The Olifants News Edition 65

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29 years later, still no freedom for Thembisa residents

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

On the 27th of April 1994, residents of Thembisa took to the polls for the first time to vote in the non-racial national elections. Excitement reverberated throughout Thembisa’s streets when the ANC defeated the National Party. For many people, the ANC victory marked the dawn of a new era. The quality of life for many people in Thembisa was expected to improve. People living in shacks were promised houses, and those who were employed were promised employment.

29 years later, Thembisa remains a difficult place to live for many black people. As a country, we remain the

most unequal country in the world. We have the highest unemployment rate, the highest crime rate, and the most corrupt government in the world.

Most residents of Thembisa, particularly the youth, consider Freedom Day to be an ordinary day. They don’t have anything to celebrate since most of them are unemployed. It is not unusual to find them roaming the streets, dancing to Amapiano, and drowning their sorrow in alcohol.

Yet, most young people in Thembisa still believe that the ANC government is better than the apartheid government.

“Black people were never considered to be full participants of the economy and black people still face challenges faced by apartheid spatial

planning that affects people’s ability to get quality jobs and means of self-determination,” Themba told the Olifants News.

According to Themba, the current government must address its service delivery issues. “Ramping up their refuse removal on the streets ensures that places that are vacant for recreational use are protected from land grabs and vandalism,” Themba added.

Siyabonga Mthembu believes Freedom Day is a day to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of South Africa. He went on to say, as a black person, he believes he is free. “Yes, I am free. I may not have all the freedom I want, however, I have what I need and the one that I have is enough to get me started,” said Siyabonga.

“The Government should empower Thembisans with entrepreneurship skills and promote Thembisa to be a tourism destination since the international airport is at our doorstep. This will help Thembisans to become selfreliant economically and resourceful as a community,” he added.

Siyabonga said the apartheid government was not better than the ANC. “The struggle will never end. Each generation has its own struggle to fight. The ANC fought the apartheid struggle, now the ANC is the struggle of our generation, and the opposition will do what the opposition does,” he said.

To EFF member, Lebo Masenya, Freedom Day is a stark reminder that we’re still not free. “It’s a reminder that people were fooled into joining

long queues just for their living conditions to remain the same,” she said.

Lebo said we’re not free as black people. “Due to the lack of progress in the implementation of freedom and democracy, we are not free,” she said.

“Black people still don’t have free water and sanitation, free education, no free electricity but instead we get load shedding. And there is no free housing. The housing they provide is the lowest and most disgraceful standard.

“There are no jobs for black youth,” she said. According to Lebo, the ANC should be removed from power since it has had 29 years to resolve every issue and has dismally failed. “They must go,” Lebo added.

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Washing shoes for cash

Ingabe ubani okumele agonywe?

omzimba engane yakho kusize ekuvikeleni izifo ezifana novendle, isimungumungwane, ihepatitis B, isifo esivala umphimbo, ufuba

kanye nemeningitis

Ubani okumele agonywe?

qinisekisa ukuthi uya nekhadi lakho. • Yazisa umhlengikazi ngeminyaka yengane yakho kanye nomlando ngemigomo yayo.

Saki Mabhele

Tel: 010 023 1845

Publisher Saki Mabhele Tel: 0861 744 674 Fax: 086 611 4478

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Email: saki@papashamedia.co.za

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Izinsana kanye nezingane ezineminyaka efika kweyisihlanu.

Njengomzali kumele uqinisekise

• Umhlengikazi uyoyikala isisindo, ubude kanye nobungako bekhanda layo ebheka ukuthi ngabe ikhula ngokwezinga elilindelekile yini.

Journalist Sibusiso Masango Tel. 0861 744 674

Interviews

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By Staff Writer

Puleng Malete

Tembisa - Sethopane

ukuthi uhambisa ingane yakho

emtholampilo oseduzane ukuze

igonywe ngesikhathi esifanele.

Clayville Laundry Creates Employment for Youth

Isiqinisekiso salokhu siyadingeka uma ufaka isicelo sesikole noma izibonelelo zikahulumeni.

– 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.

Ikhadi lokugoma ulinikwa ngesikhathi uqeda nje ukubeletha umntwana, uma sebekudedela.

Leli khadi lineshadi elikhomba indlela eya empilweni ekukhombisayo izikhathi lapho umntwana

wakho okumele agonywe ngazo, ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuthi

• Izingane ziyogonywa ngokweminyaka yazo.

• Uyokwaziswa ukuthi uyokwenzenjani uma ukugoma kudala inkinga ethile enganeni (kwesinye isikhathi baba nemfiva emva kokugoma, kumele wazise umhlengikazi uma ingane yakho ingezwani namaqanda). • Uyobe sewunikwa usuku olulandelayo lomgomo.

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

Tel: 011 484 3612/8

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 Council on: Tel: 011 484 3612/8 Fax: 011 484 3619 www.presscouncil.org.za

Izingane eziningi zishona zingakahlanganisi iminyaka emihlanu ikakhulukazi ngenxa

yokuthi azigonyelwanga izifo zezingane. Ngaleso sizathu uMnyango WezeMpilo ugqugquzela bonke omama ukuba baqinisekise ukuthi izingane zabo zithola yonke imigomo ngesikhathi esifanele. Ukugoma kuqinisa amasosha

leli khadi uligcine endaweni ephephile ngoba liyodingeka njalo uma ingane yakho iyogonywa.

Okumele ukwenze

Staff Writer

Couple arrested for raping a minor

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

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

IVORY PARK - A couple has been arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl by the Ekurhuleni District’s Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). A 45-year-old woman will be charged with concealing a crime of rape, allegedly committed by her 53-year-old live-in boyfriend.

“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.

• Vakashela umtholampilo oseduzane.

• Gcwalisa ifomu/ikhadi uma uya okokuqala. Uma ungaqali

“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

The 53-year-old man was taken into police custody after preliminary investigations revealed he may have raped the minor more than once. In the end, it turned out the woman discovered her granddaughter had been abused sexually by the boyfriend. Instead of going to the police or telling the girl’s parents, she negotiated with her partner and his family, resulting in a fine. At this point, it is unclear what the fine was.

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 local community got wind of the woman’s role in the matter and decided to take her to the police station, where statements were taken and she was then detained in the cells pending her appearance in court soon,” said the statement issued by the police.

The Station Commander of the Ivory Park SAPS has expressed horror at this arrangement, in which the child’s rights were disregarded for the sake of love and money.

Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, the Station Commander, has thanked the group that brought the woman to the police station without resorting to any form of violence.

“We thank the community who, upon hearing what had happened to the girl, prioritized the youngster’s rights by bringing the grandmother to us to account for her alleged poor judgement,”said Brigadier Ngcobo.

Brigadier Ngcobo is calling on all residents to be the ears and the eyes of the police.

Tembisa Hospital’s poor service angers residents

By Staff Writer

Residents of Tembisa took to the streets to protest poor service at the hospital. The community members raised concerns about the poor service patients receive from the hospital staff. The hospital has been overwhelmed by patients and cannot provide adequate care. The march was organised by the Tembisa Community Forum, which expressed dissatisfaction with Tembisa Hospital’s treatment of staff and security.

The acting CEO of the hospital, Dr Mohlamme Mathabathe confirmed receiving a memorandum from the community. For quite some time, the hospital has been facing a severe shortage of beds which has resulted in patients sleeping on the floor and others not even receiving treatment.

“In terms of overcrowding, Tembisa Hospital is an old hospital that was built in 1972. At the time, we didn’t have all the settlements, which are around the institution. As a result,

the demand for service exceeds the capacity that is available. As a result, in our casualty area, we end up having patients staying longer than 24 hours,” Dr Mathabathe said.

According to Dr Mathabathe, the hospital has only 840 beds, which cannot accommodate all patients. “We are the only hospital in this area, ideally we should have had a regional hospital as well as a district hospital supporting us. But at the moment, we don’t have any,” he added.

He stated that as a medical institution, they strove not to turn anyone away. “When we are full we still accommodate our patients, because we understand that their health needs to be attended to,” he said.

According to Lele Lefakane, Chairperson of the Tembisa Community Forum, the community has aired its grievances with the provincial Department of Health without receiving a response. A Special Investigating Unit is looking into how hundreds of millions of rands were looted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tender assistance for Thembisa business owners

By Staff Writer

Business owners in Thembisa are about to receive assistance with the tendering process. The City of Ekurhuleni has set up help desks to assist Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) owners in doing business with the municipality.

If you are a business owner who

needs assistance completing your tender application, this will be an excellent opportunity to learn. Visit Thembisa Business Park at 871 Thami Mnyele Drive to meet government officials who will assist you.

“The intervention will, among others, assist with registration onto the supplier database, the completion of tender forms, and navigating through the new Preferential Procurement

Regulations of 2022,” announced a statement issued by Ekurhuleni Municipality.

The Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2022 is a framework that guides the City’s supply chain management processes when sourcing goods and services from suppliers. The regulations came into effect in January replacing the previous Preferential Procurement Regulations of

2017.

“We hosted supplier development workshops in March to educate local suppliers on the new regulations. The interactions also assisted in explaining how the help desks, which have been placed in the three regions, are going to function so that we make the tender process hustle free,” explains the metro’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini. Dlamini further states that

the desks are staffed with a team of professionals from the procurement officers who are ready to assist SMMEs with any query as and when the need arises.

For more information and assistance please visit:

Venue: Thembisa Business Park

Address: 871 Thami Mnyele Drive

E-mail: Thomas Fothane on lesetja.fothane@ekurhuleni.gov.za)

Ivory Park’s SAPS station head welcomes lengthy prison sentences

By Dumisanai Hlatswayo

IVORY PARK - The Station Commander of the Ivory Park SAPS has welcomed with joy two lengthy sentences handed down by the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court for two murderers. Each of them was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The sentences serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering committing similar crimes, as well as sending a strong message that such violent acts are not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the community.

In 2017 and 2022, the two criminals committed two murders in Ivory Park, but they were sentenced to prison on March 30, 2023. Ngoako Motia, 26, fatally stabbed Warren Mashitisho, 23, during a robbery in 2017, killing him instantly. Mr. Motia was sentenced to 15 years in prison for this heartless act.

In the meantime, Prosper Sibanda, 23, who formerly lived in Extension Two, Ivory Park, is serving a 15-year prison sentence for the murder of his friend, Leaders Dube, whom he stabbed during an argument over a card game last year. A knife was pulled out by Mr Sibanda during the

argument and he stabbed Dube multiple times in the neck. Another man who attempted to stop the fight was stabbed by him. The victim died in Rabie Ridge a short time later. Ivory Park, Ext Two, was the location of this incident. The incidents happened in Extension Two and Three, in Ivory Park.

“We have witnesses to thank for the convictions. They came forward with information when needed, thus assisting us tremendously in restoring justice for the deceased and their families,” said Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, station commander of the Ivory Park SAPS.

The Brigadier Ngcobo has called on the community in Ivory Park to continue supporting the police in maintaining law and order.

Water crisis in Thembisa deepens

By Staff Writer

Residents of Thembisa have been living without water for the past few weeks, and the situation does not appear to be improving. A few weeks ago, the City of Ekurhulen announced that they are working round the clock to address waste removal backlogs in various parts of Thembisa.

“One of the key contributors to the backlog has been extensive delays at landfill sites due to muddy surfaces, and closure of some of the facilities,” said the statement.

“The city pleads for patience from all its customers as it attends to the backlog,” the statement continued. The following areas were affected:

● Thursday Areas:

● Sedibeng

● Ibazelo and Makhathin

● Clayville West

● Birch Acres

● Friday Areas:

● Umthambeka Ext 11

● Rolihlahla and O.R Tambo

● Emfihlweni

● Zone 11

● Temong

● Clayville East

Are you ready to buy your first house?

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

Are you ready to buy your first house? If you’re not sure how to become a homeowner, keep reading. Homeownership is a major milestone and a huge financial commitment. It can also be a daunting experience if you’re not sure what you’re doing. To help you navigate the process, here are five tips you should follow when buying your first home.

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This is one of the most important steps when buying a home. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you an idea of how much house you can afford, and it will also let sellers know you’re a serious buyer.

2. Make a list of must-haves. Before you start looking at homes, make a list of what you must have in a home. This list should include things like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. This will help you narrow down your search and make the process easier.

3. Take your time. Don’t rush into buying a home. Take your time and do your research. Look at several homes and compare prices. You should also get an inspection to make sure the home is in good condition.

● Leboeng

● Esselen Park, Greenfield

● Monday Areas

● Midstream Midfield

● Clayville Ext 26-33

● Tswelopele Ext 8

● Phomolong (Chris Hani and Madiba)

● Tembisa Ext 5

● Emoyeni and Matiweni

● Esselen Park

● Illidinga

● Umfuyaneni and Thiteng

Johannesburg Water has been working hard to restore the water supply. At the time of writing, water had been restored in parts of Ebony Park and Ivory Park, and it is being gradually restored in other areas as well.

Residents are advised to keep a bucket of water on hand since the water supply has been unreliable recently.

4. Get an experienced real estate agent. An experienced real estate agent can be a huge help when buying a home. They can provide useful advice and help you make informed decisions.

5. Have a budget and stick to it. One of the most important tips when buying a home is to have a budget and stick to it. Make sure you’re not stretching yourself too thin. Be realistic about what you can afford and have a realistic budget.

Buying a home can seem overwhelming, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a homeowner. Good luck and happy house hunting!

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Missing person alert!

Thato Smith

A 17 year old female Thato Smith from Ecaleni Section Tembisa has been reported missing. She was last seen on Thursday 13th April 2023 at her home, she left home to see her friends and never returned back home. She was last seen wearing black design Tshirt, cream track pants with white sneakers. Anyone who might have information that may help in locating Thato may contact the family.

Nomsa Smith (Mother) - 073 206 6313 or Tembisa SAPS 011 920 8000 or 0860010111.

Umgwalo sneaker unveiled at Nelson Mandela House

By Dumisanai Hlatswayo

AFreedom Sneaker was launched at Tata Madiba’s house in Houghton on the 2nd of April. The Freedom Sneaker is a tennis shoe that Tata Nelson Mandela used to wear in prison; veteran artist Mama Esther Mnguni painted the replica using chicken feather brushes.

The event was attended by

celebrities, influencers, government officials, and fashionistas. His Majesty King Makhosonke II Mabhena of the amaNdebele kingdom unveiled the Umgwalo Freedom Sneaker.

In a speech delivered at the event, Deputy Minister, Ms. Nocawe Mafu thanked everyone that attended the event.

“Today is an ideal time to reflect on the success of how South African culture has progressed over the decades. When you look and consider

the advancement in technology and innovation, our culture has prevailed and made headways throughout the continent and the world,” said Deputy Minister Mafu.

“As South Africans we are very blessed to have such a diverse culture that spans from the mountains of the Cape colony, to the valleys of the Mapungubywe, allowing our culture to be noticed throughout the world. It is important to note that South African artists have proved

45 people nabbed following the Ivory Park high density operation

An outstanding accomplishment was the arrest of two suspected drug dealers from Extension Two Ivory Park. They were found in possession of mandrax tablets to the value of seventy thousand rand.

Ivory Parker SAPS Station Commander Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo has congratulated the intelligence service. “We thank our colleagues and their sources for this outstanding job,” he said.

to be innovative and very creative in many facets of creativity. Today innovation and creativity will be witnessed through the unveiling of the Nelson Mandela Hi-Tech replica painted by Dr. Esther Mnguni,” she added.

Minister Nocawe Mafu was presented with a royal blanket by the King as a gift. During the networking session, guests enjoyed branded wines by Luc Mo Wines named after King Makhosonke, Her Majesty

Queen Sekhotoali Mabhena, and Paramount Chief Moremohole Motebang Mopeli.

“It’s great to see veterans like Esther Mnguni being appreciated and acknowledged by our government since her legacy will live on and be passed on to the next generation,” Kamoraleng Heritage Institute Founder & CEO Develd Monyai told The Olifants News.

Tembisa Hospital! request assistance

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

IVORY PARK - It was a resounding success for local police and other partners on Saturday night, the 15th of April, when they launched

a multidisciplinary operation. The authority of the state was felt throughout the Ivory Park policing area during the High Density Operation as 45 people were arrested for allegedly being in the country illegally, driving while drunk, and dealing drugs.

In addition to the SAPS, there were traffic cops, metro police from both Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng’s Department of Community Safety, and Johannesburg City Council employees.

All of these suspects are expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court as soon as Monday.

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

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

Former Minister of Energy Jeff Radebe and the Founder & CEO of Kamoraleng Heritage Institute Develd Monyai at Mandela House

Maxwell Tladi, a connoisseur explains wine lovers during a wine tasting different wines offered by the Luc Mo Wines.

Veteran artist Esther Mnguni who painted the replica (Umgwalo Freedom Sneaker) using the chicken feather brushes, an ancient Ndebele technique that only few artists still use.

Shalea Aweres

Nhlanhla Nkabinde

lima hosts the Easter Classic Cup for Thembisa teams

By Dumisani Hlatswayo

The Lima Sports Programme hosted a successful Easter Classic Cup. The event took place at Thembisa Welamlambo sports ground and featured four sporting codes, including male soccer, female soccer, netball, and chess. The tournament kicked off on the 7th of April and ended on the weekend of the 15th of April. Enxiweni Eleven Attackers became champions in the category of under-11 soccer. Under 15 Welamlambo Golden Boys, and under 17 Klipfontein Dribbling Wizard also emerged as winners.

“The concept behind the Easter Classic Cup is about bringing players from different parts of Thembisa together into teams to represent their respective sections as a way of ensuring that each section has as many players from its own backyards,”

Derrick Maphoru told the Olifants News.

“The Easter Cup was about teams participating, representing their respective sections so that every section has a lot of players from their

backyards,” he added. Maphoru said it was a great way to foster team spirit and collaboration.

Among teams that participated in the event included: 11 Attackers - Siziba section, Golden Boys

- Welamlambo, Tembisa FC - Tswelopele, Swallows - Kgatlamping, Silver Stars - Greenfield, Everyday Heroes

- Vusimuzi, Phomolong - Cloorkop, Super boys - Mqantsa, and Dribbling wizards - Klipfontein.

“For this particular event, we had

a better structure internally as coordinators and organizing committee. We had well organised teams that followed rules compared to last year,” said Maphoru.

“We hired two photographers to try and cover most games as we were using three fields. We had more hungrier and competitive teams that showed us how badly they want this Easter Classic Cup,” he added.

Maphoru announced that their upcoming tournament will take place

from June 16th to 18th. “This is the second annual Youth Super Championship and Girl Power Cup,” he said. People can contact LIMA on

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information. Or call Derrick Maphoru on this number 0784011726.