Kasi zwelihle

KWANELE, KWANELE­PAGE 4

,KASI 28 August 2015 | Overberg

VISION Zwelihle Tel: 028 312 3717 | overstrandkasi@media24.com

OVERSTRAND SHACK FIRE PROJECT

Zwelihle residents benefit from ‘fire response boxes’ The Overstrand Shack Fire Project was launched at the Zwelihle Community Hall on Wednesday 5 August.

The aim of the project is to empower people who live in the informal settlements to cope should a fire break out in their area.

In May, concerned community members met to offer practical support to fire victims through the Overstrand fire department. Firefighting official Angelo Aplon of this department had talked through the issues and emphasised the importance of the local community’s involvement in fire prevention.

In late July Aplon had put this group in touch with Hennie Zeelie, a designer and developer of special fire response boxes.

These carefully placed boxes contain a fire extinguisher, and once trained individuals open the box with an electronic key, an alarm will also be sounded to notify all residents of a fire outbreak. A red light which is mounted high on a pole will flash and an SMS will simultaneously be sent to the fire brigade advising

them which box needs attending to.

In this way affected residents will have the means to try and stop the fire from spreading, or contain it before the fire brigade arrives.

Zeelie donated these fire boxes at the launch of the project, of which Zeelie’s sister Annelize is coordinator. The event was presided over by Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie and included fire chiefs and senior fire fighting personnel, amongst others, from across the country.

Before handing out certificates of participation to the first intake of trainees who had completed their fire box training the Mayor stated, “Overstrand Municipality hopes that by endorsing this project we will draw the attention of the private and public sectors to become key stakeholders, sponsors and partners in this worthy undertaking.”

The mayor urged residents to take ownership of the project. “Zwelihle, place of beauty, take this training and make it your own and assist the fire department in managing fires in your area. Let us stand together and join hands in the fight against fires

The five contestants seen here in their evening wear: Noluvo Phunga­ Phunga, Juanita Malan, Sharon Brown, Lungiswa Mapolisa and Lorraine Pieters.

Trainees of the Shack Fire Project hold their certificates received from Mayor Nicolette Botha­Guthrie (pictured fourth from the left) and Head of the Red Cross in Hermanus, Angelo Heslop (left). Also pictured are project developer Hen­ nie Zeelie (centre back row), project coordinator, Annelize Zeelie (back row, second right) and Director: Protection Services, Neville Michaels (back row, first right).

and the devastating effect it can have on our lives.”

The Fire Chiefs in attendance expressed a keen interest in implementing a similar programme in

their own regions. In so doing, more communities will be better equipped to deal with fire outbreaks and alleviate the load on the overlystretched fire fighting personnel

around the country.

The launch was concluded with a heart-warming rendition of The Prayer delivered by Law Enforcement Officer Nelson Knanunu.

To this end, the Mayor said, “Nelson is a great example of how a bad background need not define what one can become. Here is a young man who turned his life around by understanding that the education and training opportunities offered to him through the years was the key to a better and brighter future.

Again, I want to impart to the trainees here today that the training you’ve received through this programme will only put you in a better position when applying for jobs. Please go back to your communities and put it to good use.”

The trainees had also received fire prevention and burn care training, as a two hour course, by Angela Heslop, and the Hermanus Fire Station provided practical training. Each fire response unit received a first aid kit. As the project rolls out further training will be provided to more informal dwellers.

Local Spring Queen crowned The Spring Queen Festival is an annual event in the Western Cape textile industry, and this year Hermanus Clothing Manufacturers hosted its first such competition on Friday 14 August.

The festival was established for the textile industry in the 1970s by the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU).

Every year, several textile and clothing manufacturers host their own festival with the winners going through to the semi-finals.

Five contestants took part in the Hermanus competition and showed

off their personalities, confidence and posture while parading in casual wear and evening wear in front of colleagues and the judges.

Noluvo Phunga-Phunga (19) from Zwelilhe was crowned Ms Spring Queen 2015 and will take part in the semi-finals in Salt River in September.

The finals will take place in the Good Hope Centre in October. Employees enjoyed refreshments afterwards.

Noluvo Phunga­Phunga was crowed Spring Queen during the Hermanus Clothing Spring Queen Festival.

PHOTOS: HELEEN CILLIERS

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2 28 August 2015

News

,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle

EPHOLILE DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Wise up! Be more proactive, don’t be lazy We live in a time where wisdom should be the most crucial element of our lives. Without being self-righteous or anything, I feel as a black nation we are losing what has always distinguished us as a people, wisdom. We are falling into the trap of laziness, and I find we are veering away from progressiveness.

Now you’re probably saying, “what is she on about?”. Well, let me give you an example.

Our winter this year in the Western Cape had virtually no rain. (I constantly ask intercessors to pray for rain because, like electricity and load shedding, we may find ourselves facing water shedding if rain doesn’t come at all!)

This may be a blessing to some who live in shacks, like the people of ePholile and the surrounding informal settlements, whom we did not see migrating from their homes to the community hall this year.

Of course, not having rain in winter does not mean we won’t have it in summer, or any other time of the year – so yes, we must be prepared for the rain when it comes, regardless.

Now, in a place like ePholile it doesn’t seem as if much of that has been happening. One sunny Sunday I took a walk to the Broadway Shopping Centre, looked around and I saw a family sitting in the sun beside their shack sa-

What is an awakened person?

What are we created to do?

What is an awakened person. Many of us believe that the Dalai Lama is an awakened person.

But who else among us is awakened?

Each of us believes he or she is. But are we?

Many think we are because we can speak tsostsi taal. That’s my gripe with many people. We have not changed. We are still the same.

We are still like tsotsis. All we want to do is take, take, take.

Take from someone else. Take from our enemies. And if you talk like that, you are awakened. Think about it. Does an awakened person take from others.

As you sit there thinking about your life, what do you think about?

Don’t tell me you are thinking about taking from someone else, as if that act will restore your soul. Because I don’t think it will.

We are not created to take. We are created to create. If you take and it comes to an end, what will you do next? Will you still take? So you will keep on taking. And others will have to defend themselves.

They will have to build walls around their properties. And what does this tell you? Does it not tell you that our society is one of takers.

We have walls all around us. Today the security industry is such a lucrative business.

And it is just because we are not awakened. We believe in taking from others. We do not believe in creating things for ourselves. We think it is not cool to do that. What if you fail?

For sure, what if you do?

Will that be the end of the world? I don’t think so. Life is long. And yet at the same time it is short. Which means you can take time to create your thing. If you fail, keep on trying.

That’s not a crime.

At the same time it is short because if you do not use your time constructively, you will lose out. Of course those who lose out are the ones that do not believe in creating things for themselves.

They are those that say “I am incapable”, “I can’t!”, “I’m useless.”

They are those that believe they are bewitched. Or, because they are black, they are doomed to failure.

As if God did not endow them with the same powers as whites, Japanese or the Chinese.

But awakened persons do not think like that.

They know what it takes to do things for themselves.

It is perseverance. Self-discipline. Belief.

And desire. What do you want to have. What do you want to be. Awakened persons think like that. And proceed to follow their dreams.

They don’t just want to take. They create.

Stay positive.

vouring the beautiful day and cooling umphokoqo to feast on.

But their shack looked as if it was going to collapse any time.

A film of what seemed more than likely to happen started playing in my mind. ePholile is built on land that has what we call umthombo (wetlands). On rainy days water comes from underneath the houses and flooding is inevitable. So many dwellings are built on “shaky ground” by chance-takers who are clueless about the finer points of construction.

So, for me, instead of enjoying feasts on beautiful days, take advantage of the respite and fix your house (not an idea that occurs to many people) – you know, lift your structure so the water will not get inside when it rains. Fix the roof so that you don’t have to put dishes on beds, floors and tables.

Now, are we going to blame the government for lack of wisdom here too? Because it seems we put the blame on government for everything nowadays. (Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe government is immune to lack of wisdom either.)

Nevertheless, every year Z especially when the rains come Z the story hardly changes.

When the informal settlements experience

flooding people are moved to community halls, and are helped by government officials.

Then the City’s disaster management personnel provide them with oovedinga and food parcels, photos are taken, and we hear on the news that something was done for the people. Year after year I pose the same old question X how is this disaster managed really?

Why is it that no one, from government or affected communities, ever thinks the money for oovedinga and food parcels could go towards preparing for umhlozayo? We have companies selling concrete in our neighbourhood.

We all know that when the truck goes out to pour concrete wherever the client needs it, it occasionally returns with concrete remainder. Can’t the government and the community leaders ask the companies to use that to better the floors of the shacks?

Can’t the ePholile people start ilima during the beautiful days and work together to identify dripping roofs and fix them together? Instead our people seem to enjoy being victims and not victors, and beneficiaries instead of proactive communal practitioners.

Seriously, it is time to wise up, Mz’ontsundu!

You are complete, competent I was never a Michael Jackson admirer, granted the guy was popular and celebrated all over the world. He was also very good at singing and dancing.

I could not stand him though. Born black, he decided to change his natural looks and performed a host of surgical procedures to look Caucasian.

By changing his looks he was insulting God. He was also looking down on all black people.

I do not wish to speak ill of the dead.

There was a good side to him as well, including donating money to the poor, singing against wars in Africa and elsewhere.

I recall that on one occasion he was interviewed on CNN, a news agency. Many school kids on a school trip to USA had expressed an eagerness to be like him when they grew up.

Instead, he replied: “Do not wish to be like me, do not wish to be popular and famous like me or to become a pop star like me ... there are many things that you can do to be famous if you will; if you become a street sweeper, sweep that street as though it has never been swept before,” and so on.

After that statement my thoughts were racing about jobs that most of us take for granted.

The lesson here is, whatever you do, do it as if it has never been done before you.

Do it as if it’s the last thing you want to do before you die. Do it all with a smile.

Do it with a sense of diligence and dedication, a sense of economic revolution against job scarcity and unemployment and inequality.

It’s not wrong to be ambitious, but what you do now is paving the way to that dream job, it is enhancing your CV and experiential training.

Even though I may never understand why Michael Jackson decided to be white, I have no right to judge, nor will I understand why Mshoza or Kelly Khumalo decided to bleach their skins white.

Mind you, I also fail to understand why my daughter Nomgigi wants to go for hair extensions, weaves.

Even why she wants to hide her natural looks with all the makeup, eye lashes band nail polish or rouge or lipstick.

Whenever I tried to reason or raise my concern with her, I’ve always been lambasted as being backward or stingy, or too traditional.

I always argued that you are beautiful as you are, you don’t need to change yourself in order to be appropriate or relevant.

Your black skin does not mean you are below average and a second-rate person.

I don’t know if this is linked to South African or Africa’s colonial history, but white skin is always the epitome of beauty and dark is always associated with evil or danger.

Some even suggest that people from “Brown Nations” around the world have a tendency of looking down upon darkskinned people!

Allow me to quote writings by the late Steve Biko in his I write what I like series

by Frank Talk.

Black is beautiful, the second, Black Man you are on your own, and the third, Black souls wrapped in white skins.

In these writings he stressed the point that “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed”. He went on to describe the Black Consciousness movement as an attitude and a way of life.

Being black is not a sin, don’t be ashamed, don’t apologise and don’t explain. You are complete and competent.

,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle

News

28 August 2015 3

‘Adult figures allow drug problem to spiral out of control The Western Cape is currently challenged by the increase in gangsterism, violence and drug abuse.

Young children seem to fall prey to drug related gang violence on a daily basis. Children in Western Cape are now starting to take drugs and alcohol at young age.

Children involved in such bad behaviour shows signs of aggressive-

Ntombizethu Madubedube says that such learners are disruptive in class as they tend to sway other learners’ atten­ tion. “Other learners’ concentration is jeopardised and this has an effect on your confidence”. It tends to make you blame yourself and not to love your job the following day.

PHOTOS: MOSEKI SETOUTO

ness, unruly dispositions. To deal with the social ills mentioned above, our schools, civil societies and other stakeholders should form a joint action towards a society free of drugs and other related problems. Kasi Vision’s MOSEKI SETOUTO asked Zwelihle Primary School Educators about how the change in learners’ behaviour affects them.

Nolubabalo May says that this unac­ ceptable behaviour makes her not feel like going to work. “It disrupts my tui­ tion time, as I will have to resolve petty issues among learners”. She says it in­ creases the level of stress that affects her physically. She believes that the reason might be that the learners’ par­ ents are still young, don’t make time to look after them, “as a result they are exposed to various things such as por­ nography, drugs and probably a domes­ tic violence. And they display aggres­ sive behaviour towards their educators

Mayoral awards Soft lighting, a beautifully decorated municipal auditorium, complete with Oscar statue and red carpet, and moving musical pieces performed by the A Volonte Trio set the stage for the Mayoral Awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening, 25 August.

This annual event affords the Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality the opportunity to honour those individuals who have used their talents and skills in various ways to the greater benefit of their communities and the conservation of the environment. In her keynote address, Mayor Nicolette BothaGuthrie said: “Tonight we pay our respects to these ordinary men and women who have taken the time out of their busy lives to do extraordinary deeds of kindness and work to uplift and empower needy members of their respective communities.”

Phumza Citwa believes that it makes you lack enthusiasm in your profession due to this unacceptable behaviour displayed by the learners. “The sup­ port of parents is not forthcoming, as they tend to display a don’t care atti­ tude. This creates a feeling of hopeless­ ness and insecurity. Although learners are referred to the trained experts, they only assess them and make recommen­ dations, the rests of the job rests with us. This unacceptable behaviour some­ times creates a feeling of discontent in us and makes me regard myself as unsuitable for this noble profession.”

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE: These two young people, William Ntebe and Fikiswa Gxamesi, es­ tablished the Kasi­licious Up­ stairs Youth Café. They saw the need in Zwelihle where young people could spend time in busi­ ness activities that include a coffee shop and take­aways, video games and a business library. They created an environment where the youth of Zwelihle can work, play, develop and grow.

They are also very involved in community projects, such as the building of the first “bottle house”, Women’s Day Event and the March Against Crime. PHOTOS: BERNARD JOR­ DAAN

unique code and spread across your assets such as Vehicles, Equipment, Household and Business Assets, Jewellery and Electronics.

This technology enables Police to prove and trace ownership, it makes theft and the resale of stolen property unviable to criminals and syndicates. It’s impossible to remove all the dots even after dismantling the asset into separate parts.

Data Dot Technology provides a first, with an online application accessible with any android device, w where you can upload pictures and list your assets.

In the event that the asset is stolen, you are able to flag the item. Teams within Police have been equipped with devices to enable them to check and trace items recovered and they

Teressa Jones (with the Mayor), Tracey Gil­ more and Tracey Chambers are dedicat­ ed to the Clothing Bank in Westcliff In­ dustrial area. Their mission is to empower unemployed mothers through enterprise de­ velopment to become financially and socially independent.

WHALE COAST CONSERVATION

GARDENING COMPETITION

Microdots ­ crime deterrent for our times Walkerbay Microdots opened its doors in August 2015 as an Authorised Data Dot Fitment and Verification Centre. Started by Waghieda Jamie resident in Hermanus for the last five years. Ms Jamie was introduced to Microdot Technology when she became involved in a family business operated in Cape Town since 2006.

Walkerbay Microdots was opened with the aim of providing a Crime Deterrent Solution to the Community and surrounds and also to assist the South African Police in making the community aware of existing legislation in respect of Microdots.

What is a Microdot: A Data Dot is a tiny disc no bigger than 1 mm and virtually undetectable with the naked eye, which is etched with a

Khuthazwa Nyalela says that she feels uncomfortable and not safe, and this affects her job negatively. As a result the quality of job is not achieved and cannot meet targets required. “It be­ comes a burdensome exercise to teach learners displaying such unwelcome behaviour, as it starts with a small group and spreads to many other learners. Learners are involved in gang­ sterism and bring dangerous weapons to school as a way of defending them­ selves against other groups of gang­ sters. This situation is alarming and very unfortunate.

Nceba Laphi says parents and teach­ ers should be actively involved towards learner’s developments and discipline.

“Learners should be engaged in diverse sports activities as this will give them not enough time to be involved in gang­ ster’s activities. Parents should provide the educators with background infor­ mation about learners’ previous behav­ iour. Social workers should be roped in to assist with programmes aimed at addressing behavioural changes, and the spiritual leaders should act as sup­ port structures to coach learners to deal with behavioural changes and how divine intervention can be handy in this regard.”

ZWELIHLE, MT PLEASANT & HAWSTON

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Please visit Walkerbay Microdots situated at 18D Aberdeen Street, Hermanus (next to Romantiques) where we will be happy to provide a fitment, verification or chat to you about this technology. Crime is a Business that needs to be Shut Down.

Tel: 0283131885 email: info@walkerbaymicrodots.co.za

APPLY NOW FOR A FREE TREE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ENTRY FORMS TEL/INOMBOLA 028 316 2527 Whale Coast Conservation wishes to thank our sponsors for their generous contributions to our Annual Gardening Competition.

Hermanus Garden Club • Judges: Sue Taylor, Marie-france Halforty • Superplants Hermanus Penny Pinchers Hermanus • Hermanus Agrimark • Hermanus Pick and Pay • Hermanus Rotary Walker Bay Nursery • The Royal Gardener • Builders Express Hermanus Overstrand Municipality

4 28 August 2015

News

,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle

STAND TOGETHER TO HELP ERADICATE CRIME

ZWELIHLE SAYS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ISRAEL SETOUTO The Zwelihle Renewal Kwanele Kwanele (Enough is Enough) rally on Sunday 9 August coincided with the commemoration of the landmark Women’s March of August 1956.

It was felt that crime in the area has reached alarming proportions affecting all. The organisers of the event felt that active citizenry needs to be revitalised, the visibility of neighbourhood watches needs to be re-evaluated in order to consolidate them.

People braved chilly weather to be present at this significant gathering. Folks from various segments of the societies were represented.

Despite some glitches, the rally eventually started behind scheduled time. The motto of the rally was “Enough is Enough” which succinctly depicts the sentiments echoed by the residents of the Overberg region that drastic measures need to be implemented to deal with the scourge of crime in Hermanus.

In his keynote address, Gcobani Ndzogana, community leader, was vocal that community and group leaders won’t tolerate criminals to be domiciled among them. People engaged in nefarious activities must desist from such behaviour, or they will leave the community.

The Zwelihle residents have taken an unflinching stand that “Enough is Enough”.

Only in July, 8 people were shot dead and 7 stabbed to death, whilst the community turned a blind eye because no arrests were made in connection with these heinous acts.

The sentiments were that Zwelihle is not a criminal paradise, and that murderers, rapists and those involved in such criminal deeds belong behind bars.

At a previous meeting, a drafted programme of action was adopted that discussed a way forward, outlining the launch of a vibrant neighbourhood watch. The neighbourhood watch will work hand in hand with other neighbourhood watches around Hermanus.

He also emphasised that an umbrella body in the form of a civil organisation, which will cooperate with other stakeholders and foreign nationals to unify everyone in Overstrand, is to be established, and will be called Renewal.

A peaceful march is planned to the Magistrate’s Court in due course, to hand over the memorandum of grievances to the justice system.

Residents are remonstrating that criminals who commit crime are apprehended today, only to be seen roaming the streets tomorrow.

Some said they have lost trust in the justice

system. Public comments and views were sought that will assist with mechanisms and strategies to address the problems of crime within communities.

The message championed was clear, that if the police cannot do their work, then people justice will prevail.

The reasons advanced were that it’s not police who encounter suffering at the hands of these criminals, but the community.

Business sectors, workers and the community at large are at risk of being mugged, robbed of their valuables, and elderly people being raped by these criminals. Such atrocities can no longer be tolerated and will be dealt with decisively in order to bring stability and order within our communities.

Vanessa Swanepoel from Onrus, Vermont Neighbourhood Watch, said that crime affects all and makes no differences. The white community have shown unexpected support for the neighbourhood watch, as it is a community that tends to have a mind your own business attitude. People rallied behind this initiative in numbers to convey a message that by working together, they can eradicate crime.

Progress was evident within one month because membership grew to over 130 members, a committed community that formed an organisation that is legally recognised by the authorities.

Swanepoel said they formed a group that utilises social media platforms, such as Whats App, on mobile devices in order to know their neighbours, report suspicious behaviour and they are longer living in fear anymore.

She firmly believes in the rule of law, not vigilantism, because community involvement and collective efforts are of paramount importance in assisting the police and security agencies in fighting and winning this scourge.

Criminals should be apprehended and be

brought to the police to allow the law to take its course. She echoed that neighbourhoods start with the individuals, by watching, reporting and supporting their communities.

More can be done when working together.

Even in the past the neighbourhood watch has been proven to be effective and efficient in saving lives.

Pastor Vuyani Macotha concurred and stressed that to eradicate crime, a point of departure is to adopt a child, make him your own and protect him. To eradicate crime within our community we must pull together. Community leaders should extend their invitation to the churches, especially when they had initiatives such as these, so as to build cohesion, respect and mutually understand one another.

He urged people from faith communities to display active participation in issues pertaining to communities. Churches have a pivotal role to play in our communities.

,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle

Social

28 August 2015 5

Special celebration to thank Lombardi and Siyazama caregivers The Old Harbour Museum held a celebration for the caregivers of Lombardi Service Centre in Mount Pleasant and the Siyazama Service Centre in Zwelihle on Friday 14 August as a gesture of appreciation for the way they take care of the local elderly.

The idea of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) staff member Gcobisa Mapuma, the celebration was held in the museum’s Whale House lecture room, where the women enjoyed some quality time relaxing together.

The gathering served as a reminder to this remarkable group of women that their hard work does not go unnoticed and that they too deserve to be spoilt, said Mapuma.

Both centres are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that survive on donations and provide necessary assistance to the elderly in the communities, ranging from personal wellness and providing transport to visiting the Health Clinic and offering meals twice a day.

Each of the women received a small gift. After some very welcoming and appreciative words by Whale House Supervisor Louisa Linsell, photographs were taken and the women helped themselves to some novels that were donated Sybil May (Lombardi centre) and Nellie Te­ for the occasion by Attwellthea bele (Siyazama) enjoying some quality time Filander from the EPWP. together.

Caregivers from Lombardi Service Centre and the Siyazama Service Centre with Old Harbour Museum staff. Back (from left): Nokhwezi Bohlo, Eunice Gertse, Louisa Linsell, Nellie Tebele, Maria Minnaar, Annique May, Sybil May, Bronwyn Faro and Carter, Jenny Sauls, Jessica Jonkers, Siphokazi Zwedala, Mabel Willemse and Gcobisa Mapuma. Front: Nokhaya Mapolisa, Lindiwe Nyunjwana and Attwellthea Filander.

Beware of imposter An imposter has been this press statement: going around the com“Mayor Nicolette munity pretending to Botha-Guthrie and DA be a DA member as a Constituency Chairploy to get money. person Dudley CoetA resident in Kwaaizee refute the claims water related his expeand actions of what rience with the man: appears to be an im“I responded to a poster trying to solicit knock on the door, and funds in [the party’s] was asked by the man name from unsuspectif he could speak to my ing community memwife. The man, who bers. was wearing a DA “At the recently t-shirt, said he was last held DA constituency here on election day Mayor Nicolette Botha­Guthrie with Ar­ meeting, one of its and that his name is chie Klaas, whom the imposter gave the members brought his impression to be.

Archie. concern to the atten“He gave the imprestion of the Mayor that sion that he was Archie Klaas, who is a DA someone pretending to be Archie Klaas was member, and said that he had walked all going around to the community soliciting the way from Zwelihle to see my wife. funds and misrepresenting himself as a “He said that his daughter is ill in hos- DA member. pital in Cape Town and that he needs R120 “The community is urged to be on the to bring her back to Zwelihle. It seems this look-out for this person and, if spotted, to man is using the Archie connection to the refrain from engaging with him.

DA as a means of getting money for his famiRather, it would be in the best interests ly. This guy clearly knows who Archie is of all to report the person to Hermanus and I believe it has happened before.”

SAPS (telephone 028 313 8500) who have The resident brought his concern to the been alerted to the situation and will act acattention of the Mayor, who responded with cordingly.

Beneficiaries chosen for the 2016 Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk JANINE VAN DER RIET­NEETHLING On Tuesday evening at the United Church, the Drug Intervention and Treatment Programme was chosen as the main beneficiary for the 2016 Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk.

The Hermanus Rainbow Trust was chosen as the benefiting charity for the practice walk from De Kelders to Grotto Beach.

On Tuesday evening, the L2L ladies listened as representatives of organisations on the short list, Hermanus Rainbow Trust, Just Care Aftercare Facility, Gansbaai Academia, Overberg Wheelchair Association and the Drug Intervention and Treatment Programme, spoke about their organisations, ex-

plaining why the ladies should vote for them.

Sad stories emerged from the presentations and the need for funds was evident with each organisation doing much valued work in the community.

Over the years the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse ladies have been very successful in raising money to support Overstrand charities, with the 2015 walk from Agulhas lighthouse to Danger Point lighthouse – a distance of nearly 100 km – raising over R400 000. ) Any ladies who would like to join the 2016 Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk next year are welcome to contact Bernice at pretoriusbernice@gmail.com.

The walk is restricted to 80 participants.

New stalls could include fresh flowers and oysters JANINE VAN DER RIET­NEETH­ LING While only about nine stallholders at Market Square evacuated their stalls on Saturday 1 August, after their contract with the previous landlord (the Overstrand Municipality) ended, other stallholders remain on the property, some saying they will vigorously oppose any threat of eviction.

A tender for the leasing and management of the market stalls for a term of three years was awarded to Arrie de Klerk, who About nine stall­holders have packed up and left Market Square moved to Hermanus 12 years ago. since Saturday. Others continue to trade, although their lease He has since entrenched himself agreement has come to an end. in the Hermanus community, serves on various committees and has many “To this end, I am extremely pleased to say visions, ideas and ideals for the market stalls. that the new applicants for stalls range from De Klerk has a number of years’ experience fresh farm produce, cut flowers of the region, in property management having managed var- antiques, bottled preservatives, clothing ranious properties both in Hermanus and Gans- ges, fresh oysters, health products, photobaai. “I was the owner of a retail shop in Village graphic images of the region, South African art Square which traded in curios and gifts to lo- and curios and local sea-shell products – to cals as well as foreign tourists. It also served name but a few.” as a booking office for a number of activities De Klerk says all these products comply with within the Hermanus area.” the terms and conditions, which stipulate that De Klerk is chairperson of the Overberg all products traded must be of South African Sports Federation, chairperson of the Over- origin with preference given to those locally berg Wheelchair Association, a member of the produced.

Disability Forum for the Overstrand and a “The current stallholders were given the member of the Disability Access Committee of first opportunity to apply for stalls. Only those Hermanus. that are willing to meet the required terms and Regarding the Market Square stalls and his conditions and agree to the new rental of R3 600 vision, De Klerk says it is often heard by locals will be considered. as well as tourists that if you have been to one Apart from the prime location which the of the stalls, you have been to all.

Market Square Stalls occupy, this rental inAccording to De Klerk, there were 16 stalls cludes a full-time professional cleaning service selling African art with very little difference of the toilets on the property, full-time securibetween the stock on offer. The same with ty, monthly marketing of all stall-holders’ clothing stalls – twelve of them. goods through all print and radio mediums of “A total of 28 stalls out of 33 all targeted the the region, and website, Facebook and Twitter same customer. This is hardly a healthy eco- accounts for the use of tenants whenever they nomic mix of goods to sustain any market.” wish to run specials.

One of the stipulations laid out in the lease “Plus, and most importantly, the property agreement De Klerk has with the Overstrand will be professionally managed for the first Municipality is that the mix of goods on the time since its inception, with identifiable goals market must be a healthy economic one, in that set, such as sustainability, correct tenant mix, its appeal base of goods traded must be of as financial well-being of tenants in avoiding wide a variety as possible. overtrading in certain goods and to meet a stan“Another stipulation laid down in my agree- dard in keeping with the overall plan as envisment,” he said, “is that preference must be giv- aged by the Overstrand Municipality’s CBD en to locally produced products.

Revitalisation Programme,” said De Klerk.

6 28 August 2015

Social

,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle

Golf course contractors demand living wage

STM employees during a peaceful demonstration outside the Hermanus Golf Club.

A

group of about 24 Southern Turf Management (STM) employees held a peaceful demonstration outside the Hermanus Golf Club on Thursday and Friday last week, demanding a wage increase.

STM is contracted by the Hermanus Golf Club to maintain the greens and do the landscaping for the golf course.

Zekenime Siridi, an employee of STM, says the employees on average receive about R2 200 a month. “It is not enough to cover

PHOTO: DALEEN FOUCHÉ

living expenses. I have two children aged 15 and six years, and a wife to care for. It is difficult to do that on my current salary.”

Workers are demanding a salary of at least R4 000 a month. The employees currently do not belong to a union, but approached the labour dispute resolution body, the CCMA, before the strike in order to ensure the legality of their action.

A representative from STM, who preferred not to be named, confirmed STM met with the employees and the CCMA on Mon-

day 17 August. Negotiations, however, came to an impasse. The representative said the demand of an average increase of 59% is “unreasonable”.

“Maintenance operations at the golf course are continuing with minimal disruptions as employees from other areas were brought in to continue the work,” concluded the representative.

The management of the Golf Club declined to comment, as the dispute does not involve them.

Calling all would­be violinists Enlighten Education Trust is looking for young violinists for its soonto-be launched Strings Project.

The aim of this exciting project, which will be run by Enlighten’s Music Department, is to form a youth string ensemble, and eventually an orchestra for strings, entirely made up of children from the greater Hermanus community.

Enlighten is looking for boys and girls of 9 to 10 years old. They need not have had any previous music training, but must love music and have a strong sense of commitment.

There are only five places available and candidates will be chosen on merit.

Enlighten will offer free weekly tuition (group and individual lessons) on Thursday afternoons, a violin to play on and theory classes.

Auditions will take place on Saturday 29 August in the Enlighten Education Trust’s music room, starting at 09:00.

If you think your child fits the bill, please call Nomzamo on 028 313 0974 to book an audition time slot.

Both parent and child will have to commit to the project for a minimum of six months, so it is essential that at least one parent accompany the child to the audition.

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Members of Yomelelani’s management committee who gave feedback at the ECD Centre’s AGM on Friday evening, included (from left): Ron Marchant (treasurer), Nomalibongwe Rasonti (secretary), Thembela Kuselemthini (member), Lubabalo Gecwa (chairperson) and Corny Rode (general manag­ er).

Major upgrade for Early Childhood’s Yomelelani A major renovation project to the tune of more than R1 million has just begun at Yomelelani Early Childhood Development and After Care Centre in Zwelihle.

Yomelelani, situated at the Hou Moed Centre in Zwelihle, held its annual general meeting on Friday 21 August. The school, which has 60 children between the age of three and five years enrolled, will be able to accommodate a further 90 children including babies from three months old, once the up-grade construction project is completed.

This project is being sponsored by Aqunion, an aquaculture company based in the Overstrand, with its head office in Hermanus.

Jacques du Plessis, CEO of Aqunion, attended the AGM on Friday evening, and said this project, which will be done in two phases, was a way for Aqunion to give back to the community.

In her annual report, Corny Rode, general manager of Yomelelani, said the school has had a very successful year.

She highlighted the contributions which have had a significant impact on the school.

These included help from the United Church in the form of a special collection for the purchase of 75 mattresses as well as a generous cash donation; a sandpit donated by the Hermanus Rotary Anns; a fridge/freezer and a stove from the Overberg Community Trust; new chairs and tables for 60 children from a UK couple; funding from the Overstrand Municipality for three ECD assistants and a caretaker, and a donation of R11 400 from suppliers of Yorke Cash & Carry for the groceries needed to provide the children with meals.

New projects initiated in 2015 include the Blinkies (takkies with colourful buttons) job creation project started by John Cowan, English lessons offered by SmartBrain Hermanus, and the recent establishment of a food bank to help families struggling to put bread on their tables.

Rode thanked her staff for their dedication, the parents for their co-operation and support, and concluded her report by saying: “I would like to thank our Heavenly Father for providing us with His grace, wisdom and energy to do His work at Yomelelani.”

,KASIVISION | Zwhellhle

Social

28 August 2015 7

DON’T DO DRUGS

Social ills rob the young of their future MOSEKI SETOUTO A drug awareness campaign was hosted by the school safety committee of Zwelihle Primary last Thursday to discuss issues regarding drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancies.

He said learners have to be made aware of these social ills that will rob them of their future.

Parents and various stakeholders were invited to the campaign launch, for whom highlighting the risks and dangers involved in such behaviour must be driven home.

Stakeholders agree that mechanisms must be put in place to curb such practices from spiralling out of control.

Noluthando Macupe, coordinator of the school safety committee, and Nceba Laphi, former safety officer, pointed out that the campaign originated from a discovery from random searches among learners in 2013, when substances such as glue, tobacco, knives, large scissors and metal spoons were found in their posses-

sion.

Their in-depth analysis of the situation revealed that those learners displayed behaviour that was unacceptable, and some of them were members of gangs.

The school walls were covered with graffiti. Schools that were involved in rival groups of gangsters were Zwelihle, Lukhanyo and Qhayiya. Grade 4 learners have aggressive behaviour and lack respect towards their educators.

In her address to learners, Lieutenant Fadila September of Hermanus SAPS told learners that drugs will make them to steal at home and in the community. It will make them bunk school and also display aggressive behaviour. Learners were urged not to even try using them as they will destroy their future.

Parents and learners were also advised to cooperate with educators and police officials in a

DRUG AWAREN ESS CAMPAI GN

war against alcohol and substance abuse. The battle can be won if all become responsible citizens by reporting drug dealers in their communities.

According to Cllr Vuyani Macota, learners should not imitate their favourite character they see abusing alcohol and drugs on television, as it’s fiction, not a reality.

He stressed that alcohol usage and other substance abuse have detrimental effects on their health and they are addictive. Learners should tell older people that they are not allowed to carry and buy alcohol.

Alcohol also changes behaviour of children as they behave aggressively and some also show disrespect to their parents and teachers. He encouraged learners to say no to drugs and alcohol abuse. A dying nation cannot produce a leader.

The learners are tomorrow’s leaders who need to be motivated and encouraged to live life positively, far from alcohol and other related substance abuse.

Noluthando Macupe, Bulelwa Siqwana and Phum­ za Willie are members of the school safety com­ mittee.

PHOTO: MOSEKI SETOUTO

Municipality holds by­law workshops in communities The people of Mount Pleasant gathered at Moffat hall to discuss issues relating to the Overstrand by-laws. The Overstrand municipality has organised a series of workshops among the communities to explain the purpose of municipal by-laws and its implementation.

The series has already been conducted in ward 5, 6 and 12.

The people of Mount Pleasant wanted the local authorities to address some of the concerns they have about the by- laws.

Among the concerns they have were illegal dumping of garbage, legality around using sidewalks as parking area, drifting and drag racing, how to deal with bull terriers and the mechanism to prevent noise pollution.

In his response, Zingani Tshefu told the people that it is illegal to utilise a sidewalk as a parking zone for cars, because it causes obstruction to other road users. The distance between the owner’s premise and the roadway must be 4 metres. Owners of the premises should apply for permission from the local authorities if they want to use the public place outside their premises.

He also emphasised that it is considered illegal to erect a structure, or make alterations to the existing house if you are not in possession of an approved building plan.

The law was promulgated this year that prohibits this exercise from taking place.

Each premise should have a space of 2 metres from the front and back, and 1 metre from each side.

The law enforcement officials have a right to demand building plans, if the owner is not in possession, the project will be halted. He alluded that the second building has to be smaller than the original one. The municipal by-laws were there in the past, but enforcement was lacking.

The new by-law will ensure that people in the Overstrand adhere to its rules and specifications.

On drifting of cars and drag racing, the law enforcement officers have noted that the drivers involved in this behaviour do not respect traffic rules. More visibility from law enforcement and other security agencies should be encouraged in order to curb this unwelcome behaviour.

They show no respect for the children on the road, as they drive cars at high speed and also recklessly. The Ward Councillor complained that the roads are narrow, not wide to accommodate such driving, and can result in death of children and people’s property.

On the issue of noise pollution, he alluded that the loud music is no exception. Street communities were advised to play an active role to ensuring that their streets are efficient and effective.

Members of the community who want to have parties should have prior permission from their street communities to have such events. Failure to do so, law enforcement can be roped in to do inspection, and where necessary stop such events.

The Cats and Dogs by- law was promulgat-

From left to right: Zingani Tshefu, Overstrand Traffic Officer, Nicky Esau, Trevor Titus, Cecilia Ge­ sliindt, Linda Brukkels, Lianda Beyers Cronje, Ward 4 Councillor, Joeline Thompson. Sitting in front: Ickner Smith.

PHOTO: MOSEKI SETOUTO ed in June 2007, and it applies to the whole area of the Overstrand. This by-law allows people not to have more than 2 dogs on the premise. To have more than 2 dogs, application must be made to the local authority. If the third dog dies, it cannot be replaced. Law enforcement does the inspection.

Owners of cats and dogs should pay the prescribed tax fee. Female dogs should be sterilised after six months. Registered dog breeders and pets’ shops are not allowed to sterilise their dogs.

Police officers, registered breeders, animal welfare, pets’ shops and trainers of blind guide dogs are allowed to keep more than 3 dogs due to the nature of their work. Vicious

dogs are not to be kept on the premises.

Dog fighting is considered illegal. In case of a minor child involved, the parents will be arrested instead.

Dogs will be impounded, and failure to collect it within 7 days, they are to be euthanized. Animals impounded under the new by- law, should be collected within 10 days at a prescribed fee, failure to do so will result in animals being auctioned off for adoption in the local newspaper.

The Municipal Provisional Court, which will be fully operational in due course, will ensure that municipal by-laws are taken seriously and perpetrators are duly prosecuted.

,KASI 28 August 2015

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TRAVELLING THE WORLD WITH OWN CIRCUS ACT

An example of hard work and dedication When Nonkosi Mbula started working as a housekeeper for Zip Zap founder Brent van Rensburg 20 years ago, she never dreamt that her daughter, Portia Kewana, would one day have a circus act of her own and tour the globe with it!

Portia, now 29, was only ten years old when she first set foot in the Zip Zap Dome.

She was mesmerised by the trapeze artists and jugglers, “I couldn’t believe that it was possible for children to do such amazing things. It was a magical experience to see the performers train.”

Kewana jumped at the opportunity when Van Rensburg asked her if she wanted to join the school, and so her journey started with basic training on a trampoline.

From the word go, Portia gave it her all, striving to realise her dream of becoming a star. “We were all amazed at the speed that Portia was progressing,” remembers Van Rensburg.

After only a year, with hard work and ded-

ication, Portia, then eleven, worked on her own act called ‘Poupée.’ This act was a combination of comedy and acrobatic movements. It was a crowd pleaser. After the success of this act, Kewana went into aerial work with first a single trapeze act, then a triple trapeze act and finally settled on a double trapeze cradle act with a female catcher.

It was this act that gave her the opportunity to show the world her talent and she remembers the excitement seeping through every inch of her body when she visited the Netherlands for the first time in 2006. “The experience was exhilarating, I never dreamt that I would have this exposure to tour the world with Zip Zap that first day I entered the dome,” adds Kewana, who performed professionally in Germany and the USA after her first international appearance in Holland.

When Kewana turned 18, she challenged herself to learn a new skill and enrolled to

‘‘

I couldn’t believe that it was possible for children to do such amazing things.”

Circus star Portia Kewana and her idol, Freshlyground’s Zolani Mahola PHOTO: FACEBOOK study fashion design. “Sewing did not come to me as naturally as performing in front of a large audience! I was however determined to make a success of it.”

Once she mastered the skill of sewing, Kewana was appointed as costume maker for Zip Zap. Today she passes on her knowledge to younger ones and her own daughter, who she brings along to Zip Zap, just as she did

as a young girl with her mother.

“Portia is such an inspiring young lady,” says Van Rensburg, “She has taught us all so much about having the courage to pursue your dreams, and to continually challenge yourself to learn new skills.”

For more information about Zip Zap, visit www.zip-zap.co.za or find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/zipzapcircus.

The Camphill School in the Hemel­en­Aarde­Valley did their bit for Mandela Day and spent 67 minutes cleaning Sandbaai and Onrus beaches on 29 July. They collected 20 black bags of litter.

INTERSCHOOLS CURRO VS KLEINMOND: Curro Hermanus hosted their rugby and netball inter­ schools against Kleinmond Primary on Saturday 15 August. Both schools had to face the strong wind on the rugby field and especially on the netball courts. The rugby results were, u­7 (Klein­ mond won 2­0), u­8 (drew 1­1), u­9 (Curro won 7­1), u­11 (Curro won 31­5) and u­13 (Curro won 5­0). The netball results were, u­8A (Kleinmond won 7­1), u­8B (drew 1­1), u­9A (drew 3­3), u­9B (Kleinmond won 5­4), u­11 (Curro won 2­0) and u­13 (Kleinmond won 10­2). Chess was also played on the day, both the junior team from Kleinmond and the senior team from Curro won their matches. Pictured above is Troy Nceka from the u­8 rugby team looking at what his options are against Kleinmond. The game drew 1­1.

The group from Camphill after the beach clean­up.