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2 - 9 April 2015
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Facelift for Turffontein park ‘The Xtremepark Makeover initiative is to fast-track the establishment of outdoor recreational facilities in highdensity areas, while rehabilitating public spaces that show symptoms of illegal dumping, littering, vandalism and vagrancy’ Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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he Rotunda Park in Turffontein has been given a thorough makeover. On Thursday morning City Parks & Zoo Managing Director Bulumko Nelana, his executive team, 500 employees and volunteers toiled in the rain to breathe new life into the 10hectare park. They built flower beds, laid the lawn, planted indigenous trees, installed new outdoor gym equipment and painted playground equipment. Nelana said the activities cost R200 000 but the total budget into renovating the park is R6 million. “The aim of the Xtremepark Makeover initiative is to fast-track the establishment of outdoor recreational facilities in high-density areas, while
rehabilitating public spaces showing symptoms of illegal dumping, littering, vandalism and vagrancy. The whole exercise is aimed at revitalising Turffontein. The reason City Parks & Zoo chose this park is because Turffontein has been earmarked for redevelopment as part of the Corridors of Freedom strategy of turning Joburg into an economically inclusive and vibrant African city, in which residents live and play near their places of work and schools,” Nelana said. The park now boasts a new skateboard court, an astro-turf mini soccer field, revamped netball and tennis courts, a state-of-the-art children’s play area complete with rubberised surfaces, a fitness track and picnic shelters. The park’s gym and equipment as well as the cycling space have been enlarged and modernised. The park is home to some of the old-
Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau, Community Development MMC Chris Vondo, Councillor Philemon Madisha and community members at the Rotunda Park during the event.
est trees in the city. Nelana said the XtremePark Makeover would not only rejuvenate the park and create employment but would also lead to further development to attract investors. “We urge the community of Turffontein to take ownership of the park. Research has shown that sedentary lifestyles lead people to early graves. We urge the residents of the area to make full use of the park facilities and guard it jealously to keep
vandals at bay,” Nelana said. He said some of the cooperatives registered under the Jozi@Work campaign would be contracted to maintain Rotunda Park and other parks across the city. Unemployed resident Dimakatso Tsotetsi was happy about the park’s makeover. “Now children can get off the streets and have a safe place to play. Even old people can use the outdoor gym,” he said.
Turffontein is an area rich in history. Founded as a tented camp during the gold rush and subsequently viewed as a working-class area about a century ago, the suburb comprises a rich cosmopolitan mix of residents. In 1889, Walter Casey laid out a section of Turffontein for a circular park, Rotunda Park. Near the Rotunda Park is one of the oldest buildings in the area, the Turffontein Fire Station, built in 1910.
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Inner-city Gazette
Cops hunt for thugs
Police out in full force ‘We urge all road users, including passengers and pedestrians, to take personal care of themselves on the roads and obey the rules of the road as the law dictates’
2 - 9 April 2015
Staff Reporter
news@inner-city-gazette.co,za
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Public Safety MMC Sello Lemao (centre), Mayor Parks Tau and Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Wayne Minnaar during the event.
Johannesburg - Metro police will be out in full force during the Easter holidays to enforce road safety, spokesperson Superintendent Wayne Minnaar says. This follows the launch of the Easter Road Safety Campaign, Kemolao, which was launched by Mayor Parks Tau on Tuesday at the Marlboro Licence Testing Centre. Supt Minnaar said traffic officials will have a zero tolerance approach to lawlessness and to those who drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances. “At roving roadblocks the officers will check vehicles for roadworthiness, drivers’ licences and professional driving permits for public vehicles, including buses and taxis,” he added. Minnaar said there will be over 22 roadblocks on all exit routes from the city on the N1 and M2 high-
ways. “There will also be officers patrolling all the major highways.” Minnaar also said there would be many traffic officers on the roads, which would prevent motorists from speeding, and also assist with traffic control. “We are urging all road users, including passengers and pedestrians, to take personal care of themselves on the roads and obey the rules of the road as the law dictates.” He added that the campaign will also focus on searching vehicles for drugs and illegal firearms. “It will also focus on overloading, especially the vehicles leaving Johannesburg to other provinces, and also ensuring that drivers are fit to drive,” Supt Minnaar said. Public Safety MMC Sello Lemao said safety is a collect responsibility. “Working together we can reduce fatalities on our roads,” he said.
eppe police are searching for three gunmen who robbed a KFC outlet in Bertrams recently. Spokesperson Warrant Officer Richard Munyai says Jeppe SAPS is appealing for assistance in tracing the robbers, one of whom was captured on CCTV footage. “On January 5 this One of the gunmen was captured by CCTV cameras year, at about 9.20pm, la, on 081 328 3291 or 011 624-6021. three armed men entered a business in Albertina Sisulu Road Man hijacked at intersection and Queen Street. Two of the suspects Cleveland Communications Officer Cst were armed with firearms and allegedly Mpho Mashakane says a man was hijumped over the counter. They then jacked by four men in a taxi, as he was opened the door for their accomplices driving towards the Roberts Avenue to gain access to the area behind the and King Edward Street intersection on cash registers. They pointed firearms March 25, shortly after 8pm. “The man slowed down as he apat the KFC staff, opened the cash registers and stole an undisclosed amount proached the intersection. Two of the of money. After that they fled on foot four occupants, who were in a taxi that down Albertina Sisulu Road and disap- was driving parallel to him, jumped out peared. No shots were fired during the and pointed firearms at him. They demanded his car keys. He exited the car robbery.” W/O Munyai adds that anyone with in- and ran away. The men drove away in formation regarding the whereabouts of his car, which was later discovered in the suspects can contact the investigat- Soweto. One man was also arrested ing officer, Detective Constable Masha- in Soweto,” Cst Mashakane says.
Knifemen rob kids
Yeoville - Police arrested two men for armed robbery after they allegedly held up schoolchildren at corner of St Georges and Innes streets on their way from school on Friday. Cst Thabo Malatji of Yeoville police said the suspects allegedly held up the
children with knives and robbed them of their cellphones. “The victims notified the police and a manhunt was launched to locate the suspects.” The suspects, aged 31 and 32, were traced to a property on Muller Street, where the cellphones were recovered.
Court hands life jail for murderers Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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n Tuesday the Johannesburg High Court sentenced convicted murderers Sipho Ntshingila, 28,
and Sifiso Fano Khumalo, 26 to life imprisonment. Joburg Central police Communications Officer Xoli Mbele says the men were found guilty of murder and robbery with aggravating cir-
Priscilla More with former Isidingo actor Vusi Kunene
cumstances. “On 26 April 2014 they robbed and stabbed a 26-year-old male, Vekneshan Moodley. He tried to protect his girlfriend when the men stabbed him. They took their belongings, which included cellphones.
The victim later died in hospital. The handbag of the deceased’s girlfriend was recovered in the possession of one of the men’s girlfriend. Through the help of the community they were arrested on 6 and 8 May. The conviction is the result of diligent work by the investigating officer.” W/O Mbele adds that police have Avid reader wins arrested a 25-year-old suspect for Cinderella contest alleged rape at the Ormondeor View building. I am an avid Inner-city Gazette “It is alleged that the man raped reader and I recently won the his 46-year-old girlfriend at a flat in Cinderella Story Competition. Jeppe and Von Brandis streets on 30 My prize was this gown, custom December 2014. The suspect is said made for me by local designer to have had an argument with the Gert Johan Coetzee. We chose victim, and ended up sleeping with the colour turquoise because it’s her without her consent.” the colour of Cinderella’s dress W/O Mbele adds that community in the original story. members must remember that rape is I was flown to and from Dura serious crime. ban with my friend; a stay at the “It is a serious offence to force Hilton hotel and a walk down yourself to have sex with your partthe red carpet with my favourite ner, even if you are married. If she soap stars. says no, respect her decision to avoid So yeah, basically, it was a problems,” he adds. story about an ordinary young W/O Mbele adds that police also arwoman who got an opportunity rested a 25-year-old suspect for posto experience being a star and session of an unlicensed firearm and glamorous for one night. ammunition at corner Von Brandis Priscilla More and Kerk streets. “Police on routine crime prevention saw two suspicious males; who started to flee the scene. The officers gave chase Urban Olive and apprehended Flats To Rent one of them. A From R1 950 firearm with no For the 1st Month serial number No Lease Fee and live ammunition was recovUrban Olive, Central Joburg ered from him.” Mobile: 082 535 1234 / Tel: 011 333 0200
2 - 9 April 2015
Inner-city Gazette
Alleged robber
shot dead Own Correspondent
A
n alleged robber is believed to have been shot dead with his own gun on Monday in Observatory. According to the security company that attended the crime scene, Bad Boyz Security, it is believed that the victim allegedly shot the man who tried to rob him with the robber’s own firearm. “The suspect dropped the gun and The robbery suspect lies dead near the victim’s car. the victim shot him,” the company said. an alleged robber was shot dead in Observatory. “The deAttempts to contact the security company proved futile ceased allegedly tried to rob the owner of a motor vehicle and police had not been able to confirm the incident. at gunpoint. He was then shot dead. No police officials have According to Intelligence Bureau SA’s Facebook page, confirmed the incident yet. Details still remain unclear.”
News
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Inner-city Gazette
2 - 9 April 2015
Mayor Parks Tau (third left) with officials and students during the launch of the project.
City’s digital game changer
Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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n Monday Joburg Mayor Parks Tau announced the rollout of free internet and WiFi access in libraries across the city. “Through this programme we provide free technology and internet access for all, essentially providing a mechanism to accelerate local social and economic growth,” said Mayor Tau. With the support of the Library and Information Technology Services, the City’s Library and Information Services will roll out the e-World programme over the next 18 months that will enable free internet and Wi-Fi access in public libraries. Corporate and Shared Services MMC Mally Mokoena said the City had made a solid commitment to bridge the digital divide by focusing on e-learning as reflected in the City’s Smart Citizen Priority. “Though the target audience is all citizens of the city, attention has been placed on the youth. By accessing e-learning technology, learners are able to remove a bulk of the material costs, enjoy flexible learning times and locations
and enjoy enhanced audio and video content. ” MMC Mokoena said the rollout of e-World and the e-learning initiative would improve the “techno-literacy skills of communities, resulting in empowerment through the provision of access to online information resources, enabling people to participate in the global knowledge economy.” Community Development MMC Chris Vondo said in a bid to further accelerate the City’s Smart City and Smart Citizen programme, 40 interns would undergo intensive information technology and entrepreneurial training. “The programme will be run in partnership with the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller. A further 3 000 digital ambassadors from micro enterprises would be trained to provide literacy training to communities.” MMC Vondo thanked e-World partners Think Ahead, Dimension Data and EOH for making the rollout of this initiative possible. “The programme rollout is an important aspect of human and social development designed to unlock true human potential. The launch coincided with National Library Week, which this year was held run under the theme ‘Connect @ your Library’.”
Prophab Properties staff and some residents during the cleaning campaign.
Hillbrow clean-up campaign Hillbrow - Last Saturday members of the Prophab Properties company and some residents conducted a cleaning campaign in Hillbrow’s Ockerse Street. The company’s Administration and Marketing Manager Pat Ndleleni said their focus is to transform dilapidated buildings in this area. “We manage about 17 buildings in this vicinity. Re-
cently we identified a building at corner Quartz and Ockerse streets, which happens to be next to Clairhaven, one of the buildings we are managing. We have started working on a strategy with the residents of the San Michele building, which is a cleaning campaign starting on 28 March. This is just a start; we will be looking into many other buildings to introduce this campaign.”
Mayor Parks Tau with the Ombudsman Advocate Sidumo Gumede.
Pic Enock Lehung
Joburg appoints ombudsman Johannesburg - The city has appointed an ombudsman to deal with municipal-related complaints from the public. The announcement is in line with Johannesburg’s long-term Growth and Development Strategy, GDS 2040 which recognises the importance of good governance and an accountable administration, the City of Joburg says in a statement.
Mayor Parks Tau said the ombudsman’s office would be an independent mechanism which would take appropriate action on poor service to the public. The office is aimed at increasing and enhancing the accountability of public officials. The public is expected to have recourse through such an office without resorting to the National Consumer Commission or the public protector.
Arsenal coaches Akbar Hayath (left) and Joseph Sammarco with Ekhaya Neighbourhood co-ordinator Bafikile Mkhize (centre).
Arsenal coaches motivate Hillbrow youths
Hillbrow - Last weekend two coaches from English Premiership side Arsenal joined youth coaches and players at Ekhaya Park in Hillbrow on a youth development mission, according to Ekhaya Neighbourhood co-ordinator Bafikile Mkhize. The two, Akbar Hayath and Joseph Sammarco
shared their experience with the locals and encouraged the youths to take up life seriously and soccer as a career, Mkhize said. She added that the two had been invited by the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC) to come and motivate the youths and their coaches.
2 - 9 April 2015
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Inner-city Gazette
Focus
on
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Africa
Rights activists pay heavy price
Residents walk past an Ebola awareness poster in Freetown.
Ebola lockdown improves awareness Freetown, Sierra Leone - People were once again allowed to leave their homes on Sunday evening after the government announced the end of a three-day nationwide lockdown aimed at preventing a resurgence of the deadly Ebola virus. During the curfew; which was ordered by President Ernest Koroma from Friday until Sunday; some 26 000 volunteers went doorto-door to check for sick people and raise awareness. Officials at the National Ebola Response Centre (NERC) said locals had overwhelmingly complied with the lockdown, the second time in six months the six million residents were told to stay indoors over Ebola concerns. “We are pleased over the level of compliance,” head of NERC’s Situation Room, Obi Sesay, said.
The latest lockdown was called over fears that the disease that has killed about 3 700 in Sierra Leone was making a comeback in parts of the country. World Health Organisation (WHO) officials declared in January the epidemic was declining in west Africa after sparking a global health scare. Witnesses said the quarantine passed off peacefully with the exception of one incident in Kaffu Bullom chiefdom in Port Loko district, where health workers were attacked. In Kambia, near the Guinea border, media reports said some people hid in the bush to avoid the health teams. Following the outbreak in December 2013 in Guinea, the Ebola virus spread to Sierra Leone and Liberia, which have together seen over 10 300 deaths, according to the WHO. AFP
Cairo, Egypt- Arab leaders have agreed to form a joint military force, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced. Arab representatives would meet over the next month to study the creation of the force, according to the resolution adopted by the leaders on the last day of the weekend meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh. “Assuming the responsibility imposed by the challenges facing our Arab nation and threatening its capabilities, leaders agreed on a joint Arab military force,” Sisi said.
The decision was mostly aimed at fighting jihadists who have overrun swathes of Iraq and Syria and secured a foothold in Libya, Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi said ahead of the summit. On Sunday, al-Arabi told the meeting that the region was threatened by a ‘destructive’ force that threatened ‘ethnic and religious diversity’, in an apparent reference to the Islamic State group jihadists. “Today there is an important decision, in light of the tumult afflicting the Arab world,” al-Arabi said.
Bujumbura, Burundi - As tensions popular independent African mount ahead of presidential elecPublic Radio (RPA), was also arrested in January tions, journalists and activists say they are paying an increasafter implicating intelligence officials in muringly heavy price as standard ders of Italian nuns. bearers for free speech. “These are the best Civil rights activists say the known cases, but rights are being sacrificed in President Pierre Nkurunthere are many other cases of activists who ziza’s bid to defy a two-term are constantly harassed, limit and stay in power for intimidated by high-rankanother five years. There are allegations of widespread haing members of the authorities, who receive rassment and threats of viothreatening phone lence, and even talk of a hitcalls or summonses,” list containing the names of opposition figures, civil explained Carina TerJournalist Bob Rugurika sakian of the global society activists and journalists to be eliminated before parliamentary watchdog Human Rights Watch. The government denies the allegations, but polls in May, and the presidential election in June. Human rights defender Pierre-Claver makes no secret of its disdain of the media Mbonimpa was detained last May after re- and NGOs it sees as political opponents. The media has paid a high price for deporting that Nkurunziza’s ruling party, the nouncing alleged extrajudicial killings, plunCNDD-FDD, was arming its youth wing and training them in the jungles of neighbouring dering of the wealth by corrupt politicians or attacks on freedom of expression. DR Congo. Bob Rugurika, director of the
Fifth govt minister vacates her post
Joint military force to face Jihadists
Lands Minister Charity Ngilu
Nairobi, Kenya - A fifth government minister has vacated her post, after President Uhuru Kenyatta said officials cited in a report by an anti-corruption watchdog should step aside pending investigation. Kenyatta’s spokesperson said Lands Minister Charity Ngilu had acted in line with the president’s instruction that anyone criticised in the report should move aside, regardless of rank. Kenyatta has promised to take personal charge of fighting corruption, seen as a major obstacle to business and law enforcement, and as a deterrent to investment. On Saturday, ministers in charge of Energy, Transport and Infrastructure, Labour and Agriculture and Fisheries also stepped aside. Kenyatta made the fight against graft a priority on taking office in 2013, but critics say he has failed to rid his government of corrupt officials. He has not named anyone cited in the report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Parliament has yet to disclose its details. Reuters
President Jakaya Kikwete
Religious tension rises Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - President Jakaya Kikwete says tensions between Muslims and Christians are rising ahead of a constitutional referendum and elections, and warned religious leaders against political meddling, which could stoke violence. Violent attacks on Christian and Muslim leaders over the past few years have raised concerns of an escalation of sectarian tensions in relatively stable and secular Tanzania. Kikwete, a Muslim, said the referendum slated for 30 April and general elections in October have raised the spectre of violence. The population of 45 million is roughly evenly split between Muslims and Christians. President Kikwete said opposition to the proposed charter was probably retaliation for his government’s decision to present legislation to allow courts to recognise verdicts from Islamic ‘Kadhi’ courts. The courts would allow Muslims to enforce marriage, divorce, inheritance and family rights, but some Christian leaders say they undermine the secular state. President Kikwete said the Kadhi courts would only adjudicate on Muslim issues and would get no state funding. “I do not see any reason for religious leaders to instruct their worshippers to vote against the proposed constitution.” Coastal Muslims feel marginalised by the secular government, providing fertile recruitment grounds for Islamist militant groups like Somalia’s al-Shabaab. Reuters
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Tough CAF assignments for SA teams
Ex-Bucs defender Edward Motale
Soccer Correspondent
F
ormer Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale backs Bucs and Mamelodi Sundowns to win their CAF ties on the weekend, but he doubts Kaizer Chiefs will get the job done in Casablanca, Morocco. The Buccaneers will face Uganda Revenue Authority in the Confederation Cup on Saturday in Kampala, having won the first leg 2-1 on home soil. Sundowns take a 1-0 lead into their Champions League rematch with TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. Kaizer Chiefs, though, will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their Champions League clash with Raja Casablanca on Sunday night. “Let’s start with Pirates, they managed to beat their opponents and I think a 2-1 win is not too comfortable
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Bucs captain Lucky Lekgwathi
but gives them an advantage,” said Motale, who helped the Buccaneers claim continental honours in 1995. “I see them going through to the next round and I think their experience will come in handy for them. “They’ve been through Africa before and will not be intimidated easily; I think they have a chance to make their dreams come true.” Regarding Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF assignment, he said: “I believe Sundowns can go there and get a win or go through because they’re doing well and are scoring. “My only concern is that they didn’t score many goals against TP Mazembe, but they can fight because things will not be easy away in DR Congo. It’s not easy to face such a team away from home, and we just hope that they get the desired result because there will be a lot to fight for.”
Bucs captain Lucky Lekgwathi says he still has the passion to play competitive football and is praying that he can return to the pitch this season On Amakhosi’s test, Motale said: “In my opinion, I think they have their eyes set on the Absa premiership and do not take this one seriously. “They’re not scoring as many goals, sometimes they win by 1-0 and going to Morocco under pressure will not be easy. I don’t see them going through because they sometimes change their line-up when playing such games; it’s not going to be easy because they lost at home in that sense,” he said. Meanwhile Ryan Cooper reports that Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi says he still has the passion to play competitive football and is praying that he can return to the pitch this season. The 38-year-old has not featured in 2014/15 due to an ankle injury, having started 36 matches last season. Lekgwathi says he is working extra hard to ensure he gets to taste some
action before the Premier Soccer League campaign closes in May. “I’m doing light training at the moment, but only God knows when I’ll be back playing. I’m working very hard and hopefully I’ll still get some game-time this season. I’m praying every day that it happens.” And despite the injury woes, Lekgwathi says he is not ready to give up on his playing days just yet. “My legs will tell me when I’m done, but I’ve still got the passion. I do extra training, do a lot of stretching and eat well, and that’s helped me go for this long. I’ve also had a lot of encouragement from people like Shoes Moshoeu, Palacios and Dr Irvin Khoza. My teammates also miss me a lot,” the Bucs captain added. Lekgwathi has made 342 starts for the Buccaneers since arriving from Ria Stars club in the 2002 season.
Khune mulls over Sundowns move
Sports Correspondent
Bafana Bafana and Chiefs ‘keeper Itumeleng Khune (pictured) has revealed that moving to another PSL team is an ‘option’ should a new contract with Chiefs fail. Khune, 27, has made his intention to move to Europe or stay with Chiefs known, but admitted to KickOff magazine that if neither of those options presented are agreeable to him, he would have to consider another PSL team. When asked about the possibility of joining his long-time admirers Sundowns, Khune said: “I wouldn’t say moving to a different local club is not an option, but I wouldn’t want to entertain other clubs more because I am still contracted to Kaizer Chiefs. Obviously in order of preference it is Chiefs then Europe, but if that doesn’t materialise then I will have to consider other options,” he said. Negotiations between Khune and Chiefs are currently ongoing and his contract with the club will expire at the end of this PSL season.