ALEXPRESS Spreading Xela-Spirit Since 1967 NEBD- Your Future
What is the North End Beach Development?
This concept was put forward to the municipality some time ago, but nothing has actually been done about it. So Alexander Road High hosted a symposium in the Percy Walker Hall to publicize this project.
The North End Coastline is mainly dominated by dollosse, railway lines and a freeway. The proponents of this project are saying that the North End Beach can be urbanized, but what most people don’t know is that that area was once a beach and Hobie Beach was then just a rocky shore. Hobie Beach has a huge tourism clientele today, which has made the property very valuable. It is believed that this can also be done at North End Beach. What or who would fund something of this magnitude? Possibly the Government, you say? Wrong. This initiative is not a municipal initiative, but is supported by private investors (e.g. from Cape Town). At the symposium there were a number of speakers, namely Charlton Tobias, the radio presenter from Algoa FM, who hosted the event; Mr Ndaba, an expert on socio-economics; Mr Miles, the tourism guide for the afternoon, followed by Mr Derek Zimmerworth, who talked about the development of the area surrounding it, basically the logistics of the project.. A representative was also sent from the Mayor’s office A number of schools, namely Pearson, Westering, Collegiate, Cillé and of course, Alex were represented. The students were given time to ask questions.
This is what Mr Ndaba had to say about the NEBD Project: “The legacy of the Apartheid city is found amongst our different race groups. You will find that there are poor people who live very far from this area. If large communities are found there that would be a good thing because people would become an integrated society. We also cannot look at the commercial aspects, but rather at socioeconomic aspects. Government would have to play a huge role first of all because of all the legalities, as well as authorisation papers and to make sure that no human rights were or are violated.” He also said that the people of P.E would benefit immensely because this would provide a lifetime of employment to the locals.
Mr Miles, the tourism expert, said this would generate huge amounts for the tourism industry. We are one of the 5 Biome cities because of our rich abundance in marine bio-diversity. He said that 98% of America’s tourism comes from their coastlines. This would then mean that we have to make sure that no pollution takes place otherwise it will be a problem. Another problem would be space; this would entail a specific industry. So, the project would have to be well monitored, because shipping could affect the whales and their movement. A concern that he raised was how this would affect education. This project will need a lot of educators who are clued up about this development.
Derek Zimmerworth said that this project could help with the urban rejuvenation of the surrounding cities. He said that most of the surrounding towns are effectively ghost towns and now through this, that could be changed. He was asked a question regarding the actual amount of money this would cost. The
continued on pg 2
1
FROM THE EDITING DESK…
continued from pg. 1
On the 14th of April 2014 I returned home from a long day at school, exhausted from the mountains of maths homework I received and on the brink of wallowing in procrastination, thinking of how unfair the amount of homework we get every day is, the inconvenience of having to stand behind the school gate after 3pm whilst waiting for our parents to pick us up and other trivial matters, when I heard the news of nearly 300 girls being abducted from their school in Nigeria by a group of armed Boko Haram militants. Those 300 girls were relaxing in their dorms when out of nowhere, terrorists shot the school guards and kidnapped them. Those girls were at their school, a place where they should have felt safe and comfortable, where abduction and such radical violence should never occur; but it did. In that moment I realized the luxury we Alexans live in. We complain of the excessive amount of homework we getbut it’s because our teachers wish for us to succeed. We get annoyed while waiting behind the school gates after school- but it’s for our own safety. We have a security guard patrolling the school during school hours in case of an emergency. We do not live in fear of abduction or violence while at school because we are privileged. Our thoughts and prayers are with the girls and their families.
I hope that the cruel, unfortunate event experienced by those Nigerian girls has opened your eyes and made you realize what a blessing being an Alexan really is.
estimated price after long gruelling hours would be 1.25 billion rands. Employment would also be needed for this project; they would need an estimated 113 710 employees. This will be beneficial to both skilled and unskilled persons. He revealed to us why it hasn’t taken place so far and this is because we have been going through a global recession.
The representative from the Mayor’s office told us that people tend to put a face to a project and that this was Port Elizabeth’s idea in the first place. People now need to think about unique characteristics and to capitalize on them. People would need to think of long term projects because Port Elizabeth is losing out to other cities and we need these projects to better our city. .It needs to be an interlinked or hybrid industry to make it bigger and better than it is now. The Metro is now willing to help! In closing, the NEBD is not for the old people, but for the youth of Port Elizabeth and even maybe South Africa, because as the experts said, it is a long-term project that will definitely last a lifetime or two, so it’s up to us to capitalize on that and make the best of it.
For more information you can go on YouTube and search for their video or just pop into Mr Oosthuizen or Mr McEwan if you have any queries about this.
Have a safe and happy holiday, Alexans.
Lukhanyiso Skosana
GRAHAMSTOWN ENGLISH FESTIVAL OF ARTS
A large group of enthusiastic Grade 11s from all around the Eastern Cape attended the South African Schools Festival of Arts and Creativity in Grahams-town on the 8th and 9th of May 2014. The two day workshop brought excitement, inspiration and creativity to all learners and was especially enriching to us as it gave us an insight into the creative field of drama and the arts in general. The different workshops were an opportunity to enter a world of self-discovery and endless possibilities. The workshops allowed us to meet other Grade 11 learners from different schools and different walks of life, as well as to learn more and open our minds to positive influences. We urge anyone interested in the creative arts to consider going to the next festival when presented with the opportunity. Lebo and Isipho Molefe
97 - 2nd Avenue Newton Park P.O. Box/Posbus 6 Port Elizabeth 6000 EST. 1860
Reg. No. 1901/000357/07
T BIRCH & CO (PTY) LIMITED
Mens Quality Outfitters Boys and Girls Schoolwear Specialists Branch at:
Newton Park, Port Elizabeth – Phone/Foon: 363-1360 Fax: 363-2580
E-mail: birchspe@telkomsa.net 2
Music Spectacular
As the busy second term started, the music department was once again full steam ahead to produce a jam-packed programme for the Music Spectacular, which took place on 17May.
One of the most important aims of the Music Spectacular is to show the parents of the students involved in the band and choir the reward that results from all the time and effort put into early morning and late afternoon practices.
Once again the music department produced a show-stopping programme worth the standing ovations that it got. The bands, orchestra and choir all performed their and the audience’s favourite pieces which got both the performers and the audience excited.
Many people do not realise that the pupils involved in these activities have to be at school as early as 6am and some only leave as late as 8pm.
As happy as the show was, there was slight sadness in the atmosphere when Miss Coleman, the conductor of the Concert Band, called out all the Matrics, most of whom have been in a band since Grade 8, and thanked them for their hard work and dedication as this would be their last big performance before their mid-year exams.
Parents, friends, and family of the performers all gathered in the hall, which was organised in an indoor picnic table format. This allowed for the audience to bring their own supper and drinks as they watched the talented musicians perform.
Because of Music Spectacular’s less formal atmosphere, the performers were allowed to dress up just to make the evening that much more interesting. It is tradition that each section of every band is dressed in a different theme, for example the concert band’s percussion section chose the interesting theme of Rastafarian pirates. The audience and performers all had a good laugh at some of the weird and wonderful costumes that were paraded on and off of the stage. One thing was certain: there was never a dull moment and everyone was having fun.
The level of excellence in Alex’s music department is owed to the level of commitment, dedication and, of course,to the talented staff, who manage to make the early mornings and late evenings much more bearable.
The next show being held by the Music department will be a farewell concert for Miss Doubell, who will be leaving Alex and flying across the border to teach overseas in Abu Dhabi. This concert will be held on 25June. Make sure not to miss it! Kristen van der Westhuizen
A Day in the Life of...a Rugby Player and a Netball Player By Katherine Bertrand
NETBALL is a ball game that is also all about strategy and more
RUGBY, a popular sport in the bay, has many Alexans participating in it. The boys practice twice a week and are encouraged to exercise and eat healthily. There is said to be a unique feeling of ‘brotherhood’ between the first team Alex rugby boys. Despite the stereotype that rugby players are ‘all brawn and no brain’ it appears that rugby is actually a very strategic game that combines both physical strength, good judgement and accuracy.
importantly, team work. Under the strong leadership of Ms Loubser, it’s not surprising that our first team girls’ netball side is as challenging as it is. The girls have practice twice a week and have a successful win rate at matches and derby days. While the netball girls follow a disciplined schedule of fitness, they are constantly looking for ways to improve.
3
Alexans Visit Frenchies in France
By Nqabisa Faku
Euro Disney, Palace of Versailles and we also hit some of the largest markets in Paris too. The Louvre has a lot of iconic pieces but the one piece that I thought I’d never see was the Mona Lisa, when I got to see it in real-life it exuded of good workmanship, stature and originality. Did you know that the Eifel Tower has close to seven hundred steps? We climbed up and down those steps with sweat dripping from our faces but it was worth it as the view was breathtaking. I spent my seventeenth birthday at the Palace of Versailles. The interior was painted by artists that were commissioned by royalty at the time and boy-o-boy does it look like a million dollars. We spent the whole day at Euro Disney which is the equivalent of Walt Disney in America. The markets in Paris were slightly cheaper than the markets in England; they were really big with over 50 stalls. What I liked was the discounts that they would get when you told them that you were a tourist from South Africa or when they would see you eying something and they’d come up to you and say, ”Do you like it? For you I’ll drop the price by 5 Euros.” and you knew you had a great deal.
What time is it? French Exchange, it’s time for celebration! 27 French Exchange students from Alex embarked on an altogether experience to England and France over a week and a half. Gina, a student from Woodridge, also joined along with her mother Ms Nell. Ms Olander or rather Ms Olander van Aardt and Dr Emery conducted the whole exchange programme. We flew from P.E. to Johannesburg from Johannesburg to Dubai from Dubai to London, our first destination. All in all we spent 18 hours in the air.
The last thing that anyone travelling needs is to lose their luggage, unfortunately Roslyn’s and Jessica’s was somehow not retrieved with the rest but Dr Emery managed to find out where their luggage was held and had their bags sent in the next day or so and everything was fine. In London we stayed at a hotel called Clapham South Hotel.
We went to The London Dungeon, one of my favourite places that we visited because One Direction also went there when they were in London, it is a theatrical showing that takes you back to the 1800’s to the early 1900’s in England the actors gave the audience a feel or rather an experience of what it was like at the time. Madame Tussauds is a building that has wax statues of celebrities from across the globe which you could take a selfie with one of your favourite international celebrities. The London Eye is a spiral gondola whereby you have the whole view of London and it goes around in a slowly so that you can take as many photographs as you want. We visited one of the High Schools there and got to do a presentation on our school and South Africa. We saw a glimpse of the Buckingham Palace from the exterior and it looked beautiful.
The days went by so fast and we had to say goodbye to London and say hello Paris – the city of Love. We took the Euro star from England to France; too bad we had to write our English paper on the train. Our host families were anxiously waiting with warm hugs and kisses. Every day we’d start the day by going to our hosts’ school called Petit Val which has all grades from grade 0 to grade 12 and is on the outskirts of Paris. While in Paris we went to see The Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower,
The most common misperception that foreigners have of Africans is that they don’t or can’t speak good English, they’re all black, we wear animal prints and smell like we haven’t had a shower in years but you can’t help people’s ignorance.
I would like to encourage Alexans that they go on the French Exchange or the Euro tour because it is a once in a lifetime experience. It made me realise how good I have it here back at home and I missed my family (that’s a given) and our diverse cultures and languages - there’s really no place like home. The next French Exchange will be in 2016, if you have any questions you can go to Dr Emery (GM01) and Ms Olander van Aardt (across the road at the art centre).
4
5
Winter Sports Day By Fathima Seedat
This year’s winter sports day, which took place on the 25 March, was a change from previous years in that it took place during school hours and not on a Saturday.
The general response to this change was positive. The comment of a grade 11 pupil, which most agreed with, was “What’s not to like? We get to miss an entire day of work! Not to mention having a maths-less day! Poor Dr Emery, she must have been devastated!”
This change also allowed the kids who are Seventh Day Adventists to attend the sports day for their first time.
When asked what the best part of the day was, the answers ranged from, “It was nice to just chill with my friends because there’s never really time for that anymore” to “Watching Ms Mtchake and Mrs Nefdt dance. That was classic! And something you don’t see every day!”
CAPE TOWN HOCKEY TOUR
On the first day of April the boys and girls first hockey teams set off for Cape Town to compete in an inter-schools hockey competition. It was an amazing way to bond over five days. Our teams did great, we showed that we had determination and perseverance in each and every game that we played, regardless of whether we won or lost. We literally fought to the end. The Alex girls also won the cheering trophy (there wasn’t one until the end of the tournament), because we showed the true Alex spirit, losing our voices in the end. The boys made it through to the finals but fell just short, placing second overall. We had achieved what we had set out to do, and more. We are pleased with ourselves and believe we did the school proud. It was a great experience, and we look forward to next year’s tour. Ashleigh Probert and Helder Fernandes
It’s (A)pathetic Story
Senior House Plays Celebrate Xela Talent
Wednesday the 7th of May marked South Africa’s 5th Democratic Election, during which time all South African citizens who registered to vote, practised their democratic right to do so. That’s all fine and well, but what does this mean for us, as the next generation of South Africans who will cast our vote in 2019?
On Tuesday the 15 April, Alexans gathered in the hall to watch the much anticipated Senior House Plays. The standard is always high; and hard work and dedication on the performers are obvious. Needless to say, the three judges had a tough time deciding which house would take the title of “Best Senior House Play”. Everyone excelled and it was yet another successful showcase of Alex talent.
The statistics tell us that the results from this year’s elections should concern our generation more than ever before. To put it simply: The ANC got 62.15% of South Africa’s votes, with the DA in at 22.23%, and the EFF (who surprised us all) is in at 6.35%. Now, bearing in mind that these are our top 3 political parties in South Africa, this should give us a magical reflection of true democracy in our country. The statistics, however, state otherwise. Only 42% of those eligible to vote (aged 18 and over), actually voted. Again, the question may be asked “how does this apply to me?”. The answer to your question would lie in the next statistic: only 23% of South Africans aged 18 and 19 actually registered to vote. What happened to the other 77%?
•Best Backstage Crew Member ................Norman Sruwig (Aloe) •Top Poster Award ....................................Jordan Ungerer (Aloe) •Best Newcomer ...................................Jessica Schroeder (Aloe) •Most Promising Performer ......................Esihle Faltein (Protea) •Best Supporting Performer......................Jay Mgoduka (Protea) •Best Actor ...........................................Bulelani Ntengu (Protea) •Best Actress.....................................................SiyaJavu (Protea) •Best Directors............Sinazo Ntsangani and Buhle Lose (Heath) •Best Play ..........................................................................Protea
It is most likely that they were either a) too lazy to get out of bed that day or b) not happy with the current levels of corruption and failure of our government and so put every political party into the same box and so feel that they are somehow taking some sort of stand against it all by not casting your vote, which is still technically casting a vote in any case, as that vote then goes up into thin air and by default, to the party which will ultimately win the elections. So, what were you saying again about taking a stand against corruption? Hopefully these shocking statistics will show a huge turn-around by the next Election Day when our time comes, and for the sake of our democracy, I truly hope it will. Aurora Dyssell
Katie Bertrand
6
Ma Brongqo
Dear Ma Brongqo I’m in grade 11 and I desperately need your advice. My parents won’t get off my back about exams, university and my future. The usual. They keep asking me what my plans are but the truth is, I don’t know. They expect me to go into the engineering field but I don’t think that’s for me. What do I do? How do I tell them? Do I tell them? I just don’t want to disappoint them. Stressed and confused Hello my baby,
Johjohjoh life can be tough, and the challenges it throws at us can destroy everything that we hold dear.
To solve this problem, you need to figure out what it is you want to do with your life. Google careers, assess your interests and do not rest until you feel a bit more guided. You then need to sit uMama and uTata down and tell them that your future is your future, they cannot decide which path you should take! I hope this has helped you, my love
Best of luck and MaBrongqo loves you
We offer:
• Electrical and mechanical repairs and services to Bikes, Quad bikes and Scootersat a reasonable rate.
• Collection and delivery service at a reasonable fee and we also fit tyres.
Charles: 041 365 1011
HOCKEY * RUGBY * SOCCER
“good price & good advice” 298 Cape Road * Newton Park Tel: (041) 363-5499 * Fax: (041) 363-5514 7