MAHALA!
NOVEMBER 2021 (VOL.8 ISSUE #13)
Engaging, Educating and Empowering
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Vusi Mabena is now a multiaward winner!
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Free stands for Gauteng citizens
NYDA appoints new board
Sedibeng honors women in sport
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Vol. 8 Issue 13: November 2021
Mapepeza
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) takes pride in the announcement of the two (2) appointed Colonels;. Ivan Du Plessis and Ambrose Allistiar Abrahams. The Municipal Commissioner, Chief Isaac Jabulani Mapiyeye and the Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Mr Goodman Mzolo, described both newly appointed Colonels, as pillars of the EMPD, who are dedicated and always going an extra mile, to serve members of the community. Colonel Abrahams is deployed in the Southern Region and Colonel Du Plessis is the Staff Officer in the Office of the Municipal Commissioner.
News Briefs Gauteng provides serviced stands President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to Elita De Klerk, the wife of the late former President FW de Klerk, and her family following the news of his passing. FW De Klerk was the Deputy President from 1994 to 1996.
to build your own home!
De Klerk, who also presided over a bloody state of emergency during the apartheid era in the 1980s until his party lost power to the ANC in 1994, passed away earlier on Thursday (November 11) after an extended period of illness. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) collection rates have once again recorded positive growth, collecting a gross R1.55 trillion in the past year. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 10, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter that this comprised of a net of R1.25 trillion of the revenue estimate and that is R38 billion more than the revised estimate. Refunds paid amounted to R300.6 billion, which is R20 billion more than 2019/2020. The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) would like to inform the readers and the public about a scam making its rounds in social media platforms about the Metro Police Learnership. According to the EMPD, the fake learnership comprises of all the requirements that would normally be required when applying for a proper post. All posts/vacancies are advertised on the Ekurhuleni website and it is an online application. For now, there are no Ekurhuleni Metro Police Learnerships. “We only urge the citizens to continue checking the Ekurhuleni website for job opportunities,” said EMPD spokesperson, Lerato Monyane.
Not everyone wants to receive an RDP house provided by the Government, some people cannot wait until the State provides. Some have means to build their own home, but often find it difficult to find suitable spaces. The Gauteng Provincial Government has recently unveiled their solution to this particular land question. This is the Rapid Land Release programme, or dubbed Ikageleng (meaning Build by yourself in Sesotho). The programme provides serviced stands, which are portions of land that are ready for building of homes. These stands come serviced with electricity, water, streets and sewer. Beneficiaries who participate in this programme will be removed from the housing needs register. The Ikageleng Rapid Land Release programme was launched in Palm Ridge, south of Ekurhuleni, where the provincial gov-
ernment handed over title deeds and stands to local beneficiaries. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements is currently allocating serviced stands (land) to qualifying beneficiaries across the province. This rapid land programme seeks to address the housing backlog by providing homeseekers serviced stands to build houses for themselves. Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements Cllr Lesiba Mpya said the City was delighted to be in the forefront of releasing serviced stands to the communities of Ekurhuleni. “We are very excited to be in a partnership with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements that is seeking to change the lives of Ekurhuleni residents. A week earlier, we released 1 394 serviced stands and those stands include title deeds which provide security of tenure for the beneficiaries.” “The serviced stands programme aims to reduce the RDP housing backlog and upgrade the lives of those who
are low-income earners,” said MMC Mpya.
Who qualifies for the free stands Phase One focuses primarily on those earning between R3 501 – R7 000 to ease the burden on struggling households, and provide an allowance to those earning up to R22 000 – but those details with follow up at a later stage. Beneficiaries who receive serviced stands in the form of land need to secure funding and build a formal structure within five years, or return the stand back to department. Building plans are provided for beneficiaries where they can then choose plans that range from 35m2 to 87m2. Potential beneficiaries on the waiting list who qualify will receive an SMS from the department with further information. Residents can visit the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements regional offices across all five corridors of the province.
Mapepeza
New ECD centre open to the children of Devon! Parents of children aged between 0 and 5 years old in Devon will no longer look to childminders and baby-sitters to look after their kids during the day. This is because the Gauteng Provincial Government has opened a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in the community on Friday, October 29. Social Development’s MEC Morakane Mosupyoe together with Infrastructure Development MEC Tasneem Motara and Lesedi Municipality MMC Katie Rakitla officially handed over the newly built centre to the Devon community, south-east of Gauteng. According to the government, the opening of the ECD is part of observing social development month. In October, government intensifies its services to various communities; including services to older persons, services to people with disability, services to victims of gender-based violence and Early childhood development. Speaking at the opening, MEC Mosupyoe said the launch remembers the life of Charlotte Maxeke as she was a pioneer for education and that Gauteng Provincial Government seeks to bring early childhood development centres in rural areas as government values proper development of children. She further acknowledged and thanked the family of John Jangaiso who allowed the government and community of Devon to honour him with the name of the centre.
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She further acknowledged and thanked the family of John Jangaiso who allowed the government and community of Devon to honour him with the name of the centre. The late John Jangaiso was a local ANC activist and leader who was shot dead by a named member of the SAP in Impumelelo (in Devon) on 2 December 1990. He was 22 years old.
The facility The ECD will accommodate 80 learners, teachers and 4 assistans, a Centre Manager and an Administration Clerk. The centre consists of 4 learning areas, Administration block, Kitchen, Four sick bays, Nurses station, store rooms, ablution and changing rooms facilities and refuse yard.
Appeal if your R350 grant application is rejected!
There is hope for those whose applications for R350 Grant were rejected. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has called on to lodge an appeal by logging on their website, www.srd.gov.za and click on the ‘Appeals’ tab. SASSA can reject applications due to some people, although unemployed, still receive UIF benefits and do not agree with the decision.
“Appeals can only be lodged online. Please note that appeals must be lodged within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice. All appeals will be considered and complainants will be provided with feedback,” said the agency.
Applicants are requested to provide reasons why they think the SASSA decision was incorrect or provide a motivation when lodging their appeals. All appeals will be treated in a fair and transparent manner to ensure that a high standard of administrative justice is maintained in the administration of grants. “Declined applicants who already lodged appeals need not re-apply nor re-appeal. SASSA will send them the outcome of their appeals through an SMS. Complainants are requested not to send attachments when lodging their appeals,” explained Ms Nandi Mosia (Gauteng SASSA spokesperson).
MEC Motara said it took twentyfour months to complete the project as the provincial government invested just over R18 million to the community of Impumelelo where they were able to provide four hundred and twenty-four Extended Public Work Programme (EPWP) jobs opportunities throughout the duration. She further indicated that the project was able to hire ten subcontractors and four of them were the locals. Devon resident, Thoko Skhosana (57), said they are excited as community to receive the facility of this nature in Devon adding that it is the first of its kind in their area and committed to protect it from vandalism.
DISTRIBUTED IN TOWNSHIPS/COMUNNITIES OF : • SEDIBENG DISTRICT • CITY OF EKURHULENI • JOHANNESBURG • GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT (MPUMALANGA)
MAHALA!
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Vol. 8 Issue 13: November 2021
New NYDA board brings in first female chairperson! President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new seven member board for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to be headed up by the agency’s first female chairperson. The appointments come after a lengthy process which kicked off with applications earlier this year, followed by public comments, considerations and interviews by Parliament’s sub-committee of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Select Committee on Health and Social Services. It ended in a recommendation of 17 names to the President. The committees received at least 1000 applications for the seven vacancies. President Ramaphosa said the seven successful applicants now have a task ahead of them to ensure the empowerment of the youth.
“The new board of the National Youth Development Agency carries a great responsibility in the country’s drive to empower young people through skills development, employment, work experience and other opportunities. “I see the NYDA as a vital partner in the implementation of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Intervention and ensuring that young people are prioritised as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (November 10). The new NYDA board members are:
a group of individuals with diverse expertise and experience in youth development. I have every confidence that they will ensure sound governance of the agency, and will dedicate themselves to the critical task of building a better future for the youth of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said. The agency’s executive authority, Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite NkoanaMashabane, said her department will be working closely with the board to improve the lives of young people in the country.
Asanda Luwaca (Chairperson) Avela Mjajubana Karabo Mohale (Deputy Chaiperson) Lebo Mulaisi Thulisa Ndlela Pearl Pillay Alexandria Procter
“I congratulate each and every one of the newly-appointed Board Members and look forward to working with them to contribute to lifting the NYDA to even better heights, improved service delivery and positive impact on the lives of young people.
“The new board brings together
“I am certain that this Board
Get your free settop box decoder to watch quality TV! Qualifying households are called to apply for free set-top boxes as the country prepares to migrate to digital broadcasting by 31 March 2022. In a statement on Monday, November 15, the South African Post Office said almost 60 000 households applied for a government-subsidised television decoder in October 2021. “Households that missed the registration deadline of 31 October may receive their decoder only after 31 March 2022. Households that applied earlier should receive their decoder before 31 March next year, when the old analogue television transmission will be switched off in all provinces. After that all television transmissions will be digital, and television sets will need a decoder to work,” SAPO said. Last month’s provincial statistics show that the Eastern Cape is in the lead with 10 261 registrations, followed by the Northwest with 8 452 households registered, KwaZulu-Natal at 7 783, the Western Cape 7 561, Gauteng 6 994, Limpopo 6 867 and Mpumalanga 6 375. “The switch to digital television transmissions is almost complete in the Free State, where 3 309 households registered and in the Northern Cape, where the conversion is practically complete, 1 300 households registered. Qualifying households are still welcome to apply at their local Post Office. “Visit your local Post Office with your identity document, proof of address and proof that you earn R3500 per month or less. If you do not have proof of income or address, your post office will help you to complete an affidavit to confirm your address and income,” said the SAPO.
Ekurhuleni City Council elects a new Executive Mayor!
understands that they need to hit the ground running. The NYDA is a critical part of the South African youth development machinery in dealing with the issues facing the youth of our country. We look forward to tapping into their individual and collective skills, passions and intellect to contribute to making our country better,” Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said.
New NYDA female Chairperson Asanda Luwaca. Pic: Facebook
Ekurhuleni DA Caucus Leader, Tania Campbell elected as the new mayor of Ekurhuleni The Democratic Alliance (DA) has secured a major win in the City of Ekurhuleni Metro Council on Tuesday, November 23. Alderwoman Tania Campbell has been elected as the executive mayor for the City, replacing the African National Congress’ former mayor, Alderman Mzwandile Masina.
NSFAS explains the 75 percent proposed rule!
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has clarified the 75% progression rule it has proposed as a requirement for students eligible for funding.
The rule was reported in the media, sparking conversations on social media regarding the country’s youth being able to meet up to the standards. NSFAS said the proposed policy is aimed at encouraging students to pass their courses and/or modules, and just with “the pass mark”. “The proposed policy, if implemented, would only apply as of the 2023 academic year, and would not be applied to students who entered higher education for the first time, also referred to as FTEN students. This is in recognition of the transition that many students make from high school to university. “It should be noted that NSFAS funds students that would not otherwise be
able to access higher education to ensure that they qualify and ultimately contribute to the economy. “Therefore, this progression criteria is aimed at ensuring that students complete their qualifications within the allowable timeframe to ensure return on investment and to provide more opportunities to deserving students,” NSFAS said. It said all other matters contained in the proposed funding guidelines, including student accommodation, are subject to consultative processes. “All these policy considerations are aimed at ensuring sustainability of the scheme and for the well-being of students, to ensure that they succeed. “In this instance, the entity has the South African Union of Students on the proposed guidelines and as the entity, we are awaiting their submission,” the entity explained.
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Vol. 8 Issue 13: November 2021
Motivational Columnist Vusi Mabena is now a multi-award winning author and poet! It has certainly been one of the best years for our resident motivational columnist, Vusi Mabena. The young author has just got two awards at the 4th annual Authors Printers and Poetry Awards (APAPA) recently. “I won double awards: the Best International Author and Best Motivational Book awards. That makes me one of the biggest award winners of 2021,” he explained in jubilation. He has deeply thanked his followers for being by his side throughout his journey. “Firstly I want thank my Almighty Father God, my creator, who does impossible things for me. Secondly,I want to thank all my supporters who keep on giving me unconditional love that I can’t explain because I become so emotional when I think about them,” said Mabena. “I also want to thank the African Print Author & Poetry Awards for nominating me while even they don't know me in person.
I'm so speechless, because I never thought that will win as I was underestimating myself. Also, its because of the top other authors I was nominated with,” he said.
Mabena (29) hails all the way from Dennilton, Limpopo. He has been moving a lot, moving from his hometown to Mpumalanga and later, in Gauteng in pursuit of his dreams.
The self-published author sells the books doing tours around various areas. He often visits schools and engages with young people who also aspire to be writers. Find Vusi Mabena on social media platforms: on Facebook I'm Vusi Author Mabena, on whatspp: 0792445754, on Instagram: @VusiThePoet.
A resident motivational columnist on Mapepeza, Vusi has been making a positive impact wherever he goes. He is also an actor, making appearances on some of the biggest TV shows in the country. Over the past two years Vusi has acted in soapies like Skeem-saam, 7de Laan, Scandal, Gomora, The River, The Queen, Muvhango and Giyani The Land of Blood. He also has five books published so far. Last year, Vusi won an award for his book, Tears Of The Crawling Hustler & Dreamer Vol. 2, at the South African Poetry Awards.
How to stay safe while enjoying festivities using fireworks! Fireworks are a highlight of many celebrations. For many, the celebration of Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Guy Fawkes days, it`s incomplete without a good fireworks display. Before lighting up those crackers, it is important to remember that it is not a free-for-all, and there are laws that regulate the use of fireworks in South Africa. Failing to comply could result in a hefty fine or time behind bars, spoiling the festivities. The City of Ekurhuleni`s emergency services (DEMS) says that fireworks are dangerous
if discharged/lit without taking extra precautionary measures. They can cause fires, endanger lives on both people and animals, including polluting the environment, which has undulation effects in the end. “Many have lost their homes to fire caused by firework accidents, and communities left devastated by wildfires caused by the unsafe discharge of fireworks,” explains DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi. The City bylaws, section 42 under “disturbance of the peace”, states that: “No person shall discharge fireworks without the prior writ-
ten consent of the Council, and such written consent hereafter be called a “Fireworks permit”. Such “Fireworks permit” should be readily available at the event of display and produced on request by an authorised officer. Any person failing to do so shall be found guilty of an offence.”
What was due to be an exiting celebration can end with regrets and pain.
No fireworks may be sold by a street hawker or vendor at a flea market as this is in contravention of the Explosives Act, 1956.
In case of fire related emergencies, contact the life threatening call centre for the City on 011 458 0911. The nearest of the City’s 30 fire stations will be dispatched to assist.
Even though fireworks are beautiful and exciting to watch, they can cause great damage and bring misery to unsuspecting audiences.
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“The City’s emergency services urges everyone to pause and consider the possible dangers of fireworks to humans, animals and environment,” said Ntladi.
For ambulance services contact Gauteng Provincial Ambulances on 011 564 2211/10.
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Vol. 8 Issue 13: November 2021
WINNER OF 2019 GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS: Community Media of The Year
Sedibeng Women in Sports Awards honours local greats! Futballing Girls NPO in partnership with North West University Vaal Campus hosted the 2nd edition of the Sedibeng Women in Sports Awards at the Quest Conference Centre in Vanderbijlpark.
The awards are the brainchild of Futballing Girls Founder Moonira Ramathula, who after winning an award herself in 2017, decided to start women in sports awards at district level to recognize, celebrate and empower women in sport. The Futballing Girls Women in Sports Awards debuted in Ekurhuleni in September 2018, and have since been launched in all five districts in Gauteng, culminating in the Gauteng Women in Sports Awards. Futballing Girls will soon be launching women in sports awards in other provinces across the country as part of the organisations women empowerment growth initiative. “Its really such an honour and pleasure to be back for the second edition of the Sedibeng
Women in Sports Awards, celebrating, honouring and celebrating women and young girls in sport. We need to continue encouraging the growth and development of the women in sport brand. It’s good to see the development of the different sporting codes in Sedibeng, especially women’s rugby and basketball. I would like to congratulate all the nominees and finalists for all their hard work in keeping girls and women in sport brand alive in communities.”
Each finalists received a Futballing Girls pamper pack and framed certificate, whereby winners in addition received a crystal glass trophy, North West University gift pack and lipstick from Essence Cosmetics.
• Neo Letsoaka- Coach Of The Year • Neo Poho - Community Sports Radio Presenter Of The Year • Infinite Transport - Sponsor Of The year • Botle Mokoena - Sports Achiever Of The Year • Enid Matika - Sports Administrator Of the Year • Diphetogo - Netball Club Sports Club Of The Year • Phindile Nkosi - Sportswoman Of The Year North West University Basketball - Team Team Of The Year • Vuyiswa Manda - Technical Official Of The Year • Maria Korotsoane - Volunteer Of The Year
SAFA to challenge Ghana Mzansi to co-host the 2027 cricket world cup! vs Bafana match decision!
Countries in the southernAfrican region (SADC) have been jointly selected to host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe will have about five years to prepare and set the stage for the tournament which will bring all participating nations to compete in the African continent. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday, November 16, confirmed the 14 host countries of the ICC men’s white ball events from 2024-2031. For the first time ever, neighbours to Mzansi, Namibia will ICC World Cup event. Another country to also join Namibia as first-time hosts is the United States of America. The ICC executive committee votes for the hosts of the tournament after examining the bids made by the nations keen to hold a Cricket World Cup. All the World Cup events so far have been held in nations in which cricket is a popular sport
(South Africa has hosted two).
Most of the tournaments have been jointly hosted by nations from the same geographical region “The hosts were selected via a competitive bidding process overseen by a Board sub-committee chaired by Martin Snedden along with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Skerritt. The ICC Board accepted the recommendations of the committee who conducted a thorough review of each bid along with ICC management. A similar process to identify the hosts for ICC Women’s and U19s events for the next cycle will be undertaken early next year,” explained the ICC in a statement. “We are delighted to have concluded this competitive bidding process for the first time for ICC events. To have 14 Members hosting 8 events is a reflection of the truly global nature of our sport and I’d like to thank every Member that submitted a bid and offer our congratulations to the successful bidders,” said the ICC Chairperson, Greg Barclay.
Mzansi fans will be at ease now that something is being done regarding how referees judged the game between Bafana Bafana and Ghana.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that the association will challenging the match officials’ decisions made in the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday, November 15. In an interview at the westAfrican country, SAFA Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe said the football body will lodge formal complaints to Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the FIFA regarding the conduct of the match officials. Bafana Bafana were defeated
1-0 in their last group match encounter with the ‘Black Stars’. With both teams finishing the group stages with equal points, the decider was taken from the goal difference between both countries. If the appeal is granted, a replay of the match will be scheduled. “There are lot of questionable decisions made by match officials. That is why we’ll get an expert which will dissect other incidents so that we can make a strong case. We are looking at the precedence which FIFA set by ordering us to replay Senegal. We think if justice needs to be served, the same decisions needs to be taken against Ghana,” explained the SAFA CEO.
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