Inner City Gazette

Special from 8 - 15 December 2011

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8 - 15 December 2011

Distributed free to households, churches, schools, libraries and businesses in Bellevue East • Bellevue • Benrose • Berea • Bertrams • Braamfontein • City and Suburban • City and Suburban Industrial • City Deep • City West • Crown Gardens • Denver • Doornfontein • Elandspark • Elcedes • Fairview • Fordsburg • Glenanda • Heriotdale • Hillbrow • Jeppestown South • Jeppestown • Johannesburg Inner City • Kensington • Lorentzville • Malvern • Marshallstown • New Doornfontein • Newtown • North Doornfontein • Rosettenville • Troyeville • Turffontein • Village Main Ext 3 and Yeoville .

PAGE 2 COJ ERRATUM PAGE 2

STORIES FROM THE AFRICAN CONTINENT PAGE 5

THE POWER TO CHANGE ALL THINGS IS IN YOUR MOUTH

PAGE 13

Drink wisely Phuza Wize campaign officials Aadielah Maker (left) and Nathi Mthethwa during the safe drinking campaign.

PICS : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

For distribution in your shop, school, church, building, police station, etc call +27 11 023-7588.

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INNER-CITY GAZETTE

NEWS

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

Drink wisely, residents urged Remember that alcohol abuse often results in unintended consequences Sizwe Mathe sizwem@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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he Soul City Institute, in partnership with the City of Joburg Region F, recently hosted a Phuza Wize march on Wednesday in support of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Abuse campaign.

The march, which started at Yeoville Recreation Centre, highlighted the adverse effects that alcohol abuse has on children’s safety during the festive season.

Regional director, Nathi Mthethwa said during the festive season children are left unsupervised for long periods, which puts them in a vulnerable situation to become victims of abuse.

“We urge residents to be safe during these holidays. We are aware that people will receive bonuses and this may result to alcohol abuse.

But they must remember that alcohol abuse results in unintended con-

sequences,” he said.

The marchers targeted six hotspots within the inner city, where a group of marchers distributed Phuza Wize material to the public. “We wish all inner city residents a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Don’t drink and drive. You have the responsibility for your own future,” added Mthethwa.

Aadielah Maker, Phuza Wize senior manager called for a complete ban of alcohol advertising. “It must be banned, particu- Phuza Wize campaign officials Aadielah Maker (left) and Nathi Mthethwa address the audience. PICS : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY larly during prime time Other activities during the caminterpersonal violence,” she added. time,” she said. television. A lot of adverAmong males aged 15 to 44 yearsMaker also lamented the geograph- paign included exhibitions, and a tisers target young people. During this period, people enjoy themselves old, interpersonal violence was the ic location of shebeens. “They are drama performance at Joubert Park without realising the cost of their second leading cause of death in only in townships; they are not in where the march ended. For more behavior. Substance and alcohol the country, said Maker. “We have the suburbs. Poor people are the details call Maker on 011 341-0360, abuse is an important factor in 53% over 250 000 unlicensed shebeens most vulnerable and that’s why we email: phuzawize@soulcity.org.za or visit www.aanonymous.org.za of fatal and up to 73% of non-fatal in the country which operate at any need to take this matter seriously.”

KNOW YOUR COUNCILLORS – CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

KNOW YOUR COUNCILLORS –

While governance in Johannesburg has remained stable, there are a variety of interventions that the City wants to implement to improve organisational performance and encourage more public participation and involvement in the affairs of the City. In an effort to improve interaction with communities, the City of Johannesburg is publishing an insert containing details of the elected representatives and office bearers of the City. This insert is part of many interventions to improve the communication efforts of the City arising out of its Growth and Development Strategy (GDS 2040) goals. It is hoped that the insert will go a long way in assisting Johannesburg residents to identify with their local elected representatives and the City’s political leadership, and ultimately will improve interaction between councillors and the communities they serve.

Regrettably, we would like to apologise for the mistaken swapping of the photographs of Councillor NP Maisha and Councillor KS Mpungose in this insert “City of Johannesburg Councillors and Office Bearers” contained in this publication.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

INNER-CITY GAZETTE

NEWS

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INNER-CITY GAZETTE

LEADER / LETTERS

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

COMMENT The ages old practice of writing on surfaces, which is called graffiti, flourishes in Joburg. This appears in all sorts of messages that are scribbled on walls all around the city. At one moment someone painted an undecipherable image onto a police van.

Psychologists say graffiti emanates from an instinctive desire to communicate and mark bare surfaces. Regarded as weird communication, this is often done without supervision or authorisation, which means that graffiti artists and scribblers do not mind which surface they mark or write on, and they want to remain unknown.

This practice if often frowned upon, but it has a rich history. Archaeologists continue to uncover early scribblings.

The famous Italian scribbling in Pompeii with the words: Sodoma, Gomora, reminds of great evil and suffering depicted in the Bible, and that the world is a wicked place today. There is also the Bisutun Inscription, scribbled on a rockface in western Iran, which English archaelogist Henry Kowlinson deciphered as promoting unity among the Babylonians, Elamites and Persians. When the Berlin Wall ceased to separate the German state in November 1989, thousands of people from all over the world scrambled to scribble something on it; the most scribbled word being freedom, in various languages and alphabets.

Specialists in this art form say ambiguity of the messages challenges imagination, and brevity is their soul of wit.

Sometimes the scribblers include obscenities, a likely expression of anger.

The worst of that is however hidden in places like public toilets.

Many people dismiss graffiti as bizarre communication by schizophrenics, but there is no way to stop it. A challenge for the Joburg authorities is to provide more surfaces where such artists may express themselves, and reduce incidences of defacing private and public property.

Distribution – 40 000 copies free 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

There is much people can do rather than spend the festive season drinking, says the writer.

Not a time to drink Come January they do not have money for their rentals and to send their children to school

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his is the period of the year when many people think drinking and abusing alcohol is the right thing to do. Many people have already started their holidays and are now left with little or no serious work to do, so they think this is the time to spend all their time in the drinking spots.

I would like to remind such people that there are plenty things they can do to improve their lives during the period of the festive season, rather than spend their time destroying themselves with alcohol.

They can spend quality time with their families, they can use the time to improve their skills on something, or to teach their children some new game or concept, there is plenty good things they can do with the time. There are two most important things they have to think

about seriously before they go out to start messing themselves up with the alcohol. The first one is that the alcohol costs a lot of money, and is often not budgeted for. This means most of such people will go out there and waste their little money on the alcohol, and come January they do not have money to pay their rentals and to send their children to school. That will be when they start looking for the abomashonisa to borrow money. If a year starts like that nothing will ever go right for the rest of it, so be advised.

A second thing to be considered is that consuming large amounts of alcohol, just like many people are doing these days, is dangerous to one’s health.

Soon the person starts developing ailments that result from the effects of the alcohol, and more money will

We might pretend we have perfect lives, but we all have trials and tribulations we go through.

Our backgrounds and circumstances may influence who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

The hardest thing is knowing which bridges to cross and which to burn.

Life should not be measured by the number of years, but by love shared, memories, the joy and blessings.

John Gardner once said life is ‘the art of drawing without an eraser’. The goal is not to live forever, but to create something that will last forever. Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

Love the people who treat you right and forget those who don’t! Believe that everything happens for a reason.

Giving up doesn’t mean you’re weak; sometimes it means you’re strong enough to let go. Courage doesn’t always roar, it is sometimes the little voice that says: “I’ll try again.”

Princess Moyo Joubert Park

Shelter kids party ‘Our vision is to partner with residents in creating a sustainable community’

Maxime Hotel director Marvin Restant poses with some of the children PICS: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

Tel : 011 023 - 7588 011 024 - 8210 Fax : 086 609 8601 Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co.za Printed by Paarlcoldset(Pty)Ltd

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

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.

Community members and the children pose during the event.

PICS: INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY 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 .

be needed to pay for treatment.

A most important reason for people not to take too much alcohol are the many traffic accidents that are caused by drunkenness, which claim hundreds of lives every year.

As I say, this happens every end of the year, but surprisingly it seems many people do not learn anything from that.

I have lost several relatives over the years through accidents that were caused by the effects of drinking alcohol, and I learned my lesson well. I know that there are many people out there who have also lost relatives and friends because of alcohol, and hope they learned something out of it and will pass on the message. It says, please stay sober and enjoy the festive season.

Sister Ronia Mpande Yeoville

Know the bridges to cross and burn

A Christmas party was held this week for children from several children’s homes and shelters at the Razzmatazz restaurant in Nugget Street, Joubert Park.

Shelters that participated were Jabulani Khakibos Kidz, Nkosi’s Haven, Twilight Children’s Home, Home of Hope and Christ Church. The party was made a success by kind financial assistance by the owners of the Razzmatazz restaurant, Maxime Hotel, Hillbrow Inn and CAM

Security. SAPS Hillbrow, Hillbrow Youth Desk and Holy Trinity Church facilitated and coordinated the event.

Addressing the audience during the event, Maxime Hotel director Marvin Reshant said they wanted to spend some time with the children.

“We needed to spread some Christmas cheer and show them that we care and appreciate them.

Our vision as group of companies is to empower, uplift and partner with the Hillbrow community in creating a sustainable community,” Reshant added.

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

INNER-CITY GAZETTE

Regional trade to improve Lome - ECOWAS has been urged to improve intra-community trade in order to boost regional development.

Opening the ECOWAS Trade Fair, Togolese Commerce minister Kwesi Ahoomey-Zunu said the mechanisms should include a sensitization and mobilization compo- Faure Eyadema nent to raise the level of awareness about products available in member states.

He identified trade as an engine of development and the creation of wealth and employment in the region. He described Togo’s hosting of the fair, which was originally to be in Cote d’Ivoire, as an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with that country which is emerging from a political crisis.

Ahoomey-Zunu commended Togolese President Faure Eyadema for his commitment to the promotion of regional integration and intra-community trade. ECOWAS Commission president James Gbeho called for the removal of barriers to intra-community trade, and the pooling of resources to bridge the gaps in infrastructure, financial procedures, strengthening of preservation systems, institution of marketing processes, application of technology to production, and improving Information Technology.

FOCUS ON AFRICA

ICC wants govt official

Khartoum - Defense minister Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein faces International Criminal Court (ICC) charges for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur during the period of August 2003 to March 2004. ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has requested an arrest warrant for him.

Rebels in Darfur have fought government forces Abdelrahim Hussein and allied militiamen, such as the Janjaweed since 2003. The UN said about 300 000 people were killed and there was widespread displacement over the years. Hussein was at the time the country’s interior minister during attacks in West Darfur.

“The attacks followed a common pattern: government forces surrounded the villages, the Air Force dropped bombs and soldiers, including the Janjaweed, killed, raped and looted the entire village, forcing the displacement of four million people.

Currently, 2.5 million people remain in camps for Internally Displaced Persons.”

President Omar al Bashir is wanted for crimes against humanity and genocide. Government official Ahmad Harun, Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb, and rebel leaders Abdallah Banda, Saleh Jerbo and Abu Garda also face war crimes charges.

Heavy fighting erupts

Gunmen attack police HQ Abuja – Six people died and five were injured when gunmen attacked Police Area Command headquarters and two banks at Azare, Bauchi State.

Bauchi State police Commissioner Ikechukwu Aduba said the gunmen attacked with 20 rocket launchers and locally made bombs, which devastated the Area Command’s Headquarters. He explained that the attack was launched simultaneously at six facilities, including two New Generation banks, and there was a heavy exchange of fire with the police.

Commissioner Ikechukwu described Bauchi State as a flashpoint with seven border outlets, saying the police intelligence source indicates that the invaders came from one of the neighbouring states.

He added that the police is still investigating the attack, which is blamed on Boko Haram, and called on the public to assist the security in the state, because ‘security is everybody’s business’.

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NEWS

Charles Ingabire

Rwandan journo shot dead Kampala - A Rwandan journalist living in Uganda, Charles Ingabire was gunned down on Wednesday. He was editor of Inyenyeri News, an online publication critical of the Rwandan government of President Paul Kagame.

Several critics of Kagame have been killed in recent years. Police say Ingabire was drinking at a bar near Makerere University when

he was killed. Rwandan exiles point the finger at Rwandan security forces, but the Rwandan government rejects allegations that it targets its opponents abroad. Godwin Buwa of Uganda’s Refugee Law Project said Ingabire had told him several times how insecure he was. He added that Ingabire had been rejected for resettlement by the UNHCR, despite evi-

dence that he was insecure.

Ingabire is the second Rwandan journo killed in less than two years. In June last year former deputy editor of Umuvugizi, Jean Rugambage was shot dead in Kigali.

Yasser Arman

Juba - Fighting has erupted in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile border states between Sudan and South Sudan. Sudanese army spokesman Sawarmi Khaled said they captured Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLA-N) camps in the Lake Jau area, on a key supply route.

Sudan accuses South Sudan of arming the fighters and taken the matter to the UN Security Council.

Fighting in South Kordofan first erupted in early June. The fighting follows the recent announcement that rebels in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile have formed the Sudanese Revolutionary Front alliance to overthrow the government of Omar al-Bashir. SPLM-N leader Yasser Arman said there is heavy bombardment on civilian populations and massive displacement, which may result in a humanitarian crisis.

Witnesses said the army bombed a refugee camp in Unity state. The UN said the number of people fleeing the unrest could reach 100 000.

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NEWS / FEATURES

Baby dumped in street A police crime scene detective examines the remains of the baby.

PIC : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

Crime Reporter crime@gazettelive.co.za On Wednesday this week a newly born baby was found dumped in a dustbin in Pretoria Street, Hillbow.

Hillbrow police spokesperson Sgt Jenny Pillay says the baby was found in the garbage can by a man

who collects bottles for recycling.

“The baby was still with its umbilical cord and not breathing. An ambulance was called and the baby was certified dead at the ecene.

Police have opened an inquest docket and all circumstances of the baby dumping incident will be investigated,” Sgt Pillay adds.

Deposit to be paid on arrangement

SMS “Letting” to 34007 costs R2 Letting@trafalgar.co.za www.trafalgar.co.za

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

Refurbished student apartments up for grabs Lots of time, money and human resources have been poured into ensuring students have great living and studying space for the 2012 intake Moses Moyo moses@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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wo thousand attractive student accommodation opportunities are set to come onto the market in downtown Joburg in time for the 2012 academic year.

International Housing Solutions (IHS), a global private equity inves-

A bachelor unit on display.

tor in affordable housing in South Africa, is funding the refurbishment of apartments near the University of Johannesburg and Wits University, major public transport routes and shopping centres.

Previously co-owned by IHS and Aengus Property Holdings, IHS, now holds 100% ownership of the Student Digz property portfolio following the recent approval by the Competition Commission of the sizeable transaction.

“Student Digz differs from other student developments in that it is not based on the dormitory-style model. All apartments are self-contained, which means that students have their own bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces, and most importantly, privacy and quiet to ensure successful studies,” says Rob Wesselo, managing partner at IHS. “Since we have taken over complete control of the management of the development, we have launched a massive project to ensure all maintenance was completed and apartments refurbished where nec-

essary. Lots of time, money and human resources have been poured into ensuring students have great living and studying space for the 2012 intake,” added Wesselo.

“The result is modern, clean and inviting apartments where students won’t only live, but be able to enjoy a satisfying lifestyle.”

Wesselo says that as the year draws to a close, students who will be studying in Joburg in 2012 should ensure they have accommodation lined before they put up their feet and enjoy the December holidays.

“There is a significant shortage in quality, affordable student rental accommodation in Joburg, and leaving these arrangements for the New Year may result in students being forced to stay far away from their tertiary institutions or having to settle for sub-standard accommodation,” concludes Wesselo.

A letting office has been opened in Braamfontein, and that prospective students could visit the office or contact letting agent Mafadi at 011 720 0010 or students@digz.co.za

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

MZALA’S THOUGHTS Jabu Nxumalo jabu.nxumalo@gmail.co.za

The poor must stand against crime

This past Saturday morning, Richard Rikhotso (36) was shot twice in the head outside the train station on his way to work and the criminals made off with his few items they deemed valuable. His assailants did not give a hoot that he was as poor as them, but just a hard working South African who spent eight hours a day, often forced to smile, as a security guard in one of the banks in Jozi. He leaves behind a five month old child and a young wife.

On the same morning, Senzo (29) escaped with his life as he fended off gun toting and knife wielding tsotsis who tried to rob him at Faraday taxi rank. These incidents highlight the daily challenges the poor and the working class citizens of Jozi have to contend with. As the festive season approaches there is bound to be an escalation of such criminal attacks on ordinary citizens. Ordinary working class citizens do not have the means to set up websites, petitions, campaigns or even forums to highlight their plight. If we are to follow this trail of thought, if there is any endangered species in Jozi, the poor black majority working class is one.

Bheki Cele’s statistics reveal that it is the poor who are the prime victims of crime. But a colleague of mine says as much as she sympathises with the poor working class victims of crime, she is adamant that the poor must stand up and be counted.

She tells me countless tales of communities that harbour criminals.

I couldn’t help it but think about my very own township that is still caught in the apartheid time warp that criminals steal from white people. This logic was as twisted then as it is now. It does not take a rocket scientist to realise that criminals maim and kill the poor black working class and yet we still harbour them. That lowlife that pulled the trigger to take Richard’s life is someone’s son, brother, boyfriend, father, but I’m yet to hear of a story where the community volunteered to hand him over to the police.

Instead on daily basis we buy stolen goods from the very same criminals, and turn around and complain against crime. So my colleague goes on to say if there was no market for stolen goods, crime would not be such a lucrative business it is today. She says her very own brother was a known car thief, but no one in her family was brave enough to confront him, and the thought of reporting his deeds to the police never crossed her mind.

We are all affected by it and yet somehow we feel disempowered to do anything. The thugs will kill more people before this year is over, and all we will do is retreat to our little corners and whisper that so and so was involved. Until such time that as communities we used our collective currency, the social capital, just like we did to bring apartheid to its knees, we will forever be held hostage by uneducated, unsophisticated lowlife clowns.

INNER-CITY GAZETTE

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NEWS / FEATURES

No ‘Christmas box’ for refuse collection staff ‘Residents are under no obligation to offer any gifts to Pikitup employees’ Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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ikitup has appealed to Joburg residents not to give Christmas gifts to waste removal staff during this festive season.

“Pikitup employees are forbidden from soliciting Christmas gifts from members of the public, as this

goes against the company policy for staff to take part in this tradition,” said Pikitup acting managing director Lawrence Boya.

This request arises out of the traditional practice by waste collectors in previous years to insist on gifts in the form of money or goods from residents, which is commonly known as a ‘Christmas box’.

“We again warn people against individuals who masquerade as Pikitup staff requesting ‘Christmas boxes’ and ‘donations’ from the public.

Residents are under no obligation to offer any gifts to Pikitup’s refuse collection staff, as the company pays a bonus to its staff at the end of the year,” added Boya.

All residents are urged to report

imposters and employees who approach or harass them soliciting for gifts or donations, said Boya.

“If they get caught, perpetrators would be charged with fraud,” Boya added.

Any irregular activities are to be reported to the South African Police Services or Joburg Connect through telephone 011 375 5555.

Top achievers, kneeling from left...Lufuno Monguni, Sasha Lee and Princess Moyo. Standing is headgirl Mpho Diphoko.

Pic : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

Awards for top school achievers Sizwe Mathe sizwem@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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taff and pupils of Johannesburg Girls Preparatory School (JGPS) in Berea, celebrated their academic achievements during the annual prize-giving ceremony on Tuesday.

Sasha Lee, a Grade 7 pupil and also deputy headgirl, received nine trophies. She attributed her

outstanding achievements to hard work and a good support system from her parents.

“JGPS is a place that can supply you with valuable skills and abilities. It has been exceptional years for me here and I will miss my friends, but hope we will meet again,” said Lee. She added that the zeal that made her to receive nine accolades will not fade in high school.

“I am looking forward to my next academic years and eager to continue making my parents proud.”

Another top achiever, Lufuno Monguni said her years at JGPS have been the most memorable ones. “The trophies were another feather in a cap,” Monguni said.

Princess Moyo said: “I will take the more than 100 years tradition and discipline that I learned at JGPS to Domonican Convent,

where I was granted a scholarship for my high school studies.”

The school’s principal, Sandra Levitas congratulated all top achievers and wished them well in their endeavors.

“Credit goes to both teachers and pupils. The pupils had a positive attitude in their work. The teachers gave support to all learners, and developed the desire to achieve to their full potential,” she said.

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NEWS

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

Women must report abuse ‘Men who abuse women don’t deserve to be part of our society’ Sizwe Mathe sizwem@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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Elangeni Gardens residents pose during the event.

PIC : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

ast weekend residents of the Elangeni Gardens building in the Joburg CBD organized a 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign gathering, in which they discussed issues of abuse.

Women were urged to report cases of abuse to the police, during the gathering that was organised tenant George Mwale.

Mwale explained that the main purpose of the function was to appreciate women staying in the building. “As heads of families we have an important role to play in the development of communities. We can bring change in our families by showing love to our children and wives. The change of attitudes in our houses will influence change in the whole community.”

Mwale added that there is unity in the building.

“We are one big family. I have been staying here for the past five years, and there has always been that unity, it does not matter where one comes from, and we embrace each other here,” said Mwale.

Another tenant, Ephraim Mogapi urged men to respect women at all times. “It mustn’t only be during this period, let’s make it part of our lives,” he said.

Another tenant, Thembekile Mbakwe added: “Real men don’t cheat, they don’t lie, they defend women, they don’t hit them. Men who abuse women are half men, they are morons, and don’t deserve to be part of our society. Real men don’t abuse women, they value them.”

Mbakwe encouraged female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help. “If you are being abused, don’t keep quiet, talk to someone you trust. Report children abuse to the police immediately.

Encourage children to report bullying behaviour to school authorities,” she said.

Community development officer at Makhulong A Matala, a subsidiary of Johannesburg Housing Company, Mmatshepo Morokolo said if the community does not rally behind such campaigns, women and children will continue to suffer.

“We are excited that men who live in this building have taken the initiative to create awareness about this problem,” Morokolo said.

R40 million sparkle for Jewel City Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za More investment is being poured into Jewel City, the diamond trading precinct on the eastern edge of the inner city.

This comes after private companies and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) undertook upgrades to the area some four years ago.

Jewel City takes up four blocks, bounded by Commissioner and Main streets in the north and south, and Berea and Phillip streets in the

east and west. In the latest work, R40 million is being spent on refurbishments, anchored by Redefine Properties Limited, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed company.

Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

It involves the restoration of an old warehouse into new head offices for the Diamond Board and State Trader Association, as well as a new sign-on station, a new entrance and exit, and additional parking.

Once work is finished, tenants will have their own staff parking

with a separate entrance. There will also be X-ray scanners at the photograph identification entry point for visitors. They will have to pass through here to get into the secure precinct.

This small corner of the city houses workshops and offices for about 300 diamond dealers – about R7-billion changes hands each year in the precinct. Gems are received and processed at Jewel City from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana.

Polished diamonds It attracts more than 400 daily visi-

tors interested in buying cut and polished diamonds. It’s also home to the regulatory Diamond Board and State Trader Association.

To encourage trade in Jewel City, the property company has reconfigured some of the existing space to create a new 76m2 retail shop, the first of many more retail outlets planned for the precinct.

Redefine Properties has already completed a R30-million extension to the new head office of the Diamond Board and the State Trader. Its development manager, Mike Ruttell, says the upgrades form part of the

critical inner city renewal project.

It has also created a parking bay area for about 137 vehicles. Apart from that, Redefine will be spending an additional R10-million.

Ruttell explains that the Diamond Board has moved into Regulator House, which has been increased in size from 1 630m2 to 2 480m2.

The expansion includes the provision of a secure loading bay. More space has been created for the State Trader, which occupies 600m2.

Jewel City, the entrance to which is on Main Street, has also increased its security. www.jda.org.za.

NEDBANK INCREASES ACCESS TO PERSONAL LOANS

Nedbank officials cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony.

PIC : INNER-CITY PRESS AGENCY

As part of its on-going strategy to make banking more accessible to all residents, the Nedbank Personal Loans has opened another branch in the heart Joburg CBD. The new branch, in Eloff Steet, comes after the bank recently opened a personal loans branch at Gandhi Square. Since the beginning of the year, the bank has opened 13 branches country wide.

The new branch will offer loans from R1 000 for people who earn a minimum of R 1 200 per month.

Sarel Rudd, managing executive of Nedbank Personal Loans, said the new branch will enable clients to have access to funds that will help them support their needs such as school fees.

“We are delighted to be increasing access to banking services with innovative lending products and services tailormade to suit the needs of new and existing clients in one of the major hubs of economic activity in Johannesburg,” he said.

Nedbank has been operating in the personal loans field for over 10 years. Rudd added that

Nedbank fully understands that consumers are faced with wideranging challenges in managing their finances above their daily purchases of food and transport.

“The branch will provide consumers with much-needed financial support during times of unforeseen circumstances and to fund future needs such as paying for school fees and improving their lifestyles. As a bank, we are aware of the challenges facing our clients, and as a result it is important to ensure that our processes

are underpinned by world-class risk management practices that support responsible lending,” said Rudd.

Nedbak continues to invest in various programmes to promote financial well-being and to help people manage their finances wisely, said Rudd.

“We are very excited about opening the branch and we look forward to making things happen for our clients and their families.”

For more details about the branch call Jones Mothata on telephone 083 530-2313.

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

INNER-CITY GAZETTE

COMMERCIAL

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COMMERCIAL

INNER-CITY GAZETTE

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

PHUMULANI RENT SLASH - now only R3 870.93 for 2 bedroom loft

8 - 15 DECEMBER 2011

INNER-CITY GAZETTE

THE ARTS

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This festive season’s pantomime A spectacular show with traditional panto fun, great songs, hilarious comedy and dazzling dance A scene in the hilarious Cindrella production.

Arts Correspondent

T

he most popular pantomime story of them all, Cinderella is brought magically to life from page to stage by legendary storyteller and mirth-maker Janice Honeyman in a high quality, top-drawer production, currently being staged at the Joburg Theatre’s Mandela stage up to December 30.

This is packed with an abundance of comedy, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and the special moment when Cinderella is transformed from rags-to-riches and whisked off to the ball, with the help of a

little dusting of Fairy Godmother magic. It is a spectacular show that is packed with traditional panto fun, great songs, hilarious comedy and dazzling dance.

Returning to South Africa’s most popular stage show of the year is South Africa’s most adored star of the pantomimes Tobie Cronjé, in the hilarious role of Cinderella’s Ugly Sister, Flossie Flemerina.

The producers have pulled off yet another coup in their annual surprise casting in having persuaded Isidingo’s superstar villain Barker Haines, actor Robert Whitehead, to make his panto debut as the other

Ugly Sister, Fanny Flatulina.

Popular young reality television stars Carmen Pretorius and Bongi Mthombeni will be playing the lead romantic roles of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Multiaward winning star of the stage Sbu Radebe has been cast as Buttons, the loveable and loyal friend to Cinderella. Favourite Afrikaans soap star Anna-mart van der Merwe will be guest-starring in the panto as the all-important Fairy Godmother.

All of the other usual crazy roles in the panto will be performed this year by a truly sterling South Af-

Amazing visual experience Lighting effects enable people to fly and objects to disappear, while invisible puppeteers create optical trickery that provides sensory stimulation, mystery and surprise

Arts Correspondent Presented at the POP Art Centre, Maboneng Precinct between 8 and 10 December, Tales from the FlipSide: Origins, is a must see for the whole family.

The show uses black light, shadow puppetry and unusually wrought props and costumes to transport the audience into realms of magic and illusion

where anything is possible. The players from the Lunatic Fridge delight the audience with tales only ever told on the flipside of reality.

Clever usage of lighting effects enable people to fly and objects to disappear. That is done while invisible puppeteers create optical trickery that provides sensory stimulation, mystery and much surprise, all in

illuminated fluorescent colour.

The inaugural show staged last year was sold out and the sequel that launches on December 8 promises to be even more spellbinding, with four extra shows scheduled to avoid disappointment.

The show roams around the relationship between science and magic, presenting a curious collection of images and revelations to the audience through a truly entertaining visual experience. For more visit www.popartcentre.co.za.

rican company of actors: Stephen Jubber as Dandini, Malcolm Terrey as Baron Hardup, Tammi Meyer as Lady JinJa, Jaco van Rensburg as Donkey Houtie, Charles Bouguenon, Zeena Edwards, Nurit Michele Graff, Reg Hart, Bruce J Little, Jodie Renouf, Claire Scheepers, Uber Seleme, Dionne Song, Lebo Toko, Marno van der Merwe and Ziyanda Yako.

Executive producer and Joburg Theatre’s CEO, Bernard Jay says audiences have come to expect truly star casting in their annual festive season pantos. “We’re flattered and delighted that some of

this country’s most popular celebrities have chosen to spend the last part of their year with us, entertaining over 75 000 people in this grand old tradition.”

Returning alongside writer / director Janice Honeyman to the theatre’s creative family for Cinderella are Heidi Edeling (musical director), Jaco van Rensburg (choreographer), and Graham McLusky (lighting designer). The show is again produced by Bernard Jay, Simon James and Claire Pacariz for Joburg Theatre with Timothy Le Roux serving as resident director.

For more call (011) 877 6853/4.

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THE ARTS

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SPORT

Legend joins coaching dept ‘I am very keen to get stuck in, and will give it a full go, it is no secret that I want to be involved in coaching’ Rugby Correspondent

F

ormer Springboks and Bulls legend Victor Matfield will join the Vodacom Bulls on a consultancy basis for the 2012 Super Rugby season. Matfield will be used as a specialist coach, concentrating on line-outs and general forward play on a weekly basis.

The most capped lock in Springbok rugby starts a new career in sports broadcasting but has been given permission to assist the Blue Bulls as a consultant.

Bulls’ head of rugby, Heyneke Meyer said : “This is great news for us. Victor has been the backbone of the Bulls for many seasons, and to have his continued presence in the team, although

unfortunately not as a player anymore, is a real bonus for us.

He is generally rated as the finest line-out analyst in the game and we are proud and honoured to have him around.”

Matfield was also very excited about the opportunity.

“I am very keen to get stuck in (on television) and will give it a full go, but it is no secret that I want to become involved in coaching too. This will afford me the opportunity to do both, something that I am very pleased about,” Matfield added.

Meanwhile Brenden Nel reports that the SA Springbok Sevens side were granted a decent draw ahead of their home tournament this weekend as they were drawn with the team they lost to

in the Plate final, Australia.

The Blitzbokke will therefore get an opportunity to exact revenge for their 17-14 loss in the Plate final, and could not have wished for a better draw than Kenya and Canada in Pool C. England, who won the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens, have a tough group to play in. Semifinalists Argentina are joined by the USA and Samoa; the latter who had a shocking time in Dubai and only managed to win the Shield competition. Samoa will be determined to bounce back in PE and would like nothing better than to resurrect some of their tough encounters of the past with England.

Dubai finalists France were also handed a tough draw, getting

defending World Series champs New Zealand in their pool, as well as outsiders Scotland and Morocco while Fiji will face Wales, Portugal and Zimbabwe in their pool.

The inability of some of the leading teams to excel in Dubai actually will help the Blitzbokke, as they currently are in third position on the log and will be looking to make up some ground on series leaders Fiji.

The Pools Pool A: England, Argentina, USA, Samoa Pool B: France, New Zealand, Scotland, Morocco Pool C: South Africa, Australia, Canada, Kenya Pool D: Fiji, Wales, Portugal, Zimbabwe

Victor Matfield

SA champion wins tough bout Ron Jackson

L

Light-heavyweight champion Ryno Liebenberg

ight-heavyweight boxer Ryno Liebenberg showed outstanding form when he outpointed Rama Ilunga over eight rounds last weekend.

Ranked as the No 1 light-heavyweight in South Africa, Liebenberg won the fight at the Moreleta College Hall in Makapanstad in North Western Province by 80-72 on each of the scorecards.

Liebenberg, who is from Krugersdorp, controlled the fight from behind his left jab against

the gutsy Ilunga, who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo but based in Cape Town.

Lightweight Ashley Dlamini outpointed Joseph Modise over eight rounds in another crowdpleasing bout. The scores were 78-72 on two cards and 80-72.

In the opening bout, lightweight Allan Bouwer beat Kabelo Serobedi on a majority decision over four rounds. The scores were 39-37 on two cards and 38-38. Junior lightweight Morne Bothma won on points over four rounds against Elias Moreme

DISCLAIMER

– 39-37 on each of the cards.

Fighting at just over the lightheavyweight limit, Irvin Mahonisi was outscored over eight rounds by David Bassajamvulle.

The scores were 80-72 and 79-73 on the other two cards.

A crowd of 500 attended the tournament, which was presented by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions in conjunction with Emperors Palace.

In East London Dumisani Tose won the Eastern Cape junior featherweight title when he beat Bonakele Bikitsha on points

over 10 rounds at the Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre near East London on Sunday.

Tose had the champion down for a count in the 10th round, and there was no doubt about the outcome.

In a junior bantamweight fight, Zola Mditshwa beat Khayalethu Qave on a fourth-round technical knockout. Minimumweights Ongezo Makhubalo and Luvo Mabasela drew over four rounds; and junior bantamweight Simphiwe Nkagana stopped Mxolisi Mba in the fourth round.

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Wits to ‘pull out TKO surprise’ ‘We’ve got a young squad which I believe can handle the pressure of playing in a cup final, we’re looking forward to it and I hope we can put up a decent performance’ Soccer Correspondent

kickoff.com

B

idVest Wits coach, Roger de Sa is convinced that his youthful squad can absorb Cup-final pressure and rise to the occasion when they face the fancied Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout final.

The much-anticipated match will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night.

“We’ve got a young squad that I believe can handle the pressure of playing in a final.

We are looking forward to it and I hope we can put up a decent performance, especially playing against an experienced

Pirates side that has played in many cup finals,” De Sa said.

An emphatic 3-0 Victory over Santos enabled the Milpark side to book a place in the final and the BidVest mentor is now backing his youthful side to outplay the star-studded Orlando Pirates.

“Most of the boys are excited about playing in a final and that makes my job that much difficult to select the team that will travel to Durban,” said De Sa. With Pirates having missed out on the Telkom Knockout trophy last season, De Sa is convinced the side will be heading into this tie as favourites, and will be under pressure to correct the

mistake of missing out last season to Kaizer Chiefs.

“I think there will always be pressure on the bigger team, there is no doubt about that.

They are expected to win, especially having missed out last year. We will go out there and play our normal game and not focus on our last results against them, because it will have no bearing on this match.”

The Clever Boys will be without the services of experienced midfielder, Stanton Fredericks who is out through suspension.

However the side will welcome the return of speedy winger, Bhongolwethu Jayiya from the National under-23 team.

Bucs and Wits action in their recent league match.

PSL awards top performers Soccer Correspondent

Supersport United coach Gavin Hunt

Bidvest Wits’ regular scorer Ryan Chapman and SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt have been rewarded with titles of Absa Premiership Player of the Month and Absa Premiership Coach of the month.

The two were the standout performers during the October/November voting period and each won R10 000 and four ‘Dreambags’ with soccer equipment to donate to a school of their choice.

Chapman’s work rate and his ability to score crucial goals was the greatest motivation for awarding him the title. He netted five Absa Premiership goals in just four games against Ajax

Cape Town, Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates.

Judging panel convenor, Farouk Khan said : “His ability to score under pressure yet still remain composed makes this player the number one candidate for the title.”

It was however a tight affair between Chapman and SuperSport United goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who produced a number of outstanding performances in goal for Matsatsantsa and went through five matches without conceding a goal.

Williams garnered the second highest number of votes with Elias Pelembe of Mamelodi Sundowns finishing third.

Judges took note of the fact that no coach collected more

points during the voting period and Hunt oversaw a four match period where Matsatsantsa did not concede a goal.

“Hunt’s side has not only led the points tally, but has scored the most goals, with nine coming in four matches. They have conceded the least amount of goals, the judges said.

Absa chief communications officer, Happy Ntshingila congratulated the winners.

PSL Acting CEO, Cambridge Mokanyane said the players have shown their hunger to go out there and do their best to succeed.

“Coaches have also shown their worth, and in Ryan and Gavin we have seen these qualities in abundance,” said Mokanyane

Wits striker Ryan Chapman (in blue).

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