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City of Ekurhuleni lock horns with Eskom over R544 million electricity debt by Dumisani Hlatswayo

Ms. Tanya Campbell. However, no assistance was received from the he City of Ekurhuleni is wag- Mayor, but instead, Eskom was ing war with Eskom over an referred back to the City’s manalleged electricity debt of R544 agement by the Mayor. The late million. According to a statement payments by the City have resulted issued by Eskom on 28 February in Eskom charging it an interest of this year, the City of Ekurhuleni is R86 million a year to date,” the stateamong the municipalities whose debt ment continued. has been increasing significantly. It However, a few days later, the City is still unclear how the City ended responded with its scathing stateup with such a hefty bill. ment, rubbishing some of the claims “On 18 February 2022, Ekurhuleni made by Eskom. paid a partial amount of R530 mil“To protect the reputation and lion of its bulk accounts which total integrity of the City of Ekurhuleni, R1,074 billion that was due,” said the City shall not hesitate to initiate the statement. litigation against Eskom over the “We have been engaging continu- non-compliance with the provisions ously with the City’s management of municipal finance legislation and on this matter and subsequently has already written to Eskom to pubescalated it to the Executive Mayor, licly withdraw their statement. This

action is also intended to ensure that the electricity supply to residents is not unlawfully disrupted. A crucial aspect to the dispute, which was already addressed with Eskom, is the incurring of interest charges of approximately R 86m. This amount is strenuously defended,” said Ekurhuleni. According to Ekurhuleni Municipality, the municipality ended up with a hefty electricity bill due to ‘one monthly billing for January.’ “The issue of paying Eskom within 30 days instead of 15 days has been escalated to the national treasury,” said the Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini of Ekurhuleni. Dlamini assured The Olifants News that the electricity debt of Ekurhu- way. “The outstanding amount was leni will not affect residents in any paid on 2 March within 30 days in

line with MFMA requirement,” said Dlamini.

Police arrest a bogus cop in Thembisa by Staff Writer

second bogus cop was arrested in Ekurhuleni in the space of three days last week. The male suspect was caught in Ntshonalanga, Thembisa, where he was found in possession of a police

uniform and live rounds of ammu- a white VW Polo on Thursday, 24 firearms and live ammunition and nition for pistols and assault rifles. February 2022, at 23h00. impersonating police officers. The suspect was caught during Upon investigation, police recovMMC for Community Safety, Cllr a sting operation conducted by the ered police caps, a firearm magazine, Letlhogonolo Moseki, said that this EMPD, Gauteng Traffic Manage- ammunition, constable rank flasher, arrest was a testament that the City ment, JMPD, and the Johannesburg and SAPS face masks. was on the right track to eliminate Crime Intelligence. The arrest The man faces various charges, criminal activities in the City. occurred when the officers stopped including possession of unlicensed “Ekurhuleni is not a home for

criminals. We are going to root out all criminal elements in our City. It is time to take back our streets from criminals,” he said.

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Clayville Laundry Creates Employment for Youth Mitchelle Fouche Mitchelle Fouche

Tembisa Hospital requests your Tembisa Hospital requestslayville your – Joblessness is high assistance in finding the family of assistance in finding the family in South Africa Mark Nkosi. His father’s name is of Mitchelle Fouche. but for Dennis Willies Nkosi. He resides in PreAnyone who knows how we canVundla (29) this was game over as toria. Anyone who knows how get hold of her loved ones cannot conhe found a niche we can get hold of his loved ones tact the Communications office on in his community and started a laundry can contact the Communications 082 574 5857. business to make a living. Vundoffice on 082 574 5857. la, a resident of Clayville Ext 26, started his business in 2016. 33. Delicate 21. Piece of music ACROSS “I have always deer wanted to be an 37. IndianI princesses 22. Heavenly charioteer of entrepreneur, 1. Settle a bet noticed that most 38.inSwampy land myth 6. Singe people Clayville are the work39. Idealist’s need 23. Pastrami emporium 10. Collection of horses ing class and don’t have time to 40. What 24. Hemingway title word do chores 14. Flounder through the mud and one theirisn’t laundry, so I started laundry company and 41. aPseudonymous surname 25. It’s fit for a pig 15. Bridal shower Puleng Malete be able to feed my famwith house cleaning,” 42. it Hairstylist’s stuff 26. Yankee Stadium feature merged 16. Woman of Paris ily, said Kodibona. KodiEyethu Hygiene is 43. Fenway Park feature 31. Bonds after splitting? said Vundla. 17. Wrigley Field feature Tembisa - Sethopane bona makes about R200 currently providing employment 46. Biz bigwig Bit ofday gumwhich is 20. ___ Paulo, Kodibona (33) Brazil from Tem- on 32. a busy to 3 people and has a monthly bisa started an unconven- on weekends mostly, he turnover of about R12 000. tional business washing charges his customers ac“The business can sustain itself, shoes for cash. Kodibona cording to shoe size kids however I want it to grow even started his business in pay R10 and adults R25 more,” said Vundla. Eyethu Hy2017 after years of unem- and all suedes shoes are giene provides a number of serployment. Employment R35. “My clients are the vices including Wash, Iron, Foldis hard to find in Tembisa community, police, nurses ing and house cleaning. Eyethu’s and the surrounding areas and everyone who would clients range from businesses to and this affected the entire love to support my busihouseholds. Vundla’s long term household and it is what ness is welcome. Kodiplan is to see the company exdrove Kodibona to start bona uses a big board panding and providing more this type of a business to which he places by the employment opportunities. make a living. “No one main road to market his “I want to see my businesses is working at home, one business. “My wish is to growing with branches in other day I saw a guy washing see my business grow and areas which will in turn proshoes for cash I took the employ other people, who vide employment to the youth idea and started my own are unemployed like me, of South Africa,” said Vundla. business so that I can said Kodibona

49. Regulation followers 50. Parabolas 51. Like some arrivals 53. Sharif or Epps 54. An unmentionable 57. Safeco Field feature 60. Square foot measure 61. One-time back of Michael Jackson 62. Oral Roberts University site 63. Forsaken 64. Impertinence 65. Go onstage DOWN 1. Trident-shaped symbols 2. Thomas ___ Edison 3. Something to walk the dog with 4. Trojans’ home (Abbr.) 5. Small sets of speech sounds 6. Hardly a Mensa candidate 7. Do a personnel job 8. Hole-in-one 9. Lucille Ball, for one 10. Small wild duck 11. Island in Upper New York Bay 12. Parcel out

13. Far from shipshape 18. Short-tailed rodents 19. Ravages of time 23. Befooling 24. Extend across 26. A ___ formality 27. One of several Norwegian kings 28. “_ but the brave ...” 29. In the middle of, poetically 30. Grammy winner Alison 34. Force from office 35. In ___ (existing) 36. Divination practitioner 38. Adversaries 39. Fallout shelter material 41. Makes out 42. Fable feature 44. Capital of Italia Dennis Vundla (29) 45. Caribbean ownerdances of Laundry 46. Shade of pink Services 47. Año Nuevo month 48. Playful aquatic mammal 52. Neighbor of Turkmenistan 53. Oft-felt items? 54. Lightning unit 55. Starter for hip or oil 56. Not at hand 58. Actress Carrere 59. Barry Bond’s homecoming?

SAPS Crime Alert for Oakmore Staff Writer

akmore - 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.

South African Police Service 086 000 10111 /112 Olifantsfontein Saps 011 316 8022

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Thursday, 24 March 2022 | Issue 54

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

Property sector creates four jobs for every 100m2 of property By Staff writer

conveyed that Ekurhuleni is one of the best cities to do business in he City of Ekurhuleni’s Execu- South Africa and as a place “where tive Mayor Tania Campbell met things happen”. This includes genwith a South African Property eral levels of service delivery, good Owners Association (SAPOA) del- turnaround with planning approvals egation to discuss job creation and on some developments, and specific economic growth. “The property areas in which they found the city to sector, and continued investment by be a step ahead of all others in the them, hold tremendous importance country, such as with the approval of for the local economy of the City of solar PV installations. Ekurhuleni. This was underscored “On behalf of the Multi-Party by SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal dur- Coalition Government, I along with ing the meeting when he indicated the MMCs committed support to that the property sector creates four improve support in significant areas jobs for every 100m2 of property where the CoE is still vulnerable to that they invest in,” said Campbell stimulate further investment in the in a statement. property sector of our city. These “We were also happy to welcome include areas such as security of SAPOA President and Redefine water and electricity supply, comProperties CEO Andrew König, ONE munity safety and security, roads, Properties Holding CEO Chris van and stormwater infrastructure Reenen and Vukile Property Fund maintenance.” Managing Director for Southern “I call on all property owners in Africa Ithumeleng Mothibeli, whose CoE, big or small, to work with companies hold billions of Rands in the City by reporting service delivproperty investments in the City Of ery and infrastructure maintenance Ekurhuleni,” she added. issues such as potholes and water According to the Mayor, SAPOA leakages diligently through the My

From left to right: Neil Gopa; MMC Hart; Andrew Konig; Chris van Reenen; MMC Kalipa; Itumeleng Mothibeli

Ekurhuleni mobile app and the call work with the organised property the industry. She said this indicates centres, e-mail addresses, and social sector in a more structured fashion the partnerships they want to foster media channels set up for this pur- from now on to attend to service with the investment community to pose,” she added. delivery and policy issues that pres- accelerate job creation and inclusive Campbell extended an offer to ent opportunities and challenges to growth in Ekurhuleni.

The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 54 | Thursday, 24 March 2022

My dream is to host a mega event in Ivory Park — Msholozi by Dumisani Hlatswayo

Msholozi

adies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Msholozi! This clan name will evoke memories of former president Jacob Zuma, singing Mshini Wami or dancing to many people. But in Ivory Park, that clan name is associated with young and pure talent. Interestingly, our very own Msholozi is a great dancer. Or should I say he is a majaivane? His real name is Lucky Khozi, a DJ who has been spinning records and mixing music for the past eleven years. He dislikes boxing himself in one genre. So Msholozi usually experiments with different sounds. You will find him playing Hip hop, R&B, Afro Jazz, Kwaito, and even Amapiano. He currently hosts Sunsets Fridays at Uhuru Lounge and is a resident DJ at Club Genesis every Thursday and Saturday. “Growing up in a poor background is hard. You always have to ask for help from friends because it’s hard to have your equipment. You have

Educating burial societies one member at a time By Dumisani Hlatswayo

ack of financial education has led many Thembisa burial societies to financial pitfalls. This persistent issue inspired Benny Lerolle to start a business. His goal is straightforward and clear: to help burial societies and stokvels avoid becoming victims of fraud. He noticed that most township burial societies are not well-equipped with resources to verify death. This on its own can be enough to open opportunities for fraud. “I also noticed that our communities find it difficult to handle social issues such as drugs abuse and rape. So I made means to bring on board a qualified social worker to provide counseling to members,” he said. Lerolle has an advanced Certificate in Banking Services from Milpark Business School. He then started this business on 20th October 2020 and called it Sanctuary Funeral and Financial Assistance. His motivation was not to generate profit but to help burial societies get financial literacy. The slogan for his business says it all: ‘your life, our priority.’

He is quick to point out that his business is a nonprofit organisation. Apart from helping stokvels and burial societies, they also help individuals register companies with SARS issues and design logos and websites. “Some of the benefits of using our services include gaining knowledge about saving and investments, and getting verification for claims. Over and above that, we are helping members speak with a professional and address issues affecting them at home,” he said. “We see ourselves as custodians of ethics. We do this by safeguarding documents for burial societies to help them avoid being shortchanged by unscrupulous secretaries,” he added. According to Lerolle, the main challenge for his organisation is the lack of funding. They are currently funding the organisation from their pockets. “We have full-time jobs. We only help burial societies on weekends. Our goal is to make this a full-time job,” he revealed. Lerolle said they are looking for enough qualified professionals and consultants to spread the word in Thembisa. Contact Benny Lerolle on 082 255 3671.

“My goal is to help burial societies and stokvels avoid becoming victims of fraud.”

to accept that people will always judge you at some point. But that shouldn’t put you down, especially if you believe in yourself,” he said. According to Msholozi, his passion for music is what keeps him going. He firmly believes that every DJ, artist, or musician out there has their uniqueness. “The fact that there are friends I started music with, but today they made it keeps me going. I want to be one of the celebrities from Ivory Park and continue staying in Ivory Park. I want to see Ivory Park rising and opening doors for the next

generations of DJs and musicians,” he added. He looks up to musicians such as Shimza, Makhadzi, Kabza de small, Drumetic Boyz, to name but a few. And his dream is to host a mega event in Ivory Park. “That’s my biggest wish. Having a workshop that will assist upcoming stars in honing their skills.” Msholozi’s single Hlokza Quality featuring Ntsakzin is already available on all digital platforms. He plans on dropping several singles before releasing an EP sometime in 2023.

—Benny Lerolle

South African Police Service 086 000 10111 / 112

Olifantsfontein SAPS 011 316 8022

Thursday, 24 March 2022 | Issue 54

www.theolifants.co.za | The Olifants News

Police arrest two men in Duduza for possession of drugs and unlicensed firearms by Staff Writer

wo suspects were arrested in the Duduza area of Ivory Park for possessing three unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and drugs. Their arrests bring to four the number of firearms recovered in Duduza. In one incident, the Witbankbased Tactical Response Team and Ivory Park SAPS crime prevention officers paid a visit to one address in the area where one of the suspects alleged to have robbed Kameeldrift Mpumalanga, officers was. On arrival, the officers found the 30-year-old with two firearms, including the state-issued firearm stolen from police officers. The latter had eight rounds of live ammunition. This suspect is alleged to be part of a three men group that robbed the police officers of three firearms, which included a rifle that has been found in possession of another suspect in Mpumalanga due to the officers’ efforts. After the recovery of the two firearms and the suspect’s arrest,

Famanda Chauke

officers, acting on another snippet of information, recovered another firearm and three rounds of live ammunition and drugs in Duduza. A 23-year-old man was arrested as a result. The Station Commander of the Ivory Park SAPS, Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, has welcomed these recoveries and has thanked the members involved for the job well done. “By acting and following up on the information given to them, both

the TRT officers from Mpumalanga and the Ivory Park SAPS crime Prevention officers have done a good service to the community in general and the Duduza area specifically,” said Brigadier Ngcobo. The Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team detectives are already doing proper background checks on the suspects ahead of their pending appearance in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court to check whether they haven’t committed some other crimes elsewhere.

Ungayithola kanjani indlu ethi wena?

I-RDP Eyokuqala, ukuthi ubhalisele indlu eyakhiwa ngabe uzama ukuzitholela indlu ethi wena uhulumeni ebizwa nge-RDP. Lendlu imahhala. kodwa awazi ukuthi usizo uzolitholaphi? Amathuba othole lendlu azonqika ekutheni Qhubeka ufunde. Kiloluhlu sikuchushisa iholo lakho lingakanan. ngamasu ambalwa ongawasebenzisa ukuzit- Ngokuka hulumeni, kufanele iholo lakho linholela indlu ethi wena. geqi kuR3500. Kodwa ngaphambi kwalokho, masiqale ngokuthi siphendula lombuzo olandelayo Imalimboleko Ungaya ebhange ufake isicelo semalimboleko. osemqoka: Uzodinga lokhu okulandelayo: • i-ID noma ipasipothi. Kubaleke ngani ukuba nendlu? • ikhophi yencwadi yomsebenzi; Ukuba nendlu ngenye yezindlela ezisemqoka • izitetimendi ngenani lemali engenayo evela zokuthuthukisa izinga lakho lezomnotho. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kwenza ukuthi kube lula emsebenzini. ukwazi ukuqala umndeni kahle. Yenza ucwaningo lwakho futhi ube Yonga imali yediphozithi nomqondo ophusile ngenani lezindlu ofuna Zama ukonga imali yediphozithi, ngisho noma ukuhlala kuyo. Uma indawo ibonakala inenani ucabanga ukuthi maningi amathuba okuthi elincane, buza i-ejenti ukuthi kungani intengo uthole imalimboleko engu-100%. Khumbula, iphezulu kangaka futhi uqhubekele phambili uma ubeka phansi idiphozithi ethe xaxa, nemali uma unganelisekile ngezizathu ezinikeziwe. oziyikhokha nyanga zonke izokwehla. Thatha Zimbili izindlela ongazisebenzisa ukuthola isikhathi sakho futhi ungavumeli noma ubani indlu ethi wena. akukhohlise. by Dumisani Hlatswayo

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Here’s what takes to offer security services to township homeowners by Dumisani Hlatswayo he ever-escalating crime has necessitated security services for many businesses and households. This basic need inspired Famanda Chauke to consider starting a security company. But before that, the Clayville entrepreneur had to amass experience in security. He did that working for Chubb Electronic Security for nearly 12 years. First, as their Area Manager and later as their Operations Manager. Once Chauke was sure he had all the necessary experience in security services, he decided to flex his entrepreneurial muscle. He founded Lead Security Services, a security company that specialises in guarding, armed response, VIP, events, training, and more. According to Chauke, his company has managed to form partnerships

with most security companies with a national footprint. “Most of those companies are unable to provide their vehicles for various reasons,” he told The Olifants News. Most security companies today offer their services to residential homes in the suburbs. And they leave township property owners to protect themselves. Chauke saw a gap in the market and decided to offer his services specifically to township residential homes. “Today, we operate in local communities or townships across Ekurhuleni,” he said. “The benefits of using our services include ease of access. We operate in the areas where the clients share our sentiments, and we, in turn, understand their background,” he explained. Chauke said they plan to penetrate the local market to increase the internal client base.

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035 474 0710

The Olifants News | www.theolifants.co.za

Issue 54 | Thursday, 24 March 2022

Ivory Park author launches a book by Dumisani Hlatswayo

hembisa is teeming with talent. But only a few young people know how to use their innate skills to inspire others. Musa Steven Makhuvele from Ivory Park extension 13 is one of those few people. Not only is Makhuvele an eloquent writer, but a gifted musician of note as well. A year ago, he published his debut book, a Xitsonga poetry book titled “Magoza Ya Vutomi,” loosely translated as Steps of Life. This year Makhuvele will be publishing another book, Throttled Intentions, which he will be launching on the 26th of March. “I was inspired to write the book by the beauty of life. The fact that we’re still able to breathe in and out should be a huge motivation. That we’re given another chance to make a positive contribution to the world,” he said. With this book, Makhuvele will be targeting book lovers from all walks of life. “My target market is everyone young and old. The book will encourage black South Africans, in particular, to strive for perfection. To make a noticeable difference in our communities,” he added. Makhuvele said readers should expect to be taken through a journey of self-discovery to learn from social issues that he raised in the book. The book launch will be at 73 Dale Road, Glen Austin, Midrand. Connect with Musa Steven on the For more information, reach out to following social media platforms: Makhuvele on 083 946 5374. He looks up to writers such as ChiFacebook @Musa Steven Makhuvele nua Achebe, TP Magayisa, the late Twitter @Musasteven_makhuvele Moses Mtileni, and Enock Shishenge. Instagram @Musasteven

Did you know? R100 million allocated towards the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative “I was inspired to write the book by the beauty of life.” —Musa Steven Makhuvele

Fun for kids! Copy the picture using the grid lines as a guide. You can do it!

he National Skills Fund (NSF), in partnership with the Presidency, has allocated R100 million towards the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, which will benefit 4 500 learners in the digital learning space. Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said the NSF has committed R200 million to the employment creation initiative between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Nzimande said the project will benefit more than 5 000 unemployed youth. A significant number of requests for proposals has been posted in the press inviting skills development providers to participate in projects, which are targeting worker education and

empowerment, and assistance for the community of people with disabilities. “The total value of this project is in excess of R200 million and will assist more than 2 000 beneficiaries,” Nzimande said. He said the NSF has finalised an important policy, which will regulate unsolicited proposals, initiated by the skills development providers, through their skills development, creativity and innovation. “The total amount allocated for the unsolicited proposals will exceed R1.5 billion in this current financial year. We estimate that this will benefit more than 20 000 beneficiaries in various skills development areas.” Nzimande said the department is also collaborating with the Catholic Church, through their Thabiso skills centres and the Methodist Church to provide much needed skills to communities.

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Football youth development in Thembisa is in good hands by Dumisani Hlatswayo

oung people in Thembisa have fewer options of developing themselves in sports. As a result, some turn to drugs; or even crime. Fortunately, there are grassroots coaches like Lucky Dunn Nkulisa who are working tirelessly to bring youth development opportunities to Thembisa. The 46-year-old’s passion for community development runs deep. Talking to The Olifants News, Nkulisa said, he could not afford to disappoint young people. In 2011, he established Nkulisa Football Academy. His aim was to give young people an opportunity to showcase their talent. The academy has since grown from strength to strength to help many children. It 15s, under 15 girls team, under 17, the challenges he faces daily include of the kids depends on their ages. has also won over 54 trophies and and under 19. lack of respect, not being appreciated, “Younger than 15-years old only secured a spot for several players at “Nothing makes me more proud and mistrust. “There is also a lack of needs to be mentally fit cause they the ABC Motsepe League. than seeing the kids smiling, laugh- opportunities in the township. But play for fun. Competition only starts A year ago, Nkulisa Football ing, and enjoying my presence. I sleep our biggest challenge is the afford- after the age of 15 years of age. You Academy had 144 children attend- like a baby when they do,” Nkulisa ability of resources. For instance, we should instill discipline early. But it ing training sessions. A total of 85 told The Olifants. don’t have a proper place to train or a would help if you remain friendly to children went on to register for a Nkulisa tries to avail himself to all transport we can use whenever there them so that they enjoy your presleague division. The divisions are his young players, both as a coach is a need to travel,” he revealed. ence,” he said. under 9s, under 11s, under 13s, under and a father figure. He said some of According to Nkulisa, the fitness Nkulisa wishes to see community

leaders start using sports to shield children from drugs, crime, early pregnancy, and human trafficking. He looks up to icons such as Jomo Sono, who is good at unearthing talent. “Simply because he makes the unknown player well known. Mr. Sono develops, trains, manages and administers his brand. I am identical to him,” he said.

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