The Olifants News Edition 63

ONLINE COPIES

Municipal land sold illegally in Duduza

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Duduza Block B - Land that belongs to Ekurhuleni Municipality has been sold illegally without following proper procedures. At least eight stands are allegedly sold illegally in Duduza Block B to several people by committee leaders in the area. According to our source, some of the people who bought the land illegally didn’t have identity documents. Others were residents from other townships who were not on a waiting list. In a WhatsApp recording presented to the Olifants News as evidence, a community leader is heard confirming the sale of pieces of land.

A man on the recording addressed the community by stating: “There was a meeting here, and we reported the available places. You said no one should receive a stand for free. That was a mandate from this community. Afterwards, we discussed how much each person should pay to get a place and asked committee leaders. Because the leadership I was working with is used to selling, the committee suggested that each place be sold for

R25,000,” he said. According to the man on the recording, they realised that not everyone in the Duduza settlement could afford to fork out R25,000. Then they agreed that at least each stand should be sold for R5,000.

“You can see rocks on this road, so we wanted to fix it with that money. But the entire Duduza says we sold eight stands for R160,000,” he added.

According to community leader David Mabitsela, tenants were among those charged for getting a piece.

“Tenants were charged to erect shacks and get electricity. Why do people outside Duduza always benefit while the real beneficiaries do not? Some of the people in Duduza have been waiting for houses for years. I have reported this issue to the ward councillor, who has promised to

report to the municipality and ward committee meeting and get back to me. His office has never intervened in this matter as an urgent matter to discuss,” said Mabitsela.

Mabitsela said he contacted the ward councillor of ward 102 on 10 May 2022 to inform him about the sale of a piece of land by the steering committee.

“Residents who have been living in

Duduza north since 1995 have been ignored because the steering committee for Electricity demanded R1500 for Block B residents to be included as beneficiaries. And they have been forced to recognise the office that the councillor created in Duduza,” he added.

The ward councillor of ward 102, Solomon Madimetja Mabye confirmed that there was an issue with stands that were sold illegally. “Those who are affected should report this to the police. Our complaint will be lodged with the SIU and other relevant departments before we go to the SAPS.” said Maybe. He said those who were affected should open a case with Ivory Park police station “Another issue I need to clarify is if there’s any illegal sale, it should be stated clearly that it is an illegal sale of pieces of land and not stands, as stands are formalised. Even with allocated stand numbers and registered with the municipal authority,” he added. Selling municipal land without following the proper procedures is deemed illegal. Residents of Thembisa are cautioned not to buy or sell municipal land illegally.

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Washing shoes for cash

Ingabe uthando lomuthi olwangempela yini?

By Staff Writer

Sesisemaphethelweni enyanga ka-February neyaziwa njengenyanga yokubungaza uthando.

Eminye yemibuzo abantu abavamise ukuyibuza ukuthi, ingabe uthando lomuthi ngolwangempela yini? Akulula ukuphendula lombuzo ngaphandle kokucubungula isisusa sokuthi izithandani zisebenzisa umuthi. Ziningi izizathu ezingaholela ekutheni umuntu azifice asebenzise umuthi.

Clayville Laundry Creates Employment f

wona, akusiyo into ongayakha noma ongayiphoqa. Uma usebenzisa umuthi ukwakha uthando lizohambe lushabalale lolo thando.

2. Amandla omuthi ahamba aphele

Puleng Malete

Tembisa - Sethopane

Khathisimbe, ungafica owesilisa ephuza imbiza, aphinde aphalaze ngomuthi ukuze athandwe yizintombi. Yebo, ziningi izinsizwa ezisasebenzisa umuthi ukuze ziqonywe. Kokunye uthola ukuthi umuthi wenza intombi imqome, bese ibheke yena yedwa. Insizwa izosuka isithumela omalume ukuthi bazoyicelela isihlobo esihle kanjalo. Ngemuva kweminyaka emibili,

– Joblessness is high in South Africa but for Dennis Vundla (29) this was not game over as he found a niche in his community and started a laundry business to make a living. Vundla, a resident of Clayville Ext 26, started his business in 2016.

Uthando lomuthi luvamisile ukuba nezinkinga eziningi, ikakhulukazi uma amandla omuthi asephuphile. Lomuntu ombambe ngomuthi uyaqala uyaqaquluka bese ebona ukuthi kanti akakuthandi. Kungenzeka asuke athandane nomuntu umuntu akuzwise inhliziyo ebuhlungu.

kulungile yini ukusebenzisa umuthi ukuze uthandwe ngumuntu ongakuthandi wena? Impendulo yalowo mbuzo ithi cha. Ukusebenzisa umuthi ukuze uthandwe kungaba nemiphumela emibi elandelayo:

Tel: 011 484 3612/8

The Olifants News subscribes to the South African Press Code, which prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced.

Fax: 011 484 3619 www.presscouncil.org.za

If we don’t live up to standards set out in the Code, please contact the Press Ombudsman at the Press Fax: 011 484 3619 www.presscouncil.org.za

pheliyani umuthi wansondo, nenkosikazi isiyamdivosa kanjalo isibona kahle ukuthi ayikaze imthande lomlisa omaqhafukana. Noma kumbe ufice owesifazane athelele owesilisa umuthi ukuze athande yena yedwa. Konke lokhu kwenziwa ukuze uthando luhlale lukhona. Umbuzo okufanele sizibuze wona sonke uthi: ingabe

3. Umuntu omthelela umuthi kungenzeka agule

Kodibona (33) from Tembisa started an unconventional business washing shoes for cash. Kodibona started his business in 2017 after years of unemployment. Employment is hard to find in Tembisa and the surrounding areas and this affected the entire household and it is what drove Kodibona to start this type of a business to make a living. “No one is working at home, one day I saw a guy washing shoes for cash I took the idea and started my own business so that I can

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

be able to feed my family, said Kodibona. Kodibona makes about R200 on a busy day which is on weekends mostly, he charges his customers according to shoe size kids pay R10 and adults R25 and all suedes shoes are R35. “My clients are the community, police, nurses and everyone who would love to support my business is welcome. Kodibona uses a big board which he places by the main road to market his business. “My wish is to see my business grow and employ other people, who are unemployed like me, said Kodibona

Parents’ consent is required for measles immunization

“I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, I noticed that most people in Clayville are the working class and don’t have time to do chores and their laundry, so I started a laundry company and merged it with house cleaning,” said Vundla. Eyethu Hygiene is currently providing employment to 3 people and has a monthly turnover of about R12 000. “The business can sustain itself, however I want it to grow even more,” said Vundla. Eyethu Hygiene provides a number of services including Wash, Iron, Folding and house cleaning. Eyethu’s clients range from businesses to households. Vundla’s long term plan is to see the company expanding and providing more employment opportunities.

1. Uthando kungenzeka lushabalale Okokuqala kumele ukhumbule ukuthi uthando umuzwa ozifikela

Uma ngabe umuntu umthanda ngokweqiniso, uzozama ngazo zonke izindlela ukuqinisekisa ukuthi uphephile. Uzogwema futhi nokumthelela umuthi ongase umgulise, noma nje umbangele ezinye izinkinga.

“I want to see my businesses growing with branches in other areas which will in turn provide employment to the youth of South Africa,” said Vundla.

SAPS Crime Alert for Oakmore

Staff Writer

The City of Ekurhuleni is appealing to parents of children between the ages of six months to 15 years old to give consent for immunization to curb the spread of measles.

The Gauteng Department of Health aims to immunize four million children by the end of March 2023. Currently, over 120 000 children have been immunized in the Ekurhuleni region.

Oakmore - High unemployment in South Africa is one of the major factors leading to an increase in crime rate. The SAPS in Olifantsfontein have recently released a statement alerting residents of crimes that are happening in Oakmore. Community members are advised to stop walking alone in the late hours because they might be victims of armed robbery and rape. The SAPS says motorists are advised not to park at the old Pretoria road next to Oakmore, rather they park at the nearest garage to avid being victims of crime. According to Constable Mokete Serakwana Communication Officer Olifantsfontein SAPS Oakmore has become a crime hotspot for criminals, many crime cases have been reported that happened in that area so it is best to avoid it especially at night.“We are urging the community members to take our crime alerts into consideration to avoid being victims of crime,” said Constable Serakwana.

Measles is a very contagious respiratory infection that causes body rush and flu-like symptoms.

The more parents delay signing consent forms for children who are in schools or taking children to nearby clinics for immunization, the more rampant the spread of measles will be.

Parents who may have immunized their children for measles at six months are encouraged to take them to the clinic for booster shots for increased protection from the disease.

Ekurhuleni tightens its grip on the water situation

By Staff Writer

Ekurhuleni and Rand Water have joined forces to address the water crisis in their region.

Executive Mayor Tania Campbell, Cllr Senzi Sibeko, and Dr Imogen Mashazi represented the city at a high-level meeting with Chairman Ramateu Monyokolo and CEO Sipho Mosai from Rand Water. A swift normalization of the situation has been deemed absolutely necessary for all involved parties as they strive towards finding an effective solution to this essential issue facing them today.

“The main reasons for the current situation were identified as load shedding and the recent heat wave, which resulted in more water demand thus depleting the reserves. The parties resolved that the key to the current situation was dealing with the issue of water conservation and also attending to increasing water storage capacity on both sides as a form of water

security,” said the statement issued by Ekurhuleni.

“The parties further agreed that there was a need for better communication between them so that communities are kept informed about the situation at every given time. There was also a view the teams needed to revisit the protocols employed by stakeholders in dealing with the drought of 2015/16 for best practice handling of the current situation,” the statement continued.

Communities across Ekurhuleni have been struggling with an unprecedented water crisis. Areas like Tsakani, Benoni, Etwatwa and Daveyton are especially feeling the effects of low or no supply - causing many households to rely on City-run water tankers for their basic needs.

In spite of these challenges however, residents remain optimistic that a solution to this dire situation can be reached soon.

“Since the 2014/15 financial year, the City of Ekurhuleni has invested millions in new and additional

water tower in the Africa, which is based in Benoni, as a water security measure.

reservoirs including the

biggest

The City has also made major gains in dealing with the issue of non-revenue water and water leaks.”

The municipality restored water supplies to affected areas after a long period of dryness.

Harsher sentences for cable thieves

By Staff Writer

The City of Ekurhuleni calls on the justice system to harshly sentence five brazen cable thieves arrested for theft. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Anti-Cable Theft Unit officers swiftly responded to a call of an

ongoing theft of essential electricity supply infrastructure yesterday evening.

“The suspects fled the scene after being aware of the police reaction, and they were later arrested in possession of a stolen 12-metre copper cable, weighing two hundred and forty kilograms (240 kg), with a street value of R28 8000 and a toy

gun,” said Ekurhuleni in a statement. Five suspects were detained at Boksburg North SAPS Police Station and charged with malicious damage to infrastructure, theft, possession of stolen property, and possession of dangerous weapons. The case will be heard in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.

The future sparkles bright at TKLA

Three men were arrested in possession of unlicensed firearms

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

On Thursday night, Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole applauded the arrest of three suspects who had malicious intent to rob and hijack innocent people. Police found that these foreign nationals attempted to travel from Alberton to Mpumalanga. They were in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. This criminal act was thwarted by swift action taken by law enforcement agencies.

The SAPS’s Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Highway Patrol, and Aggravated Robbery Team have been hot on the trail of a nefarious trio for some time now. After months of tracking them down, they were apprehended with two unlicensed firearms and nine rounds of live ammunition in their possession. The vehicle that had been used as part of these crimes has also been seized by authorities to aid investigations.

“Based on the information that we received and subsequently

operationalized, and what we found when we made an arrest, it is clear that we are dealing with dangerous people. This arrest will send a message to anyone running a criminal enterprise that the full might of the law will be brought to bear upon them,” said Major General Sithole.

Investigations into the trio’s

possible involvement in other criminal activities are ongoing. Other charges against them may be added along the way. They will appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday to account for the charges levelled against them.

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Gugulethu Masilela, the head girl of 2023, believes it’s up to her generation to craft a brighter future. She envisions using bold and innovative ideas as tools for making positive changes in our world.

“In 2023, I hope to inspire all the students of Tersia King Learning Academy to believe in and use their ability to bring positive change of any magnitude to their environment for the good of themselves and those around them, both within the school and beyond,” said Gugulethu.

The head boy of Tersia King Learning Academy this year is Lesedi Pitjeng. His name means “light” in SeSotho, and just as their school

motto goes: Education Enlightens! “As head boy, not only I’m I going to use my title and my light to inspire, motivate and uplift, but I am going to use it for the betterment of the school and that of the community at large,” said Lesedi. He adds that he wants to use it to create a harmonious environment where the school, teachers, learners, and even parents could work even better together. “Most importantly, I am going to make sure my light shines so that each and every single learner of our school could be heard, appreciated, and given the opportunity to grow,” said Lesedi. With leaders like these, we can be hopeful for the future of our beloved country.

Ekurhuleni gets a third clean audit in a row

By Staff Writer

Ekurhuleni became the first metro in Gauteng to receive three consecutive Clean Audits from the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa due to hard work, determination, and commitment, according to City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.

A clean audit outcome is an affirmation of a well-functioning administration. It means that the financial statements do not contain material errors - in other words, a financially unqualified audit opinion, and there are no material findings on performance information and compliance with legislation.

“It is an honour to receive this outcome which is very unique in the sense that many other municipalities have struggled to obtain clean audits. Three clean audits in a row demonstrate that we are not regressing in our efforts to run a clean government.

“I wish to thank all key stakeholders who have made this possible and encourage all of them not to drop the ball as the success of the local government in the country requires great financial prudence,” says Dr Mashazi,

outlining the road to this achievement has not been easy.

The City has always made it clear that of its key cornerstones is running a clean, financially stable, accountable and effective government.

Operation Clean Audit is the special purpose vehicle that was introduced to monitor the implementation of the Auditors General’s previous recommendations, and adequate systems for dealing with audit queries are in place.

The implementation of the Action Plan has always been underpinned by an accountability framework that ensures governance structures are accountable to each other and to the community that we serve, and that the fraud and corruption reporting mechanisms and processes are functional.

“We have over the years created a stable administration with qualified personnel because one of the main criticisms of local government has historically been the issue of employing unqualified staff to handle public finances and run the administration,” explains Dr Mashazi, adding that a clean audit outcome is an outcome that enhances accountability in the

public sector.

“This translates to the quality of our financial reports being credible and in compliance with all laws and regulations applicable.

“The clean audits we are receiving are clear proof that this City is committed to good governance, and they are a vital step to restoring the confidence of our citizens in this administration. This is an achievement that has not come easy, but it is a result of many sleepless nights and long hours,” says the accounting officer.

“We remain steadfast in our zerotolerance approach to non-adherence to deviation on established supply chain processes. This has proven extremely vital in the eradication of irregular; wasteful and fruitless; and unauthorized expenditures in the metro,” explains Dr Mashazi.

She commits that the metro will continue to work even harder to ensure more clean audits in the future.

Tackling poverty and inequality through technology

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

When Tony Lobese saw a need for economic support within his community, he formed EESUp – an innovative organisation aiming to tackle poverty and inequality in South Africa.

He aims to generate income and promote wealth by partnering with grocery stores. His mission is empowering those around him by providing them access to resources they may not have had before.

Lobese grew up in an entrepreneurial environment in Winterveldt, Tshwane, where he gained invaluable experience from his parents’ businesses - a general dealer and coal merchant.

“After school, I would always help my mother at the shop; on weekends, I would help in the coal business. I assumed management responsibilities when I was about 13 years,” he told The Olifants News.

The early experiences shaped Lobese into the business leader he is today. While in high school, he studied commercial subjects and later pursued an Internal Auditing course

at TNG (now TUT).

“In 2009, I started several ventures under the banner of Sugarhill Corporation (Pty) Ltd, which included operating a pub, manufacturing cosmetics products, providing accounting services, and working with a start-up rescuing failing petrol service stations.

From 2012 I worked as a business coach, working with start-ups and medium companies, including contracting for Awethu Project and Siyakha Implementation Partners in 2018,” he recalled.

Fast forward to 2020, Lobese and Phillip Brits developed an instant connection that blossomed into a familial bond. The two like-minded visionaries developed the concept for EESUp - a revolutionary project that will empower communities.

“I had been mulling over the idea of harnessing the collective purchasing power of the township populations since 2001.

Phillip’s inspiration stemmed from a visit to Alexandra township in 2012, wherein he experienced the daily difficulties experienced by the biggest portion of the SA population. So collectively, we have been bugged by the

issue of inequality in SA for over 30 years,” he said, Lobese is thrilled to announce the imminent launch of EESUp on the 28th of February, 2023.

His innovative app is set to tackle inequality in ways that have never been done before. “We envision a South Africa where the lives of the bottom 50% of the population have improved immensely, we’re going to bed hungry is a distant memory, and where the marginalised own income-producing assets in their neighbourhoods thus reducing the amounts of profits that are currently being exported out of townships,” he concluded.

Is cyber infidelity the same as real-life cheating?

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

As February nears its close and the whirlwind of love dissipates, it’s a fitting time to investigate two sides of infidelity: cyber affairs versus traditional cheating. With technology interweaving into all aspects of life nowadays, we reflect on how these different forms impact relationships—both romantically and platonically—and consider what each really means for us in an ever-evolving digital world.

But first things first: What is cheating?

It involves one lover betraying the trust of another. Cheating is the ultimate betrayal of relationship trust - your lover may sneak away to be

Turning teasing into a fledgling clothing brand

in a relationship with another person, despite promising not to cheat. A selfish act such as this goes against all accepted norms in a committed relationship. It can create deep rifts that are not easy to heal. And most importantly, cheating creates distrust.

As a result, after many heartbreaks, some women today decide to have a friend-with-benefits type of relationship. This way, they can focus on their career and raising kids and still get their sexual needs met. Let’s highlight some of the differences between the two.

Face-to-face infidelity

● It involves sexual intercourse

● Passionate kissing

● Flirting

● Petting

● Sexual attraction, and more.

Cyber cheating

● Cyber cheating has a sex chat that includes masturbation

● There is emotional involvement

● Planning to meet in the near future

● Talking dirty or flirting

● Watching online pornography

● Betraying the confidence of your partner Infidelity is never the answer to a struggling relationship. Even when it feels like the bond of love and affection has started to fade, there are still better solutions than betraying your partner’s trust.

By Dumisanai Hlatswayo

Running a business requires the ability to turn lemons into lemonade. No one knows that better than Vincent Tshepo Moloi. Growing up in Thembisa, he was teased because of his surname, which means “witch” in English or Mthakathi in Zulu. The teasing inspired him to launch Mthakathi, a clothing brand. Tshepo’s clothing brand and printing business are sought after inThembisa and surrounding areas today.

But who is Tshepo? “I know him to be very humble, hardworking, and consistent,” Derrick Maphoro said. Tshepo was born at Leratong Hospital in Krugersdorp 38 years ago. He currently lives in Thembisa, Motsu section, where he runs his thriving business. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, he worked for Revac Air conditioning, a company that provides maintenance, service and sales of all air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

In 2021, Tshepo bought his printing machine. He could not believe the response from clients

as he started his business. After a few months of starting his business, he found himself printing for other brands and community members, including his former employer.

“ I own a clothing brand Mthakathi and I also do the printing for other brands for example, society, schools, churches and also do the printing for local brands,” he said.

“My inspiration comes from supporting local brands as I love fashion and looking good.”

Tshepo believes the government doesn’t do enough to support local businesses. “We would love to be recognised and be supported with funds so we can have big machines to work with and to hire the youth of Thembisa as the unemployment rate is too high,” he said.

It is Tshepo’s dream to see his brand and business grow exponentially. In addition to owning a warehouse and stores in various malls, he wants to create jobs for young people.

For more information about the Mthakathi Clothing Brand, please contact Tshepo on 062 025 7685 / 063 301 6064 or visit his Facebook page Vince King Mthakathi.

Taking netball to the next level

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

THEO NDLOVU has become a beacon of hope for teenage girls in Thembisa by introducing netball in our township. After noticing that many young people were not involved in any sports activities, she created her team and founded the Tembisa Netball Association (TNA). Last Saturday, locals gathered at Mehlareng courts to watch the TNA tournament. Young people from all backgrounds had an opportunity to get off the streets and play.

“TNA’s mission is to keep our youth out of the streets, develop and empower them through sports, especially netball, within our community,” she told the Olifants News. The TNA tournament was a spectacular event; young people between the ages of 13 and 17 took to the courts for an exciting netball tournament.

TNA does not yet have a headline sponsor, but this may change in the near future. “We do not have a sponsor, but we have partnered with SpecCon Holdings Company (TAP), which offers educational courses such as First Aid, computer courses, etc. Companies can sponsor the TNA tournament by donating kits, bibs, netball balls, trophies, medals, and training equipment,” she said.

Theo said her team is determined to move into the upper level of the TNA tournament; the only thing that stands in their way is a lack of resources. Her ambitious netball team is determined to take netball to the next level. “My team is willing to take TNA to the next level, but we face a lack of resources, time management, skills, and capacity-building challenges,” she revealed.

She said they had a successful tournament in 2022 because several individuals were dedicated to making it a success. According to Theo, these were some of the event’s highlights: “We sold food to raise funds, we had sound, gazebos all around the courts, prizes for our winners,” she said.

“I would like to thank our Executive team, coaches, players, and parents who support their children’s participation in TNA activities as well as encourage the general public to support this initiative, and not forgetting the teams that were part of Tembisa Netball League in 2022.” Likewise, she thanked Super Manong and Black Pool. Please contact Theo at 063 229 0260/27 71105 6318, or email:tembisanetballassociation@ gmail.com if your company would like to donate.