THEMBISA RESIDENTS GIVE ANC ANOTHER CHANCE

by Dumisani Hlatswayo

Thembisa residents eligible to vote went out to cast their ballot in Monday’s 2021

Local Government Elections. The elections mark the 21st anniversary of the establishment of a democratic local government in South Africa.

A few days before elections took place, President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived at the Ekurhuleni community care centre in Thembisa, where angry protesting residents waited for him. Residents complained to Ramaphosa about the candidate for their ward in the upcoming local government elections.

Ramaphosa also visited the Winnie Madikizela section and the Mpumelelo Primary School and Coptic Orthodox Church, urging residents to vote on November 1. Early results showed the ANC leading with 65.48% votes, followed by the EFF at 20.23% and ActionSA with a mere 5,35%.

Only 12 million voters had cast their ballots by Monday, with the ANC ending with a total of 38.19% in Ekurhuleni, way short of taking a council majority. The

DA trailed the ANC with 28.72% of votes, while the EFF secured 13.5%.

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson Glen Mashinini declared the 2021 Local Government Elections as free and fair.

Mashinini announced: “We are satisfied that, bar a few incidents, for which we apologise, that we have delivered quality elections. We are proud to proclaim to the world that we are still flying high the banner of electoral integrity, excellence, and free and fair elections.

“Through these elections, we have sent a resounding message to the world at large that we South Africans remain a beacon of pre-eminence in the conduct of electoral democracy. It is then my singular honour to hereby declare the 2021 Municipal Elections concluded as free and fair,” he said.

Mashinini announced that the ANC would get majority seats in 161 municipal councils throughout the country, followed by the DA with 13 municipalities IFP with 10 seats. At least 66 municipal councils are hung – meaning that no party gained an outright majority in those councils.

Tersia King Learning Academy celebrates 30 years

by Staff Writer

On 14 January 1991, one woman started a school, Dr Tersia King. A school with nine teachers, five assistants, one headmaster and 300 learners. 30 years later, the academy is still going from strength to strength; currently accommodating 1735 learners and 126 staff members.

Dr Tersia King will always be revered for her contribution to education. “Where she saw the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better she did not take no for an answer”, said Zerelde Uys, daughter of Dr King.

According to Mr Dirk Venter, current Executive Principal of TKLA the legacy of Dr King is evident on the campus and he is proud to be part of history in the making. “There is a revolution going on right now in learning, and it’s up to us to lead the way”.

TKLA turned 30 during the week of the 18th-22nd of October and the “blue” carpet was rolled out! The VIP event was attended by special guests including the King family, former principals, alumni and trustee members.

Special recognition was given to Mrs Zerelde Uys, Prof Cecil Bodibe, Mr Muburgh Bester and Mr Leslie Makhoti for their service as trustee members over an extended period of time.

Guests were entertained by talented learners showcasing their gumboot-dancing-skills including the primary school choir.

The staff celebrated the special occasion on the 22nd of October with a delicious spit braai at the school. All staff members and learners were treated with a special gift to remember this special occasion.

Tersia King Learning Academy is renowned for offering a safe and secure environment. There is 24 hr surveillance and a gated entrance.

“Our teachers are extremely vigilant as well. We immediately tend to a learner in distress’s needs, be it physical or psychological and we believe that parent involvement is the key to our success,” Mr Venter revealed.

Mr Venter gave parents who want to register their child with your school the following tips:

“If you want to secure your child’s future at TKLA, enrol him/her in Grade RR to give him/her the opportunity to grow and develop in our school system. Our language of teaching is English, make your child proficient and keep him proficient, by speaking English at home,” he said

Parents that are still looking to apply their child at a pre-primary school are welcome to stop by at the pre-school from the 8th-11th of November between 8:00 and 12:00.

Documents/Information Required

• Copy of birth certificate /

ID document • Copy of study permit/refugee permit (if foreign) • Copy of learner’s latest report – (Grade 1-7) • Copy of parents/legal guardian’s ID document • Copy of responsible person’s

ID document • Transfer document (once available) • Copy of vaccination record (Pre-Primary & Foundation

Phase) • Copy of Medical Aid (Front and Back) • Latest month’s proof of household income /salary advice • Water & lights account (latest) or proof of residence • 3 x months bank statements • Two recent colour photos of the learner (ID size) • Application form completed in full (Section A – J) • Annexure A – Consent to sharing of personal information • Annexure C - Debit order instruction form