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WHAT THE MATRICULANTS
YOU CAN STILL
HAD TO SAY
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ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM LIFE
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FESTIVAL OF LIGHT PAGE 10
STORIES FROM THE AFRICAN CONTINENT PAGE 7
City gets new banking partner ‘We believe the partnership will support the City as it rolls out the GDS 2040 Strategy through commitments undertaken during the bidding presentation on numerous aspects’ Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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City Manager Trevor Fowler
PIC: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY
he City of Joburg has entered into a new banking partnership with Standard Bank, after a tender bid in which participating banks were subject to the same rules, in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), says City Manager Trevor Fowler. “We believe the partnership with Standard Bank will support the City as it rolls out the GDS 2040 Strategy through commitments undertaken during the bidding presentation on numerous aspects, which are in
line with socio-economic transformation and the strategic objectives of the organisation.” In terms of the mandate, Standard Bank will provide the City with transactional banking services for the next five years. This includes payments, collections and liquidity management; property management; and comprehensive banking services for municipal employees, Fowler adds. The bank will also partner with the City on various socio-economic transformation initiatives. “To minimise fraud, no banking details like the actual account num-
ber and location of the branch will be supplied by the customer. There is already a unique Customer Identify Number (CIN) of the bank for City of Johannesburg customers. This will be shown on the computer screen a Standard Bank branch each time the customer deposits payment,” Fowler says. Standard Bank’s Head of Transactional Product and Services, Neil Surgey says the bank has been an integral part of Joburg for 126 years. “ We are delighted to be appointed official bankers to the City and believe that this partnership will benefit all Johannesburg’s citizens.”
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INNER-CITY GAZETTE
NEWS
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
Residents attend a literacy lesson at the Kha ri Gude project. PICS: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY
Literacy project improves prospects Angel Khwiyane news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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The campaign aims at renovating buildings like this one in Kerk Street in the joburg CBD. PICS: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY
City’s rejuvenation drive Process under way to identify properties that have been taken over by slumlords Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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he City of Joburg’s drive to turn Johannesburg into a world-class African city has shifted into top gear. Named the Inner City Property Scheme (ICPS), the campaign is designed to turn old and dilapidated buildings into habitable, highly attractive and user-friendly homes. The campaign is also aimed at achieving one of the City’s Vision 2040 key objectives – increasing economic growth, accelerating prosperity and improving the quality of life of its residents. Sizwe Mafunga, of the City’s Land and Property Unit, which operates under Member of the Mayoral Committee Ruby Mathang’s Economic Development portfolio, said that in addition to the rejuvenation of the city, the unit has been charged with the responsibility of
enhancing economic development. “We also aim to improve the city’s revenue streams by restoring all properties to active rate-paying status, convert all properties under illegal occupation to legal tenancy, restore abandoned properties to legal title and restore private sector confidence in the city to stimulate investment,” said Mafunga. The City has a portfolio of about 200 buildings it owns in the inner city that fall under the category of ‘bad buildings’. A process is already under way to identify properties that have been abandoned by their original owners taken over by slumlords. Mafunga said the council was extremely concerned about the squalid conditions many of these buildings were in. “It is the city’s aim and objective to renovate these buildings and help people to live in habitable conditions,” said Mafunga.
As part of the inner city renewal programme, plans are under way to complete a new housing development in Berea, which will comprise 122 units. Another development consisting of 150 units in Noverna Court, Hillbrow has been completed. Mafunga said although there were still some buildings being illegally occupied, the city was winning the fight against the scourge. The council is encouraging upand-coming property developers to come together and form single companies to ensure excellent workmanship. Illegal occupation of disused buildings has always been a problem for the city because it cannot recoup tariffs from occupants as they are not in the city’s database. Mafunga said the City had in many cases experienced difficulties in seizing control of some of the buildings because of legal action launched by the property owners.
n adult literacy project in Tudhope Avenue, Berea, helps improve employment chances for elderly residents, according to its spokesperson Dolly Mehlomakhulu. She says the project, called Kha ri Gude (let us learn), is a pre-ABET adult school sponsored by the Department of Education since 2008. “The campaign, which runs from June to December involves adults mostly over 40 years old, and have not been to school their entire lives because of circumstances of the past
situation,’’ Mehlomakhulu said. She added that they hope the campaign never closes because their students benefit from the lessons. “Our students want to see themselves as workers who earn better salaries. We have students working within the Community Works Programme (CWP) where they earn little money, and would like to improve their prospects. We don’t want them to end up getting into gambling hoping to raise some money or to depend on other people to survive,” Mehlomakhulu added. The literacy centre can be reached through telephone 082 645 5329.
Minister tables spending freeze Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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inance Minister Pravin Gordhan has unveiled several initiatives to reign-in the deficit and improve the impact of spending by investing the balance of resource allocation in new infrastructure. Presenting his Budget Policy Statement in the National Assembly, Gordhan said the budget deficit was expected to widen from 4.2% in 2011/12 to 4.8% in 2012/13, before falling to 4.5% of GDP in 2013/14 and narrowing to 3.1% by 2015/16. The National Treasury has proposed reforms on developing a procurement system that prioritises value for money and that strengthens the fight against corruption. It also wants to as-
SUMMER SPECIALS
sign authority and improve capacity within the National Treasury to investigate the value for money associated with tenders. There is also a plan to strengthen the anti-corruption system by providing additional resources to agencies such as the Office of the Public Protector, the Anti-Corruption Task Team and others, he said. ACDP MP Steve Swart said: “He sent a strong message to investors and credit rating agencies, that we are following a prudent fiscal path with debt consolidation to reduce our debt.” DA MP Tim Harris said the spending freeze would consolidate fiscal consolidation, which pleases investors. The IFP’s Mario Ambrosini said the middle-class would suffer the most with sluggish growth, through higher costs for electricity and food.
VACANCY
PROPERTY MANAGER Our Property Management company seeks self-starter to join our team to grow our portfolio. The successful candidate will have a tertiary education, 5 -10 years’ experience in Property Management. Email : jobs.themba@gmail.com
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
INNER-CITY GAZETTE
EDUCATION
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WHAT THE MATRICULANTS HAD TO SAY Compiled by Kgothatso Mokhonoana and Angel Khwiyane
Mandy Mphahlele Jeppe Educational Centre
I am excited about writing the exams because I have been studying throughout the year. I hope to get straight A’s.
Mapule Mathebe Jeppe Educational Centre
Exams are stressing as usual. I failed during the year but I hope for a pass this time around as I have been studying hard.
Mosala Meswi Metropolitan College
The first paper that we wrote on Monday was easy, I am confident that I am going to pass. I hope to get five distinctions.
Nontobeko Siwela
Siphokazi Nkwindana
Freedom Community College
Freedom Community College
So far the exams are not as hard as I expected. I studied hard and got help from other students.
At first I was scared because of the pressure from the newspapers, TV and former matriculants. After the first paper I felt relived and looking forward to all the papers.
27-28 October 2012 @ Museum Africa, Newtown
www.khanyacollege.org.za 011 336 9190
Themba Nkutha Metropolitan College
I wrote English Paper One on Monday and it was easy. On Thursday I will be writing Physical Science which is a tricky subject. I aim to get at least three distinctions. We had a school camp and I gained a lot from it, which prepared us.
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INNER-CITY GAZETTE
LEADER
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
Provide more recreational facilities COMMENT It is now considered an annual ritual that towards the end of the year many people celebrate the season by consuming large amounts of liquor. But often many of those who ‘celebrate the season’ would not have achieved anything tangible during the entire year; which drives them to want to ‘drown their sorrows’, as the old saying goes. In trying to comfort themselves for failing to reach their targets, if they had any, they end up drowning themselves in the alcohol, which often leads to a myriad of unpleasant circumstances, death and untold suffering. Conversely, most achievers know how to celebrate their achievements. They may not consume too much alcohol as to make fools of themselves or fail to control their actions. They know that liquor is a harmful substance that has no future and is responsible for many deaths. It is also often associated with some of the worst social ills. The most unfortunate part of this perennial social disorder is that youths who are below the legal age restriction to consume liquor often join their seniors in drinking. Often the youths do not afford the liquor, but have it provided by their elders. This may not be the time to bash the authorities as we often do when we blame ourselves for our many societal ills. Nonetheless, it becomes a time to urge those in authority to observe stricter enforcement of the regulations that govern provision and consumption of liquor; and most importantly the rules that ensure the safe use of motor vehicles in roads. Benefits of this are obvious, reduced number of fatal accidents and improved social cohesion.
Distribution – Free copies door to door delivery weekly to all households and businesses in the Joburg inner-city. Inner-City Gazette welcomes editorial contributions from readers. They may raise new issues or respond to articles published in the paper. Contributions may be sent to the editor’s address below. Published by Inner-City Gazette 149 Pritchard Street, Johannesburg 2000 Tel : 011 023 - 7588 011 024 - 8210 011 402 - 1977 Fax : 086 609 8601 Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co.za Printed by Paarlcoldset(Pty)Ltd
All rights and reproduction of articles, images and other items published in this publication are reserved in terms of Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act 96 (1978) and its amendments thereof.
Inner-City Gazette subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we do not live up to the code please contact the press ombudsman on 011 484-3612 or 011 484 - 3618 or ombudsman@presscouncil.org.za .
After reading an article in your paper about a newly formed soccer club (Inner-city Gazette, 18 -25 October) I wondered where the players would practice and play their matches in the Johannesburg inner-city. I wondered because in the inner-city there are very few football grounds to for its residents. Considering that the area has a huge population, once estimated at over a million, there is hardly 50 soccer grounds in the entire area. My friends and I once formed our own soccer club in 2007, but when we sought a place to practice and play we realised that there was no such place for us. We ended up practising at the nearest park, but not for long before the municipality kicked us out. This therefore makes me realise that many soccer talents go undiscovered because the city does not provide enough soccer grounds for the thousands of young people who would be the soccer heroes of South Africa in the future, if given a chance. I would ask the municipality to develop open spaces like where buildings were demolished as soccer and other recreational facilities. Nthuseni Ratshitanga Berea
Tribute to Bra Alf Khumalo His humility took him far and close to people, he used photography to make friends the world over Isaac Mangena
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t was on the first day, the opening of the 2010 Fifa World Cup when I heard a voice behind me say: “sorry, I need your help”. I turned around and saw a short, old man with cameras and lenses strapped to his body. They looked heavy on him. He was wearing a balaclava, rolled township-style into a hat. This man pleaded, with a full smile, that I help get him into the stadium. I was a media volunteer and on that day was issuing SAD passes to the media, and this man needed that pass. His name was not on the list. I realised it was Bra Alf Khumalo. Like many of the other photographers he had at least three cameras and lenses with him but held in his hand, as he always did, an old film camera. I’ve wondered why he was still using it in this digital age, but never asked him. With vuvuzelas blurring outside and the media making its way into the stadium Bra Alf looked restless, he was itching for action. He needed this. He needed one last great moment to document. He couldn’t afford to miss the first football extravaganza in Africa. This is one of our greatest lensmen, I thought, he’s always been there to capture the moment. I had read about how he had forced his way through hostile Africa, even arrested briefly, to ensure he got to the Rumble in the Jungle fight
between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. I couldn’t refuse him what might be his last, our last, big sporting spectacle in Africa – a stone’s throw away from his house in Soweto. I gave him a pass and promised to give him day passes to other games. He was grateful, a humble man. He smiled and said “thank you”. I got another thank you from him the next time he came around – he took a photo of me. He gave me his business card and told me to collect my photo from his office. I promised to but never got a chance. Bra Alf told me about the launch of his new book 8115: Prisoner’s Home. He had launched Through My Lens a year earlier. Things were looking good for him. I asked him to greet Jabu, his son, also a photographer, at the Sunday Sun and Daily Sun. He was surprised that I knew Jabu. I told him I had worked with his son and how good he was with the camera. This was Bra Alf’s chance to brag. He didn’t. I had picked up the same from Jabu during the years we’d worked together – he never really talked about his father or bragged. Actually many of us didn’t know he was Bra Alf’s son. Even when Alf received accolades internationally and locally, including the Order of Ikhamanga in 2004 or was invited to lunch with Nelson Mandela, Jabu never made much of it. Those who worked and lived with Bra Alf say he was a historian,
The late Bra Alf Khumalo
teacher and someone who liked sharing. It’s not surprising that he shared his house in Soweto with upand-coming photographers. His humility took him far and close to people, he used photography to make friends the world over. I had personally never worked with him, I wasn’t even an idea in my mum’s head when he took his first
PIC: TERRENCE MTOLA/MZI IMAGES
photo but I’m glad, like many, that I was touched and inspired by this extraordinary individual. RIP Mntungwa! Isaac Mangena is a Chapter Nine Communicator/activist. He is a former TV and newspaper journalist who focuses on African and international news, previously with Media24 and Agence France-Presse.
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
INNER-CITY GAZETTE
COMMERCIAL
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INNER-CITY GAZETTE
NEWS
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
Building management controversy Residents accuse property company of mismanagement Akhona Zibonti akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za
S Florence Bhunu
ome unit owners at the Hunters Hill apartment building in Hunter Street, Yeoville say Landsec Property Management and Compeg Services mismanage their building
and overcharge them ‘to subsidise the expenses of the body cooperate’. The allegations extend to claiming that the body cooperate has been managing the building illegally, as it has failed to produce valid audited financial statements, contractual
agreements and all the documentation that validates its legality. One of the residents, Florence Bhunu, 89, said she has been staying in this building for 15 years. “They have been managing the building for more than five years, we are charged ridiculous amounts,
saying the money will go towards maintaining the building. But we don’t have a functioning elevator, and the lights in the passages have not been working for a long time. A few years back I had a stroke, and not having a lift in the building limits me, as I take a long time to get downstairs,” she added. Responding to the allegations Compeg and Landsec portfolio manager Collin Mokoena said in all matters pertaining to the building they deal with the building’s trustees or the owners. “Each time there is a problem that needs solving we always send people to attend to it. In regards to other issues of the building we had no idea about this, which is why we will try and organise a meeting with the trustees. Clearly there is a lot we don’t know,” he added. Ward 67 Councillor Sihlwele Myeki said it is important for people to be conscious of what is happening in their buildings, to avoid matters such as these. “The City may not be of assistance because the building is managed by a private company. These people will keep with it if they accept this treatment,” Clr Myeki added.
ID call centre for Class of 2012 matrics Own Correspondent A dedicated call centre has been made available by the Department of Home Affairs to assist the Class of 2012 with their ID queries. Making the announcement on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor said the call centre would be operational effectively from 22 October 2012. She also committed the department and its officials to ensuring that no effort was spared to finalise all outstanding ID queries for Grade 12 learners. Learners with queries are invited to call the following numbers for assistance: * 072 634 0414 * 072 634 0683 * 072 634 0589 * 072 634 0408 Pandor further made a special call to all Grade 11 learners in particular to make sure they apply for their IDs on time so that they can register for their matric examinations next year. “IDs are a passport to a better life, including matric examinations and accessing further education and training, and many other opportunities,” she reminded learners. She further wished the Class of 2012 all the best as they embarked on this final step of their school careers. SAnews.gov.za
If you have news stories or tips please contact Angel on 082 091 2173 or email news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
I NNER-CITY GAZETTE
NEWS
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FACES OF WARD 62 WARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Duduzile N Ngubeni Health & Social Development 1 0783653799
Foster T Moteme Community Development 2 0723782209
Fulufhelo O Marubini Housing 0721325404
Mbuyiseni J Msomi Community Development 1 0731632572
Councillor ZD Shezi 0825969774
Siphamandla Mutwanamba Tankiso D Moruane Transport Finance & Economic Development 0724249601 0823993639
Mphato B Mampuru Public Safety 0722622106
Thethiwe R Mbongo Development Planning 0827320813
Andile B Mfobela Environment & Infrastructure 0738265119
*Information compiled by Tebogo Selowa
Plan to oust Islamists
SA peacekeeper slain
FOCUS ON AFRICA
Bamako - African leaders have met here to prepare plans for a military intervention in the north, which is controlled by al-Qaeda-linked rebels. Friday’s meeting brought together ministers from neighbouring countries Mali, the AU chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and envoys from the UN. The US, France and Britain have pledged logistical support, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma but the invasion needs to be led by African troops. On the sidelines of the meeting, Dlamini-Zuma said the entrenchment of ‘terrorists’ was a threat that could not be ignored, and the danger extends beyond Africa. Dlamini-Zuma’s comments came as Mali’s president Dioncounda Traore, said on Friday that not a second should be lost to recapture the north from armed Islamists. The region fell under control of radical Islamist groups following a March coup. Mali’s neighbours, fearing the area becoming a haven for al-Qaeda that Afghanistan was a decade ago, are keen to drive the Islamists out. In the northern region, the fighters have tried to enforce Sharia law, arresting unveiled women, stoning to death unmarried couples and amputating the limbs of suspected thieves, according to residents and rights groups.
Omar al-Bashir
Khartoum - A South African peacekeeper was killed in an ambush on a UN convoy in the restive province of Darfur on Thursday, the UN said. Members of the UN Mission (UNAMID) in Darfur were checking out reports of violence in the northern part of the province when they came under heavy fire, a UNAMID statement reported. The peacekeepers returned fire, but one of their members died and three more were wounded. The UN Security Council condemned the attack and demanded that Sudanese officials swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. This is the second fatal attack on the peacekeeping mission this month, after the October 2 killings of four Nigerian troops. Since the UN force was deployed in 2007; 43 UNAMID members have been killed. The UN says 300 000 people have been killed since 2003 in the rebellion, but the government puts the death toll at 10 000. The conflict has led to war-crimes charges against President Omar al-Bashir and his defence minister. In 2011, a peace deal was signed between the government and one rebel group, the Liberation and Justice Movement, but three other rebel groups have refused to sign.
Kismayo
Six killed in coup bid
Arms shipment seized
Bissau - The government has accused Portugal and former Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior of backing a coup bid after a gunbattle that claimed six lives. Gunmen attacked an elite army unit barracks near the airport on Sunday. Communications Minister Fernando Vaz said Portugal and Gomes Junior instigated an attempt at destabilisation. “They aim to undermine the political process and bring Gomes Junior back to power,” he added. Witnesses said the raid was led by Capt Pansau N’Tchama, who headed a commando unit that assassinated ex-president Joao Bernardo Vieira in 2009. It was not immediately clear why N’Tchama might have carried out the assault, but he is a former associate of the government overthrown in April. That coup toppled the government of Carlos Gomes Junior, interrupting a presidential election which he was leading after the first round. N’Tchama, a former member of the Red Berets, returned last week from Portugal, where he had been undergoing military training since July 2009. Army chief-of-staff Gen Antonio Indjai, who led the April coup, visited the barracks and army headquarters after Sunday’s attack. Following the April coup his junta ostensibly gave power to a transitional government, and chose Manuel Nhamadjo to be interim president.
Mogadishu - Regional governor Abdisamad Gallan says a large consignment of weapons destined for Islamist militants in north-eastern Somalia has been seized. Gallan said a boat said to have come from Yemen delivered sacks full of land mines and artillery. The discovery was made after a tip-off from residents in Qandala, Gallan said. The al-Shabab group says it wants to strengthen its presence in Puntland. The al-Qaeda-aligned group once dominated all of central and southern Somalia, but has now lost all the major towns it once controlled, although it still occupies many rural areas. Somalia descended into a patchwork of territories controlled by rival warlords and clans after the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991. Gallan, the governor of Puntland’s Bari province, said it was believed that the boat had travelled from Yemen. The crew escaped on their boat before they could be questioned, but Qandala residents said they were foreigners. Earlier this week, an al-Shabab website, Amiirnuur, said the militants were expanding their activities into Puntland and intended to show its residents the true path of Islam. The group follows the Saudi-inspired Wahhabi version of Islam, while most Somalis are Sufis.
Joyce Banda
Frontier talks to restart Lilongwe - Tanzania and Malawi plan to restart negotiations on 27 October in a bid to find an amicable solution to the border dispute that threatens to jeopardize diplomatic relations. Lake Nyasa has been a source of disagreements since colonial times, which were rekindled recently when Malawi claimed ownership of the whole lake and allowed gas and oil exploration in the lake. Tanzanian Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary John Haule said the forthcoming
talks would help solve the conflict permanently. “We had planned to have talks with Malawian officials over the lake between October 10 and 15 this year, but due to some circumstances we failed. We are therefore prepared for the talks on October 27,” Haule said. In early October Malawian President Joyce Banda made an order calling off discussions with Tanzania before threatening to take the matter to the International Court of Justice
(ICJ). However, Malawi later withdrew its decision and agreed to negotiate the boundary issue with Tanzania. Early this week, rumours spread that the Malawian government had given Tanzanian ambassador Patrick Tsere 48 hours to leave, amid escalating the border dispute between the neighbours. The news was later dismissed as absolutely false.
Mohammed Gallan
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INNER-CITY GAZETTE
NEWS
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
Briefing on new police station Akhona Zibonti akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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Clr Sihlwele Myeki PIC: MAURICE SMITHERS
ard 67 recently held a public meeting at the Yeoville recreation centre, in which the development of the new police station was discussed. The station is being developed by Masingita group of companies, a black owned property development, construction and management company. Ward 67 Councillor Sihlwele
Myeki said this development will benefit everyone. “It will see to it that 65% of the employee force comes from Ward 67 residents, and the rest will be shared among Hillbrow, Berea and Bellevue.” Masingita group of companies founder Mike Nkuna said they have developed a number of properties in and around Johannesburg. “We couldn’t move with developments without first consulting the community, we want to work with the people of this area for
developments to be expedited.” The group’s CEO, Timothy Phiri said this is a partnership with the government where in which they would lease the building to the Department of Public Works. “Through this partnership we were given 10 months to complete the project. We have indicated a need for a community liaison officer as a matter of urgency, who will plan on how to appoint subcontractors and labourers who will come from the community.”
CRIME BRIEFS Robbed man asked to come forward Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za
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oburg police have asked a male robbery and stabbing victim to come forward at Johannesburg Central police station, police spokesperson Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele says. He explains that the man was robbed and stabbed at the corner of Noord and Hoek streets in the morning of 21 October this year. “The suspects were captured by CCTV cameras while robbing the victim of his cellphone. They grabbed the victim’s cellphone and a struggle ensued. One of the suspects took out a sharp object and stabbed the victim in his upper body. Metro police officers rushed to the scene and followed the suspects, until they arrested one of them at corner King George and Leyds streets,” W/O Mbele says. He adds that the suspect then appeared in court but the prosecutor declined to prosecute him because the victim is not known. “The suspect was released but the case can be reinstated at court if the victim comes forward,” W/O Mbele adds. The robbery and stabbing victim may contact the investigating officer Warrant Officer Ratopola on telephone number 076 343 0246 or 011 497 7427.
Joburg crime operation nets 100 suspects Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za
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ast weekend Joburg police arrested 108 crime suspects for various offences during crime combating operations in the CBD, according to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele. He explains that among the suspects were those in connection with armed robbery, six for common robbery, two for attempted business robbery, four for possession of suspected stolen property, three for theft out of motor vehicle and one for business breaking. “The rest of the suspects were arrested for allegedly committing other crimes ranging from housebreaking and theft, dealing in drugs, kidnapping, intimidation, fraud, shoplifting, domestic violence, assault common, assault GBH, drunk and driving, to theft and drinking in public,” W/O Mbele adds.
25 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2012
INNER-CITY GAZETTE
NEWS
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Jobs for the unskilled Kgothatso Mokhonoana news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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he City’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) seeks to create jobs for unemployed and unskilled people through programmes and projects to be rolled out across all city entities and departments, according to spokesperson Nkosinathi Nkabinde. He says the City set itself a goal to create over 150 000 job opportunities over the next five years through the EPWP. “EPWP is in its second phase of implementation since its inception during the 2004-2005 final years. The programme is driven by specially appointed EPWP champions in each sector. All sectors are required to afford opportunities to unskilled and unemployed young people through labour intensive projects. Targeted job opportunities will be created in various sectors, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure projects and green economy “he said. Nkabinde adds that more than 30 732 job opportunities were created
from July 2011 to June 2012 in the city. “During phase one the City had targeted 120 00 opportunities, but exceeded the target and created 153 835 job opportunities, with a bulk of jobs created in infrastructure and the economic sector. Over 12 129 jobs were created for youth, 8 614 went to women while 198 people living with disabilities were employed.” He adds that in the next five years the City aims for 40 percent beneficiaries to be women, 30 percent youth and two percent to people with disabilities. “The City has shared its best practices in the implementation of EPWP with the likes of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, City of Cape Town, City of Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini Metro, and City of Tshwane, Westonaria Municipality, Randfontein Municipality and Msunduzi Municipality,” he adds. He says the Joburg 2040, Growth Development Strategy, among other critical issues, talks about a need to reduce poverty, stimulate economic growth and job creation.
To be renovated and converted ... the Nederberg building. PICS: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY
Retirement home
to be converted ‘We must first ensure proper consultation with the elderly people and integrate them into proper old age homes and support them as best as we can’ Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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Some members of the Retro Style group.
Youth fashion association Angel Khwiyane news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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group of Johannesburg youths have formed a fashion design association called Retro Style, which is made up of 18 individuals from different professions. The group’s spokesperson, Siyabonga Ngwenya says through their group they hope to inspire other youths through art and grow as a crew. “Our aim is to inspire youth. Our members are all passionate about fashion, and we all have different talents that we bring together to focus on fashion.” Ngwenya says his Retro Crew fashion group consists of make-up artists, rappers, skaters, fashion stylists and a photographer. ‘’ We are art and it is not an act but a habit. Nowadays
people follow a trend called izikhothane which is about label and how expansive it is. We want to change it by showing people how one can be stylish without being expensive,’’ he said. He adds that so far they have quite a number of youth who admire their style, and giving them the carriage to make it. The Retro Crew members sell the clothing they design. “We want to organize an event whereby youth will show their artistic talent. We also hope to get sponsors and have a never ending journey,’’ he added. For more information contact phindilekhambule@gmail.com
he Nederberg old age home, opposite the Anglican Church in Joubert Park is to be renovated and converted into a block of rental flats once adequate consultation has been completed, and all tenants have been suitably relocated. This is a 11 storey building consisting of 53 apartments; situated on the corner of Wolmarans and Nugget streets in Joubert Park Owned by the City of Joburg, the structure was built in 1968 and has been operating as an old age facility since 1986. A survey by the Housing Department and Emergency Services found that major plumbing needs to be carried out. The electrical installation requires rewiring, the lifts are over 40 years old, excessive noise levels and some areas of the building are non-compliant with the City’s fire regulations. “This building definitely does not
comply with the Older Persons Act (OPA) of 2006 with respect to services or the building itself,” says Housing MMC Clr Dan Bovu. He said that whether it remained an old age facility or converted into flats it was necessary to undertake refurbishment. “It would be cheaper to convert to rental flats and at the same time meeting a pressing need for such accommodation in the inner city. We must first ensure proper consultation with the elderly people and integrate them into proper old age homes and support them as best as we can, as they adjust to their new homes.” He added that it would cost up to
DRAPING DECO DRAPING-DECO 3-DAYS SPECIAL WALL-MAIN TABLE & THEORY TENT, HALL, etc. Dressmaking, Fashion Designing, Bedding-Curtaining, etc. Tlhabologang Fashion-School Tel:0118362577/4922548 Email : tlhabologangfs@telkomsa.net
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R2 million or more if the building remained an old age facility in order to meet all requirements as stipulated in the OPA 2006. Discussions with all relevant stakeholders will take place soon and it is envisaged that the first of the 52 tenants will be moved from November 2012 to one of four facilities within a 15 kilometre radius of the Nederburg building, he said. After the relocation of the elderly residents the building would be handed over to the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), which will go out on tender for procurement of conversion work by July 2013, MMC Clr Bovu added.
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Good start for matric exams Another candidate gave birth around 5am in morning and opted to write the examination in hospital, where an invigilator was dispatched Own Correspondent
Colour and glamour at the festival.
Brisk activity at the Mary Fitzgerald Square. PICS: SUZY BERNSTEIN
Festival promises ‘cracking activity’ ‘This gives South Africans a chance to celebrate life and light’ Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
T
he Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown once again comes to life with the annual Diwali celebration on 3 November. Last year’s event was attended by over 15 000 people who took in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the biggest festival in the Hindu cal-
endar. Presented by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), in association with FNB, this year’s theme is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family). The chairperson of the Gauteng branch of SAHMS Sinthal Ramiah says this year’s event promises to surpass last year’s celebration, as the body representing Hinduism in the country is celebrating its cente-
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nary in South Africa this year. “Family is very important in the Hindu culture, and there will be something for everyone, no matter how young or old they are,” Ramiah says. This year’s festival will see about 60 stalls, selling everything from Indian cuisine and clothing to gifts, toys, CDs, DVDs and jewellery. Ramiah adds that children will be kept busy creating a giant decorative design called a Rangoli and painting clay lamps, and both children and adults will be entertained by the clowns and jugglers moving through the square as well as traditional music and dance. “Diwali is a time to give. It is important to continue holding such celebrations, to constantly remind us of these important values at the true meaning to life. These celebrations are not only about maintaining our culture and traditions, they’re about sharing them with the people of South Africa, no matter their religion or background. Diwali gives South Africans a chance to come together and celebrate life and light, with good food and entertainment,
and shopping,” adds Ramiah. FNB Gauteng provincial head Howard Arrand says his company is committed to supporting various communities in South Africa. “This is why we are proud sponsors of the Diwali festival. We sincerely hope that the event brings all our Hindu customers contentment and prosperity,” Arrand adds. The organisers of the show have stated that the entertainment, which starts at 10am, will culminate in a show-stopping finale that includes a magnificent fireworks display accompanied by some sensational Bhangra beats from the ever-popular DJ Zuby. Ample street parking is available in and around Newtown. Free parking is also available at the driving school area across the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and at the Oriental Plaza from 5pm; with a free shuttle service to and from Mary Fitzgerald Square. Visitors can also park for a minimal fee at 1 Central Place, on the corner of Jeppe and Henry Nxumalo streets in Newtown. For more visit www.sahms.org.za.
T
he first day of the 2012 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams got off to a good start without incidents or irregularities, says Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. Monday marked the first day of the final matric exams, where 527 266 full time and 32 789 part time candidates sat for English Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language Paper 1. Motshekga, who was concerned about the recent heavy rains in the Eastern Cape and thought that they could negatively affect the transportation of school children, was relieved when receiving a report that there were only minor challenges experienced. “I’m happy to announce that reports coming in from the Eastern Cape indicate that we only experienced challenges in the Ngqamakhwe area in Butterworth, wherein the start of the exams in certain schools was delayed by 20 minutes. Candidates were, however, provided with the allocated time,” Motshekga said. No incidents were reported in the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West. In Western Cape, two schools in the Overberg area were affected by the weather and five candidates from Swartberg Secondary started the examination at 9:20am because the school bus they were travelling in got stuck in mud due to floods. “One candidate at Kairos Secondary School had to be fetched from home using a 4x4 vehicle, also as a result of floods in the area. All candidates managed to write the examination and were compensated for the 20 minutes,” said Motshekga. She commended the determination displayed by learners across the country to do well in the exams. On Monday morning, Motshekga was at the Pretoria East Hospital to hand over papers to a learner from Limpopo, who wrote to the department requesting permission to sit for the NSC examinations in hospital, where he is receiving specialized treatment. Another candidate from the Northern Cape gave birth around 5am in morning and opted to write the examination in hospital, where an invigilator was dispatched. The candidate started writing at 10am and was compensated for the lost time. - SAnews.gov.za
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Hillbrow karate club wins medals Members of the Hillbrow karate club display their medals.
Kgothatso Mokhonoana news@inner-city-gazette.co.za The Hillbrow Karate Club won 22 medals at the South African Championships in Limpopo at the Polokwane recreation centre on 20 October. Club instructor Takalani Mushavhanamadi said they competed against six provinces in Kata (demonstration) and Kumite (fighting).
They collected 12 gold, five silver and five bronze medals. “We have five junior divisions and senior black belts. Black belt Sanele Mahlangu won in Kata and was third in Kumite, Cosnett Ndlovu took position one both in Kata and Kumite, which makes him 2012 champion in Karate,” he said. Mushavhanamadi said Josiah Muhone won a gold medal in Kata and bronze in Kumite, Phaswiy Bu-
lasigobo got a bronze medal and Lucky Nhlengetwa got position four in Kata. “Bulasigobo is the South African champion in Kumite and Nhlengetwa is a silver medallist,” he added. He said in this division they selected fighters of the year, Bulasigobo and Nhlengetwa from the same club fought against each other for the championship as they were the last men standing , they were later nomi-
nated fighters of the year. “Emelin Sibanda is a silver medallist in Kata and the current SA champion in Kumite she got a gold medal. Lady under-18 Audrey Mdluli is last year’s champion.” He added that Sabelo Ncube, the SA champion in Kata took fourth place in Kumite. Under-14 boy Mogomotsi Mothibinyane was awarded a silver medal. Under 12 boys Zubenathi Mapapu got a silver medal in Kata
PIC: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY
and fourth in Kumite, Silindokuhle Ntengento is the SA Kata champion and bronze medalist in Kumite. “We had two under -8 boys Mohau Masehela got a bronze in Kata and was nominated SA champion in Kumite. Phindulo Madzute is a new member, this was his first fight and he managed to get fourth place he has been practicing for a month I believe he will get better with time,” said Mushavhanamadi.
Drug awareness sports Akhona Zibonti akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za
P
The Ithemba Study Centre netball team.
artnering with the Department of Community Safety the Yeoville Youth Desk held a drug awareness soccer and netball event at the Yeoville Recreation Centre. Coordinator Cst Thabo Malatji said they are using sports to bring the community together. “It helps the youth to learn to appreciate one another, we are showing the vulnerable that a life of drugs doesn’t pay, and also equipping their minds and body to be disciplined enough to have ability to say no.” He added that the event was not to be once off. “It is a weekly
event with programmes on a continuous basis, so that everyone can be part of the scenario.” Participation consisted of four schools in the under13 and 16, and two senior teams consisting of the police stations car washing team and the community. This saw Bellevue primary and high schools in netball winning the trophy, in
the under 13 soccer Yeoville community won, and Ithemba Study Centre won the under 16 competition. Hillbrow cluster coordinator Velephi Mahlakwane said it is within their mandate to empower the Youth Desk and support their campaigns. “Apart from getting involved in the campaign we equip them with skills.”