UD Express - E-Edition - 5 March 2026

Metrotoprioritisewaterleaksamiddrought

SHANTI JAFTA

RESIDENTSofKariega, particularlyin Mosel, shared their dissatisfaction with the levelofservice deliverythey receive.

Aresident, Rudi Thirion, said that he has noted adeterioration in the response time it takes the municipality to attend to matters, the level of professionalismof the contractors hired by the municipality, and their ability to produce quality service delivery to ratepayers

His street, Springs Street, has experiencedaworsening water leakfor months, with no communication from the municipality as to when the matter would be attended to

“The water has been flowing for months and the leak is running down my street.”

The simple waterleak has severelyaffected the street, causing major potholes on a street frequently usedasitis situated in aschool zone.

Thirion said, “This is abusystreet because thereare twoschools on the block

The morning transport drop-off is anightmare for road users having to dodge potholes and witness water flowing down the stormwater drains in the middleofa drought.”

He added, “We are told to use water sparingly but it takes themunicipality monthstofix aleak?How does that make sense?”

He noted thatthe matter wasreported through the properchannels,but has not yet beenfixed.

“I went to my Ward Councillor and he is also aware of thematter.”

Ward 51 councillor Roelf Basson said that both thepotholes in SpringsStreet

andwater leaks areaproverbial thorn in his sideasthey get reported and followed up weekly.

Sharing the response he got from the municipality,Basson said,“With potholes, weare informed thereare either no tar contracts or no contractor,”makinghim question how the metro fixes potholes in Gqeberha and Despatch but not in Kariega.

“Springs Street is riddled with potholes, so thatyou need a4x4 to drive there,” Bassonsaid. “The Municipality must explain what they plan to do, butitcan't carry on like this. Residents arepaying taxes and expectreturns.”

He added that the water division does not have the labour or equipment to do the work

“Theymake use of aprivate contractor who also must share digging equipment amongst its teams. At present, we have an averageofabout50outstanding leaks, ranging from water meter trickles to small trickles tolarge ones, causing us to lose a lot of water.Itissobad that the residents now opt to engage privatecontractors to fix leak damage to their properties.

“Asa result of the above, the Ward councillors of Kariega had ameeting with senior management of the water division about two weeks ago to get answerstothe challenges and are awaiting aworkable plan of action,” he concluded

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, said inastatement, “The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is intensifying its response towater leaks across the metroaspart of itsdrought mitigation programme and broader efforts to reduce water losses under severe and prolonged drought condi-

tions. As an immediate intervention, the Municipality is in the finalstages of appointing additional plumbing contractors to supplement existing municipal repair teams, with aspecificfocus on high-loss and high-impact areas acrossall clusters.”

He added that as of last week,the Municipality is concluding the objections committee phase and is in thefinal stages of appointing additional plumbingcontractors to supplement existingmunicipal teams, with astrong focus on high-loss and high-impact areas.

Subject to final contractingprocesses, additional capacity will be deployed within the comingweeks.

Thisadditional capacity is intended to accelerate leak repairs, increase weekly completions, and stabilisethe system while longer-term infrastructure renewal continues.

In the statement, Soyayastatedthatrecruitment for vacantplumberand artisan posts is alreadyunder way, “with posts advertised and processes progressingto strengthen internal capacity within the Water and Sanitation Directorate. Additional operational capacity will continue to be budgeted for annually, in line with service delivery demands andinfrastructure renewalplanning.”

Adding statistics, Soyaya said that, “Between 1July 2025 and 16 February2026, the Municipality received25,427 water leak complaints, of which18,657 have been resolved.Atotal of 6,770 leaks remainoutstanding.”

Executive Mayor,Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, acknowledged the seriousness of water losses while reaffirmingthe Municipality's commitment to protecting residents under extremely difficult conditions.

“We are deeply concernedabout every

litre of waterlostina city facing severe andprolongeddrought.The reality is that we areoperatingunder immensepressure, with ageing infrastructure andvery limitedresources, butwewanttoassure residents that within these constraints, theMunicipality is workingrelentlessly to stabilise thesystem, reducelosses, and protect watersupply for communities,” said Lobishe.

“Wealsowelcome andfully support thenational watercrisis committee announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during therecent State of theNation Address.

“This is acritical interventionthatrecognises thescale of thechallenge facing municipalitiesacrossthe country.” Soyaya emphasised that waterleaknumbers arenot static.

“They fluctuate daily as new leaks are detected, repaired leaks areclosed, and additional reports areloggedthrough communityreportingplatforms and enhanced network monitoring.Prolonged droughtconditionshave requiredaggressivepressure management, valve operations, andzonereconfigurations to preservedam levels.Whilenecessary, these interventions place addedstrain on ageing infrastructure, particularly older asbestoscement andsteel pipelines,causing latent weaknessestosurface as visible leaks.

“Leakrepairs areprioritised using a risk-based approach that focuses on major waterlosses, supply interruptions, and infrastructure at risk of failure.Urgent undergroundleaks affecting reservoirs, pressure zones, andoverall systemstability receiveimmediate attention.Repair teams remainactive acrossthe metro, with increased visibility expected as additional contractor capacity is deployed,” he concluded.

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•Workshopsopenforviewing - -1 '•••w><><..... -"><HT! 18:00 CHOOSETECHNICAL! CHOOSEYOUR FUTURE! TECHNICALTRAINING GUARANTEES WORK!

SchoolshoesforKwaNobuhlelearners

ATOTAL of 208 pairsofschool shoes were handed over last week to J.N. Tulwana Primary School in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, by Transnet Engineering in partnership withthe Transnet Foundation.

The handover ceremony was attended by Dlamini from the Department ofEducation, members of the School Governing Body,local TE managementled by Alfredo Mopp, Executive Manager of Manufacturing atthe Kariega Plant, representativesfromlocal labour unions,aswellasparentsofthe learners.

The initiative forms partofanationwide campaign in whichTransnet employees were encouraged to contribute by donating school shoes towards the GCE’s Shoes on Feet Cam-

paign. One of thecampaign’s keyobjectives is to provide school shoes to underprivileged learners acrossthe country.

ATE-specific campaign wasrolled outfollowingthe launch in October last year, encouraging allemployeestoparticipate. The KariegaPlant performedexceptionally well, exceeding its target of 50 pairs by an additional 54pairs,truly raisingthe TE flag highin comparison to other operations.

Owing to prevailingsocio-economic challenges, manychildreninSouthAfrica do not have access to properschool shoes. This often forces learners to walk barefootinharsh conditions,contributingtoabsenteeism and, in some cases,increasedschool dropoutrates Representingthe Transnet Foundationat

theevent, Susie Mabe said,“The Shoes on Feet Campaign seeks to restore theconfidence, pride,and dignity of learners.”

The school’s Principal,ThembekaHini, expressedheartfelt appreciation, “The school leadership is deeply gratefultoTransnet Engineering for these shoes.Wehighly appreciate this kindand heartwarming gesture, which is truly an investmentinthe future of our learners.”

Abongile Dlamini from the Department of Education also expressedprofound gratitude, describingthe occasion as historic. “These shoes are poisedtosignificantly enhance learner moraleand academic performance,” he said.

The learners expressedtheir excitement and

gratitudethrough song and dance, fillingthe ceremony with joy and celebration as they thanked Transnet Engineering forits compassionate contribution.

The Senior Manager of Maritime Business, Xolisani Dyosini, addressed thelearners with wordsofencouragement,“Look at these shoes; they are asymbolofour belief in you. At Transnet Engineering, we wantyou to walk tall and dream big. Some of our engineers, technicians, supervisors and artisans once sat in classrooms just like yours. They faced similar challenges, and they want you to know that your current circumstances do not define your destination. We hope that one dayyou will join us as thenextgeneration of Kariega-born innovators.”

DianeticsvolunteersbringmentalhealthsupporttoKariega

with

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is u-s h dat y. an -

thebook.“Afterreading Dianetics, Irealised that this book is underrated.Ionce thought that my mind and behaviours cannot be controlled, butI learned how to,with this book,” she said

The campaign targeted what organisers identifiedaswidespread interest in mental health improvement following theinitial enthusiasm and subsequent decline typical of New Year resolutions focused on wellness goals. Dianetics, derived from Greek words meaning “through” and “mind,” is described by practitioners as addressing therelationship between mind and body.

The practice is associated with theChurch of Scientology,though organisers describe Dianetics centres as separateentities operating in 55 countries. The Eastern Cape region campaign included radio promotion through local station IFM88.3 as part of efforts to reach residentsinKariega, Summerstrand, Walmer Heightsand surrounding areas.

pline,and pride—valuesthatstaywith them long after theyleave our gates. Their currentextracurricular program offersanarray of options including rugby (wehaveagirls’and aboys’ team), netball, cricket,Zumba,reading club,environmentalclub, drama, crosscountry athletics,artsand culture, and historical club

Communityliesatthe heartofwho they are.

Through initiativeslike“Preppies for Change,”theyteach ourchildren to stand tall, standkind,and makeadifference. Notjusteducating learners; they shape responsible citizens whounderstand compassion and leadership

The teachersare morethaneducators —theyare mentors,encouragers,and role models.

Their dedication createsclassrooms filledwithwarmth, structure, andinspiration. Parentscan trust that their children areincapable and caring hands every dayincluding at theon-campus after-care facility.

Remedial programs, Readersare Leadersreading programme,computer classes and robotics andcoding areall part of dailylifeatschool.

Theyare constantlystriving to improve, innovate,and grow

Aclear vision: to provideasafe, forward-thinking environmentwhere children arepreparednot just forhigh school, butfor life.

Despatch Preparatory School is not just aschool. It is aplace wheretomorrow begins.

andexperiencethe difference. ng specialinthe Preppiefamily. th tomorrow inside!

ERF 643 DESPATCH

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

ARNOLDS

The funeral service of the late MICHELLE (48yrs) will take place on Saturday, 07/03/2026 at 10am from the NEW APOSTOLICCHURCH, MOSSIE WEG, ROSEDALE, UITENHAGE.

Deeply mourned by her family and friends.

We buy: fridges, w/machines And all householdgoods 083 371 2736

Notice is hereby given in termsof regulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, ofthe intentiontoapplyfor theissueofa certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number

T8015/2020 passed by 1. The Executor in theEstate of the late ANDRIESMATTHYS

JO HANNE SO ELOFSE, Estate Number000566 /2016, and 2. LENETTE

PAULTANS BUILDERS

Bou werk, verfwerk,skuur van vloere ens. Kontak 078 414 2114

JO HA NNA OEL OF SE , Identity Number 520311 0074 080, unmarried,in favour of MORNE MARTIN

BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE

ESTATE NUMBER 006972/2025

In the Estate of the late ArmenJohny August, born on the05April 1958, and died on 18 October 2025, the deceased last address is 22 Rhodes Street, CannonHill and Uitenhage.

Estate number:006972/2025

MetroPolicehostsocialcrime preventionprogramme

THE Nelson Mandela BayMetro Police, in partnership with STEPI Organisation recently hosted aSocial CrimePrevention awareness programme at College Hill Primary School in Kariega, reaching approximately 210 learners from Grades 4to7

According to the Nelson MandelaBay Municipality, the session focused on real challenges affecting young people in our communities, including underage drinking,teenage pregnancy, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and bullying.Through interactive discussions andanopen question-and-answer session, learners were encouraged to speakup, askquestions and understand the consequences of risky behaviour

“By engaging our youthatanearly

age,the Municipality is takingproactive stepstoprevent crimebeforeitstarts,” said municipal spokespersonSithembiso Soyaya.

“These initiatives helpbuildconfident, informedyoung residentswho canmake responsible decisions andcontribute positivelytotheir families andcommunities.”

He addedthatparentsand guardians areencouraged to continue theseimportantconversationsathome.“Creatinga safercity requires partnership between schools,families, law enforcement, and thebroadercommunity.”

The municipality statedthatthe Metro Police will continue rollingout awareness programmesacrossthe Baytoensure that learners have access to information,support, and guidance.

DESPATCH OFFICE RENTAL AVAILABLE Two adjacentoffices

OELOFSE,Identity Number 720514 5075 089, married in community ofproperty to JOELENEOELOFSE,Identity Number 520311 0074 080, whichcommunity of property is excluded in terms of the LastWill and Testament of thedeceased and NICOLETTE ETTWEIN, IdentityNumber 770322 0082 087, unmarried,in

Allpersons having claims against the abovementioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 daysfrom dateof publication hereof.

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EP Media en Novus Media kannie bevestigofenige vandie geadverteerde diensteofprodukte veiligisvir gebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Leserswordgewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan

EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geenaanspreeklikheid ten opsigte vanenige vandie geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie

ClubChampionship continuesonSaturday

mother is known as Jessie McMaster, born 10 September 1991.

per having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby requiredtolodge the same in writing with theRegistrar of Deeds: Eastern Cape at Qoncewithintwo weeks fromthe dateofthe publication of thisnotice. DatedatDURBANVILLE on 26 FEBRUARY2026 Van Der Meer &Partners Inc 4Durbanville Avenue Service Road Valmary Park Durbanville, 7551 Tel: (021) 979 2209 conrad@vdmattorneys co.za

VictoryRaceway’snext event -Club Championship Round2-willtake placeattheir premises in Victoria Drive,Walmer, on Saturday,7March. Classescompeting:1600 Saloons,1660s, 2.1 Modifieds, Hot Rods, HeavyMetalsand American Saloons.Gates openat13:00 andracingwill startfrom18:00. EntryisR70 per adult andR40 for children under 12. Track parking is R50 per vehicle.A variety of foodstalls will be available.For more information,contact Maggieat082 656 8830. Pictured is theHeavy Metal classinaction.

DIARY|DAGBOEK

Spelling Bee: Save the datefor the Spelling Bee Competitiontobehostedbythe Lunambitho Foundation on 6March from 12:00to16:00 at BabsMadlakane Hall,KwaNobuhle. Wordsmiths from some of the schools in Kariega will showcasetheir spelling prowess. Tickets areR10 per adult and R5 perchild. Formoreinfo, contactlunambithofoundation@outlook.com,078 6415359or060 3878199

Agentemet Talente: NG Kerk Despatch-Suid vier vanjaar die 40ste bestaansjaar vandie kerkgebou op die hoek vanKerk-enKromstraat.Hulle feesnaweek sluit in Agente

PETER HENNING

metTalente, ’n konsert,op20Maart om 18:00.Die agenda sluit in ’n bietjie opera, medieseraad vir maagpyn,BBB (Beethoven, Back en Boeliebeef),die maanekoor,dansers en nogmeer.Toegang is R40 per persoon (R20 vir leerders en jonger).Etes sal verkoop word.Vir meer inligting,kontak Catrien by 082 7028345