XPRESS TIMES

By Musa Mnyandu

lembe District has surpassed all expectations in terms of the matric pass rate for the 2022

academic year. This comes after the District made a huge leap from the 75.7% achieved in 2021, to a whopping 83.9% this year, an increase of 8.2%.

The District came 5th in the province, trailing Ugu, Umkhanyakude, Amajuba and Umgungundlovu.

Another noteworthy feature of the latest batch of results is the increase in the number schools that have scored a 100% pass rate. A total of 27 schools from the District scored a 100% success rate. These include Indukwentsha Secondary, Inhlokozi High, Inkonjane Secondary, Isinyabusi High, Khethimfundo Secondary, Lethithemba Secondary, Madlanga JS, Mahlube Secondary, Manaba Secondary, Mbekamuzi Combined, Mbhekaphansi High, Menyezwayo Secondary, Ngcolosi Secondary, Ngcongangconga High, Ngugwini Secondary, Ntabinamafutha Secondary, Phuzulwazi Secondary, Qoqulwazi Secondary, Sikhunjwa SS, Thandauyiphi JS, Theo Hlalanathi Secondary, Tshutshutshu Secondary, Ukuzama Kwethu Secondary, Uyikhulu Secondary, Amaphuthu High, AmaZondi JS and Batshazwayo Secondary.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube heaped praises on the Class of 2022, stressing that the candidates had defied tremendous odds to produce sterling year end outcomes. During the academic year, the province suffered a major setback with the devastating floods in April, which disrupted learning in some parts of the province. A total of 198 866 learners sat for the final examinations in November 2022, in KwaZuluNatal.

Dube-Ncube said the provincial government had set itself, as one of its key strategic goals for the academic year, a target to improve performance in STEM subjects. Progress had been made in those

areas, the Premier said.

“We are excited to learn that no school received a 0% pass rate in our province. We have already discussed with the MEC that the Department of Education will come up with a decisive intervention strategy to deal with the situation in the 11 schools that performed below 30%.

“We note that they were 22 in 2021 and now have reduced to 11. The Education Department must conduct an evaluation and introduce an academic improvement plan with immediate effect. The Executive Council will receive the report with school by school analysis and will assist with relevant interventions.

KZN Education MEC Mbali Frazer and Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube are happy with the province's matric performance

Loadshedding to persist, warns Eskom

South Africa is not in any immediate danger of a total energy system-wide blackout.

This is according to Eskom

Chief Operating Officer Jan Oberholzer, who addressed a media briefing on Sunday.

“Although the stages of load shedding have been high and for extended periods, this does not indicate that the power system is approaching

a blackout.

“As long as we are in load shedding to ensure the appropriate reserves are maintained, there is no risk of any higher load shedding at this point,” Oberholzer said.

The power utility implemented Stage 3 load shedding from 4pm on Sunday afternoon until 5am on Monday morning.

Stage 2 loadshedding was

then implemented from 5am until 4pm and on Monday afternoon, Stage 4 and Stage 3 loadshedding coming into effect in the evenings.

Oberholzer explained that throughout the week, the power utility has battled severe challenges which saw the continuation of Stage 6 load shedding which ultimately dropped to lower stages.

“If we look at the week, we shut down

and tripped 19 units which is about 9 300MW while we managed to return [to service] 22 units….which was 12 000MW. So we had a net gain capacity of about 2700 MW.

“The 4500MW [of long term breakdowns] is really making it challenging for ourselves because that basically represents five stages of load shedding. But…all of this is managed on a project so there's real dedication and promise,” he said.

Turning to the power

utility's pump storage facilities, Oberholzer said dam levels at these are increasing and diesel has also been procured.

The pump storage facilities and the open cycle gas turbines [OCGTs] collectively contribute some 5700MW of emergency generation capacity and without these, South Africa would face an additional six stages of load shedding.

Oberholzer warned that although lower stages of load shedding are being implemented, the situation

remains unpredictable.

“While there has been some improvement in available generation capacity, allowing us to drop the stages of load shedding, we've also seen an increase in demand for electricity as industry and businesses try to catch up on lost production.

“This, combined with the unpredictability and unreliability of the generation fleet, makes planning quite difficult and this may result in changes to load shedding at short notice in the week to come,” Oberholzer said.

Eskom CEO André de Ruyter said although the power utility continues to face challenges, these are being addressed in collaboration with government.

“I would like…to offer my sincere apology for load shedding and the huge and widespread disruption that this has caused to many parts of our economy but also to the daily lives of all our citizens,” de Ruyter said.

Eskom says loadshedding will persist, but a total energy system collapse is unlikely at this stage

By Xpress Reporter

The family of a 10-year-old boy who drowned at Tugela River on the 9th of January 2023 is no closer to finding closure about this horrible incident. Despite intensive search and recovery operations, the body of the drowned boy, Siyamthanda Sibisi, has still not been located.

The boy disappeared under water while enjoying a swim at the crocodile infested river, and has never been seen since.

Body of drowned boy still not found

Last week the family enlisted the help of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), in a further attempt to find the boy's remains.

On Tuesday last week RUSA deployed its helicopter to conduct a low level sweep of the river, concentrating on locations where possible sightings had been reported.

Elderly lady receives wheelchair donation

RUSA said witnesses had reported sighting what could have been a human body in the water, however after a search of the area by the RUSA helicopter crew, the scene was soon located. “It was confirmed that the (reported) sighting was the partly eaten carcass of a cow,” RUSA stated.

8 Distinctions for ZMS learner

The 2022 NSC examinations at Zakariyya Muslim School (ZMS) were indeed a tremendous success. Having achieved a 92.6 percent pass rate, the learners outdid themselves and produced impressive results.

Majority of the candidates had obtained the Bachelor's pass with a few scoring a diploma and higher certificate. The school's outstanding learner was Nujhat Sameeha who, with consistency and hard work, had achieved 8 A's in English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, LO, Accounting, Business Studies, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

By

Wednesday last week was a special day for Mrs Joyce Seme, an elderly lady who resides in Ward 10 Maphumulo.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), represented by Ward 10 Councillor Emmanuel Senzo Maphumulo, presented her with a brand new wheelchair,

to assist with her mobility.

Cllr Maphumulo was assisted in this initiative by ward committee member Thubelihle Dube and IFP office secretary Mthokozisi Sithole.

The recipient expressed her gratitude to the three benefactors for their kind gesture.

The school says Nujhat was an exemplary pupil who carefully put in the extra effort that yielded a pleasant result. Mentored and inspired by her mum and late dad, both of whom gave a colossal service to humanity as medical professionals at the General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital in KwaDukuza, she is hopeful of pursuing a career in medicine and in turn being of service to our community through this career path.

“We are hopeful that Nujhat, along with all our learners, will be beacons of light and servants to humanity as our school motto states, Striving to build a dynamic Ummah (Nation),” says ZMS.

Empowerment drive for rural youth

By Xpress Reporter

Ndwedwe Local Municipality in iLembe District is reintroducing its drivers licence assistance programme, which is aimed at empowering the youth of Ndwedwe.

The municipality has once again issued a call for qualifying youths between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply.

The programme caters for unemployed, out of school youths who are not enrolled at any tertiary institution. The municipality says in order to qualify, the applicants must have matric, be between 18 and 25, attach copy of the ID and proof of residence, and be registered on the voters roll under Ndwedwe Municipality. A motivational letter must also be included.

Application forms can be downloaded from the

municipality's website, and are also obtainable from the Ndwedwe Youth Office.

The closing date for applications is the 3rd of

February 2023. For more information, interested persons can contact Mandisa Shandu of Ndwedwe Youth Office on (032) 532-5000.

Pictured is the elated Mrs Joyce Seme and her three benefactors

Xpress Reporter

New District councillor sworn in

Local resident publishes thrilling book

By Xpress Reporter

Women are born to multitask. This perfectly encapsulates the life of local resident Jolene Loganadhan, who is on a quest to prove that no amount of hectic lifestyle can stop one from embarking on yet another dream project.

Ilembe District Municipality has welcomed a new councillor, following the swearing in of Cllr Sakhile Zondo who represents the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Cllr Zondo has been sworn in following the resignation earlier this month of EFF Councillor Mxolisi Mthiyane. The swearing in, overseen by District Speaker

Cllr Dolly Shandu, was done at the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court.

“We wish to welcome you into the District Council, to work with the council collective in tackling water supply challenges. In the District Council political party affiliation matters less than the task of serving the community,” said Cllr Shandu

Community Notice

The Glendale Hindu Sath Sangh Sabha Shri Ganessa Temple will host its annual Thai Pooram Festival and Kavady celebration. Flag hoisting will be at the Temple, on Friday 27 January 2023, at 6pm. The main Kavady celebration and procession will be held on Sunday,

05 February 2023, proceeding to Umvoti River and arriving at the Temple at 12noon. For further info, contact Temple President, Mrs Reshika Sahadew on (071) 3833530, or Vice President, Mr Devan Dhani on (073) 022-7644.

Loganadhan is a married woman, with one daughter, who also happens to be a career woman, as she currently manages one of the local filling stations. And she is now a published author.

Her new book, titled “My Dearest Deception”, is penned under the pseudonym Jolene Logan. It tells a story of romance, a romance marred by deception. Loganadhan says although the book is a work of fiction, its plot finds resonance with many people still contemplating the game of courting and dating.

“I started writing this book about three years ago, after being inspired to pursue a hobby of mine from my school days. At school I was an avid reader; I immensely enjoyed all literature and writing essays,” Loganadhan states.

was determined to keep in touch with his sweetheart back home, only to find himself being deceived into corresponding with the girl's scheming cousin.

Loganadhan says the book is a definite compelling read that will keep you glued to its pages until the very end.

“This book has a unique South African flavour with a hint of international flair. This romance has just enough twists to keep the reader at the edge of their seats. As much as this book is fiction, it has real life scenarios. It stimulates the imagination and “transports” you to places like a good fiction book should, but also keeps you grounded by the situations that the main characters experience,” Jolene enthuses.

The book is available at all major bookstores and can also be obtained through major online book platforms. Loganadhan can be contacted through social media platforms, including Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram.

Published author Jolene Loganadhan

“My Dearest Deception” narrates a story of two teenagers who were madly in love with each other, but lacked the courage to confide their feelings. When the main character went overseas to pursue a career, he

Pictured (right) is Cllr Sakhile Zondo taking the oath of office, being witnessed by District Speaker Dolly Shandu (left)

Missing man found dead

The body of a missing man was recovered in Nsuze by search and rescue teams

By Xpress Reporter

Police in Nsuze have discovered the body of a man who went missing early last week. On Thursday last week, IPSS Medical Recue reported that the firm was called out to assist SAPS Search and Rescue with a high angle recovery of a body from the bottom of a cliff. The body was confirmed to be that of the missing man.

“An extensive rigging system was set up,

allowing SAPS and IPSS SAR members to safely bring the body up, where it was handed over to Nsuze SAPS,” stated IPSS Medical Rescue.

Sergeant Clinton Odayar of Umhlali SAPS Search and Rescue has been commended for his work on the scene.

The cause of the man's death is being investigated by Nsuze SAPS

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure demands medical attention because it can be life-threatening. One of the most concerning aspects of this condition is the lack of symptoms, which can leave people unaware they need care. Those with high blood pressure should regularly have it checked. Approximately a third of adults over the age of 20 have this condition.

Headaches

•

Hypertension causes headaches, often of a dull and persistent nature. Headaches are more likely to develop if blood pressure is very high. These headaches tend to feel similar to stress headaches but may happen more frequently.

• Shortness of Breath

Older adults and people with lower levels of fitness may experience shortness of breath after climbing stairs, running for a bus, or other energy-expanding activities. A person who experiences shortness of breath frequently should consider a blood pressure check.

• Pains in the Chest

Chest pains could indicate high blood pressure but that's not always the case. It is also common for people to experience chest pains when they are having a heart attack or a panic attack. Regardless, lasting chest pain of any type should prompt medical evaluation. In the case of hypertension, pain may stem from damage to the arteries leading to the heart. High blood pressure can also lead to an enlarged heart if left unchecked.

• Exhaustion

Lack of sleep, stress, and hectic schedules all cause exhaustion, as do many medical conditions. Exhaustion on its own probably is not an indicator of high blood pressure, but it could be one symptom. For adults, normal blood pressure is 120/80. If a person feels tired frequently, the extra energy the heart must expend to pump blood could be the cause.

• Nauseous

Nausea is often related to overeating, food poisoning, ulcer, or gallbladder disease, but it can also be a symptom of high blood pressure. If there is no history of diseases affecting the gallbladder, ulcers, or dietary changes that could explain the symptom and yet a person finds himself feeling nauseous or vomiting on repeated occasions, a doctor may look at blood pressure as well as other potential causes. Early detection of high blood pressure reduces the likelihood of

serious side effects.

• Poor Vision

Untreated, high blood pressure or hypertension can lead to problems with vision and other eye diseases. This occurs when the excess pressure damages blood vessels in the eyes. Eye disease caused by hypertension is called hypertensive retinopathy, which develops over time if high blood pressure is not controlled.

• Ringing in the Ear

A constant ring or buzz that has no external source tinnitus could be a sign of dangerously high blood pressure levels.

Increases in blood pressure can lead to pounding in the head that can sound like a ringing. Often, people who have both tinnitus and high blood pressure find the symptoms of the former more intense.

Hypertension can increase the likelihood that a person will develop tinnitus.

• Confusion

Extreme hypertension or malignant hypertension, when blood pressure is over 180/120, can cause light-headedness or confusion and even distorted speech. Some people experience problems with memory and problem-solving. This can be a specifically dangerous effect of high blood pressure because the mental symptoms may render the individual unaware of the issue. This is often a more advanced symptom of hypertension that could indicate a person is having, or on the verge of having, a stroke or developing serious damage to the kidneys or the eyes.

•

Nosebleeds

High blood pressure does not directly cause nosebleeds or epistaxis, but hypertension can exacerbate one if it occurs.

Hypertension may interfere with blood clotting and makes the blood move more quickly. It is also possible people with hypertension will experience more nosebleeds than people with normal blood pressure because their blood vessels are more fragile due to damage or deterioration.

• Kidney Damage

High blood pressure can damage many parts of the body, as is clear from the wide range of symptoms it can cause. The kidneys are just one of the organs that can suffer damage if hypertension goes untreated or becomes severe. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels that feed the kidneys, which makes the organ less capable of carrying out its vital roles.

Source: Supernutritious.net

Former Proteas stalwart Hashim Amla announces retirement

Hashim Amla ended his 22year playing career on Wednesday, with his legacy secure as one of South Africa's all-time cricketing greats. English county Surrey announced they had been informed by Amla, 39, that he would not be returning as a player this year after helping the side to win the English county championship in 2022.

Surrey's director of cricket Alec Stewart lauded Amla for his "phenomenal career".

"He will quite rightly go down as a great of the game. Hashim is a fantastic cricketer and a wonderful person... Everyone at Surrey wishes him the best in the future," Stewart said.

Amla was a key member of one of South Africa's most powerful teams when they clinched the Test championship mace with a

series win in England in 2012.

Batting in a line-up which included captain Graeme

Manor B registers outstanding victory

Manor B registered an outstanding victory in the iLembe District Cricket Union T20 league trouncing Maphamulo at the Gledhow Sports Ground this past Saturday.

S. Bissesur was in blistering form scoring an aggressive 83. This helped Manor to a mammoth total of 182 in their allotted 20 overs.

Smith, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, Amla made a South African record 311 not out in the first Test at The

In reply Maphamulo were skittled out for 47 in just 10 overs. Destroyerin-chief was T. Moodley who recorded 5 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs.

iLembe to host Mini Cricket workshop

iLembe Mini Cricket Association will be hosting a mini cricket workshop and coaching course this Saturday, 28 January 2023 at North Coast Primary commencing at 09h00. The workshop is expected to run until 11h00.

Educators are reminded to carry their own writing material and be

This was astounding bowling and Manor recorded a massive 135 runs victory. appropriately dressed as games will be played. A light meal will be provided.

Educators attending must email their names, contact details of telephone number/email address of the school. This can be forwarded to wskhubone@gmail.com.

Oval in London. It remains South Africa's only triple century in Tests. It was one of Amla's 28 centuries in a 124-

match Test career during which he scored 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64. He had an even better average in one-day internationals, hitting 27 centuries in 181 matches and scoring 8,113 runs at 49.46.

Amla spent much of his Test career batting at number three but opened the batting in one-day games, setting records for reaching each thousand-run milestone between 2,000 and 7,000 in the fewest innings.

He made his first-class debut for a Kwa-Zulu-Natal team, against the touring England team, as a 16-yearold in December 1999 and made his Test debut against India in Kolkata five years later.

He struggled at the start of his Test career and was criticised for a notably angled backlift. He made what he described as minor

adjustments to his technique and became one of the most stylish players in world cricket with his fluent cover driving and wristy leg-side strokes.

Amla captained South Africa in 14 Tests but never seemed fully at ease in the role and resigned midway through a series against England in 2015/16 after scoring a double century in a high-scoring draw at Newlands in Cape Town. He retired from international cricket after the 2019 Cricket World Cup and did not play in South African domestic cricket after the 2018/19 season. But he continued to be a prolific run-scorer for Surrey, scoring 1,712 runs at an average of 48.91 in his last two seasons.

Amla is currently a batting consultant with the MI Cape Town franchise in the SA20 league

Schools cricket set to commence

iLembe and District Schools Cricket Association are geared to commence their school programme and President Desigan Pillay has encouraged all schools to respond to a meeting

that will be held at the KwaDukuza Primary School next Monday, 30 January 2023 commencing at 12:00.

The agenda of the meeting includes draft calendar,

appointment of managers for the girls and boys' teams and the iLembe U11 and U13 leagues.

All schools cricket convenors are urged to attend.

Gledhow Primary hosts ANC delegation

LETSEMA: Gledhow Primary School was delighted to host a high-powered delegation from the ANC last week as part of the ruling party's Letsema Back to School Campaign, which was aimed at monitoring the functionality of local schools. The ANC's delegation to the school included, inter alia, KwaDukuza Speaker Dolly Govender, Deputy Regional Chairperson Bheka Dlamini, KwaDukuza Council Chief Whip Ntokozo Mbatha and many others. Pictured are members of the delegation, some of the educators and the Principal, Mr K Hansraj (back row, 7th from left).

Hashim Amla retires from all forms of cricket

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Mayor impressed with Mbekamuzi, Lethithemba

KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca has welcomed the 2022 National Senior Certificate examination outcomes which named Ilembe District in the top twenty for its outstanding performance.

The Minister for Basic Education Angie Motshekga released the 2022 National Senior Certificate examination results last week, which showed that Ilembe District obtained an above average result of 83.9%, notching up an 8.2% improvement.

Nhaca added that iLembe District's Matric Class of 2022 deserved all the prise for achieving outstanding

results, in spite of major setbacks experienced in the past three years.

“The Class of 2022 truly exceeded our expectations by demonstrating their true mettle under the catalogue of the April 2022 disaster and loadshedding. They carried the most burden on their shoulders with so much they had to go by with. These results are a true testament of dedication and leadership infused with strong acumen.

“We wish to commend the

department, parents and other stakeholders who contributed towards the success of our district. We have been assured that these results will be become commonplace, and the

district will continue to be a formidable force in the province. We therefore have a real reason to raise our fists and beat the drum in celebration of the positive outcomes obtained by the

Province of KwaZulu-Natal and our people in the District of ILembe,” Nhaca said.

The Mayor also singled out Mbekamuzi Combined School (situated in Ward 12) and Lethithemba High

Raj Dhanilall survived a terrifying ordeal after he was hijacked and taken with his vehicle

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) reported that Raj Dhanilall was taken with his vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux bakkie with registration NT 49896, after his attackers reportedly fired a shot.

“The vehicle was seen heading in the direction of Ngcongangconga. Dhanilall was dropped off in Nsuze. He was assisted by a passerby who allowed him the use of his cellphone,” stated RUSA.

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Motorist survives terrifying ordeal

A motorist dropping off his work colleague at Esenembe in KwaDukuza went through a terrifying ordeal after two armed men accosted him. The incident happened on Monday afternoon.