA batteries.

In conclusion, I must thank you, Prav.

I feel this letter is a clear indication that my tax money is working towards social good.

And thank heavens for that. God for­ bid I should be getting only a fraction of what I am entitled to by forking out thousands in taxes to you each month.

High profile trials: Good news for the economy STEPH MCLENNAN steph@expressmedia.co.za

POPCORN sales across South Africa are expected to soar this week, while the trial of Shrien Dewani starts, cutting a blaze across our screens and causing many marital rifts when hubby wants to watch the latest ballistics test while wife wants

thinking their role as cheap and easy hit­ men. It’s too much to hope that they begin to understand the importance of indica­ tors, but hopefully the name “Zola Tonga” will flash across their minds when asked to end the life of another beautiful young woman.

If the manufacturers of bathroom doors are smart, they will be investigat­ ing the option of bulletproof doors even as I type this.

The advertising slogans write them­ selves: “Taking the danger out of that late night Piss”, “don’t be shot in the

to see the hopeful annihilation of De­ wani’s defence.

Similarly, Kleenex has ordered extra supplies of tissues to be delivered to all supermarkets in preparation for the tears that South Africans will shed as the final momentsofReeva and Anni are revealed.

I am sure that applications to law faculties country­wide have soared this month as intelligent matriculants realise that their pent­up rage and aggression can be channelled into a lucrative career as shown by Barry Roux.

Criminal taxi drivers, hopefully, are re­

dark”, “don’t blade to death in the night”.

Wedding planners can now, at extra charge provide a “runaway bride/groom” service, so that if either party arrives at the ceremony with cold feet, there is an easy and clear­cut path to freedom which does not entail guns, taxi drivers or prison time.

Histrionics of a scorned lover last only as long as it takes to get a restraining order. Becoming someone’s involuntary lover in prison could last forever.

If Schabir Shaik were ever to grow a little short on cash, he could start a “get

out of jail free” service for young delin­ quents like Oscar and Shrien, teaching them to do Zuma’s bidding, use the fine print to trade prison courtyards for the golf course and live a life of luxury.

On the down side, workplace produc­ tivity across the country is being stymied as workers at all levels and from all walks of life are glued to cellphones, TVs and Twitter to get the latest from the wit­ ness stand. Entrepreneurial ideas aside, it is my hope that justice for the Steenkamp and Hindocha families will be swift and bring healing.

Let’s protect our biodiversity continue to spend many thousands FURTHER to the letter sent in by on ongoing efforts to eradicate IAS Mr Tony Fisher (Hillcrest Fever, so this is not the “usual refrain March 28) the Kloof Conservancy about alien species” but a serious would like to respond as follows: Let's protect our biodiversity and not and very expensive threat to our biodiversity and one which should not just our trees! be trivialised or confused with an As a conservancy that has been emotional attachment to all things fighting invasive alien plants for 20 green. years we strongly support the posiComprehensive information is tion of Mr Tony Fisher that our trees available on our website at should be protected.

Where we differ with Mr Fisher is www.kloofconservancy.org.za. I trust that Mr in his misguided and glib reference Fisher does not consider to invasive alien species (IAS) which himself above the law and include, amongst others, camphor, should he wish to make a gum and pine trees. contribution to the environThere is a mountain of unchalment, which he clearly aplenged scientific research and evipreciates, then I would indence not only in South Africa but vite him to join us on one of internationally on the destructive our work days when we reimpact of IAS. habilitate habitats that have In simple terms the scientific been destroyed by IAS. world asks us to remove these speI am confident that after cies and even more earnestly the law requires us to remove them (Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act).

In recent years Residential & Commercial Kloof Conservancy Multi story. has contributed Cladding, Fascia, Gutters, over R0,5m to IAS P/washing & Solar panels. eradication proCall for free quote. grammes in Krantzkloof Nature C CLEAN 082 257 6554 Reserve and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Window Cleaning

a day's work Mr Fisher will have a different perspective on the issue.

Paolo Candotti Chairman Kloof Conservancy

THERE IS A MOUNTAIN OF UNCHALLENGED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH...

Bottled Water Coolers, great for the home and office

H2O International Hillcrest Shower Filters.

Ice Machines.

rt in for a Bring this Adve !

R500 DISCOUNT OVC Hillcrest

031 765 8826 carlene@ovc.co.za

Countertop and Undercounter Purifiers.

Call: 031 765 2718 084 377 4444 084 537 4444

April 11, 2014

LEISURE

8

hillcrest

FEVER

9 April HILLCREST Conservancy will be hold­ ing a guided walk in the Springside Na­ ture Reserve, Wednesday 9 April, 8.30am. Donations accepted. For en­ quiries contact Sue on 031 765 6809.

Daily THE recently renovated Two Acres Garden Market in Coun­ try Lane, opposite the Hill­ crest Private Hospital, is open Mondays to Saturdays. Enjoy a relaxed meal in the gardens before shopping for fresh pro­ duce, delicious treats, or gift ideas or enjoy the perfect pamper treatments. For more information www.face­ book.com/twoacresmarket.

Weekly THE Hillcrest Floral Art Club will meet on the second Wednesday of every month at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church from 9am. Visitors welcome.

No Fly Zone live at Meercats in Waterfall every Friday night, from 7.30pm and Lance Goldman plays every Sunday from 12.30pm ­ Sunday roasts and a la carte menu available. Free entry. For more in­ formation, contact Jill Schoeman on 031 776 3872 or 079 878 8051

WELCOME TO LA BRI The crux of the La Bri renaissance began with the 2008 harvest, the first to be crushed in the new modern 120­ton cellar on the estate. Prior to that, because they used a nearby cellar, the La Bri winemaking team was inhibit­ ed in fulfilling its philosophy of using both traditional and modern wine­ making methods.

Thenewcellar,withitsuniquecirculardesignandgravity­fedprocesses, is focused on producing limited volumes of superior quality wine that em­ body all that is unique about La Bri’s vineyards and their terrain.

LaBRI Chardonnay 2012 This wine is bright yellow with a lime green tinge. The nose explodes with lemon and lime citrus and chalki­ nesswithsubtlealmondun­ dertones. A fresh, crisp, zip­ py entry with a lemony mid palate and a long elegant finish.

Hayley Dennyson, Monique Mann and Abi Ray.

High tea at Two Acres >> Mid­morning or afternoon tea for the connoisseur

LaBRI Affinity 2011 This wine is a beautiful rich garnetcolour.Anexception­ ally complex wine with red cherries, cassis and fresh mushroom on the nose. Ele­ gantly rich palate, succulent and approachable. Firm but elegantly integrated tan­ ninswithlingeringspiciness.

TWO Acres Tearoom, which nestles in the cool shade of majes­ tic plane trees in As­ sagay, has become a firm favourite with anyone seeking the peace and tranquilli­ ty of a country ven­ ue.

It is therefore good news that yet another innovation has been launched – the Two Acres High Tea Menu ­ which will change season­ ally and can be en­ joyed either mid­ morning or in the af­ ternoon.

On offer is a se­ lection of well­fla­ voured, irresistible sweet and savoury items. These include light fluffy scones, pasties, brûlées, tartlets, fine patis­ serie and artisan sandwiches – all created to the high­ est standard and with that special home­baked touch.

A selection of fine loose tea and freshly ground coffee is served throughout the High Tea experi­ ence. The Two Acres High Tea Menu runs from March 2014 to September 2014 at a cost of R165 per per­ son. To book for four or more people, please phone 031 768 1957.

Nicola Jenvey, Pat Shave and Nick Dewing.

Alice Leah, Stephanie Berry, Debbie Reynolds.

Nicci Hoskings and Emma Dunk.

Duncan Bonella and Evan Roberts.

Anne York, Kathleen Walsh, Mary Davis.

Nomzamo Shozi, Richard Walsh and Princess Nhlangulela.

Hillcrest Fever

April 11, 2014

Page 9

Friendly Stylist DVD’s & Gam to enjoy

Neat styles suitable for school

Funky

Jungle Gym

Make your next appointment now

072 839 5703

Robyndale Centre, 10 Msenga Road, Kloof

www.princesandprinceses.co.za

Age 3yrs - 17yrs • Adult services catered for in a special corner

WIN! WIN! WIN!

One of 2 Birthday Parties Simply colour-in and drop off your entry at

LUCKY BEAN

Name: ................................. ...............................................

Tel: ......................................

Happy

Easter

Visit us at Shop 89 Oxford Village (the old Heritage Market)

• • • • • • •

Helium Balloons only R8,50 each Children’s parties Themed party décor Costume and dress up accessories Hens night accessories Baby Showers And more If we don’t have what you are looking for we will do our best to find it for you Email: partydz@gmail.com Tel: 031 765 4842

Children’s Animal Petting Farm 3 Lello Road, Assagay (Botha’s Hill, Hillcrest)

Tel: 031 765 2240 | Cell: 082 979 6030 Email: jenny@animalfarmyard.co.za www.animalfarmyard.co.za

Open daily from 9:00 to 16:30 including weekends and public holidays • Fun family outing with braai and picnic sites • Coffee Shop • Cow milking demos • Pony, tractor and zip line rides (R5 each) • Kiddies parties (From R15 p.p) • School Outings • Christmas Parties • Petting zoo • Birthday parties

Entry R15 per person

ANT BOOKS has workbooks to help YOU help your child.

English, reading, writing, maths, Afrikaans...Grades 0—7 Shop 2 Robyndale Centre (Piggly Wiggly), Kloof

072 456 5541

April 11, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS

10

hillcrest

FEVER

PLACE AN ADVERT

BY CONTACTING OUR CLASSIFIEDS SALES REPS: Lynne : 031 533 7601 lynnem@witness.co.za Fax: 031 533 7939/72

109

cATErErs

BISTRO LADIES frozen meals Email or call us for a pricelist: bistroladies@gmail. com / 082 459 4575

119

fiNANciAL / LOANs

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES For a little as R22 per week for 3 lines. *or ask about our Monthly Discounts Phone Lynne: 031 533 7601.

131

FEVER

rEMOVALs & sTOrAGE

HASSIM’S

REMOVALS AND STORAGE (NO RUBBLE) 1-2-3-4-5-6-8-10 Ton Closed/Open Trucks Also Crane Trucks.

Tel: 031 564 8362 Fax: 031 564 7867 Cell: 083 786 5764 Storage from 1 day to 1 year in fully secured units Email: hassimally@yahoo.com

219

WANTED TO BUY

A 100 FRIDGES & FREEZERS,D/BEDS +H/Hold GOODS Wanted for CASH. Kobus 08-27077676

219

WANTED TO BUY

TOP PRICES PAID FOR: Diamond, Gold, Silver and Marcasite Jewellery. Old China, Crystal, Silver and Silver Plate.

Old War Medals & Badges.

We can collect or call at: HEIRLOOMS: Shop 1 (Woolworths Level) Hillcrest Corner, Hillcrest Tel: Dean 031 765 6534

220

GENErAL/ fOr sALE

A FRIDGE R1,200.

Freezer R1,200 Double Bed R1,200 .Top Loader w/machine R950. 72cm TV R1,200 4 plate stove R1,500 Tel: 082 554 2417 GARDENERS I have a variety of magic plants at affordable prices.

Call 073 709 5928.

GENErAL/ fOr sALE

220

TURN YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS INTO CASH !!

For as little as R22 for 3 lines.

Phone Lynne 031 533 7601 to place your advert

516

Classified advertising works

hillcrest

Fever

Contact Lynne on : 031 533 7601

SERVICE FINDERS AUTOFAST WENDY HOUSES AUTOMATION

cArs/ BAkkiEs WANTED

AA BAKKIES & CARS Wanted for cash.

Rust No Problem.

Will beat any price.

Ph: 082 258 8724.

* In Pinewood * All Sizes * Available in Louvered Style

Specializing in Electric Fencing, Gate and Garage Automation, Servicing & Repairs.

Phone for a FREE quote

24 HOUR E OPEN LIN

Immediate Cash

FOR UNWANTED MILITARY ITEMS

CALL: 076 646 0204

We are looking for: • Medals and decorations • Swords and bayonets • Military badges and flashes • Helmets and military hats • Uniforms (especially camouflage) • Books, old documents and war photographs

CELL: 083 760 5007 TEL: 031 506 7000 autofast734@gmail.com CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

FOR ALL YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

There could be cash lying in that old trunk in your garage.

CALL LYNNE ON 031 533 7601

Phone Mike on 031 765 6769 or 083 269 9626

hillcrest

Fever

Reception Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 16:00 Saturday: 08:00 to 12 noon

Kennel 58

Kennel 57

Kennel 59

Kennel 58

Lu Lu, female Africanis, very sweet nature.

Brown with black muzzle, male Africanis, still a puppy, very playful.

Black and white Jack Russell cross, female, very playful.

Puppy Run 1

Puppy Run 1

9 month old Boerbull, brown with black muzzle, missing an eye, beautiful!

Africanis, male, very lively.

German Shephard cross, brown. very lively.

If you wish to sponsor this advert, please contact Lynne Mathiesen. Tel: 031 533 7601 Fax: 031 533 7972 Email: lynnem@witness.co.za

Across 1 But on the other hand (7) 4 Minor impediment (5) 7 Raise (4) 8 Card game for gambling (8) 10 Inferior alternative (6­4) 12 Wild dog­like scavenger (6) 13 Lacking spontaneity (6) 15 Handle skilfully (10) 18 A precious metal (8) 19 Lean to one side (4) 20 Chain of mountains (5) 21 Baltic country (7) Down 1 Cajolery (5) 2 Usefulness (8) 3 Despicable (6) 4 Mystifying jargon (5­5) 5 Division of academic year (4) 6 Impetuously rash person (7)

SUDOKU 148

CROSSWORD 148

NAME:

9 Singly (3,2,1,4) 11 Bring about (8) 12 A coniferous shrub (7)

14 Tiny (6) 16 Additional (5) 17 Daybreak (4)

CONTACT:

ADDRESS:

Sudoku Solution 146

WINNER 146: Sambulo Mpulo MARCH WINNER: Roy Newlands

Submit your entry into the Hillcrest Fever box situated inside the Keg & Trout. The first correct entry drawn will win a R150 voucher.

Only one entry per person per week. No registered letters or faxed entries. Prize will alternate weekly between Crossword and Sudoku.

Crossword Solution 146 Across

1 Radish, 4 Upheaval, 9 Saying, 10 Gangling, 12 Root, 13 Shawl, 14 Glen, 17 Exaggeration, 20 Henceforward, 23 Peak, 24 De­ cry,25Lime,28Ecstatic,29Su­ pine, 30 Rendered, 31 Decent.

Down

1 Reserved, 2 Day­to­day, 3 Sane, 5 Play with fire, 6 Edgy, 7 Vainly, 8 Legend, 11 Charac­ terise, 15 Egret, 16 Board, 18 Maritime, 19 Adherent, 21 Ap­ pear, 22 Damson, 26 Haze, 27 Mute.

KEG & TROUT 031 765 2070 Shop 16 Heritage Market, Old Main Rd

Kuvulwe amahhovisi eCoega Development Corporation e-KZN

April 11, 2014

hillcrest

FEVER

ISIZULU

11

ISITHOMBE: GUY VEZI

GUY VEZI

>>guy.vezi@media24.com Kwesokunxele uMnuz Gift Mkhize, uMnuz Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, uMnuz Trevor Smith noAdv Zuko Mapoma emcimbini wokuvula ihhovisile­Coega DevelopmentCorporation KwaZulu­Natal eliseMhlanga eThekwini

Angikaze ngiyibone into enje!

local newspapers

375000

COPIES

PRINTED

EVERY WEEK ACROSS KZN Your very own community newspaper

NGIYANIBINGELELA bafundi aphila emhlabeni. Uma kushone isosha ak­ abathandekayo bephephandaba iFEVER. wenzeki nangephutha singaqhumi isibha­ Ngithi angiphumuze umhleli uMnuz Guy Ve­ mu ngoba kusuke kwenziwa into elaliphila zi kuleli sonto ngilobe udaba engicabanga ngayo. Yingakho kuthiwa isosha lifela em­ ukuthi lusematheni kangangoba cishe iNin­ sebenzini walo.�

Kukekwabanempikiswanophakathiku­ gizimu Afrika yonke isizwile ngalo.

Ngesonto eledlule ngibizwe uzakwethu kaMgiks nomunye umngani wethu uSpijojo, nosipho.mkhize@media24.com ehhovisini leEVER ezongibukisa umhlola. othe: “Ngiyaphikisana nalokhu okushiwo Angikaze ngiyibone into enje! Futhi angifisi uMgiks.Umakungcwathswaisosha,yebozi­ ukuphinde ngiyibone. Lomhlola besiwubu­ yaqhuma izibhamu, kodwa lokho kwenziwa waxoxa wathini noNkulunkulu ngomzuzu ka kwi­computer, uthwetshulwe nge­cell­ ngenhlonipho nesizotha ngoba wayenza wakhe wokugcina, futhi akekho noyedwa phone kwenziwa i­video yawo. Kule­video umsebenzi wokuvikela abantu besizwe ez­ owaziyo ukuthi ngale kwethuna umuntu uqale ubone amantombazane egqoke izin­ impini ezahlukene. Kungenzeka ukuthi la ufike enzeni.

Ngisho nokhokho bethu ababuyi basit­ gubo ezincane, ezicishe ziveze amaqhezu mantombazane aye ‘gruva’ naye umufi no­ ma kunomsebenzi ongalungile ababewen­ shele ukuthi kuphilwa kanjani kulelo lizwe ezinqa.

Uma ubukisisa kahle uyabona ukuthi za naye futhi uma ngicabanga kahle lomse­ elingaphesheya kwe ‘Jolidani’.

Wena mfundi uthini ngalolu daba ngabe kungcwatshwa umuntu thizeni ophelezel­ benzi wawengamelwe uSathane uqobo.�

Le mpikiswano ithathe cishe ihora noma kufanele umuntu afihlwe ngendlela ene­ we yilamantombazane nomphakathi.

Ngithe sengiyilandela kahle le­video, nanka ngaphezudlwana. Kodwa umbono wami sizotha noma kumele afihlwe ngendlela aye lamantombazane ebambe ibhokisi lalowo uthi uma umuntu eseshonile kuhle ukuthi phila ngayo emhlabeni?.

Thumela isms ku­074 696 8731 noma ongasekho ehamba nalo emathuneni. Oku­ abekwe ngesizotha, kuhlonishwe umzimba qala nje ngithuswe indlela abagqoke ngayo nomoya wakhe ongasekho, noma ngabe uthumele kwikheli le­email elithi nosi­ wayenzahlobo luni lomsebenzi kaSathane pho.mkhize@media24.com noma guy.ve­ labo ‘sisi.’ Emathutheni kukhona isikhathi lapho ngoba akekho noyedwa owaziyo ukuthi zi@media24.com. umfundisi evula ivesi, abeke amazwi bese kuculwa izingoma zesonto. Hhayi ke! Ku­ lomngcwabo weziman­ ga akwenzikanga lokho.

Kube ukulibeka nje ibhokisi, u­Dj wadedela ingoma yokuzijuxuza wena owabona emcim­ bini othile. Ngibambe ongezansi indlela labo ‘sisi’ ekade bezijuxuza ngayo eduze kwebhoki­ si. Bebedansa beshona phansi beshaya ama Please ďŹ ll in all the following sections and send it ‘get down’, izingubo lezi to us via email, kznspellingbee@media24.com, ziveza amaqhezu ez­ OR fax it to 0865344256.

SCHOOL STAMP ingqa kwaphenduka kwayi‘party’ le, abazazi kancono lezinto bayibi­ SCHOOL DETAILS: za nge ‘nkwari’.

Ngihlale phansi Name: ______________________________ Registration number: _________________ ngazi buza ukuthi ng­ abe lo olele Physical Address: ______________________ Tel: ( ) __________________________ uyakuthokozela lokhu okwenzekyo na?

Ngibuzeumngani wami __________________________________________ District: ___________________________ uMgiks ngalo mhlola wathi: “Iningi labantu SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER’S DETAILS: livamise ukuthi uma usushonile, emngcwa­ Name: _______________________________ beni wakho kwenziwa lokhu obukwenza us­

Fever

FREE

30 000 copies distributed

Weekly August 16, 2013

Phone: 032 945 2903

Oakford dilemma rages on [3] Bollywood stars in Verulam Bollywood soapie stars Gurmeet Choudhry and Kratika Sengar, Gurmeet’s dad, Sitaram Choudhry and Kratika’s manager Santosh Gupta (centre) soaking up Verulam with RUSA co-director, Vinod Balram and RUSA head, Prem Balram.

SEE STORY PAGE 8

NOSIPHO MKHIZE

## ") $4

/() $ ( $+ / /) /") " (!

44

3

/3 . ( 3 #&3

*- (%+(/#3 #+ ) %% (++ . /

)%3 ($$ + . &

8/ 63

$ 3#7 /3/

0

,

/ #& . . & ! 945 " ' 4 45'1

/ #" !# " 44

/" -) 44

# ) ))#(-

3 " 44

/ . 4 !

# () "

#1 ( .44

#! ( # ( #1 ) ')

# #

$44')

( !#( $

"#((

#/%) #(

!#" ) 44

#0 ( /-- ( $&

# ) / ( ") $4

& . 8 7#& 6$ /

!#$ #3

! #1 ( -) 44

/ 3#" # ##

"2 - ( *44

Fever

ENTRY FORM

Cell: (

hillcrest

Fever

) ___________________________

ENTRANT DETAILS (PUPILS): Grade 10: Name: _______________________________ ID number: ___________________________ Cell: (

) ___________________________

(or a copy of birth certiďŹ cate)

Grade 11:

Tell us what

you see from your vantage point...

...become a Citizen Journalist www.hillcrestfever.co.za

Name: _______________________________ ID number: ____________________________ (or a copy of birth certiďŹ cate)

Cell: (

) ___________________________ * Please note all pupils must be entered via their school and cannot enter as individuals * Entries are limited per regional event * Get your entries in early to ensure your spot * Entries close on 13 June 2014

To advertise in award winning local newspapers contact Sarah Brauns on 083 657 4427 or

sarah.brauns@media24.com

April 11, 2014 PAGE 12

hillcrest FEVER

SPORT

Wewege retains SA slalom crown

Don Wewege masters the churning water of the MotoX weir on the uMsundusi River en route to winning the SA senior slalom canoeing title at the week­ end.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

FEVER REPORTER UPPER Higway student Donovan Wewege bagged a fourth successive national slalom crown on Sunday when he topped the results at the South African Slalom Canoeing Championships held at the Motocross weir on the uMsundusi River.

The 20­year­old showed the deft touches and skills from years of campaigning as South Africa's top slalom paddler both locally and at international level

as he posted a fast, clean second run of 39 seconds that clearly set him apart from the rest of his chal­ lengers. "We just don't race enough," said Wewege after wrapping up the Canoeing South Africa gold medal for the fourth time in succession.

"While this course was fun, and we made it pretty tricky, the courses that we race on at World Cups and World Championships are so different, and get­ ting experience on that sort of water is a challenge," said Wewege.

Deafboks to take on World Champs

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

KZN Deafboks, Brandin Austin, Mark Barnard (Captain) and Byron Windt.

AMY WILSON THE South African Deaf Rugby Union is proud to announce their official affiliation with the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

This is of enormous historic significance for SA Deaf Rugby, as it marks the first time affilia­ tion has been granted for a deaf rugby team in South Africa.

After a much­anticipated AGM recently, SARU announced in their press conference that the South African Deaf Rugby Union was ac­ cepted into affiliate membership. SADRU, com­ monly known as the Deafboks, have been wait­ ing for this opportunity ever since they secured the three nominations from the unions they needed in order to be considered for affiliation.

SADRU was an idea that was resurrected in 2007 by a team of deaf and hard of hearing players who were determined to bring deaf rugby back into South Africa and by doing so, raise awareness of the plight of deaf people in our country.

All they required was affiliation from SARU to be able to get IRB­sanctioned for test level rugby and therefore be able to enter a team in

the Deaf Rugby World Championship to be held in 2015.

The dream became a reality after the AGM on the 28 March, and now the team begins training for their first ever international tour to the Unit­ ed Kingdom in November this year.

The tour will see the Deafboks take on the England and Wales deaf rugby teams in a first­ of­its­kind clash.

The Deaf Rugby World Championship is set to happen in Cardiff with dates to be confirmed.

Countries that have been confirmed so far are Australia, Wales, England, Italy, Argentina, South Africa and the USA. The squad is made up of 32 deaf and hard of hearing players, with Waterfall scrum­half Mark Barnard to captain them. The team will be coached by Kyle Bowe­Taylor and Luther Van Der Merwe and backed by sports psychologist Dr Leon van Niekerk. Former Springbok scrum­half Joost van der Westhuizen has joined as SADRU patron. This is a momentous occasion in deaf sport history. Reenen Stenekamp (acting presi­ dent for SADRU) can be contacted on reenen­ stenekamp@gmail.com regarding further infor­ mation and sponsorship.

Tell your story — Become a Citizen Journalist Visit www.hillcrestfever.co.za

CONTACT US>> E­mail all local news to Kalisha Naicker at kalisha@ witness.co.za or contact her at 031 533 7600

HILLCREST FEVER: BOOK THIS SPACE

Contact Justin Watson: 031 533 7600 Contact Louise Maxwell: 083 399 3907