DelfSTAR Newspaper, Issue 2, September 2019

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20 Sipres Street, Delft, ZA

September 2019

we welcome HERITAGE MONTH read more on PAGE 2

2 DelfSTAR NEWS

September 2019

HERITAGE TO CELEBRATE

DELFT READY

"There is a word in South Africa – Ubuntu – a word that captures Mandela's greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us." ~Barack Obama Our town of Delft is a melting pot of different African cultures and peoples, each adding their own flair and flavour to the community. Every culture contributes their own unique set of values, beliefs, artistic expression, knowledge, cuisine, fashion, languages and music style. Stitched together, these elements create a rich tapestry of beautiful differences and give the town an eclectic mix of African heritage for all to experience and enjoy!

According to STATSSA Census 2011, there are more than twelve tribes, descendants and languages in Delft. These include Sotho, Zulu, Tswana, Ndebele, Pedi, Tsonga, Venda, Swati, KhoiSan, European and Xhosa, as well as Congolese, Somalian, Malawian, Nigerian, Zimbabwean, Tanzanian, Ethiopian and others from our neighbouring countries.

The continent of Africa is host to vibrant music, fashion and cuisine. The colours used in fashion are bright and earthy and beg to be recognised by everyone who sees them.

Dancing, music, food and fashion were all started as a way to celebrate social and communal traditions in all these cultures.

In celebration of heritage month, we are taking a look at some of the

cultural experiences you can enjoy in Delft: A wide variety of percussion and wind instruments are played to make music. These include drums, the rattle, ekwe (Congo), harp, udu (Nigeria), jembe, kora, ngoni, mbira, xizambi (Tsonga), ramkie and segankuru (South Africa), gora (Khoekhoe), xylophone, sistrum (Ethiopia), endingidi, lesiba (Sotho), malipenga (Malawi and Tanzania). The Khoe and San used their bows, which they hunted with, to make music. Shonas from Zimbabwe play the likembe dza vadzimu, while Zulus play the ugubhu, a gourd bow.

Dancing, dress code, food and music all have an integral part to play. They have indigenous traditions and are used to express community values and relationships within the community of Delft.

The muchongolo is worn by the Shangaan community, while the Basotho people wear the Mokorotlo, a straw hat, and the Basotho blanket. The traditional dress code of the Xhosa is determined by their social standing, position and stage of life. The Xhosa people are sometimes referred to as "the red blanket people", a reference to their custom of wearing blankets dyed red using red ochre. The fabrics used to make their attire is colourfully printed and they adorn themselves with beads.

Zulus' clothing is worn for social celebrations and their attire is mixed with western clothing. The men wear a leather belt with two strips of hide hanging down the back and front and the women dress according to their status and stage of life.

The descendants of the Khoe and San people (who are referred to as "coloured") wear western clothes.

There are many different types of food with which hosts regale

MONTH!

their guests. One can enjoy Enjera, an Ethiopian dish prepared by Mr Adisu in Leiden; Ogusi/Okro, which has its roots in Nigeria and is prepared by uncle Emanuel in Surbaben; Sadza/ Nyama, Zimbabwean fare prepared by Mrs Nyarai in Section 23; Fufu, of Congolese origin; Uqali/Pilof, which hails from Tanzania; Nsima and fish, traditional Malawian food; and Umngqushu, a Xhosa dish containing dried beans and corn. If one visits Delft Mall, one can sample stews and biryani, dishes enjoyed by the mixed-race, or "Coloured" people and prepared by Khans.

The languages that are spoken by people in Delft include Setswana, isiXhosa, isiZulu, TshiVenda, Sepedi, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, English, Afrikaans, Sign Language, Sesotho, SiSwati, French & Lingala (Congolese), Shona (Zimbabwean), Igbo (Nigerian), Amharic (Ethiopian), Chichewa (Malawian) and Kiswahili (Tanzanian).

These are only a few examples of some of the vibrant cultures living in Delft. There is so much more about one another that we can discover. Even though we have different cultures and traditions and speak different languages, we share a common bond and

Delft Community

Police Forum ‘’Don’t Give-up, we are about to clean house’’

The Community Police Forum (CPF) plays an integral part in the policing system in Delft.

Pastor George, chairperson of the Delft Community Police Forum, says he became an “accidental member” of the organisation. When he realised that the CPF wasn't functioning, he asked fellow church leaders in Delft to attend the annual general meeting to find out what was happening. During this meeting, he was surprised to find himself being nominated as a committee member by attendees from different socio-economic sectors in Delft. “Most of the attendees voted for me after I accepted the nomination. I was then nominated to be the chairperson of the Forum. I accepted," he says animatedly. He was then unanimously voted in as the new chairperson of Delft CPF. The Forum is a platform where matters of safety and security can be discussed and reviewed in an effort to make policing in communities more effective. The fundamental aim is to work with the police and the community to bring about a reduction in crime levels.

“My role is to put a road map ahead [to make this body function properly]”, explains the pastor. He says that after he looked at the way

the Forum is currently operating, he realised he needed to try and change the system. “We cannot have a body that was established long ago and still operate with old concepts,” he claims. In addition to his new role as chairperson, Pastor George also sits on the board of the Blue Downs cluster, of which Delft forms a part.

He was asked to sit on the provincial cluster.

The pastor tells us that he likes to challenge the status quo and will challenge the system, irrespective of which board he sits on.

The overall crime rate in the area has increased dramatically since 2017. While it is widely said the disturbing increase in crime is due to drug addiction and gang violence, these are merely symptoms of deeper causal socio-economic problems, lack of proper service delivery and other inequalities prevalent in both Delft and other black and coloured communities.

“The system is producing gangs and drug dealers,” Pastor George echoes. “I had a meeting with the Province and I was frank and told them they created this environment. The current system is setting people up to fail,” he added. He believes that the root cause of criminal activities can be traced to a lack of infrastructure, opportunities and recreation

Delft CPF Chairperson

programmes and that the government is treating the symptoms and not the actual social diseases that our young people are dealing with.

“I believe people should be given ownership of their community,” he says. “The police are working on a 1920’s system in the twenty-first century. Delft has had a population explosion. There are about 500 000 people in the area. There is one police officer for six-hundred and fifty residents.” He says the very system that is supposed to protect people and keep residents safe is not functioning effectively. In addition, Delft police station is in a state of utter disrepair, counting broken doors, a lack of cleanliness, and vandalism of police vehicles as just some of the many problems it is currently experiencing.

“I proposed a documented [plan] to the City of Cape Town how to combat crime through socio-economic development and uplifting young people in Delft. The plan was accepted by the Department of Human Settlements, yet nothing has come from it.”

Pastor George says that the use of technology is the way forward in the fight to combat crime. He has suggested using the latest technology, i.e. drones, cameras and tracking chips to keep a close eye on criminal

thread, Ubuntu, which run through every one of us. We live in the same area and we all want the best for our community, sharing a common vision of a community that is safe, where businesses can prosper and our young people can achieve great things. Moreover, we are all children from the African soil.

Our similarities are greater than our differences. Irrespective of the language we speak, the dress code we favour, the music we listen to and style of dance we practise, we all want to belong and feel valued and respected.

Rather than focusing negatively on our differences, let us embrace them, both during Heritage month and beyond. If we unite and focus on our community’s common needs, we can work together to make Delft a peaceful place to live.

All the colours in the rainbow are different, yet they reside perfectly in harmony next to each other. When we look at a rainbow we do not see the one colour as being more beautiful than the next. Rather, we see a rainbow as one spectacular sight. The people in Delft are more colourful than a rainbow. Let us see one another as another spectrum of colour in the rainbow, Delft. CAMAGU!!!

activities.

However, an abundance of red tape prevents solutions to social issues from being implemented in communities. “The City keeps saying there is no money. Why are there cameras in Plattekloof, Fairways, Constantia and other affluent areas, but not in our communities?" he challenges the government.

He says the City had a pilot project where drones were to be introduced into the community. “Everybody laughed,” he said. “Today (Thursday, 29 August 2019) the City said they are going to use drones to fight crime, but they still don’t know how. Cameras were installed in certain areas, but in places that aren’t crime hotspots.” He says when he asked the City to install more cameras, they once again claimed they had insufficient money to do so.

Another reason that the City has given as an excuse is a lack of necessary infrastructure.

"It is a blatant lie," claims the pastor. He pointed out to them (the City) that there are fibre cables running from the City’s switching centre to the very centre where he is working. In response, they came up with yet another excuse, claiming that they only work with the City's fibre and cannot work with third parties' fibre. He then informed them that, in fact, the fibre cables running in the centre do belong to the City of Cape Town.

“They can relay the connections any which way they want. They have excuses upon excuses. Why don’t they want to do it? Because they want to keep us stupid,” he said unsympathetically.

In conclusion, Pastor George says that his goal as chairperson of the CPF is to inform people, to bring the youth on board and to get the community involved. He asks the community not to give up. "I know we are always in the media for the wrong reasons but don’t give up; we are about to change the tide. We are about to clean house.”

3 DelfSTAR NEWS

ARMY HELPFUL OR HOPELESS?

More than 1500 people have lost their lives due to a spike in gang violence and drug-related crime during the past eight months.

Because of this Cape Town has become the most dangerous city in the world. According to the SAPD’s crime statistics of the past two years, eight out of ten towns with the highest crime rates in the twenty-five criminal categories are in the Cape Metropole and other parts of the Western Cape. As mentioned in previous articles, Delft ranks among those stats.

After months of deliberating whether the army should come into our communities to assist the SAPD, they were finally given the green light. The army was given three months from July 2019 to assist in monitoring and combatting particularly gang violence and drug dealers.

Most communities were in favour of this suggestion and when the army arrived there were applause and communities were optimistic.

However, a month later and people started complaining about the dysfunctionality of

September 2019 the army in communities. We set out to interview residents in Delft and the sentiments were the same from every person we made contact with.

People say that the army is useless.

“They are hopeless,” one resident shouted angrily. Another resident, who does not want to be named said that the police know where the drug dealers and gangsters are, “Why don’t they take the army to these places,” she wanted to know. Residents say that they search vehicles and have roadblocks, but they are not addressing the issues that they came here for.

Why don't they go and look for the gangsters and go search the drug dealers' homes?" she asked with disgust.

Know Your Police Force personal Captain Bruintjies is sector Manager for areas 20 21 23 in Leiden section His contact number is: 082 411 3239 Captain Koopman is Sector Manager for Eindhoven Area up to the Delft South Boarder. His contact number is: 079 894 1488 Captain Cupido is sector manager for the following sections, 24, 25, 37, 38 precint 7, which is The Hague, Roosendal, Voorbrug areas His contact number is: 082 411 1832 There is currently No Sector Manager for the Blikkies Dorp / Tsunami / Tubilitsha areas but you may contact Col Sihlali on 079 894 1520 If you have any queries on the above please contact your Station Commander Brigadier Ntungele on 082 374 4920 If you would like to report any missing persons please contact W/O Micheal Daniels on 082 469 2649

Gangsterism in the

WESTERN CAPE

From the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to the council flats of Brixton; gangsterism is an engrained part of most Metropolitan cities. Cape Town is no exception to this.

If you look at any of the known gang-afflicted communities on the Cape Flats, you will see a dramatic upsurge of community protests demanding solutions to address gangsterism.

These demands are two-fold. Firstly, there is a call to action for the state to address the machinations of gangs; and secondly, for the state to put in place measures to address the underlying causes of gangsterism.

Over time, there have been myriad attempts by the state, communities and civil society to address gangsterism. However, this social ill is seemingly growing and expanding into other areas. Amongst those communities that have experienced an escalation in gangsterism are our rural hinterlands.

Demographically, communities affected by gangsterism are either historically coloured (this term denotes communities that were designated as coloured under Apartheid legislation) or African. Affected communities are also overwhelmingly poor and working class.

Another resident who wants to be anonymous said that the army drives around as in the apartheid years. "While they are driving somewhere else, gangsters are shooting in another place. Who organised this? Are these people stupid? What kind of government is this that they cannot protect the citizens of South Africa? It is shocking and disturbing," he said in disbelief. Mr Mopane said, "These people in the government they don't want our communities to be safe. They want to keep us where we are.

They want us to destroy one another."

Please sent your opinions of, and or with the army. Our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/DelfStar

The challenges faced by affected communities are interplay of the legacy of Apartheid including the forced removals incited by the Group Areas Act, and the persisting social ills of intergenerational poverty, unemployment, family disintegration, limited education, opportunity, and substance abuse.

Today in the Western Cape, we sit with a vast number of prison and street gangs, each with their own factions and territories. These gangs are embedded in their communities. It should be noted that while gangs terrorise communities, they equally offer communities protection from rival gangs and thugs, pay school fees, and buy food for struggling families.

The relationship between gangsterism communities is deep and complex.

South African gang mythology further tells us that gangsterism began as far back as the 1800s with the emergence of The Numbers Gang founded by the fabled Nongoloza in Gauteng, as a revolt to the exploitation of mineworkers.

The perceived power and control that gangs wield over entire communities manifests itself in a number of different ways, including:

• Gang-led violence and unchallenged impunity with little to no legal consequences; • Intimidation and silencing of communities through assassinations, drive-by-shooting and gratuitous assault; • Gang leaders being approached to resolve community conflicts, discipline errant gang members and assist poor residents; and • Occupation of recreational spaces such as sports fields, public buildings and facilities, streets, or shopping precincts to illicit fear.

These factors result in a sense of hopelessness and the solutions to addressing gangsterism are seen as the sole responsibility of the state. Simultaneously, the crisis of gangsterism is exploited for short-term political gain, resulting in further despair and no tangible solutions.

Arguably the greatest targets of gangsterism are the youth. Affected communities typically have high concentrations of young people who are also NEETS - not in education, employment and training. This provides gangs with a large recruitment base of young people who otherwise have limited opportunities.

Additionally, the lack of recreational facilities and other youth activities contribute to young people joining gangs. Whilst affected communities may have community halls, sports fields, swimming pool and libraries; the quality and content of the activities may be poor and unattractive to young people.

It is clear that addressing gangsterism starts with people. Not only does this require

The Head of Crime Prevention is Col Hermanus, you can call him on 082 443 7392 DELFT POLICE STATION PHONE NUMBER IS 021 954 9000 that we rebuild and revive the basic family unit; but it also means that opportunities need to be in place so that young people are not tempted into a life of gangsterism. The Western Cape Government has many initiatives geared at promoting such, including the Chrysalis Academy, the Youth and Safety Religious holiday Programme, Youth Cafes, MOD and ICAN centres, partial and after school care programmes, and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.

Clearly, each sphere of government, NGO, business and civil society has its part to play in the fight against gangsterism. Prevention cannot be the sole responsibility of any single unit and neither can we afford to work in silos.

While gangsterism remains a deeply complex phenomenon, I am reassured that if we all work Better Together, and play our part in reporting crime, assisting Neighbourhood Watches, and crowding-in our resources; that we will safeguard the province. We have come a long way to go as a nation in transforming our country. By approaching security in an integrated and transversal way, we will overcome the scourge of gangsterism.

4 DelfSTAR COMMUNITY

September 2019

SA FLAG flying

Makriel and Q’tania Jacobs

In 2019, the 12th annual Pierre de Coubertin Youth Forum, an international sporting and cultural event, was held. 150 school-goers between the ages of 16 and 18 gathered from twenty-five countries across the globe to participate in the competition.

Set to join them were two young learners who had been selected to represent South Africa. Wakeel Makriel and Q’ Tania from Delft Technical High School. According to his teachers, Makriel is a well-mannered young man who not only excels academically but is a talented sportsman who takes part in a variety of sports. To top it all off, he is also a good public speaker.

In August, Makriel and Q’tania Jacobs, the only two representatives of South Africa at the event, excitedly boarded a plane and jetted off to Mâcon, France. They were accompanied

by Mrs Majiet, a teacher at The Hague Primary School and member of the South African Pierre de Corbaine Committee.

The youngsters had faced stiff competition and had been selected above many other hopeful applicants across the country to be awarded a place in this prestigious international event. “We chose Q’tania and her peer because they stood out amongst other learners at the African Youth Forum, which was held at Robben Island earlier this year,” says Pierre de

high in

Courbertine SA member, Mrs Majiet. The African countries that participated in this annual event are Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, Mauritius and South Africa. “These learners were chosen because they have the complete package. They excel academically, they participate and do well in sport and other youth extramural activities. They are confident, speak well and true ambassadors - not just for South Africa, but especially for Delft too,” says Mrs Majiet, who could barely contain her excitement.

Delft Technical High School principal, Mr Cleophas, and school secretary, Mrs Brandt, were also brimming with pride. “They are ambassadors for Delft and they will set an excellent example for the school and our community,” said Mr Cleophas. Mrs Brandt could not stop smiling as she told us “The school is overjoyed by their achievements,” before adding, “We want them to believe they can achieve anything they want and that there is a life outside of Delft”.

Delft has been in the news for all the wrong reasons the past couple of months. The town is fraught with problems, which provides numerous challenges for its youth. However, Q’tania, Wakeel two of hundreds of young people in Delft who are showing this community and the young people across South Africa that anything is possible, no matter where you come

FRANCE

from.

Makriel and Jacobs encourage their peers to remember that they are not their circumstances or where they are from. "Everyone has dreams,” says Makriel “If you have a dream, believe in it! If you keep believing in it you will eventually achieve it," he maintains, adding decisively that “because you are staying in Delft, [it] doesn’t mean you must engage in criminal and other bad activities. Anyone can have this experience.” Jacobs had mixed emotions about having been selected to represent her country.

“I am so excited, yet overwhelmed at the same time,” she told us. To the youth of Delft, she had this to say, “It doesn’t matter where you come from, don’t allow the area where you come from to drag you down. Anything is possible!”

Mrs Majiet and Mrs Farida Makriel (Wakeel’s mother), echo these sentiments. They urge parents to get involved in their children’s lives, their schoolwork, sport and hobbies and encourage young people to look out for and grab opportunities. They believe it is important to commit to uplifting oneself. While Mrs Majiet advises parents to “talk to your children,” and to “pray with them and support them in everything they do”, Mrs Makriel acknowledges that "it is a challenge to raise children in Delft,” but says “they can achieve great success in anything they want to".

While every young person in Delft is special and has been blessed with their own unique gifts, these particular learners have made the decision to work hard and grab life’s opportunities, believing that anything is possible. Be inspired by their success and remember that anything is possible for you too!

Rainbow Arts Organisation

Keeping Delft Youth out of the Streets

The Rainbow Arts Organisation (RAO), founded by Mhloli Ngabani, is the first township theatre in Delft. The organisation started out as a humble initiative by five young people from Simunye High School, who initially called themselves the Black Box Theatre. The group would meet at Welwecia Primary after school to practise their craft. Before long, they were doing well and had begun to perform in various locations.

When the City of Cape Town heard about the work they were doing, they were so impressed that they decided to partner with them. They gave them sole use of a building situated at the corner of Delft Main Road and Essenhout Street in Delft South, which was, at the time, begin used to host community meetings and events. "We forced our way in here," says Programme Coordinator, Buntu Jobela with a smile. Initially, they had paid R150 for the use of the building, which was practically a white elephant. In addition to renovating the building, the City of Cape Town donated equipment for the organisation.

The RAO still operates from this building today, where drama, dance and poetry lessons are offered to students after school every weekday. Classes run from February through to November and participants are chosen from surrounding high schools every year, including Masimbambisane High, Delft Technical, Simunye and Hindle High. The theatre’s central location makes it easy for youth to get there after school and to return home safely.

"We have a great vision for the centre," says Jobela, who himself was once a performer at the centre. "We want to be an organisation that bridges the gap between the arts and poorer communities, such as us here in Delft," he says, his eyes shining. "We aim to become a big arts centre and hub surrounded by other businesses and organisations. We would like to have a bigger centre such as in other areas so that we can accommodate all other art forms. We don't want our community to have to go to other areas to practise their art forms, as it is currently the case. We have a bigger dream that the entire [town of] Delft and the centre become more developed for the youth of the future."

RAO makes use of a team of professionals on an annual rotational basis to cover each genre of their programme. Drama teachers include well-known actor Mbulelo Grootboom, who stars on DSTV’s Mzansi Magic

channel and Nicole Grobler, who teaches drama at Lyden Technical School. Theo Ndindwa, owner of iKapa Dance Company, is RAO’s choreographer.

The Rainbow Arts Organisation is going from strength to strength. In 2016, they were awarded second place in the Western Cape Social Development's Youth Excellence Awards for their Inqonga Arts Festival event.

Every year, the organisation holds an arts festival. Now in its third year, the festival will take place from 27 – 29 September. This year's festival is sponsored by Misereor (USA), Servé, Department of Arts & Culture and the City of Cape Town. The steering committee of the organisation would like the provincial government to see and acknowledge the great work they are doing, and to support them in their efforts. As the work they are doing is for the benefit of the youth of Delft, they also ask that the local community support them.

Funding poses a challenge to the development of the organisation, which constantly thrives to become more successful. Although they receive partial sponsorship, fundraising is still necessary to cover expenses. One of the innovative ways they do this is to make the hall available to the community to hire out for private events.

This helps bring in revenue to keep the doors of this great initiative open for the youth of Delft.

Rainbow Arts Organisation is run by a team consisting of Mrs Sinoqolo Njilo (administrator), Mr Nkosiko Juqu (project manager), Mr Masibulele Ntshinga (accountant) and Mr Steve Xhaga (public relations). The organisation can be contacted on 021 9556751/ raorganisation@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook and their Instagram handle, Delft_theatre.

5 DelfSTAR COMMUNITY An organisation calling themselves “The Gatvol Capetonians” recently staged a lockdown in the city. By blocking certain roads across the metropole, they successfully prevented people from going in and out of various towns across the Cape.

There have been mixed reactions from the public to the organisation’s activity, which are reflected in comments posted on Facebook.

While some people support their efforts, believing that the time has come for an organisation that stands up for “coloured” people, others find the organisation to be racist and aggressive.

Shariefa Nolan, community activist and committee member and convener of Gatvol Capetonians Delft’s branch countered these comments by saying, “We are not racist at all.

We are a non-political, non-racial and non-violent organisation that is fighting for the rights of marginalised people in the Cape. The most marginalised people in the Cape are coloured.

We also have black people in our organisation.”

Ms Nolan believes that the coloured people are now even more marginalised than they were during the apartheid era. She says

September 2019

that the DA focuses on looking after the white people while the ANC focuses on the needs of black people. Ms Nolan responds to the question of whether the plight of coloured people has fallen through the cracks with a question of her own. “Why do you think there is suddenly an increase in gang violence and drugs in especially coloured communities?” she asks. “Our people are forced to live on top of each other in backyards, we don’t get jobs because we do not fit the description, poverty, unemployment and because we don’t get access to services and opportunities.” She states emphatically that “We have decided that we have had enough of this inequality. We are fighting for the rights of our people.”

Ms Nolan feels that both the DA and ANC are segregating coloured people. The community believe that the houses at the N2 Gateway are built specifically for black people by the ANC, while the houses in The Hague, built by the DA, are for coloured people.

Ms Nolan asserts that Gatvol Capeto

“GATVOL CAPETONIANS”

Tiny pre-teen off to the NETHERLANDS Amber Zaaiman is a tiny eleven-year-old girl with great opportunities ahead for her. Even though she is still only a little girl, she is grabbing every opportunity she gets.

Amber will be representing South Africa at an international sports aerobics, which is hosted by the Fitness International Sports Aerobics Federation (FISAF) in the Netherlands from 7 to 14 October of this year.

Sports Aerobics consists of dance, aerobics, fitness & gymnastics. Amber got her South African colours from the South African Sports Aerobics Fitness Federation (SASAFF) this year after she qualified with a tremendous score of 7,3 out of 10 to be placed 3rd in South Africa among thousands of others. She was the youngest as well as the shortest competitor in the SA championship and is

also the youngest qualifier in the world event.

This is indeed a remarkable achievement.

She says she was inspired to start participating in the sport by Kerishnie Lottering (20). “I saw her [Kerishnie] teaching other girls and I thought, I can also do that,” she said confidently. Kerishnie, who- like Amber- also attended Kairos Primary school started coaching sports aerobics when she was only 13 years. Kerishnie coach’s learners at Kairos Primary and is a member of the Western Cape Government Modified Opportunity Development (MOD) programme. The programme offers opportunities in different sport codes and arts.

Kairos Primary school teacher, Mr Cloete is as overwhelmed by Amber’s achievement. “She is also a top student and is an exemplary learner,” said Mr Cloete.

“I am excited,” Amber said upbeat about her qualifying for the big event, “I want to continue to do my best. I want to be a coach one day,” she said. What word of advice does she have for other children? “Believe in yourself!

Pray,” she said with blinking eyes.

In the face of socio-economic struggles away from school for this tiny girl, Amber does well and is sure to achieve greatness. Coach Kerishnie says that sports aerobics is a wealthy

We want equal rights

person’s sport. It is expensive to participate in it and it is also expensive for supporters. Kairos Primary school is the only school from a disadvantaged community that is participating in this sport on a provincial and national level and now also on the international level. The school does not have the infrastructure, such as mats, and other equipment needed for the sport.

Amber practises on the cement floor in the school hall. She has to perform high jumps. She cannot jump or stretch to high up because she may hurt herself when she lands on the cement floor. Another learner also qualified to represent SA last year, but due to financial constraints, the learner could not attend the event. This year, however, they qualified again and Mr Cloete says they are going to do everything in their power to get Amber to take part in the event.

Amber’s mother cannot afford to pay for her trip. Financial constraints are standing in the way of Amber’s prospects of making Delft and the rest of South Africa proud. The school supports her steadfastly and is doing everything in their power (through fundraising initiatives) to turn this exceptional achievement into a reality for Amber. Mr Cloete even applied for a personal loan to help make this opportunity possible. Amber’s mother makes all her costumes from because they cannot afford to buy the expensive costumes needed.

Amber is yet another learner in Delft that faces unsurmountable hardships. Still, she does not let her circumstances direct her life and her future. She is a shining example for the youth of Delft. As she said, “I can do it…” You can do it too!

Kerishnie also says, “Doesn’t where you come from, we all have a talent. Discover and know your talent and do something about it!

Your situation should not define who you are.

You can reach your goals if you want to achieve it.”

Kerishnie will accompany Amber to Netherland. They both need R20,000.00 for this.

They have only raised money to cover minimal expenses. Mr Cloete says they need all the financial support they can get. We hope and trust that the community of Delft and others who can contribute to Amber and Kerishnie’s trip to please contact Mr Cloete at Kairos primary or Kersihnie at klottering26@gmail.com. Alternatively, they can contact DelfSTAR editor on 0219557017 or email the editor at godfrey@hitimemedia.co.za.

nians is like any other organisation whose focus group and target audience are coloured people.

She says they feel that there is a conspiracy to disempower coloured people completely [through lack of access to socio-economic opportunities and human rights matters].

"People are brought in from the Eastern Cape into the Western Cape. A young person from the Eastern Cape who has never been on the housing waiting list gets a house and an old coloured woman who has been waiting for over twenty or thirty years may wait until she dies and never had the opportunity to have their own house."

While Ms Nolan notes that her organisation has more than three hundred black members, she believes that, in general, black

Delft South Hitting High Jazzy Notes I always thought I didn’t have an ear for classical jazz. However, when I heard young guitarist Tyreese Stuurman Delft Suburban playing at a fundraising concert earlier this year, the notes from his guitar reverberated through every inch of my skin and I found myself utterly mesmerised.

From the moment he and his fellow young band members started playing, Stuurman seemed to transform from a 16-year old schoolboy into an angelic giant as he wowed the audience with his musical talent. The deafening response from the other members of the audience was an overwhelming indication that I wasn't the only one who felt this way about his performance. As the musician strummed his guitar under a starry sky, he seemed to be in a world of his own. Yet, he still managed to connect with the crowd. Young girls, ladies, and older women alike lost themselves in the music as they screamed in adulation. Young boys and men stared in silence as they watched the guitarist, some whistling with astonishment through their teeth, others whispering with slowly shaking heads, “Wow, wow, wow…”

Stuurman comes from a musical family.

His Yolanda mother sings in the worship team of the ‘Alive in Christ’ Church, his brother Marcelino plays the drums and his uncle is a guitarist. It was this uncle who saw the young boy’s potential and helped to nurture his latent talent, giving him his first guitar lesson at 12 years old. A year later, Stuurman joined the Jazzart Academy in Bonteheuwel, where he spent two years honing his musical skills and playing with other young musicians in a band.

Just two years after he took his first lesson, Stuurman was doing gigs across the Cape. A year later, he had the honour of being asked to play on stage with singer and former Idols SA winner, Paxton Fielies.

Sitting in front of me during our interview, Stuurman struck me as a typical teenager. I could barely believe he was the same person that I had seen standing up on that stage.

Perhaps the most impressive quality about this young man, besides his obvious musical gift, is his humility. When I expressed my admiration for his giftedness with the guitar, he just smiled modestly - as if making magic with the guitar is something anyone can do on any given day. On

people are reluctant to join the movement because they are afraid that they will be ostracised by other black people. She says the DA uses black people in their organisation as a front to portray themselves as a non-racial organisation.

Ms Nolan states that one of her organisation’s mandates is to stop corruption. “Our members are pushing us to become a political party. We started as a non-political movement, but our members want this and we must listen to what the people want.”

Ms Nolan concludes by pointing out that Gatvol Capetonians are not fighting either black or white people. They are simply fighting a system of injustice against coloured people in the Western Cape.

stage, he becomes a star that commands everyone into a transcendental appreciation of his musical gift. When he plays, one almost feels as if a celestial entity is turning the notes from his guitar into a language that every soul understands.

Stuurman has played in all the major theatres across Cape Town, including Artscape.

He has participated in the iconic V&A Waterfront Jazzathon and was featured on the morning edition of the television programme, Expresso.

Stuurman played his first big stage when he performed with the All-Star Band at the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

In addition to performing, Stuurman teaches music to the youth at his church. He is not only a brilliant guitarist, but an international ambassador for children and women’s rights. In April of 2018 and again in May of this year, he went to Sweden, where he captivated audiences from across the globe. "I didn't only play the guitar in Sweden, we also advocated for women and children's rights [in South Africa and participating countries across the world],” he says proudly. His eyes light up when he speaks about this, his other passion.

In August, Stuurman took part in the annual High School Jam, held at the Grand West Casino. Mr Sonn, principal of Bishop Lavis High school where Tyreese is a student, says the school is proud of him and that they support him in all his endeavours.

Contact Stuurman Entertainment on 062-320-4314 for any gigs.

If you’d like to experience the magic of this young man yourself, we have good news for you. On 7 September, fans will be able to catch him playing at Premium Sports Bar in Mitchell’s Plain.

Stuurman is one of the hundreds of young people in Delft who have achieved great things at a young age. He is a shining example to every young person in Delft that they can rise above their circumstances. He has these words of encouragement for his peers: "I would like to advise young people to attend school, to work hard and to never give up!”

6 DelfSTAR ADVERTISEMENTS

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September 2019

7 DelfSTAR INFORMATION

September 2019

WEATHER Source: AccuWeather

FRIDAY 6/9

22° / 13° SATURDAY 7/9

30° / 16° SUNDAY 8/9

23° / 14°

You could have an emotional catharsis this month as you're called to let go of the spiritual gunk that you've accumulated. One way to do this is by recognizing you need help and getting the care you need. Leaning on others makes you strong. Partnership brings love and opportunity.

It's your birthday season and you're the cosmic darling of the moment.

As you start to feel your power and allure rise, seek out ways to better pamper, nurture, and honor yourself. As such, it may be time to let go of a work situation that's become unhealthy. Your well-being is priority.

You're called to be the change that you want to see this month when it comes to your community. On the same token, you're encouraged to release friendships and associations that have become taxing. Now's the time to focus on your health and wellness. Adopt better habits.

You could bring a creative project to life that lands you in the spotlight or decide to take a romantic relationship to the next level (or not). Though overall, you may have a sudden realization about the ways you need to stop playing yourself small. Time to go within and heal.

You could reach a career milestone this month that puts you on top or decide to exit where you currently are in favor for something you're more passionate about. Overall, you're encouraged to follow your heart now and that goes for love and romance too. Make joy a priority.

A home or family related situation could come up this month and remind you that you can't always fly solo. You need the power of your community now if you want to get ahead. Friendships and connections can be forged and called upon now to help you accomplish your dreams.

It's possible that you could see your name in print this month or have soul-enriching experience (possibly though travel) that changes your worldview. Meanwhile, it's time to focus on your emotional nourishment and your definition of home. If looking to move, it can happen.

You could have a moment of clarity this month that helps you to see something in a new light. Perhaps this means seeing options where you thought you had none or receiving a big dose of hope. Either way, it's time to release fear and doubt. Professionally, things are about to take off.

If an intimate connection has been weighing you down, it's time to admit it and work on letting go. At the same time, your social calendar will be buzzing this month, so you'll barely have time to obsess over what you can't control. Conversations and new connections bring opportunity.

A financial matter may come to a head this month, but it could show you the ways you've been selling yourself short and settling for less than what you're due. Meanwhile, it's time for you to seek out the places, things, and people that inspire you. Start asking for more.

It could be make it or break it time for a significant relationship. Though as you come to your decision remember that it's not your job to fix anyone and that anyone on Team Virgo should be able to meet you where you are. Financially, you're looking good. Know your value.

This month could bring you a personal breakthrough of sorts, specifically where you may be holding yourself back through unhealthy or imbalanced connections with others. Consider this your call to ramp up your self-care and self-worth. Also, your finances can improve.

MONDAY 9/9

23° / 14° TUESDAY 10/9

22° / 13° WEDNESDAY 11/9

20° / 11°

8 DelfSTAR LOCAL STARS

September 2019

of the MONTH

My love for Delft is unshakable When one meets Giovanni Ballini for the first time, he comes across as a typical older gentleman. Yet this is no ordinary man.

Twenty-three years ago, Ballini left his hometown and white-Afrikaner cultural background to move to Delft and live here with his wife. Today, the couple have been married for twenty-five years. Mr and Mrs Ballini are parents to two boys and are also proud grandparents. Their eldest son, Demingo, is twenty-three years old and their youngest, Dominic, is twenty.

Now 59, Ballini sheds some light on his unusual decision to abandon his roots and join a new community. “I left my hometown because I had many black and coloured friends. I like to learn about other cultures. Where I come from they didn’t approve of my friends”, he explains.

Ballini shared with us that he decided to move to Delft because this is where his heart is and he feels happy and safe here. He particularly

enjoys the fact that in Delft, people don't bother each other about small things. For example, it is possible to set up a business in one’s yard or in front of it. He is free to work on his vehicles in his backyard without worrying that anybody is going to complain about it. This neighbourly attitude provides a welcome contrast to what he was used to in his hometown. According to Ballini, “You cannot operate a free enterprise where I come from. Life is challenging that side.

I didn’t feel free.”

Ballini was one of the earliest residents of Delft. When he came to live in the area, the town was made up of only two sections, Rosendal and Voorbrug. He admits that life wasn't easy for him when he decided to leave his cultural background and a place that favoured him, to come to live among people who not only looked different to him on the outside, but whose cultures and ways of life differed greatly from what he had grown up with.

At first, Ballini looked after the church, who gave him an old apartheid-style ambulance. This vehicle still stands on the premises where his business is today.

As a child, Ballini always wanted to become a mechanic when he grew up. His father encouraged him to work towards one day having his own business, preventing the need to work under a baas (boss). After finishing his studies, he started work as a qualified boilermaker. As busy as this job kept him, he managed to repair vehicles in his spare time.

Twenty years after starting his job as a boilermaker, he followed his father’s advice and made the decision to follow his dreams and start his own business as a mechanic. The church gave him the piece of land from which his business still operates.

Ballini has always had a heart for his fellow man and has a special affinity for people from other races and cultures, feeling closer to them than he does to members of the community in which he grew up. He tells us, “I feel more at home here than among my own people!”.

Inhabitants of the town of Delft have experienced, and continue to experience, many hardships. Being exposed to the adverse conditions that his fellow townsfolks have had to endure has motivated Ballini to do what he can to help them. He decided to host drifting and spinning events, which allowed him to raise funds. He put the earnings to good use, feeding women and children and supporting schools in Delft.

In addition to working as a mechanic, Ballini builds cars from scratch. "You see, there is nothing in front of you," he points to the empty

space between us. "Tomorrow I will start building a car right here from nothing!” The vehicles that he has built have been used for racing, drifting and spinning at Killarney Race Track and all over South Africa. “I am well-known. But it does not mean I have to brag and think I am better than anyone. I just love what I do,” he says passionately.

Ballini believes that what is important in life is not how much money you can make or how successful you can be. It is about helping others. It is about caring for your community.

Over the years, Ballini has trained and employed many men from the community who were unable to find work elsewhere. He has also taught his sons the ins and outs of motor mechanics and plans to pass the business on to them when he cannot work any longer. He says, "Life is about leaving a legacy!"

Ballini says that businesses must plough back into the community. He has this advice for his fellow man, “Stand up and go look for opportunities. There is something to do for everyone out there! Things aren’t always easy, but it will get better”. As someone whose entire place burned down to the ground a number of years ago, he is more than qualified to give this advice. Instead of losing hope, this tenacious man remembered his father’s words, “Never give up!” and, determined not to let this setback hold him back, simply picked himself up and started over again. What an inspiration to us all!

"International Activity" Catch full article next month 4 Students representing Delft and South Africa at the 5th World Goju-ryu World Championships in Malaysia 15th - 25th September 2019

Charmaine Martins

Darryl Maarting in red

Kyle Williams

Nico de Bruin

9 DelfSTAR GENERAL

September 2019

PUBLISHERS

NOTE Publishing the DelfStar newspaper has introduced me to many exciting and encouraging stories in Delft and has increased my love for this beautiful community. Stories that tell of an 80-year-old grandmother, Mrs Nellie Kleinsmith, taking karate lessons at Karate Kiyousei in Voorbrug; a toddler from Cairo Primary School flying to the Netherlands to represent us in aerobics and, of course, not forgetting the talented sporting duo from Delft Technical High who have been making waves in France.

Collecting these stories and putting them together is exhilarating and, at the same time, exhausting! However, I am not about to give up on my dream, as I believe the DelfStar newspaper is a small miracle which will help us to restore our dignity and unite the members of our diverse community.

Over the course of a month, there are writers to be contacted, story budgets to be updated, and edits to be completed. Then there's the final stretch as pages are designed and proofed, headlines and captions are written, final changes are made and then — with one press of a computer key — the whole month's work is sent to the printer. As a self-funded project, this newspaper was not supposed to exist, at least not for very long.

Yet, here we are, celebrating our second issue of Delft’s very own newspaper! We will also soon be increasing our online presence.

Hence, we would like to thank our advertisers, in particular those businesses that have believed in us from the very onset, i.e. Yammie and Sons on page 5, Dr Kathrada on page 6 and Dawoods Butchery on page 1.

If you want to help us make something big happen by allowing the newspaper to be

the best it can be, let's be in touch at: www.hitimemedia.co.za.

It is important that we tell our own stories and change the negative narrative that the mainstream media is painting about our community. Our community is not a war zone.

We are a loving community who all care about one another and that is what needs to be told by the DelfStar. If you look around Delft you will notice how our streets are flooded with vendors who exhibit their beautiful products freely and without fear or apology, as well as the consumers who flock to support their businesses. Just last Saturday afternoon, I myself bought a beautiful cupboard for my wife from one of the vendors in the main road.

I have recently appointed Leon Mbori, a 22-year-old magnificent young man from Thubelitsha as Chief Executive Officer of Hi-Time Media, and publisher of both DelfStar

newspaper and the Safety and Security Journal of South Africa.

Let us all support our youth as they lead us into the future.

The spirit of Ubuntu, Love and Peace grace our community as we prepare to celebrate Heritage month. We can never forget who we are, nor where we are heading.

Let Love Lead.

Elton Pienaar President Hi-Time Media / DelfStar elton@hitimemedia.co.za

Dear, Auntie Gadija

Did you KNOW?

Delft, a canal-ringed city in the western Netherlands, is known as the manufacturing base for Delftware, hand-painted blue-and-white pottery. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), regarded as center of technological research and development in the Netherlands Eindhoven is a city in the province of North Brabant in the south Netherlands. Known as a technology and design hub, home to the PSV soccer team.

Leiden is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. Home to the Netherlands’ oldest university and the birthplace of Rembrandt. Lovely Leiden boasts the second-largest Dutch city center after Amsterdam. The National Museum of Antiquities has an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts.

The Hague is a city on the western coast of the Netherlands and the capital of the province of South Holland.

The Hague is the seat of the Cabinet, the States General, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State of the Netherlands. The Hague is also home to the world headquarters of Royal Dutch Shell and other Dutch companies.

The Hague is known as the home of international law and arbitration. The International Court of Justice, the main judicial arm of the United Nations, is located in the city, as well as the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Europol, and approximately 200 other international governmental organisations.[10] Roosendaal is both a city and a municipality in the southern Netherlands, in the province of North Brabant.

For decades the countryside of Roosendaal was abandoned. Roosendaal turned into a prosperous and thriving town that was doing very well, both in trade generally and also, particularly in the peat business The leading football team of Roosendaal is RBC. Voorburg is a Dutch town and former municipality in the west part of the province of South Holland, the Netherlands.

Situated adjacent to the city of The Hague, it is often regarded as one of its suburbs.

My name is Mama Nomsa from Blikkiesdorp in Delft.

Our son was married in January. Five months later his wife, Mpilo had a ten-kilogram baby girl.

They said the baby was premature. Tell me, can a baby this big be that early?

Desperate Nomsa

Auntie Gadija’s answer DEAR Mama Nomsa, the baby was on time, the wedding was late. Love your grandchildren even if they arrive earlier then expected.

10 DelfSTAR BUSINESS FOCUS

September 2019

BONOLO security

Who are we?

Our training

Bonolo Security Services is a 100% black-owned security solutions service provider.

We offer a range of professional security services, including response security as well as providing security personnel at events. We are one of the first smaller community based security companies to offer accredited security training.

We believe that training and assessments an ongoing process and we apply this to ensure that our security staff performs at their optimal level at all times.

Our mission is to create a safe and secure environment for our clients through tailor-made security solutions, to manage and eliminate safety hazards & security risks from buildings, infrastructure, material, valuables and people. We pride ourselves to our commitment to professionalism. The level of stability and experiencing we bring put us in good stead to provide reliable and consistent services, to restore order, eliminate loss and contribute to growth and image enhancement of our client.

We further endeavor to always provide the highest quality security solutions in order to meet the expectations of our clients. We further commit ourselves expand and develop our learners’ knowledge about safety and security solutions that they may reach their full potential both in their personal as well as professional lives.

Our Facilitators, Assessors and Moderators are active field agents who do not only teach the skills, but practice what they preach and teach.

In our experience we have learned that operational success is measured on the ground, hence our security personnel are one of our biggest assets and caring for them forms an integral part of our culture at Bonolo.

Our Values are based on the fact that: We acknowledge that people are the most important assets. We believe in open communication. We believe in ethical business practices and we undertake to comply with social responsible initiatives.

Our Vision is to be the security service provider of choice.

Our Aim is: To restore order. To reduce or eliminate loss. And to contribute to business growth towards the enhancement of our client’s brand and image.

We pride ourselves in the training and preparation we do with our staff before the commencement of an event, as well as during and after it ended to ensure constant high standards.

In this way our security guards are not only able to protect your assets and your people, but also actively contribute to the enhancement of the image your organisation.

Our training center is registered to offer the following courses: •

Health and Safety

•

First Aid

•

Fire Fighting

•

Armed Response

•

Cash In Transit

•

Special Events

•

Retail

•

Banking

•

Security Grades (E, D, C, B, & A)

•

CCTV Operators Course

We ensure the highest level of safety and security services and continue to uphold it through our tailor-made services, which include: •

Commercial and Industrial Security

•

Special Events Security

•

Residential/Estate Protection

•

CCTV Services

•

Retail Security

•

Leisure and Tourism Security

•

Educational Institutions Protection

•

Corporate Events

•

Undercover Security

20 SIPRES STREET DELFT SOUTH, 7100 021 955 7017 072 883 7388 WWW.BONOLOSECURITY.CO.ZA

The BONOLO team

11 DelfSTAR INSPIRATIONAL

NOTICE

Plea from a desperate father of six My name is Theo Erasmus, I am a father of six from Blikkiesdorp who collect plastic and other recyclable materials that I sell to reputable scrapyards to provide for my family.

I have been doing this for the past two years after I was laid off my job. I couldn’t find work at the time and had to find a way to support my family. I decided that this is an honourable way of making money.

I am only one of many other fathers and men who are trying to make a decent living without having to be forced into criminal activities to sustain our families.

Sadly, some of us have been punished wrongly and unfairly by buntu courts and vigilante groups because they think we are stealing from them. I am aware that there are people who steal from people in the community under the guise of collecting recyclable materials from bins.

My plea with the community is to not kill and assault us and think that all of us are thieves or crooks. We are only trying to take care of our families because we cannot find work. I ask you to please help us by separating plastic and other recyclable materials that it is easier for us to pick collect and take away. This way you may also see who the real thieves are who are going into people’s yards to steal.

By collecting plastic we help to reduce the messy impact waste materials has on in our community and the environment.

Thank you for understanding and for assisting us make life easier for our children. *We, at DelfSTAR newspaper implore you to please listen to this father’s plea and to not judge and think these men are all the same. Kindly help these men with their endeavour to be good residents and to support their families. We are not condoning drug addicts and people who steal in our community. Yet, we can also not condemn everyone who is doing their utmost to make a decent living for themselves and their family.

We further advice residents to report any criminal activities to the Delft Police Station on 021-954 9000 and not take matters in your own hands, We thank the community of Delft for supporting one another and to make Delft a better community for all who live and visit here!

DelfSTAR Editor

September 2019

A celebration of

Women’s Resilience in Delft

The morning of 24 August saw a joyful and festive celebration of women resilience, hope and flourishing in spite of adversity. As part of women’s month, this festive functiorn took place at Hindle Secondary School in Delft and female educators and admin clerks from 17 primary and secondary schools in Delft attended the function.

Guests were treated to a musical performance by the Delft Youth choir and a guitar group consisting of local school learners. Liezl Byliefeldt presented her community research findings on the experiences of resilience of female educators in leadership positions. Guests each received a desert rose twig as a reminder of how to flourish and thrive despite difficult circumstances. The factors that have a positive influence on resilience levels are: passion, spirituality, self-care, focussing on strengths, self-development and the development of others.

The highlight of the morning was the keynote address by Jolene Martin, star of the television-drama “Arendsvlei” who delivered a powerful and inspiring message of hope.

The Blue Bus Community Ministries, who have been building resilient youth in Delft through various school-based projects, celebrated ten years of existence on the day and showcased some of the brilliant work that is done to uplift and empower youth and educators in Delft.

Izanette van Schalkwyk & Liezel Naidoo

Good Deeds Foundation - Thandi Fashion • • • • •

Beginners Sewing Project at Delft Technical High School 11h00 - 15h00 110 Baleles Street Leiden, Delft 7100 Saturday: Open for Community Memebers.

R30 per week.

Contact: Wageeda 084 016 1707 / Ms Titus: 074 757 6989

Newly constructed Vandalized RDP's

12 DelfSTAR SPORT

September 2019

SPORT When does the 2019 Rugby World Cup start?

The opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, September 20 as nations from all across the globe compete for the Webb Ellis Cup.

Where is the tournament being held?

Japan.

Who are the competing teams?

Upcoming National Matches

PSV EINDHOVEN vs SHINING STARS Back row left to right: Ref. Lallie - Gaillon Geduld - Colin Kouter - Mervin Claasen (captain) Samual Van Wyk - Marcelino Singh - Sergio Valentino - Abdul Essop.

Front row: Cole van Houten - Kyle Petersen - Damien Hermans Magmoed Jardien - Ridah Jattiem - Mikyle Isaacs

PSV Eindhoven Won 3-1 Goals scored by: Cole Van Houston Warren Vannel - Penalty Gailon Gedud - Penalty