SHONGWE CALLS FOR AN END TO FARM KILLINGS - Mpumalanganews Epaper
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RM_447809NH
Tel: 013-754-1600
Thursday April 29, 2021
Nsikazi – your voice, your people express
Page 3 Pageants aim to elevate the youth
SHONGWE CALLS FOR AN
END TO FARM KILLINGS
Mbekezeli Mbuli additional charge of robbery. A search farm near Mabola. The police must
for the suspects was immediately bring these senseless murderers
MBOMBELA - The provincial sanctioned. The motive for the killing to face the law. We are also calling
police have launched a frantic hunt for is unknown at this stage,” said police on communities who may have
suspects following an incident in which spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli. information regarding the case to come
two people, a 56-year-old mother and The two victims were identified by forward and assist the police.”
her 34-year-old son, were murdered the family as Annamarie Botha and He made an appeal to all to work
during a robbery. Ruan Brits. together to stop farm killings. “We
The incident occurred on the Valley The Mpumalanga MEC for safety and need to come together and band
Farm between Karino and Magugu on security, Vusi Shongwe, made an appeal as a unity if we are to win
Saturday. to the communities at large to work this battle against farm
According to the report, emergency with the police to bring the suspects to killings,” Shongwe said.
services received a complaint at around justice. He sent his condolences
18:30 about the incident and upon their He called on the police to work around to the affected families. He
arrival, the mother and son were found the clock and double their efforts to called for calm, saying that the
lying motionless. apprehend the suspects. police should be given space to pursue
“The two seemed to have been hit The Mpumalanga MEC for this case and all other cases that affect
with an object and unfortunately were community safety, security and liaison, farming communities.
certified dead on the scene. The police Vusi Shongwe, condemned the incident. Shongwe once again appealed to all
opened a murder case and preliminary “What is worrying is that the incident farm owners, dwellers and workers to
investigation revealed that several items happened shortly after the killing of live peacefully together and to be united
were stolen from the house, hence the two farm dwellers on the Pampoenkraal against crime.
The Mpumalanga MEC
for safety and security,
Vusi Shongwe.
2 LOWVELDER EXPRESS - NEWS Thursday April 29, 2021
Police dedication
sees justice done
Aunt and uncle allegedly
on a large scale sexually abuse nieces
MBOMBELA - The acting Thobile Mlangeni allegedly subjected to rape as well as gross
provincial commissioner of the human violations. According to allegations,
SAPS, Maj Gen Thulani Phahla, has BUSHBUCKRIDGE - The Mozambican the girls were literally kept as slaves at their
commended the sterling work done consul for Mpumalanga and Limpopo is aunt and uncle’s house at Shatale in the
by the police officers in the various shocked at the news of two Mozambican Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
districts within the province, where minors reportedly raped by their uncle in Mdhluli said the aunt would force the girls
their operations yielded positive Bushbuckridge. each night to sleep with her husband. “She
results. “We learned of this case through the would allegedly often excuse herself from
These mandatory police operations media. We are already in contact with the the bedroom and when the girls refused to
conducted between Monday April 19 relevant authorities in order to locate the obey, they would be severely assaulted and
and Sunday April 25 saw a total of family in Mozambique and to obtain all the starved. When the elder girl narrated the
655 suspects being arrested and information that will allow us to evaluate ordeal, she said one night she hid herself
charged for offenses such as murder, the consular assistance to be given as well. inside a wardrobe out of fear and for those
assault with the intent to cause We strongly condemn such incidents,” said few hours, she was at least safe. However,
grievous bodily harm, common assault, Eugenio Langa, a Mozambican consul based her freedom was short-lived as she was
kidnapping, drunk driving, attempted in Mbombela. severely assaulted the next morning, and
murder and rape. On Monday a senior local government sadly no one came to her rescue.”
Some of the suspects have already official (49) and his wife (36) appeared The girls also alleged their family
appeared in court, while others are in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate's Court members in Mozambique were not
expected to appear throughout the on charges of rape involving two minors aware of their ordeal. Their aunt allegedly
week in various courthouses. aged between 13 and 15. According to Col personally monitored every phone call they
“The work done by the members Donald Mdhluli, the couple were arrested on made back home.
over the past week is appreciated, more April 23. The minors only managed to escape from
so as we forge ahead on our quest to Reports suggest that between 2019 and the suspects' home on April 23 while the
combat crime. I want to thank them 2020, the two girls, cousins, were reportedly suspects were away.
for enforcing the law and ensuring that lured from Mozambique by their aunt under “They then got a chance to sneak out of
communities feel safe and protected,” false pretences that they were going to the house and reported the matter to a good
said Phahla. receive a better education in South Africa. Samaritan who in turn alerted the police.
When they arrived in the country, they were Preliminary investigations have revealed
that the girls were illegally brought into the
country without proper documentations,
hence an additional charge of contravention
of the Immigration Act was added. The
suspects are also facing a charge of human
trafficking as well as conspiracy to commit
crime,” added Mdhluli.
The police, in collaboration with
the Department of Social Development,
removed the children to a place of
safety where they will receive all the Eugenio Langa, the Mozambican consul for
necessary care. Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Traffic cop allegedly holds
licence disc ransom for R1 500
Thobile Mlangeni
KABOKWENI - A local traffic inspector
was arrested by the Hawks Serious
Corruption Investigation Unit last Friday in
connection with corruption.
Nkosinathi Emmanuel Masina (39)
appeared in the
KaBokweni
Magistrate’s Court
on April 26. He was
released on
R1 000 bail. The Nkosinathi Emmanuel Masina.
case was transferred
to the Nelspruit demanded a R1 500 bribe to return a licence
Commercial Crime disc of a certain company’s truck. “It is
Court, and he is alleged that on January 30 a truck driver
expected to appear was stopped by the traffic officials along the
on May 12. Badplaas/Barberton Road.
He was arrested “The truck was loaded with people in
after he had the back. It is further alleged that Masina
searched the truck and told the complainant
he was not allowed to load people in the
back. He then allegedly removed the disc
and demanded R1 500 for its return.
“The complainant did not have money at
the time and the traffic officer decided to
strike the truck from the road. He promised
him that he would get the disc back when he
brought the money.
*$2$
“The matter was reported to the Hawks
Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, which
led to Masina’s arrest on Friday,” said the
MW3884R
spokesperson for the Hawks, Capt Dineo
Sekgotodi.
Contact us Code of Conduct Publisher Audit
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Thursday April 29, 2021 NEWS - LOWVELDER EXPRESS 3
Pageants aim to elevate the youth Murder suspect
Joseph Ntimba ka Masiah hands himself
over to police
BUSHBUCKRIDGE - The new
Mr Bushbuckridge and Miss Plus-size
Bushbuckridge were crowned during
a glittering ceremony that took place
in the Latter Rain Christian Church at Thobile Mlangeni
Thulamahashe at the beginning of the
month. NKOMAZI - The murder case against
Mpho Mofokeng took over from Colani Mkhabela (23) has been postponed
the famous aspiring actor, Abednico to May 3 for formal bail application.
Mabaso, also known as Gadaafi, after Mkhabela briefly appeared in the
being crowned Mr Bushbuckridge, while Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on April 26.
Hendrietta Nyathi won the new Miss Plus- Two people were shot and killed in an
size Bushbuckridge crown. incident that occurred in KaMaqhekeza
According to the event’s co-organiser, near Komatipoort on April 22. According
Potego Sekome, the Mr Bushbuckridge to the police, Mkhabela handed himself
pageant caters for young men aged over as the one who had killed the victims.
between 16 and 30 from any village He apparently told them a scuffle had
within the Bushbuckridge region. “We broken out between two groups that
live in times in which most empowerment culminated into a physical fight. He said he
initiatives are aimed at women. This leaves then snatched a firearm from another man,
a gap in which young men are neglected shot the two victims and fled the scene. He
and left incapable of coexisting with these surrendered himself as well as the firearm
empowered women. The aim of the to the authorities at Tonga Police Station a
Mr Bushbuckridge competition is to day later.
focus on grooming these young men and The acting provincial commissioner
empower them to become role models for of the police, Maj Gen Thulani Phahla,
other young men in their communities,” condemned the incident. He encouraged
she said. members of the community to use other
Sekome said the Miss Plus-size peaceful ways to settle disagreements.
Bushbuckridge pageant aimed to challenge “We urge members of the public not to
societal perceptions that women have to take the law in their own hands. Resolve
be slim in order to look attractive. “As matters in a lawful manner rather than
for the plus-size pageant competition, it resorting to violence which often results in
caters for fuller-figured young women the loss of life,” he concluded.
Dumisani Mathebula, Hendrieta Nyathi, Mpho Mofokeng and Potego Sekome.
aged 16 to 30, and they also have to be of
the Bushbuckridge region. We give these Mpumalanga. It is organised by Nghazi, and look forward to engage in various
No to gender-based
young women an opportunity to become which was founded by multitalented radio community projects. Regarding prizes,
the best versions of themselves. By doing personality and master of ceremonies, we have had a few companies extending
so, they in turn become an inspiration to Dumisani “DD” Mathebula. Mathebula said a helping hand in giving something to our violence
other women of similar body shapes, to they were happy with the judges’ choices, winners.
accept and love themselves.”
Both pageants took place on the
and also aim to work with all the titleholders
on their special programmes designed to
“We would appreciate any form of
contribution going forward, to assist us
Break the silence
same day and they were attended by empower them during their reign. “Both in our quest to empower the youth of Phone GRIP: 083-310-1321
several people from various areas across winners are excited about what lies ahead, Bushbuckridge,” he concluded.
4 LOWVELDER EXPRESS - NEWS Thursday April 29, 2021
Minister blames interchange delays on locals
Bridget Mpande and Neo Machaba
KARINO - Transport minister Fikile
Mbalula has attributed the delays on the Karino
Interchange to communities that wanted to be
involved in the project.
He said this during his inspection and
monitoring visit at the construction site on
Friday. The visit was done in partnership with
the South African National Roads Agency
(Sanral) and Trans African Concessions
(TRAC).
The aim of the visit was to
monitor and inspect the progress
on major infrastructure project
upgrades along the N4 in
Mpumalanga.
“The main delays were
caused by communities and
people who were seeking to
be part of the programme.
The project is now
progressing, we are on track
and it will be completed in Construction is currently under way.
November,” he explained.
of TRAC, said, “The N4 and R514 intersection
“The interchange forms project has to be injected back into the affected
had become a nightmare, handling high traffic
part of the government’s communities. The initial six per cent targeted
volumes, especially during peak hours. The
road infrastructure projects labour set at the tender phase has been exceeded
intersection also became notorious for the
which are delivered through to 7,19 per cent, meaning that total expenditure
Sanral. severity of its accidents over the years.” on targeted labour is now over R17 million.
According to Van Niekerk, the upgrading
“The project has brought
about job creation andof the Karino intersection to an interchange
empowered the local andis deemed a next phase as part of the original
Nelspruit Northern Ring Road project completed
surrounding SMMEs with skills
in 2010.
development and subcontracting
opportunities,” he said. MbalulaThe interchange is the most important link
between Mbombela and KaNyamazane and will
added that the interchange will
provide a direct link from the R514 route to the
resolve a lot of things such as
Fikile Mbalula inspects proceedings at the N4 national road.
congestion and backlog. Alex van
Karino Interchange. The R514 also provides access to the KMI
Niekerk, the chief executive officer
Airport.
447788R Van Niekerk added that a total
,19,7$7,2172 5(*,67(5 21 7+( 6833/,(56'$7$ of 54 local subcontractors and over
300 local community members are
%$6($6$6(59,&(3529,'(52)7+(0380$/$1*$ currently employed on-site. A portion
3529,1&,$/ /(*,6/$785( )25 ),1$1&,$/ of the expenditure incurred on the Safety first at the construction site.
Thursday April 29, 2021 LOWVELDER EXPRESS 5
RM_447810R
6 LOWVELDER EXPRESS - COMMUNITY Thursday April 29, 2021
Family of children who died in fire
supported by community’s kindness
Thobile Mlangeni murder has yet to be arrested.
“Rumours say he was seen at night
MASOYI - Locals and private around Mganduzweni and Mshadza. We
organisations around Masoyi and wish the police would make an arrest
Mbombela showed kindness when they quickly, so that the family may get some
unanimously helped the grieving family closure. He must be arrested, prosecuted
of the two cousins who had tragically and jailed for his act and the pain he has
died in a housefire last week. caused the family,” she said.
The cousins, Noxolo Mlotshwa (7) Mhaule added that the mothers of the
and Mandisa Maseko (9), were laid to two victims, Delsile (42) and Elizabeth
rest in Jerusalem Cemetery on Saturday (37), were still traumatised and needed Jacob Hlatshwayo, Isabel Ngomane and Lerato Mashua.
Hard work opens doors
morning. Days prior to their funeral, counselling. “They are trying to be strong,
locals donated food parcels, a tent and but as an elder I can see that they are
water. One of the major contributors was not okay. We would appreciate some
financial service provider, Old Mutual, form of counselling for the whole family,”
for bursary student
and Lowveld Media in Mbombela. she said.
Old Mutual’s branch manager, The incident happened on April 17. The
Sibongile Mkhonto, said, “It felt good cousins had an early bath and went straight
when we contributed where we can to their room to sleep, earlier than they
and where there was a need. It was like normally would have done.
ploughing on fertile soil; however, I At about 19:30 the children’s mothers Bridget Mpande drop out. When I received the call I was
felt it was not enough. As a business we decided to chase away several cattle that already in Gauteng and my family had
have a social responsibility to plough had been roaming around the yard. On MBOMBELA - A dream has come true made a suggestion that I return home. I
back into the community we serve their way back, they could smell something for a 23-year-old local who has not let her was going to pack my bags and go home
without expecting any profit in return. like fire. They could see the blaze and background define her. since I did not have money. The university
Making a difference to the needy is more realised the flames were coming from the Isabel Ngomane is a mechanical had allowed me to register without funds
important,” she said. back of their RDP house. engineering trainee at Sembcorp because of my good matric results.
The victim’s grandmother, Grace The house was engulfed in smoke. They Silulumanzi. She is one of the hard-working “The organisation sponsored my tuition
Mhaule, thanked all organisations who called for help and neighbours came in students who received an education bursary fees, registration fees, accommodation
had helped to give her granddaughters their numbers to try to put out the fire, but through the water provider. fees, stationery and I received a monthly
a dignified funeral. She added that the the blaze was just too much. These bursaries are awarded by Sembcorp stipend. They would also visit me to check
family was still not at ease, as the suspect The two children were declared dead on Silulumanzi to learners in the concession on how I was surviving in the big city. I
in connection with the alleged arson and the scene by a pathologist. area who excel in matric and wish to further had never been out of Mpumalanga until I
a career in the water sector. matriculated,” she said.
Ngomane studied mechanical engineering The public relations officer at Sembcorp
at the University of Johannesburg. She Silulumanzi, Lerato Mashua. said the
said this opportunity is one of the greatest aim is to give back to the community
highlights of her life so far and she wants while empowering young, hard-working
to encourage grade 12 learners to work learners.
hard. “My mother is a single parent and “The bursary scheme was officially
we depended on her pension. If I had not launched by the organisation in 2016 to
qualified for the bursary, I was going to assist students.”
447759R
Thursday April 29, 2021 COMMUNITY - LOWVELDER EXPRESS 7
Pupils are thrilled to receive new wheelchairs
Neo Machaba customised wheelchairs, courtesy of (11) and Ashwin Mnisi (12), were her gratitude to every organisation that
the provincial Department of Education elated to receive their new wheelchairs had played a role.
KABOKWENI - It was a life- in partnership with Standard Bank and last Thursday. “I am very grateful to the school,
changing moment when two learners of Uplands College. Filled with excitement, Lebogang’s Uplands and Standard Bank for giving
Cophetsheni Primary School received The two pupils, Lebogang Tshabane mother, Nomazwi Mokoena, expressed my daughter such a great gift. Things
are now going to be easier for her to
go around like other children.”
Speaking on behalf of the
Department of Education, MEC
Bonakele Majuba said they were
also grateful that these electric
wheelchairs would make life easier for
the two learners, making them much
more mobile.
“We are grateful to Standard Bank
for taking care of our pupils with
special needs and for adding so much
‘We are grateful
to be able to
play a part in
changing lives’
value to the delivery of education
in the province. Standard Bank
has through their financial support
demonstrated that they have the
interest of our learners at heart.
“We also want to thank Uplands
for filling in the gap to ensure that
the special needs of these learners are
met,” said Majuba.
Lizzy Mohale of Standard Bank
said, “Being in the hearts of our
communities is what we want and
strive for. We will continue to look
for more ways to partner with our
communities and we are grateful to
The two learners, Lebogang Tshabane and Ashwin Mnisi, flanked by their parents, teachers and representatives of Standard Bank and the be able to play a part in changing the
Department of Education. lives of these two children.”
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LOWVELDER EXPRESS 8 Thursday April 29, 2021
Thursday April 29, 2021 LOWVELDER EXPRESS 9
LOWVELDER EXPRESS - COMMUNITY
10 Thursday April 29, 2021
From one taxi to a transport
empire, he’s come a long road We’ve got mail
Marinette Potgieter is to strengthen broad-based black economic
empowerment in the transport sector.
Bullying must always
be nipped in the bud
“Generally, empowerment initiatives
HAZYVIEW - Millions of South Africans tend to benefit only a handful of highly
have to travel great distances to get to work visible black organisations or individuals,”
every day. One man saw this and decided to states its website.
turn public transport into his legacy. “This has led to concentration of
In 2001 Thubane Myboet Elia bought his economic power among relatively few Harold Lekhuleni writes to comply with the requirements of the
first taxi. He started transporting workers black businessmen and women. Economic Department of Basic Education.
from rural areas around Hazyview to their empowerment and wealth creation has There are pieces of papers that are pasted
workplaces in town. Steadily, he acquired only been extended to include previously
Martin Luther King Jr warned us when in classes and even in the offices of the
he said, “We need to learn to live together principals. It is unfortunate that in many
more taxis until he owned one of the most disadvantaged individuals at grassroots as brothers or perish together as fools”.
reliable fleets in the province. levels and on a broad base in relatively few This is a profound statement that we
instances, these documents are not translated
Twenty years later, Myboet’s Transport instances, raising questions surrounding into a living tool that would monitor and
need to heed, lest we perish as a society. regulate learners' behaviour.
owns 79 luxury coaches, 20 minibuses the true authenticity of numerous BEE Bullying is a behaviour of a person who
and employs about 100 staff members, transactions.” It is high time that the code of conduct
hurts or frightens someone small or less should be made into a living document in
transporting thousands of workers and To see Myboet’s Transport routes and powerful. This is an anti-social behaviour
schoolchildren all over the country tariffs, visit its Facebook page or website schools. All pupils should be made to comply
that has bedeviled our communities and with all the aspects of the school code.
every day. www.myboetstransport.co.za. our schools in particular.
“I’ve worked hard and got a few lucky Schools should ensure that all the aspects
This kind of behaviour gradually of the code are implemented to the letter
breaks along the way,” Elia said. crept into our community and as a result
“We now have permits to drive anywhere and spirit. Any deviation of these aspects,
it is developing into a cancer that is especially those pertaining to bullying,
in South Africa.” destroying the moral fibre of our society.
In 2005, after receiving a transporting should be dealt with accordingly. The
If this situation is not addressed, most
contract from EDCON (Edgars Group), Elia of our schools will make the daily news
vulnerable and the downtrodden should be
made the leap from taxis to buses. protected at all times. Most of the bullies are
headlines for the wrong reasons. like elephants that derive pleasure when they
Myboet’s Transport started transporting The recent bullying incident that
workers from Sand River and Mkhuhlu tread upon the ants.
happened at Mbilwi Secondary School Discipline and moral education which
to Hazyview and Kiepersol. Since then, in Limpopo should serve as a lesson and
government and private entity contracts azre encapsulated in the life orientation
a wake-up call to the country and to our programme should be enhanced. These
started pouring in. According to its website, schools. The death of Lufono Mavhungag
Myboet’s Transport was awarded a contract should not just be lessons that are taught
should be a reminder to all of us that this in classes, they should serve as behaviour
from the Department of Roads and Transport
between 2011 and 2017, to transport pupils.
anti-social behaviour should be nipped in modification programme, especially to those
the bud before it develops roots! who exhibit deviant behaviour. Teachers who
This contract raked in R650 000 per Many schools have a code of conduct.
month for the company. are assigned the duty to execute this task
In many instances, these remain cosmetic should have a passion for this area. We need
Eskom has also been a client of Myboet documents which are compiled by schools
and has brought in more than R3,4 million to act decisively and nip bullying in the bud!
for the company.
The businessman that he is, Elia puts most
of the money generated from the business
back into growing it. One of his main aims Myboet boss, Thubane Myboet Elia. Reliable water supply key to
enjoying the fruits of freedom
Themba Khoza writes: to the required protocols. One of
these included ensuring reliable water
Water is life and central to supply to all communities. Tanks
all aspects of it. Everything, were installed and regularly filled to
the economy, socioeconomic ensure people have access to clean
development, livestock, the water closer to their households, to
environment and mainly human lives regularly wash their hands and keep
depend on water. Water is basically the virus at bay. This helped to ease
central to a better life for all. the burden on communities in relation
April is Freedom Month and on to water supply.
April 27, everyone celebrated the The water supply interventions
advent of democracy in South Africa. show that much still needs to be done
Freedom Day is a special day on to ensure access to reliable water
which we must all celebrate a better supply for some of our communities.
life for all. After all, what is freedom Government continues to roll out
without the source of life, water? major water supply projects, and it
In the beginning of the lockdown, is now up to the people to monitor
as a measure to curb the spread the implementation of these projects.
of Covid-19, the government Communities also need to protect
implemented major interventions to water infrastructure against theft and
help communities to cope and adhere vandalism to ensure that everyone
enjoys reliable water supply, and the
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
country moves towards the attainment
of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
We all need to pull together to enjoy
the fruits of freedom.
For the economy to be back on its
feet, it requires reliable water supply.
Introducing GEPF Self-Service and App that will Enjoying the fruits of our freedom
also means access to clean, potable
help you save time and effort. water. This then calls on all of
us to prevent the pollution of our
Members will be able to: water resources to ensure those
downstream also enjoy clean water.
• Access their benefit statements • Trace any benefit claims We must all remember that we all live
• Access proof of payments • Update contact information downstream and we will never like
those upstream to pollute and give us
• Access tax certificates • Nominate beneficiaries polluted water.
We can all enjoy our freedom by
Visit gepf.co.za to access self-service or download the App at Google joining hands and working together
Play Store or Apple App Store. to ensure that everyone has access to
clean and sustainable water supply.
Email your letter to mbekezeli@lowvelder.co.za.
Letters must be limited to 200 words and the editor
reserves the right to edit it. A writer may use a
pseudonym, but their full name, address and number
must accompany the letter.Thursday April 29, 2021 COMMUNITY - LOWVELDER EXPRESS 11
Locals clean up gogo’s yard and house
Thobile Mlangeni Khethekile Nkosi. clear the yard and even clean her house,”
According to the management of the explained Thokozani Mathabela, a local
KANYAMAZANE - A local organisation, foundation, they were concerned when they youth.
the Khulumanathi Foundation, surprised saw Nkosi’s yard overgrown with shrubs and Lethukuthula Nkosi added that they grew
a pensioner with a birthday party and a plants. They said the situation was not safe up knowing Gogo Nkosi as they used to
thorough cleaning of her premises. for an elder person. “She could have been play with her own children. Gogo Nkosi was
Elders of the area attended the bitten by snakes or have criminals hiding at also surprised with a birthday cake, gifts
84th birthday celebration of Gogo her place at any time. Hence we decided to and songs sang for her by children of the
neighbourhood.
Gogo Nkosi said, “I am so glad for the
gesture showed to me by the foundation and
The overgrown yard at Gogo Nkosi’s.
the community. It means they still care for
elders of my age. They brought peace in
my life regardless of my living conditions,”
she said.
Nkosi told Lowvelder Express that the
Department of Human Settlements seemed
to have forgotten about her plight. Her house
is one of 2 130 that were damaged by the
heavy storm in May 2018. Although the
Department of Human Settlements managed
to fix many of the houses, Nkosi’s house
was left untouched after she had refused
to have a smaller-sized house built for her.
Last Friday she told this newspaper that
Thokozani Mathabela, Gogo Khethekile she needed the department to build her a
Nkosi, Zodwa Manzini and Lethukuthula house equal to her old and leaking RDP
Nkosi at Gogo Nkosi’s damaged house. house. “What would I do with all the house
content if they build me a smaller house?
They should rather fix my current house,”
she said.
Two years ago, the department said Gogo
Nkosi’s case was being attended to.
In a response to a previous media inquiry
of October 8, 2019 on Nkosi’s house, Freddy
Ngobe, the spokesperson for the department,
said, “The rehabilitation of the project
involved a lot of administrative processes,
community and stakeholder engagements.
It must be stated that Gogo Nkosi’s case
and others in similar condition are
Members of the foundation clearing at Gogo receiving priority and they will have their
Nkosi’s house. Locals at Gogo Khethekile Nkosi’s birthday. houses soon.”12 LOWVELDER EXPRESS - COMMUNITY Thursday April 29, 2021
Youth league member Ipid to investigate
alleged assault case
demands equal rights Thobile Mlangeni accused of rape.
The now 27-year-old
Thobile Mlangeni homosexual, he said, “I didn’t sail through MASOYI - The claimed he could not
life. I had to fight for acceptance, not for Independent Police have children of his
KABOKWENI - Eugene Bafana Manana myself but for everyone who had been seen Investigative Directorate own due to the alleged
is one person who never shies away from to be different because of their sexuality. To (Ipid) is investigating the injuries he had suffered
raising his voice against issues affecting the the LGBTQIA+ I say: Always know that local police in connection on that day. He alleged
country’s youth. they don’t hate us, but fear what we may with the assault case that he was assaulted with
He recently called on the police to play become.” allegedly occurred in the the butt of a gun and had
their part to protect young girls and women Manana is a gender activist at station’s holding cells 11 his genitals grabbed. He
in KaBokweni. This comes after the sad the forefront of supporting and years ago. alleged the police only
death and discovery of the lifeless body empowering young women, The spokesperson stopped assaulting him
of Michele Nomqhele Maseko of the especially in the political and for Ipid, Ndileka Cola, after seeing that he had
Mangozeni Trust. business spaces that are hostile confirmed the directorate soiled himself and was
Manana had recently been selected to be to women and queer people. had recently received unconscious. He said he
part of the ANC Youth League national task He holds very strong views the victim’s case. “I had begged to be taken
team. He has played leading roles in the of the development of young can confirm that Ipid is to hospital, but nobody
Embrace Diversity Movement since 2020 people and their inclusion in all investigating the assault listened to his cries.
and the Congress of South African Students spheres of government. He is allegations. The process On the following
(Cosas) since 2017, and was re-elected in a student pursuing his national is still in the beginning morning he was taken
2020. He had also been a district treasurer diploma in administrative stages,” she said. to the KaBokweni
for the Young Communist League management with the A community member Magistrate’s Court,
since 2017. University of South Africa. wanted the local SAPS where the he was
Manana fought tooth and nail for human He said he felt the desire to to be investigated and apparently told by the
rights and acceptance of homosexuality. fight for the rights and well- prosecuted for the investigating officer to
He is an advocate of the lesbian, gay, being of students in the country, injuries he had allegedly stay strong and to walk
bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual so he joined Cosas and had suffered in the holding properly so that the
(LGBTQIA+) community. been in its leading structures cells on January 30, magistrate would not
Reflecting on his own encounters as a for a couple of years. Eugene Manana after speaking at Nomqhele
Maseko’s memorial service. 2010, after he had been notice anything wrong.
Silulumanzi hereby invites the most Acceptable Bidders for the supply and delivery
of the following items on a period of 24 months:
WATER & SEWAGE PIPES, FITTINGS & RELATED ITEMS
Bid documents will be ready for collection from Silulumanzi’s cashiers during
working hours from Monday, 10 May 2021, at Silulumanzi Offices, 16 Nel Street,
Nelspruit. A non-refundable Bid deposit of R500-00 payable in cash, or debit, and
credit cards only, will be accepted.
A compulsory briefing session will be conducted at Silulumanzi Head Office,
Mbombela, 1200, on 28 May 2021 at 10h00 am.
Completed Bids sealed in an envelope marked: Bid No: STO/04/2021, and name of
the Bidder, shall be deposited in the Bid box provided at the Offices of Silulumanzi,
Ground Floor, Bateleur Building, 16 Nel Street, the closing date, Friday, 11 June
2021 @ 11h00 am.
Only Acceptable Bids who meet the following requirements will be
considered:
• Fast moving stock must be delivered within 3 working days from receipt of
authorized purchase order.
• Must be a BEE Level 2 or Level 1.
• Supplier will always keep stock to cater for emergencies and standby.
• Supplier must be able to provide afterhours service for emergencies and
standby 7 days a week including public holidays.
• Stock supplied to comply with required quality standards (SANS).
• Has the necessary financial capability to execute the project.
Bids must be submitted in whole on the bid documentation according to the
Bidder’s nature of business and each applicable schedule has to be completed in
full.
All Bids will be Evaluated according to the Preferential Procurement System:
The 80/20 preference point system shall be applicable.
Bidders will be required to obtain a minimum of 60 points out of 100 for
functionality to be evaluated further on Price and BEE.
No late Bids will be accepted. Silulumanzi is not obliged to accept the lowest or any Bid
and reserves the right to accept any Bid, part of any Bid, or more than one Bid.
Contact person: Samuel Thobela
Telephone No: 013-752-6839
Employer: Silulumanzi
447814R
P.O. Box 12753,
Mbombela,1200
447817RThursday April 29, 2021 COMMUNITY - LOWVELDER EXPRESS 13
Phola roads after the strike.
Phola residents are up in
arms, demand clean water
Thobile Mlangeni of four.
She said only those who could afford it,
PHOLA - Protests and pickets demanding bought clean water from a local delivery
clean water service delivery around Phola, truck for R250 per JoJo tank. “Some of us
Nsikazi, and surrounding areas have become depend on only the child grants and the
a norm. small businesses we run in our yards. When
The locals recently blockaded the entrance we have some money, we buy water from
to this village with debris and burning tyres those who own boreholes at R2 per 20-litre
to demand clean drinking water. container,” she said. Sambo added that
“The strike comes after almost four whenever she had water, she used it very
weeks of having no clean water from sparingly, in such a way that she forced her
the municipality’s water delivery trucks. children to use only two liters per child for
The situation was so dire that we had to bathing.
walk long distances to fetch water from Her sentiments were echoed by Marble
unprotected natural streams. We had no Maseko, who had said in previous years they
choice but to share the water with our usually gotten clean water from their taps
animals,” explained Tina Sambo, a mother each morning around 05:00. “What angers
the community more is that each time we
have community meetings, no one explains
what the real problem is. We just hope that
after this strike the councillor will engage
the municipality and deliver clean water
in time.”
Malenia Mokoena, a learner from a
local school, said being without water was
tremendously affecting the children's school
performance, as they would spend most of
their afternoons on their way to and from
streams to fetch water instead of doing
their homework. “Even on weekends when
we receive small amounts of water from
our stands' pipes, we would spend most of
our time doing laundry that had piled up
during the days of being without water.
Our plea is for government to prioritise
the education of learners from rural
schools by providing us with services
like water, so that we can have time to
study,” she said.
Locals told Lowvelder Express
that being without water was
also affecting their day-to-day
businesses, including car washes
and bricklayers. “Without
water, we cannot do much
to help our families. The
situation badly affects our
way of life, as most of
us are unemployed and
live by running our
small businesses," said
Enoch Shongwe, a local
bricklayer.
Tina Sambo has to ration a two-litre jug of water for each child’s bath.CORONA If you are mildly with mild symptoms. 0800-029-999
sick, keep Call the hotline on
0800-029-999
yourself hydrated If you display any signs of the Covid-19 virus, don’t
and stay at home go to the doctor/pharmacist or nurse and infect
LOWVELDER EXPRESS - COMMUNITY
14 and rest. If you everybody in the practice.Thursday
Call the hotline
April 29, 2021
are concerned
Poets word their way to higher education
about your
symptoms.
Covid-19 • Wash your
Hotline: hands often with CORONA
0800
soap and water
Mbekezeli Mbuli his siblings’ school fees, groceries for the stationery with myGet the facts,fees.
publication joinNine
the Corona whatsapp service
029999
his very own •your
Avoid touching
060 012 3456
family and buying cell phone
eyes, nose
of my poems were published in the Avbob
MBOMBELA - Two Mpumalanga teens with his winnings. This ambitious youthor mouth with poetry library, each one earning R300. Now
If youondisplay
are creating a unique identity for themselves has his sights set any signs of
studying science
unwashedin the
hands I have invested my prize, saving for my
as poets in their communities. USA one day. the Covid-19 tertiary education,” he said.
• Avoid close
Both were 16 when they made history virus, don’t
“I started writing poetry go before entering
contact with Simply add to whatsapp and type “Hi”.
as the youngest-ever winners of their my teens and ittoisthevery doctor/
helpful. I neededpeople You will be prompted from there
respective language categories in the third a way to express pharmacist
my emotions or andwho ideas
are sick
nurse and infect
Avbob Poetry Competition last year. safely,” said Sibahle.
everybody in the
When the exceptional news of this “Even today, Ipractice.
was working very hard in CORONA
accolade and the R10 000 prize money class, so I took a break to write a couple How it spreads:
arrived, Pristine Siyabonga Mtsweni’s father of poems. I’ve met a lot of other poets,
CORONA • Through the air by coughing and
thought they were being which helped me form sneezing.
• Close personal contact.
pranked. relationships ThetoDepartment
express
As a grade 10 learner at ‘I started writing poetry myself and to of Health
accepthas
• Touching an object or surface with the
virus on it,then touching your
launched a mouth, nose or eyes
Mabusabesala Secondary
School, Pristine won
and it is very helpful. I
Know themyself
facts as Iwhatsapp
am.” service
South AfricanPristine’swhere
father,
newsJuly
and
the isiNdebele prize and needed a way to express citizens returning
Innocent
from high-risk
info regarding the
Mtsweni,
Coronavirus is
Sibahle Thwala, then a
grade 11 learner, won the my emotions and said
countries will be his son was doing
subjected to testing
available.
well since winning the
and self-isolation
CORONA
siSwati category. ideas safely’ or quarantinecompetition,
return to South
on 060-012-3456
and he
Lowvelder Express still writes with
Africa. If you are
Simplyvigour.
add to
concerned “When
about whatsapp
he told me heand
followed their progress type “Hi”.
your symptoms, call
a year later, eager to hear how their poetry was entering thethecompetition
hotline on with a poem
was progressing. Both are writing about 0800-029-999.
about his late mother, I said, 'Good luck'.
the society they live in, taking time out Then came the announcement and I thought Prevention:
from busy soccer schedules to reflect on a joker was calling. Soon I saw it was Public gatherings of more than
their world. something very big.” 100 people are prohibited. If
you are concerned about your
Sibahle is the fifth of six children born to Like his fellow teen poet, Pristine symptoms, call the hotline on
his single mother, Thembayena Sibonisiwe. CORONA
invested his winnings in education. “I 0800-029-999.
He took great pride in helping to pay for bought study guides, dictionaries and Pristine Siyabonga Mtsweni. Sibahle Thwala.
KNOW THE FACTS:
Coronavirus has “high infectivity but low
mortality”. Mortality rate ranges between
Covid-19 Hotline: 0800-029-999
CORONA
2-3%. Risk of death is only higher in older
people (above an age of 60 years) and
CORONA
people with pre-existing health conditions.
0800-029-999
If you display any signs of the Covid-19 virus, don’t go to the
doctor/pharmacist or nurse and infect everybody in the practice.
Call the hotline.
Covid-19 Hotline: 0800-029-999
CORONA
CORONA
If you display any signs of the Covid-19 virus, don’t go to the doctor/pharmacist or nurse and infect
everybody in the practice, call the hotline. Call the hotline.
2021 REGISTRATION STILL OPEN
,Thursday April 29, 2021 COMMUNITY - LOWVELDER EXPRESS 15
Nkululeko Circuit selects schools sport committee
Thobile Mlangeni
MATSULU - Schools in the
Nkululeko Circuit look forward to
starting tournaments after a long time
without any sporting activities due to the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Last week, 10 educators from various
schools in the circuit were elected to be
members of the 2021 Nkululeko Sport
Committee. School sport veteran and
deputy chairperson of South African
Schools Football Association in the
region, Nkosana Mhlongo of Tikhontele
Secondary, returned to his position as
chairperson of the circuit.
Mhlongo invites learners to participate
in all sporting codes at their schools, as
some may make a living from sport.
“As educators we are there to help
identify and nurture their talent with
the hope that they will be identified by
upper structures and their dreams made
true,” he said.
On May 22, teachers of the Nkululeko
Circuit, the KaNyamazane Circuit and
the Malelane Circuit, and traffic officers
of the Nkomazi Local Municipality are
set to compete in a friendly game at
Schoemansdal sports ground.
The circuit’s secretary, SD Mamba,
said sponsorships was still needed
to support school tournaments in
the circuit.
Other members of the committee
included the deputy chairperson,
Siphiwe Maseko of Funindlela
Secondary, and teachers of Tsandzanani
Primary, Louisville Combined,
Takheleni Primary, Lethakuthula
Primary, Sehlulile Primary and Nomthandazo Sambo, Nkosana Mhlongo, Majaha Khumalo, Lindiwe Mjoli, Siboniso Mamba, Thulie Ndazamo, Siphiwe Maseko, Letta
Masitakhe Secondary. Mvuleni and Nkosinathi Mamba.Download the PixzAR APP
AVAILABLE on
ANDROID and APPLE
Thursday April 29, 2021
express
Matsulu tennis clinics bring this
sport’s A game to local children Mbekezeli Mbuli
The game of tennis is rapidly growing and
taking centre stage in Mpumalanga.
Previously regarded as a “white” sport,
tennis is gaining popularity in townships
with young people showing great interest.
At the forefront is the Mpumalanga
Tennis Association, which has been holding
coaching clinics throughout the province,
targeting mostly townships and rural areas.
Just this past weekend, this association
hosted clinics at Matsulu in which over
60 children participated.
The association’s PRO, Sabelo Mathebula,
said the clinics were a big hit, which proved
that young people are keen on taking on
this particular sport. “There was a void,
but things are changing now and we want
Children partake in tennis exercises during to make sure that we close that gap and
the coaching clinics in Matsulu. make tennis popular; not just for the black
communities, but everyone across all racial
lines,” said Mathebula.
“Last week we had a national coach,
Patrick Tsunke, the head coach at the Arthur
Ashe Tennis Centre in Soweto, deployed by
Tennis South Africa (TSA). He came with
his team of coaches. The programme in
Matsulu gave us an opportunity to promote
the national schools tournament, called the
BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis, which Coach Patrick Tsunke give attendees a few pointers.
is a great initiative by TSA to get schools
involved in tennis,” he continued. programme, we are discovering great talent government to support our programme, and
He said because of the current Covid-19 that requires all stakeholders to cooperate they can start by engaging us whenever they
situation, only a few kids will be part of the and provide meaningful support. It is have programmes or ideas, so that we can
tournament this year. about time we change the status quo,” said make input that will contribute to the growth
“It is really embarrassing that in national Mathebula. of tennis.
schools tournaments our kids in township He said they will create school “We really need the support of circuit
schools are just there to add numbers and tournaments and leagues this year as a managers and school principals as we want
are not competitive. We are slowly changing platform to give the kids more match time, to give school kids an opportunity to learn
this. Other provinces will now have to because it is only as they play that their tennis. Using schools provides a good and
respect Mpumalanga and expect great standard will improve. more organised platform to run a programme
competition. Through our development “We want to urge our provincial successfully,” he concluded.
Taekwando is not just a job, but a lifetime passion
Joseph Ntimba ka Masiah International in Africa. I have
‘Martial arts is more than instructors who work with me in
Job Magagula, a local martial artist, Bushbuckridge, Nkomazi, Gauteng and
said he started to learn about this sport the art of self-defence the Free State. I also have instructors
in 1984 when his late brother, Sandile and physical fitness, it is who I assist in Mozambique, Botswana,
Magagula, had introduced him to Lesotho and Zambia.”
Elmon Khoza who facilitated training a way of life’ He urged the public and private
in Zwelisha. sectors to invest in martial arts as it
Originally from Mashishing and keeps young people from committing
now stationed at Msogwaba in Pienaar crime and abusing alcohol and drugs.
Trust, the taekwondo black belt holder who was a fourth-degree black belt of “When we remove children from
grew up being bullied both at home Jodokwan taekwondo. the street we cut the budget of the
and at school, so he had to acquire a “In 2013 I became part of the Department of Correctional Services
way to defend himself. Taekwondo International South and lessen the job of the SAPS. Those
“Martial arts is more than the art of African team that went to kids are not likely to commit a crime
self-defence and physical fitness. It’s a represent our country at the World and there will be no gender-based
way of life. Its philosophy has made me Championship in England,” violence as this sport’s philosophy
a better person,” he said. Magagula said. teaches respect.
Magagula qualified to be a first In 2020 Magagula was inducted “We also promote a healthy living
black belt holder of Wado-ryu in the Hall of Fame as the Esteemed lifestyle and by doing that we cut the
karate in Msogwaba under Sensei Modern Warrior by Action Martial budget of the Department of Health,”
Simon Shabalala in 1992. In 1999 he Arts magazine in New Jersey, USA. he said.
became the first black chairperson “In 2020 I was also the first guest Magagula said they are planning
of the Lowveld Karate Association from Africa to be interviewed for The to take competitors to the Arnold
in Nelspruit and was elected as Motivated Martial Artist podcast in Classic Africa competition in Gauteng
an additional member of the London. They nicknamed me ‘The in October as they are members of
Karate Association of South Africa Lion of Africa’.” Martial Arts South Africa. “However,
Transformation Commission. In Magagula currently teaches we need sponsorship for transport and
2000 he took taekwondo lessons in taekwondo in Mbombela and White accommodation to take our children to
Mbombela under Master Peter Botha River. “I am head of Taekwondo that event.” Job Magagula.You can also read
