UD Express - E-Edition - 26 February 2026

Brandwagwenweer!

DieHoërskool Brandwag is die tweedeagtereenvolgende jaar asSkolesportspan van die Jaar aangewys by die Oos-KaapseSportenOntspanningsejaarlikseprysuitdeling. Dieskool se medalje-oes sluitinses goues by die 2024 Statebondspele, agt goues, eensilwereneen bronsbydie Asië/Afrika-kampioenskap,plusvyf silwersverlede jaar. By die onlangseOos-Kaap ClassicenEquipped-kampioenskap hethulle ookgewen. Op die foto is van die skool se uitblinkers:DrewdeLange, Clarissa Gallant,Alan de Beer,Kobie Mellet, Abigaill Doyle en Lieschen Petrus.Leesmeer op bladsy 6. FOTO:VERSKAF

McCarthyinformalsettlementelectrificationunderway

SHANTI JAFTA

THE long-promised electrification of McCarthyLand in Ward 48 is finallyunder way, with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) confirming that Phase 1ofthe project is currently in progress for the 2025/2026 financialyear.

The update follows an oversight visit to the McCarthyInformalSettlement in Kariega conducted recently byNMBM Councillor Ndumiso Nqwazi, who attended on behalf of the MMC for Electricity and Energy,Councillor Ziyanda Mnqokoyi Officials from the Electricityand Energy Directorate were also present.

According to the municipality, the visit formed partofits ongoing commitment to direct community engagement.Residents were updated on progress made with the electrification programme, informed of the way forward, and afforded an opportunity to provide feedback on the current status of the project.

This development comesafter years of frustration from residents UD Express previously reported on theplight of families living in Tinktinkie and McCarthy informal settlements, where communities continue to endure severeservice delivery backlogs, including limited access to sanitation, water and electricity.

The primary objective of the McCarthy Land Project is to provide sustainableelectricity to residents living in formalised informal settlements and low-cost housing,inline with engineering standards, politicaldirectives and the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Theelectrification process is being implemented in two phases.

Phase1: Reticulation (MV&LVAerial bundle construction)

This phase includes trenching,pole

planting, pole dressing,stringing of medium- and low-voltage aerialbundle cables, installation of service distribution boxes and transformers, as well as testing and energising

The municipality confirmed that excavation and poleplanting arestill in progress,while poledressing is also under way.

Phase2: Serviceconnections

Upon completion of Phase 1, Phase 2

will be implemented to further extend access to electricitywithin thesettlement. Thisphase will include theinstallation of ready boards,service cable stringing, installation of electricity meters, and final testing and commissioning.

For the 2025/26 financial year,R2608 695.65 has been allocated to McCarthy Land for reticulation only. To date, R571 315.44 has been spent, representing21.9% of the allocated budget. However, the project hasencountered

logistical challenges. The municipality citedthe intermittent unavailability of a municipal truck to transportpoles from storage to thesite as akey delay. As amitigation measure, atruck will be hired from an externalserviceprovider. Delays were alsoexperiencedowing to theunavailability of acrane truck required to transportpoles.

Ward48CouncillorFranayVan de Linde said she hascalledfor closer monitoring of theproject’s implementation,and that “a progress reportbesubmittedtomyoffice fortnightly by theProjectManager,” she said In response to questions aboutwhether asimilaroversight hadbeen conducted at Blikkiesdorp, Van de Lindeconfirmed that she hasmet Human Settlements officials andthatafollow-up meetingwith all relevantstakeholders will be scheduled in duecourse. “TemporaryRelocation Units (TRUs) will form part of theagenda,” she said Van de Lindedescribed theelectrification projectaslongoverdue for the McCarthy community. “This is something the communityofMcCarthyInformal Settlement hasbeen waitingonfor many years andthey can't wait for their structures to be litupwith electricity,” she said She addedthatformal electricity connectionswould reducethe risk of shack fires andthe dangers posed by illegal connections.

“I have seen what devastating consequences these illegal connections bring when aparent hastobury achild owing to illegal connections. It is very sad. This would bringpeace of mind to everyone in thearea andespecially to me as amother andagrandmother,” she concluded.

While Phase 1remains in progress, residentssay they arewatchingclosely; hopefulthatthis time,the projectwill not stall before their homes arefinally connected.

Communityprojectgainsprivatesectorpartner

AYOUTH-led agriculturalproject in KwaLanga reached amajor milestone on Monday when Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe joined participants in delivering their first batch of spinachtoa Kariega restaurant, signalling abreakthrough partnership between amunicipal-supported community garden and the private sector.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe visited the Limekhaya Community Project at Limekhaya Secondary School in Maduna Road, KwaLanga, Kariega on Monday, 23 February. She, together with members of the Limekhaya Community Project, handed over freshly harvested spinachtoSpur in Kariega.

Project coordinator for the Limekhaya Community Project, Akhanya Msizi, shared, “This is an agricultural community development initiative based in KwaLanga, operating from the Limekhaya Secondary School.” Msizi added thatthere are 10 participants passionate about farming and agriculture, using this platform to eradicate poverty in the community. “We are using the skills that we have to participate in the local economy. We also received assistance from the municipality where needed.”

Elated by the success of theproject,she shared theirexcitement about securing anew partnership with Spur Kariega to supply the branchwith locally grown vegetablesfrom their garden. “We are so proud of this partnership and our breakthroughinto the private sector.Webelieve thatweare heading to greater heightsand higher horizons,” she concluded.

The municipalityadded that in the 2025/26 financial year,the EPWP, through itsPublic Employment Programme (PeP) grant, rolledout five projects focused on creating work opportunities and strengthening community development.

Monday marked asignificant milestone for the Limekhaya CommunityProject, as participants delivered their first batch of spinach toalocal Spur in Kariega,following successful negotiations led by the project members

themselves.

The municipality also stated that this EPWP PeP-funded initiativeshowcases the impact of food security programmes, sustainable job creation, and community-driven development, empowering residents frominformal settlements to build self-sustaining livelihoods.

Lobishe shared, “We were here to deliver spinach,”adding that it formspartofone of the municipality’sprojectsfromthe KwaLanga area. The Limekhaya Community Project will be supplying

Spur with spinach. She explained, “This is an initiativethat has been successful as partofthe municipality’s EPWP project. The project is spearheaded by project manager Akhanya (22). She is also responsiblefor securing apartnership with Spur Kariegatosupply the project’s spinach to the company.”

Lobishe added, “As the municipality, we have been supporting the project by providing all the necessary resources for the garden. We will also be supporting their recycling project, on which

we are engaging. We want KwaLanga to be clean and to enable them to become future entrepreneurs through thisproject.”

Giving thanks to thoseresponsible, Lobishe expressed her gratitude to the Department of Human Settlements,whilst confirming that thereare other schools that will be involved in the project “We will also be supplying water stands and unrestricted access to water to Limekhaya Secondary School so that the school does not have any problems maintaining the garden.”

ScienceCentrelaunchesstudyspace

SHANTI JAFTA

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre in Kariega has recently launchedanafter-school study space for learners in Grades 6 to 12.

Operated by the MandelaBay Development Agency (MBDA), thefacility aims to provide asafe, supervised environment for focused learning.

Nicole Klokow, spokesperson for the MBDA, said the initiative addresses acritical need

“Opening up the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre gives learners the opportunityto come into asupervisedspace where theycan focus on their homework, prepare for their exams, or work together on projects without distraction. We are helping to bridge gaps in access to spacesthat are conducive to learning,” she said.

The centre is open weekdays from 14:00 to 16:00. Learners can choose betweenasilent studyarea for focused work or amonitoreddiscussion area for group projects and homeworksupport.

Noise levels are supervised to maintain aproductive environment

The MBDA emphasisesthat the centreprovides the venue and supervision only; staff do not assist learners withhomework or assignments.

The programme aims to helplearners develop strongerstudyhabits and discipline, which can positively impact academic performance.

“We’ll be monitoring how regularly learners use the centre. We’llalso consider the feedback we get from

schools and families, and whether learnersfeel moreprepared for their work. If the demand grows, we’ll explore expanding the programme,” Klokow said.

TheMBDA describes the initiative as an investment in the long-term development of the community. For more information,learners and parents can contact the ScienceCentre at 041 991 5000.

Milestone birthday forMarlene

Marlene Wong of Dragon Inn, popular Chinese takeaway restaurant,willbecelebrating her 80th birthday on 1March.She has been adistinguishedbusinesswoman for an impressive 49 years, demonstrating remarkable dedicationand entrepreneurial spirit throughouther career

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

LibrariescommemorateBlackHistoryMonth

Daar’sg’nkeeraan Brandwag-sterkes

HANNES SCHOEMAN

DIE Hoërskool Brandwag se kragoptelspan het nie brieke nie!

Hulle is virhulle skitterendeprestasies by dieOosKaapse SportenOntspanning se jaarlikse prysuitdeling by dieWild CoastSun dietweede agtereenvolgende jaar as die Skoolsportspan van dieJaar aangewys.

Ditisdie eerstekeer dat ’n skool dié tweekuns-prestasie behaal. Victoriapark se swemspan het tweedegeëindig en NomandiJuniorSekondêre skool se krieketspan derde.

Ilze-Mari Maritz, ’n onderwyseresbyBrandwag en self ’n Protea-kragopteller, het die toekenning in ontvangs geneem.

Onderdie prestasies wat Brandwag se toekenning verseker het,sluit in ses goue medaljes by die2024 Statebondspele,sewegoues, een silwer en een bronsbydie Asië/ Afrika-kampioenskap in 2024 en vyf silwer medaljesbydié kampioenskappe verledejaar. By die onlangseOos-Kaap Classic en Equipped-kampioenskap by dieKaap Recife skool in Somerstrand het Brandwag ook as wenner uit diestryd getree. Oudergewoontewas KobieMelleten Alan de Beer onderdie groot sterre Alan het in dieClassic

o.74kg-afdeling’nnuweOP-rekord opgestel metsypoging van 162,5kg in diehurksit Hy het ook ’n spogtotaal van457,5kg opgestel.Enindie Equipped-afdeling het hy ook tweeOP-rekords opgestel van 125kg in dieborsopdruk en 182,5kg in diedooiegewigoptel. Kobiehet ’n eersteplekbehaal in dieo.76kg Equipped-afdeling met’ntotaal van 265kg nadat sy met95kg in die hurksit,45kg in dieborsopdruk en 125kg in diedooiegewigoptelgeslaag het.

Lieschen Petrus, wat in die o.52kg-afdelingdeelgeneem het,het met’ntotaal van 165kg geëindig ná haar pogingsvan 60kg in diehurksit,35kg in die borsopdruk en 70kg in diedooiegewigoptel.

Drew de Lange het ook uitgeblink met’nuitstekendetotaal van 200kg in dieo.57kg Classic-afdeling.Sywas suksesvol met’nhurksit van 70kg, 35kg in dieborsopdruk en 95kg in diedooiegewigoptel.

Dit het aan haar dieeerste plekbesorg in diesub-junior afdeling.

In dieo.84kg Classic-afdeling het Clarissa Gallant ook ’n eersteplekbehaal in die sun-juniorafdeling met85kg in diehurksit,60kg in dieborsopdruk en 135kg in diedooiegewigoptel vir’ntotaal van 280kg.

Haar borsopdrukpoging is ook ’n nuweOP-rekord.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Uitenhage and Allanridge Libraries recentlyvisited Amanzi PrimarySchool in Kariegaincommemoration of BlackHistory Month. Sisanda Nanto, libraryassistantatAllanridgeLibrary, sharedastoryofLuvoManyonga, aworld-renowned icon in high jump,with agroup of learners, whileBongiweMavaleliso, the librarian-in-charge of AllanridgeLibrary, taught them the purpose of Black History Month. Picturedhere, NompumeleloNgcoko, senior librarian at Uitenhage Library, engages learners in astretching exercise on theday

DIARY|DAGBOEK

MarketDay: Cuyler Manor willhostits communitymarket dayonSaturday, 28 February from 09:00 to 13:00.Therewill be localstallsoffering handmade crafts, bakedgoods,plants, food, clothing and other home-grownproducts.The market aims to supportsmallbusinesses and entrepreneurswithin the community. For more information or stallenquiries, contact 061493 5241

MarketinthePark: Amarket willbeheld on Sunday, 1March, at St George's Park, Centralfrom09:00 to 13:00. Therewillbe crafts,art,food and bric-a-brac,aswell as livemusic. Stalls arefreetochildren and charities.Children areencouragedto bring unwanted toys,books, etc.,for sale. ContactMaureenat082 2574691. SpellingBee: Save the datefor the Spelling BeeCompetition to be hosted by the Lunambitho Foundation on 6March from 12:00 to 16:00 at BabsMadlakaneHall, KwaNobuhle. Wordsmiths from some of the schools in Kariega willshowcasetheir

spelling prowess. Ticketsare R10 per adultand R5 perchild. Formoreinfo, contact lunambithofoundation@outlook. com, 078641 5359 or 060 3878199

Back to 80s Party: Don'tmissavibrant night of funnyman Gino Fabbri, iconic 80shitsfromCentrestage, and exciting auction items —all in aid of the Cheshire

Home Summerstrand. It willtakeplace at Centrestage in BaywestonFriday, 20 March. Doorsopenat18:30 and the show starts at 19:30.TicketsatR250per person(which include snacks) areavailable online from Quicket.Therewillalsobe acashbar.ContactDeidre at 083 500 0818

EP MediaenNovus Mediakan nie bevestig of enige vandie geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is virgebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat salhênie. Lesers wordgewaarskuom die adverteerder se getuigskriftedeeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan. EP MediaenNovus Mediaaanvaar hoegenaamdgeenaanspreeklikheid ten opsigtevan enige vandie geadverteerdediensteofgoedere nie.

Bergsig-sportfees

HANNES SCHOEMAN

GROOT, groter, grootste! Só kan die Bergsig Skool se vierde sportfees beskryfword wat môre (27Februarie) en Saterdag dreig om uitsynate te bars.

Met 81 sportspanne wat in rugby en netbal sal meeding kan sportliefhebbers hulle klaarmaak vir opwinding soos min. Altesaam 25 spanne sal aan hoërskolerugby deelneem met 20 spanne wat in die o.13-afdelingsal kragte meet.

Op die netbalbaan speel 18 hoërskoolspanne en ook 18 laerskoolspanne. Die rugby-afrigter, JD Esterhuizen, sê die fees beloofomsoos altyd ’n groot naweek op die sportkalender te wees

Dit gee al die skole in die omgewing ook geleentheid om hul verskeie spanne reg te kryvir die komendeseisoen. Verlede jaar was 65 spanne in aksie en die eerste fees het ’n beskeie 40 spanne gelok.

Intussen het Bergsig ook ’n nuwe hoofborg, Imperial Packaging, aan boord. Talle rugbywedstyde wat groot belangstelling lok is op die program. op albe trokke Môre man, Mu agaandd sal kragte Ander aandag senDesp son teen Môre

Dalroselearnermakes Metroathleticsteam