XPRESS TIMES

Water tankers bleeding iLembe dry

Mayor vows clamp down on rampaging costs

By Musa Mnyandu

Ilembe District Mayor Thobani Shandu is not a happy man. This comes as the municipality continues to

bleed finances through the continuous, and extremely costly, use of water tankers sourced from private contractors.

Speaking at a Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday last week, Mayor Shandu called for drastic action to reign in the skyrocketing water tanker coasts, and also expressed serious reservations about the glaring discrepancy between rand spend and the actual service being provided to consumers.

“There is no way in which we can rest on our laurels whilst our people continue to be plagued by water shortages despite the huge chunk allocated to make up for the gaps in the water services. I have since instructed the Municipal Manager to run an internal enquiry in order to establish the real nature of this discrepancy,” stated Mayor Shandu.

The Mayor also used the occasion to express strong dissent to the tariff hikes being proposed by both energy regulator NERSA and bulk water supplier Umgeni. The District Council has resolved to lodge an objection with NERSA.

“Our interpretation is that our communities will bear the brunt of this insensitive decision; it is (us) who are better placed to aptly interpret the concrete conditions of the masses of our people. It is in this spirit that we will register our concern with NERSA,” Shandu indicated.

Denouncing the 9% tariff hike proposed by Umgeni Water, Shandu said it was completely unjustifiable, when taking into account the reality on the ground, and the ever diminishing purchasing power of ordinary citizens.

Incommunicado

Meanwhile, the embattled District Municipality is continuing to attract strong criticism over frequent water outages, especially in KwaDukuza CBD and surrounding areas. Residents say the stoppages occur without notice, and added that municipal officials often pick that precise moment to become incommunicado.

Frustrated residents further claimed that some areas endure up to 20 hours of either no water or low water pressure, in a day. Areas like Cato Street, Goolam Suleiman, King Shaka Street and Residentia are the hardest hit.

Mayor Shandu has made an undertaken to vigorously tackle challenges related to water supply, a promise that has been made previously, with no positive results forthcoming.

Pictured is iLembe District Mayor, Thobani Shandu

By Xpress Reporter

The SA National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has so far lost approximately R300 million worth of revenue, through the waiver of toll fee payments at the Umvoti and Tongaat toll gates.

This emerged at a high level meeting held last week to deliberate he decision by the roads agency to reinstate toll fees for the two toll plazas, a decision that elicited much unhappiness among a wide range f stakeholders, including KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile

Nhaca, who promptly lodged an objection with SANRAL.

The emergency high level meeting, which took place in Durban on Tuesday night, involved MEC for Transport

Sipho Hlomuka, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Siboniso

Duma, Ilembe District Mayor Thobani Shandu, KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile

Nhaca, Mandeni Mayor Thabani Mdlalose, representatives from SANRAL led by Board Chairperson Themba Mhambi and Group CEO Reginald Demane, President of iLembe Chamber of Commerce and Industry Andy Horton and other

stakeholders.

In her objection to the reinstatement of toll fees, Mayor Nhaca had outlined some major outstanding repairs on arterial roads in the region, a situation that still compels many motorists to utilise the N2 Highway.

Following intense deliberations, the meeting resolved to suspend the upliftment of the waiver, pending further consultations between the relevant stakeholders.

SANRAL Chairman

Themba Mhambi stressed the urgency to find solutions to outstanding challenges, so that the resumption of toll fees could be expedited.

“We understand the plight of the people, but we need to find a solutions. Sanral and government is losing a lot of

money which should be going to the maintenance. We believe that working together with the provincial government we will find solutions. We have decided not to uplift the waiver but instead allow for more consultations and explore all workable solutions that will alleviate pressure from the residences” said Mhambi.

Responding on behalf of the government, MEC Duma said, the flexibility by SANRAL to allow for more consultations with stakeholders and motorists is a progressive decision and must be applauded.

“We believe that working together with all stakeholders and communities we will find a solution. We agree that at some stage motorists need to

resume paying but that must be balanced with fixing the alternatives. We believe that with the consultations we will arrive a constructive and balanced outcome,” said Duma.

Outstanding

SANRAL also presented updates on repairs of other flood damaged infrastructure and progress in capital projects in the province.

SANRAL also reported that they have finalized the appointment of contractors to work on the repair of N2 uMgababa and N2 in Umhlali.

Speaking on SABC TV on Thursday last week, Mayor Nhaca once again appealed to SANRAL to bear with the North Coast motorists, emphasizing that the road infrastructure network in the Region was in a bad shape.

Nhaca indicated that private business sector in the Region,

through industry body Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (ICCIT), had at some stage utilized its own funds to undertake some of the most urgent repairs. Unfortunately some of the serious damages remain outstanding. Taking to social media, some local residents wrote: “We appreciate and thank the Mayor of KDM for fighting against the re-introduction of toll fees. We the residents of KwaDukuza make an earnest appeal to you Madam Mayor to take up the matter of poor service delivery by iLembe Municipality meted out to the residents of KwaDukuza”?

KDM briefs Cogta, Presidency on disaster repairs

Pictured are the stakeholders that were part of the high level meeting over tool fees, who include, inter alia, Mandeni Mayor Thabani Mdlalose (back row, 3rd from left), Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka (back row, 5th from left), EDTEA MEC Siboniso Duma (back row, 6th from left), KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca (front row, 3rd from left), Ilembe mayor Thobani Shandu (5th from left) and ICCIT President Andy Horton (front row, right)

OVERSIGHT: Teams from Disaster Management Centres from COGTA KZN and COGTA National and from Presidency's Monitoring and Evaluation visited KwaDukuza yesterday (Tuesday), to conduct an oversight on repairs being done since the devastating floods early last year.

Pictured are teams inspecting Hulett Bridge in Darnall Ward 02

Deputy Mayor Chili resigns

week, following an instruction from her political party, the EFF.

The EFF leadership issued an instruction last week for all of its eight deputy mayors deployed in KZN's hung municipalities, as part of a coalition deal with the IFP. That deal has since completely collapsed, following raging disputes between the two parties.

enter into an agreement with the ANC.

Attempts by opposition parties to oust Ethekwini Mayor Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda through a vote of no confidence failed on Friday last week after the EFF voted against the motion, thus helping to keep an ANC mayor in power.

Xpress Times reported last week that Chili was expected to resigns as Deputy Mayor, however the EFF only made the announcement about the resignations after our printing deadline.

Plan to convert unviable schools into skills centres

By Xpress Reporter

At the time of going to press this week, the affected municipalities were yet to convene special Council sittings to elect replacement deputy mayors. New coalition negotiations were still ongoing behind the scenes, with strong indications that EFF would

At the time of going to press this week, IFP still had its Mayor and Speaker at the hem of Maphumulo, but the duo stood on extremely shaky ground, as the IFP holds only ten seats, in a Council of 23 seats. The ANC controls 11 seats, while the EFF and the Independent Alliance control a seat apiece.

Dube-Ncube has outlined the provincial government's plans to convert non-viable schools, with dwindling enrolment numbers, into vocational skills centres.

Dube-Ncube was speaking last week as he led the provincial government on its schools functionality monitoring programme throughout the province.

During the visits, issues related to the viability of schools with dwindling enrolment numbers came under sharp focus.

The Premier heard that there are approximately three million learners who have enrolled in over 6 000 schools in the province for the 2023 academic year.

Dube-Ncube said the provincial government is in discussion with the Departments of Education and Higher Education and Training to discuss the possibility of converting some of the schools with good infrastructure into vocational skills centres to address the shortage of technical skills.

“Our view is that some of the schools that have good infrastructure but are unused or have been closed because of dwindling enrolment numbers must be converted into vocational skills centres to address the shortage of technical skills, as we are experiencing a shortage of technically skilled personnel that we need as a

country to develop.

“The skills training required, among others, includes artisans, plumbers, electricians, construction and carpentry, so that the youth in townships and rural areas can be equipped with skills to start their own businesses,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also expressed concern over reports of theft and vandalism at schools, and called on the community to demonstrate active citizenry and partner with police to protect school assets and buildings from vandalism, theft and destruction.

“The safety and security of teachers, school children and property are also the responsibility of communities who must work with law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to book. We cannot afford to keep replacing vandalised infrastructure when we should be focusing on producing top quality learners by building libraries and laboratories, so that we equip learners with the requisite skills for the digital economy,” the Premier said.

The issue of multi-grades, where a teacher teaches multiple grades simultaneously, was also raised.

The Department of Education said teachers who fall under that category, are capacitated and trained to ensure that effective learning and teaching takes place.

Driver critical after bizarre crash

Former Maphumulo Deputy Mayor Sinenhlanhla Chili

Maphumulo Deputy Mayor

Cllr Sinenhlanhla Chili tendered her resignation last

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa

KZN Premier Nomusa DubeNcube

BIZARRE: A motorist sustained serious injuries after crashing into a concrete pillar, at a Ballito shopping mall

By Xpress Reporter

A driver of a bakkie sustained serious injuries after his vehicle crashed into a concrete pillar at the exit of a Ballito shopping mall. The incident happened on Thursday last week, and IPSS Medical Rescue

reports that the vehicle was apparently exiting an underground parking when the incident occurred.

The driver was stabilized on the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital under the acre of an advanced life support paramedic.

Protestors demand reliable water supply

Outgoing Mabuza told to stay put

PROTEST: Protestors have demanded reliable water supply from Umgeni Water

Constant water supply interruptions have prompted the community of Hlomendlini (Mandeni Ward 04), led by the ANC Youth League branch, to take to the streets, demanding better services from Umgeni Water.

On Friday last week a group of community members marched to

Umgeni Water's Lower Uthukela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, located adjacent Uthukela River, to deliver a memorandum.

Topping the residents' memorandum was a demand for Umgeni to deliver potable piped water to the community. He protestors also outlined in their memorandum, which was

accepted by the plant manager, the need for the company to prioritize local labour and to consider offering internships and bursaries to empower local youth.

The company was given seven days to respond to the memorandum.

ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ILEMBE - UMASIPALA WESIFUNDA

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021/2022

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 127 (5) (a) (i) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that the 2021/2022 Annual Report of the iLembe District Municipality, including the 2021/2022 Annual Report of iLembe Economic Development Agency (Enterprise iLembe) is available for public inspection and comments. st

A copy of the Annual Report may be viewed at the Reception area, situated on the 1 Floor, iLembe House, 59/61 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza, between the hours 08h00 to 15h00, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, a copy of the Report may be viewed on the Municipality's website: www.ilembe.gov.za.

Members of the local community are invited to submit written representations in connection with the Annual Report to the Municipal Manager, iLembe District Municipality, iLembe House, 59/61 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza or P O Box 1788, KwaDukuza, 4450.

Written electronic submissions must be emailed to sifiso.ngubane@ilembe.gov.za for attention of Mr. S Ngubane.

Such submissions should be delivered or posted to reach the Municipal Manager by no later than 03 March 2023. st Any person who cannot write may come to the Reception area, 1 Floor, iLembe House, 59/61 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza, between the hours 08h00 to 15h00, Monday to Friday where Ms Philly Zulu will assist that person to transcribe his or her representations.

S MBHELE MUNICIPAL MANAGER

06 February 2023

UMBIKO WONYAKA KA 2021/2022

Isaziso sikhishwe ngokulawulwa kwesigatshana somthetho - isigaba 127 (5) (a) (i) soHulumeni waseKhaya, kanye nowokulawula ngokuphathwa kwezimali zomthetho ka, 2003 (Isigatshana 56 ka 2003), ukuthi umbiko wonyaka ka 2021/2022 okungumbiko wonyaka weLembe uMasipala wesiFunda, okuhlanganisa umbiko wonyaka ka 2021/2022 we iLembe Enterprise usukhona ukuze ubukwe futhi uhlolwe umphakathi.

Umbiko wonyaka ka 2021/2022 ungabonwa endaweni yokwamukela izivakashi, iLembe House, 59/61 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza, phakathi kwehora lesi 08h00 kuya ku 15h00 ntambama, ngoMsombuluko kuya kulwesiHlanu.

Umbiko uphinde utholakale kwi sizindalwazi sikaMasipala: www.ilembe.gov.za.

Umphakathi uyacelwa ukuba ulethe imibono ku Mphathi kaMasipala, iLembe House, 59/61 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza noma uthumele ngeposi; P.O. Box 1788, KwaDukuza 4450.

Imibono ingathunyelwa futhi nange i-meyili kuMnuz. S. Ngubane kule imeyili; sifiso.ngubane@ilembe.gov.za.

Izethulo kumele zilethwe noma ziposwe zifike kuMphathi kaMasipala weLembe ngaphambi kuka 03 kuNdasa 2023.

Noma ubani ongeke akwazi ukuzibhalela engeza endaweni yokwamukela abantu, kwi Ground Floor, iLembe House, 59/61 Mahathma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza, kusukela ngo 08h00 ekuseni kuya ku 15h00 ntambama, ngoMsombuluko kuya ko Lwesihlanu lapho ezothola khona usizo ku Ms Philly Zulu nozombhalela isethulo sakhe.

Outgoing Deputy President David Mabuza's request to tender his resignation has been put on hold, after President Cyril Ramaphosa told him to stay on in his role, for now. The Presidency aid Ramaphosa asked Mabuza to remain in his position, until the “management of his departure and transition” has been finalized.

Mabuza announced on Saturday that he had tendered his resignation, in order to make way for someone elected at national conference, in an

apparent reference to Paul Mashatile who emerged and the ANC's new Deputy President.

Mashatile was this week sworn in as a Member of Parliament, apparently in preparation for his ascendancy to the position of Deputy President.

Ramaphosa is expected to soon announce a major cabinet reconfiguration. Tomorrow (Thursday) he is expected to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town.

Educators injured in school accident

Two educators sustained injuries after their vehicle went down an embankment

Brake failure is suspected to be behind a bizarre accident that left two educators injured on Friday last week.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) says the accident happened at Intaphuka Primary School in Ndwedwe, after a vehicle failed to stop at the school's parking lot, and plummeted down a retaining wall.

One of the learners suffered an

anxiety attack after witnessing the accident.

“Two females aged 55 & 57 who were in the car sustained moderate injuries. A 10-year-old suffered and anxiety attack after witnessing the incident.

“The three were treated on scene before being transported to hospital by ambulance,” stated RUSA.

Outgoing Deputy President, David Mabuza

All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination. Earl Nightingale

Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world. Oprah Winfrey

Once you figure out who you are and what you love about yourself, I think it all kind of falls into place.

Jennifer Aniston

We are all here for a reason. I believe the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the darkness.

Whoopi Goldberg

Be passionate and move forward with gusto every single hour of every single day until you reach your goal. Ava Duvernay

Mayor Shandu welcomes AG report

The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality Councillor Thobani Shandu welcomed the audit outcomes report by the Auditor-General in a special sitting of Council held virtually on the 31st of January 2023.

Office of the AuditorGeneral's Senior Manager Martin Coates presented the District Municipality and its entity, Enterprise iLembe with a financially unqualified opinion with findings for the 2021/22 financial year.

Ilembe District Municipality has achieved an unqualified audit opinion for three consecutive years i.e. 2019/2020 and 2020/2021.

An unqualified opinion means the financial statements are credible, reliable and free of material misstatements with findings raised on either reporting on predetermined objectives or non-compliance with legislation, or both these aspects.

Speaking on the financial health, Coates said iLembe is financially sustainable but highlighted areas for improvement.

“This includes the debtcollection period which at 228 days is relatively high to the norm of 90 days. In terms of the expenditure, the creditors-payment period was calculated at 67 days. The entity ended the year with a surplus and 18% of the next year's budget will be used to pay for previous year,” he said.

The AG revealed that there was no unauthorized expenditure in 2021/22, as was the case in 2020/21, but noted a decrease of irregular expenditure over the last three years.

“The irregular expenditure related primarily to the security contract that was awarded which Council would be aware of,” said Coates.

A total of R7.3 million was highlighted as fruitless and wasteful expenditure a result of project delays and ongoing contractual disputes.

Mayor Shandu noted and welcomed the report by the AG voicing out concern over inefficiencies raised including the number of days creditors are paid and the number of days debtors pay the municipality.

“On behalf of Council, we appreciate the audit outcome received,” he said.

Municipal manager Sazi Mbhele said although the municipality and its entity achieved an unqualified

opinion there are improvements to be made. The MM said an action will be developed to address the findings.

“The AG raised an issue of an old irregular expenditure (2017) that has not been processed, we commit to fast track to take it through MPAC and then back to council with recommendations, ” he said.

At the meeting included the midyear budget and performance assessment for the 2022/2023 financial year which was tabled by Mayor Shandu and presented by the Chief Financial Officer Mahendra Chandulal who raised concern on the municipality's collection rate.

“The debt continues to rise and the collection rate as of December 2022 was at 44% which is not ideal. Last year roundabout the same time the municipality was at 51%. There is a need to put more effort into the collection rate and we have discussed at management committee to come up with a revised action plan to get the rate to a more acceptable level,” he said.

Other items discussed in the council meeting included the 2021/22 annual report, the amendment of the Supply Chain Policy as well as the tabling of the audit committee reports.

Double standards

Also cautiously welcoming the report, the DA's Caucus Leader Cllr Krsna Sing said indications are that the municipality is moving in the right direction in terms of compliance.

However Sing still decried the R106 million recorded in terms of water loss.

“Another area

where the council is bleeding is its inability or lack of capacity to collect current and arrear debts. The debt has grown by almost R 110 million from the previous year from R 549 million to R658 million. Council heavily relies on grant

funding up to the tune of almost 72 % of the budget therefore aggressive campaign and ongoing incentives should be put in place to encourage consumers to pay.

“Government departments are also the culprits not

paying their dues in time. In this financial year it was recorded a 100 % increase from the previous year from R 14 million to now sitting at R 28 million. This is unacceptable. We cannot have cosy relationship and apply double standards on

debt collection. We are quick to disconnect residents and reluctant to disconnect government departments. We must act without fear or favour.

Attending to consumer queries and resolving them in the shortest possible time could also improve our collection revenue,” Sing stated.

Brilliant performance by Ilembe Veterans

Smurfs conquer highest mountain in Southern Africa

action is Bilal Ismail of

In a Veterans League match played at Chatsworth Oval on Saturday (4th of February 2023), Ilembe won the toss and chose the field first.

Ilembe took the field with 9 players. This has been the common trend though-out the season.

The opening batsmen took an early shower as he was brilliant run out by Mohamed Mather and Riaz Mahomed.

Chatsworth put on a 20 run partnership before in came Bilal Ismail coming straight from India onto the pitch. He took 5 wickets for just 17 runs. Nikilesh Misra cleaned up the tail claiming 2 wickets

for 14 runs.

Chatsworth were bowled out for 117 in 17.2 overs.

In went the Ilembe openers, Sandhir Maharaj and Riaz Mahomed. Sandhir nursing a broken finger after trying to take a catch on the boundary.

The opening pair put on 32 runs before Sandhir was caught at Square Leg going on the pull.

In came Adhir Maharaj and together with Riaz took the score to 82 runs. A splendid 50 run partnership. Riaz departed for 38 runs.

In came Zulfiqar Ali and together Adhir and Zulfi passed the score in the 15th

over with a bonus point.

Adhir Maharaj made 50 not out, hitting the winning runs with a 4. Innings included 2 massive 6s and 5 fours.

Captain Adhir Maharaj was full of praise for this Team who have struggled this season with fielding a full team.

“We have given the opponents 2 walk overs due to the poor communication from the Ilembe officials. Never in my career have I ever done this and this is most embarrassing. I am making a humble appeal for all players over 40 to come and join us and play cricket”.

A team of mountain adventurers from the North Coast-based Smurfs Hiking Club recently returned from an exciting and successful 6day expedition in Lesotho. Stunning night skies, sunrises and sunsets with millions of summer flowers sprinkling the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, made for a truly special and humbling experience. The determined trekkers successfully summited the world famous Sani Pass at 2873 meters above sea level. Later days saw some teammates also summit the testing Thabana Ntlenyana at 3482 meters, the highest peak in Southern Africa. During this expedition the Smurfs Hiking Club distributed much needed hampers to the shepherds of Lesotho during their 'Charity in the Sky Project'.

“On behalf of the shepherds of the Mangaung Basin and Kotisephola region, we sincerely thank all those who selflessly contributed to this noble cause,” said Team Leader, Mr Vimal Mothilal.

KDAC plans current events

All registered members of KwaDukuza Athletic Club are advised that the club have planned the following events for the year. The first being the KDAC breakfast run and welcome party to be held on 19

February 2023 at 5am at Zinkwazi Beach.

The time trials will be held every Friday at 6pm from the Manor car park.

ILEMBE LEAGUE FIXTURES

B

11-FebWarriorsDoringkop3PMGledhowAshrafiyaT20 B

11-FebRhythm DHSOBIlembe 13-30PMDanville 1KZNT20 Veterans Veterans

12-FebIlembeUKZN9AMGledhowKZNPremier

Pictured in

Ilembe Adhir Maharaj brought in his A-game

Pictured are members of Smurfs Hiking Club on the top of a mountain cliff in Lesotho

ACCOMMODATION

Ayer Rock Guesthouse Stanger's preferred choice for quality, tasteful executive accommodation. Contact 032 551 6503 or 071 685 7126. Email ayerrocksa@gmail.com. www.ayerrock.co.za.

TO LET

2 Bedroom, lounge, kitchen. Fully tiled. Fully Fenced and gated. No builtins. Rent R3500 pm excluding water/lights. Prefer a family of four. Walking distance to town.

Contact 083 958 5684.

Apartment to let. Immediate occupation, 2 bedroom, ensuite, spare bathroom/toilet. Open plan lounge, diningroom, kitchen. Parking, remote gate. Manor Drive. R4000 pm. Water/lights prepaid.

Contact 072 765 9009.

3 x Bedroom with built-ins, fully tiled. Primrose Road, Warrenton. Contact 084 301 2210.

Basement in Stanger Manor. 2 Bedrooms, lounge, kitchen. Fully fenced, remote gate. Parking available. R4200 pm. Excluding water/electricity. Contact 065 818 3748.

VACANCY

Cashier required for bottle store and hardware. R1250 per week. Call at 21 Van De Wagan Drive, Rocky Park with CV. Contact 032 552 2014, 073 182 3863.

HOUSE FOR SALE

3 Bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 kitchen, 2 lounge, diningroom, very spacious with 2 entrances, double garage. Fully fenced yard. Situated in Darnall. R680 000 neg. Contact Deon 063 471 3109, Lee 073

Contact Nishara for all your classifieds, service guides, legal notices, birthday message, memorium, vacancies, etc on 032 552 2165

WANTED

Second hand clothes, household, dishes, mens and boys shoes, boots, takkies, curtains, beddings. Beds, TVs, fridge (working or non working) freezers, kitchen units, lounge suits. We collect and pay cash.

Contact Usha 064 888 8757 or 078 408 0488 whatsapp.

The significance of Valentine's Day

Help find natural parents

KwaDukuza Child Welfare is searching for the following natural parents. Should anyone have information on any of the listed individuals, kindly contact the relevant Social Worker on 032 5512129.

• The natural parents of Siyabonga Mthokozisi Myeni, born 07/12/2004.

Kindly contact social worker, Ms S. Naicker regarding the abovementioned case.

• The natural father of Jessica Shingo and Joyce Shingo both born: 12/11/2012. The natural mother was Ms Sandra Shingo.

Kindly contact Social Worker, Mr M Zwane regarding the abovementioned case.

• The natural father of Ngiyamthanda Azande Nxumalo born 04/09/2017. The natural mother is Sanele Thembelihle Nxumalo

Kindly contact social worker, Ms TH Ndaba regarding the abovementioned case.

• The natural father of Wandile Lihlithemba Ndimande born 23/03/2015. The natural mother was Ncamisile Thobile Gumede. She died on 20/01/2021.

Kindly contact social worker, Ms A Sentoo regarding the abovementioned case.

• The natural father of Nkosinathi Syabonga Hadebe born 28/03/2010. The natural mother is Xolisile Phiwengesihle Hadebe.

• The natural father of Thabiso Mesuli Nxumalo. The natural mother is Tholakele Nxumalo.

Kindly contact social worker, Mrs S Ndaba regarding the abovementioned case.

• The Department of Social Development is seeking assistance in tracing the biological father of Sithole Lusanda and Sithole Luyanda from Lindelani. Their biological mother is Sithole Thembeni Doris who passed away on the 06-082022. Please contact PC Selepe on (032) 552-5246, if you have any information.

February. While the day has now become synonymous with the celebration of love, the origins of Valentine's Day are far less romantic. On Valentine's Day candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St Valentine. Pictured celebrating their love is Ravi Naidoo and his wife Roshika

FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

• The Department of Social Development seeks assistance in locating the father of Mdluli Anele and Londiwe. The mother Mdluli Thandeka passed away on 2011-06-03 anyone with information can contact Social Worker Miss K Mkhwanazi on (032) 552-5246.

• The Department of Social Development seeks assistance in locating the father of Ndlela Bonke Lungelo. The mother Ndlela Hloniphile Patience passed away on 2017-11-26. Anyone with information can contact Social Worker Miss K Mkhwanazi on (032) 552-5246.

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of: - a certified copy:DEED OF TRANSFER T15882/2015 - passed by: SHANE PETER VAN TONDER and KELLY-ANN VAN TONDER

Identity Number: 8608140121 080 Married in community of property to each other - in favour of : ALEXANDER DOLAN MACDOUGALL

Identity Number: 3308155062189 and MARGARET ROSE MACDOUGALL

Married, which marriage is governed by the laws of SCOTLAND in respect of REMAINDER OF ERF 22 TUGELA MOUTH REGISTRATION DIVISION FU PROVINCE OF KWAZULU-NATAL IN EXTENT 1776 (ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX) square metres HELD by Deed of Transfer T15882/2015 which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the registrar of deed at: THE REGISTRAR OF DEEDS - PIETERMARITZBURG 300 PIETERMARITZ STREET, PIETERMARITZBURG within (2) two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Dated at SALT ROCK this 27th day of January 2023.

JACOBUS IGNATIUS ROOS

Address: Shop 23,Tiffanys Centre, Salt Rock 4392 E-mail: jacques@jrooslaw.co.za

This Day In History

08 February 2023

Mary, Queen of Scots, rival of Queen Elizabeth I of England, was beheaded this day in 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle, her execution a chilling scene redeemed by the great personal dignity with which she met her fate.

Indian learner obtains IsiZulu distinction

By Xpress Reporter

A bright young lady of Indian descent could soon become the first non-IsiZulu speaker to teach IsiZulu. That is the dream of Stanger Secondary School's Ria Lisa Govender who, incredibly, obtained a distinction in IsiZulu in the 2022 National Senior Certificate examinations.

For an English-speaking student, this was indeed a major feat. The only child of Renita and Logan Govender, Ria attributes her accomplishment in isiZulu to two educators, Mrs Precious Manganyela from Nonoti Primary School and Ms I Zondo from Stanger Secondary School.

Ria dreams of becoming either and interpreter or a primary school IsiZulu teacher.

Mbozamo Primary fosters culture of reading

School Buzz

Charity foundation reaches out to Sonqoba Primary

A magnanimous gesture by the UPYA Foundation has brought smiles to many underprivileged learners from Sonqoba Primary School. The school, which is situated in Ward under Mandeni Local Municipality, received a generous donation of school shoes and uniforms last week, as the Foundation

New Prefects for KwaDukuza Primary

KwaDukuza Primary School inducted the Prefects for the Class of 2023 on Friday, 3 February in an assembly held at school. The Prefects took their pledge in the presence of educators and learners as they prepare to assume their role as leaders and role models. Seen in the picture are the newly inducted Prefects including Deputy Head Prefects Uyanda Ngcobo and Lubanzi Nkabinde with Head Prefect Kiran Singh together with the Grade 7 educators, Acting Departmental Head Mrs S Rajaram and Principal, Mr PB Pillay

Stanger Heights Primary welcomes community initiative

Excitement permeated Stanger Heights Primary School on Wednesday last week after volunteers turned up to give the school a fresh look, as part of the school's Painting Project.

The initiative saw various stakeholders coming together to beautify the school, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the culture of learning.

On the day, Ward 16 Councillor Sanele Mthiyane was joined by fellow councillor Muzi Ngidi, KwaDukuza Circuit Manager Mr SD Mchunu, the school principal Mr NG Ngcobo and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.

The school has extended word of gratitude to all involved.

celebrated the birthday of its Director, Bonile Shandu.

The Chairperson of the SGB at the school, Mr Dube was full of praise for the UPYA Foundation, noting with a warm heart the love that the youthful members of the Foundation have for education.

The Principal Mr

Ntombela also extended a word of appreciation to the Foundation, adding that this kind of assistance was a first of its kind for the school.

“We wish to acknowledge all stakeholders that came to support the program and Inkanyiso School Shoes for their great service,” stated the UPYA Foundation.

Local hospice and Glenhills Primary solidify relations

Glenhills Primary School and Vulamehlo Hospice, located in Melville, are continuing to grow their relationship, with representatives from the

Hospice visiting the school on Friday. The Hospice officials gave a talk t the learners about the function of a hospice, and also thanked the learners and educator for

their continuous support. The school's Soul Buddyz in conjunction with Moulana Ahmed Khan made a generous contribution to the institution in cash and kind.

Read Aloud Day at Ashram Primary

Ria Lisa Govender, who obtained a distinction in IsiZulu

Pictured with some of the learners are the directors of UPYA Foundation, Nomcebo Dlamini (left) and Bonile Shandu (back).

Pictured are the Soul Buddyz, the Principal Mr Hurilal, Moulana Ahmed Khan and educators Ms Bissesser and Mrs T Naidoo

Mbozamo Primary School joined the rest of the world in celebrating Word Read Aloud Day last week. Pictured are some of the learners.

READING: Ashram Primary School held a successful programme

commemorate World Read Aloud Day. Pictured are some of the learners, together with programme coordinators

Pictured painting the school are (L to R) Cllr Sanele Mthiyane, Principal Mr NG Ngcobo, Cllr Muzi Ngidi and Circuit Manager Mr SD Mchunu