Tame times reiger park 5 december 2014

Page 1

tame TIMES A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS

Volume 01, 5 December 2014 Week 49 Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335

www.tametimes.co.za Find us on Facebook & Twitter!

REIGER PARK BULLETIN

Accident on Middle Street

IRPTN to get Ekurhuleni going

P3

St Anthony’s Education Centre

P3 Ultimate Test For The Warrior

On 27 November, at around 20:30, a white Nissan Sentra moved out of his lane into the right lane and crashed into a silver Hyundai, on Middle Street, Reiger Park. According to Warrant Officer Serfontein, who was driving behind the Sentra at the

time of the accident, the Sentra started swerving across the road. When the officer noticed this he decided to put on his siren and pull the vehicle over, but it was too late, the Sentra and the Hyundai collided. Breathalyser tests were taken on the scene and the driver of the Sentra was taken

into custody for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol. No-one was injured during the accident, but a female passenger from the Hyandai was taken to O R Tambo Memorial Hospital when she suffered an epileptic attack, possibly due to the shock from the accident.

P8


Page 2

5 December 2014

tame TIMES

Editor Mayor thrilled

with clean audit

Humans do not easily give off control. Although it varies from person to person, we all have some form of stubbornness within us. It is when we are confronted with situations that seek to draw us from our comfort zones that we realise how much stubbornness we have hidden away. Over the past few months I’ve re-discovered my stubborn side. But I’ve discovered that although I have it within me, I have found a way to let go more easily than I would have a few years ago. I have discovered that I can let things slide even when I was wronged. But does this speak of me being such a wonderful person? No. I am still stubborn and still fight to the end, I have just learned, through the grace of God, that throwing bricks when you need the windows to keep the wind out, will simply leave everyone – and more especially yourself – in the cold. So I analyse the situation, pick my fights carefully, and when I realise that nothing will be gained by me being right, I let go. This does not always happen, though. *haha* As strange as it might sound, I also want to thank those people who at times do not give me a choice, because that is what one needs to teach you to let go and learn even greater patience. Try to let go quicker and see how it can improve you.

The South African Breweries (SAB) has distributed a total of 19,3 million condoms to more than 11 800 local taverns across South Africa since the launch of the programme three years ago. Called Project Promote, the condom distribution programme uses SAB’s infrastructure, delivery trucks and extensive distribution network to deliver condoms to taverns each month. According to SAB, the 19,3 million condoms they have already distributed mean that more than 38 500 new HIV/Aids infections have been averted. This is according to a calculation by a John

The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Cllr Mondli Gungubele, has expressed great excitement at the news that the city and five of its entities achieved clean audits in the 2013/14 financial year. Speaking at a handover function hosted by the Office of the Auditor-General (AG) in Pretoria this week, an elated Gungubele thanked the political and administrative leaderships of the city for ensuring that “they conducted government business in line with the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act.” “This is a mission of fulfillment. Let me express gratitude to the leadership of the Gauteng Province as well, for having demonstrated true commitment to the audit imperatives of the Office of the Auditor-General. Gratitude must also go to my predecessors for their role in ensuring that a solid foundation was laid towards the clean audit,” he continued. Turning to the AG’s office, the Mayor thanked the team for “their robust, frank and truthful attitude” in assisting the city in achieving its goal. “When the late Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mr Sicelo Shiceka launched Operation Clean Audit 2014, we knew that if we applied our minds as a team the mission was possible. Prior to this great achievement we have had four unqualified audits in a row and this gave us hope that our ultimate

objective would be achieved sooner than we thought,” he said after receiving the city’s award. “Ekurhuleni is only 14 years old. It was established after the amalgamation of 11 erstwhile administrations which used to constitute the former East Rand. One of the most difficult attributes of the joint venture was the streamlining process of the various administration systems while ensuring that there was no disruption to service delivery.” “Indeed that was achieved, albeit with some difficulties due to the different systems that each of the towns employed before the merger. Fourteen years later, all the hard work has finally been rewarded,” Gungubele pointed out. “What this clean audit also means to us as a city is that we have put in place good systems and processes for handling public funds.” The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality stole the show this week when it scooped a total of six clean audits. Clean audits went to the Metro and five of the city’s

Stover (founder and president of Futures Institute, USA) study, which claims that for every 500 condoms distributed, at least one infection is averted. Project Promote is a public/private partnership between the National Department of Health, the South African Business Coalition on HIV/Aids (SABCOHA) and the Society of Family Health. The company was approached to become a core strategic partner by SABCOHA after government increased its condom distribution targets as a method of decreasing HIV/Aids infections. SAB is able to extend its distribution reach

to non-traditional outlets, namely taverns. “SAB’s commitment to helping bring social change in South African communities is aligned to government’s aim to reduce the impact that HIV/Aids is having on the country. It therefore makes perfect sense that we contribute to the work being done to achieve this aim,” says Mpho Sadiki, SAB Head Sustainability and Transformation. Taverns each receive 400 condoms per month, which are made available to customers. Positive feedback has been received by tavern owners, with many requesting additional stock from SAB during scheduled deliveries.

entities: Brakpan Bus Company, Ekurhuleni Development Company, Lethabong Housing Institute, the Greater Germiston Phase Two Housing Company and Pharo Park Housing Company. The only entity that was unable to achieve a clean audit in the city was the East Rand Water Company which was described by the Office of the AG as a “low-hanging fruit” - a clear demonstration that a clean audit for them is also imminent.

Go to www.tametimes.co.za

Distribution: Reiger Park 10 000 Alberton: 35 000 JHB South 500 Bedfordview & Germiston 12 000 Kathorus:55 55000 000 Distribution: Alberton Alberton: &35 Germiston 000 JHBSouth: South 35 24 000 500 Bedfordview JHB24 South 24&500 Germiston Bedfordview: South:South: 12 12000 000 Kathorus: Kathorus: 55 000

Delivered bi-weekly on a Friday. Published by Tame Communications

Corner Michelle Avenue and 37 Sangiro Close, Randhart. PO Box 17699, Randhart, 1457, Tel: 011 862 8500, Fax: 011 869 7335

Editor:

Justus Abrams justusabrams@gmail.com

Sub-editor:

Vanessa Pillay

www.tametimes.co.za Find us on Twitter & Facebook:

Advertising Executives:

Loreen Fletcher 074 581 9327 loreen@tametimes.co.za Shane Stander 071 671 7264 shane@tametimes.co.za Nicole Russell-079 5048143 nicole@tametimes.co.za

Classified Manager: Tessa Arthur 011 862 8500 tessa@tametimes.co.za

Distribution queries: Happy Khumalo 011 862 8500

Production Manager Stephen Davey stephen@tametimes.co.za

Although reasonable efforts are made by tame Communications (Pty) Ltd and the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all referred to as “TAME”), no responsibility is taken by TAME for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides TAME with any information, including any editorial, advertorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies TAME against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against TAME by whoever.


6 5Page December 2014

tame TIMES

IRPTN to get Ekurhuleni going

Phase 1A of the dedicated lane for BRT buses from Tembisa leading to OR Tambo International Airport is under construction.

Page 3

Windmill Park residents on the taxi feud Since the shooting and killing of five people at the Windmill Park taxi rank on 20 November, Windmill Park residents who relies on public transport to work, town and elsewhere have been left stranded. The lack of transport has forced many to walk great distances to work and back. Doing monthly shopping has also become a major problem, because people have to walk long distances to get to the shopping centres and then home again with heavy bags of groceries at times. The problem doesn’t stop with them having to walk long distances, though. The community are complaining that they have become easy targets for criminals – muggers, robbers, thieves, etc. A spokesperson from the Dawn Park Police station, Captain Peters, recommends that people walk in groups to avoid being easy targets for criminals. A member of the community, however, replied on this suggestion by asking, “How do we walk in groups when our working times differ and we leave home at different times”?

Members from the community also alleges that if they want to start lift clubs, they are being victimised by members of the Vosloorus taxi association who pulls cars over and tell people to get out of the vehicle. They feel their rights are being trampled on by these taxi operators who want to tell them how to travel, when and where to get off. However, it seems clear that although people are angry at being inconvenienced by these taxi operators, they still fear for their lives, because no-one I spoke to wanted their names to be mentioned in any article. The message that is coming through abundantly clear from most residents I spoke to was that the MEC of transport should resolve this matter by bringing in busses and “kick the taxis out” of that area. One lady, however, suggested that the taxis should go back to the way they were operating in the past, by Reiger Park operating across the railway line and Vosloorus pick people up next to Barry Marias and Rondebult road. With the MEC intending to officially close the rank down on 17 December, the question remains, what about the people?

Intention to close Taxi ranks By Justus Abrams

Map of the Ekurhuleni IRPTN Phase 1.

By Lebo Mosolodi

“This system is not just about the buses; it is about creating a better quality of life for the citizens of Ekurhuleni. By providing a reliable, affordable and accessible transport service we can ensure that our residents are spending more time with their families and less time on the road.” said Executive Mayor Mondli Gungubele. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality aims to re-stitch Gauteng’s East Rand by threading together its nine separate towns. Ekurhuleni is an important industrial area and its new Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) service will connect Benoni, Germiston, Springs, Kempton Park, Edenvale, Nigel, Brakpan, Boksburg, and Alberton – areas that were previously dislocated by apartheid spatial planning. The IRPTN will also integrate new bus networks, existing bus services, revitalized rail networks, existing mini-bus taxi routes and a network of cycling paths and pedestrian walkways to help people move quickly and easily across the Metro. An important aspect of the IRPTN is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system – a network of vehicles running along dedicated bus lanes on major roads in Ekurhuleni. These routes will be supported by complementary and feeder services that will enable passengers to travel where they like at their convenience. The BRT system consists of fleets of large buses and midi bus taxis operating along routes with state-of-the art stations and stops. The new service will be safe, reliable and

affordable and will have universal access features for special needs users, pregnant women and the elderly. “A city that can provide an affordable service that is safe, easy to use and accessible to all its citizens is a city that is serving its people and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s transport service is moving towards this goal. We are proud that our transport system will be used by all people, including people with disabilities, the elderly, people who are physically and visually impaired and generally those who have special needs,” said the MMC for Roads and Transport, Thumbu Mahlangu. Public engagements have taken place, and the Environmental Impact Assessment has been completed. No-one will be left behind, and a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the public transport industry to ensure the municipality and the industry collaborates on the project. “There’s a lot we want to do for our residents and the public transport industry in Ekurhuleni, but we can’t do it alone. We are forging relationships with all stakeholders to ensure that we meet the needs of our taxpayers. All stakeholders, from scholars, business, people with special needs and public transport operators, are important for us; their views in what we do is of paramount importance,” said Yolisa Mashilwane, the head of the Transport Planning and Provision Department.

The MEC of Roads and Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi, notified the Gauteng Legislator on Thursday, 27 November, of his intention to close the Windmill Park and Mamelodi taxi ranks. Disputes over routes have sparked numerous incidents of violence, in which taxi owners, drivers, queue marshals and members of the public were killed or injured during shooting incidents. The death toll thus far, linked to the Windmill Park feud, stands at 28 people since it started two years ago. On Thursday 20 November, four people were shot dead and as one taxi driver tried to drive away from the bullets raining down on him, he bumped a woman, who later died in hospital. This year, 15 July, the then chairperson of the RBDTA (Reiger Park District Taxi Association), Andy Koza, was also killed

when gunmen shot him in his vehicle near Ramaphosa informal settlement next to Reiger Park. In Tswane, the Mamelodi Taxi Association (MTA) has also lost members who were killed in incidents of violence that seems to be as a result of conflict within the association. Dr Vadi, in a Gazetted ‘Notice 4007 of 2014’, states that the intention of his department is to close the affected ranks by 17 December 2014, but stakeholders are afforded the opportunity to make written submissions on or before 12 December 2014. “Notices will be delivered to the taxi associations for them to give their input,” Mr Vadi said. It is not clear what will be put in place as an alternative for commuters who rely on taxis as their only means of transport.

Stand out from the crowd Choose tame TIMES for your advertising needs, and be seen by the right people

CALL 011 865 8500 TODAY

CORNER MICHELLE AVENUE AND 37 SANGIRO CLOSE, RANDHART

FIND US ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK

PO BOX 17699, RANDHART, 1457. TEL: 011 862 8500, FAX: 011 869 7335


Page 4

5 December 2014

tame TIMES

Love expressed in Ouma Five Languages Ethel’s 80th By Alexandria Allan

Over the last week I finally decided to read the Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman and it resonated with me so much, that I needed to share my thoughts on it with you. I believe that this book is a gateway for many relationships, especially when it comes to understanding our different love language. By understanding another’s love language you learn how to show appreciation and love better. This is especially important when showing love to a teenager, because you don’t want your child growing up thinking that you don’t love them because you don’t love them in the way that they want you to love them. So here are my views, summarised on the five love languages as raised by Chapman in his book: Words of affirmation How often do you praise those around you for the good work they do or maybe just give them a compliment? We need to realise that we live in a world where people need to be shown love and the deepest human need as William James states is “the need to feel APPRECIATED”. So always show love to those that are the closest to you as words are important. When a teenager grows up in a home where love is expressed, they apply the same love that they receive into their daily life with those around them and are likely to express their love easily to their future life partners.. Quality time How often do you as a parent take a moment to listen to what your teenager has to say? Yes this love language requires from us to give others our undivided attention, in other words some of our TIME. Spending a few moments with someone without being distracted by worldly things, especially in today’s digitally orientated world.

By Ps Bell

Sometimes we need to forget about our cyber friends and focus on the friends and family that actually loves and cares for us and who are physically in our presence, by embracing quality time with those around us we actually show them that we care. Those five minutes of attention could be time treasured for ever. So spend your time on people who actually care about you, as your time is very valuable so make it worthwhile. Receiving gifts When last did you write a letter saying “I Love you”? That’s a symbol of love, a gift as simple as that. When you give someone a gift it’s not about you spending money, but spending time and effort on actually doing something for someone which they will truly appreciate. You as a person are a gift to the world. Having kids is a gift from God, just having them in your presence should reflect how much God loves you by placing a human being full of emotions in your care, so take care of that blessing and never stop showing them love, because you as a parent are a gift to them. Most importantly receiving gifts has nothing to do with monetary value but everything to do with receiving love. Acts of service This is all about doing things you know someone else would like you to do. So no matter how annoying our parents can be by sitting 5 meters away from their slippers and they still ask you to fetch it… annoying right… YES! But, they love us doing simple things for them. This love language is all about thought, planning, time, effort and energy. This kind of love should not be demanded but freely given. So if you know you need to be doing house work, especially if your mom or dad loves you doing stuff around the house. Just do it, nothing like keeping your parents happy, never let them demand it, but rather you should freely give it. Love cannot be demanded but it should be freely given. Physical Touch When was the last time you gave your teenager a good night’s kiss or a hug to say I appreciate having you in my life or just to say I love you? This love language requires the feeling of touch, the feeling of being embraced, and the feeling of always being there, the feeling of feeling wanted. Sometimes just embracing and holding someone in your arms can be the best love that they could ever experience. Reach out and touch the ones you love, that might just be the moment they need you the most. Always love unconditionally… don’t ever be afraid to express yourself to someone, especially your family and friends. Read Gary Chapman’s books: • The Five love languages of children • The Five love languages of Teenagers • The Five love languages ( singles edition) • God speaks your love language • The 5 languages of love- The secret to love that lasts

The Arise Women’s group decided to thank Ouma Ethel Abrahams for her years of service within the community. The many hungry mouths she fed with her soup for the needy. The sisters arranged this for Ouma Ethel by donating their money and time. I want to thank all those who contributed to make this a success, even those who pitched up to celebrate the day with us.


6 5Page December 2014

tame TIMES

Page 5


Page 6

5 December 2014

tame TIMES

MEC launches 16 St Anthony’s Days of Activism Education Centre The Franciscan Matric Project: Principal – Mrs Rosemary Webb

The Franciscan Matric Project is part of St Anthony’s Education Centre based in Reiger Park, Boksburg. We are situated on the edge of Reiger Park and between two informal settlements. The project began in January 1986 in response to requests from parents from East Rand townships. The aim was to assist learners who have failed Matric or who had been prevented from writing examinations due to political unrest. Since 2006 we began registering Grade 10, 11 and 12 students most of whom need to repeat a year in order for them to progress with their formal education. The project addresses the issue in many instances of over-age learners. Government schools use the formula Grade + 6 + 2 to determine the maximum age of a learner in any particular Grade. This excludes many young people from completing their formal school education. The Franciscan Matric Project does not impose any age restrictions. We strive to give learners more than a second chance to complete matric.

Lizeth Kotze lizeth.kotze@tametimes.co.za

1

2

500 000 rape cases take place in the country every year

3 40% 4 42.5%

of South African women will be raped in their lifetime

6

per capita

5 58%

experienced all forms of abuse

A third of cases are committed by a family member or close relative

a woman is raped

15

16

HIV+

of all cases of abuse were committed by partners, lovers or spouses

of the women interviewed experienced emotional abuse

44.5%

Physical abuse was evident in 90% of the women interviewed

One in every six women who die in Gauteng are killed by an intimate partner

14

90%

13

suffered sexual abuse

19.6% of men who had committed rape is

11

826 SECONDS 9

experienced economic abuse

One in three women in Johannesburg gets raped

7

Every

10 71% 12 60%

South Africa ranked first for rapes

of all child homicides are due to child abuse and neglect Only 1 in 9 rapes is reported to authorities

For enquiries about The Franciscan Matric Project please contact the centre on: Tel: 0110224632/3 Fax: 0866526079 Email: Davreaux@st-anthonyscentre.co.za Registration for next year opens on 5 January 2015. School opens on 26 January 2015. Skills Training Centre

Manager – Mr Jimmy Thosago The Skills Training Centre was established in 1995 to offer vocational skills training to the unemployed and school-leavers over the age of 17 years. The following courses are offered: • • • • • • • • • • •

Bricklaying & Plastering Plumbing Carpentry Electrical Motor Mechanics Welding Upholstery Bookkeeping Basic Computer Skills Diesel Mechanics Furniture Polishing

As part of the Skills Training programme, trainees are assisted to find jobs on completion of the 45 Day Courses. A compulsory Life Skills component is included in the programme which extends the courses to 11 weeks. Follow-up Entrepreneurship Development is offered for trainees who have the potential to be self-employed. For enquiries about the Skills Training Programme please contact the Centre on: Tel: 0110224632/3 Fax: 0866526088 Email: lee@st-anthonyscentre.co.za Registration for next year opens on 8 January 2015. Courses officially start on 12 January 2015.

Reiger Park Secondary school

I am listening to sweet Christmas melodies in my car, lately. Mentally, I have already ended 2014. However, I was thinking about Reiger Park Secondary School and how the year has been. I am a very positive person and enjoy focusing on the good first: • Reiger Park Secondary School celebrates their 21 year birthday. • A record number of matric learners, 193, enrolled for matric this year. • The National School Nutrition Programme of the institution providing a plate of food and fruit to learners, daily. • Solid partnerships with various stakeholders were formed. The bad has to include the following: •The snakes spotted and caught on the premises. • The passing of Mr. Adams.

The ugly must be the following: • Vandalism and theft. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr J Abrams (Editor of Tame Times – Reiger Park Bulletin) for his interest in our institution as part of the Reiger Park community. I thank the principal, Mr Fisch for his leadership and commitment to provide quality learning and teaching to the learners of the institution. I thank the Management, CS and PS staff and the SGB for their dedication to make sure that our learners are getting quality education in a clean and safe environment. I also need to thank the parents of our learners for entrusting their children in our care. In the final analysis the institution also recognises the outstanding performance of some of the learners. These learners shall be honoured on the 9th December 2014 at our annual award ceremony. I am wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


6 5Page December 2014

tame TIMES

Dawn Park SAPS and CPF message The Dawn Park SAPS wish to remind the communities of Dawn Park, Villa Liza, Windmill Park, and surrounding areas to be vigilant and alert, and guard against becoming victims of crime. Warrant Officer Rafanyane also warns people to be especially observant of suspicious activity close to and around their houses, and to also ensure that they are aware of their surroundings and who are following them when driving. This, as vehicle hi-jacking and housebreakings have spiked in the last month in the Dawn Park area. SAPS and the CPF gives the following tips that can help members of the community over the festive season and beyond:

1. If you’ve bought appliances or other equipment, do not leave the empty boxes outside your yard, rather dump it at a legal dumping site. Empty boxes in front of your yard help criminals identify what can be stolen from your

house. 2. If you go on holiday, let your neighbours know. • Ask someone to empty your letter box while you’re away. • Do not leave your lights burning 24 hours, or during the day. • Make sure your garden is attended to. 3. Make sure you are alert when approaching your drive-way and do not enter your property unless you feel absolutely secure. 4. Do not drink and drive. The Dawn Park SAPS will run their ‘zero tolerance’ campaign until end February 2015. The Dawn Park CPF’s wish is for the community to enjoy the break, take care of their families, relax and, those going away on holiday, to return home safely next year. They ask for people to be patient over the festive season; to not anger quickly, especially on the road. “We wish to see you all again next year, so be patient and enjoy your families,” says Hendry Mohlala, Dawn Park CPF secretary.

Ons mense op TV Deur Gatiepie

KykNet het verlede jaar gevra dat Bruinmense van regoor oz land hul eie verhale moet vertel; ware verhale, verhale uit eie boesem. Hierdie 20-verhale is na een uur movies toe verwerk. Een van hierdie verhale – BELY EN LAAT STAAN – gepen deur Martin Rossouw – word die 18de Desember deur Kyknet op Kanaal 145 uitgesaai. In hierdie movie maak klein Ryan Isaacs van Lakeside Primêre Skool sy buiging as jong akteur. Dan wag daar nog ‘n surprise, ‘n local dominee en sy vrou as-ook ‘n komediant. So moet dit nie

misloop nie please, gaan watch dit by jou neibir as jy nie DSTV het’ie, oukei. HERUITSENDINGS: - op KykNet kanaal 145 – is Vrydae 15:00, Saterdae 15:00 en Sondae 20:00. Die ander 2-movies, wat OOK Reiger Parkers insluit, is SKRIKKELJAAR op 5 Februarie 2015 en HOSPITAAL OP HORINGS op 19 Februarie 2015. Oz is mos TROTS REIGER PARKERS, hierdie inwoners wys vir die res van ons land se mense dat daar ook ‘n mooi en talentvolle kant van ons Woonbuurt te siene is.

Soon it will be election season again and ruling party politicians will again be bombarding the electorate with promises of job creation and poverty alleviation. The chief opposition will again explain how they can deliver job creation and poverty alleviation better than the ruling party, while our MPs in red will promote nationalisation and minimum wages. Voters since 1994 have been promised the moon and the stars; but, again, in 2014 Eskom is delivering darkness. It will not be long before load shedding will lead to job shedding as supermarkets are forced to dump rotten produce, restaurants and hairdressers close their doors and factories have to halt their production lines. Sadly, small businesses – which are the greatest job-creators – will be affected the most. The fact of the matter is that, while governments are unable to create jobs, they are often extremely good at destroying them. There is a huge difference between an entrepreneurial mindset and a bureaucratic one. The former is dynamic, innovative and

Page 7

free-spirited; while the latter is methodical, stuck-in-a-rut and rule-bound. The former pushes the envelope; the latter pushes pens. The former works for as long as it takes; the latter works 9-to-5 with compulsory teabreaks and lunch-breaks. The job of government is not to create jobs but to create a job-friendly infrastructure. This means doing boring things like keeping the lights on, delivering the mail, putting criminals behind bars, educating children to an acceptable level and maintaining the roads. In short, government needs to make business as easy and cheap as possible to do. This will attract more investment and entrepreneurs to our country and jobs will start creating themselves. Of course, this will involve some short-term sacrifices for the sake of some long-term gains. Sanral, for example, should switch off its gantries. Keeping those massive steel structures working 24/7 must take a huge amount of power, especially when all their bright purple 70s-disco-style lights are on.


SPORT

Time To Play

5 DECEMBER 2014 - PAGE 8

Cricket fun in Benoni

COIN TOSS: Neo Masiteng, a KFC Mini-Cricket kid from Vukani Primary School, assisted Darren Sammy, captain of the Unlimited Titans, with the coin toss when his team played the Chevrolet Warriors at Willowmoore Park on 23 November in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge. Through KFC Mini-Cricket, Neo has received the opportunity to meet his cricketing heroes who have inspired him.

BALL BOYS: Neo Masiteng and his friends from Vukani Primary School got the opportunity to be ball boys when the Unlimited Titans took on the Chevrolet Warriors in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge at Willowmoore Park on 23 November.

The highly respected local Extreme Fighting Champion fighter Wade “Warrior” Groth will be fighting the EFC Featherweight Champion Boyd Allen on 11 December at EFC36 at the Coca-Cola Dome. This title fight is expected to be one sizzling hot fight, as both athletes are known for their exceptional striking abilities and exciting fights. tame TIMES met with Groth before a training session with one of his coaches, Walter Wendt. When asked if he was nervous to go up against the undefeated champion, Groth calmly responded, “What nerves? I have faith in my training camp and trainers.” Wendt added, “He (Groth) can test himself against the perceived best fighter in Africa (Allen).” Wendt explained that every time an athlete fights, he gets better and learns more than he learns in six months of training. “We can see if Wade measures up to the apparent best fighter in Africa and use it to better his fighting skills.” The 26-year-old athlete moved down to Featherweight division from Lightweight as a career move, as he believed he would be much stronger in this division and it would be a better weight to compete in. His career move has proved to be a positive one as he beat Peter Nyide in EFC32 in Round 3 by unanimous decision and is now competing for the Featherweight title, which he believes he can claim. “If there is anyone who can beat Allen, it is me,” Groth said. Team Warrior has various game-plans - if one does not work, they will try the next, with Groth saying he is going to give his all. Training at the Alberton Wrestling Club is said to be torture for the 1,77m athlete, who has been training every day with a rest day when needed. He said due to his cutting weight, his body has been stiff as muscles do not hold water. However, with Groth’s drive and determination, this is just part of the journey to victory. The Warrior’s fan base has been growing and is sure to expand even more on fight night which he said only motivates him even more. “I am very blessed - my parents never miss a fight of mine. I am told my mother is quite vocal on the stands while my father watches and then only breathes once the fight is over.” Four other fighters from Alberton Wrestling Club are also on the fight card for EFC36, namely Mike Vermeulen, Charl Hurter and Zulu Boy. The Alberton and South community are encouraged to go and support their local fighters. tame TIMES will certainly be there. “The fans from the north come out with their banners, it would be great to see the South fans with banners showing their support,” Wendt said. Tickets are available from Computicket. For more information please visit www.efcafrica.com.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.