XPRESS TIMES

Gloom for KZN as Ramaphosa snaps back

By Musa Mnyandu

climate of despondency is pervading throughout AKwaZulu-Natal, after former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize failed in his bid to unseat Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa as President of the African National Congress.

Mkhize, whose name is still tainted by the Digital Vibes scandal, managed to shrug off all suspicion around him, to emerge as the only viable candidate to challenge the seemingly indomitable Ramaphosa in the run up to the ANC's 55th national elective conference. However his valiant fight to turn the tables on the “Buffalo” proved ineffectual, as Ramaphosa simply cruised to a convincing victory, leaving the party's KZN province stunned and reeling in shock.

With more than 900 conference delegates coming from KZN, where Mkhize enjoyed overwhelming support, it looked as though Ramaphosa had finally met his match, especially since KZN remains the ANC's biggest province.

However when former President Kgalema Motlanthe, the head of the ANC's Electoral Committee, announced the results, Ramaphosa's camp broke out in great jubilation after their candidate garnered 2476 votes, as compared to the not so paltry 1897 votes earned by his rival.

The position of ANC deputy president was contested by Paul Mashatile, Ramaphosa's greatest supporter Oscar Mabuyane and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola. This came after Deputy President David

Mabuza declined nomination from the floor. Mashatile, the party's former Treasurer General and acting Secretary General, emerged victorious, after bagging 2178 votes, while Oscar Mabuyane staged a spirited but losing fight, walking away with 1858 votes. Ronald Lamola consoled himself with a measly 315 votes.

Controversial Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe retained his position as National Chairperson after narrowly beating his closest rival Stanley Mathabatha with 2062 to 2018 votes. The third candidate for this position, David Masondo, receiving a thorough hiding, scrapping through with only 280

votes.

The conference had also adopted the resolution to amend the party's Constitution, to allow for an additional position in the Office of the Secretary General, in an attempt to “beef up” the office. This decision meant that the traditional “top six office bearers” had now become “top seven office bearers”.

Ill-discipline

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, who is expected to resign from government soon, surprised many by beating his two rivals for the allpowerful position of Secretary General. Mbalula garnered 1692 votes, while Phumulo Masualle

received 1590, and Mdumiseni Ntuli obtained 1080.

From there on it was an all-female affair, as Nomvula Mokonyane received the nod as the 1st Deputy Secretary General, with Maropene Ramokgopa settling for the position of 2nd Deputy Secretary General.

The delegates also decided to fortify the role of women in the top seven by opting for Gwen Ramokgopa as the new Treasurer General. Ramokgopa walloped Pule Mabe, Bejani Chauke and Mzwandile Masina.

At the time of going to press yesterday (Tuesday), the ANC was stil expected to announce the results

VICTORIOUS: Pictured are the top seven ANC officials, from left Maropene Ramokgopa (2nd Deputy Secretary General), Nomvula Mokonyane (1st Deputy SG), Fikile Mbalula (Secretary General), Gwede Mantashe (National Chairperson), Cyril Ramaphosa (President), Paul Mashatile (Deputy President) and Gwen Ramokgopa (Treasurer General)

The KwaDukuza local branch of the Ilembe Chamber of Commerce Industry and Tourism (ICCIT) has stepped up its interventions designed to address the scourge of crime in the KwaDukuza CBD.

In keeping with the iLembe Chamber's social partnership approach, the local committee and branch has begun working co-operatively with all local authorities to achieve an effective and sustainable private security strategy and presence in the KwaDukuza CBD, an immediate priority identified.

Engagements with landlords, property owners and security experts are being conducted to obtain input and suggestions on implementing a focused, crime-prevention initiative.

An initial precinct for the Security Pilot was identified as the area that is bordered by Chief Albert Luthuli, Goolam Suleman (Hulett), Cato and Mahatma Gandhi (including King Shaka and Lindley) Streets. The pilot phase, headed by a former senior police official and other safety and security experts, focuses on security in the identified precinct, and will be funded by defined landlord contributions.

Introduced officially last

week, the security pilot phase will run for an initial period of one month until mid-January, and CBD patrols are already

underway with positive results being reported. The initiative is fully supported by local security firms.

CBD beat duties are already in evidence, with disruptive and sting operations also happened on a regular basis.

A CBD security operation supported by Ilembe Chamber and other roleplayers is operational in KwaDukuza over the Festive Season

ACTION: Seen are the patrollers in action, ridding the CBD of criminal elements

Special tribute for KwaSizabantu priest

On 11 December 2022, KwaSizabantu Mission celebrated Rev Erlo Stegen's 70th year in ministry. Approximately 10,000 people from all walks of life neighbours, pastors, friends, mission associates and youthattended the thanksgiving service to thank the Lord for 70 years of faithful ministry and the positive impact Rev Erlo Stegen has made on the lives of so many people. Many dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Zulu and Swazi royal families and government officials, and shared special messages with the audience at the church service held in the KwaSizabantu Mission auditorium.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, MP, traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch relayed a heartfelt message of gratitude. He has a special bond with Rev Stegen that spans many years. He was grateful to be blessed with Rev Stegen's close friendship and acknowledged the impact he has

had on his personal life and the lives of the Zulu nation whom he loves so dearly. Prince Buthelezi said, “The story of Erlo Stegen is an inspiration to millions of Christians all over the world. He is an example of what God can do through a man who is obedient to Him. He has expanded the work of KwaSizabantu to every continent on the globe.”

The former premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala said that what Rev Stegen and KwaSizabantu are doing for the community is “…a mirror for South Africa. We have learned many things from Rev Stegen and the co-workers who have worked with him.”

Rev Dr Kenneth Meshoe, preacher and leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, also attended the event and

delivered his special message of gratitude, and said that Rev Stegen “has blessed millions of people over the world.” He thanked him for the gospel of salvation which he preached.

Called to ministry, especially to the Zulu people, Rev Stegen, fondly known as “Baba Mfundisi” by the community he serves, has devoted his life to sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. His dedicated service, love and generosity mark his 70 years of service to the Lord, and his passion to win souls for Christ.

It is remarkable how one man can change a nation through his faith, vision and tireless dedication.

Closed beaches reopened

The KwaDukuza Municipality wishes to inform residents, businesses, and tourists that Thompsons Bay Beach is officially opened for public use, following the municipality receiving positive laboratory results regarding the water quality at this beach.

“Once more, the KwaDukuza Municipality apologises profusely to all persons whose plans were inconvenienced because of the emergency beach closure, the decision had to be taken to protect beachgoers.

“The municipality appeals to tourists to continue supporting the area,” stated municipal spokesperson Sipho Mkhize.

MFUNDISI: Reverend Erlo Stegen is seen reminiscing with the locals

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was in attendance to pay tribute to “Baba Mfundisi”

Christmas cheers for municipal workers

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How does Santa Claus keep track of every fireplace he has already visited? Well, he keeps a log.

Biker critical after collision

A motorbike rider has sustained critical injuries following a collision with a vehicle on the N2 Highway near Gingindlovu. The accident happened on Sunday.

IPSS Medical Rescue has stated that reports from the scene indicate that the biker was overtaking when he apparently crashed onto the rear of a BMW, resulting in him landing on the road side grass.

“The patient was in critical condition and was treated by IPSS Medical Rescue Paramedics and IPSS Medical Rescue reports that the biker then transported to a local facility for further care,” stated IPSS Medical Rescue.

Soldiers deployed to power plants

Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been deployed to safeguard some of Eskom's power plants, amid heightened energy crisis in the country.

In an announcement made at the weekend, the Presidency said army detachments have been deployed to four power plants, however their exact role has not been made clear. It is however understood that

the army's primary purpose at the four electricity stations is to prevent sabotage.

“Eskom can confirm that the SANDF is being deployed at Eskom. Eskom has received deployments at four sites this afternoon, Majuba, Camden, Grootvlei and Tutuka power stations,” Eskom stated.

A number of serious crimes involving Eskom contractors and employees have been unearthed this

year with high profile arrests being made. However the power utility continues to struggle to keep the lights on, with the country being placed on Stage 4 of loadshedding this weekend, after climbing to Stage 6 at the weekend.

The power utility's CEO Andre De Ruyter announced his retirement recently, which will take effect at the end of March 2023.

Umkhandlu kamaspala wase Ndwedwe uklomelise abasebenzi abasebenza ngokuzikhandla nangokuzimisela kuma department kamaspala ngokuhlukana kwawo. UMayor ubonge ngokukhethekile kubasebenzi bakwa EPWP e Ndwedwe ngokuwina uhlula bonke omaspala base KZN waphinde wabonga ukubambisana kwabasebenzi ukuqinisekisa ukuthi umkhandlu uthola umbiko ongenalo ugcobho kumncwaningi mabhuku wakuleli ngonyakazimali 2020/2021.

A motorbike rider was left critical after colliding with a vehicle on the N2 Highway

JANUARY 2022

Introduction of street patrollers

In light of rampant crime in the KwaDukuza CBD, businesses get together to introduce the street patrollers programme, utilizing their own funding. The programme later hit a snag owing to lack of financial buy in from local authorities.

Home Affairs flops service

Patrons to KwaDukuza Home Affairs voice frustration over long queues and lack of services at the facility. “Unofficial queue marshals” (the paras) ride roughshod as they demand payment for queue spots. The problem was later addressed through intervention by KwaDukuza Municipality. The Department of Home Affairs also later introduced the booking system, BABS, to ameliorate the waiting agony for some services.

Ilembe reports lower Matric pass rate

Ilembe District, along with the rest of the KZN province, reports a decline in the Matric pass rate, and lies 8th overall out of 12 districts. The decline is attributed mainly to the Covid-19 pandemic which led to interrupted learning. The Districts declares a pass rate of 75.7%.

FEBRUARY 2022

KDM cleared of PPE irregularities

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) publishes a report clearing KwaDukuza Municipality of any irregular expenditure pertaining to PEE procurement. The investigation into KwaDukuza Municipality formed part of a broader decree declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid widespread concerns over Covid-19 budget expenditure.

Mayor promises turnaround for iLembe

Ina promise that raised hopes among the people of iLembe District, newly installed District Council, led by Mayor Thobani Shandu, convene a media briefing. In the briefing, the Council outlines its plans and strategies to “fix the municipality”. Mayor promises interventions to improve collection rate, and to deal with service delivery problems.

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President extends SRD grant

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a further extension on the payment of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, following the devastating effects of the Covid-19 lockdown. The grant has since been further extended to the end of March 2023.

MARCH 2022

Warning against disunity and factions

The Regional Executive Committee (REC) of the ANC General Gizenga Mpanza Region issues a stern warning to its sub regions, to avoid any pre-conference behaviour that promotes factionalism and disunity. The party's sub regions were preparing to hold their respective elective conferences, following the successful election of the REC.

KDM scoops “Cleanliness Award”

There are mixed reactions after news emerge that KwaDukuza Municipality has won the Cleanest TownAward, in a provincial competition. Members of the community express incredulity, and the judging criteria for the competition. However the municipality brushes aside the criticism, and argues that it had met all the criteria for winning the competition.

Selfless service to fellow beings

KwaDukuza businessman and Stanger Manor resident Salim Tootla, well known for his anti-crime activities, decides

to personally patch up potholes in his neighbourhood. He says potholes pose a danger to al road users as motorists are forced to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid them. KwaDukuza roads are dotted with potholes, making driving conditions extremely perilous for all users.

Local educator takes early retirement

Stanger Manor Primary School's educator Mrs K Maraj, receives much praise and acclaim as she finally puts down her chalks. Mrs Maraj had started her teaching career in 1984, before joining Manor Primary in 1988, where she had gone on to establish herself as an educator par excellence.

APRIL 2022

Zikalala calls for return to moral standing

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala addresses an ANC Monday regional Forum at Thembeni Community Hall, where he stresses the role of the ruling party as leader of society, and a liberation movement. Zikalala decries encroaching tendencies in the party, and urges members to help the party reclaim its moral ground.

Ilembe decimated by floods

Approximately ten people lose their lives as floods batter the Region, and other parts of KZN. Properties are decoyed, businesses heavily affected and livelihoods lost. Hundreds of people are displaced, many relocated to mass shelters like community halls. All resources are mobilized to provide relief, and a State of National Disaster is declared by Cabinet in order to unlock national emergency funding for the affected areas.

Mkhwebane visits KwaDukuza

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane visits KwaDukuza, to assess the devastation caused by floods. She interacts with local authorities, and also visits displaced families at the Stanger Manor Community Hall. The municipality prepares to compile a comprehensive report to be submitted for national relief funding purposes.

MAY 2022

New ANCYL leadership elected

The ANC Youth League in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region holds a successful elective conference, with a new Regional Executive Committee emerging. Ilembe District Mayor Thobani Shandu and Xolani Skade are elected as the new Regional Chairperson and Regional Secretary, respectively.

Former school clerk completes PhD

KwaDukuza celebrates the astounding success of Dr Lorna Jonathan, who graduates with a PhD Degree in Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, at the age of 65. Dr Jonathan started her career as a school clerk and worked herself up the ladder until achieving her lifelong dream of obtaining a PhD.

Energy losses in the spotlight

KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca declares war on energy losses, as the municipality reports an average of R20 million worth of energy losses per month. Nhaca also rues the reported involvement of businesses in illegal electricity connections and tampering with meters. Serious action is being threatened.

Sri Sathya Sai Centre

President

Kishore Bodasingh (left) is seen handing over the special gift to Imtiaz Sooliman

The newly installed Council of Ilembe District Municipality unpacks strategies to turn things around at the embattled municipality.

Floods left a trail of devastation, and many deaths as they lashed iLembe District and other parts of KZN and beyond.

Retired educator Mrs K Maraj (Manor Primary School)

Helping hand for flood victims

Following the devastating floods back in April, iLembe District Municipality donates more than 90 school uniforms to affected learners from 22 schools. The intervention seeks to enable children from hardest hit families to easily reintegrate into the schooling system, in spite of the hardship their families are going through.

Most dangerous police station

Police Minister Bheki Cele threatens to remove KwaDukuza police station commander, after the station was ranked among the 30 most dangerous police stations in the country. Minister Cele promises an allocation of additional funding to help the police station fight violent crimes.

Removal of Covid-19 regulations

Cabinet announces long awaited decision to repeal all Covid-19 regulations, including the wearing of masks, as Covid-19 cases continue to decline. Government thanks South Africans for adhering to the regulations, thereby helping the country to emerge from the Covid-19 crisis.

JULY 2022

ANC vows to tackle water crisis

The leadership of the ANC in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region vows to do all within its powers to bring the problem of water outages to a stop. The party's top five conceded that the District-wide water crisis could contribute towards further decline in the party's electoral support, going forward.

KDM shown “middle finger”

The residents of Nyoniyamanzi in Ward 16 reject attempts by KwaDukuza Municipality to plough R1 million towards ab upgrade of the road in the area. Residents say they have long been promised a proper road upgrade for the area, and they tell the municipality to pack up and leave the area with its “pathetic” R1 million.

Man killed in tavern shooting

A tavern in Thembeni is stormed by four armed men, who

2022 YEAR REVIEW IN

proceed to rob all patrons sitting outside of their valuables. One of the patrons is shot dead after he attempts to negotiate with the attackers.

AUGUST 2022

Ugly scenes at KDM Council meeting

A Council meeting to debate motions of no confidence against KDM's office bearers descends into chaos after scuffles break out in plenary. Opposition parties lay charges and counter charges, after meeting is adjourned by Speaker Dolly Govender.

Auditor General inspects new substation

South Africa's Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke pays an oversight visit to the new General Gizenga Mpanza substation in Groutville. The AG expresses satisfaction with progress being made at the new installation.

Bickering threatens no confidence motions

Uncertainty grows around the motions of no confidence against KDM's office bearers as opposition parties continue to disagree on a number of issues. ANC goes into Council meeting confident the motions would fail.

SEPTEMBER 2022

Oceanview road rehab project rejected

Residents of Oceanview (Ward 16) reject attempts by

KwaDukuza Municipality to “rehabilitate” Azalea Road, citing inadequacy of the R1 million budget being allocated. Azalea was one of the local roads worst affected by the April floods, as it was completely destroyed

Ramaphosa opens manufacturing plant

President Cyril Ramaphosa opens the new Hesto Harnesses manufacturing plant in KwaDukuza, which was developed for massive R1.4 billion. The plant led to massive job creation for the local economy, with thousands of job opportunities being created.

OCTOBER 2022

Dhlomo vows to improve service delivery

Deputy Minister of Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo briefs media on government's integrated plan to fix service delivery bottlenecks in iLembe District. Dhlomo was visiting the District in his capacity as the Champion Deputy Minister for the District.

Ilembe heavily criticized

KwaDukuza residents lash out at iLembe District Municipality for its failure to fix water supply challenges. The municipality is further accused of failing to respond to complaints, and of ignoring the plight of communities affected by water stoppages.

Copper bust sends shockwaves

An intelligence driven operation results in the discovery of stolen copper worth R300 000 hidden in a house on Flamboyant Drive, in Dawnside. Authorities warn of tough action against theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure.

NOVEMBER 2022

Huge housing project for Madundube

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements Ntuthuko Mahlaba launches a massive R400 million housing project in Ward 27, Madundube. MEC urges the local community to safeguard the project, during construction phase, and to prevent any interference that could stall the project.

KDM beefs up Electrical Department

KDM's Electrical Engineering head Sibusiso Jali says his department will be beefed up in order to reduce power outages. Jali was addressing Ward 15 protestors outside Lavoipierre Building, following a four-day outage in Gledhow South.

DECEMBER 2022

SAPS gear up for Festive Season

Special gift for Sooliman

SAPS iLembe District Commissioner, Major General Anthony Gopaul, promises iLembe District residents and visitors to the District, that police will be out in full force during the holiday season. Major General Gopaul says his manpower in the District will be augmented by new recruits, fresh from various police academies.

Kishore Bodasingh, President of the Sri Sathya Sai Centre of KwaDukuza, presents Gift of the Givers founders Imtiaz Sooliman with a wooden crafted Tambuti clock, to thank him th for addressing the recent 97 anniversary Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Mayor Lindile Nhaca's delegation was chased out of Nyoniyamanzi

Shockwaves as SAPS Ilembe Crime Intelligence recovers stolen copper worth R300 on Flamboyant Drive, KwaDukuza

Oceanview residents demand proper budget for destroyed Azalea Road

One US Dollar = R17.33

One Euro = R18.36

One British Pound = R21.02

One Indian Rupee = R0.20

One Australian Dollar = R11.54

One Swiss Franc = R18.65

One Botswana Pula = R1.34

One Chinese Yuan Renminbi = R2.48

One Japanese Yen = R0.13

As published on Tuesday, 20 December 2022.

Road safety tips for the Festive Season

• Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver's licence with you.

• •

Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow yourself enough time to reach the destination

Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure.

All lights and indicators, windscreens, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering,

shock absorbers, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.

•

Do not overload.

•

Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.

•

Have a good rest before you embark on your journey Take safety breaks every 2 hours or

•

200km. Rest, have an energy drink and continue once well-rested. Do not drink and drive Try to recognise potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them

• • • •

Be visible - drive with your lights on Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within the range of the main beam.

•

Always wear your seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.

Drive defensively Stay within the speed limit at all times Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so

•

• • •

Maintain at least a 2-second following distance - this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet. Expect others to not be as obedient to the law as yourself

•

•

Avoid distractions on the road such as texting, conversations on cellular phones etc

•

Be courteous towards fellow road users - keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate

Source: Arrivealive.co.za

Protecting your child against “child grooming”

What is child grooming and who is targeted?

Child grooming is defined as befriending and establishing an emotional connection with a child (and sometimes their family), to lower the child's defences for the purpose of sexual abuse.

How does it happen?

Child groomers may try to gain a parent or guardian's trust to gain easy access to a child. A trusting relationship with the family, enables a child groomer to spend time with a child by babysitting or inviting them for sleepovers.

Child groomers often approach their victims over the Internet, sometimes posing as children themselves, before asking to meet in person.

Help your children to understand who they should and should not be communicating with on social media.

Encourage them to only interact with people they already know. Keep an eye out for changes in your child's behaviour.

Issued by the South African Police Service

History

1995 Palestinians take control of Bethlehem

Israeli troops withdrew from the city under the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed in September 1995. The city was under a British mandate from 1920 to 1948, and then it was captured by Jordan during the Arab-Israeli War in 1948. Most recently, it was taken over by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967

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Lionel Messi wins Golden Ball

Lionel Messi on Sunday won the Golden Ball for the best player at this year's World Cup after leading Argentina to victory in the final against France.

scored twice in the final in

Doha, taking his tally of goals at the tournament to seven, and also scored in the shoot-out as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties following a 33 draw after extra time.

Kylian Mbappe came second to Messi for that award but did win the Golden Boot for the tournament's top scorer with eight goals, one ahead of the Argentine skipper.

Luka Modric came third in the running for the best player after helping Croatia finish third.

Meanwhile, Argentina's Emiliano Martinez took the Golden Glove for the World Cup's best goalkeeper, while his compatriot Enzo Fernandez, 21, was named the best young player.

Argentina's victory over France saw them claim the World Cup for the third time following their triumphs in 1978 and 1986.

6900 707 or Cookie on 032 552 2165

KDVA host successful awards evening

Gueldies secure second Legends victory

Gueldies

was on behalf of the Lower Tugela Football Federation Legends committee. Gueldies beat Townview 2-0 in the finals.

KwaDukuza Volleyball Association hosted a successful awards evening last Thursday at the Association courts last Thursday when the players/teams were awarded for their commitment and dedication. KSST won the team of the year awards. Team of the year: KSST

Special awards: Male

Winners: Gueldies

secured their second victory of the Legends football tournament organised by Rocky Park Football Club at Rocky Park grounds this past Saturday. The tournament