PE Express E-edition 19 November 2025

Parliamentaryoversightreveals‘broken’policeforce

NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT

POLICE officers in Gqeberha are showing up for work only to find broken-down vehicles and equipment so inadequate that they must dig into their own pockets to do their jobs, according to findings from parliamentary oversight visits on Monday, 10 November

The city’s Flying Squad, once boasting 15–20 operational vehicles daily, has been reduced to a single van Meanwhile, 110 Anti-Gang Unit personnel share just four working vehicles and the K9 Unit operates with barely half its former staff and only 13 dogs

DA Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, alongside DA mayoral candidate, Retief Odendaal, and local councillors, conducted inspections at the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, Flying Squad and K9 Unit, uncovering what they described as a “near-total collapse” of police capacity

Servicedeliveryhampered

SAPS Flying Squad Support Head

Warrant Officer Jacques Landman told the delegation that service to the community was hampered due to a lack of manpower and vehicles

“At the moment we have seven vehicles at the unit, of which two are allocated to accident response (one in Gqeberha and one in Port Alfred); the other five consist of three BMWs, one single-cab Toyota and one double-cab Isuzu bakkie ” However, of the seven vehicles

stationed at the Flying Squad, only three were operational, he explained

“The one bakkie and two accident response vehicles are still operational The accident response vehicles are used only for accidents, which leaves one van that is operational ”

He added that the rest of the vehicles were non-running or needing repairs

Questioned by Cameron about what the station has, doesn’t have and the challenges SAPS officers faced at the unit Landman responded: “Currently at the Flying Squad, we have 63 people, of which 56 are operational members and four are clerks - nine or ten operational members per shift,” Landman shared

“The biggest challenge is the availability of vehicles because the metro has grown a lot in the last decade Manpower is also a big challenge because the community has grown and our numbers are decreasing, so service delivery is hampered due to the unavailability of vehicles ”

Equipmentcrisisandofficermorale

Cameron described the dire state of police resources: “It is critical for police to respond rapidly This vehicle,” he said, pointing to a BMW SAPS vehicle, “has over 300,000 km on it It came back from the garage, worked for one shift and doesn’t work anymore ”

He revealed that the Flying Squad “had three incidents that they worked on for an entire weekend Not because SAPS members don’t want to work they show up but

don’t have vehicles to work with ”

The situation has devastated officer morale “You can imagine the morale if you show up and don’t have the equipment to do your job It is ridiculous and not fair,” Cameron said

Police officers are also increasingly forced to use personal funds, he added

“Some of the detectives pay money out of their own pockets to safeguard witnesses sometimes, so that the cases can function as they should,” he shared

Parliamentary response allegedly ignored

The oversight visit findings directly contradict Parliament’s July 2025 resolution, Shadow MEC for Com-

munity Safety Yusuf Cassim noted

“In July 2025, the National Assembly adopted my petition for priority intervention in the Northern Areas’ gang crisis, following my submission to the Portfolio Committee on Police The resolution specifically directed SAPS to address the collapse of the Anti-Gang Unit and Crime Intelligence in Nelson Mandela Bay,” he shared However, considering the dire findings, those directives have been ignored

Cassim explained the Anti-Gang Unit’s limitations: “We just came from the Anti-Gang Unit, where they have 110 Visible Policing Combat members and four operational vehicles that have to operate in Humansdorp, Kamesh and the North-

ern Areas ”

Meanwhile, ShotSpotter and mobile surveillance systems, meant to aid in firearm and gang detection, have been non-operational for years

“The Flying Squad, once the city’s rapid-response lifeline, now operates with just one vehicle across the entire metro The unit has also been without landlines since 2023 due to cable theft ”

At the K9 Unit, staff have been cut from 40 to 22

“There are only 13 dogs available and only two of those are trained narcotics dogs, severely hampering the fight against substance abuse and gang-related drug crimes There are also no high-performance vehicles left in service,” said Cassim

Appealforurgentintervention

DA mayoral candidate, Retief Odendaal, described SAPS as “broken” and appealed for national intervention: “In Nelson Mandela Bay, that equates to the loss of life Every weekend and every day, we see how people are losing their lives ”

Despite the failures, Odendaal praised ground-level police officers: “We’ve just heard how SAPS members often must get into their own private vehicles to attend to work on behalf of SAPS for the public

That is going beyond what is expected of them ”

The DA has requested that Cameron table these findings before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police and demand urgent national interventions from the Minister of Police

SteveBikoinquestpostponedtonextyear

THE reopened inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko has been postponed to 30 January, as two former police officers who are persons of interest in the case seek state funding for their legal representation

The Gqeberha High Court postponed the inquest today for further case management and to finalise legal funding arrangements for the two surviving for-

mer officers implicated in Biko’s death 48 years ago

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape, the two persons of interest in the matter, both former police officers, have applied to the state to fund their legal representatives, which must be confirmed before the inquest can proceed

Stephen Bantu Biko, founder and leader of the Black Consciousness Movement

(BCM), died on 12 September 1977, after allegedly being tortured to death by the apartheid regime’s Special Branch

The officers involved were never prosecuted after being cleared by what has been described as a “whitewash inquest” and were not granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following South Africa’s transition to democracy NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Division, Luxolo Tyali, ex-

plained that the inquest follows approval from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development of the National Director of Public Prosecutions’ requests The NPA emphasised its commitment to addressing past atrocities, stating that “the NPA and its partners will continue their efforts to address the atrocities of the past and assist in providing closure to the families of the deceased and society at large ”

MunicipalitybattlesvandalismasKuygaresidentsendureongoingsewagecrisis

RESIDENTS in Kuyga are facing serious health risks from ongoing sewage spills as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality struggles to restore sanitation services hampered by repeated vandalism and criminal extortion

According to the Municipality, the ongoing crisis stems from extensive damage to sanitation and electricity infrastructure caused by vandalism, theft and acts of extortion targeting municipal contractors and officials

In a statement last week, Councillor Buyelwa Mafaya, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Engineering, said the municipality has appointed emergency contractors to expedite restoration work whilst implementing enhanced security measures to protect public assets

"The vandalism and theft of municipal infrastructure continues to disrupt our repair efforts," said Mafaya "We are facing significant challenges from criminal elements who are targeting both our equipment and per-

sonnel through extortion "

The sewage spills have left residents facing considerable health risks and a deteriorating quality of life, with many expressing frustration over the prolonged disruption to essential services

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said that restoring sanitation services remains an urgent priority for the municipality "Officials are conducting community engagement sessions to raise awareness about

the impact of vandalism on service delivery "

The municipality has not disclosed the estimated cost of the restoration work or provided a specific timeline for completion, citing the ongoing security challenges that continue to hamper repair efforts

Emergency contractors are working to replace damaged infrastructure, but progress remains dependent on addressing the criminal activity that has repeatedly set back restoration efforts

Homeinvasionmurderaccusedbailapplicationpostponed

SHANTI JAFTA

THREE suspects accused of murdering businessman Daniel De Jager appeared for a formal bail application in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 13 November Anke-Mari Cilliers, Lee-Roy Scholtz and the deceased’s partner, Estelle Le Grange,

stand accused of murdering De Jager in his Newton Park home on Thursday, 30 October

According to the charge sheet, the suspects stand accused on three counts: Count 1 – Conspiracy to commit murder, where they allegedly unlawfully and intentionally conspired with each other to aid or procure the commission of or to

commit an offence Count 2 – Murder, where they allegedly wrongfully and intentionally killed De Jager, an adult male, by suffocating him and hitting him with a hammer or a similar instrument The State is also alleging that the murder was premeditated

Count 3 – Robbery with aggravating circumstances, where they allegedly commit-

ted the robbery in an aggravating fashion

The State further alleges that the accused took the deceased’s bank cards, jewellery, cash of R4,450 and a Nissan Juke (later recovered)

In order for legal counsel to consult with their clients, the formal bail application was postponed to tomorrow, 20 November

The accused will remain in custody

HarvestsbroughttoShoprite,Checkers’MarketDay

SHOPPERS at Ziyabuya and Kenako Shopping Centres were recently greeted by rows of fresh spinach, fragrant herbs, and baskets of home-grown produce lining selected Shoprite and Checkers stores nationwide

The displays marked the retailers’ annual Market Day, showcasing harvests from more than 70 community food gardens including seven from the Eastern Cape, among them Intambanana Farming and Multipurpose Coop, Kuwane Foundation Food Security and Masibambisane HBC & Dev

What began in 2017 as an undertaking to connect small-scale farmers with customers has grown into a vibrant celebration of community resilience, food security and local entrepreneurship

Market Day gives local gardeners and co-operatives the chance to sell their produce directly to the public, gain retail experience and strengthen small businesses that feed their neighbourhoods

Blending skills, stories and sus-

lished South African Food Security Index 2025, food access and affordability remain among the country’s most pressing challenges Community food gardens are helping to bridge that gap by feeding and uplifting communities

Thandiswa Masiza from Masibambisane HBC & Dev, which took part in Market Day at Shoprite Ziyabuya, said, “It’s wonderful to see that people are interested - especially because we have so many fresh vegetables Whatever we make here helps us buy food for the soup kitchen we support ”

Beyond Market Day, Shoprite continues supporting community gardens through its Act For Change programme, which has assisted almost 300 gardens with training, seedlings and infrastructure

Many gardens are led by women and young people, improving access to fresh food while creating jobs

This year’s Market Day coincided with the launch of the Act For Change Food Garden Competition, which will invest R1 million to

DeanArnolds’inspiringWorldTransplantGamesjourney

NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT

A LIFE-SAVING kidney transplant at the age of 17 for Dean Arnolds (28), who had suffered from kidney failure since birth, marked a new beginning for the Salt Lake athlete who has represented South Africa at the World Transplant Games

“I had been sick since I was a baby and was in and out of hospital, and then, when I was 11 in 2008, my kidney was removed,” he shared with the PE Express

“I spent six long years on the transplant waiting list and then on 29 September 2014, I received a life-changing kidney transplant.”

This moment marked a new beginning for Arnolds, not just physically, but in spirit and purpose, he says.

The World Transplant Games sees athletes who, like Arnolds, received an organ transplant, from heart transplants to liver and kidney transplants.

To participate, participants need to qualify at the National Transplant Games

This year was Arnolds’ fourth time participating in the World Transplant Games which has seen him travel to Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany

“After my transplant, I began competing in the National Transplant Games in 2015 to prove that your talent should never be left behind, no matter what your circumstances,” he shared.

He participated in the 400m track and 5km road running events in Johannesburg, coached by Johann van Greunen

“With his guidance, I qualified in the 400m to represent South Africa in Spain. Although I fell ill during the trip, I never gave up on my sport or my dreams.”

He returned home determined to grow stronger and faster.

“I qualified again for the National Trans-

plant Games and went on to compete in Newcastle, UK, in the 400m, 400m relay and both single and double Pétanque,” he added proudly.

“I proudly earned two bronze medals one in the 400m relay and one in double Pétanque thanks to my coach and the support around me.”

Later, he travelled to Perth, Australia, and brought home another medal in double Pétanque for South Africa

“In 2024, I competed in the National Games in Cape Town, training hard for the 200m and Pétanque events.”

Once again, he qualified to represent South Africa this time in Dresden, Germany, which was held from 17–24 August this year.

“I competed in the 200m, 100m relay, single Pétanque and double Pétanque, where I was placed third in both Pétanque events.”

Arnolds was placed fifth in the 200m and second in the 100m relay, bringing three medals back home.

His preparation for the games included training twice a day at the Gelvandale Track under the watchful eye of his coach For Arnolds, competing on a global level is more than receiving a medal.

“It is not always about coming first or second,” he shared “It is also about the people and their health stories and learning how they overcame it. You meet people who have had heart transplants, bone marrow, liver or kidney transplants and for me it is also about making new friends and learning everyone’s stories.”

His inspirational message to those facing a health battle or any kind of hardship in life is: “There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up on your goals or your dreams,” he says. “It doesn’t matter where you come from you can rise, you can grow, and you can make a difference. Life is like chess: you must make your own moves to move forward and reach your goals.”

We are looking for a baby to grace the front page of the last edition of the year, which will be published on Wednesday, 17 December

The competition is for Gqeberha babies who are celebrating their first Christmas; therefore, babies who are entered need to be born after December 25, 2024

ProDesign Photographers are once again this year's official photography sponsor and will be photographing the winner for the front page, as well as taking family photographs during the front page shoot

Parents can enter their own photos, or if they would like to have professional photos taken at a special rate, they can take advantage of open studio days at ProDesign Photographers in Westering See details below

To enter, parents need to complete a form that is available via a link on the PE Express Facebook page Qualifying entries will be uploaded to our Christmas Baby 2025 album on the PE Express Facebook page Allow at least one to two working days for entries to be reviewed and uploaded online

The competition is not a voting competition – the number of likes/reactions will not affect the outcome of the finalists A panel of judges will choose the winner of the competition

The closing date for entries is 16:00 on Monday, 1 December 2025 No late entries will be accepted

Howtoenter:

A link to the competition will beavailableonourFacebookpage

Look for "Enter now for Christmas Baby competition"

• Complete the form and upload your photo, which should be at least 1MB in size and in jpg format

Competitionrules:

• OnlybabieswhoarecelebratingtheirFIRSTChristmas may enter

• Only babies who reside in Gqeberha may enter

• Only entries received via the Christmas Baby form will be accepted

• No photos that are posted on our Facebook timeline or inbox will be entered

• You may only enter once for the duration of the competition and only one photo per entrant will be allowed

– choose your photo submission carefully No collages allowed

• Once a photo has been submitted, it cannot be swopped with another photo

• ThewinnerwillberephotographedbyProDesignPhotographers, and these photos will be used on the front page The winner will also be photographed with his/her parents

Takenoteofthefollowing:

• Baby'sfaceneedstobeclearlyvisible Avoidphotosof the baby with a pacifier in his/her mouth

• The photo must be as recent as possible Baby needs to be fully clothed

• Baby needs to be alone in the photo (except in the case of twins triplets etc )

The person entering the baby must be the parent/ legal guardian or have permission from the parent/legal guardian

queries, send an email to peexpress@no-

FromGqeberhastreetstohiphopdreams

SHANTI JAFTA

HAILING from the townships of Gqeberha, where concrete streets echo with rhythm and resilience, one young Xhosa rapper is steadily rewriting his future through craft

Lunga Mankayi, known to his growing fan base as EmpireMusiqSA, is part of a new generation of Eastern Cape artists proving that authentic hip-hop doesn’t need gloss or gimmicks to resonate It just needs truth And truth is something he carries in abundance

His journey began in 2010, long before the studio lights and stage smoke Back then, he was simply Young Ross, the kid from Gqeberha, who formed a rap crew with three friends under the name BNK’s Black Nonstop Kings

The crew of four 2Traq, Siya, Phiro, and Lunga spent their teenage years sharpening verses, dreaming big, and building a foundation that would later fuel Lunga's solo evolution

As his musical identity grew, so did the name that would define him A friend from Zwide began calling him “Empire”, a name he initially brushed off but eventually embraced

When it came time to register his music through SAMRO and RISA, however, the single name “Empire” wasn’t accepted So he built on it, adding “MusiqSA”, and a new identity was born: EmpireMusiqSA

But like most meaningful journeys, his path hasn’t been linear

The breakthrough moment for his upcoming album, Luphawu Lothando came unexpectedly

Producer Dope Nick had crafted a beat titled Dreams, even recording a chorus for it, but EmpireMusiqSA couldn’t find the right words at the time

Months later, during a studio session with long-time collaborator MsojaMan, the beat resurfaced MsojaMan insisted they record it EmpireMusiqSA agreed,

carrying with him a promise he made to his mother, the late Phoziswa Veto, that he would make something of his gift

“Everything is finally falling into place,” he shared, reflecting on the song “I promised my mother I’d make it, and now I’m close ”

Dope Nick and MsojaMan have remained his anchors, especially after his early partners stepped away from music They believed in him, challenged him, and kept him grounded, reminders that community is often the backbone of artistry

The heart of his upcoming album is deeply personal

The title is named after his son, Luphawu Lothando, who represents a new purpose, a new responsibility, and a new kind of motivation

“He must know how much his father loves him,” Mankayi said “One day he’ll be able to brag about what his father built ”

Musically, his DNA is rooted in Spaza

Hip-Hop, a Cape Town-born genre defined by its rawness and unfiltered storytelling He grew up on the voices of NakedMynds, 300 Years, and Ratex, artists who prioritised honesty over perfection Naturally, that spirit shaped him too

What began as a desire to inspire young artists has evolved into something bigger

Parents, elders, and entire communities have embraced his music, finding pieces of themselves in his verses

To his supporters, he has one message: “Focus on yourself Do what you love Don’t let peer pressure win Be you, and don’t give up ”

Looking ahead, EmpireMusiqSA has no plans to shrink his ambition

He hopes to collaborate with artists like Emtee, Tony Daymane, and Nkabi Nation, and to continue carving out a space where raw, unedited hip-hop thrives

His vision is simple but powerful: to grow, to give hope, and to prove to young people across the Eastern Cape that their dreams are valid, possible, and worth the

grind

“Kariega, KwaZakhele, Zwide, Motherwell, the whole metro has talent,” he said “If I make it, the kids watching will be-

Localaspiringchef’sculinarydreams

NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT

A YOUNG Bethelsdorp woman’s lifelong dream of becoming a professional chef hangs in the balance as her family struggles to raise the R90,000 needed for culinary school tuition

Ammaarah Speckmann (19) has harboured aspirations of becoming a chef since she was seven years old, but financial constraints threaten to derail her ambitions just as applications open for the February intake at culinary school

With unemployment rife in the metro, she is determined to rise above the challenges that youth currently face

“My 19-year-old daughter would love to further her studies and open up her own halaal restaurant and coffee shop,”says her father, Ajmal Speckmann “She hasn’t completed her matric but did Islamic studies, and she is busy working on her matric She has, however, completed an introductory bakery course ”

Ammaarah currently works full-time from 09:00 to 17:00 whilst taking baking orders to support herself and contribute to the family’s efforts to raise funds for her education

Despite these efforts, the family falls short of the substantial fees required for professional chef training

“She always wanted to be a baker since the age of 7,” Ajmal shared “And at school, she would dress as a chef It was always her dream to be a business owner, and with the employment rate so low, she is inspired by empowering women ”

The cost of pursuing professional chef registration stands at R16,000 for registration alone, with an additional R90,000 required for the year’s tuitiona sum that remains out of reach for the family of six

Ammaarah’s passion for baking and

cooking has grown considerably since completing a five-week basic baking course in 2024

She now regularly bakes for parties and special occasions, whilst her 17-year-old sister assists by selling baked goods at local markets she hosts

“Her 17-year-old sister goes to markets and makes a big initiative to assist each other; both have big dreams,” Ajmal explained

The family has applied for youth funding through the municipal offices but faces lengthy delays due to application backlogs

“We do not have the means to send her to culinary school,” Ajmal admitted “We are pushing every month; we are doing what we can so that she can get what she needs ”

Despite their financial struggles, the Speckmann family maintains a strong commitment to community service

“We are a family of six and we do things together with the help of our creator,” Ajmal said

The family has organised fundraising events to support Ammaarah’s educational goals, with upcoming fundraisers scheduled for 30 November at Fairview Sports Ground and a Ladies’ Gala event at the Humewood Hotel on 14 December

“Her love for baking and cooking has increased immensely, and she would love to travel the world to experience different kinds of culinary schools and skills,” her father added

With culinary school set to begin in February, time is running short for the ambitious teenager whose childhood dreams of donning a chef’s uniform may finally become reality with community support

Anyone wishing to attend the fundraising events can contact Ajmal Speckmann on 072 344 3792

Lastcallforentriesaspoetrycompetitionentersfinalmonth

POETS across South Africa have just weeks remaining to submit their work for what has become the nation’s most prestigious poetry competition

The AVBOB Poetry Competition, now in its ninth year, closes submissions on 30 November with substantial prizes awaiting winners Entrants may submit up to 10 poems in any of South Africa’s 11 official written languages, all centred on the evocative theme “I Wish I’d Said ” The competition, which has established itself as a household name over nearly a decade, promises substantial prizes for winners, whose names will be announced at a gala event towards the end of next year

Poetryintimesofcrisis

Competition organisers emphasise the partic-

ular relevance of poetry during current global uncertainties “We are currently living through times of global crisis and uncertainty It is often at such times that people turn to poetry ”

The organisers note poetry’s historical role in confronting and expressing emotions “at the limits of what can be said,” serving to expand minds and educate emotions as people seek healing and connection Whether responding to international events or personal experiences of love and loss, poets are encouraged to contribute their voices to this literary dialogue

Growingliterarylegacy

The strongest submissions will be selected by judges for inclusion in a glossy coffee-table book, complete with English translations for accessibility across linguistic boundaries

The publication represents just one facet of

the broader AVBOB Poetry Project, which has created an extensive online archive housing thousands of poems submitted over the competition’s history The project’s website serves as both a library and a learning platform, where aspiring and established poets can refine their craft and connect with audiences This digital repository has fostered what organisers describe as “a constantly evolving conversation between South African poets from all walks of life ”

Beyondtheprizes

Whilst the competition offers attractive rewards, organisers stress that the ultimate prize is poetry itself They describe the act of writing as “an activity that can sustain you and challenge you to pay attention to the world around you every day ” The submission process is

positioned as merely the first step in a longer creative journey, with the competition serving as a gateway to sustained poetic practice and community engagement

Howtoenter Poets wishing to participate can find submission guidelines and enter the competition by visiting www.avbobpoetry.co.za

With less than a month remaining before the 30 November deadline, organisers encourage potential entrants to “find your best, most heartfelt words and submit them ”

The competition remains open to all poets working in South Africa’s official languages, continuing its mission to celebrate and preserve the nation’s diverse literary voices whilst building bridges between different linguistic communities

Voortrekkerswysomgee–R10000virdiebrilpikkewyn!

DIE Voortrekkers se jaarlikse Omgee-projek het vanjaar gefokus op die bewaring van die Afrika-brilpikkewyn – ’n spesie wat groot druk ervaar weens besoedeling en die verlies van natuurlike habitat.

Die Oos-Kaap Voortrekkers het met groot entoesiasme aan die “Voer die Pikkewyn”-projek deelgeneem. Maats het kreatief fondse ingesamel by oumas en oupas, ooms en tannies – en vir elke R1 wat ingesamel is, is die pikkewyn se maag verder ingekleur.

Pennie die Pikkewyn het ook haar opwagting gemaak as kampvegter vir haar maats, die Afrika-brilpikkewyne Met die hulp van Ruiterwag-jeuglede het sy ’n pleitgedig geskryf en pikkewyn-sleutelhouers verkoop om fondse aan te vul.

Op 1 November het 105 lede van die OosKaap Voortrekker-familie ’n besoek aan SANCCOB gebring om meer oor hierdie

unieke voëls en hul bewaring te leer.

Onder die bekwame leiding van Mickayla Wentzel en Jessica van Dyk het die jeuglede en volwassenes ’n inspirerende en leersame dag beleef

Die hoogtepunt van die dag was toe Gebiedsleier Pieter Jacobs met trots ’n donasie van R10 000 aan SANCCOB oorhandig het.

“Aan SANCCOB en al hul toegewyde personeel – baie dankie vir ’n onvergeetlike dag en vir die passie, sorg en opoffering waarmee julle elke dag hierdie kosbare voëls red en versorg. Julle werk is ’n ware inspirasie vir ons almal. Mag julle die krag en moed hê om hierdie belangrike roeping met dieselfde liefde voort te sit,” het Jacobs gesê

Altonasehoofseunmaaksymerk

DIE bekende gesegde lui dat dinamiet in klein pakkies voorkom en by Laerskool Altona is Jovan van der Berg beslis die bewys daarvan

Hierdie jong leier het gedurende 2025 as hoofseun van die skool sy merk gemaak deur sy voorbeeldige optrede, harde werk en positiewe ingesteldheid

Tydens die jaarlikse prysuitdeling wat 4 November plaasgevind het, is Jovan vereer met die Voortrekkers-kultuurleierspenning vir sy uitstaande leierskap

Sy energieke gees, vriendelike houding en natuurlike vermoë om ander te inspireer het hom ook die persoonlikheidsbeker besorg

Nie net blink Jovan in leierskap nie; ook op akademiese gebied presteer hy uitmuntend

Sy toegewyde werksetiek, ure se studie en passie vir leer het daartoe gelei dat hy die eerste klasposisie vir 2025 verower het

Hy is verder bekroon met vaktoekennings in onder meer Afrikaans Huistaal, English First Additional Language, Wiskunde, Natuurwetenskappe, Ekonomiese en Bestuurswetenskappe, Sosiale Wetenskappe, Lewensoriëntering, asook Kuns en Kultuur

As kersie op die koek het Jovan ’n spesiale toekenning vir akademiese uitnemendheid in Graad 7 ontvang

Dit bewys sy volgehoue toewyding en deursettingsvermoë

Met ’n breë glimlag het Jovan erken dat hy verras en verbaas was oor die aantal trofeë wat hy ont-

DIARY|DAGBOEK

Gqeberha Central Men’s Shed: Meet every Monday from 10:30 to 12:00 at Caritas, 16 West Street, Newton Park (between Tiger Wheel and Newton Park Spar) A space where men can relax get together to talk, work together, have a cup of coffee, and make friends All ages are welcome WhatsApp Willie at 071 142 3771

CheshireHomeBookBarn: The book barn at Gomery Avenue, Summerstrand, offers a huge selection of books ranging from R5 Open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00

Dr Ambrose Cato George Skills Development Centre AGM: The centre will host its annual general meeting on 19 November at its premises 70 Kobus Road Gelvandale at 10:30 for 11:00 Dr Ambrose Cato George Skills Development Centre is an NPO that makes provision for skills training to learners with learning difficulties, enabling them to become self-sustaining members of our society For more info contact Ruth Tobias at 063 274 1232 or Jenny Johaar at 083 791 2652

Alan Drive Walmer Downs There will be food trucks stalls pony rides Animals in Wonderland, Kids Rock, Paw Patrol and Friends, Golden Joy mime Tjoek Tjoek train rides Stretch the Stiltwalker meetings with Santa a bubble house,spin the wheel and more For more info, contact Nicky or Emse at 041 368 6180 / 073 193 7142

Golden Jubilee Gala: Triomf Primary School will be having a Golden Jubilee gala dinner on 29 November at 19th on Fifth Conference and Venue Hire The theme is‘A night in Paris There will be a three-course meal and entertainment Tickets are available at the school Contact 041 481 2289 or Hermia Brower at 079

Jovan van der Berg, die Laerskool Altona se hoofseun vir 2025, het beslis uitgeblink vanjaar en met verskeie toekennings by die onlangse prysuitdeling weggestap.

vang het

“Ek het dit glad nie verwag nie,” vertel hy nederig

“Maar ek is baie dankbaar en trots op alles wat ek bereik het Sonder die dryfkrag en liefde van my onderwysers sou dit nie moontlik gewees het nie ”

Met ’n hart vol vreugde en drome vir die toekoms sien Jovan uit na die volgende hoofstuk van sy reis

FOTO: VERSKAF

Hy beplan om eendag medies te studeer of hom te spesialiseer in rekenaarwetenskappe, maar voor dan moet hy eers al sy aandag op sy skoolwerk in die hoërskool toespits

Die Laerskool Altona het gesê dat hulle uiters trots is op hierdie merkwaardige jong man wat nie net sy talente uitleef nie, maar ook bo sy omstandighede uitstyg

Don’tmisstheannualBonsaiShow

EXCITEMENT has hit for the Eastern Province Bonsai Society's Annual Show, set to take place on 22 and 23 November at a new venue: the Fairview Sport Centre in Willow Drive

Prepare for a different layout of more than 150 unique bonsai trees

The programme will include demonstrations on Saturday, at 11:00 and 14:00, and on Sunday, at 10:30 and 13:00 It will be different demonstrators each time, including members from the East London Bonsai Club

Doors to the show open Saturday,

from 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday, from 09:00 to 15:00 Prepare for all things Bonsai - trees, pots, tools and more for sale Re-potting services will be available There will be fabulous prizes to be won

For more info, contact Jenny at 083 999 1058

CommunitymemberstreatlearnerstoearlyChristmas

SELBY MADIKANE

THREE community members of KwaZakhele expressed their love, care and empathy when they donated clothes to 16 WB Tshume Primary School learners as early Christmas gifts recently

Lungiswa Skosana, Nontsikelelo Hoboshe and Phakamisa Potye, who live around the school, came up with the idea that they should do something for WB Tshume Primary learners as Christmas gifts

Skosana said, “We decided to start buying Christmas gifts in the form of clothes for the most underprivileged children When I was a child, I never had new clothes to wear on Christmas Day Therefore, we decided to buy Christmas clothes for 16 learners who live around this school ”

Hoboshe revealed that they were fully aware that the learners were hard-hit by poverty in the WB Tshume Primary vicinity

Hoboshe said, “These children live below the poverty line; hence, we decided that something needs to be done for these children Poverty is like a punishment for a crime that you have not committed Every child must be cared for and loved Christmas time was very important to us when we were children We put ourselves in their shoes as children when we decided to buy Christmas clothes for these children ” Potye stated that they expressed love, care and empathy to the most

underprivileged learners “The idea of gifting these children is to restore their dignity so that they would not be different from other children We have noted that there are many children in need at WB Tshume Primary We decided to help the few learners with the limited resources that we have at our disposal Our main objective is to come to the rescue of socially vulnerable learners who would not receive gifts on Christmas Day ” WB Tshume Primary departmental head Vuyokazi Mpofu, who was over the moon, told PE Express that the school had many children who looked as if they would not get gifts on Christmas Day Mpofu added that poverty was rife in the community

around their school

Principal Dr Xaghn Sokopo expressed his gratitude to the three community members who made a huge difference in his children’s lives

“We are excited about this generous donation from Skosana, Hoboshe and Potye that they made possible for our learners This donation has brought joy and smiles to the faces of these learners Giving Christmas gifts to these children helps them to know the importance of giving generously as they grow One day, one or two of these learners will lend a hand to other children in need As a school, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Skosana, Hoboshe and Potye for helping our learners ”

Genealogical Society of SA (East Cape Branch): The next family history meeting will be on Thursday, 20 November, at 14:30 for 15:00 in the Lolly Shtein Hall at Laubscher Park West Villiers Road Walmer Briam Stewart will speak on the Walker family of Clarence Contact John Wilmot at 068 802 1518 or jaysqh@iafrica com or Alan at 084 981 8491 or amontgomery@aerosat co za

Let’s Thrift Again Market: The market will take place at the Walmer Town Hall on Sunday 30 November from 09:00 to 14:00 There will be a variety of stalls including brica-brac, pre-loved and vintage clothing, arts and crafts antiques and collectables plants Tupperware silver jewellery pancakes and various food stalls For more info or to book a space for R50 a stall WhatsApp the organiser at 082 227 7073

ChristmasCraftMarket: The 30th Annual Christmas Craft Market will take place at the Old Grey Sports Club Hall in Lennox Street from Thursday 27 November to Saturday 29 November The hall will be decked with a variety of handcrafted Christmas gifts decorations toys décor nibbles and spoils Entry is free! The market will be open on Thursday, from 09:00 to 19:00, Friday, from 08:30 to 19:00 and Saturday from 08:30 to 17:00 For more info contact Sheila at sheila@thysse co za Marktfees Gift Fair: Browse the curated market event from Thursday 27 November to Sunday, 30 November, at the Tramways Building,where talented makers from all over SA showcase their creative products in The Garden of Secrets: this year’s theme Discover unique handmade gifts, from fashion, toys deli products to whimsical home décor Enjoy live music and treat yourself to delicacies by various food and beverage stands

The fair will be open on Thursday (free entrance) from 16:00 to 20:00 Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 20:00 and Sunday from 08:00 to 13:00 Entry is R20 in aid of Cheshire Homes Cleary Estate Under 18s enter free It is a cashless event For more info contact Henri at admin@marktfees co za Christmas Fete: Fun, food and festivities await at Aurora Special Care Centre's annual Christmas Fete on Saturday, 29 November, from 09:00 to 15:00 at their premises in

Kerskonsertleifeesseisoenin

DIE bekende plaaslislike Kerskonsert wat jaarliks groot aftrek kry, word op Sondag, 30 November om 15:00 in die Veremarksaal in Gqeberha aangebied

Dit beloof om soos altyd 'n luisterryke, hoogs vermaaklike geleentheid te wees, vol nuwe verrassings Behalwe vir die hoogstaande kwaliteit musikante wat saamgetrek word, en die uiters vermaaklike keuse van items op die program - die gehoor word ook op 'n stadium betrek - is die grootste trekpleister van die uithanggeleentheid sekerlik die

pragtige gerestoureerde Veremarksaal

Die imposante orrel, die grootste werkende orrel in die land, se pype gaan definitief deur Albert Troskie en sy span virtuose oopgetrek word

Die program word pragtig ingekleur deur 'n fluit-ensemble van ses begaafde fluitiste, 'n junior strykersensemble, verskeie kore gelei deur 'n briljante sopraan Iets vir ieder en elk se smaak

Toegangsgeld van R50 (vir pensionarisse R40 en kinders R10) gaan vir liefdadigheid

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number T64899 /1999CTN passed by The Municipality of the City of Port Elizabeth, in favour of BAZIL BOOYSEN Identity

LOST OR /DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER NUMBER T84653 /2002 passed by THE EXECUTOR ON THE ESTATE LATE VATISWA LAURETTA NGELE – NR.40/2000/1, in favour of

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy Deed of Transfer Number T71220 /2014CTN passed by the T H E M A S T E R ' S REPRESENTATIVE IN THE

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED (Form JJJ added by GNR.62 of 25 JANUARY 2019)

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937 of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number T44463 /2008CTN d by NTSUKI

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy Deed of Transfer Number T6100 /2023 passed by the N T O M B E K H A Y A CONSTANCE KALA Identity

ERF NO 5326 BETHELSDORP Form JJJ

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER NO. T19978/

MUKHULU is here for Health problems, Financial problems, Relationships problems. Traditional healing. +2773 971 2918

EP Media en Novus Media kan nie bevestig of enige van die geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is vir gebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan

EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie.

Topsprintersprepare forfastactiononFriday

HENK STEENKAMP

LET’S speed things up!

It is going to be fast and furious in the main event at Friday’s race meeting on the Fairview Polytrack in Greenbushes

Top sprinters will be in action in the R175,000 Glendore Sprint over 1000m

There are very speedy sorts in this lineup and on a surface made for sprinting, this race will be lightning fast - don’t miss it!

Another interesting race on the card of eight races is the Guineas Plate over 1600m This is a good opportunity for the local three-year-olds to show what they can do

There are still seven race meetings at Fairview for this year Racing fans (entrance is free) can look forward to plenty of exciting racing

It is also getting to that time of the year when companies combine their yearend festivities with a day at the races

This makes for a vibrant atmosphere at the venue, which always motivates the horses and jockeys even more to produce their best

Followers of Nelson Mandela Racing will also keep an eye on what’s happening at the upcoming big meetings in Johannesburg and Cape Town

The top Fairview trainers, Alan Greeff and Dean Smith, have nominated some of their best horses to participate in races at Turffontein and Kenilworth

Both these stables are in great form, and it was Greeff who came out on top at last Friday’s Fairview meeting when he saddled a double

The highlight was when Fairy Knight produced a special performance to win the November Stakes over 1400m Jockey Luyolo Mxothwa took Fairy Knight to the front right away, and the five-year-old had no problem keeping the challengers at bay

Fairy Knight has been a top performer for the Greeff stable This was his 11th victory from 23 starts

It was also a good afternoon for the locally based jockeys Charles Ndlovu, Stallone Naidoo and the apprentice Bavish Soodoo all found the winner’s enclosure

There is still more than two-thirds of the season remaining, but the race for the locally based jockey title already looks like a very interesting battle

Eldin Webber became the champion last season by riding 15 winners at Fairview It looks as though 15 won’t be enough to secure the title this time

Apprentice jockey Girish Dookhit is leading with nine winners, just one ahead of Ndlovu

Wayne Agrella is within striking distance with six winners, and the other locals still have plenty of time to catch up

Richard Fourie is already way ahead in the overall East Cape Jockey Championship, and Greeff looks set to retain his trainer’s title after a sensational start to the season

SELBY MADIKANE

Two teams race for IFA NMB Sanlam Cup League title

FOLLOWING Sunday's results, Tenneco Ride Control SA (Pty) Ltd and Continental Tyres are the only sides in contention to clinch the Industrial Football Association (IFA) - Nelson Mandela Bay Sanlam Cup League title Shatterprufe Struandale Grounds: After they were drubbed 5-2 by Dana Spicer at Dana Field 1 last Sunday, Tenneco Ride Control SA (Pty) Ltd bounced back with a 4-2 victory over Dairy Group As things stand, Tenneco are the league leaders with a point advantage over Continental Tyres Aspen secured a 3-0 win over Famous Brands Forvia Port Elizabeth, who won by default over Borbet SA (Pty) at Shatterprufe last Sunday, collected three league points in their 5-0 triumph over Shatterprufe Struandale

Dana Field 1: Continental Tyres dropped from first position to second position, after they were embarrassed 3-1 by Forvia Uitenhage, who jumped from seventh to fourth position Borbet went down 2-1 to Auto-X Willard

Dana Field 2: Volpes suffered the biggest 10-2 loss of the season to Dana Spicer Kanu registered a narrow 2-1 win over Lumotech

Despatch Rugby Stadium: Despite their 3-2 loss, Purem by Eberspacher put up a good fight against Mondelez Hendricks KC KO Cup runners-up Sasko claimed a 2-1 victory over Key-Pak

IFA NMB Sanlam Cup upcoming fixtures

Shatterprufe Struandale Grounds:

09:00: Shatterprufe Struandale - Purem by Eberspacher

10:30: Aspen - Mondelez

12:00: Fresenius- Kabi – Dairy Group

Despatch Rugby Stadium:

10:30: Famous Brands - Tenneco Ride Control SA (Pty) Ltd

12:00: Volpes – Sasko

Dana Field 1

10:30: Auto-X Willard – Lumotech 12:00: Kanu –Adient PPC

Dana Field 2

10:30: Dana Spicer – Rehau

12:00: Heineken-Distell – Key-Pak

Highbury FC set sights on winning upcoming game

FOLLOWING their recent 2-0 loss to Venda FC at NMU Second Avenue Campus Grounds, Highbury FC are expected to claim a home victory against the log leaders, Milford FC, during their Motsepe Foundation Championship match on Sunday

A win would see Highbury jump from eighth position to either third or fourth position Following a week-long break, head coach Kabelo Sibiya and his side certainly have had adequate time to avoid another defeat

Nevertheless, the supporters of the Nelson Mandela Bay side rely heavily on their prolific striker, Naeem Amoojee, and their midfielder, Siyabonga Dubula

Former Moroka Swallows FC striker, Amoojee, is expected to send his home supporters into raptures with one or two goals

The home advantage is set to be a key factor for Highbury as they know their turf better than Milford Highbury once embarrassed the visitors 5-1 at Gelvandale Stadium during the 2024/2025 season

Other Motsepe Foundation Championship upcoming fixtures: Friday, 21 November: 15:30

• Venda FC – Black Leopards FC at Thohoyandou Stadium

Saturday, 22 November: 15:30

• Cape Town City FC – Upington City FC at

Athlone Stadium

• Kruger United FC – Casric Stars FC at KaNyamazane Stadium

• Leicesterford City FC – Baroka FC at Dobsonville Stadium

• University of Pretoria – The Bees FC at Tuks Stadium

Sunday 23 November: 15:30

• Hungry Lions FC – Gomora United at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium

• Lerumo Lions FC – Midlands Wanderers FC at Olympia Park Stadium

Nelson Mandela Bay sides win SAFA Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League games

There were joy and smiles on the faces of the two Nelson Mandela Bay sides during the SAFA Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League Coastal Stream games on Saturday Old Grey FC overcame the tough FC Buffalo City Relatives 4-3 at SAPS Main Field at Mount Croix

Gqeberha United FC won by default over EMI FC at Despatch Sports Grounds in Despatch In another Coastal Stream clash, Amavarara FC lost 1-0 to Seven Stars FC during their Komani derby at Dumpy Adams Sports Complex Komani United FC secured a hardfought 1-0 victory over Camdeboo Football Academy Development at Dumpy Adams Sports Complex as well Makana Rhini United (Maru) FC continued with their back-to-back wins as they edged out Sundays River Valley Academy FC 1-0 at Rhodes University Prospect Field in Grahamstown In tough Inland Stream battles, Bizana Pondo City FC defeated FC Battalion 2-1 at Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium in Bizana Fast Eleven FC, who have yet to impress their supporters, lost 1-0 to Matta Milan FC at Newrest Stadium in Lusikisiki High-riding Inland Stream side SA Spear of the Nation FC outclassed Mighty Eagles FC 3-1 at Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium FC Ravens overcame Sinenkani FC 2-1 at Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium Amaxesibe FC went down 2-0 to Bush Bucks FC at Mt Ayliff Stadium

Last NMB Masters & Legends Association league results of the year

NELSON Mandela Bay (NMB) Masters & Legends Association hosted their last games of the year on Sunday Bay Masters succumbed 4-2 to Uncedo Service Taxi Association (USTA) at Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive High School Grounds in Zwide Khayelitsha Stars played their hearts out in their 1-0 loss to Young Pirates at VW People's Pavilion Stadium in Kariega Veeplaas Masters thumped their neighbours, Zwide Masters, 5-1 at Mawabo Dyubhele Multi-purpose Sports Complex B Field in KwaDwesi Chatty Masters went down 3-2 to Villagers at Chatty Fields in Chatty, while Motherwell All Stars lost 3-2 to Barcelona Masters at Motherwell NU 9 Community Grounds

Zinyoka Masters claimed a close 2-1 triumph over Joe Slovo Masters at Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive High School Grounds

Young Bucks won walkover points over Port Elizabeth Masters, who failed to turn up for their game at Mawabo Dyubhele Multi-purpose Sports Complex B Field Walmer United registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Eleven Attackers at Walmer Wallabies RFC Grounds

VW Masters earned a close 3-2 win when they hosted AmaUnits at VW People’s Pavilion Stadium Walmer Masters drubbed Soweto United 3-0 at Walmer Wallabies RFC Grounds

Sparks Masters settled for a 2-2 draw against Algoa Bus Company

Uitenhage Masters defeated Brothers of Peace (BOP) 1-0 at VW People's Pavilion Stadium