From Kariega to the world:BooshleGannounced his debut album dateaswellashis 2026international tour dates. The prominent Kariega singer-songwriter startedhis music journeyalmost three yearsago and hastravelled the world in supportofother artists.This time,heheadlines hisown tour.Readthe full story on page 6.
IN the aftermath of devastating flash floods that swept through Kariega in 2024, what was meant to be temporary relief has become aprolongedhumanitarian nightmare for 145displacedresidents now confined to makeshift accommodations at the Van Rooyen temporary residential units (TRU) in Kamesh, Kariega.
Following the floods, the NMBM Human Settlements Directorate facilitated the relocation of victims from informal settlements in McCarthy and Lapland to these temporary housing structures next to the Kamesh Police Station
On 29 October 2024,whenthe relocation took place,Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Human Settlements Directorate stated it had facilitated the relocation of five residents from theMcCarthy informal settlement (Ward 48).Following the dismantling of their shacks, theseindividuals, previously identified as victims of the Junefloods, were moved to temporary housing structures in Van Rooyen.
The HumanSettlementsDirectorate allocated atotal of 27 temporary structures readyfor immediate occupation, of which 22 units were designated for residents coming from Lapland Informal Settlements to accommodate those affected by adverse weather events that took placein 2024. The Municipality stated it remained committedtoaddressing the needs of displaced residents and wouldcontinue to coordinate with departmentstoprovide ongoing assistance, with plans for further resource allocationasneeded.
However, what was intended as ashortterm emergency response has now extended wellbeyond itsoriginal timeframe, with floodsurvivorsfinding themselves battling not only the trauma of losing their homes but also facing anew crisis of allegedly overcrowded, unsafe living conditions compounded by water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and escalating crime that has left an entire community living in fear.
What began as municipal emergencyrelief has evolved into asituation that local advocates say violates basic human dignity, raising urgentquestions about municipal responsibilityand the treatment of climate disaster victims in an era of increasingly frequent extreme weather events
The TRUsare located in Ward 48 on Kamesh Road, astone’s throw from the now-vandalisedAllanridge Civic Centre that was stripped down by vandals.Speaking to UD Express,aresidentwho requestedanonymity for his safety shared, “We are unsafe in this area. There were Metro Police patrols in the area for the first week we moved here, but since then, nothing. Although we are situated right next to the police station, we stillfear for our lives.”
The resident mentioned that they have nine children andtheycannot play freely because of thedanger. “People get robbed in broad daylight here, andwecannot even go to the shop right in front of the
SAPS Kamesh because we getrobbed there as well. What kind of life is that?” hesaid. “We want to open cases with SAPS; however,weare afraidofwhat will happen. Thepolice told us that they cannot protect us after we open acase so we can’t do anything.”
Theresidentalleged that some of the stolen materials areused in the nearby houses.“We would tell them, butthe gangsters are always watching. They don’t verbally intimidate us into silence, but we all know that if you tell, you will suffer the consequences. Untilthere is protection in place for whistleblowers, we will not share
“We are tired of living in this unsafe area, we want to be moved to asafer area. We can even move back to where we were [McCarthy Informal Settlement]. Yes, we were at risk therewith the rain, but at leastthat is better than being fearful for your life every day. We want the municipalitytoallow us to move back with our structures, since our old ones were destroyed upon moving so thatwecan all be safe. We can moveback illegally,but we want to do it the rightway; with permission.Ifnothing happens for us, we will moveback,”hesaid.
Acommunity leader, FadielMohamed, shared, “Backyarddwellers aretargeting the residents because they want what the
residents received;freeshelter. People of Lapland and Blikkiesdorp don’t mix. I knew that it would be adangerous situation for them. If this all happens in front of apolice station and they know about it, why don’t they act, knowing that the residents are scared?”
WardCouncillor Franay van der Linde shared, “We had meetings with theHuman Settlements department last year to discuss the TRUlocated in VanRooyen. With regardtothe vandalisminthe area, the municipality said there is nothing they can do about the vandalism of the structures as it is acrime-related matter.”
Van der Linde added that gang-related incidents arebelieved to be occurring in the area. “The area is notsafe for our Wardoffice committee to conduct oversight visits. However, we will try to escalate the matter againwith themunicipality and SAPS. Sincelastyear, Ihave asked SAPS to monitor the situation, but it seemsthat even SAPS cannot control what is happening in the area.Our Ward committee needs members of SAPS to accompany us to the area so that we can conduct oversight for our safety as well.”
Van derLindeshared an account from amember within the SAPS Kameshprecinct, who allegedly indicatedthat SAPS no longer holdsmeetings in thearea because it has become too dangerous. “If
SAPS says it is too dangerous for them to enter thearea,whataboutusregular civilians? Shootingshappenatany time of theday nowinthe area.” She recalledthe lasttimeshe held a meeting in thearea for aschool-related matterwith SAPS members present. “They once againassured me that they would monitorthe area;however,I have notreceived anyreports from them yet or anyfeedback as to howand when they monitorthe area.”
Vander Lindeconcluded: “Wetried to getinterventionfromthe municipality, butthey said they cannotassist with vandalism-relatedmatters andreferredusto SAPS. However, Iwill once againfollow up with themunicipality to see what can be donefor thoseresidents. Additionally, thosestructures were meant to be temporarytoaccommodate theLapland residentswho were displacedbythe June 2024 flashflood. They were supposed to be relocatedtoanother serviced pieceof landpermanently. Finding outwhen and where theresidentswill be placed permanently is ournextstep.”
The SouthAfrican Police Service(SAPS) confirmed that in Blikkiesdorp, an area in Kamesh, some of thetemporaryhousing is vandalised anditems were stolen from these properties. SAPS spokespersonAndréBeetge said,“Some of thepersons who occupied this housing have since moved outtoalternative accommodations.There arestill communitymembers residingin mostofthe units.”
He addedthatasthey vacate these houses, opportunistic criminalelementstarget these empty houses andvandalise them, stealingitems like windows,electrical cabling andeventhe roofs.Thisisdone mostly at night andSAPS Kameshhas been doing regular patrols of this housing complex. No formal cases have been opened on these thefts to date
“SAPS alsoreceives regular information that theresidentsare being robbed on thestreets. In some instances cases are opened by thevictims; however, there is atendencyinthatcommunitynot to open cases owing to them alleging that they fear for retributionbythe criminal elementsdoing these crimes,” Beetge said Beetgenotedthatthere areprotective measures in place.“SAPS Kameshisdoing regular patrols viavehiclesaswell as on foot. Imbizosare alsoheldinthe area with thecommunityand theCommunity Police Forumisactive in thearea. Special searchoperationsare alsobeing conducted by NelsonMandela BayDistrictTask Teamtargetingknown criminals in the area.SAPS urges thecommunitytoopen cases in orderfor theperpetrators to be arrested.”
Residents concluded, “Ifweare to stay here, we need police visibility,a floodlighttosee dangercoming andcameras in frontofthe police station monitoring this area regularly. If themunicipality, police andcouncillors cannotprotectus from the criminals,who can?”
The municipality was approached for comment butdid notrespondatthe time of going to print.
NELSON Mandela Bay Municipality has issued astark warning aboutthe city'swatersecurity, revealingthat themetro has approximately 246 daysofwater supplyremaining if current consumptionpatterns continue.
In adetailed statement releasedMonday, the municipality disclosedthat combined dam storage across the metro stands at 47.70%, though actual available water is considerably lower at 38.76% whendead storageisconsidered.
“As of 19 January 2026, daily waterconsumption in Nelson Mandela Bay isapproximately380 million litres per day, againsta target demand of 280million litresper day,” theNMBMstated.“This means the Metrois
consumingapproximately 100 million litres perday above the sustainable target, significantly accelerating the drawdown of limited waterresources.”
The municipality emphasised that drought conditions, rather than infrastructure failures, remain the primarydriver of the watercrisis.
“The primarydriver of water scarcity remainsprolonged below-average rainfall, elevatedtemperatures, and adverse climatic conditions, whichreduce inflows into dams andcatchment systems,” the statement read.
However,the municipality acknowledged significantinfrastructure challenges, with approximately 2,000 water leaks currently
reported across the metro. The NMBM noted that this figure fluctuates daily as new leaks emerge whilst othersare repaired
“The Municipality acknowledges that ageing water infrastructure remains asignificant operational challenge,particularlyin older parts of the Metro,” officials stated, adding that the issue affectsmunicipalities nationwide and is “not unique to Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Themunicipality has invested R1.8 billion in borehole augmentation projects to diversify water sources and reduce reliance on surface water, strengthening resilience against future droughts.
In addressing public discourse around the crisis, the NMBM called for more nuanced
understanding of the challenges.
“It is important to clearly distinguish between drought conditions and water losses associated with infrastructure challenges,” thestatement emphasised. “Conflating these twoissues risks misinforming residents and oversimplifying acomplex and multi-dimensional challenge.”
The municipality concluded with an appeal for responsiblewater usage: “Water security in Nelson Mandela Bay requires a balanced understanding of bothclimatic realities and infrastructure constraints, alongside recognition of theinterventions already implemented. Critically, it also requires responsiblewater use by all stakeholders to reduce dailydemand to sustainable levels.”
SHANTI JAFTA
RIEBEEK College Girls’High School achieved a100% matricpass rate, leading Kariega’s schools in the 2025 academic results, with Hoërskool Brandwag followingat96.6%. Both schools showedimprovement from their 2024 performance
RiebeekCollegeGirls’HighSchool:
The Head of Academics, Le-Anne Stroebel, said the school wants quality passes, not just 100%. The learnersdelivered exactly that: mostlyBachelor passes, few diploma passes, and zero higher certificate passes. “This wasa good 100%; they didn’tjust scrapeby.”
Thetop achiever,Riddhi Mistry achieved an A-aggregate along with six distinctionsin Accounting, Afrikaans FirstAdditional Language, LifeOrientation,Business Studies,English Home Language and LifeScience
DeputyPrincipalBianca Viljoen explained: “The secret begins in Grade11. We identify learners thatcould possibly be at risk andcreateathree-way partnership betweenparents, teachers andlearners.”
This approach transforms potentialfailure into shared success through signed agreements outlining each party’s responsibilities “Fostering alove for your subject is oneof the things we have seen to make adifference in results,” said Logan Henman,CAT teacher. Their winter schoolprogramme is atwo-week initiative during June holidays. Henman described its effect: “We identifiedat-risk learners and focusedonthe basics. Someone getting 45% –wewant to get them to that pass mark.”
Riebeek College challenges academicpressure conventions. “There’s amisconception that you mustleave all sport to focus on schoolwork," said the school Principal, Leis’l
Jordaan.“Hereweare –100% pass rate with matric learners playing sport and involved in societies.”
Acritical factor is addressing the modern readingcrisis. “They know the content, but thequestion trips them up,”explained English teacher Robyn Wentley-Stride. “Explaining how toanswer questions is as important as knowing content.”
RiebeekCollege’s 2025 head girl, Yolisa Cuba, shared her approach to academicstress: “The final year can feel overwhelming, but it'sin those moments of challengethat we discover our greatest strengths. Don’tlet the workload consume you; breakitdown and makeitmanageable.”
HoërskoolBrandwag:
Whenasked about theirtop achiever,Lourens Preller’s results, Principal Riana Mostert said: “Weare extremely proud of Lourens’s achievement. He consistently achieved an averageof94.6% throughout the year.”
Mostertbelieves in “establishing asolid foundation during the early highschool years through dedicated teachers, strong work ethic, parental involvement, early academic intervention and stimulation of top-performing learners.”
Theexpectations for the Class of 2025 were high. “Although they didn’t achieve100% pass rate, the quality of results is something to be proud of. The number of learners who canfurther theirstudies at tertiary institutions has increased.”
Mostertemphasised the importanceofbalancededucation: “Sport supports physical health, mental well-being,discipline, resilience and time management. When academicsand sport are balanced,learners are more motivated andperform consistently.”
Her advice to other schools:“Sethighbut realistic goals. Teachersneed to monitor progress and intervene early. Schools mustinvolve parents. The messagemust be clear:buckle down and study.”
LourensPreller'sformulaforsuccess
Speaking to UD Express,Lourens Preller shared his approach to Grade 12 with increased discipline and responsibility: “I knew Ihad to establish healthy daily habits to make asuccess in matric.Early in 2025 Iestablished the habit of working hard everyday.”
Preller maintained balance whilstprioritising academics:“Ibelieve you need balance to be successful, but Idefinitely put bigger emphasis on academics in 2025. My family relationships, girlfriend, friends and sport[cricket] really helped me unwind and ground myself.”
Hisstrategyincluded workingdaily on academicsand focusing on challenging subjects:“I started focusing on subjects and parts Idid not enjoy and identified as marks Icould improve. Iused electronic resources online and reached out to teachersfor help.”
Preller noted that reducing screen time during exams helped him “focus better and memorise information morequickly and more efficiently.”
He emphasised the school environment's role: “All my teachers made an efforttosupport my academicgoals. Duringthird term, some teachers set up mock exams for me to refine my exam writing process.”
Preller'sadvicetothe Class of 2026: “Create positive daily habits. Put in the work in 2026 and youwill reapthe rewards. Findways to make the journey fun –ifyou’re finding joy in the journey, it will be significantly easier.”
Both schools demonstrate that academicexcellence comes fromholistic approaches com-
TWO secondary schools in KwaNobuhle recorded strong performancesin the 2025 National Senior Certificateexaminations, with both improving on their previous year’s results and achieving pass ratesaboveprovincial andnational averages.
V.M. Kwinana Technical SecondarySchool recorded a96.4% passrate, while Solomon Mahlangu Secondary School achieved92.8%, improving from 87.5% in the previous academicyear. Both schools operate as no-fee institutions andserve communities where access to educationalresources is often limited.
V.M.KwinanaTechnicalSecondarySchool
V.M. Kwinanaprincipal Diliza Reshasaid the school was satisfied with its2025 results after meeting theperformance target set by the DepartmentofEducation.“We arehappy with theresults because we were given atarget by the Department of Education andwe achieved it,” Reshasaid.
He said the school’s performance was the result of sustained commitment fromeducators andconsistent planning throughout theacademic year. “Our educatorsare very committedtoeducation.They are alwaysat school,and their level of understanding is very high,” he said
Resha said the school’s teachersalso assisted other model schools in the district through teacher-to-teacher support initiatives. “Our teachers also assist other schools. The level of teacher assistance in other schools isvery high,” he said.
The school has entered intoa memorandum of agreementwith Eastern Cape Midlands College, which assists learnerswithpractical components of technical subjects. “We have amemorandum of agreement with Eastern Cape Midlands College, andMcCarthy assists ourlearnerswith practicals,” Resha said.
According to Resha, the school’s 2025 results were above both provincial andnational averages, and educators were satisfied with theoutcome.“Ourresults are abovenational
and provincial levels, and teachersare happy withthe marks,”hesaid.
Looking ahead, Resha said the school is aimingto further improve its results in 2026, based on the current Grade 11 performance. “For 2026, our targetis98%. We are hopeful for 100%, but even 93% would still makeus happy,” he said.
Resha said learner discipline played arole in the school’s performance, despite the absence of preliminaryexaminations andacademic camps in the previous year. “We did not haveprelimslast yearand we did not have camps. Learners had to adapt, anddisciplineplayed abig role,” he said.
Oneofthe school’stop achievers, Asive Gojela, completed eight subjects and achieved five distinctions. Gojela has been accepted to studyEngineering at StellenboschUniversity
Reshasaid the school continues to make use of diagnostic assessments to identify learning gaps early. “We use diagnostic assessments to seewhere learnersare struggling so that we can supportthem early,”hesaid.
He addedthat the school has madeasponsorshipfund available to support its academic programmes. “We haveasponsorship fund, anditisnot just about money.Wealso welcome tutors andother formsofsupport,” Resha said.
V.M. Kwinana SecondarySchool is seeking volunteer tutors to assist with its extra classes programme. For moreinformation, interested individuals can contact the school principal on 081 047 2415.
SolomonMahlanguSecondarySchool
Solomon MahlanguSecondary School principal Mncedi Mtengwana said the school was satisfiedwith its improvement from87.5% in 2024 to 92.8% in 2025, particularly given the school’s high learner enrolment. “Weare happy withthe 92.8%, especially because we have ahighenrolment,” Mtengwana said.
He addedthat the school opened aweek earlierthanthe official start of the academic year to give learners additional preparation
LourensPreller,Kariega’stop achiever withanaverageof94.6%from HoërskoolBrandwag.
bining early intervention, balanced pressure, student empowerment,and strong school-parent partnerships. Preller will study Engineeringatthe University of Stellenbosch, whilst Cuba will study Chemical Engineeringatthe University of the Witwatersrand
time. “We opened aweek earliertoprepare learners. Thathelped us to setthe tone for the year,” he said.
Mtengwana said diagnosticreports were central to the school’splanning process. “Analysis is very important.Weuse diagnostic reports and analyse results everyquarter so that we canadjust ourteaching,” he said.
At Solomon Mahlangu, teachers areexpected to take leadership roles beyond the classroom and work collaboratively. “Our teachers are leaders. Teamworkisessentialifyou want to sustain improvement,” Mtengwana said.
Parental involvement was identified as a key factor in the school’s performance. “Communication between the school and parents has improved. Some parents even assist with extra classes,” he said.
Theschool did not make use of academic camps, with Mtengwana saying they were not viewed as along-termsolution. “We don’t believe campshelp in the long term. We focus on continuous support instead,” he said
Theschool reinstated evening study sessions, commonly referred to as crossnights, as partofits academic support strategy. “We went back to cross nights to give learners morestudy time,” Mtengwana said.
Solomon Mahlangu recorded an increase in the number of Bachelor passes,with 118 learners achieving Bachelor-level results in 2025. “We arefocusing on both quality and quantity. We had 118 Bachelor passes,” Mtengwana said.
He added that the school had increased enrolment in mathematics and science subjects “We now have more maths andscience learners, and we arepreparing them properly,” he said.
Mtengwana said the school was not focused on competing with other institutions.“We are not competing with anyone. We arebuilding awinning culture,” he said.
Looking ahead,Mtengwana saidthe school aims to improve its pass rate further in the coming year. “We want to improve thisyear. Our target is 98%. Anything like 80% is not
acceptable for us,”hesaid. He added that the school’sbroader goal was to contribute positively to the community. “We want to help our community and reduce unemployment in the long term,” Mtengwana said.
Mtengwana saidanalysis, teamwork and communication remained central to the school’sapproach, adding that the school continues to engage past learners, including membersofthe Class of 2016, through platforms such as WhatsApp to motivate current learners.
BothV.M.Kwinana Technical Secondary School and Solomon Mahlangu Secondary School reported that learner discipline, educator commitment and structured academic planning were central to their 2025 outcomes Despite operating under quintile 3conditions, both schools indicated plans to further improve results in the 2026 academicyear.
JOHN Walton Secondary School has recorded an overall matric pass rate of 81.7% for the Class of 2025 in the 2025 National Senior Certificateresults, marking anotable improvement from the 80.1% achieved in 2024 and reinforcing the school’s trajectoryofconsistent academic growth.
Speaking to UD Express,Deputy Principal Phillip Joseph saidthe school community was “elated and ecstatic”about the results, particularly given the socio-economicchallenges facedbymanylearners.
“We are certainly happy that we showed an increase of more thanone per cent. Over the past fewyears, we have proven that we can consistently perform above the 80% mark, and that speaks to the commitment of our learners and educators,” Joseph said.
At the start of the 2025 academicyear, the schoolset an ambitious internal target of 85%, agoal Josephdescribed as realistic but challenging. “While we didnot quite reach 85%, we came close undervery difficult circumstances. As long as we continue making steady progress, that target isdefinitely achievable in 2026,” he said.
Josephcredited the Class of 2025 for their discipline and willingness to go beyond expectations, notingthat teachers consistently reported high levels of commitmentand cooperationfrom learners throughoutthe year.
Akey contributortothe school’s improved performancewas the study centreand sleeping quarters, establishedtosupport learners who struggle to study at homeowingtoovercrowding, financialhardship, and unstable livingconditions.
“Our learners come from very difficultbackgrounds. Manydonot have proper parental structures or aconducive environment to prepare for exams,”Josephexplained.“The study centre helped enormously.”
In 2025, the initiative focused primarily on male learners,where the school identified greateracademicand behavioural challenges.Learnerswere provided with supervised studytime, accommodation during critical periods, andtargetedacademic support in subjects in which theywere struggling.
“It did wondersnot only for academicperformance, but also for discipline,” Joseph
DIE Hoërskool Despatchhet rede tot groot trots ná die bekendmaking van die 2025-matriekuitslae.
Die skool het ’n indrukwekkende slaagsyfervan 93,5% behaal, ’n beduidende verbetering op vorigejare en ’n bewys van volgehoue akademiese uitnemendheid.
Altesaam 168 kandidate het vanjaar die matriekeindeksamen afgelê. Hiervan het 106 leerders met graadvrystelling, 35met diplomavrystellingen16met sertifikaatvrystelling geslaag.
Dieklas van 2025 het ook besonder goed presteer wat akademiese onderskeidings betref, met ’n totaal van 76vakonderskeidings en 21 B-gemiddelde kandidate. Twee leerders het spesiaal uitgestaan. Mirali Hoekstra het die meeste onderskeidings behaal met ses, terwyl Mieke Muller kort op haar hakke was met vyf onderskeidings.
Die groep A-gemiddelde kandidatehet verder bygedra tot die sterk akademiese
said,adding that plansare in place to expand thefacilitytoaccommodateboth boys and girls simultaneously.
Beyond the studycentre, Joseph emphasisedthatlearner successwas the result of a collectiveeffortinvolvingeducators, parents, the Department of Education, and the broader community.
“The starting pointisalways learner attitude, andthisgrouphad avery positive mindset,”headded. “When we askedthem to go the extra mile, they did so without complaint.”
Educator commitment, particularly at Grade12level, played acritical role, while parentalinvolvement, wherefamilystructures existed, was strengthened through formal agreements signed towards the endof2024. Partnershipsfacilitated by the Department of Educationalso provedinvaluable, allowingJohnWalton learners accesstofacilities at more affluent schoolsduringholidaysand weekends.
“Thesepartnerships worked wonders. They showed us that collaborationiskey if we wanttomove from strength to strength,” Joseph said. He also highlighted theimportance of regular mealsinsupporting learner focus, attendance, and overall well-being
“For some learners, the meal they receive at school is the onlypropermeal of theday.A hungrylearner cannot concentrate, letalone perform well in exams,” he said
The Department of Education’s earlyrelease of nutrition funding enabledthe school to provide not only lunch, butalsobreakfast and porridge for learners whoarrived early. Five parents were employedtorun thefeeding programme, often volunteering their timebeyond paid hours, particularly during weekends when learners stayedoveratthe study centre.
In addition to theoverall pass rate, the quality of passesalso improved significantly.
Nearly 50% of learnersachieved Bachelor’s degreepasses, while closeto36% qualified for Diploma studies, opening pathways to ter-
profiel van die skool.
Verskeie vakke het ’n 100%-slaagsyfer behaal, waaronder Afrikaans Huistaal, Engels Huistaal,Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal, Rekenaartoepassingstegnologie,Musiek en Toerisme
Daarbenewens het ’n aantalvakke slaagsyfers van 90% en hoër getoon, insluitend Wiskundige Geletterdheid, Lewensoriëntering,Verbruikerstudies, Ingenieursgrafika en Ontwerp, Geografie en Geskiedenis.
Die skool se slaagpersentasie toon ook ’n positiewe verbetering, vanaf 88,7% in 2023en91,4% in 2024, totvanjaar se 93,5% Volgens die skoolbestuur weerspieël hierdie uitstekende resultate die harde werk van die leerders, die toewyding van die onderwysers en die ondersteuning vanouers en die breër skoolgemeenskap
Die Hoërskool Despatch bly getrouaan sy 2026 tema: “Leef Lig, Wees Lig.”
tiary education. Two learners achieved Level 7distinctions in Business Studies, with one learner, Deon Peterson, also attaining aLevel 7inMathematical Literacy,making him the school's topperformer. “These results show that our learners are capable of succeeding at universitylevel,” Joseph said.
Reflecting on lessons from theClass of 2025, Joseph said theschool’s focus going forward wouldbeonstrengthening coordination between allroleplayers; learners, educators, parents, non-teaching staff, alumni, theSchool Governing Body, and thewider community.
“When allthese role players operatewithin acoherent structure, success becomes inevitable,” he said
To theClass of 2026, Joseph offered amessageofcontinuity and discipline. “Follow in thefootstepsofthe Class of 2025, start working fromday one, attend school regularly, andgo theextra mile. We havealreadystartedwith extra classes, and thecommitment fromboth teachers and learners is there,” he concluded.
with 154 of these being South African companies. VWGA is also among 21Volkswagen Group companies around the world to receivethis certification for 2026. To achieveTop Employer status, organisations are evaluated based on 20 topics across six categories, including strategy, learning and development opportunities, work environment, employeeengagement and wellbeing,talent acquisition, and diversity and inclusion. In their 2026 evaluation, VWGA not only achieved ascoreof97%, butconsistently scored above the nationaland international benchmarks across all categories. “As an employer we areresponsible for over 3500 people and this certification provesthatwetake ourresponsibility seriously,” said Satish Ranchod, HR Director at VWGA.
“The TopEmployertitle is morethana badge to us; it’s achallengetoimprove continuouslyinhow we support and develop ourpeople,and Iamproud of the people-first culture we actively pursuefor ourworkforce.”
hul55ste huweliksherdenkinggevier. FOTO’S: VERSKAF
SHANTI JAFTA
KARIEGA-born music star
Booshle Gisstepping confidently on to the global stage, announcing alandmarkyear that signals his arrival as an internationalrecording artist
The singer-songwriter has confirmed that hisdebutalbum, IWas Never Alone,will be released on 13 February 2026, aproject he describes as deeplypersonal and rooted in emotional connection. Just twomonths later, Booshle G will headline his first international tour, taking his music to Europe from17to24April 2026, with Canadian singer Billy Raffoul joining himasa supporting artist.
Momentum will continue immediately after, with Booshle Gembarking on his first United Kingdom album tour from 29 April to 9May 2026,marking asignificant expansion of hisaudience beyond South Af-
rican borders. Before headingoverseas, local fans will get theirmoment.
Booshle Gwill tour South Africa on his first album tour between 13 March and 5April 2026, performing in 11 locationsnationwide.
The national tour will be supported by internationalmusical duo Jack and the Weatherman, with ahomecoming show scheduledfor 14 March 2026 at TheMusicKitchen in Gqeberha. Tickets for the South African leg start from R250.
Speaking about his growing journey, Booshle Gsaidheis driven by adesire to connect people through music.“Itry tobring joy andfreedom to whoever is willingtolisten towhat I’mdoing,” he said. Through his sound,hehopes to reach those whofeel lost or alone. “I just wantyou to feel alive again.”
For more information, visit www.booshleg.com
NICK (79) en Lorraine Mostert (74) het op 16 Januarie hul 55ste huweliksherdenking gevier. Die egpaar is tans woonagtig op Kirkwood.
Nick het destyds in Kaapstad gewoon en het virLorraine deur “Toek se soek hoekie” ontmoet. Lorraine het toe op Kimberley gebly,enNickhet gereeld vanaf Kaapstad na Kimberley ge-ryloopom haartebesoek. So het hulle verlief geraak en op 16 Januarie 1971 in diehuwelik getree in Kaapstad. Uitdie huwelik is vier kinders gebore–drieseuns en een dogter Vandag is dieegpaardie trotse grootouers vannegekleinkinders en drie agterkleinkinders
Hul seun, Bertus Mostert, sê: "Ek wil graagnamens diefamilievir ons ma en pa baie gelukwens met hierdie 55-jaar mylpaal. Ons is baie trots op julleenlief virjulle. Baie dankie datjulle al diejaresulke wonderlike ouersvir ons was."
Volgens Bertus glo diepaartjiedat eggenote mekaar deur dik en dun moet ondersteun met eerlikheid, liefde en baie geduld. “Hulle het ons geleer om daar te wees virmekaar, en om nooit te vergeet datdie Herejulle as huweliksmaats moet lei nie.”
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DESPATCH het oor die jare groot naam gemaak met sy rugbyspelers. Nouis’nboerboelteler op die dorp ook besig om groot golwe te maak. Arthur Langley, ’n groot gees in plaaslike rolbal, ryg deesdaedie een prys na die ander in.
Hy sê hy het groot planne vir die toekoms en sal graag saam met Suid-Afrika se grootste telers, AfrikaBoerboele, Elevation, La Boela, Masterminds, HorizonenFont in die ring wil klim en te wys dathy nie vir hulle terugstaan nie.
Langley se groot mikpunt vanjaar is die nasionale skou wat op 26 en 27 Junie in Parys gehou word.
Hy beplanomsewe of agt honde in te skryf.
Langley sê sy telery se naam, La Gem Boerboele, kom van die La vandie vanLangley en die Gem vanaf die Gem of the Karoo(Graaff-Reinet) waar hy sy kennel in 2022 begin het. Sedertdien het hy groot vordering gemaak.
Langley sê hy het eers met Alsatians geteel, maar toe oorbeweeg na boerboele –aanvanklik net as troeteldier om hul geaardheid te bekyk en of hulle by sy familie souinpas.
Hy het in 2022 Delma Diesel en Willewragtig Skye, en in 2023 ElevationTequila aangekoop om sy kennel te begin.
Hy het sy eerste skou by Lady Slipperbuite die Baai gehou waar Willewragtig Skye ’n plek behaal het.
Dáár het die gogga my eers gebyt!
In 2023 het die Langleys na Despatch verhuis waar die telery behoorlik vlamgevathet.
Langley neem gereeld deel aan skoue in die Suid- en OosKaap,enhet ook verlede jaar die nasionale skou in Bloemfontein bygewoon.
Daar het sy teef Elevation Tequila ’n vyfde plek behaal in die senior8A-klas, en derde in die vroulike familie-afdeling. Langley sê dit wasvir hom
’n riem onder die hart toesy jong La Gem Tarzan (wat deur Masterminds Boerboele geskou en nou besit word) in November laas jaar op Despatch die sub-junior titel gewen het.
“Dis jou kennel se naam, al behoort hy nou aan ’n ander teler,” sê Langley. La Gem Boerboele het ook verlede jaar in Oos-Londen ’n magdompryse ingepalm.
Hy het tans tienhonde en sê voeding is van die uiterste
belang. Die gemiddelde voeding per hond beloop sowat R800 per maand en hulle vreet rou hoender, beesafval of skaap, rys, eiers, en gekookte pampioen, patat en broccoli, met vitamiene en mineralewat ook bygevoeg word.
Langley sê sy groot droom is om eendag ’n groot stuk grond te bekom waar hy die honde kanaanhou en sy kennel kan uitbrei.
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE Uitenhage-rolbalklub se gewilde besigheidsliga kan vanjaar weer vir groot opwinding sorg, sê Arthur Langley
Die toernooi begin op 4Februarie en eindigop6 Maart.
Calbis Blue Bottle Store sal die titel verdedig wat hulle verledejaar in dieeindstryd teen Art Engineering gewen het.
Langley sê dié liga is al jarelank deel vanUitenhage se kalender
Hy sê klubs gebruik die besigheidsliga om rolbal bekend te stel aan die publiek en sodoende nuwe lede te werf.
Die fondse wat ingevorder word helpmet die instandhouding van perke en geboue.
Perke is 'n groot uitgawevan die klubsejaarlikse begroting.
"Ons beoogelke jaar om 36 spanne te kry om te speel met 'n minimumvan 24," sê hy.
Volgens Langleyisdaar ook kinders vanso jonk as negejaar watsaammet hul ouers in spanne speel.
Art Engineeringiseen vandie spanne watbaiegereelddeelneem.
Rangers Uitenhage,Majestic Driving School en Laerskool Albertyn tel ookonder diegereelde deelnemers.
Diewedstryde word op 4Februarie,11Februarie, 18 Februarie, 25 Februarie, 4Maart en 6Maart gehou.
Allewedstryde is op 'n Woensdag metdie beslissende wedstrydeop
Vrydag6 Maart.
Die inskrywingsfooie is R1000 per spanenplekbesprekings kan gedoen word deurLangley by 073 152 6572 te kontak.
DIE Hoërskool Despatch se eerste krieketspan het ’n indrukwekkende vertoning gelewer om ’n oorwinningvan 65 lopies teen die Hoërskool Brandwag in hul jongstewedstryd te behaal en sodoende hulkrag met kolf en bal tebevestig. HSD het eerste gekolf en ’n mededingende 142 almal uit in 29.3 boulbeurte aangeteken.
Wesley Mayerhet diebeurt uitstekend geanker met ’n geduldige enbeheerste 43 van 56 balle, terwyl paaltjies rondom hom geval het.
Ondersteuning het gekom van Marvin Sameuls met ’n stewige 24 van 40 aflewerings, en Curwin Haffet het 17van 29 bygedraomte verseker dat HSD ’n verdedigbare totaal opstel. HSD se boulers was meedoënloos
HANNES SCHOEMAN
en Brandwag is virslegs77in17.2 boulbeurte uitgeboul.
Tiaan Marshallwas die uitblinker en het dieBrandwag-kolflys oopgeskeur met uitstekende syfers van 4vir 32.
Hy is goedondersteun deur JustinRose met 3vir 26, en ColeOosthuizen, wieseuitersekonomiese spel van 2vir 5die wedstryd effektief beklink het.
is Cole Oosthuizen (kaptein); Werner Boshoff(hoofafrigter); Matthew Palframan; SJ Nortje (hulpafrigter); Liam de Kock; Dayne Opperman; James Oosthuizen (spanbestuurder). Voor is TiaanMarshall; Justin
Wesley Mayer (onder-kaptein);Ruan Vermaak; Dylan Williams; MondréDiamond; Curwin Haffet en Marvin Samuels FOTO: VERSKAF
DESPATCH se Premierliga-krieketspan kon Saterdag op sy tuisveld net-net nie daarin slaag om Union van die Baai te klop nie.
Union het met drie paaltjies en ’n bonuspunt gewen nadat Despatch hardnekkig teruggeveghet. Despatch het eerste gekolf en 125 lopies in 35.1 boulbeurte aangeteken met Cariston Haarhoff 32 van 50 balle, Robert de Beer 24 (39) en Dylan Thomson 18 (37) diebeste kolwers.
VirUnion het Sashen Coetzee
10-1-31-5, Jadwyn Cona 10-0-35-2 en Taylen Maleiba 6-1-18-2 die beste gevaar met die bal. Union het die wenlopies geslaan met die telling op 129/7 in 27.2 boulbeurte. Sy beste kolwerswas Ricardo Bouw 25 (27),Nolan DinPaulo 22 (17) en Taylen Maleiba 19 (23), terwyl Steyn Koekemoer 3-1-41, Darren Tait 5-0-29-1, Shevaan Hendricks 7-1-36-1 en Daniel Renison 3-0-20-1 vir Despatch hard probeer het met die bal. Despatch se paaltjiewagter, De Beer, het drie vangskote benut en het ook ’n aandeel in ’n uithardloop gehad.
