XPRESS TIMES

SA is water scarce, says Mchunu

Exploring water resilience strategies for SA

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has reinforced government's commitment to ensure water security by 2030 and beyond, while also working towards improving and enhancing sanitation related services in the country.

Mchunu was speaking during a discussion held on the side lines of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference, which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, last week.

Held under the theme “Multistakeholder Commitments to the Water Action AgendaIntegrated Water and Climate Solutions

From Science to Decisions to Actions”, the side event sought to get various participants at the conference to commit to decisions that are taken to improve water action agenda globally and translate them to action.

Mchunu said South Africa is a water scarce country and its strategy for managing the impact of climate change mainly focusses on efficient use of limited water resources; investing in water conservation and demand management; increased sustainable use of groundwater aquifers, and pursuing other potential sources, including sea water desalination, amongst others.

He added that the government of South Africa, through the Department of Water and Sanitation, is working collaboratively with civil society formations, organised labour, the financial sector, organised business and the research fraternity, to develop and

implement a comprehensive strategy on water resilience in the country.

“For example, at the same time as investing in additional water storage capacity, we are mobilizing all spheres of government and sectors of society to conserve water and to use it more efficiently.

“This multipronged approach has enabled us to manage severe climate change events, such as the extraordinary drought currently being experienced in the Nelson Mandela

Bay Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape,” Mchunu said.

New water sources

The Minister added that all spheres of government and civil society were working together to develop new sources, such as boreholes and sea water desalination; while simultaneously vigorously implementing water conservation and demand management measures, including reducing leakages in the

water system, pressure management, punitive tariffs for high water usage, as well as an intensive awareness campaign to get business and households to use less water.

“This model enables the development of water services that are inclusive and gender transformative. When there is limited water access, it is the poor who suffer the most because they have less ability to procure alternative sources of water and it is usually women who bear the brunt.

“In the context of climate change and water scarcity, our approach is to ensure a minimum basic supply of water to all rather than a lot for a few and no water for many,” he said.

Mchunu ended by reinforcing the Ministry approach to enhancing public-private sector collaborations for the financing and management of water resource and water services infrastructure.

These includes commercial loan financing and public private partnerships, as well as noncommercial collaboration to meet mutual interests.

“For example, we are implementing US$1.3 billion project with mining houses to construct a bulk pipeline to supply water to new mining areas while simultaneously distributing water to villages along the pipeline, on the basis of a 50:50

contribution by government and the private sector,” Mchunu said.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu

GRIEVING WIDOW DEMANDS ANSWERS

Ailing musician dies in ambulance crash

By Musa Mnyandu

The recent tragic death of Nagara Touch musician and medical engineer Amlesh Rajcoomar (42) has left his family bewildered and deeply distraught. The late Rajcoomar, who tragic death happened on 11 March 2023, was a dedicated musician and a devoted family man.

His widow, businesswoman Suehana Sewpersad-Rajcoomar, says his death has left too many unanswered questions. Sewpersad-Rajcoomar says on the 9th of March, her husband complained of a “discomfort” in his chest. She says, knowing his heart condition which she told the media was brought on by “stress and work pressures”.

Suehana immediately enlisted the help of a private ambulance service to transport her husband to a Durban hospital. Unfortunately, the ambulance tragically crashed near Ballito, resulting in him being reportedly flung out of the vehicle and sustaining severe injuries. When Suehana and

the couple's children visited him in hospital that Saturday (11 March 2023), they found him placed on life support, however his condition had deteriorated beyond doctors' ability to help, and he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Suehana maintains she still has too many questions that have not been answered regarding what exactly transpired on the day of the accident. She believes her three children, Treshaai, Saihaar and Aariyah deserve to know the truth about their father's death.

Passionate

Amlesh, although a medical engineer by profession, had a second family in the music group Nagara Touch. In a statement, the band described the deceased as a “talented” and “passionate” musician.

“He was a talented musician who added a unique and special touch to every song he performed. His skill and enthusiasm were infectious and he was always willing to travel from Stanger to perform or even stay late and practice with us for CD Recordings.

“His wife and kids supported his passion as well, so much so that too became family. He was also a great friend and we shared many wonderful memories together.

“He was a regular feature at gigs across the country and was always the life of the party. We will miss his energy, his enthusiasm and his friendship. We will always remember his commitment to Nagara Touch and his loyalty to the music he loved,” the group fondly recalled. Amlesh was laid to rest on the 14th of March, in a funeral service held at the Siva Sungam Hall, with the cremation being done at the KwaDukuza Crematorium.

Eskom under fire over 'blown transformer’

Residents of Nonoti are seeing red after Eskom left them in the dark for 33 days and counting. A local businessman and resident told Xpress Times that the problem started over a month ago, when apparently a transformer blew up.

Residents immediately reported the matter to Eskom, and technicians came to the area. The resident says Eskom, instead of replacing the blown transformer, decided to conduct an audit of the affected households, to see if any of their electricity meters had been tampered with.

The audit apparently delayed the replacement process, however residents have confirmed that Eskom finalized the whole auditing process on Friday last week, and a supervisor reportedly issued an instruction for the transformer to be replaced.

However at the time of going to press yesterday (Tuesday), the transformer had still not been replaced, making it a whopping 33 days without electricity.

Attempts to contact Ward 03 Councillor SO Nxele drew a blank, as his phone went unanswered. Back in 2020, Eskom had

issued a statement saying it had decided to conduct an audit before replacing failed or malfunctioning pole mounted transformers, in order to identify cases of illegal connections and/or by-passed meters, since those were the main reason for network overload, resulting in transformers blowing up.

The late musician and medical engineer, Amlesh Rajcoomar

Mystery over body found in parking lot

By Xpress Reporter

Police in KwaDukuza have launched an investigation after a body of a male was found in the parking lot of Shoprite Supermarket, on King Shaka Street.

KwaDukuza police spokesperson Constable

Man airlifted after brutal stabbing

A walk down he road to the workplace turned into a nightmare for a Mandeni man. IPSS Medical Rescue reported that on Wednesday last week paramedics responded to a scene of a brutal stabbing, where they found the victim with multiple stab wounds to his neck.

It was ascertained that the man was on his way to work when he was attacked.

Due to the severe nature of his injuries, a decision was made to activate Air Mercy services to airlift the man to a specialised medical facility in Durban, after advanced life support paramedics had stabilized him on the scene.

The motive for the man's attack forms part of an investigation by SAPS.

ANCWL marches against abuse

Siphesihle Myeni told Xpress Times that officers responded to the scene at approximately 18:00.

INDIA SHOPPING FESTIVAL

where the victim was shot,” Myeni stated. He added that the identity of the victim had not yet been established. The motive for the killing had also not been established at the time of going to press. Police are investigating the matter. from from

The ANC Women's League in the Mandeni in Sub-Region (General Gizenga Mpanza Region) held a march against gender based violence (GBV) in Sundumbili Township, on Human Rights Day (21 March 2023). The march culminated in the handing over of a memorandum of demands to Mandeni Mayor Thabani Mdlalose, at KwaNgcedomhlophe Sportsfield.

Thursday, 30 March 2023 Shree Hanuman Temple 19 Rose Road, Stanger Manor Time: 6.00pm ALL WELCOME Prasad and meals will be served

Wednesday, 5 April 2023 Shree Hanuman Temple 19 Rose Road, Stanger Manor Time: 6:00pm

Brass/Silver Trishuls from 6000 0060 from 6500 0065

2500 0025 from Silver Kalsam 14500 00145

Muruga Agarbati

2500 0025

10000 00100 25000 00250 15000 00150

Bharath Darshan Incense Sticks 1499 9914

Hanuman Info: Shanil / Krsna / Madhun Sobram Sing - 032 551 1683 / 032 551 2860 / 073 152 8910 Kavady Chumboo from Was R20 now

Dhoti 2mt Divine Camphor Box 300g

2500 0025

Brass Kalsam

Brass/Silver Vels 19900 00199 from 2023 Religious Calendar assorted

HYPERSINGH’S POOJA SHOP 17 Lindley Street, Stanger • Telefax: 032 551 1683 • email: hypersing@telkomsa.net “THE FAMILY THAT SERVES YOU BETTER” IDOLS IN STOCKISIPINGO PRAYER

Kavady Umbrella Lingum

from 15000 00150 IN STOCK: NEW RANGE OF EVIL EYE.

Peacock Feather 999 99 1000 0010 •Kali •Durga •Krsna •Hanuman •Sai •Muruga •Shiva •Luxmi •Ganesha Credit/ Debit Cards Accepted “BUY MNS QUALITY PRODUCTS”

KwaDukuza Municipality's Civils Department, led by Chairperson of Infrastructure and technical Cllr Thulani Ntuli (KwaDukuza Deputy Mayor), along with DA PR Councillor Nerish Singh, has done an inspection in loco, on a water leak on a property in Sunnypark, which apparently resulted from blocked storm water drains. Pictured are the officials and councillors doing the inspection.

A man was airlifted to a Durban hospital after being brutally stabbed

MEC launches R79 million bridge development

By Xpress Reporter

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Sipho Hlomuka has recently launched the long awaited R789 million Ogunjini Bridge, which is expected to link Ethekwini with Ilembe District, through Ndwedwe. The launch and the introduction of the contractor took place last week, and it was attended by

Hlomuka, Ndwedwe Mayor Samuel Mfeka, Ethekwini Municipality Speaker Thabani Nyawose, local chief Inkosi Ngcobo and Ndwedwe EXCO member Khonza Ngidi, among other dignitaries.

The construction of this strategic infrastructure is a direct and immediate response to the commitment

made by the Provincial Government during the State of the Province Address and the Provincial Budget Day.

There has been a huge outcry by the community of Ndwedwe as a result of heavy rains and flooding for Ogunjini Bridge to be constructed.

Many community members have lost their lives

due to floods and water overflowing above the existing low-level structure. The construction of the bridge will provide all weather access to local schools, facilitate the movement of public transport and improve business activities between the eThekwini metro and iLembe District.

Seen turning the sod to mark construction commencement are the dignitaries led by MEC Sipho Hlomuka (4th from left) and Mayor Samuel Mfeka (5th from left)

IFP's court challenge over Maphumulo ousting thwarted

By Xpress Reporter

A last ditch attempt by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) to reverse its recent ousting as the ruling party in Maphumulo Municipality has been thrown of court. The IFP was seeking relief in court following a recent Council meeting where motions of no confidence were passed on IFP mayor Siboniso Nyatikazi and IFP Speaker Musawenkosi Ngidi.

This came the coalition agreement between the IFP and the EFF crumbled in the aftermath of a major dispute over control of the City of Umhlathuze, considered to be one of the top three economic hubs in the province.

EFF then agreed a new coalition arrangement with the ANC, which saw the former taking up the positions of Speaker in the hung municipalities, including Maphumulo, where it now co-governs with ANC.

Welcoming the court decision to strike the IFP's case off the roll, ANC in KwaZulu-Natal said the verdict by the court had left the leadership of the IFP “embarrassed”. ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo has further accused the

IFP of using intimidation tactics, n the face of the shifting political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We have stated in the past that our determination to destroy this coalition which represents nothing else but the re-introduction of ethnic divisions. Such divisions were enforced under the apartheid regime especially here in KZN.

“As we march forwardour position has not changed. We want to cleanse this province off any stain of collaboration with apartheid forces,” Mtolo stated.

The special Council meeting which the IFP's court application sought to nullify elected Zibuyisile Khuzwayo-Dlamini of the

Sanral to resume toll fee collections

The toll fee payment holiday for using the N2 Highway on the North Coast is coming to an end. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that it is ready to resume toll fee collections at the oThongathi Mainline and uMvoti toll plazas, after meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday, 7 March 2023.

ANC as the new Mayor, with Sinenhlanhla Chili of the EFF getting the nod as the new Speaker. Subsequent Council meetings saw Simphiwe Shange of the ANC being elected as the new Deputy Mayor, with Cllr Nzo Nkosi also of the ANC becoming the new Whip of Council.

“As the ANC we welcome a healthy competition. We are party that promotes the robust exchange of ideas on how to accelerate socioeconomic transformation for the benefit of the people of this province.

“On the other hand, the IFP is the party that promotes intimidation and threats where it governs,” Mtolo said.

NICD warns of higher paediatric admissions

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has announced that the detection rate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is rising sharply.

The NICD has since issued a warning to clinicians and hospitals to prepare for an uptick in paediatric admissions.

RSV, according to the public health institute, is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among young children. It is highly contagious and transmits mainly by respiratory droplets.

Among children younger than five years old, the NICD found that the RSV detection rate is currently at moderate levels and continues to rise steeply.

“Compared to the circulation of RSV between 2014 and 2019, the detection rate of RSV appears to be rising more sharply in recent weeks, although within the range of what has been seen in the past,” the public health institute said.

Meanwhile, data on increased RSV circulation and increased severe RSVassociated illness, which

includes hospitalisation among children who are under a year old from November to February have been reported in the northern hemisphere countries.

“It is possible that the RSV season in South Africa will follow a similar trend.”

Preparation

“Clinicians, paediatric hospitals and intensive care units are reminded to anticipate an increase in paediatric admissions during the 2023 RSV season.”

In addition, healthcare providers are encouraged to prepare and allocate adequate resources to respond to the surge in RSV cases.

Clinicians are also urged to consider RSV in differential diagnosis for severe respiratory illness, especially in young children.

“The majority of infants with RSV-associated bronchiolitis do not require hospitalisation, but certain

“Access to the R102 has been fully restored while the M4 is opened, except near the Tongaat River Bridge. The contribution made to the people of KwaZulu Natal by SANRAL not charging for these two tolls is between R400 and R500 million to date. We need to start collecting these toll fees to be able to maintain national roads,” said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL's Eastern Regional Manager.

The resumption of toll collection was discussed at a consultation on Tuesday, 7 March 2023, between SANRAL, led by the Chairman of the Board, Mr Themba Mhambi and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, led by MEC for Economic Development,

Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Siboniso Duma, and local government leaders, business chambers, SANTACO and members of traditional councils.

“SANRAL is committed to the province of KwaZuluNatal and we are happy that we had fruitful and constructive discussion with the political leadership of the province and various provincial stakeholders. We would like to resume with the toll collection on uMvoti and oThongathi on 1 April 2023. We have embarked on all the relevant processes and procedures to make this possible,” said SANRAL CEO, Reginald Demana.

The Department of

Transport issued the Government Gazette on 17 March 2023, which makes it known that the levying of tolls at N2 oThongathi Mainline and south ramps and N2 uMvoti Mainline and all ramps for all vehicles will be resumed from 00h00 on 1 April 2023, in terms of the SANRAL and National Roads Act. Tolls on the N2 oThongathi north ramps will remain suspended until such time that access along the M4 Tongaat River Bridge has been fully restored. This will ensure that the local community affected by the M4 closure at the Tongaat River Bridge can continue to use the N2 toll road for the affected section at no cost.

International Day of Zero Waste

children are at risk of severe disease (hospitalisation).”

Meanwhile, infants younger than six months may develop severe diseases, such as hypoxia, severe respiratory distress, inability to feed or apnoea and may require hospitalisation.

“In very young infants, irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may be the only presenting symptoms.”

Risk factors for severe RSV-associated disease include prematurity, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease of prematurity, neurological disease, immunodeficiency and lack of breastfeeding.

Prevention

Prevention measures include the isolation of children with influenza-like symptoms, NICD said.

It also discourages sick children from going to crèches or schools for a few days and encourages teaching children and adults alike to practice sneezing and cough hygiene.

The institute does not recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics for children with upper respiratory tract infections.

The International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, support the societal shift towards circularity and raise awareness about how zerowaste initiatives contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The waste sector contributes significantly to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution. Humanity generates an estimated 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which only 55 per cent is managed in controlled facilities. Every year, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems.

Zero-waste initiatives can foster sound waste management and minimize and prevent waste, helping to address the triple planetary crisis, protect the environment, enhance food security and improve human health and well-being.

Adopting zero waste

A zero-waste approach entails responsible production, consumption and disposal of products in a closed, circular system. This means that resources are reused or recovered as much as possible and that we minimize the pollution to air, land or water.

Achieving zero waste requires action at all levels.

Products should be designed to be durable and require fewer and lowimpact materials. By opting for less resource-intensive production and transport methods, manufacturers can further limit pollution and waste. Advertising and closely managing demand can further enable zero waste throughout products' life cycles.

Consumers can also play a pivotal role in enabling zero waste by changing habits and reusing and repairing products as much as possible before properly disposing of them.

With governments, communities, industries and other stakeholders increasingly recognizing the potential of zero-waste initiatives, bolstering waste management and improving recovery systems through finance and policymaking.

The Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production can guide this transition. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, Member States and stakeholders, the strategy calls for the adoption of sustainable consumption and production objectives across all sectors by 2030.

Background

On 14 December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a

resolution at its seventyseventh session to proclaim 30 March as International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually. Türkiye, with 105 other countries, put forward the resolution. It follows other resolutions focused on waste, including “End plastic pollution: towards an internationally legally binding instrument”, adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly on 2 March 2022.

During International Day of Zero Waste, Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth and other stakeholders are invited to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness of national, subnational, regional and local zero-waste initiatives and their contribution to achieving sustainable development.

United Nations Environment Programme

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

The (UNEP) and the (UN-Habitat) jointly facilitate the observance of International Day of Zero Waste.

ANARCHY: ANC KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo has accused IFP of using intimidation tactics

The NICD is reporting increased cases of respiratory syncytial virus

Payment of toll fees on the Umvoti and uThongathi toll plazas will resume on 1st April 2023

Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong. Mandy Hale

Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. Steven Conrad Dreams are the seeds of change. Nothing ever grows without a seed, and nothing ever changes without a dream.

Debby

Boone

Each time you try something for the first time you will grow a little piece of the fear of the unknown is removed and replaced with a sense of empowerment. Annette White

I would encourage you to set really high goals. Set goals that, when you set them, you think they're impossible. But then every day you can work towards them, and anything is possible, so keep working hard and follow your dreams.

Katie Ledecky

Taxi crash results in multiple injuries

Motshekga vows to overhaul school infrastructure

Basic Education Minister

Angie Motshekga says government has taken action to fast-track the provision of school infrastructure.

Motshekga briefed the media on the progress made on infrastructure roll out in the basic education sector on Sunday.

The briefing follows the Council of Education Minister (CEM) meeting held recently to discuss a number of issues affecting the sector.

Etete, on Friday last week. IPSS Medical Rescue says two seriously injured patients were stabilized by advanced life support paramedics

before being rushed to a nearby facility for further care. The cause the accident is being investigated by relevant authorities.

Ilembe youths selected for SETA programme

Motshekga said the education sector has been working on programmes to roll out school infrastructure across the country, but the matter became even more urgent after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, as they were faced with a major overcrowding crisis that needed urgent addressing.

Motshekga said in a bid to fast-track the provision of infrastructure in the schools that are in desperate need and make them safe havens for children, the department has taken action on two fronts.

“The first is we increased the technical capacity of officials in the infrastructure team by recruiting five built environment specialists, including a head of infrastructure, who are solely focused on implementing our infrastructure projects.

successful rollout of Grade R in our schools meant that just under 4000 schools were found to be lacking in either age-appropriate infrastructure, in particular, or adequate infrastructure in general,” Motshekga said. Government has been hard at work to keep the promise the President made at the launch of the SAFE initiative, this include identifying 3 398 schools that were lacking in infrastructure in one form or another, either not age appropriate or inadequate.

Accelerated Schools

Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) Programme, which was created to eradicate schools built from inappropriate material, in their entirety, is nearing its end in the next financial year.

“Since the launch of ASIDI, government has delivered 315 entire schools out of a target of 331, 317 electrification projects, 1 259 water projects and, to come back to the specific subject at hand, all 1 053 planned sanitation projects. You can clearly see that we have not been sitting on our laurels.

SKILLS: Ilembe District Mayor Thobani Shandu (front row, 2nd from left) together with other dignitaries are seen congratulating some of the young people selected for the programme Better opportunities beckon for 100 learners from across Ilembe District, who have been lucky to be selected for the Food and Beverage Manufacturing SETA Skills development Programme.

The initiative, facilitated by Enterprise Ilembe in

partnership with Food and Beverages SETA, seeks to address skills development, unemployment and transformation within various sectors in Ilembe District.

Congratulating the learners recently, Ilembe District Mayor Cllr Thobani

Shandu encouraged the youths to take full advantage of this programme, stressing that it will advance their skills and knowledge so that they are part of broader efforts to build an inclusive economy in Ilembe District.

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 Mxolisi Mdiniso (M) born 21/05/2011. The natural mother is Sindisiwe Thobile

Mdiniso.

Kindly contact social worker, Miss N.A Cele regarding the abovementioned case.

• The Department of Social Development is looking for Hlengiwe Ndlovu who is the mother of the child, Siyanda Muntu Ndlovu of Zamani Township. Anyone with the relevant information may

contact Social Worker NP Ngema on (032) 552-5246.

• The Department of Social Development is looking for the father of Skhumbuzo Aaron Dube born by the late Dube Nokuzola Dolly of Zamani Township. Anyone with relevant information may contact Social Worker NP Ngema on (032) 5525246.

“Secondly, as you are aware, the President launched the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative to specifically address the infrastructure backlog in our schools. The rapid and

The Minister commended private sector companies who responded to the President's appeal for the corporate social investment contribution to the entire effort, highlighting that out of the number of the completed projects, 184 were allocated to donors with 117 been completed.

ASIDI

She also noted that the

“There is a lot we can achieve whether practically or in terms of national cohesion when we all pull together. That is not to say government must not be held to account but, at the very least, we call for a modicum of objectivity,” the Minister said.

Ilembe raises water awareness

Cloudy with rain Partly Cloudy Cloudy with rain Sunny Cloudy with rain

WATER: In commemorating Water Month, Ilembe District Municipality and Umgeni Water conducted a water awareness campaign in Mandeni, on Tuesday this week. The campaign saw the municipality led by Deputy Mayor James Van Whye and Council Speaker Dolly Shandu embarking on a walkabout, distributing awareness pamphlets and interacting with members of the public. Pictured is Council Speaker Dolly Shandu engaging with members of the community.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga

Smoke alarm detectors for underprivileged households

School uniform vouchers for underprivileged learners

detector

By Xpress Reporter

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in partnership with Ilembe District Municipality, has started installing smoke alarm detectors to households within the

District.

The programme started at Mandeni last week, in the areas of Manda Farm and Qhibukhowe, and was overseen by Ilembe EXCO member in charge of Health and safety Portfolio Committee, Cllr Lindiwe

Makhatha. The initiative is part of efforts by the government to mitigate against disasters such as house fires.

The alarms are triggered whenever there is a substantial amount of smoke in the house.

This Day In History, 29 March

In an effort to bridge a gap between learners in rural community schools, Maphumulo Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Zibuyisile KhuzwayoDlamini handed over school uniform vouchers to underprivileged learners on Friday, 17 March 2023 at the Maphumulo Town hall.

Mayor Khuzwayo-Dlamini alongside Speaker of Council, Cllr Sinenhlanhla Chili and Municipal Councillors were met with warm hands as they handed over school uniform vouchers to 240 learners from disadvantaged families

who were identified from 12 primary schools and 12 secondary schools around Maphumulo. This programme was aimed to improve quality education for school children as a fundamental right and ensuring the less privileged learners receive school uniforms to encourage them to concentrate on their subjects.

Delivering her remarks, Mayor Khuzwayo-Dlamini indicated that education was one of the first priorities of government, therefore the Municipality embarks on this venture in support of learners

times north coast

from disadvantaged homes that cannot afford to buy school uniforms.

“We have often said that education is a fundamental right in terms of our constitution. Prompted by this reality we have over the years sought to make a contribution towards the education of our children in particular those from disadvantaged families. It is for this reason that we are handing over these school uniform vouchers to learners as a humble contribution towards the culture of learning and teaching,” stated Mayor Khuzwayo-Dlamini.

For best results at discounted rates, contact Ahmed Desai on 083 6900 707 or Cookie on 032 552

Mayor Zibuyisile Khuzwayo-Dlamini (8th from left) and Speaker Sinenhlanhla Chili (9th from left) are seen handing over the uniform vouchers to various schools, for the benefit of underprivileged learners

India had been begun by Indian troops (sepoys) that were in the service of the British East India Company.

March 29th, 1857 the sepoy Mangal Pandy of the

34th Native Infantry refused orders on the parade ground at Barrackpore, and he was hanged leading to increased violence and Mutiny against British Rule.

ZMS clinch Krish Maharaj U11 Memorial League

Runners up Stanger Manor Primary with President of iLembe Primary Schools Desigan Pillay, N.

On Thursday 23rd March ZMS took on Stanger Manor Primary in the final of the Under 11 league at the Gledhow Cricket Grounds. ZMS scored a total of 101 for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs with Y. Moolla top

scoring 29 not out.

In reply Stanger Manor

Primary scored 90 for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs giving ZMS an 11-run victory. Tahir top scored for Stanger Manor Primary with an

unbeaten 28. President of iLembe Primary Schools commended Suveer Maharaj for his continued support of U11 Primary Schools Cricket.

Another Drakensberg adventure for Smurfs

A seasoned team of adventure seekers from the Smurfs Hiking Club returned from yet another hugely successful mountain trip. Activities such as canoeing, hiking and swimming were part of this 4 day mountain adventure.

“The beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains is unparalleled. Sometimes beyond words and sometimes beyond belief. We are truly blessed to have this World Heritage site in our province,” said Team Leader Mr Vimal Mothilal.

Mbozamo Primary enjoy Rainbow Nation Picnic

Man City's Foden out of Liverpool

Phil Foden will miss Manchester City's upcoming home Premier League game against Liverpool following an operation to remove his appendix, the English champions have announced. The 22-year-old was ruled out of England's 2-0 win over Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier shortly before Sunday's game at Wembley. Foden had surgery in London and it is not yet certain now long he will be out of action. City confirmed he will miss the match against Liverpool at the Etihad next Saturday.

"Phil will now return to Manchester to begin rehabilitation," said a City statement. "He will not be fit for this weekend's Premier League game at home to Liverpool and it is unclear at this stage how long he will be unavailable for."

City are fighting on three fronts, sitting eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand. They have five league games next month, including a match at home to the Gunners on 26 April.

City also face German giants Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on 11 April, and play second-tier side Sheffield United in the FACup semi-finals on 22 April.

Prestigious award for local educator

EPIC: The Stanger Secondary School's Class of 1990 met after 32 years to celebrate their Reunion, in an event organized at La Montagne Hotel's Pumpkin Theatre, on Saturday the 25th of March 2023.

Mrs P Phekoo, an educator from Mangethe Primary School, has made Ilembe District proud by walking with a prestigious award at the Awards Day hosted by the South African Council of Educators (SACE) on Friday last week. The event was held in Pietermaritzburg.

Muniah of Stanger Manor Primary and sponsor Suveer Maharaj

TEAM PHOTO: Members of the Smurfs Hiking Club in Southern Drakensberg.

Prolific Phil Foden out against Liverpool