The Olifants News Edition 64

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Bertharry celebrates the class of 2022

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Bertharry Private School hosted an awards ceremony in honour of the 97.8% pass rate of the class of 2022. Out of 76 learners who sat for their exams, at least 75 learners passed, with 50 landing Bachelor’s degree entries or exemptions. The remaining achievers proudly grasped their diplomas and certificates, showcasing their remarkable potential.

The school attributes this great accomplishment to hard work and discipline; Deputy Principal Hendry Kutshinga said that without these core values, such results could never have been achieved.

“Our success can be attributed to our dedication, discipline, and commitment to the course. We have a team of teachers who always put in extra hours during the week. They sometimes work weekends and during holidays and decide to be away from their families,” Kutshinga said.

To ensure that the learners succeed, Kutshinga revealed that they go above and beyond traditional teaching methods. They ignite the passion

for learning through extraordinary programmes, and invigorating talks by motivational speakers handpicked from local districts.

For two whole decades, the institution has been standing its ground, blossoming from the union of its ingenious founders - Harry and Bertha

Kumwenda, whose merged monikers christened the school. Undoubtedly, Bertharry’s unwavering consistency has etched its name in the realm of esteemed establishments. In 2020, in the face of a global pandemic, Bertharry Private School recorded an astounding 97.8% pass rate.

“We are not just a Private School but we are also recognised for our hard work in the community of Tembisa. We are in position two as an Independent School in Tembisa Class of 2022 Matric Awards,” he said.

In the midst of applauding the remarkable accomplishments of the

Class of 2022, the school simultaneously mourned the loss of their beloved educator, Samuel Kandeu Tembo. As a passionate and diligent teacher, Mr. Kandeu touched the hearts of countless students and will be dearly missed.

Washing shoes for

Phepha endleleni kulephasika

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The Olifants News subscribes to the South African Press Code, which prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to standards set out in the Code, please contact the Press Ombudsman at the Press Council on:

By Staff Writer

Puleng Malete

Njengoba sesibheke kumaholidi ephasika, kusemqoka ukuthi wena nomndeni wakho niphephe emgwaqweni. Iphasika yiholide oligujwa minyaka yonke, ngokuthi kukhunjulwe usuku okwabethelwa ngalo UJesu Khrestu esiphambanweni, eGolgotha. Lolu suku lugujwa emhlabeni cishe wonke jikelele, kukhunjulwe ubuhlungu uJesu Krestu owadlula kukho, lokhu kwenziwa abazalwane noma amaKhrestu.

kangaka abanye balimale kanzima emigwaqweni. Minyaka yonke sibona izimo ezinyantisa umzimba. Siyazi sonke ukuthi sidinga ukubamba iqhaza ngokushesha njengoba akekho osizakalayo ngalesi simo. Kodwa siyazi futhi ukuthi kungumthwalo wabasebenzisi bomgwaqo ukuqinisekisa ukuthi ziyancipha izingozi zomgwaqo.

Clayville – 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.

nabanya abashayeli engcupheni.

2. Qinisekisa ukuthi imoto yakho isesimweni esikahleUma uzothanda uhambo olude, kusemqoka ukuthi uqinisekise ukuthi amabhuleki akho asebenza kahle. Kanti futhi namathaya akho akagugile kakhulu, isitelingi sakho naso silungile.

Ngokwesibonelo, ohambweni oluyibanga elingamakhilomitha angu-80, ukukhuphula isivinini sisuka emakhilomitheni ayikhulu ngehora kuya kwangu-130 kungakongela imizuzu engaphansi kwengu-9.

Uma ngabe uzobe ushayela, sebenzisa nanka amasu amathathu ukuze uphephe:

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

Tembisa - Sethopane

Izwe lethu alikwazi ukuqhubeka nokulahlekelwa ngabantu abaningi

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

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

1. Gwema ukushayela uphuzile utshwala - Ukushayela imoto uphuzile kuyicala elibomvu, kanti futhi kungafaka impilo yakho

Ekurhuleni partners with Unisa to make education accessible

“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.

3. Gwema ukuhamba ngejubane eliphezulu - Kweminye imigwaqo ijubane elisemthethweni lingase libonakale liphansi kakhulu. Kodwa ukweqa ijubane akuvamile kwenza umehluko otheni. Yingakho abashayeli abaningi bazithola bengalinaki kakhulu ijubane elisemthethweni.

Uma amathayi aphelile, amasondo awabambeleli kahle emgwaqweni ikakhulukazi uma kumanzi, noma kunothuli, isihlabathi kanye amatshe awuhlwayi. Ngokunciphisa ijubane nje, cishe imoto ngeke ishelele lapho unyathela amabhuleki.

“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

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

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.

The City of Ekurhuleni celebrated library week through poetry and storytelling on Friday, 24 March at the Germiston library in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA).

The library week celebration is one of many events the City will be hosting with UNISA to provide access to library material as well as library literacy training to Ekurhuleni library staff and patrons.

“Through the partnership, Ekurhuleni library patrons who are UNISA-registered students can have academic books couriered to their nearest library from the academic institution, ensuring easy and convenient access to study material,” explained Ekurhuleni’s Library Information and Educational Development Manager Zukiswa Peter.

In addition, library patrons who are not registered with the learning institution are also trained on how to access UNISA online material that may not be available from their local library at the time of their request.

Shukumani Primary School’s principal is blocked by protesting parents

By Staff Writer

In Caleni Section Thembisa, frustrated parents protested outside Shukumani Primary School.

There are claims made by parents that there was favoritism when it came to employment. The principal allegedly hired workers from Daveyton, leaving locals unemployed.

“There is a problem in that the principal does not want to hire the community of Thembisa. Classes need to be built, he only wants people from Daveyton,” one of the parents explained.

“The principal of this school threw away the remaining food after giving free food to the students from this school. This is wrong. That principal of the school doesn’t respect us,” she said.

Shukamani has one of the highest failure rates in the province. According to parents, most learners fail isiZulu and English. There is no clear reason why most learners fail

those two subjects.

“I don’t understand how a child could fail a native tongue,” she said. Another parent, William Mhlambi, said some parents used to sell food and snacks at the school gate, but now they cannot as the principal doesn’t allow them to sell at Shukumani.

“They are not wanted here by the principal. They sell to support their children, and this worries me,” he said.

When parents asked if they had tried to speak with the principal of the school, one of the parents said they had tried to engage the principal numerous times, but he had refused to talk to them. Attempts to reach the principal were unsuccessful.

035 474 0710

Removing evasive plants from dams gets underway

Rapist gets more charges

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

CHLOORKOP - The district commissioner of the Ekurhuleni District, Major General Anna Sithole, has welcomed the addition of more rape charges against a 38-year-old man. In January of this year, the suspect was arrested, and he will appear in Daveyton Magistrate Court again on the 27th of February 2023 to face 38 charges of rape committed in Tembisa, Tembisa South, Benoni, and Putfontein over a period of four years.

The suspect, Sipho Lucas Phiri, was arrested by the Benoni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives following an elaborate investigation, utilizing of in house expertise

(linking through DNA and and the modus operandi analysis) and a pointing out parade. The vehicle, which has also been used during the commission of these crimes, and his licensed firearm were confiscated as well.

“The evidence is there for all to see that we are dealing with someone, had he not been caught, hellbent on causing trauma and untold pain to women wherever he went,” said Major General Sithole.

Major General went on to thank the Benoni FCS detectives in general and the investigating officer in particular for the manner in which he is handling the case and she is confident that the ultimate outcome will be a lengthy jail time for the suspect.

By Staff Writer

The process of removing the evasive water plant known as hyacinth from the city’s lakes, dams, and pans has begun in earnest, providing a lifeline to unemployed young people from townships.

The robust hyacinth removal project began in November 2022 and has provided employment to over 100 young people through the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP).

These young people use integrated methods such as manual removal, spraying herbicide, and biocontrol agents.

The project is set to run until June 2023 and the focus is on the Blesbokspruit, Witfield, and Bredell dams, and the Wattville Pan.

The impactful work caught the attention of two young women from Slovo Park near Springs, Johanna Makoe (38) and Fikile Nkonyane (36) who saw the group of workers removing the evasive plant from

Blesbokspruit and took the opportunity to gather the plants, dry them up and make furniture to sell to the public.

“This is how we make a living of late. Gathering and drying hyacinth, then weaving it into dry furniture is our daily bread. All you need is time and patience,” said Johanna Makoe. The City’s wetlands management unit will continue working around the clock to remove hyacinth on the water bodies beyond the end of the current programme.

Stokvels still relevant to our society

By Sisandile Cikido

South Africa’s most traditional savings methodology is surging into the 21st century, but a cautious approach is required to ensure that members are protected. The more things change, the more they stay the same. One could argue that this is particularly true when it comes to the evolving world of the stokvel, that quintessentially South African institution created by marginalised communities to create some level of financial security and, increasingly, to build wealth.

‘Stokvel’ derives from the English word ‘stock-fair’, a livestock auction and farmers’ gathering. It was at such gatherings in the Eastern Cape that farmers and their employees came together to socialise, and often to pool money to purchase livestock. Somehow, ‘stock-fair’ became

‘stock-fele’ for speakers of isiXhosa, and eventually mutated into something that sounds Afrikaans.

This concept was introduced to the goldfields by migrant workers from the Eastern Cape. It became an essential tool for marginalised communities to save and socialise.

● Fundamentally, stokvels are mutual savings societies. The most common of them is contribution based, with members receiving a lump sum in rotation. These contribution stokvels can often be linked to specific goals or purposes — to buy groceries over the Christmas period, or bigger expenses like furniture and funerals.

● Ultimately, one can characterise stokvels as vehicles for saving towards a common goal. There’s an estimate of more than 800 000 stokvels in the country, and they are responsible for savings of more than R44 billion a year – a significant

Tembisa Hospital request assistance

Elizabeth Voster Unknown patient

The Tembisa Hospital requests your assistance in finding the family of Elizabeth Voster in the picture. Anyone who knows how we can get hold of her loved ones can get in touch with the Tembisa Hospital Communications Office on 0825745857.

Tembisa Hospital requests your assistance in finding the family of the unknown patient. Anyone who knows how we can get hold of his loved ones can get in touch with the Communications office on 0825745857.

Missing Child alert!

market segment.

● Interestingly, as more and more Africans have begun participating in the formal economy, and as African graduates enter the workforce, this traditional, somewhat old-school form of saving is mutating as a new generation is adapting it for its own needs.

Given that stokvels remain such an important financial tool for a large portion of South Africans, it’s worth setting out some principles that people should follow to ensure that they keep their money safe.

Tembisa Hospital requests your assistance in finding the family of the unknown patient. Anyone who knows how we can get hold of his loved ones can get in touch with the Communications office on 0825745857.

A 16 year old female Mandisa Mahlatjie is missing.She was last seen Thursday 2nd March 2023 at Vusimuzi, wearing a military mini skirt and brown crop top. She has never returned back home and has missed school. Anyone who might have information that may help in locating Mandisa May Contact: 064 801 7133 or Tembisa South SAPS.

How to eat to beat anxiety

By Staff Writer

Keeping a mindful diet means knowing the true cost of your food, not just to your pocketbook, but also to your physical and mental health. It is vital that we choose a diet that provides our brain with the tools it needs to function optimally, as it consumes 20% of our daily calories.

It is always a good idea to keep a food (and mood) diary when examining your diet to narrow down foods that might trigger anxiety.

Avoid fast food

It may be tempting to eat fast food, but it is harmful to our physical and mental well-being since it contains many compounds that worsen inflammation levels in the body. Many large chain supermarkets now offer readymade ‘homestyle’ family-size portions that come in a variety of flavours.

Avoid alcohol

Even though alcohol increases serotonin in our brains (the happy chemical), it can also cause anxiety. Symptoms of depression may also be

exacerbated by alcohol, which makes antidepressant medication less effective. Instead choose virgin cocktails or 0% beer.

During the process of refining grains (e.g. turning brown rice into white rice) much of their nutritional value is lost. Making a conscious choice to eat unrefined foods enables your body to make use of the vitamins it needs to tackle your day-to-day.

Sugar

Sugar has long had a bad reputation as it’s known to hurtle our systems through highs and lows. To avoid sugar many have turned to artificial sweeteners to satisfy their sweet tooth. However, research has shown that people with a diet high in aspartame experience more depression and irritability. This is because aspartame increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Natural sugars are winners as they come packaged with extra vitamins. Try honey in drinks and recipes, or a block of dark chocolate when you crave a little something extra.

Try increasing your protein intake throughout the day, as this lowers sugar craving.

Missing person alert!

A 41 year old male Lutho Matshoboza is missing. He was last seen in In Rabasotho on the 6th of February 2023, wearing a formal black blazer, some people have indicated that they saw him around Ivory Park wearing a tracksuit and he was topless. Anyone who might have information that may help in locating Lutho may contact BigBoy Matshoboza, 072 720 8901 or Rabie Ridge SAPS.

Writing, rapping, and acting all in one small package!

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

KARABO “KAY SLEEZY”

SEABELA is an incredibly gifted artist from Thembisa Khatlamping. She has mastered music composition, lyrical flow, and acting - all under the tutelage of renowned actor Israel Matseke Zulu (aka GP Maorange). Karabo’s finely calibrated capabilities mark her as another burgeoning creative force within South Africa’s entertainment sector.

“Alex was fast and beautiful back then, but I wouldn’t have drowned in the streets since I spent most of my time with drama and dance rehearsals,” she told The Olifants.

Kay Sleezy inherited her incredible singing talent from a special family member - her beloved grandfather, who was renowned for his beautiful voice many years ago. “I have always looked up to GP Maorange, and I was passionate about becoming a superstar like him,” she said.

Kay Sleezy has a hip-hop song with Kid-Lyric and Michael Sausin Zaka. On the 5th of November 2022, Karabo released Manyesa alongside Bruhsthibo music, an Amapiano song. She is currently recording my EP under Pitbull entertainment.

Since she was a child, she admired the possibility of combining multiple art forms and showcasing her talents. At only eight years old, this ambitious artist began to bring her imaginative vision to life by taking center stage and performing for audiences near and far.

“At the tender age of eight, I took free dance and dramatic arts classes at a primary school. I went to Dr. Knak Primary, and GP Maorange always ensured we were up to standard. While most kids were terrified of him, he ensured that energy was most important in class. I used every opportunity to get to know him, asking questions and finding out how I wanted to lead everything, song introductions, character excursions, whatever I could raise myself and do.”

In 2014 she had an opportunity to appear in a short film. She said it wasn’t her first encounter as she had done only extra roles for Rhythm City, “It was amazing because I was working with my best friend, so everything flowed wonderfully on set. I would do anything in this world to work with Siyabonga Zubane again, may his soul rest in peace,” she recalled.

Kay Sleezy is not just a talented musician and actor, but a sought-after MC who can bring fire to the stage.

Lutho Matshoboza

Signs a man is in a toxic relationship

together - is it really an unhealthy relationship...or just insecurity?

While there’s no denying that men in today’s world are often seen as the culprit for relationship struggles, it stands to be said that these expectations can put unfair pressure on them. Too frequently we expect a man to apologise and take responsibility even when they have been wronged; something which does not reflect justice or equality.

Signs as man you are in a toxic relationship:

1. The communication is always toxic

Rather than kindness or respect, most of your conversations are filled with sarcasm or criticism. She calls you useless and stupid, among other things. Unemployment is the most common cause of this.

2. Jealousy

3. Controlling freak

She wants to be in control of everything in your life. Everything from how much you should send your mother to what you shouldn’t buy. If she calls, you should answer immediately. If she texts, you should respond. That’s toxicity.

4. Grudges

Whenever there is an argument, she tends to bring up the past. Intimacy is eroded when she holds onto grudges and lets them fester.

Follow

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Toxic relationships can be incredibly difficult to navigate. When you are in a toxic relationship,

you are more likely to envy couples who seem to have it all. But what we often fail to realise is that this romanticised “grass-is-greener” viewpoint may not necessarily hold true - you never know how things really are

behind closed doors.

Many men will still celebrate Easter with their spouses or partners as usual. However, there may be a nagging feeling in the back of our minds about confusion over whether to stay

She constantly suspects that you are planning to cheat on her. Every woman you interact with is a potential lover. She checks your WhatsApp chats nonstop, and she asks you about every call you receive.

Celebrating cultural heritage through fashion

By Dumisanai Hlatswayo

PHEELLO MAHLOKO is a selfdriven entrepreneur hailing from Botshabelo, a township in the Free State. He began his career as a Business Developer working for FMCG multinationals, honing his skills in marketing and strategy. He then transitioned to the digital marketing space, where he has been working in senior positions as a strategist. “My ambition and expertise have propelled me to success in my professional career, and I bring that same drive and skill to my entrepreneurial

ventures. As the founder of Moetlo, I’m dedicated to promoting and celebrating my cultural heritage through fashion and other ventures,” he told The Olifants News.

The experience Pheello gained from promoting brands made it easier for him to launch his own clothing line, Moetlo, which is a Sotho word for tradition and culture. He said his brand is driven by a desire to educate our generation about the often-overlooked elements of our culture. “Through fashion, we aim to promote our cultural heritage in modern and innovative ways, while also fostering cross-cultural discussions.

Our ultimate goal is to use our platform to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and spark meaningful conversations that lead to greater understanding and appreciation of one another’s cultures,” he said.

But his journey to bring his vision to life was not without its hurdles. One of the most significant obstacles Pheello encountered was taking the initial step towards realising his goals.

“The prospect of starting something new can be intimidating, and we had to overcome doubts and fears to begin.

In addition, we faced a challenge with funding, as we needed an initial cash

injection to create the first prototype. However, we remained determined to see our vision through and worked tirelessly to secure the resources necessary to bring our ideas to fruition,” Pheello said. His newest Premium shoe collection, Neo, pays homage to an indigenous plant found only in Lesotho, the kharetsa. He explained: “These premium unique sneakers are available for pre-order only and can be viewed at our store for those who want to get a feel of the shoe. But that’s not all, we are also working on our first-ever locally produced shoe range, which will be fully produced

in Thembisa by locals, for locals and the world.”

Those who want to buy Moetlo can find the brand at KasiColab, at the Mall of Thembisa, opposite Roman’s Pizza. For your convenience, Moetlo products are also available for purchase online at www.moetlo. co.za. Alternatively, you can contact Moetlo through various social media channels, including Facebook at @ moetloapparel and Instagram at @ moetloapparel_za, or reach out to them directly via WhatsApp or phone call at 0685220838.

us for updates on what’s happening in your community!

Meet the winners of the 2022 Rabie Ridge Stream league

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Meet Lucky Dunn Nkulisa, the charismatic coach behind the unstoppable Nkulisa Football Academy. As a result of his unwavering drive to succeed, he guided his under-11 and under-13 teams to victory in the Rabie Ridge Stream League in 2022. Nkulisa’s youngsters are making waves in the football world with over 54 trophies and players snagged by the prestigious ABC Motsepe League.

“We won the 2022 season with almost all divisions, U11, U13, U17, U19 And U15 almost won it as well. We only needed two points but became position runners ups,” he revealed.

At 46, Coach Nkulisa is on a mission to change the lives of Thembisa’s youth. In a heartfelt interview with Olifants News, he firmly declared his unwavering commitment to making a difference, promising not to let these young bright minds down.

It wasn’t easy for Coach Nkulisa to

win the league in 2022. His biggest setback was poor player attendance, which he blamed on parents’ lack of support. “ The real reason for all difficulties with youth is poverty. This is accompanied by a lack of facilities to train and play games with

these kids,” he revealed. The problem is compounded by the fact that most corporations no longer sponsor township football, according to Coach Nkulisa.

In the future, he wants his academy to be as famous as Supersports

and Chiefs. “We want to reach their level and compete in the Gauteng Development League with them so that our children can have what they dream about. We want to own our training and game stadium, as well as resolving a transport issue by getting

an official transport sponsor. By letting our youth play football for free, we will be able to overcome drug, alcohol, poverty, and early pregnancies.,” he said.

A year ago, Nkulisa Football Academy had 144 children attending training sessions. A total of 85 children went on to register for a league division. The divisions are under 9s, under 11s, under 13s, under 15s, under 15 girls teams, under 17, and under 19.

“Nothing makes me more proud than seeing the kids smiling, laughing, and enjoying my presence. I sleep like a baby when they do,” Nkulisa told The Olifants.