Inner City Gazette

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4995 28 June - 5 July 2012 TEL : 011 023-7588 / 011 402 - 1977

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SOCIAL COHESION BREAKFAST

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STORIES FROM THE AFRICAN CONTINENT PAGE 7

YOUR DREAM CANNOT DIE

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Halala Joburg Awards day...JDA director Wellington Thwala, JHC manager Mpolokeng Setsubi, Makhulong manager Lindiwe Malinga and MMC Clr Ross Greef

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INNER-CITY GAZETTE

NEWS

28 JUNE - 5 JULY 2012

Halala awards event The awards celebrate programmes and individuals that have made a difference in regenerating the inner-city whose projects embrace Joburg’s philosophy of reduce, recycle and reuse.

The focus in on the use of green materials which contribute to an environmental responsible inner city. The winner in the JDA director Nopasika Lila, Afhco’s Renney Plit, Wellington Thwala, Clr Ross Greef and Afhco’s Wayne Plit. category is Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC).

Johannesburg Housing Staff Reporter gressive housing that addresses the news@inner-city-gazette.co.za needs of inner city residents and the Company’s Waste Recycling and winner in this category is Afhco’s Food Gardens Project are unique in his week the Johannesburg De- 120 End street apartments. This is the that they address the specific needs velopment Agency (JDA) hosted largest conversion from commercial faced by JHC’s population of over its 5th Annual Halala Joburg Awards to residential space in the southern 10 000 tenants. The company has hemisphere. It has 924 apartments shown its faith in the city to other at the Turbine Hall in Newtown.

JDA’s acting CEO, Thanduxolo and is one of the largest residential potential investors by remaining inMendrew said by 2011 the JDA had buildings in the Johannesburg CBD, volved in the provision of affordable invested R 2.7 billion in the inner offering modern, stylish and secure housing in the inner city.

Working and Buying Joburg category city. living at affordable rates.

“We honour the city of Joburg and Relaxing and Playing Joburg catego- recognises commercial and retail dethe people who have supported her ry recognises the creative and innova- velopments for concept, design, form rebirth. Recognize and celebrate proj- tive use of projects and built environ- and functionality. Attention is given ects, programmes and individuals that ment to define Joburg’s lifestyle; and to innovative use of space to bring have made a fundamental difference the winner in this category is Hotel consumers, life and sustainability to the inner city’s business hub, the winin regenerating the inner city.”

Lamunu in Braamfontein.

The Living Joburg Award is given Sustaining Joburg category profiles ner in this category is Main Change.

The Caring Joburg category acto projects that provide the most pro- and highlights pioneering individuals

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knowledges selfless and communityminded individuals, groups or organisations who deliver sustained social inclusion, education, health and citizen supports that deliver support services and facilities to inner city residents and the winner in this category is Urban Arts Platform.

This is a multidisciplinary arts organization based at the art-deco heritage site, the Ansteys Building.

In the inner city audiences are typically not exposed to arts and culture, yet are hungry to both partake and to view artistic work. In the Ansteys Building, artists can showcase work at no cost, thanks to Brian McKechnie, who opens private and communal spaces in the building for free for UAP projects. Since an initial successful event in 2010, UAP has run projects which now include entertainment festivals, educational programmes and collaborations with other organizations.

Believing Joburg category acknowledges those who have consciously maintained belief in the heart of Jozi.

In honouring the late JDA chairman,

Mr Nkosi, the winner in this category is recognised for his commitment and allegiance to sustaining the city, his dogged determination in the face of severe challenges, and for his longstanding reputation among peers and community in the field of inner city built-environment promotion; and the winner in this category is Renny and Wayne Plit “Home of Innovators, Investors and Implementers Wayne Plit started Afhco in 1996 and Renney Plit, his brother, joined him in 2001. Since then, this duo and their partners now own 100 buildings, 64 of which are located in the inner city. The Afhco team consists of a team of 314 talented and dedicated staff members, almost all of which have been with Afhco since the beginning.

“The projects, programmes and individuals we honour help create an inclusive, job-intensive, resilient and competitive economy that harnesses the potential of citizens of the City of Johannesburg, and in particular the inner city,” Mendrew said.

Hillbrow knifemen nabbed Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za

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illbrow police have arrested two suspects for allegedly robbing a woman of her cellphone at knifepoint, says police spokesperson Cst Nkosinathi Mgimethi.

He explains that the two men were arrested in Essellen Street in Hillbrow.

“They allegedly threatened two women with knives and robbed one of her cellphone. A police patrol came along and they were arrested,” Cst Mgimethi says.

Hillbrow Sector commander Capt Joanna Makgamatha with the suspects.

Taxi rank mugger arrested Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za

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oburg central police have arrested a 27 year-old Zimbabwean robbery suspect at the Wanderers taxi rank, police spokesperson Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele says.

“Two suspects allegedly robbed a 26 year-old man while waiting for his brother to fetch him. The victim had just come from Durban by taxi when one of the suspects grabbed him while his accomplice searched him and stole R1 120 from him. He shouted for help and members of the

public chased the suspects. Police joined the chase and arrested one of the suspects, but his accomplice escaped and is still at large with the money.”

W/O Mbele adds that investigation continues, while the other man has been charged with common robbery.

Poster business...the glue and posters were confiscated from the suspect.

Security guards arrest illegal poster man This week FASDA security guards arrested a suspect who was caught putting up posters in Jeppe Street, corner Mooi Street.

The suspected was handed over to Johannesburg Central police.

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NEWS

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‘Endless’ theft trial finally ends Six-and-a-half year cellphone theft trial ends Babalwa Bungane babalwa@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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his week the Hillbrow Magistrate Court finally delivered judgement in a case of cellphone theft faced by Sanele Mngadi, which has been going on for six and a half since 2005.

Mngadi was acquitted after it was found that there was no evidence against him, and that he had been wrongly accused.

The charge sheet detailed that Mngadi and two other men were driving in a maroon Uno in 2005 on St Andrews Road, Parktown.

According to Colson Mofokeng, who was the security guard on the day of the incident, the trio tried to gain access into the business building, where he worked.

“The driver said they were there to do service, but the driver failed to explain what service they had come to do,” he said.

Mofokeng said since there was no reason for Mofokeng to deny the trio access, he gave them a register to fill their details. “After they had entered the building I noticed that the driver had not entered correct

details. Where he was supposed to have written the company name he wrote Katsi, meaning a cat. I rushed to the reception area to catch the men, but they were not there. I then called the supervisor but there was no answer.”

He said after that the Uno came speeding. “They were trying to exit, but there was another car in front of it. I managed to stop it and ordered the men to get outside the car.”

Mofokeng said Mngadi and another passenger got out but the driver did not.

“The driver reversed the car and drove away, facing oncoming traffic in St Andrews Road. When we searched the remaining men we found two Nokia cellphones, a 2300 and a 6314 model on one of them. The phones were confiscated because one belonged to someone working on the third floor of the building.”

Mofokeng said nothing incriminating was found on Mngadi; and that he got arrested because he could not explain why he was there.

The magistrate said the court had found no evidence against the accused Mngadi, and acquitted him.

Some of the business people who attended the meeting.

DAC head Namhla Siqaza PIC : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

Social cohesion breakfast Akhona Zibonti akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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auteng Department of Arts, Culture and Recreation and the Black Business Council recently hosted a social cohesion meeting at Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown.

Head of Department in the Department of Arts, Culture and Recreation Namhla Siqaza said the meeting was to solicit participation from all racial groups, and what can be done in terms of bettering service delivery.

Author, BEE practitioner and man-

agement consultant, Letepe Maisela elaborated what social cohesion is, and how it may be achieved.

“It is when people exist harmoniously, and that won’t be achieved voluntarily, but can be engineered.

We need to find ways of achieving it,” Maisela said.

The meeting got people speaking about economic inequality, arts and culture, how disrespect still prevails within the shop floor, how black business people undermine themselves, how black people should be truthful in the manner in which they do business. The businesspeople also discussed how to deal with so-

cial integration in the shop floor.

Sandile Memela, published author and chief director at Department of Arts and Culture said work must be done for social cohesion to be achieved.

“Blacks must be clear of who they are. It is not about ‘the spear’, it is significant for South Africans to speak about what keeps them awake. The event can be attained when there is a spirit of equality and it is also a continuation of community conversation.”

These matters and more will also be discussed in the upcoming Social Cohesion Summit on 4 and 5 July at

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INNER-CITY GAZETTE

LEADER

28 JUNE - 5 JULY 2012

Deal with Youth Month spoilers On June 16 and onwards I noticed many adults who wore school uniforms to commemorate the June 16, 1976 uprising that led to the downfall of apartheid rule.

Wearing the school uniforms, was a good gesture, as it reminded us about the sacrifices that were made by the youth of those times. Their sacrifices helped to bring improvements in my own education and chances for a better life.

Those adults did the right thing by giving a symbol of remembrance, but I was disappointed when I saw some of them smoking tobacco and dagga; and also dead drunk while wearing the school uniforms.

That sent the wrong message to youths still at school today; that they may drink and smoke. We already have a huge problem of children smoking and drinking.

Adults who spoil such good intentions must face some form of penalty, in order to preserve the importance of Youth Month and protect the youth of today.

Smile Mapheto Turffontein

COMMENT Recent pronouncements by the transport sector that soon there will be new and better trains to ferry commuters around brings hope that fewer lives will be placed in jeopardy in the city’s passenger rail system.

In many instances inner-city workers who live in the townships travel in overcrowded trains when coming to work and getting back home. In some cases the commuters ride on the outside structure of the train, an extremely dangerous thing to do.

Metrorail security personnel are often unable to stop commuters from taking such a risk. At one incident a man was seriously hurt when he fell off the edge of the coach at Braamfontein station as commuters scrambled into an overcrowded coach. At that moment there were more men riding precariously between the coaches and on the nose of the engine. When a security detail warned them about the danger they abused and dared him to come and take them off the train’s structure.

There have been countless accidents in the passenger rail system in which lives have been lost and serious injuries sustained. The overcrowding in the trains also contributes in encouraging overzealous youths to try impressing their peers by risking their lives in dangerous games like train surfing, in which many of them have been injured and some killed.

The commuters may be blamed for such behaviour, but the issue is that the passenger rail system needs to upgrade quickly to suit the needs of the ever growing numbers of innercity workers.

To them this is the only daily means of commuting they can afford.

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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.

Wildcat gamble for Mangaung SA would derive no direct benefit should Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma win the African Union Commission post, Ranjeni Munusamy writes.

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he department of international relations and co-operation would argue that South Africans should support the broader role Dlamini-Zuma could play on the continent. She would be the first woman in such a senior position in the AU and will do Southern Africa proud by being the first from the region to head the body.

Dlamini-Zuma’s election could obviously strengthen South Africa’s lobbying power in the AU, but she will not be there to represent this country or the region’s interests. She will be there to preside over the commission’s work in the interests of the entire continent.

President Jacob Zuma relies on the ANC collective for major decisions, procrastinates when he is required to be decisive and defers management of key issues to his ministers. Yet on the issue of Dlamini-Zuma’s election, he really appears to be working hard to ensure that she trounces Jean Ping, who has held the position since 2008.

It could not have escaped Zuma that if she is thousands of kilometres away at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she would not be able to interfere with his bid to secure a second term as ANC president

in Mangaung in December.

The biggest asset for Zuma in his second-term bid is the unanimous support of KwaZulu-Natal.

However, if there is one person who could tamper with that support, it is Dlamini-Zuma. She is extremely popular in the province and, despite her demanding portfolio, maintains regular relationship with her home base.

Her election to a senior position in the ANC would also give weight to the party’s policies on gender representation in its highest ranks. However, it would be unlikely that two Zumas could end up on the same slate for the top six of the ANC. It would have to be one or the other.

A Zuma-versus-Dlamini-Zuma battle is not that far-fetched – and should it happen, it would split

KwaZulu-Natal and several other structures that are at present firmly behind Zuma, such as the ANC Women’s League.

So far, Dlamini-Zuma has not signalled any intention to contest any of the top six positions at Mangaung. In fact, she appears to want to get away from the infighting and crossfire in the ANC, and genuinely seems to want the AU position.

However, if she does not get the AU job, it would be a travesty for her not to be in the running for ANC top six. She will therefore be lobbied by all the camps opposing Zuma’s second-term bid.

As candidate for deputy president with Motlanthe at the top of the ticket, Dlamini-Zuma would pose a very real problem for Zuma. This is especially the case

now that supporters of sacked police commissioner Bheki Cele in KwaZulu-Natal are questioning Zuma’s leadership and could begin lobbying against him – if they found an ideal candidate from KwaZulu-Natal behind whom to throw their weight.

If Motlanthe decides he doesn’t have the stomach to face-off against Zuma, Dlamini-Zuma would be a more popular candidate to challenge Zuma than Tokyo Sexwale could ever hope to be. She does not have Sexwale’s baggage as being representative of business interests and using money to lobby and campaign.

Dlamini-Zuma could even gain the support of Cosatu, who are still without a candidate.

In a few weeks, the AU will meet in Addis Ababa and the 54 African nations will vote for the new chairman. If Dlamini-Zuma is elected, it will be a great PR coup for the South African government and a great loss to the country because one of the highest performers in Cabinet would be gone. If she loses, the journey to Mangaung could take on a fascinating new dimension. It would be the president’s biggest nightmare. Source: Daily Maverick

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 .

If you have news stories or tips please contact Akhona on 073 688 8496 or E-mail akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za

28 JUNE - 5 JUly 2012

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NEWS

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Candidate promises to unite party youths Persistance Nkomo persie.nkomo@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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Youth Desk members with Cst Nkosinathi Mgimethi (third right) and chairperson Poleng Ramosie.

Community members clean the street in Hillbrow.

Pics : SAPS

Youths in cleaning drive Akhona Zibonti akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he Hillbrow police Youth Desk cleaning campaign last weekend showed that the youth is responsible, according to the group’s chairperson Poleng Ramosie.

The Hillbrow police, ANCYL Ward 6, street patrollers, Community Policing Forum and Moshate Men Against Men Abuse, were among the people at the event. They also work with the Youth Desk to address issues that affect Hillbrow.

“This campaign is a build up of

what is to come; we want other youth organisations to join the Youth Desk so as to spread what we are doing in other communities.

That is why we are relaunching the Youth Desk in July,” said Ramosie.

The Hillbrow Youth Desk can be reached through tel 0731756849.

‘The Spear’ trial postponed again Babalwa Bungane babalwa@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he trial of the two men who recently defaced The Spear painting at the Goodman Gallery has been postponed again at the Hillbrow Magistrates Court because the investigating officer failed to appear.

The magistrate expressed his disappointment and his concerns according to the way the SAPS serves the public. “He knew that this is a high profile case, I have become tired of

incompetent police officers. I do not know whether they intentionally sabotage the courts, but it seems like they have lost the vision. Action must be taken, it is sad to say such things when there are those police officers who take their jobs seriously. “ The magistrate also voiced his concerns about police brutality. “The officer not showing up is another form of brutality because if the accused were held in custody that would cost them a fortune in legal fees.”

He added that if by September there

is no progress the court will remove this case from the roll. He then postponed the trial to 4 September 2012 and extended the bail of the accused.

One of the alleged defacers, Louis Mabokela said he wants the case to be over. His uncle Stephen Sefofa who is also his spokesperson, said Mabokela even lost his job because of this trial.

Mabokela who was a taxi driver, in Limpopo said the painting was an insult and disrespected the president.

“It is against our culture,” he added.

he Democratic Alliance will be having a Youth Provincial Congress on 30 June in Kempton Park where there will be elections for the Youth Provincial chairperson, DA Clr Bongani Nkwanyana confirmed.

Tsietsi Tsotetsi (pictured) one of the candidates says he wants to make the structure in the DA youths mobile and unite all branches up to provincial level.

Tsotetsi was elected inner-city branch chairperson in 2009 and reelected for the same post this year.

In 2010, he was the Joburg central DA Youth Constituency Executive Committee member and the DA candidate for Ward 123 in the 2011 local government elections.

“I want to see the DA youths grow in numbers and understanding of politics. I also believe in honesty and putting the interests of people first in everything, and this position will enable me to take Gauteng youths to another level,” says Tsotetsi.

Tsotetsi has led many campaigns in the DA which include the recent Youth Wage Subsidy Campaign to COSATU House.

He says the campaign was to get companies to give youths a chance

If you have news stories or tips please contact Persie on 074 064 0210 or persie.nkomo@inner-city-gazette.co.za

to get work experience at the same time earning something which was his move for the youth month.

“I am ready to get more youths into politics and I will go to schools and youth joints to initiate interaction with them,” says Tsotetsi.

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INNER-CITY GAZETTE

FOCUS ON AFRICA

Call to disarm ‘killer cops’ Freetown -The country’s National Democratic Alliance demands that government of Ernest Koroma disarms all police officers ‘because they are killing people’.

Party’s spokesperson, Chernor Alpha Bah said the call results from frequent killing of innocent civilians by police officers. He noted that his party had raised concerns over the government’s purchase of weapons for the police; and also questioned the professionalism of the police. “We have seen the unprofessionalism of the police in responding to problems. The government must disarm all police officers because they are killing innocent people. They should not be given weapons until they are professionally trained,” he demanded.

Bah described government’s recent investigation into violence in Bumbuna, Bo and Wellington in which innocent civilians were killed allegedly by the police as ‘a ploy to fool the people that they are doing something, while they are not doing anything’.

“The incident in Bo was investigated and recommendations were presented to President Ernest Koroma for appropriate action, but nothing has happened to the police officer who killed the okadarider,” he said.

NEWS New leader’s promises

Islamists enter terror list Abuja - The US has listed Boko Haram leaders Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar, and Khalid al-Barnawi as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

The US Department of State said Shekau is the most visible leader of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram.

The statement added that Khalid al-Barnawi and Abubakar Adam Kambar have ties to Boko Haram and close links to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

“In the last 18 months, Boko Haram or associated militants have killed over 1 000 people. It is credited with the August 26, 2011 attack on the UN building in Abuja that killed 23 people. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the December 2011 attack on the Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla that killed 35. Its deadliest violence occurred on January 20, 2012 in Kano, with attacks that killed over 180 people. The victims are overwhelmingly civilian,” it added.

The designation blocks their property interests under US jurisdiction and prohibits US persons from engaging with or for the benefit of the individuals.

Cairo - The country’s first democratically elected president, Mohammed Mursi has promised to be a ‘leader for all Egyptians’.

World leaders have congratulated the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate who defeated ex-PM Ahmed Shafiq. However, questions remain over his authority, since the ruling military council took many of the president’s powers and dissolved parliament. Mursi urged Egyptians to strengthen national unity and promised an inclusive presidency.

“No more room for confrontation,” he said.

Mursi has to begin building a civilian administration and focus will turn to his choice of prime minister. He has also promised to appoint a range of vice presidents and a cabinet of “all the talents”.

He paid tribute to the protesters who died in last year’s uprising against Hosni Mubarak but also praised the role of Egypt’s powerful armed forces.

“The revolution goes on until all the objectives are achieved and we complete this march,” he said.

He pledged to honour international treaties. Military ruler Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi was among the first to congratulate him on his victory.

Mohammed Mursi

Ernest Koroma

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Grenade blast kills three Abubakar Shekau

Migrants die in boat mishap Lilongwe - At least 47 bodies of Ethiopians have been recovered from Lake Malawi after their boat capsized this week.

Police spokesperson Davie Chingwalu said the bodies had been buried in mass graves because they had decomposed. He said the accident only came to light on Tuesday morning when villagers saw bodies floating on the lake and a

boat floating upside down.

Search operations are still under way for more bodies or possible survivors.

Chingwalu said Malawians owned the boat the migrants used as they tried to cross the lake straddling the border with Tanzania.

“The boat may have capsized due to overloading, and three Malawians have been arrested for aiding the operation.” Hundreds of

Ethiopians enter Malawi every year from Tanzania; mostly hoping to get to South Africa. In 2007, scores of Ethiopians were found hidden in an oil tanker on their way to South Africa through Mozambique.

Mwai Kibaki

Mombasa -Two more people have died after a grenade was thrown into a bar where patrons were watching a football match.

Police earlier said one person had been killed in the blast at the Jericho bar in the resort town. One of the 30 people injured is being held as a suspect.

The blast came a day after the US embassy warned that there was an ‘imminent threat’ of a terrorist attack in the area. Earlier this week, police arrested two Iranians over suspected links to a network planning attacks in Mombasa.

Police also said they had recovered suspected bomb-making material in Nairobi. The bar was busy with people watching the Euro 2012 quarterfinal between England and Italy.

Along with the US, the French embassy had also warned its citizens to be ‘extremely vigilant’ in the area. US officials had also been told to avoid the area until 1 July. Kenya has seen a number of grenade attacks since the government led by Mwai Kibaki sent troops into Somalia last year to fight the al-Qaeda linked Islamist al-Shabab militia.

Youth train express function Jacquelin Thenga news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) recently conducted an event to celebrate the departure of the train express campaign to the NorthWest at Park Station.

Linda Dlova the NYDA executive manager said: “The biggest issue facing the South African youth today is the feeling of hopelessness, I believe that it is because of lack of information.”

Dlova explained that in this campaign NYDA partners with the Department of Labour, SA International Relations, and the Health Department, Department of Trade and Industry, and ABSA bank.

“We also partner with MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Seta); and Ithubalentsha Micro Enterprise Programme.”

The entertainment was from a rap group called Self Made Cheese (SMC). SMC wrote and produced a rap song titled Limitless Youth for the NYDA train campaign, which tells the youth of not to limit themselves.

Dlova explained that the purpose of the campaign is to create awareness of the NYDA in rural areas.

“This is also to offer NYDA services to, to commemorate Youth Month, educate the youth about the public sector, private sector, and civil society youth oriented programmes.”

For more information call 086 009 6884 or visit www.nyda.gov.za .

Members of the SMC group Bones, Zenzo, Wright, Bhodloza and Hardy.

Record company supports youth drive Jacquelin Thenga news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he Self Made Cheese (SMC) music group is involved in the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Youth Month campaign throughout the country.

The group is made up of eight young businessmen and rappers.

SMC was launched shortly after a

City hosts youth HIV dialogue

recording company called SS Media Shack was founded in 2008.

The group comprises singer Malik Zwane, Wright Ngubeni, the voice over; rappers Bones, Bhodloza and Zenzo Ngqube; who acts as Stone in the Rhythm City series on eTV. There is also Karabo Khumalo the producer, Ndumiso Ndlela, the brand manager and a group member called Nduduzo Ndlela.

Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he City of Joburg’s Health and Social Development Department will host Youth Dialogue on HIV/Aids on Friday, 29 June 2012 at Ivory Park Hall, under the theme “Towards a zero HIV Infections in the City of Joburg’s youth”.

It will create awareness on HIV/Aids pre-

The group has been involved in the current National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) campaign that has been campaigning throughout the South African provinces.

The SMC group produced the Limitless song for the NYDA youth train campaign and has since been on radio stations like SA FM, Ukhozi FM, and Radio 702.

vention. The dialogue will enable the youth to generate discussion on HIV and AIDS issues affecting them, describe the link between substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, exploring ways of preventing teenage pregnancy and its impact, strengthen moral regeneration and discuss medical male circumcision as part of the comprehensive HIV/AIDS service package.

The dialogue will target 1000 young peo-

“We want the youth to know that there are no limits unless you limit yourself,” said Ndumiso Ndlela, the SMC brand manager.

Ndlela added that his company believes that the youth are the future of this nation.

“We are willing to work with the NYDA to help the youth to cultivate the spirit of making things happen for themselves,” he added. ple in and out of schools across the City as part of the City of Johannesburg youth month programme.

It will also seek to underline the City of Johannesburg’s commitment towards reducing the new HIV infections by 2040.

For more information contact Nkosinathi Nkabinde on telephone number (011) 407 – 6477, or cellphone 083 408 7787 or email address : nkosinathin@joburg.org.za

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One in 10 tenants defaults on rent Roy Cokayne

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whopping 11 percent of residential tenants did not pay their rent, Michelle Dickens, the managing director of rental-focused credit bureau TPN, said last week.

This meant about one in 10 tenants were in default, Dickens told a PayProp and TPN credit bureau conference.

However, there was a difference in payment rates in the various rental categories, with the highest percentage of tenants not paying their rent in the price categories of more than R12 000 a month and less than R3 000 a month.

Dickens said 83 percent of tenants in the rental categories of R3 000 to R7 000 a month and R7 000 to R12 000 a month were in good standing, which meant they had either paid their rental on time or paid it late, but in full.

This was an important indicator for investors in the rental market, she said.

Dickens stressed the importance of owners and rental agents doing affordability assessments of prospective tenants to ensure they could afford the monthly rental payments, especially the rising electricity bills.

She stressed that the rental market did not operate in isolation from the rest of the credit market.

There were 19.3 million credit active consumers with 66 million credit accounts, and only 53 percent of these credit active consumers were in good standing, meaning one out of every two consumers had

an impaired credit record.

Dickens said the first account consumers paid was their cellphone account, which was usually a small amount, because their service provider would switch off their service if they failed to pay. This was followed by their vehicle finance instalment and then the roof over their head.

The majority of the 1.6 million formally rented properties in South Africa were owned by micro investors, who owned between one and 10 properties, she said.

Furthermore, 70 percent of the rental market was managed by landlords rather than rental agents, she added.

There were risk factors they needed to be aware of. These included tenants using their deposits for the last month’s rent, largely to pay the deposit on their next rented home.

Another risk was that applications to rent were often made in the name of spouses or family members to hide an impaired credit record, which meant credit assessments must be done on all those staying in the house. The average default was two-and-a-half-months’ rent.

Dickens said delinquent tenants were targeting private landlords because they knew they would be unable to get another rental property from a rental agent. The keys to a property must never be handed over prior to payment because of the increasing number of agents who were being duped daily by fraudulent identity documents, salary slips and proof of payment, she warned.

Source : Business Report

DA youths display protest placards outside the dilapidated building.

PIC: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

DA protests building neglect Persistance Nkomo persie.nkomo@inner-city-gazette.co.za

T

his week Democratic Alliance members protested against the Department of Public Works for allegedly neglecting the old police barracks building in Marshall Street in the Joburg CBD, which is also known as the Sigrand building.

The DA’s shadow minister for Public Works, Anchen Dreyer MP, says the building shows ‘criminal neglect by the department, which has a legal obligation to maintain government buildings for the benefit of the people’.

Dreyer says the building in Marshall Street was the police Barracks

and was later occupied by the military, who left it vacant in the early 1990s, and since then it has been abandoned.

“In 2002 the building was gutted by a fire and since then no action was taken. The government hired two security guards to keep away illegal occupants, yet they do nothing to utilise the space,” says Dreyer Dreyer adds that many property companies have tried to buy the building from the government but they have been ignored.

“The companies came up with many business proposals but none have been approved. This building can be used as a recreation centre for youths, a school, a library among

other things, to benefit our youth and create employment for them,” she explains.

Dreyer says the neglect of the building shows inefficiency of the Department of Public works in delivering services to South Africans.

The building occupies about 3 000 square metres and government pays the City of Joburg yet the place is not used for anything, said Dreyer.

“We are demonstrating the potential use of the building, as it can be used to benefit people in the inner-city in many ways than it lying idle like this,” she adds.

By the time of going to press the Department of Public Works had not provided comment about the issue.

Cops arrest 100 suspects Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za

J

oburg police have arrested 98 suspects in connection with various offences during crime combating operations around the CBD, po-

lice spokesperson W/O Xoli Mbele says.

“Among the suspects three were arrested for business breaking, three for possession of suspected stolen property, 12 for shoplifting, four for assault GBH and one for pointing of a firearm,” says W/O Mbele.

W/O Mbele adds that the rest of the suspects were arrested in con-

nection with crimes ranging from attempted murder, intimidation, common robbery, armed robbery, assault common and possession of a firearm. “There were more arrests, involving malicious damage to property, theft, possession of counterfeit DVDs, possession of dagga, inconsiderate driving, drinking in public; and drunken driving.”

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Joburg police officers search the suspects soon after the arrest.

Armed CBD thugs nabbed Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za

J

oburg police have arrested five suspects aged 26 to 46 years for alleged armed robbery and breaking into a business at Safe Price shop, corner Joubert and Plein Street, says police spokesperson W/O Xoli Mbele.

“The allegation is that one of the men pointed a gun at the security guard, then another handcuffed him with his own handcuffs and they took him to the basement of the building. They stole his money and two cellphones. They then broke the door to gain entrance to the shop, where they stole 50 cellphones and fled,” W/O Mbele says.

He adds that the alarm was activated and the owner of the shop contacted the police.

“Police questioned one of the suspects who lives in the same building after video footage of the shop captured them. The suspect led the police to his room, where four of his accomplices were found hiding in the bathroom, all the cellphones were recovered.

The bolt cutter that was used in committing the crime was also recovered.”

W/O Mbele says the sixth suspect, the one with a gun, is still at large and investigations continue. “The others have appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of armed robbery, business burglary and malicious damage to property.”

Friday 29 June : Soccer tournament at Barnato High School grounds. The event will host eight soccer teams and four netball teams.

For more information contact Puleng (Hillbrow Youth Desk) on 078 391 8945 or Captain N Magowa on 082 532 2682.

Saturday 30 June : Crime Awareness campaign march starting from the Hillbrow SAPS basement at 9am.

For further details contact Captain N Magowa on cellphone no 082 532 2682.

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The Sibikwa Indegenous Orchestra

Indegenous orchestra’s new production Arts Correspondent

T

he inspirational Sibikwa Arts Indigenous Orchestra will be present their production, The Origins - Ekuqaleni, on 4, 5 and 6 July, at the St Aidan’s Chapel.

This rhythmic journey, which explores the African spirit through traditional musical instruments, is performed by musicians who will bring alive the sounds of the Marimba, African Percussion / Drumming, Kudu Horns, Dinaka Pipes, Kalimba, Uhadi and Mauve, also adding to the mix ethereal chanting and the beats of indigenous dance.

Ekuqaleni brings its own eclectic flavour to the stage, while combining the earthy rhythms of traditional Africa with a contemporary 21st century spin, ultimately presenting a unique blend of sounds and beats reminiscent of the old and new African music scene.

The somewhat new Sibikwa Arts Indigenous Orchestra, which was founded in 2008 - has already garnered much success in its young

life. That has included winning a coveted Ovation Award at the Grahamstown Festival in 2010.

They then won yet another coveted Ovation Award from Grahamstown for their programme titled ReAlignment. It was during this period that the orchestra also embarked on a hugely successful schools tour of Lecture Demonstrations, which led to the group being employed by the National Sasol Schools Festival to perform nationally.

In May this year, the group launched their vibrant debut CD, Celebration, which was recorded under the musical direction of award-winning South Africa master percussionist and singer Tlale Makhene.

Following their recent sold-out success at the Market Theatre, where the Orchestra presented their fabulous Celebration concert, as well as providing their innovative Lecture Demonstrations to schools in Johannesburg during the week, they will bring The Origin - Ekuqaleni, an exciting piece of musical performance, to festival audiences.

THE ARTS

Afro-US ballet star to spike SA classic premiere

Sierra Leone born ballet star Michaela DePrince is set to amaze audiences at the Joburg Theatre.

A treasure of classical showpieces, an exotic tale of love set to a sparkling score and glowing with classical ballet at its most irresistible Arts Correspondent

R

ising African-US ballet star, 17 year-old Michaela DePrince arrives in Joburg on 7 July to dance in the SA premiere of the classical ballet, Le Corsaire at the Joburg Theatre on 19 July.

Le Corsaire is the first production from the ballet company being established by the merger of The South African Ballet Theatre and Mzansi Productions.

One of the great 19th century ballet classics, Le Corsaire is a treasure of classical showpieces, an exotic tale of love set to a sparkling score and glowing with classical ballet at its most irresistible.

Michaela DePrince dances one of the leading roles in Le Corsaire at the ballet’s SA premiere on. She is scheduled to dance further performances on 20 and 22 July. Ahead

of her arrival in SA, DePrince is rehearsing for Le Corsaire with distinguished South African born New York-based ballet teacher, Charla Genn.

Michaela DePrince was born in Sierra Leone where her parents were victims of the west African country’s civil war, leaving Michaela orphaned at the age of three. Further alienated from her community by a skin disorder, her future was bleak until two events changed her life. She found a tattered picture of a ballerina in a magazine and young as she was and unknown as ballet was to her, she became obsessed with the idea of becoming the ballerina in the photograph.

When she was four, Michaela was adopted by an American family and taken to the US. She started ballet lessons and soon showed

11

exceptional talent. Now, at 17, after winning prestigious accolades, she is about to join Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York, one of America’s best known ballet companies.

DePrince is also showcased in the full-length documentary film, First Position, which follows the lives of young dancers as they participate in Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest ballet competition. First Position will screened for the public at the Joburg Theatre on 22 July at 11am. DePrince will attend the screening to talk about her participation in the film.

SABT and Mzansi Productions receive funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund which has contributed to making this production possible.

For more info call 011-877 6900.

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The referee gets the players ready to start the game.

15

Taffy Cup action at Ekhaya Park.

Taffy Cup soccer tourney Akhona Zibonti akhona@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he Taffy Cup tournament hosted by the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC), a joint venture with its subsidiary Makhulong, brought excitement in Hillbrow last Saturday in AG Alexan-

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dra and eKhaya Park. The event started in cold and rainy weather, but the youths did what pleased them immensely.

JHC founder and CEO Taffy Adler said the children are a ‘patience equity’.

“We have invested in them without expecting quick returns, the

life skills training will breed outstanding future citizens,” Adler said.

Makhulong general manager Lindi Malinga said the tournament was started in 2005, when only senior teams participated.

“In 2010 the project shifted focus onto junior soccer teams, to give

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the children life skills, assisted by the Nokuthula J Project in ensuring that is achieved,” Malinga said.

During the tournament Dorchester soccer club beat the Hlanganani side 1-0 on penalties in the under-10 category. In the under12 section Lekgae Phumlane vs Dorchester Tigers was on fire.

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A Dorchester Tigers player called Magic kept Lekgae team members on their toes they throttled them 2-0, and in the under-15 Dorchester Hill beat Dorchester Dale 2-1.

The girls also held their own.

In the under-10 Silverdale beat Hlanganani 2-0, and in the under12 Smithhof beat Tribunal 2-0.

24 HOUR MECHANIC For all your urgent car repairs and towing call Godknows on 078 052 2944.