UD Express - E-Edition - 19 February 2026

AACLraisesalarmoverpoundstandards

SHANTI JAFTA

THE Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) PE has recently raised serious welfare concerns about Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s animal pound in astatement, following Busy Bee NGO’s takeover on 21 January 2026.

Despite the Metro’s social media claims that the pound is fully functional, AACL stated: “There is alack of care and resourcesfor admitted animals. We cannot condone the admission of any animal into the NMBM pound, knowing the welfare of the animals would be compromised.”

AACL explained that the newarrangement has forced them to continue performing municipalfunctions whilst carrying the financial burden.

The organisation identifiedten criticalwelfare concerns,including:

Uncertaintyoverresponsibilities between BusyBee and NMBM

• Absenceofbasic animalhandling equipment

• No impoundment facilitiesfor roaming livestock

• Lack of veterinary services despite DoctorTafaraMapuvirebeing named as consulting veterinarian

• No para-veterinary personnel on site Unmanned and under-resourcedclinic facilities

• No experienced PoundMasterand unclearprocedures forreclaiming strays

• Uncertaintyabout rehomingprocedures afterthe seven-daystray period

• Inabilitytoassistindigent owners with ill or injuredpets

• Selectivecollectionrather than operatingasanopenintakefacility

AACLwarned that failing to provide veterinarycareconstitutes a criminaloffence under the Animal ProtectionAct 71of1962.

Speaking to UD Express,Busy Bee NGO founderStanley Adam defended the operation: “Although the pound veterinarian has not yet assumedhis role fullyatthe pound clinic, thatdoes not mean the pound does nothaveany vets available.”

Adam revealed thatBusy Bee has received dangerousthreats since theirappointment. “For animals in needofurgent veterinary care from the Gqeberha region, Ihavea vet on call.For animals in need in Kariega,I have avet on call.Both vetsare registered; however, Iwill notdisclose whothose vets arefor theirsafety.”

Addressing security concerns, he added: “We areworking towards security because people might come andforcefully removethe animals.”

Adamconfirmed the on-premises clinic is notoperational: “We are stillwaiting forclinic papers. Our clinic staffare currently on the way. These things take time; however,foodand immediate necessitiesare availableon-site.”

Regarding post-impoundment procedures, Adamclarified: “The straysare supposed to stay for7 days at thepound andthen NPOs or anymember of the public who shows interest can be given a chance, andifall fail,asound humane decisionwillbetaken.”

On reuniting lost pets, he confirmed: “Yes, we canscan lost pets; however, most of the animals don’t have chips. We canshare animals on social media and we areworking on most things [ofthat nature] with IT.”

Adam explained Doctor Tafara’s role: “Doctor Tafara is running a clinicthat willassist alot at the Pound. We areplanning amobile clinicthat willassist alot in the community but we don’t expect a quick fix.”

Addressing controversy surrounding their appointment, Adam said: “Therehavebeen alot of things said about us, but we are working with our headsdown. It seems that peoplewant us to fail, but to me, it tells me what Ineed to focus more on.”

Regarding straycattle, Adam cited foot-and-mouth disease protocols:“Icannot collectany and all stray cattlebecause of the current foot-and-mouth disease. Thereis protocol in placetomakesure that we do not spreadthe disease.”

Adam requested patience: “Twenty-nine days is ashort time to be judged on the work we do. We have nothingtohide. Thecommunity cancomesee what we are about. However, in six months, therewill definitely be adifference.”

He emphasised commitment, “All Iwant peopletounderstand is that we arehere forthe animals.We welcome working with any service providers willing to help.”

Meanwhile, the municipality announced the appointment of Usisipho Funde, aKwaZakhele resident and final-year Animal Healthdi-

plomastudent at UNISA, as part of efforts to professionalise services whilstcreating local opportunities. Funde, registeredwith the South AfricanVeterinary Council, brings over threeyears of veterinary experience,including expertise in animal handling, clinical preparation,and community outreach.She previouslyserved as an Animal Welfare Assistant at AACL Port Elizabeth MMC forPublicHealth,Councillor Buyeye, said,“Thisisthe kind of transformation residents should expect to see, qualified young peoplefromour communities entering specialised professions andserving the public with competence

andcompassion.”

Fundedescribed animal welfare as “not just ajob forme, it’sa calling. Beingabletoserve the community Icomefromissomething Itake seriously. Iwantresidents to feel confident thattheir animals aretreatedwith care anddignity.”

Themunicipalityconfirmed that outstanding financial matters with the previousserviceprovider [SPCA] have been processed according to standardprocedures, andadministrative transitionsare beinghandled responsibly. Residents areencouragedtoengage constructivelywith the Municipality as the newsystemis stabilised.

Gynaecologistaccusedofraping aminorgrantedR5,000bail

SHANTIJAFTA

BAIL was granted to the tune of R5,000for the 56-year-old gynaecologistofNigerian descent who was alleged to have raped aminor on 31 January 2026. The matter stood at the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 February2026.

The charges against the accused are contravening Section 3ofthe Criminal Law (Sexualoffences and related matters) Amendment Act, namely that on 31 January 2026, he unlawfullyand intentionallyraped the complainantwithout her consent.

UD Express previously reported that the State argued the day before that the matter fallsunder Schedule6ofthe Criminal Procedure Act,citing the nature of the allegation; rape of aminor. During arguments on merit,the defenseargued that the matter falls under Schedule1.The presiding magistrateruled in favour of the State.

In his affidavit, the accused (56) stated that he is aKariega resident and agynaecologist at Dora Nginza Hospital,havingstudied at the University of Nigeria and holding South African citizenship. He told the court he owns

properties in Kariega, Centurion and Pretoria, supports six children and has an unemployed wife. He declared that he has no previous convictions,nopending cases and no protection orders against him. The accused further stated that he is not aflight risk, would plead not guilty to the charge, and would not interfere with witnesses or the investigation if released on bail. He acknowledged hislegalduty to disclose any prior criminal history and undertook to stand trial.

In handing down judgement, the magistrate found that the State had not demonstrated that the accused was aflight risk or that he would interfere with witnesses.

Thecourt noted that the accused had been informed of the allegations prior tohis arrest and had voluntarily presented himself tothe police, and that he has no prior convictions or pending matters. While emphasising the seriousness of the rape allegation, the magistratesaid the State’scase was, at this stage, subject to doubt, particularly regarding the issue of consent.The court held that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and ruled that he had met the requirements for

bail, granting his release subject to conditions.

Bail wasgranted to the amount of R5,000 on the following conditions:

• Theaccused mustsurrender his passport to the investigating officerimmediatelyupon payment of bail.

• He maynot leave the Nelson Mandela BayMetro without permission from SAPS

He mustreport to SAPS Kariega every Sundaybetween 07:00 and19:00 until finalisation of the matter

• He maynot go near theareainwhich the victim resides.

• He mustnot interferewith or contact Statewitnesses

He mustappear before the magistrate on 26 March 2026 andremaininattendanceuntil he is excused by the court

The decision made by the magistrate was not well received by some members of the public at the court. Thamsanqa Nkevu, acommunity leader,said, “The suspect has three properties in the country. Who is to saythat he will not flee, given his circumstances? How is justice in South Africajustice when it is failing its people? I am angered by this outcome.”

The matter was remanded to 26 March 2026 for further investigation.

Detectivesseekhelpin

THE Nelson MandelaBay District Detective Intervention TaskTeam is appealing to the communityfor assistancein tracing awanted suspect linked to akidnapping incident that occurred in October2020 in the Kariega area

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, at thetime, Quinton Plaatjies was reported missing at Bethelsdorp SAPS. “Despite extensive investigations, detectiveswere unable to trace him. During theinvestigation, informationlateremerged indicating that he hadbeen kidnapped.”

Sheaddedthat awarrant of arrest hassincebeen issued for DonovanWilliams, also known as “Poenie.”

Police informationindicates that on 31 October2020, the victim, QuintonPlaatjies, also known as “Doenas,” wasallegedly lured to Fiskaal Street in Kamesh, Kariega. “Itisalleged that the suspect, together with three accomplices, switched off the electricity supply to theresidence beforethey stormed inside,armed with handguns.”

Janse Van Rensburg added

NMBMconductsoversightatKelvinJonesWWTW

NELSON Mandela Bay Municipality’s (NMBM) strategic R16 million investment in the Kelvin Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kariega is delivering positive results, with the facility now operating at fullcapacity afteryears of challenges.

Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe conducted an oversight visit to the plant this week, highlighting the municipality’s com-

verely affecting its performance and impactingneighbouringindustrial operations. Municipality spokesperson SithembisoSoyaya confirmed thatcomprehensive mechanical and electrical refurbishment work has been completed, transforming the facility’s capabilities

TheR16 million multi-yearinvestment, which began in the previous financial year, has seen R13 million

erating in atwo-duty, one-standby configuration. NewHDPE and galvanised pipework has been installed, with HDPE components offering a 100-yeardesignlife thatwill result in long-term cost savingsfor the municipality. Additionalimprovements includenew AVKknife valves forpipeline isolationduring maintenance, and AVKswing check valves with counter-levers thatindicate pump

The facility currently serves the entire Kariega area and parts of KwaNobuhle, with ambitious expansion plans forthe future. Themunicipality intends to increase capacity to 30 million litresper day in the medium term and up to 50 million litres per day long-term, aligning with population growth and Kariega’s expanding economy.

that thevictim wasallegedly assaulted, tiedup, and forced into avehicle before thesuspects fledthe scene. “He has not been seen since. Followingthe kidnapping,fundswere reportedly withdrawn from thevictim’s bank account and purchases were made at several shops.”

She stated that in October2025, akidnapping case wasformally registered,and aJ50 warrant of arrest was subsequentlyissued forWilliams.

Anyonewho canassist in locating DonovanWilliams or whomay haveinformation regarding his whereaboutsis urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Leslie Kilian on 082 410 7492, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or their nearest police station.

“All information will be treated as strictly confidential, andcallersmay remain anonymous,” JanseVan Rensburg said.

“Police further warn thecommunitythatharbouring awanted suspectisaserious criminal offence, and anyone found contravening thelaw will be arrested and prosecuted,” she concluded

Theinvestment includes new motor boats for monitoring treatment pens, enabling early detection of technical faults and ensuringoptimal performance. This comprehensive upgrade represents the municipality’s aggressive infrastructureinvestment strategy aimed at supporting the existing economy while attracting new investors to the region.

AutomotivepolicyinfocusasVolkswagenmarks75yearsinSA

NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT

THIS year, Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating 75 years of buildingand selling vehicles in South Africa, but the milestone comes amid growingcalls for policy certainty in the country’s automotive sector.

Industry leaders and political parties are urging the government to finalise key decisions related to the Automotive Industry Master Plan (SAAM 2035), warning that delays could threaten jobs, investment and local manufacturing.

The Automotive Industry Mas-

ter Plan is along-term strategyto strengthenSouthAfrica’s automotive sector. It aims to boostvehicle production, increaselocal content, support component manufacturers, encourage exportsand safeguard employment.

Clear government policyiscritical, as manufacturers rely on certaintytomakelong-terminvestment decisions andremain globally competitive.

Head of Group Communications at Volkswagen South Africa, Andile Dlamini, said the company and other originalequipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to engage the governmentthrough theNational

Association of Automotive ManufacturersofSouth Africa (Naamsa).

“Volkswagen and other OEMs are continuously engaging with the Department of Trade, Industryand Competition through Naamsato address urgent industryissues, including the reviewand implementation of the South African automotive industrypolicy,” Dlamini said. He added that 2026 is alandmark year for the company.“2026 is an important year for Volkswagen as it celebrates 75 years of building and selling vehicles in South Africa.”

Parliament has also weighed in on the Master Plan. Chairperson of

the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, described Volkswagen as central to SouthAfrica’smanufacturing base.

“Volkswagen Group Africa plays acentral roleinSouth Africa’s automotive sector. Its success demonstrates the value of the sector as an engine of industrialisation and economic participation,”Boshoff said, calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Trade, Industryand Competition, Parks Tau, to engage urgently with industrystakeholders.

Political parties have echoed with similar concerns. The Freedom

Despatch-,Kariega-skolekryeiekoördineerder

Front Pluswarned that continued policy uncertainty could drive investment to other countries, such as Egypt, India or Asia. “Failure to align the Automotive Industry Masterplan 2035 with current realities accelerates de-industrialisation, undermines localisation and exposes one of SouthAfrica’smost strategic sectors to large-scale job losses,” the party said.

Describing the automotive sector as acornerstone of exports, skills development and manufacturing capacity, the VF Plus urged decisive government action to restore investor confidence and protect employment.

HANNES SCHOEMAN

DIE rofstoei-promotor Mark Beale se projek kom Oos-Kaapse skoliere oor die gevaar van boelie, bendes en dwelms in te lig, het só uitgebreidat Despatch en Kariega sopas hul eiekoördineerder gekry het.

Hy is Bishop Vena, watelke Maandagoggend skoleindie streek salbesoek

Bealeensyspan was juis ’n paar dae gelede in Despatch, Kariega en KwaNobuhlewaar hulle by laer- en hoërskolebesoek afgelê het.

Hulle besoek Despatch se skole saam met Vena weer in die tweedeweek van Maart.Volgens

Bealeisdie leerlinge uiters geesdriftig en luister hulle aandagtig.

Kariega- en KwaNobuhle-skole wat’npaar dae gelede besoek is, is Mngcunube, Steven Nkomo, GambleHigh en Uitenhage High.

Hy sê wanneer sy span op ’n toer van drie dae gaan, besoek hulle skole in onder meer Graaff -Reinet, Makhanda, Langkloof, Jeffreysbaai en Nelson Mandelabaai.

Bealesespan sluit bekende plaaslike rofstoeiers soos Mr Wrestling, TJ Tremor en The Loudmouth in. Talle pastore vorm ook deel van die projek.

Bealesêsyondervinding is dat skoliere veel eerder na rolmodelle luister as ander sprekers. Dit

is juis waarom die projek so suksesvol is, glo hy.

Hy sê toe sy projek in 2015 begin het, het hy ’n lys van 300 skole van die Departement van Onderwys gekry, maar deesdae kry hulle gereeld versoek van nóg skole wat besoek wilword.

“Die projek bly groei en wys dat ons op die regtepad is,” sê hy. Volgens Beale dra die projek ook ’n sterk geestelike boodskap oor. Hy sê hy en sy span plant die saad, maar die Here gee dit water.

Beale sê hulle het oor die jare al derduisende skoliere op die regte pad gehou –endit was van dag een af die hoofdoel met die projek

and

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The funeralservice of the

The funeral serviceof the lateMICHAEL (57yrs) will takeplace on Saturday,21/02/2026at 10 amfrom 33BOAHSTREET, BLIKKIESDORP, UITENHAGE. Deeply mourned by his familyand friends OOSKAAP BEGRAFNISDIENS 041 992 5704

ERF34109 KWA NOBUHLE

LOSTORDESTROYED DEED

Noticeishereby givenin termsof Regulation 68 of theDeeds RegistriesAct, 1937, of theintention to apply for the issueofa certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number T3172

Notice is hereby givenin termsofRegulation68of the DeedsRegistriesAct, 1937, of the intentionto applyfor the issueofa certified copy of DEEDOF

TRANSFERT78569/1991CTN passed by STEWART

MURRAY NICHOLSON, Identity Number540818 5152 00 6, Married outof Community of Property in favour of ELIZABETH NICHOLSON, Identity Number6005180068002, Marriedout of Community of Property,inrespectof cer tain ERF 10685

ERF 16976 UITENHAGE FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby givenin termsofregulation68ofthe DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intentiontoapplyfor the issueofacertifiedcopy of Deed of Transfer T10388 /2013CTN passed by DAWIDMARTINUS GERTZE, Identity number 6103165202082and VERA YULENDA GERTZE, Identity number600918 0187 01 0Married in Community Of Property,in favorofSTEPHEN DAMONS, Identity number

(Form JJJadded by GNR.62 of 18 January 2019)

Notice is hereby givenin termsofRegulation 68 (1) of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to applyfor the issue of a certifiedcopy of Deed of Transfer Number T14784/2025 Passed by CO ENR AD DA NIEL BEZUIDENHOUT Identity Number 720619 5076 084and ALTABEZUIDENHOUT (FORMERLY VANEYK) Identity Number 640613 0011 086

ESTATENUMBER 135/2026

In the Estate of the late MARGARET FAITHSWART Died on 29 NOVEMBER 2025 Identity Number 380714 0030 08 6

Address24PANORAMA, STRELI TZIA PA RK, UITENHAGE. Creditors and Debtors in the above estate are hereby called upon to file theirclaim and to pay theirdebts to the undersigned within 30

ESTATENO: 005369/2020

Estate of the late NGANGE

AMBROSEMPUSHE, who diedon16August 2020, Identity no: 590826577808 3, of 89 Pityana Street, Kwa no bu hl e,K ar ie ga, divorced In termsofSection 35(5) of the Administration of Estate Act 66 of 1965, notice is hereby giventhat copies of the First and Final Liquidationand Distribution Account in the above Estate will be openfor the inspectionofall persons with an interest therein for

resultaat salhênie.Lesers wordgewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskriftedeeglikte oorweegennategaan. EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamdgeen aanspreeklikheidten opsigte vanenige vandie geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie 5X1DISCLAI-KG211124

NovaNewslaunchestheSchoolSportsZone

THE electric atmosphere of aSaturdaymorningderby:deafening war criesechoacross packed grandstands;the seaofsupporters, draped in school colours, ready to back their boys and girls to the final whistle.The traditionsrun deeper thanany trophy cabinet.

School sport in SouthAfrica isn't just about what happens on the field —it's about the entireexperience, the culture, the passion that splits towns in half and creates heroes overnight. From 19 February, NovaNewsisabout to revolutionise how we celebrateitall.

NovaNews is launching TheSchool Sports Zone, adynamic,one-stop destination dedicated entirely to school sportacross South Africa. This isn't your typical results-and-rankings coverage. This is the full package: the stories behind the scorelines, thesupporters whobring the gees, the flashes andwar cries that make school sportthe most emotionally charged spectacle in thecountry.

The School Sports Zone willbethe authoritative destination celebrating emergingtalent, preserving legendary rivalries, and building thefoundationfor the future of South African sport. Because every Springbok, every Protea, everynational representativestarted somewhere, and that somewhereisusually aschool field on aSaturday morning.

NovaNews isn't stopping at written coverage. Accompanyingthe launchisThe Rugby Facto-

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This is storytelling with substance.Thisisabout tracking tomorrow's Springboks fromthe grassroots to the big leagues, capturingthe journey, the sacrifice, therivalries, and the moments that define young athletes before theprofessional contracts arrive.

amazing storytelling."

"School sportisatthe heart of so many communities in South Africa,"says Dustin Wetdewich,National Sports EditorofNovaNews."With The Rugby Factory,we're notjust covering matches; we're telling the stories of tomorrow's Springboks."

Wetdewich is clear —whilst rugby will feature prominently, The School Sports Zone's ambition stretches across every code, every discipline, every school, making noise on the sporting landscape.

"Beyond rugby, if it has anything to do with school sport, we want to be talking aboutit," Wetdewichexplains. "There are great stories to tell around school sport. Supporters and school communities aren'tjust engaged;they are emotionally and,inmany cases, financially invested. Small towns split in half when derby weekends comearound. Heroes are born, and superstars are made. All this makes for

What sets The School Sports Zone apart is its understanding that school sport is never just about the athletes. It's about the supporters who travel hoursto scream themselves hoarse. It's about the flashes choreographed with military precision. It's about the school chants passed down throughgenerations. It's about the communities that live and breathe every result.

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Kariegaschoolsgrowtabletennis

SHANTIJAFTA

TABLE tennis is steadily gaining ground in Kariega and Despatch, with local coach Julian Horne working to expand participation at both high schooland primary school leveldespite limitedresources.

Horne said the high schools leagueisnow in itsthird year. Despatch Table TennisClub,established in 2010,remains the only club in the region. “We would like to see more clubs forming through developing the sport at schools level,” he said.

To start aprogramme from scratch,Horne explainedthat schools do notrequire top-tier competition equipment, but certain basicsare essential. “For aschool to start from scratch,a table or two, nets and entrylevel competition standard bats and multiple training balls,” he said. He emphasisedthat tablesmustbesuitable forindoor use. “The table does not have to be competition standardbut must be indoor; outdoor has amuch thinner topsheetwhichis not suitable for training and competition.”

For abasic start-up, Horne estimates that atable, nets, at least six bats and aset of 100 training balls would cost approximately R12 000. The number of bats requiredwould depend on howmanylearnerswish to participate.

Beyond physical fitness, Horne has observed several developmental benefitsamonglearners whoplay the sport. “Students who play table tennis show improvements in concentration, problem solving andpositive reaction,energy improvementaswell as mobility,” hesaid. “Handand eyeco-ordinationnaturally improves with repetition.”

The programme has already produced notable achievements.One learner from Strelitzia High School represented the metro at senior level at thenational tournament. Alearner from Uitenhage High School wasselected to represent the metroatthe SteveBikoGames last year. In addition,threeMasters (50+ category) players represented the metro at nationals Horne also highlighted the speed and technical demandsofthe sport. “Table Tennis is seen as one of the fastest sports in the world, reaction is milli-seconds, so speed combined with technique andthinking is vital,”hesaid.

Lookingahead, Horne hopes to establish a primary schools league in the area.“If Kariega and Despatch can at least have two schools competing in the primaryschools league I would be happy for astart,”hesaid.

However, challenges remain. Access to acentral venuefor coaching would be “really an advantage for students”, according to Horne. Transport is another persistent difficulty

He addedthat Kariegahas experienced table tennisplayers whose guidance could benefit developinglearners. As players improve their equipmentneeds become morespecialised dependingonindividualplaying styles.

In August and September last year, Horne hosteda three-week coaching programme in conjunction with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, whichattracted more than30learners. “It was just abasic coaching session,”hesaid.

With growing interest and early competitive success,Horne believes thatcontinued communitysupport and school-level development will bekey to expanding table tennis in the region.

gewen Die A2-span(Retha Oosthuisen, Alewyn Smith, Hennie Oosthuisen en Johan Dumas) het vyfde geëindig, en die vroue span van die Wynarda van Eck,ErikaGerber,Susan Schoultz en ChristaHansen het dievierde plek behaal in afdeling B. In afdeling Dhet die span óók vierde geëindig. FOTO: VERSKAF

Egpaarwen

Despatchse

Pro10-rolbal

Wouter en Anna Minnie het dieDespatch-rolbalklub se jaarlikse Pro10-toernooi gewen ná ’n taai stryd in die finaal.Hulle het Jacques Ferreira en Dwayne Botha met 57-43 geklop. Ditwas die eerste keer dat Wouter en sy vrou die titel gewen het. Wouter sê dit was besondersomtesiendat die bane nog vol spelerswas –selfs ná diefinaal. Hy sê die klub het ’n gesondegees. Despatch se volgende kompetisieisop7en 8Maartwanneer die gemengdepare-kompetisie beslis word. FOTO: VERSKAF

DIARY|DAGBOEK

GenealogicalSociety(EastCapeBranch): Afamily history meeting will be heldonThursday,19February at Laubscher ParkWestat14:30for15:00intheLollyShteinHall.Theguest speaker will be Dwayne Currin, who will speak on his Currin Ancestry.ContactJohnWilmotatjaysqh@iafrica.comor 168 802 1518,orAlanMontgomeryatamontgomery@aerosat.co.za or 084 981 8491.

PregnancyEducation: Don't miss thisevent on 21 February at 09:30 for10:00 at the Caritas Service CentreHall in West Street,NewtonPark. Thetheme is educated motherhood safepregnancyand empowerment this PregnancyEducationWeek. The speakersare agynaecologist, Dr Sumaya Moosa, René Doubell Koen from Foetal Ultrasound andDr RonaldDalmacio from Pathcare. Entry is free.Bookingisessential.Contact082 9404200

SpellingBee: Save the datefor the Spelling BeeCompetitiontobehostedbytheLunambithoFoundationon6March from 12:00 to 16:00 at BabsMadlakaneHall, KwaNobuhle. Wordsmiths from some of the schools in Kariega will showcase their spelling prowess.Ticketsare R10 per adultand R5 per child. Formoreinfo, contactlunambithofoundation@ outlook.com,078641 5359 or 060 3878199 •Sendyour Diary entries to udexpress@novusmedia co.za. The deadlineisTuesdaysat10:00.Entriesmay be inEnglishorAfrikaans

Broerensustermikna SAtop-10inspiesgooi

HANNES SCHOEMAN

DAAR blyk geen einde te wees aan dieCoetzer-broer en suster van Despatch se spiesgooirekords nie.

Dieafgelope naweek het hulle wéér so gemaak toe Zané van dieLaerskool Sonop ’n nuwe recordvan 31.47 meter by diedistriktebyeenkoms opgestel het.

Zachary, van dieHoërskool Brandwag, was self dienaweek op dreef toe hy dieOP-hoërskole se sonebyeenkoms met ’n rekordafstand van 49.03 meter gewen het. Albei het reeds vanjaar ook ander rekordvertonings gelewer.Nóú is hul visier om albei voor dieeinde van diejaar onder Suid-Afrika se tien bestes in te skuifinhul onderskeieouderdomsgroepe.

Hulle sukses is te danke aan harde werk, deursettingsvermoë en gereelde gymnasium-sessies.Hierdie vertonings dui op ’n groot jaar as in ag geneem word dat die nuwe seisoen pas beginhet. Broer en suster mikalbei daarna om in Maartaan dieSAskolebyeenkoms deel te neem.Zach het verledejaar 14de in Suid-Afrika geëindig en Zané13de.Zach se mikpunt is om dieeinde van diejaar die60m-merk te haal, terwyl Zané se mikpunt 37m is. Albei besef ditgaan harde werkkos om dié afstande te behaal en daarom sithulle tydens oefeninge álles in.Albei oefen drie keer per week op veld en drie keeringimnasium Vir hulle is ditmoeilik om meer te oefen omdat hulle ook ander sportverpligtinge het. Vir broer en suster lê die Metro-byeenkoms nou voor voordat dieOo-Kaapsespan aangewys salword.