>> BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU
,KASI 29 January 2016 | Overberg
VISION Zwelihle
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Mayor Nicolette Both-Guthrie opened the proceedings at Lukhanyo Primary in Zwelihle with the following words: “I am a supporter of early childhood development. I wish to congratulate the motivated teachers of this school. It is teachers like you that make the Overberg Education District shine every year. To the children I wish to convey that you must give your best, despite your challenges or shortcomings. I also grew up in a rural area. When I went to high school I had to walk to school, because we did not have a car. Be diligent and you will progress far.” With the mayor in the picture are Moris Tshabalala (principal) and Michelle Sapepa (ward councillor). A total of 60 learners started the first day of their school career at Lukhanyo Primary.
NUMBER OF INCIDENTS DROPPED SINCE LAST YEAR
Education Department loses millions on vandalism! MZWANELE MKALIPI The Department of Education in the Western Cape spends about R10 million on emergency repairs for damage resulting from major incidents of vandalism. Just over the 2015 festive period, the Department is to fork out about R800 000 for repairs over half of the schools that have been broken into over this period. The Western Cape Education Department is now busy completing a cost analysis of the overall damage. Western Cape MEC of Education, Debbie Schäfer, said they were pleased to see that “the number of incidents has dropped significantly once again, this time by 34,4%from last year”. “This suggests that local communities are actively looking after schools, in addition to our security measures. We have found that the safest schools are those where local citizens help to look after the properties. Unfortunately, despite measures taken by the WCED, as well as school communities, some of our schools still fell victim to vandalism and burglaries during the school holiday,” she said.
“Of the 21 incidents reported, the Metro Central Education District reported the highest number of incidents in the province, with eight incidents of burglary and vandalism. Only one case has been classified as ‘major’, and 20 cases have been classified as ‘minor’. It is disheartening to hear that one of our excellent schools of skill was burgled and vandalised during the holidays. This school is one of 18 in the province that provides skills training for our learners who cannot or do not wish to follow a purely academic educational pathway,” said Schäfer. She said, in most cases, perpetrators broke into the school classrooms and vandalised the interior, breaking windows and doors, yet stealing nothing! Schäfer said perpetrators also stole copper wiring and pipes from schools. “They also stole water pipes and vandalised the ablution block at a school in Mossel Bay. School could not start on time there yesterday (January 13) as a result. The cost to repair and replace the damaged and stolen goods is extensive. This comes at a huge cost to the WCED and a school serving one of our poorer communities. What has an-
gered me the most is that the perpetrators again targeted a kitchen that forms part of our feeding scheme. They stole gas cylinders, heaters, a kettle, as well as pots and pans. Perpetrators also broke into a school library, destroying the facility and stealing computer wires, books and stationary,” said an unhappy Schäfer. She believed her department and schools could better spend the funds on improving the quality of education in schools. “At the end of the day, vandalism represents theft from our learners. At the start of every school year, one of my main concerns is that teachers and learners will arrive at a school that has been badly vandalised or burgled during the December school holiday. For this reason, during the December 2015/ January 2016 school holiday period, the WCED deployed additional security to schools that were identified as high risk. The WCED arranged additional security at 413 schools during the December/January holiday. These measures included patrols at specific schools and clusters of schools,” she said.
The Clothing Bank empowers unemployed women through skills development.
Join the Clothing Bank registration day The Hermanus Clothing Bank will host an information session and registration morning on 1 February at 10:00 at their premises at 14 Arum Street, Industria, Hermanus. The Clothing Bank is looking for women who are unemployed mothers with dependants under the age of 18 years, South African citizens, eager to learn, self motivated, hard working and can speak, read and write in English. The Clothing Bank empowers unemployed women through skills development and offers the opportunity to earn an income during the two year enterprise development training. For more information, contact Teressa on 028 312 1772 or visit ww.theclothingbank.org.za.
,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle
News
2 29 January 2016
RIGHT-to-READ: help add 600 more books “The more we read, the better we read, the more we enjoy it” – that’s what the RIGHTto-READ Campaign is all about: introducing young children to the joys of reading. The Enlighten Education Trust’s RIGHTto-READ campaign was launched last year and to date, 1 635 books have been donated, but with the help of the community, they would like to reach the target of 2 250 books, in order to establish a small library of Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa books for all the Grade R classes in the Overstrand. We who love reading can invariably trace the habit to having had easy access to books from an early age and being read to as toddlers. Unfortunately, countless children – and there are many in the Overstrand
– have not had that privilege. They walk long distances to the Alex Bury Children’s Library at Enlighten, just to get their hands on books. A light goes on in their eyes as they devour one book after another, at first in their mother tongue, and later also in other languages. Not only do the words open up the magic of imagination to them, but soon the children find they can use their growing vocabulary to express their thoughts and feelings in writing. Reading gives children power over their lives and circumstances; it offers them a path into a world of expanded possibilities. Through the Right-to-Read campaign, En-
lighten aims to give Grade R children easy access to beautiful, age-appropriate books that they can enjoy in their classrooms and can take home to read or be read to. But the campaign needs the support of the book-loving people of the Overstrand to make this possible. This is your last chance to make a difference. By donating as little as R100 or buying one book, you will change the lives of not just one, but many children. Elaine Davie, fundraiser for Enlighten, thanks all who have already donated books. To date, 50 books have gone to two Grade R classes, but there are 43 more waiting in line. “The end of February is our cut-off date and we still need a minimum of 600 more
books. Please help us fill an aching gap in the lives of many hundreds of our own young children of the Overstrand.” A big thank you to Curro for donating six books, Shirley Epstein for donating 14 books and Kidbrooke Retirement Village who donated 17 books. Book Dash Publishers donated 500 books in December last year. Donations can be made to the Enlighten Education Trust bank account at Standard Bank Hermanus (Branch Code 050-312); Account Number: 082251878; reference Right to Read and your name. Or you can drop off cash or books at the Hermanus Times office (attention Daleen), or at Enlighten (attention Elmine or Elaine). Phone Enlighten on 028 313 0974.
AT THE HELM OF KASI VISION Mzwanele Mkalipi has been appointed editor of Kasi Vision. He brings with him a wealth of journalistic experience, having plied his trade at Independent Newspapers for a year and, most recently, the Daily Sun for six years. Kasi Vision publisher Theresa Olivier is excited about the prospects Mzwanele brings to the Media24 stable of Boland, Overberg and West Coast community newspapers. “Having Mzwanele as part of the team will allow for the publications to be true to its readers,” she said. “He is an asset to the publication and we look forward to seeing Kasi Vision grow under his editorship.” Mzwanele holds a National Diploma in Journalism from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He is excited to be bringing out the first Kasi Vision edition for 2016. He said: “I am looking forward to growing personally and professionally in my new role at Kasi Vision. I look forward to tackling issues affecting the community head-on as well as engaging with stakeholders in the various townships. It is my mission to ensure the avid readers of Kasi Vision are able to identify themselves with the publication.” Readers are encouraged to share their news with Mzwanele by contacting him on 021 853 0211 or mzwanele.mkalipi@media24.com. PHOTO: JAMEY GORDON
Meet the new Hospice manager The new manager of Overstrand Hospice is Fran Tong, a qualified social worker, who later completed her masters in pastoral therapy, specialising in narrative therapy. She worked at Drakenstein Hospice in Paarl as a social worker and later as the patient care manager. Fran was appointed by the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Afri- Fran Tong ca (HPCA) in 2008 where, until recently, she has provided mentorship, training and coaching to support and assist member hospices, NGOs and government institutions in developing and growing their capacity to provide palliative care.
“I have also trained widely on the psychosocial aspects of palliative care and presented at several conferences,” says Fran. She is married to Graham Tong who retired after 30 years in municipal engineering at the end of 2015. “We have two adult sons and a spaniel, an important member of the family!”. As avid lovers of nature, they are looking forward to starting a new life in Hermanus and enjoying its beautiful surrounds. Being deeply passionate about palliative care, Fran hopes to apply her knowledge and skills in supporting and enabling the staff at Overstrand Hospice to provide optimal care to patients and their families in the Overberg region.
Free positive parenting skills course The Sustainable Futures Trust, together with Friends of the Schools, will once again present their successful parenting skills workshops for interested parents at seven different schools in Hermanus. This valuable programme, now in its third year, is offered free to all adults and was developed by General Motors Foundation in Port Elizabeth to assist parents in raising their young children with love and discipline. More than 230 parents in Hermanus with children of all ages, who have attended this course over the past two years, found it to have made a positive contribution to their family life. The two-hour workshops are held once a week for ten weeks and participants who attend all the sessions are given a certificate on completion of the course. Qualified facilitators meet with interested parents at the different schools and together they select the workshop evening and starting time. Participants are given a manual and refreshments. The aims of the programme are to show par-
ents how to demonstrate affection appropriately, supervise homework, avoid violent confrontation, prioritise family spending and lead a healthy lifestyle. Topics covered include positive parenting, budgeting and saving, good nutrition, basic hygiene and first aid, building self-esteem, positive discipline, supporting academic excellence, building a healthy sexuality and how to set boundaries. If you would like to build a positive relationship with your child and learn tips and skills to achieve this, then please contact your child’s school to find out when the programme will start at their school in February. ) Alternatively, contact Ann Wright at sftrust10@gmail.com or Pieter de Jager on 083 737 5412, Mabel Saul on 083 894 9601 and Lubabalo Gecwa on 071 935 0220. The schools that are participating in the parenting skills workshops are: Hermanus Primary, Hawston Primary, Mt Pleasant, Lukhanyo Primary, Zwelihle Primary, Hawston Secondary and Qhayiya Secondary.
Golfers donate to charity As well as playing mediocre golf and telling boring golfing tales at the 19th, the golfing group calling themselves DOGS, also raise a modest amount for local charities. Since the idea was mooted, they have raised over R60 000 through members’ donations, raffles, auctions and charity DOGSdinners. They recently presented an amount of R15 000 to Izibusiso, the foster home in Zwelihle which cares for orphaned and abandoned children. Izibusiso is a joint venture between the Unit-
ed Church in Hermanus and Hermanus Child Welfare and depends entirely on voluntary donations for its funding. The DOGS’ contribution is first of all earmarked for a number of priorities: a new fridge/ freezer, a couch, new pots and pans and a geyser blanket to save costs in the colder months. Other needs are being identified on which to spend the remainder. To learn more see www.izibusiso.org. - DAVE SMITH
Restoring hope Over the December holidays, many people spend time away, buy Christmas gifts and see the New Year in joyfully. But there are those who do not have the luxury; they don’t know how they are going to make it through the night. With the enthusiastic help of friends and family, Louwina van der Merwe has established an organisation called Silver Linings, an addiction outreach ministry which aims to support and restore the lives of people who suffer from addiction, as Roelof Potgieter (Checkers) hands over the Checkers voucher valued well as those direct- at R12 230 to Louwina van der Merwe to spend at the store for the ly affected by addic- benefit of Silver Linings. tion. Silver Linings would like to thank Van der Merwe and the other volunteers she assembled, wrapped Christmas gifts Checkers for its generous support to this at Checkers Hermanus. The amount valuable and much needed work. To get involved with Silver Linings or raised was handed to Silver Linings as a Checkers voucher, that will be used to support in any way, please contact Louwina on 072 191 7692. help both addicts and their families.
,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle
News
29 January 2016 3
Register for 2016 municipal elections
CCTV camera situated at the circle at the entrance of town.
On the corner of Main and Harbour Road.
Big brother will finally be watching you JANINE VAN DER RIET-NEETHLING The CCTV Surveillance Camera System project, initiated by Hermanus Public Protection (HPP), has finally become a reality with the erection of the first few cameras in the Hermanus CBD during the past week. The state-of-the-art CCTV cameras being installed are similar to those used successfully in Cape Town to reduce crime in general. The cameras are placed on nine metre poles erected at strategic locations in and around the Hermanus CBD and are fitted with their own power supply from a solar panel giving 24 hour coverage. The cameras will be monitored 24/7 from a joint control room situated in the Fire Department Administration building. It is envisaged that the system testing and staff training phase will be completed within a two-week period, after which the system should be fully operational.
The initial phase of the project entails the erection of fourteen cameras and will include cameras that will be installed on Rotary Drive and at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve once suitable locations have been identified. Freddie Cronje, chairman of HPP, commented that although the patrols on foot, bicycle and by vehicles have been extremely successful in assisting to keeping Hermanus a safe location for visitors and residents, the CCTV system being installed will certainly further enhance the service that HPP provides. The decision to go ahead with the project was taken over a year ago, but given the technical complexity as well as the number of stakeholders involved in the approval process, it has taken longer than anticipated to get it up and running. Cronjé did however add that HPP was extremely grateful to the mayor and her team from the Overstrand Municipality for their assistance and support for the project.
All voting stations will open from 08:00 to 17:00 over the weekend of Saturday 5 March and Sunday 6 March for new voters to register and for existing voters to update and check their registration details. The dates for the voter registration weekend were announced at the official launch of the 2016 Municipal Elections in Midrand last week. The date for the election itself will only be known later this year when it is proclaimed by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), David van Rooyen, which will start the official election timetable. In terms of the Constitution, the municipal elections must take place between 18 May and 16 August 2016 – the 90 day window provided at the conclusion of a five year term of office of municipal councillors elected in 2011 and in any subsequent byelections. All eligible voters (South African citizens aged 18 or older) should ensure they are registered in the correct voting district where they ordinarily reside. Unlike national and provincial elections, voting in a municipal election is only
allowed at the voting district in which you are registered to vote. There are a number of ways voters can find their correct voting station: ) Call the Electoral Commission Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 between 07:00 and 21:00 weekdays. For the first time the Contact Centre agents will also be available to assist voters via: Webchat: www.elections.org.za, Twitter: @IECSouthAfrica, Facebook: IECSouthAfrica Email: info@elections.org.za. ) Use the voting station finder app on the IEC website: www.elections.org.za ) Dial *120*432# Voters who are already registered can SMS their ID number to 32810 (the cost is R1) to receive confirmation of their voter registration details including the name of their voting station. Voters need to take with them their green barcoded ID book, smart ID card or a valid temporary ID certificate to the voting station.
Display of street numbers can help save lives The recent spate of fires across the Overstrand has seen an increase in calls for assistance being placed by the public to the Overstrand Municipality’s Emergency Services. But the absence of many house numbers are hampering their ability to deliver a speedy and efficient service. Unless your house or property number is visibly displayed, calling an ambulance, fire brigade or the police in the event of an emergency will be of no use at all. In terms of Section 18 of the municipal
by-law relating to streets, public places and public nuisances, a premises, be it residential or commercial, must at all times display a number that is clearly visible and readable from a height of 1,5 m above the centre line of the adjacent road or carriageway. In terms of this by-law, property owners who fail to comply with this notice could be held accountable for any damages incurred as a result of not displaying the allotted number for the premises in the correct way.
Covering the Greater Overberg region!
Register NOW You are invited to attend an information session and registration morning Camera in Long Street.
At the Village Square
THE CLOTHING BANK
1 & 29 February 2016 @ 10am 14 Arum Street, Industria, Hermanus
We are looking for women who are: Unemployed mothers with dependants under the age of 18 years, SA citizens, eager to learn, self motivated, hard working and can speak, read and write in English. The Clothing Bank empowers unemployed women through skills development and offers the opportunity to earn an income during the 2 year enterprise development training.
Gearing’s Point
At Marine Drive. PHOTOS: MARTIN ETSEBETH
Contact : Teressa 028 312 1772
www.theclothingbank.org.za 0000000-K2290116
,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle
News
4 29 January 2016
Restrictions on water a permanent provision DALEEN FOUCHÉ There are currently no formal water restrictions in the Overstrand, but this situation could change next summer if the winter rains are not sufficient. This is according to Stephen Müller, Director of Infrastructure and Planning of the Overstrand Municipality.
Müller points out that the Overstrand has a permanent provision that prohibits residents from irrigating gardens between 09:00 and 17:00. “This is to prevent unnecessary loss of water through evaporation,” he said. Müller adds there is currently no water shortage in the Overstrand, despite the harsh drought conditions in other parts of the country and the Western Cape, but reminds resi-
dents that the Overstrand remains a waterscarce area and asks residents to use water in a sparing and responsible manner. The Overstrand receives its water from three dams and nine boreholes. The De Bos Dam in Hermanus is currently at 85,7%, the Buffelsrivier Dam that supplies Pringle Bay, Rooi-Els and Betty’s Bay is currently 90% full and the Kraaibosch Dam in
Gansbaai is at 87%. Four of the nine boreholes are in Hermanus, two in Stanford, two in Baardskeerdersbos and one in Buffeljagsbaai. Müller says the water levels of the boreholes are constantly monitored and the pumps for the boreholes are switched off automatically if the water levels should drop dangerously low.
Views from local residents on how to save water JANHENDRIK COETZER With the drought and little rain in most parts of South Africa, and with the government and local municipalities trying to reach out by sending messages to save water, Kasi Vision asked some of their readers what they are doing to save water. This is what they had to say:
NTOMBODIDI SENALA: I try to tell and educate people not to waste water.
ZAMA KHOSA:The drought is not really a problem in Hermanus, but I always tell the children not to play with the water.
VALENCIA LUMKA: I think we can consider ourselves lucky in Hermanus at this stage. But otherwise I always try to re-use water before throwing it away.
MANDISA ENENCHUKWU: When I use my washing machine I let the water run into buckets when it drains. That water I use for the next wash and also to wash my car. I also tell my children to use water out of a cup when they brush their teeth, and not the running water out of the tap.
LEKUKU SEMARAO: I try to save water by using less to wash myself and to clean the dirty dishes in. PHOTOS: JANHENDRIK COETZER
LAMRA NKARANI: I pour the water into buckets and keep it for other uses as well. If it’s not for drinking, you can use the same water over and over.
,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle
News
29 January 2016 5
Meet a local X Wilson Salukazana When did you move to Hermanus? I was born in Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape to a teacher and a housewife. I moved to Hermanus in 1959 and worked at the Birkenhead Hotel until 1974 as a jack-of-alltrades. I moved to First National Bank (then still Barclays Bank) to work as a cleaner for 22 years. Thereafter I became a town councillor for Zwelihle. I started as the Hermanus Whale Crier in October 1998. I am currently retired after a few years as a guide for Hermanus Whale Cruises. I am a member of the board of directors for Imbambusi Kelp. Imbambusi produces kelp feed for abalone. What is your favourite spot in Hermanus?
I love the sea. The sea is the reason I decided to accept the position as Whale Crier with the Tourism office. Animals really touch my heart. What do you enjoy about Hermanus? After experiencing the weather in the UK and Amsterdam, I really enjoy our mild local climate. I enjoy the outdoors and the fact that our town is so clean. If you had R100 000 to spend on Hermanus, what would you use it for? Hermanus is lucky enough to have many cultures. It has always been my dream to start a traditional African restaurant. Not just local African food, but food from all over Africa. - Chantel Louskitt/Hermanus Tourism
Eric Davalah, the current whale crier, with Wilson Salukazana, the former whale crier.
Use freedom of speech responsibly After the recent storm in the media about hate speech and racism, Kasi Vision asked Ombudsman GEORGE CLAASSEN to explain the difference between freedom of speech and hate speech. Is freedom of expression in South Africa in serious danger? Since 1994 this question has probably not been actively debated until recently, owing to an abominable racial comment made by KZN estate agent Penny Sparrow on a social media platform. What has since materialised is a frenetic and often slanderous campaign of slurs putting social media’s role in stimulating healthy debate in the spotlight. Recently, leading South African opinion and news website, Daily Maverick, announced it would close its comments section because of unmitigated hate speech spewed by many readers. This follows a similar decision last year, for more or less the same reason, by News24, which closed its comments sections. Are there limits to freedom of speech? Can readers of this newspaper under the guise of “freedom of expression”, as protected by Section 16 of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, say anything in the media? Does the mere fact that you have a Twitter or Facebook account give you carte blanche to say anything you want on a social media platform? The answer is, emphatically, no. Two noted commentators’ views on the Sparrow debate are worth noting, following the dismissal of Gareth Cliff as a judge on MNet’s Idols programme after referring to Sparrow’s right to freedom of expression in a tweet. Dr Jacques Rousseau, lecturer in critical thinking and ethics at the University of Cape Town and chair of the Free Society Institute, refers on his blog Synapses to the sub-clauses of Section 16 emphasising that “freedom of expression does not extend to (a) propaganda for war; (b) incitement of imminent violence; or (c) advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm.” Unfortunately, this is an aspect that people who are now complaining that News24 and Daily Maverick are not protecting freedom of expression ignore, whether wilfully or through ignorance. Rousseau emphasises that “laws protecting free speech are there precisely to protect speech that we don’t like.” Please follow him on Twitter and read his brilliant discussion on his blog in full. The other commentator, Prof Pierre de Vos, constitutional expert of the University of Cape Town, warns on his blog, Constitutional-
ly Speaking, why free speech fundamentalists are undermining the case for free speech. He writes: “Free speech absolutists – people who claim to support the right of others to say whatever they wish, no matter what the content of the speech or how damaging its effects on individuals or groups – are endangering the protection of the right to free speech with their demonstrably false, fundamentalist views. “No rational person could possibly defend to the death the right of others to say whatever they wish – regardless of how true or false the statement is, or what the consequences of the speech may be.” De Vos gives two examples: “First, few people would defend to death the right of others to make demonstrably false defamatory statements about others. Will you defend to death the right of an opponent falsely to claim that you are a rapist, a murderer or a child molester? I won’t. “One of the reasons why overtly racist speech is so problematic is that it makes demonstrably false defamatory claims about an entire group of people based on their race. Instead of calling an innocent person a child rapist, the racist speaker does the equivalent by defaming an entire group of people and does so for no other reason than because of their race.” In his second example, De Vos points out that “few people would defend to death the right of others to incite violence against a person or a group. “Will you defend to death the right of an opponent to exhort his or her followers to rape or kill you? I won’t.” He argues Z and as ombudsman of Media24’s more than 90 community newspapers I agree with him Z that “the absolutist position on free speech is therefore not only immoral and conceptually incoherent. It is also politically unwise.” Social media are a form of democracy where all citizens with access to the Internet can participate in and debate the issues of the country, of your province, city and town. It has huge advantages but it also brings a heavy responsibility among all to use their freedom of expression in a responsible manner, as encompassed in this newspaper’s ethical code of conduct, to seek the truth and report it as fully as possible, to minimise harm, to act independently and accept responsibility. These are the values that should also be reflected on our social media platforms at all times. -Prof George Claassen is ombudsman of Media24’s community press and a board member of the international Organization of Newsombuds.
This beautiful valley in Fernkloof Nature Reserve shows the footprint of last year’s fire, but on closer inspection, the rebirth of the veld is already in full swing.
The regenerating effects of fire on Fynbos After a nerve-wracking couple of months filled with a constant threat of runaway fires, it was comforting to learn of the positive and much needed effect fires have on fynbos vegetation during the recent Whale Coast Conservation Eco Adventure outing at Fernkloof Nature Reserve on Sunday and Monday evening. Journalist, DALEEN FOUCHÉ, joined a group of 15 interested residents and Fynbos enthusiasts that gathered at the Fernkloof information centre where Dr Anina Lee gave a practical overview on how to identify some of the Cape reeds (or restios) that occur in Fernkloof. With the towering mountains in front and a breathtaking view of the ocean at our backs, we listened intently to Dr Pat Miller explaining why fires in Fynbos areas are essential. She explained that Fynbos has the uncanny ability to grow in the nutrient-poor soil conditions. Any plant’s growth success depends on the nutrients it extracts from the soil and with the fynbos, it does not take too long for all the nutrients in the soil to be depleted. The Fynbos then eventually deteriorates from the bottom up, leaving dead branches on the ground and creating the perfect conditions for a fire. Miller says when a fire sweeps over the Fynbos when the soil is depleted, all the nutrients trapped in the plants are returned to the soil through the ash settling on the ground. Fynbos also burns much cooler than other vegetation and it is estimated that a fynbos fire burns only about 2 °C hotter than bare soil on a hot day. This “cool” fire also gives a chance for animals to find refuge in valleys, home to afro-montane forests that are usually
spared from the “swift” flames that do not reach the valleys. Furthermore, many of the Fynbos plants have expert strategies for making the most of fires through only allowing its seeds to be released by a fire. The ideal intervals for Fynbos fires is every 15 years. Even the smoke created by Fynbos fires has a purpose and containts over 2 000 chemical compounds. A recent study found one such chemical compound is a growth stimulant to encourage growth after a fire. Another chemical compound is a growth inhibitor, which discourages growth after a fire, when it happens out of season and only allows growth in late summer or autumn, in time for winter rains to nurture the seedlings. While walking into Fernkloof along unburnt areas, many more examples of Fynbos plants benefiting from fire were discussed. When we reached the burnt valley enroute to afro-montane forest at the Fernkloof waterfall, new signs of life and patches of green could be seen dotted over the mostly blackened landscape. Fairy lights and fresh mountain stream water awaited us at the waterfall where Giorgio Lombardi, warden of Vogelgat Private Nature Reserve, explained some of the science behind fighting fires. He said the encouraging news is that with increased understanding of Fynbos ecology and growing communication channels between the authorities and the botanical fraternity, the implementation of controlled Fynbos fires is increasing. Lombardi said this strategy is not only good for the Fynbos, but a pro-active manner in which to drastically reduce the fuel load, making it a safer living environment and easier to fight fires.
Shoprite Group supports firefighters Over the past few weeks the Shoprite Group has been supporting local disaster management teams in their relentless quest to get the runaway fires under control through a number of donations and other forms of assistance. Checkers in Hermanus donated food and drinks to assist with the fire in Elgin last week, with the Checkers refrigeration truck initially stationed at Houw Hoek Inn before moving to Stellenbosch. The fire fighters fighting the Simonsberg fire in the Helderberg area received sandwiches, energy bars and drinks, bottled water, aftersun, vaseline, eye drops and fresh fruit from the Checkers supermarket in Stellenbosch. The Group also provided an 8-ton refrigeration truck, stationed at Delvera, to help keep products cold for the fire fighters. Shoprite Klapmuts donated 20 kg
of bacon, 100 eggs and 100 rolls for a special breakfast held for the fire fighters. The Shoprite Group also assisted the community of Masiphumelele outside Noordhoek at the beginning of December by donating a truckload of food and supplies worth over R130 000 to relief organisations such as the Red Cross Society. “The Shoprite Group is committed to supporting and strengthening all the local communities in which it trades, and has a long history of reaching out to communities when impacted by disaster,” said JC Smit from Checkers head office. If you wish to assist the fire fighters you can make a contribution directly to Volunteer Wildfire Services. Volunteer Wildfire Services, Nedbank Branch: Foreshore, Branch Code: 108309 Account Number: 1083321226
Fire fighters from Working on Fire.
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R8 million in bursaries still available to assist needy students Thousands of the 455 753 matric learners qualifying for admission to tertiary institutions this year are in dire need of financial support in order to access one of the various post-school system opportunities available to them. Prospective students can look to the Shoprite Group, which still has approximately R8 million available for financial assistance from its extensive bursary programme. Bursaries are awarded for very specialised skills programmes, such as Pharmacy and Chartered Accounting, along with areas such as Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, Hospitality, Retail Business Management and Marketing. With limited space available at tertiary institutions, prospective students who achieved an average of more than 70% in matric, are urged to apply for one of the remaining bursaries by visiting http:// shopritebemore.com, or to contact their chosen training institution’s bursary office for assistance. Candidates may qualify for a bursary of up to R70 000 per annum, which allows for registration fees, tuition, textbook and accommodation fees, depending on the course of study and institution. Each bursary granted is linked to a work-back agreement with Shoprite, and in this way a bursary holder is assured of career prospects with South Africa’s largest private sector employer. On successful completion of their studies, pharmacy students have employment opportunities within one of Shoprite’s 159 MediRite pharmacies throughout South Africa and the Group’s trainee manage-
ment programme will aid retail business and hospitality management graduates in preparing them to become store managers. Chartered Accountant (CA) field candidates can be placed within Shoprite’s South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)-approved CA training programme to complete their internship as article clerks. The Logistics and Industrial Engineering graduates programme trains managers for positions within one of the Group’s 20 distribution centres, while the IT and Marketing Trainee programmes assist graduates in gaining the necessary specialised workplace experience. The Shoprite Group recognises the enormous value of investing in opportunities for young people to obtain a qualification and acquire the necessary skills for gainful employment. A consistent employment generator, the Shoprite Group currently employs more than 136 000 people, with 3 134 jobs created over the last six months alone. By providing bursaries to qualifying students, as well as educational loans and grants to its employees and their dependents, Shoprite aids and strengthens economic security and social welfare in the communities it trades in. The Group has already awarded 193 tertiary study bursaries to deserving candidates for the 2016 academic year. The Shoprite Group has also committed to financing more than 60 students for the National Certificate (Vocational) Wholesale and Retail qualification studying at the College of Cape Town, which offers this programme for the first time in 2016.
Website to help on NSC supplementary exams The more than 3 000 candidates that have enrolled to write supplementary examinations for the National Senior Certificate, from February 16 to March 24, have been encouraged to put their best effort into the examinations. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has created a special website to help candidates prepare for their examinations. Western Cape Education MEC, Debbie Schäfer said her department is also broadcasting lessons via satellite on selected subjects and topics to 132 schools across the province. “The broadcasts form part of the Telematics programme, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University. The website includes the timetable for the supplementary examinations, exemplar papers, past papers and marking memos, study guides, order forms for recordings of Telematics lessons, and links to online videos on selected subjects,” she said. “The website includes a schedule for the Telematics broadcasts and a list of the schools concerned, and their contact details. Candidates will find the website under tag ‘Supplementary Examinations’ on the WCED’s website at wced.school.za. Candidates can also search for resources
on the WCED’s ePortal, that includes links to digital resources for all grades,” said Schäfer. She said the WCED’s telematics centres will provide lessons for supplementary candidates in February and March. Schäfer said the lessons will cover selected topics in seven subjects, alternating between English and Afrikaans. The subjects are Business Studies, Geography, History, Mathematics, Accounting, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. She said the WCED is printing additional copies of its popular “Matric Countdown” guide, which provides study tips and exemplar examination papers for seven subjects. They are available at district offices. “We believe that these support measures and resources can assist our candidates in tackling the areas in which they failed and help improve their results. I strongly encourage these candidates to make use of this opportunity and put in their best effort to pass the supplementary exam. I wish them all the very best of luck for their studies and preparations over the next couple of weeks,” said Schäfer. Here is the website - http:// wced.school.za/documents/NSC-results/ NSC-Results-index.html
,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle
News
29 January 2016 7
BACK TO SCHOOL and first day for Grade 1 A total of 60 Grade 1s started school at Lukhanyo Primary in Zwelihle on Wednesday 13 January. For the rest of the school it was back to school as per usual, ready for a new year. PHOTO’S: JANHENDRIK COETZER
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29 January 2016
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SILVER MEDAL WINNER
Young boxer dreams of becoming next Mayweather
Akhule Mgoqi in action with his coach, Mzi Dames.
Akhule Mgoqi, a Grade five learner at Zwelihle Primary, has not always had it easy. But, the lack of money or resources have done little to dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of this 12-year-old who dreams of becoming an international boxing champ, just like his idol, Floyd Mayweather. “He’s slight in build, but Mqoqi’s speed and ability to place well-timed punches while craftily ducking blows from opponents has seen him copping significant awards at the various tournaments and boxing academies he’s competed in,” says founder and chairperson, Mze Damesi, of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) where the youngster trains. Of note, despite having very little time to prepare, he obtained a silver medal at a national boxing competition held in Gauteng in June last year. It was here that he caught the eye of officials of the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) and has since been selected to participate in a series of SANABO training camps aimed at grooming young up and coming boxers that will hopefully, in time, be part of the national athletic squad set to compete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban. OWBC provides sporting opportunities, with boxing being one of the main codes, to the townships. On meeting with Mayor Nicolette BothaGuthrie recently, Damesi said: “Our kids need to be involved in constructive activities that will keep them off the streets and away from temptations like crime, gangsterism or substance abuse. Boxing teaches them discipline, it brings communities together and serves to promote social cohesion and integration.” “But they are faced with a myriad of challenges that often exclude them from partici-
PHOTOS: MZWANELE MKALIPI
Akhule Mgoqi happily shows off his boxing moves to Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, while his coach, Mzi Damesi, looks on proudly. pating in programmes that could boost their development and standing. We are honoured that two of our boxers have been selected to compete at national level and know that with the proper backing they will
go on to achieve great things. However, not having money to get these kids to events and tournaments and provide them with the proper equipment is hampering their progress,” stated Damesi.
The Mayor has put out an appeal to the community in the area to lend support to the OWBC. Damesi can be reached on 082 621 5906, or email overstrandboxing@ gmail.com.