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R113 million grant on condition that of thisamount ECDC and ECRDA would providematch funding of R30 million split equally be-tween the two.

“The two partners have subsequently im-plemented five of the projects with the sixthbeing established in April 2016. The grantfunding can currently cater for the establish-ment of 5 966ha. Some R225 million would berequired to implement the envisaged15 800ha.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for privateand public sector investors to take advantageof the massive economic potential inherent inthe sector,” said ECRDA chief executive Tho-zi Gwanya.

Gwanya says some of the projects were landresettlement projects which made it easy towork with because they had legitimate own-ers. Strategic partners such as SAPPI and PGBison were already assisting these communi-ties. They were the market for the timber pro-duced through these projects.

“The end goal is the commercialisation ofcommunal forestry plantations. When theyharvest they already have a market in part-ners such as SAPPI and PG Bison. In theseprojects, the potential exists to establish apole treating plant where they will get feed-

stock from these community projects.Eastern Cape Development Cooperation

chief executive Buhle Dlulane expressed hisexcitement over the initiative.

“At ECDC we are excited to form part of yetanother exciting catalytic initiative with astrong agro-processing element which seeksto propel the Eastern Cape’s manufacturingvalue proposition and ECDC has deliberatelypositioned itself as a driver of such beneficia-tion efforts in the province,” said Dlulane.

He said that ECDC is delighted that its part-nership with the Eastern Cape Rural Develop-ment Agency is bearing the requisite fruits.

“This forestry development partnershiphas a strong beneficiation and processing ele-ment which complements ECRDAs primaryproduction activities. ECDC is equallypleased that this partnership is in a sectorthat holds significant economic potential andjob creation prospects,” Dlulane explained.

In Sinawo in Mbizana and in Mkambati, thecommunity-owned forestry projects have al-ready generated millions of rands in revenueout of the old trees that are being clear felled.

The five projects have already created 819jobs.

In this regard, SAPPI Forests stakeholderrelations manager Dr Blessing Karumbidza

said the projects sell their timber to SAPPIMills through SAPPI Forests.

“Part of the agreements we have with thecommunities is that they only commit 70%of their timber to SAPPI and the remaining30% provides flexibility for the communityforestry projects to establish a mill in the Pon-doland area such as a pole treating plantwhich they can supply which belongs to thecommunity, said Karumbidza.

He said that this is the right step towardbeneficiation activities in communal ownedforestry enterprises.

“This model encourages the growth of smallbusinesses such as those that can trade in thetransport of timber to the mill, establishmentof contractors trading in silviculture opera-tions such as transporting seedlings andplanting of trees. These will be businessesowned by people from these communities,”Kurumbidza explained.

He said that SAPPI has already identified30 000ha for new afforestation and is alreadyin talks with communities.

“There are already areas which are li-censed where we are busy planting in Mbi-zana, Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Nyandeni. Wealso have areas in the pipeline that are in theapplication process for forestry licenses andalready we are sitting at 16 000ha of licensedareas and those currently engaged in the li-cense application process,” he said.

A total of 3 000 have already been plantedin areas in the Eastern Cape which have cre-ated more than 600 jobs.

From left: Eastern Cape Development Corporation chief executive Buhle Dlulane, Pat Mdingi(Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Mayor), Nothobile Cwecwe (Mkambati plantation worker) andEastern Cape Rural Development Agency chief executive Thozi Gwanya. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Majorboost for forestryR113MILLIONCOMMERCIALISATIONDRIVE LAUNCHED INMKAMBATI

REPORTER

THE Eastern Cape DevelopmentCorporation (ECDC) and EasternCape Rural Development Agency(ECRDA) have unveiled a majorR113 million forestry commercial-

isation drive in Mkambati location in Flag-staff last Friday.

Backed by a R83 million grant from the De-velopment Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)Jobs Fund, the community-based forestrycommercialisation drive has already resultedin 2 700 hectares of new afforestation acrossfive projects. The projects are Sinawo and Iz-inini in Mbizana, Mkambati in Flagstaff, Gqu-kunqa in Qumbu and Sixhotyeni in Maclear.

By the end of March 2016, R56 million hadalready been spent on the five projects. By theend of the 2016/2017 financial, an additional1 000ha will be planted.

The forestry commercialisation drive hasidentified some 15 800ha for new afforestationwhich will require an additional R225 millionto establish. This drive has already attractedthe attention and active support of forestrygiants such as KwaZulu-Natal-based SAPPIForests who have identified some 30 000ha fornew afforestation in the Eastern Cape by 2033.

“This milestone is a result of many yearsof hard work which began with an applicationto the Jobs Fund for the implementation ofeight community-based forestry projects.

In 2013 the DBSA Jobs Fund approved a

2 NewsMay 12, 2016Uvolwethu Express

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BUNTU GOTYWA

WHEN robbers stormed through the Thuso fu-neral parlour, area manager Sizeka Thinga tookit as a joke and had no idea that she was staringdeath in the face.

She said a man with a gun in his possessionhad come into the office pretending to be a pro-spective client, but had soon demanded money.

Two more robbers entered the office andlocked everyone inside.

She had been busy counting the money at thetime and she told them they were not going toget it and tried to hide it.

Thinga said the robbers had threatened to killher as she seemed to be stubborn and not takingthem seriously.

“I was not shaken at all and that was why theythreatened to shoot me.

“They demanded money and I tried to slowly

hide it underneath the table, but they saw meand took it.

“As he demanded the money the man was hit-ting the table with the gun to show me he wasserious.

“They then tied up me and my colleague andthe clients who were inside the store at thetime.”

She said it was the first time they had beenrobbed, but she had not been worried about therobbers threatening her life.

No one was hurt in the incident.A couple of minutes after the robbers had es-

caped with an unknown sum of money, it wasbusiness asusualat theparlouruntil thenormalclosing time.

Butterworth police spokesperson CaptainJackson Manatha confirmed that a case of rob-bery had been opened at the Dutywa police sta-tion. He appealed to members of the communityto assist in tracking down the perpetrators.

Funeralparlourhit by robbers

BUNTU GOTYWA

Kulindeleke ukuba avele kwinkundla ka-mantyi eGcuwa amadoda amathathu abe-kwa izityholo zokufunyanwa nemipu enge-nancwadi, iimbumbulu kunye neyelenqelokuxhomisa.

Esi sithathu nesiphakathi kweminyakaengama 32 ukuya kuma 37 abanjwe licandelolamapolisa elaziwa ngeMthatha National In-tervention Unit (NIU) ngoLwesine wevekiephelileyo .

Lamadodaabanjweemvakokubaama-pol-isa efumene iinkcukacha ezibalulekileyo

ngeyelenqe lamadoda okuxhomisa kwidolo-phu yaseGcuwa.

Aba barhanelwa babanjwe eZitulele nemi-pu emibini enembumbulu ezisi-xhenxe.

Othethela amapolisa eGcuwa uCaptainJackson Manatha uthi le mipu izakuthunyel-wa kwingcaphephe eziza kwenza uvavanyoolumandla, iBallistic testing ukubona ukubaayizange yasentyenziswa ku-lwaphulo-mthethokuledolophuyaseGcuwaneziphalu-ka kusini na.

Umphathi wamapolisa kwisikhululo sa-seGcuwa uBrigadier Stanley Sibhidlauqhwabele izandla icandelo leNIU ngomse-benzi oncomekayo eliwenzileyo.

Babanjiwe ebebeceba ukuxhomisa eGcuwa

REPORTER

THE police are offering a reward of up toR30 000 for information which leads to therearrest, prosecution and successful con-viction of two suspects who were allegedlyinvolved in a fatal attack on tourists in El-liotdale in 2014.

The two suspects, Sicelo Sigagayi andMkanyise Qalingoma, escaped on theirway back from court last month.

The police said the men were believed tobe in or around Mthatha and appealed tothe community to assist them with any in-formation that could lead to the rearrestand conviction of the men.

Anyone with information can contactBrigadier McLaren at 082 779 7228 or inves-tigating officer Detective Constable Kwen-ene at 079 408 9104 or Crime Stop at08600 10111 or Crime Line 32211. Informa-tion ca0n also be reported to any police sta-tion, and will be treated as confidential.

Reward offered after prisoners escape

Sicelo Sigagayi. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Mkhanyiseli Qalingoma. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BUNTU GOTYWA

FIVE ATM bombing suspects will formallyapply for bail in the Butterworth Magis-trate’s Court this week.

The five accused appeared briefly lastweek and their case was postponed for for-mal bail proceedings.

Abel Sabelo Taole (57), Phillip Nkosi (32),Zilindile Tabata (34), Moshe Maniki (30) and

Vusumzi Moses Kraai (48) all face charges ofpossession of explosives and ATM bombing.

The police said the men had allegedly usedexplosives last month to blast open an ATMmachine in Ngqamakhwe and escaped withan undisclosed amount of cash.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant AnelisaFeni said they believed the suspects werepossibly part of a syndicate and could belinked to similar crimes in the Eastern Capeand other parts of the country.

A tipoff led to the arrest of the five accusedin East London.

A Toyota Fortuner and VW Polo foundwith the suspects were confiscated by theHawks.

The police said cash, a cord used to deto-nate explosives and one round of ammuni-tion had been found in the possession of thesuspects.

Feni said the Hawks were further investi-gating the matter.

ATMbombingsuspectsarrestedSend your newsSend your newsto express@to express@

media24.com or contactmedia24.com or contact039 251 0834039 251 0834

POLICE detectives from Mount Ayliff arrest-ed five men, aged between 25 and 32, on char-ges of murder.

According to the Police, it is alleged thatan unknown man was beaten to death afterhe was found walking around in the ac-cused’s yard at about 11pm last Monday at Si-

gidini location in Mt Ayliff.Police Spokesperson, Captain Mlungisi

Matidane, said that a man was seen trespass-ing through the homestead by a child whoscreamed out of shock and the family cameout to question the man on how he got insideas the gates were locked.

The man was then assaulted and he suc-cumbed to his injuries.

All the accused appeared in the Mt Ayliffmagistrate court last Friday on charges ofmurder. The case was postponed and the sus-pects remain in custody. – AYANDA MILLISAMADIKIZELA

Fivemen arrested for beating alleged intruder to death

In accordance with the editorial policy of the Uvo Lwethu Express, we invite readers to comment on mistakes in thenewspaper and shall correct significant errors as soon as possible. Send info to the Ombudsman of Media24’s Local

Press, George Claassen, at george.claassen@media24.com or call him at 0 021 851 3232.Readers can also contact the SA Press Ombudsman at 0 011 484 3612/8 or e-mail ombudsman@presscouncil.org.za.

3NewsMay 12, 2016

Uvolwethu Express

Mandy Grobler (left) receives heraward for Outstanding performanceROP Advertising from Rushda Scott,Media 24 Human Resources Practi-tioner.

Jeanette Kleyngeld (left) received heraward for Outstanding Performance:Classifieds from Rene Olivier, Head ofClassifieds: EP Media and Die BurgerOos.

Tanya van Zyl (left), received theEditorial Award from Bettie Giliomee,EP Media regional editor. PHOTOS:WERNER HILLS AND THEO JEPTHA

PE Express Advertising Representativeof the Year, Adri van Der Walt (left)received her award from TasmiaIsmail, General Manager of EP Mediaand Die Burger Oos.

Andries Thiersen (right) was awardedby his fellow staff members as Starof the Year. He received the awardfrom Rene Olivier, Head of Classi-fieds: EP Media and Die Burger Oos.

The Mthatha Express was named EP Media’s Publication of the Year on Friday night at EP Media’s annual awardsfunction. With the trophy are, from left, Ayanda Millisa Madikizela (Reporter), Nelisa Nonjovu (Advertising), SimbongileMdledle (Reporter), Kennedy Mwange (Advertising) and Buntu Gotywa (Reporter).

From left are Nelisa Nonjovu(UvoLwethu Express Rep of the Year),Simbongile Mdledle (Mthatha ExpressReporter with the Publication of theYear trophy) and Kennedy Mwange(Mthatha Express Rep of the Year).

Express staff awardedat EPMediaAwardsEP MEDIA, which publishes UvoLwethu Express, honoured staff whohave excelled in the past financialyear at a glittering function at theSummerstrand Hotel in Port Eliza-beth last Friday, May 6.

EP Media publishes 8 free weeklylocal newspapers across the EasternCape. The Publication of the YearAward went to Mthatha Express.“We are exceptionally proud to

handover thePublicationof theYearAward 2015/16 to Mthatha Express.The team has been outstanding andtheir results are evidence of disci-pline, hardwork and commitment toMedia24.“They have been a valuable con-

tributor to EP Media’s year-end re-sults and we value their efforts. Welldone Team Mthatha Express,” said

Tasmia Ismail, General Manager:Die Burger and EP Media.The Mthatha Express Advertising

Representative of the Year Awardwent to Kennedy Mwange.The UvoLwethu Express Advertis-

ing Representative of the YearAward went to Nelisa Nonjovu.

Other awards:

Outstanding performance ROP advertis-ing: Mandy GroblerOutstanding performance Classifieds:Jeanette KleyngeldNewcomer of the Year: Terri AnnKingDTP department: Elton BaartmanThe Admin Award: Gertjie BouwerEditorial Award: Tanya van Zyl,formerly social media and onlineeditor for EP Media and currently

regional assistant editor: EP Media.ADS24 Award: Kathy CummingsService Excellence Award: BraamKeyser of Paarl ColdsetStar of the Year (nominated and votedfor by staff): Andries ThiersenDie Burger Oos-Kaap AdvertisingRepresentative of the Year: MaroSwanepoelPE Express Runner-up AdvertisingRepresentative of the Year:Anna-Marie KleinhansPE Express Advertising Representative ofthe Year: Adri Van Der WaltKouga Express Advertising Representativeof the Year: Estoretha StrydomMthatha Express Advertising Representa-tive of the Year: Kennedy MwangeUvo Lwethu Express Advertising Repre-sentative of the Year: Nelly NonjovuEP Media Publication ofthe Year award: Mthatha Express

BUNTU GOTYWA

THEdesire to speedupsportdevelopmentin rural areas has influenced the Depart-ment of Sports, Arts and Recreation tolaunch a rural sports development pro-gramme.

MinisterFikileMbalulawasinMthatharecently for the official launch of the pro-gramme, which aims to revive sport andunearth talent in rural areas.Mbalula said the government had long

been talking about developing rural areasand now the time had come to walk thetalk.He said the programmewould intensify

thealreadyexisting initiative in rural are-as of playing for prizes such as sheep, butnow it would have the department’s back-ing.“No Port Elizabeth, East London or Jo-

hannesburg will benefit from the pro-gramme. We are talking strictly rural,”Mbalula said.The 10month programmewill be rolled

out nationally, with the focus solely on ru-ral towns, townships and villages.THE programme’s national champion-

ships will be back in Mthatha in Marchnext year, and prizes such as equipment

for villages will be won by the participat-ing teams.The programme will focus on football,

rugby, netball, cricket and athletics.Mbalula said winners in any of these

sporting codes would walk away with aR1.2-million multi-sport facility for theirvillage.“We must invest in the development of

talent in rural communities and equip theyoungsters with sport facilities,” Mbalulasaid.The minister said the programme

wouldwork closelywith theHouse of Tra-ditional Leaders who happened to havethis kind of programme in different partsof the rural areasbutwithnotmany facili-ties or prizes.Children from the age of 13 will be part

of the programme, he said.Mbalula addedthat thisdevelopmentwasgivingmeaningto rural communities andnoonewouldbeleft out, as young people from rural partsalso deserved to play.Traditional leaderswhowerepartof the

launch, welcomed the minister’s strategyof evolving sport in rural areas and prom-ised to be fully part of the programme.Sportstarswerealsoonhandduringthe

launch to give talks and inspiration to up-and-coming sports stars.

Sports ministry developing rural sports

Minister Fikile Mbalula (left) and his deputy Gert Oosthuizen at the launch of the rural sport developmentinitiative. PHOTO: BUNTU GOTYWA

4 NewsMay 12, 2016Uvolwethu Express

Kenny MwangeSALES EXECUTIVE

82 Blakeway Street, Mthatha

Office: (047) 050 4430

Fax: (041) 503 6256

E-mail:

kennedy.mwange@media24.com

X1RBMF9N-120516-UE-tvkmwa-ken

REPORTER

SOUTH Africa’s National DevelopmentPlan (NDP) has indicated that around 90%of employment opportunities in the coun-try will be created by SMMEs by the year2030.

While the public and private sector havenumerous programmes and incentiveschemes in place to assist and mentor en-trepreneurs and SMMEs, there remains along road to travel for each SMME beforeit is able to become a sustainable entity.“In South Africa, SMMEs currently

comprise 91% of formal business entitiesand, according to StatsSA, they contributebetween 52% and 57% of the country’sGDP,” said Puseletso Nkopane, eventsmanager of the SMME Opportunity Road-show.

The roadshow is supported by the De-partment of Small Business Development,

which was created by President Jacob Zu-ma to offer support to small businesses.Events such as the SMME Opportunity

Roadshow offer smaller businesses inval-uable networking opportunities and thechance to learn from experiencedmentorsand speakers.

“The current opportunities that areavailable for SMMEs inAfrica are in areassuch as the digital economy, where busi-nesses are offering products and servicesusing technology and ICT,” AlesimoMwanga of SEA Africa said.“If I was an SMME now I would look into

starting a business online as it’s easier toexpand your market access, while operat-ing costs are reduced drastically,” Mwan-ga said.

Writer and businesswoman Zipho Si-khakhane said: “SMMEs should focus onindustries that will drive growth and em-ployment in the country – there is no valuein starting a business in a sector with low

growth prospects.“Technologies designed especially for

developing markets also present an excit-ing opportunity to eradicate poverty at alow cost.”

Despite the potential that exists for digi-tal startups, traditional opportunities willalways offer small businesses the opportu-nity to build a sustainable business.

“People will always need to have theirbasic needs met, regardless of the econom-ic conditions, so any venture that focuseson supplying water and food could provesustainable,” Sikhakhane said.

Ndzavi Derrick, an entrepreneurologistand social media strategist, agreed thatthe food industry was the way to go.“People eat, even during a recession. I

also strongly believe that the retail sectorstill has a gap for entrepreneurs to fill bydeveloping products that can be soldthrough retail chains.

“Recently I met a ladywho used a simple

formula to develop a product to solve askin condition that will take the industryby storm. The world is full of possibilitiesnowadays,” said Derrick.The state of the economy has certainly

created an environment that is increas-ingly challenging for SMMEs, but thereremains plenty of support through work-shops, roadshows and more formalisedstructures.“The benefit of the current economic en-

vironment is that there are even morepublic and private sector programmes andincentives being introduced to supportSMMEs, because SMMEs have an increas-ingly important role to play in reignitinggrowth and employment in South Africa,”Sikhakhane said.Nkopane added: “SMMEs currently pro-

vide 61% of employment opportunities inSouth Africa and, as big companies shedjobs, it is up to SMMEs to safeguard theeco-nomy.”

Valuable advice for SMMEs

THE DR Mafuya Great Fast 5km race is backwith a bang this weekend and several athletesfromMnquma,Mbhashe and surrounds are ex-pected to take part in the event.

Dutywa runner Yanga Malusi (18) won theevent last year.

Theeventwill takeplace inButterworthnearthe DR Mafuya Surgery, and the 5km fun runwill start at 8am on Saturday.

FunrunorganiserLulamaTaseurgedallath-letes who were interested in taking part in therace to come and register until Saturdaymorn-

ing.He also emphasised that they have even bet-

terprizesthanlastyearandtheracewillbecele-brating its 15th anniversary in Butterworth.The event caters for all age groups and in-

cludes a fun walk. – ANELE RAZIYA

DRMafuyaGreat Fast race isback thisweekend

THE love of words and education is theone gift that South Africa can offer herchildren in a fast-changing world.

Through words we can raise confidentchildren with the power to dream, create,break boundaries and explore the world.The idea that we can turn the tide on

the educational crisis is not a mere pipedream but a reality as thousands of chil-dren around Africa take on the challengeto improve their ability and talent to spell.Thousands of pupils aged nine to 14 are

taking part in theMzansi SpellingBee andproving that all is not lost with educationin South Africa.

Eight-year-old 2015Mzansi Spelling Bee

Junior Champ Mayuri Govender provedthat if you are determined enough you canbreak boundaries and do whatever youset your mind to, no matter how old youare.

The Kimberley native is home-schooledby her mother and is the youngest spellerand winner of the national spelling bee.

This month she will meet Queen Eliza-beth II of England, and publish her firstbook.

Slight and unassuming Kate Jones (14)won the 2012 and 2013Mzansi Spelling Beefinals.

Mzansi Spelling Bee spellers demon-strate that your history and background

do not have to define you.Mxolisi Magwaza calls the crowded Jo-

hannesburg inner city home, but his faithand the support of his grandmother gavehim the courage to challenge himself.

Hiswinning theMzansi Spelling Bee fortwo consecutive years shows that whereyou come from does not determine whereyou will end up.

Applications for the 2016 Mzansi Spell-ing Bee are open to all pupils in gradesfour to 11 in private and public schools inall nine provinces.Applications forms are available at

www.mzansispellingbee.org or send an e-mail toinfo@mzansispellingbee.org. – REPORTER

Learners can now enterMzansi Spelling Bee

REPORTER

WALTER Sisulu University’s education fac-ulty will celebrate the conferring of fivePhD’s upon its students during the Mthathaleg of proceedings on Friday, May 13.

The faculty will be the only one conferringPhD’s during the upcoming May graduationceremony set to take place across the Univer-sity’s campuses inButterworth, Buffalo City,Queenstown and Mthatha from May 5 to 13.Another 23 Masters graduands in WSU’s

faculties of natural sciences, health sciencesand education will exemplify with great gus-to the University’s tireless efforts to confrontthe multitude of problems facing the EasternCape using scientific-based solutions whenthey receive their qualifications.The theses and dissertations of the five

PhDs and 23 Masters graduands are prem-ised largely on Eastern Cape-based issuesand cover varied disciplines such as psychol-ogy, physiology, pathology, microbiology,education, chemistry, social work and geog-raphy.

Some of the research looked at pertinentissues such as: challenges faced by teachers

in applying reading strategies when teach-ing English reading in the foundation phasein Mthatha; an investigation whether sec-tion 21 school funds are directed towardsachieving their intended purpose in selectedschools – Libode Mega District; Social fac-tors influencing adolescent drug abuse: Acase study of selected junior secondaryschools in Butterworth District of EC; termi-nation of pregnancy: The Cecelia MakiwaneHospital experience and understandingpregnant women’s perspective of late book-ing for antenatal care services in Mthatha.WSU Spokesperson, Yonela Tukwayo, was

quick to highlight the pertinence of the re-search being conducted by the graduands.“As a largely rural-based institutionwork-

ing within this context, it’s absolutely criti-cal that WSU, through its teaching, learningand research, produces graduates that pos-sess the necessary skills and expertise to cre-ate workable solutions in varied arenas,”said Tukwayo.A total of 4 787 students will be capped,

with amajority of these being females (2 824).Over 100 postgraduate degrees are set to

be awarded; 74 Honours, 23 Masters, and 5PhD’s.

FivePhD’s for education facultyofWSU

Walter Sisulu University will confer five Phd's for the Faculty of Education this coming FridayPHOTO:SUPPLIED

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5NewsMay 12, 2016

Uvolwethu Express

REPORTER

NELSONMandela Metropolitan Uni-versity’s first completely blind gradu-ate, Xolisa Yekani (37) is hoping otherblind students will be inspired to fol-low his example.

“I am proud to be NMMU’s firstblind graduate. I advocate for otherblind people because I want to bringaboutchange,”saidYekani,whograd-uatedwithhisBAhonours in journal-ism.“Thank you, NMMU, for opening

your doors to us and catering for ustotally blind students.”Sadly, Yekaniwas not always blind

but lost his sight at the age of eight.“I was a normal boy playing by the

river with my friends, then suddenlyI couldn’t see.”It was later revealed that Yekani

had lost his sight due to cataracts and,because they had been left untreated,his corneas were permanently dam-aged.“I come fromadisadvantaged fami-

ly and my parents could not afford to

getpropermedical care,” saidYekani,who is from the village of Dutywa inthe Eastern Cape.From 2011 to last year, Yekani was

the provincial chairperson of theSouth African National Council forthe Blind and led a team that encour-

agedmoreuniversities to accept total-ly blind students to study at their in-stitutions.In 2014, he started studying at

NMMU and decided that he would bea “living example” to help the blindstudents who would follow after him.Yekani required all his readingma-

terial tobe inelectronic format.Heus-es a laptopcalledBookSenseandade-

First blindgraduatehopesotherswill followsuit

INSPIRING OTHERS: Xolisa Yekani is the first completely blind student tograduate from NMMU. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

‘I come from adisadvantagedfamily andmyparents could notafford to getpropermedicalcare.’ – XOLISA YEKANI

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

THE Portfolio Committee on HigherEducation and Training has calledon South Africans to make writtensubmissions to the Commission ofInquiry into Higher Education andTraining, otherwise referred to asthe Fees Commission.The commission was established

by President Jacob Zuma followingthe Fees Must Fall protests through-out the country last year and ischarged with determining the feasi-bility of free education in institu-tions of higher learning.Committee chairperson Yvonne

Phosasaid itwascrucial forall stake-holders to make an input to the com-missionas thiswasanationalmatter

that had the potential for a long-termimpact on higher education and thefiscus.“This is a legislated process where

the voices of people should be heardon what kind of higher educationthey want and what funding methodis feasible,” she said.“This is really about expanding

andmaking higher education afford-

able to benefit all South Africans.”She said the committee believed

this process would allow differentvoices to raise issues on free higher-quality education in a coordinated,structured and reasonable manner.Members of the commission in-

cluderetiredJudgeJonathanArthurHeher (chairperson), GregoryAlly, apractising advocate, and Leah Thab-

isile Khumalo, a practising attorney.Submissions can be sent to magis-

trates’ offices countrywide. Thedeadline for submissions is May 31.The commission is expected to fi-

nalise its work in September, afterwhich a report will be submitted toZuma within three months.Phosa called on all stakeholders to

make use of this opportunity.

Call for submissions on free education

vice called Job Access With Speech(Jaws), a pocket-sized device convert-ing all the letters to speech.He applauded all his lecturers for

being accommodating to his needs.“Fortunately I am very social, so I

spoke to all my fellow students andthey assisted me to get around – myclassmates understood me well andhelped me.“Peoplewill try to lookdownonyou

for being disabled, but you must beconfident, work hard and be deter-mined to prove them wrong, showthem you can do it. Education is keyespecially when you are disabled.”As theeldest of five siblings,Yekani

isalso the first tograduate inhis fami-ly.“I brought my sister and my wife

Bongiwetomygraduationsotheycanbe encouraged and motivated to gettheir education too.”He works as a current affairs pro-

ducer for the SABC’s isiXhosa radiostationUmhloboWenene, inPortEliz-abeth.HeisalsothechairpersonoftheNkosinathi Foundation of and forBlind and Partially-Sighted People.

6 NewsMay 12, 2016Uvolwethu Express

Mahlubi MafongosiSALES EXECUTIVE

82 Blakeway Street, Mthatha

Office: (047) 050 4430

Fax: 086 298 3443

Cell: 079 744 8099

E-mail:

mahlubi.mafongosi@media24.com

X1RBLG7J-120516-UE-tvaunc-mahlubi

REPORTER

IN a bid to curb water pollution,Walter Sisulu University, in part-nership with the Department of En-vironmental Affairs (DEA), willchampion water pollution researchthrough a partnership aimed at col-lecting and analysing water qualityand sediment and biota samplesalong the country’s coastline.

Delegates from both the DEA andWSU were on hand to pen a three-year R40 million agreement thatwill see the DEA establish a labora-tory within the institution aimed atcollectingandanalysingwaterqual-

ity samples.The lab will be charged with pro-

viding baseline water quality infor-mation that will support long-termassessment of accumulative im-pacts associated with ocean econo-my; providing baseline data on wa-ter quality of the natural receivingenvironment (ecosystem function-ing) near land-based sources of pol-lution; supporting recreationalcoastal water quality monitoring atmunicipalities and to also build ca-pacity in the field of marine waterquality, sediment and mussel sam-ples analysis.

DEA deputy director-general, DrMonde Mayekiso said the National

Coastal Management Programmedeveloped under the IntegratedCoastal Management Act called forthe development of dedicated, co-or-dinated and integrated coastal mon-itoring and reporting systems tomeasure progress in coastal man-agement and reporting on variabili-ty and trends in biophysical, socialand economic characteristics andprocesses in the coastal zone.

“Monitoring and reporting is oneof the measures that can be used inthe realisationof the environmentalright as enshrined in the constitu-tion,” Mayekiso said.

He said the monitoring of waterquality in marine and coastal water

on South African coastlines wascurrently fragmented, uncoordinat-ed and non-uniform, while contem-porary monitoring initiatives didnot use standardised analyticalmethodologies and protocols, lead-ing to a number of challenges.

“Inaddition, details of theanalyti-cal methods used in many pro-grammes aren’t readily made avail-able.

“It is thus impossible to get a clearpicture of the water quality statusof South African coastal and marineenvironments at any given time, ordiscern any possible trends,” addedMayekiso.

In response, the lab would pro-

duce reliable data and informationon the quality of the receiving coast-al waters to support environmentalmanagement.

The lab is scheduled to be opera-tional shortly after the formalagreementhasbeen signed,with thefirst water quality samples ana-lysed for the Eastern Cape.

It is expected that the lab will op-erate beyond the three-year projectterm, byprovidingwater quality da-ta and information for the DEA andother coastal water uses.

It is also expected to build compe-tence in the field of water qualitymonitoring and pollution and act asa reference lab.

EnvironmentalAffairs fundsWSUresearchprogramme

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

THE world-renowned musician,rhumba king Papa Wemba, fromthe Democratic Republic of Congohas died.

Wemba (66) whose real name wasJules Shungu Webadio, performedin the Eastern Cape in 2014 whenthe Buyel’Ekhaya Pan African Mu-sic Festival brought him to EastLondon.

The influential Congolese musicstar died after collapsing on thestage in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, re-cently.

While he was performing in EastLondon, Wemba left his music fa-

natics begging for more of his sou-kus rock music.

Festival producer NomahlubiMazwai expressed her pain overthe loss of this icon.

She said his death had left fansand supporters around the worldshocked.

“Those who got the rare opportu-nity to watch, in awe, the rhythmicand tantalising music of this fineartist will forever reminisce about

the magic that was Papa Wemba,”Mzwai said.

She described Wemba as trulyone of the greats of Africa and saidhe had left an indelible mark on thehistory of music.

“We mourn the loss of this icon,and fondly remember his electrify-ing performance given for his fansat Buyel’Ekhaya in 2014, as well ashis humility and grace off stage,”Mazwai said.

Music lovers shocked over PapaWemba’s death

Papa Wemba during his performancein East London. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

AGXULUmusicianwhospent timeinexile during the apartheid years hascome back home and implementedwhathe sawduringhis timeoutof thecountry.

Snoux Phoswa has established aworld-class music studio in his homelocation of Gxulu in Libode in an en-deavour toaccommodateemerging lo-cal musicians.

Phoswasaidhehaddecided to erectthe studio in his home location toshow that even in the rural areas any-thing was possible.

He said he had used to go aroundsinging and dancing in various Euro-pean countries while he was in exileandwhathesawhadmadehimdecidethat when he was back home he mustdo something that would benefit andbe the mouthpiece of the Africanyouth.

“Itwasmyvision to emancipate theblack African youth irrespective ofwhere theystay. ItwasalsomyvisionwhenIwasbackathometobuildAfri-

ca by initiating centres like this stu-dio that would empower the ruralyouth and be exposed globally,” hesaid.

The studio, launched on June 16last year, is called theCaveof theLeg-ends and focuses on recording of mu-sic, voice-overs, music videos andphotography.

The studio has already produced anumber of local artists, particularlyfrom the rural areas.

“We are really doing good musicandwehaveproduceda lotofartists,”he said.

He emphasised that local artistscould come forward because thedoors of the studio were open to em-power and produce excellence.

Phoswahasworkedwith respectedmusicians since he arrived back inSouth Africa, including Bushy Duba-zana, and he has played a cardinalrole in organising big events inMthatha.

World-classmusic studio in rural location

Snoux Phoswa hard at work in hisstudio in Gxulu. PHOTO: SIM MDLEDLE

SIMBONGILE MDLEDLE

EASTERN Cape kings, tradi-tional leaders and their royalfamilies under the banner ofContralesa recently attendedthe provincial policy confer-ence in Mthatha.

The conference was attend-ed by traditional leaders fromareas of jurisdiction includingthe Ingquza Hill, Port StJohns, Nyandeni, Mhlontlo,Engcobo, Mbhashe and Mzim-vubu municipalities.

The issue of upgradingJongilizwe College in Tsolotopped the agenda at the con-ference.

Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana,provincial chairman, saidthat to this end the Provincial

General Council (PGC) had re-solved to mandate the provin-cial leadership to engage withthe government to upgradeJongilizwe College to be an in-service training college fortraditional leaders, council-lors and their staff.

He said many issues hadbeen discussed on the day, in-cluding strengthening of theorganisation and capacitatingall traditional leaders andtheir institutions.

“Contralesa has been man-dated to strengthen andspread the influence of the or-ganisation from traditionalcouncil to national level and toestablish a commission com-posed of experts on traditionalissues to compile a procedure

manual to capacitate tradi-tional leaders in governance,”he said.

“The PGC has mandated theleadership to make sure thatall traditional leaders makeall their great places, tradi-tional councils and houses oftraditional leaders accessibleto the aged and people withdisabilities.”

Nonkonyana said there wasa need to establish a commis-sion on traditional leadershipand governance as well as par-ticipation of traditional lead-ers in politics.

“The provincial leadershiphas been mandated to engagethe government as well as theANC to address the concern oftraditional leaders with a

view to traditional leaders be-ing able to govern from theirareas of jurisdiction and toparticipate in all spheres ofgovernment.

“These include restorationof powers and functions of tra-ditional leaders, provision ofmodern infrastructure to ser-vice communities and properremuneration of traditionalleaders, their councillors andstaff,” he said.

He stressed that all the hous-es of traditional leaders mustbe provided with their bud-gets in consultation with tra-ditional leaders with a view tobeing able to exercise the pow-ers and functions vested inthem in terms of the legisla-tion.

Provincial policy conference held inMthatha

7EntertainmentMay 12, 2016

Uvolwethu Express

There must be no sacrificesI wonder what these silly boys are going tosay. Don’t worry but what we are sure of,what we are going to say will mould you dearreader and show you a good direction in life.Okay ke, tells us the news.Come closer and read this part of umgosi

column attentively, then you will get whatwe promised you.Bafethu when things are still sweet like a

honey in your intimate relationship, don’tcommit unnecessary fouls and decisionswhich may eventually cause repentance.You must always be original and take deci-sions coming from the bottom of your heartnot based or forced by the relationship thatyou are in at that particular time.There must be no termination of existing

relationships if you have thembecause of thenew relationship. Theremust also be no stop-ping of your things or habit that you weredoing in life because of this relationship, be-cause nalo mntu awukamazi nokuba yenaunjani qha wenza nje kuba ubethwa lut-hando.Lifemust continue until you get a good and

mutual understanding with a new partner.Perhaps he/she can be the right person foryou because nobody knows where the suc-cess lies. There are guys who made these

blunders leaving their ‘straight’ girlfriends’(if not wives) unaware that they put them-selves in a hive of bees.Even our buddywho is in trouble nowwith

his new girlfriend, we cannot help him outbecause he took decisions based on a new af-fair, now things are bitter and he wants togo back to the old girlfriend, but wamshiyakabuhlungu embonakalisela ukuba seyajolaand akanandaba naye.Engakamazi u-new girlfriend ukuba is a

devil uqobo lwakhe. So guys be careful. Uk-wenza i-decision ngathi wenzela omnyeumntu kuba ufumene izandla ocinga ukubazishushu kanti? So ke ungalahli imbo yakhongoPhoyiyana. Mfethu zicubhele udakalwakho nguwe owawuzifakile isakubanguwe oyakuzikhupha.

This is strong advice guysWhy do you follow her if both ended the

affair? This goes straight to the men of thesoil who continue abusing if not followingtheir former girlfriends after their relation-ship ended. This is not the right way to dothings.If your girlfriend decided to leave you be-

cause of some circumstances she was unableto endure in the relationship, there is noneed to follow her. It was disgusting what we

experienced in Frere (KwaBhaca), when wesaw a former boyfriend who attacked hisformer girlfriend in front of a pub becauseshe was with another man.OW! He is silly. Boetie, she is no longer

your girlfriend – she moved on why ngokuyou are after her. And even by the time shewas telling you, you never disputed that. Ku-phinde kwathin ngoku xa umbona nenye in-doda?Makungadlalwa ngoosisi bethu apha. The

boyfriend was so cool but if it was me Geshebezodibana with a very hot clap ibiyokum-enza angaphinde ahluphane neentombi zab-anye abantu amacherrie engaka apha em-nyango. Stop it ke bro kungenjalo uzakuli-mala.Ngula mfana qha onganyamezela la nto

ubuyenza amanye amadoda ayakuvunywayila ntombazana soze ayinyamezele le ubuy-enza.I wonder if that lady can meet you going

with your girlfriend lona kufanele lithiningawe? Hoping that you do have an answerfor this question. But I don’t think she wouldbehave like the way you did. Come on sishu-mani sakuthi.

I wonder if they come to church to preachor to ask forgiveness?

We are not fighting against the pastors andreverends in the Express land, but we arefighting with the fake and corrupt pastorsand reverends who mislead our people in aholy place of God like churches.There are some who get a chance to pro-

pose or rob love from our sisters, hiding un-der the umbrella of God. Some go there mas-querading as envoys of Godwhereas they arefrom dark roads of criminality and now theyare there to ask forgiveness. Ziyathetha keezi ntwana zomgosi xa sezisukile.Ja, because our Heavenly Father sent us

to this beautiful lady South Africa to conveygood news to His people. The story of KZNpastor who confessed he raped and killed aninnocent young woman in cold blood, butnow asks for forgiveness from the family ofthe woman. So it came to ourmind that thesepastors are in church for spreading the wordof God or to ask forgiveness?That’s why some are acting as pastors in

churchwhilst at the same time they are sexu-ally abusing the young girls and our sistersif not kotis of our brothers behind the churchbuilding and doors if not in the B&Bs.Uyakubabetha uBawo because that place

is holy and it needs holy people who spreadHis word to his sheep. Nivile moss. Masikesihambe thina till next time, God bless.

Follow us on theseplatforms to stay up to datewith news and events in your

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8 NewsMay 12, 2016Uvolwethu Express

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York Road1 FloorOffice number 201ACity CentreMthatha

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047 531 0129078 200 3578

076 371 6640079 573 5495

ANELE RAZIYA

EASTERN Cape ABC Motsepe League cham-pions Tornado FC wrapped up their leaguegames in style when they defeated theirneighbours, FC Buffalo, by one goal to zeroat Sisa Dukashe Stadium at the weekend.

Mdantsane outfit Tornado FC came to thelast game knowing full well that they had al-ready won the championship, because theywere leading on 67 points with a better goaldifference. Meanwhile their rivals, Lion City,were trailing behind with 64 points. Bothsides had one match remaining before theweekend.

TornadoFCended their 2015/16ABCMotse-

pe League campaign with 70 points and nowhave the opportunity of playing in the Nation-al First Division play-offs.

The NFD League promotion play-offs dateand venue will still be confirmed by Safa.

Results:Highbury 4 Mthatha City 1Zimbane Killers (2) vs Young Ideas (0), (w/o

in favour of Zimbane Killers as Young Ideasdid not attend the game)

Morning Stars 1 Swartkops Valley UnitedBrothers 0

Kokstad Liverpool 2 Emperors 1Tornado 1 FC Buffalo 0Lion City 1 Matta Milan 2Future Tigers 2 EC Bees 2

Champion teamTornadoFCwrapup in style

ABC Motsepe League champions Tornado FC. PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA

ANELE RAZIYA

MTHATHA Bucks need three points in or-der to escape the relegation zone in theNational First Division League.This comes after struggling Moroka Swal-lows lost 1-0 to Cape Town outfit Santosover the weekend.

This means if Bucks manage to wintheir next game against top side High-

lands Park, at the Mthatha Stadium thisweekend, it would be enough for them tosurvive in the NFD League for this season.

Swallows are sitting in 15th positionwith 23 points, while Bucks are in 12th po-sition with 26 points and a better goal dif-ference. Both teams have two games re-maining.

At the bottom of the league table are Af-rican Warriors with 22 points and twogames remaining.

Bucks’ last fixture of the season will beagainst Royal Eagles in an away gamenext week.

Bucksneed threepoints toescape relegation

BUNTU GOTYWA

BOXER Sikho Nqothole said his Olympicdream is still very much alive and he willnot let his spirits be dampened after histicket to the Games was taken away at thelast moment.

Nqothole, a bantamweight, thought hehad qualified for the Olympics when hewon gold in the Africa Games in Moroccolast year.

Instead, devastating news came from thecountry’s Olympic committee that SouthAfrican boxers needed to qualify throughworld tournaments and not continentalchampionships.

“I felt really bad when I got the news be-cause it was always my wish to fight in theOlympics and my opportunity was thereand I watched it being taken away,” hesaid.

“It made me feel that I didn’t work hardenough, but having the support of my fami-ly motivated me not to give up on thedream.”

The Khwezi amateur boxing sensationwill get another crack at fulfilling hisOlympicdreamat the InternationalBoxingAssociation Olympic qualifications in Az-

erbaijan later this month.He said he felt rejuvenated and was rar-

ing to go.“I am prepared for the Games. I feel very

strong and I am confident that I will makeit.

The OR Tambo municipality’s depart-ment of sport, arts andculture said itwouldsupport the boxer every step of the way inhis quest for the Olympics.

Department director, Sakhiwe Sodo saidNqothole had already achieved by winninggold in Morocco and there was a need tosupport the region’s achievers.

“He needs our support more than evernowasheprepares forAzerbaijan, and thatis why the municipality decided to have afundraising event to make sure he has ev-erything he needs going to the Games.

“He needs to have money and equipmentand that support we have to give until hefinally leaves for the Olympics, because webelieve he is going to the Olympics,” Sodosaid.

Nqothole said he was thankful for themunicipality’s support and promised tolive up to their expectations.

“My fans can expect only good thingsfrom me. I am very fit and I still have timefor more preparations,” he said.

ZEKHETHELO NCAYIYANA

THE Msunduzi Disabled Club, in partnershipwith Khayelihle Funeral Services and Nor-man’s Driving School, has invited all disabledsport clubs to take part in the annual Harry

Gwala Wheels and Runners challenge.The race is scheduled to take place on May 15,

with the help of the police, Msunduzi disastermanagement and Msunduzi traffic officers.

The race will take place in Pietermaritzburgat the Harry Gwala stadium.

Sandile Luvuno, Msunduzi Disabled Clubchairperson, said everyone was welcome tojoin.

“People living with disability do not often getthese chances because most people think that ifyouaredisabled itmeansyouareunable,which

is very wrong. Disabled people can do a lot eventhough they are disabled,” Luvuno said.

Interested athletes can contact Luvuno on073 161 8961.

The2kmraceentrancefee isR20andthe10kmfee is R60.

Call for disabled clubs to take part inmarathon

Boxer’sOlympic dream lives on

Sikho Nqothole(middle), hiscoach MthethoDumezweni(left) and ORTambodepartment ofsport director,Sakhiwe Sodo.

PHOTO:BUNTU

GOTYWA

Mthatha Bucks will host Highlands Park atMthatha Stadium this weekend.