WEEKLY SA Mirror 17th ED

GLOBAL WOMAN COP IN DISCOVERY’S CANCER INSURANCE SCAM EGG-DANCE THREAT TO SIX-MURDER 4OVER STAFF 10KIDS 3RAP page page JABS page Friday 10 September 2021 D E Q L www.weeklysamirror.news MIRRORWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... WE ARE BEING HARASSED ...SAY RETIRED JUDGES WHO PRESIDED OVER THE ARMS DEAL COMMISSION AND FOUND NO CORRUPTION EVIDENCE 2see page

2 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 10 September 2021 ARMS DEAL WITNESS LABELLED WITNESS: Richard MANDELA A GRAND THIEF Young, categorised SLIGHT: Young dismissed probe as ‘a farce of the most odoriferous and pungent kind’ by the judges as unhelpful By Monk Nkomo Another statement on his website read: ‘’It all others’’. to a meeting. There he instructed them how the A witness who testified at the arms deal in- started when Mandela decided to do the arms deal In their report Seriti and Musi submitted that corvette project was to happen’’. without any real or proper consideration of the quiry, Dr Richard Young, once described the late future needs of South African National Defence Young had admitted that his evidence was based According to the Commission’s report, Young former President Nelson Mandela as a grand thief. Force (yes, the SANDF actually belongs to all of on what he had read in newspapers and other pub- said he was told this by someone. us and not Mrs Sisulu). lications. No facts or proof were submitted. This is contained in a report that was submit- In their papers, Seriti and Musi said Young ted by Judges Willie Seriti and Hendrik Musi, Everything was designed around giving one Young also implicated Mandela, Thabo Mbe- failed to cross-examine former President Thabo who chaired the inquiry. The findings and recom- third of the proceeds of the Arms Deal to the ANC ki, who was former Deputy President and former Mbeki about these allegations when he (Mbeki) mendations of the two judges’ report have since party and political wigs. Invariably the more ex- United Kingdom Prime Ministers John Major and testified at the Commission. been set aside by the Full Bench of the Gauteng pensive options were chosen or the equipment Tony Blair ‘’to corrupt the arms deal package in High Court. was not needed at all.’’ regard to BAE’’. He further stated that the Ger- man government conspired with the South Afri- During his testimony, Young was referred to Asked to comment he told the Commission: can government for the German companies to be one of the statements on his website which read: ‘’Again, I will not say. I intended to implicate awarded the corvette contract. He was informed “This Commission is a farce – but not a funny him personally and alone. What I am saying is about this conspiracy by the late Richard Charter. one ha ha one. It is a farce of the most odorif- my theory, my grand theory is that the Arms deal erous and pungent kind. Something that reminds was put together, in the way that it was, in order In another of his statements on his website, me of something that came out of the anuses of to benefit many connected individuals and party Young said: “Indeed once Mandela and Mbeki my neighbours’ pigs when they invaded my farm organisations such as the Nelson Mandela Chil- had decided to whom to award the corvette con- last year.’’ dren’s Fund and the ANC Woman’s League and tract, Mbeki summoned Chief of the SA Navy, Robert Claude Simple Anderson and Kamerman UNDER FIRE: Retired judge Willie Seriti By Monk Nkomo EMBATTLED ARMS The Arms Deal was a South African Two retired judges under siege for conclud- DEAL JUDGES TAKE military procurement programme ing there was no corruption in the controversial multi-billion-rand arms deal, have launched undertaken to equip the post apartheid a new fight-back plan – to challenge the high court ruling that set aside their commission re- armed forces. In 1999 the ANC govt port. FIGHT TO COURT purchased R30 billion of defence equipment On Monday, retired judges Willie Legoabe Seriti and Hendrik Thekiso Musi, who presided including submarines, fighter aircraft and over the arms deal commission, filed an appli- cation for leave to appeal the ruling of the Full helicopters. The deal was however tainted Bench of the Pretoria High Court, which on August 21 2019 set aside their arms deal report by allegations of bribery and corruption.This findings. SCORE: They assert ruling used as whip to harass them led to the launching of an inquiry by then Both intend to apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal to set aside the President Jacob Zuma to investigate these high court ruling, which set aside their commis- sion report. The ruling followed complaints by claims. Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Corruption Watch and Right2Know Campaign, which instituted the judicial review of the arms tired judges submitted. the retired judges submitted. Willie Seriti and Free State Judge President deal report claiming that the commission had Seriti and Musi submitted that the court In his testimony before the commission, failed to probe allegations of fraud and corrup- Hendrik Musi were appointed to chair the tion. The respondents are Corruption Watch, erred fundamentally by setting aside the entire Young was referred to his website where he said Right 2 Know Campaign, Arms Procurement commission report based on criticisms of how ‘’ Erwin and his Grand Larceneers, Mandela, inquiry. Commission, Minister of Justice and Constitu- the Commission, inter alia, dealt with Young’s Mbeki, Modise, Manuel et cie had this golden tional Development, President of the Republic evidence, who in his own testimony, admitted goose well and truly plucked, stuffed, peri- DECEMBER 23, 2015 : Seriti hands over of South Africa, Minister of Defence and Min- that his evidence was based on theories and peried, drawn and quartered.’’ According to the completed report to Zuma after ister of Trade and Industry. hearsay. the commission, Young gave an unclear expla- nearly two years since it started . The nation about the meaning of the words ‘Grand report finds no evidence of corruption or In their papers, the judges submit that they “There were no manifest errors of law, fail- Larceneers’. It was put to him that he knew that bribery. wanted to set the record straight, because “the ure to test evidence of key witnesses or refusal the word larceny meant theft. He had then re- high court judgment was being used to har- to take account of documentary evidence which plied: ‘’ Well I actually thought that it meant 2016 : Corruption Watch and Right2Know ass us”. The duo has also challenged the high contained the most serious allegations which fraud but in any way if it is theft that is good Campaign institutes judicial review court’s finding that the commission had ignored were relevant to the arms deal inquiry,” Seriti enough for me’’. proceedings for the review and setting crucial evidence that was presented by one of and Musi submitted. The judges also seek con- aside of the Commission’s findings and the witnesses Dr. Richard Young. donation for the late filing of the application. The retired judges also denied the court recommendations. ruling that they had refused to initiate diplo- “The court failed to take into account the In their papers the two retired judges said matic processes to access information held by JUNE 21, 2019 : The Full Bench of the evidence of Dr. Richard Young who was cross- they did not approach the court earlier but, be- the Germans, Swiss, Swedish, the West Indies Gauteng High Court in Pretoria delivers examined and could not present any credible cause the complaints had now been laid against and Liberian authorities.’’ This is incorrect. The judgment setting aside the findings and evidence.He admitted that most of his evidence them, it was important to set the record straight. Commission engaged and consulted with Seri- recommendations of the Commission. on the arms deal was based on what he had read ous Fraud Office of the United Kingdom, Swed- innewspapers and other publications,’’ the re- We want to set ish, Switzerland and German authorities. These AUGUST 11, 2020 : The complainants – the record foreign authorities could not provide the Com- Shadow World Investigations and Open straight mission with information relevant to the Com- Secrets - file a complaint relating to the mission’s terms of reference. The other point court ruling with the Office of the Chief “The judgment is being used as a whip to harass of importance is that the Commission had no Justice. us. It has also become clear to us that whether power or authority to utilize the provisions of or not the findings of a commission of enquiry Mutual Legal assistance Act’’. MAY 7, 2021 : The Secretary of the Judicial can be set aside and reviewed on the basis that Conduct Committee informs the two this court has done, is a matter of public impor- With the Commission not being a law en- judges that they may submit written tance’’. forcement entity, the judgment erred in finding representations for consideration by the that the Commission ought to have invoked the Committee. Both judges submitted that the Full Bench provisions of the International Co-Operation in of the Pretoria High Court, chaired by Gauteng Criminal Matters Act, the retired judges said. JUNE 14, 2021 : Seriti and Musi submit Judge President Dustin Mlambo, could not jus- written representations to the Judicial tifiably take snippets of the complaints raised by The Commission carried out extensive in- Conduct Committee in which they submit one or two disaffected parties and conclude that vestigations and conducted public hearings. that the complaint was unfounded there were reviewable irregularities committed Nearly 54 witnesses testified before the Com- and that there was no evidence which by the armsdeal commission. mission and they handed in various documen- suggested any misconduct on their part. tary evidence, the two applicants said. They also challenged the court’s finding that SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 : The two retired the commission had ignored crucial evidence The two retired judges also submitted that judges file papers in the Gauteng High that was presented by one of the witnesses Dr. a Commission was not a court of law nor is it a Court in Pretoria in which they intend Richard Young. ‘’ The court failed to take into tribunal which could impose a sanction. A Com- appealing the ruling of the Full Bench of account the evidence of Dr. Richard Young who mission of Inquiry only made recommendations the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria with was cross examined and could not present any to the President of the country who could then the Supreme Court of Appeal. credible evidence.He admitted that most of his accept, amend or reject the findings of the evidence on the arms deal was based on what he Commission. had read innewspapers and other publications’’, The applicants said the court failed to take account of the entire terms of reference and sim- ply set aside the entire Commission’s findings based only on issues relating to corruption. Both Seriti and Musi submitted that the le- gal questions were of considerable importance. ‘’ There are very good prospects that the Su- preme Court of Appeal would come to a differ- ent conclusion, and the questions are not purely academic.’’

Friday 10 September 2021 NEWS 3WEEKLY SA MIRROR NO HASSLES AS STUDENTS RECEIVE COVID-19 JABS AT RESIDENCES CONVENIENCE: Student accommodation company arranges for pupils to receive jab at own living quarters By Thuli Zungu nation programme. “We’ve seen how high vaccina- JABBED: A student takes advantage of a specially arranged vaccination programme for Times are changing and so are the lives of stu- tion rates in countries like the United Kingdom have pupils to be vaccinated within the premises of an accommodation centre. dents staying in Respublica student living cam- made it possible for people to socialise, and enjoy pus. – they are getting Covid-19 jabs in bed. mass sporting, and cultural events,” Bavida says. Bronwyn Boavida, managing director at They would love their students and every per- Respublica Student Living says more than 8,000 son in South Africa to enjoy that kind of normality students living at the Respublica Student Living’s again. She says it is important that the matric class 10 residences across South Africa won’t have to of 2021 be vaccinated as soon as they are 18, in leave their accommodation to get vaccinated against preparation for the journey to the university campus COVID-19 – because Respublica is bringing the of their choice. vaccines to their doorstep. “Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is cer- Boavida says they initiated the programme tainly not a condition of admission to any university after conducting a survey among its students and or to any Respublica residence but to protect each employees, with the overwhelming response being student, their family and friends, as well as the staff welcoming and supportive. The programme com- that supports it. menced on 6 September. Clinical staff will return to all the residences to administer the 2nd shot of the ‘’It’s clear that COVID-19 is here to stay, but if vaccine after 42 days of the first vaccine. we all take proactive steps to protect ourselves, we protect our community – and we can all enjoy the As of Wednesday this week, 300 students were benefit of the truly universal experience of life in vaccinated, says Boavida. The private student ac- tertiary education, Boavida says. commodation provider partnered with Medicare to set up vaccination clinics at each of its residences to “Having as much of our population vaccinated offer strictly controlled and carefully administered as possible is the only way that will enable our stu- Pfizer vaccinations to all interested students and dents to return to normality, and to enjoy the full staff over the age of 18. experience of life on campus and in res.” This is in support of the Government’s vacci- Boavia says this is the country’s first such initi- ative. “Ensuring a safe and harmonious environment is a priority in our all-inclusive student lifestyle.” POLICEWOMAN FACES SIX MURDER CHARGES AFTER DEADLY INSURANCE SCAM FRAUD: Constable received policy payouts totalling R1,4m after allegedly organising hits on mother and other family members.. By Frank Maponya ACCUSED: Constable Romia Rosemary Ndlovu which she laced with a harmful substance. When also insured. The State alleges that Madaka-Homu A female police constable who allegedly insured faces multiple murder charges. she went back to Audrey’s house to check on her left his home for work on a particular day, but never her family members and then went on a killing later that afternoon, Ndlovu was surprised to find arrived at work. spree, wiping them out with the help of hitmen her sister still alive. She then allegedly strangled and then claiming from insurance companies her and left. Audrey’s body had already decom- His body was discovered with severe head inju- was still in custody after her arrest three years posed when it was later found. ries in a veld. According to the indictment, Ndlovu ago. submitted several claims to various insurance com- According to the State, Ndlovu had submitted panies following Madaka-Homu’s death and was Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu allegedly ordered several claims to various insurance companies on paid R131 000. hits on her elderly mother, her partner, two sisters the policies that covered her sister but without her as well as her five nephews and nieces, according sister’s knowledge. She was paid about R700 000. Another victim was Zanele Motha, Ndlovu’s to the State. The killing spree allegedly started in Audrey’s son, Brilliant Mashego, allegedly found niece who was also brutally murdered allegedly for 2012 and came to an end in 2018, after six people out that Ndlovu had received money from insur- the purpose of claiming from insurance companies. had already been brutally murdered. ance companies following his mother’s death. Ndlovu allegedly took out funeral insurance poli- cies for Motha from January 2016 to May that year. According to the charge sheet, Ndlovu alleged- He allegedly confronted her and demanded The following month (June), Ndlovu allegedly ly received nearly R1.4 million in insurance claims. that she pay it to him. Instead, Ndlovu allegedly invited Motha to her house for two weeks. A few It is alleged that she was arrested when she ordered organised a hit on Mashego too. His body was later days later, Motha was found lying on the side of a hit on her sister’s children, the youngest of whom found lying in a street. He had sustained massive the road. She had been so severely attacked that her was only five months old. The hired hitman alleg- head injuries. head injuries rendered her unable to speak. Motha edly informed the police about the planned murders died a few days later in hospital. and a trap was set which led to Ndlovu’s arrest. Ndlovu’s live-in lover, Yingwani Maurice Ma- basa, was next on Ndlovu’s murder list, accord- According to the indictment, the insurance She (Ndlovu), who worked at the Tembisa Po- ing to the State. On October 14, 2015, Mabasa was companies paid a total of R119 840 to the accused lice Station, faces six counts of fraud, obstruction viciously attacked. He died after sustaining horrific after Motha’s death. of justice and eight counts of conspiracy to mur- head injuries. His attackers dumped his body not der. According to the indictment, one of her victims far from the Olifantsfontein Police Station. Insur- Ndlovu’s reign of terror ended when she took was her sister identified as Audrey, whom she had ance companies allegedly paid Ndlovu R416 357 the hitmen to her sister’s house for another killing allegedly insured with different companies and list- for the claims she had submitted on behalf of her spree. The State alleges that after pointing out the ing herself as the beneficiary. lover. She allegedly contributed R40 000 towards house she asked to be taken to the nearest taxi rank. the funeral of the deceased. This was where the police were waiting for her fol- The State alleges that on the morning of June lowing a tip-off. She was then arrested on March 25, 2013, Ndlovu visited Audrey and made her tea Another of Ndlovu’s alleged victims was her 2018. Her several attempts at being released on bail cousin, Witness Madaka-Homu, whom she had had since her arrest have failed.

4 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 10 September 2021 SHOCK AS TWO NO FORCED PREGNANT JAB WOMEN REFUSED - DISCOVERY ASSURES EMPLOYEES RETHINK: Healthcare group makes about-turn ENTRY AT By Staff reporter CLINIC Discovery employees who did not want to be vaccinated should rest at ease as their rights INSENSITIVE: Forced to deliver in front of would not be violated, Discovery Health said locked gates while nurses sleep soundly inside yesterday. In the past weeks, the healthcare and financial services announced its plan to By Frank Maponya clinic in the early hours of the morning, complain- oughly investigate the circumstances surrounding make coronavirus vaccination mandatory for Heads are expected to roll after two pregnant ing of labour pains. But security guards at the clinic both incidents so that they can act accordingly. staff beginning from next year. women gave birth at the gate of a rural Limpopo allegedly denied the heavily pregnant woman en- clinic while nurses were asleep inside the facil- try, resulting in her delivering a baby outside the “We are worried that the Madimbo Clinic has More than 14 000 Discovery Health clients ity. The nurses had allegedly refused to help the gate while waiting for the clinic to open at 7am. been hogging headlines for all the wrong reasons have died from COVID-19 related illnesses. women who were in serious labour pains. The mother and the baby were taken to a nearby and we are going to do everything in our power to Sanlam has also intimated to join the bandwagon hospital and are both doing well. act against anyone found to be on the wrong,” said with plans to make vaccination mandatory. In the Nurses at the Madimbo Clinic, outside Musina, Shikwambana. midst of this whole rigmarole, Cosatu cautioned have allegedly been making it a habit of sleeping at The second incident happened on Tuesday companies from compelling and threatening night, thereby depriving patients access to urgent when a female patient allegedly arrived at the “We do not condone incidents where nurses workers to be vaccinated against their will. medical care. clinic after being referred from the Tshiungani would neglect their duties and fail to assist pa- Clinic. She, too, had to wait outside from 5am for tients,” he said. Matthew Parks, Cosatu parliamentary The clinic is supposed to operate on a 24-hour the clinic to open at 7am before getting medical at- spokesperson is not discouraging employees not basis, with nurses on standby inside to assist pa- tention. And, when the clinic eventually opened, The Limpopo department of health is already to be vaccinated but warned against companies tients needed emergency medical attention at the the woman was found to be in a serious condition. in a precarious financial position and has over R9 infringing on workers’ rights. Vaccinations are facility at night. But the nurses are alleged to have Emergency Medical Services personnel were called billion in medico-legal claims against it. not compulsory and employers should not force refused to wake up when patients called at the clin- in and the woman was taken to the Donald Fraser their staff to take the jabs, he said. Parks said the ic for help. Hospital, some 90 kilometres away, where she later Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance in Lim- employers did not own employees and employees passed away. popo has laid criminal charges against the nurses. had rights enshrined in the constitution, adding The two women gave birth outside the clinic’s Risham Maharaj, the party’s spokesperson for that employers had no unlimited power to force locked gates in two separate incidents which took These incidents have triggered an investigation health, has opened charges of criminal negligence employers to force employees to vaccinate. place in the space of a week. by the department, which has also promised that at the Musina Police Station. heads would roll. Departmental spokesperson Neil On the one hand, China’s Sinovac Biotech The first incident happened on Thursday last Shikwambana said they had sent a team to thor- “The DA believes that good quality healthcare will trial its Covid-19 vaccine in children and week when a woman had reportedly arrived at the in rural areas needs to be prioritised to ensure rural adolescents in South Africa as part of a global communities of their dignity and access to health- study, Reuters reports. The study will evaluate care,” said Maharaj. the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the CoronaVac vaccine on children and adolescents, ANGER AND DESPAIR AFTER aged 6 months to 17 years, the firms said in a CASINO HOTEL INFERNO statement. The global trial will enrol 14,000 participants across Chile, the Philippines, By Boitumelo Tshehle FRANTIC: Guests directing anyone towards the assembly point, but Malaysia, Kenya, including 2 000 in South the confusion arose there,” she said. The facility Africa, they said. Residents of Mahikeng watched in despair as a was saved by fire brigades who responded to the major hotel in their tiny town perished this week. call and arrived eight minutes later. Mahikeng lo- The trial has been approved by South African cal municipality’s spokesman Johnny Nkoane said drugs regulator Sahpra, and the first child was due evacuated from burningOn Wednesday, Mmabatho Palms hotel building they did what they had to do to control the fire, but to be vaccinated at the MeCRU Clinical Research caught fire leading to the closure of the 45-year- were overwhelmed by the wind. He said the hotel Unit based at the Sefako Makgatho Health called them at 3:47am and they arrived at 3:55am. Sciences University today. building gripe about poorold facility which was the second oldest casino resort in Africa. MAYOR OPENS Global Tourism Legacy Networks chairma “We did our level best. The entire building would NEW SOWETO have been burned down altogether. We managed SPORTS FACILITY fire emergency coordinationCharles Ndabeni said the hotel was one of iconic to save some of parts of it,” he said. properties that residents could easily align them- By Vusi Xaba selves with. He said the hotel, together with Ma- While Mmabatho hotel was on fire, another Johannesburg executive mayor Jolidee hikeng airport, Bop recording studios, Leopard She complained that there was no form of big facility Christiana hospital also caught fire. Matongo yesterday opened a multi-million- Park estate, were the landmarks and iconic assets alert. “There was no siren, water sprinters, noth- Health department said a total of 18 patients were rand sports facility at Jabulani Flats, Soweto. of Mahikeng. ing of that nature and there was no one who was safely evacuated to neighbouring hospitals. “Mmabatho Palms remains the anchor pil- In his speech, Matongo encouraged lar of growth of the tourism industry Mahikeng residents to look afterthe facilities. Conspicuous and must be rebuilt and its preservation secured,” by his absence at the official opening was local he said. Peermount CEO Nigel Atherton said it councillor Shimane Motlhamme who has not might take up to 12 months to rebuild it, adding performed his ward duties for about year, but that the damage was extensive. “It was a terrible apparently attends the council’s quarterly day. It is terrible for Peermont, terrible for the meeting without fail. The centre boasts an property here and Mahikeng and the province,” indoor sports arena, offices, soccer grounds, Antherton. swimming pool, outdoor gym, barrister and “It’s the first casino in the country, its where chill room, netball ground, ablution facilities. the magic of our industry started. And today is Community member Vicky Malele said she absolutely tragic, we are heartbroken by what has happy was with the project as it will keep happened,” he said. Sixty-four guests who had to children off the streets. be evacuated from the building on that day lost their belongings. Antherton promised to reim- She said: “Our young people will able to burse them. The establishment is the source of learn and those that don’t have computers at employment and part and parcel of the economic home will have the opportunity to come here. development of the province. So, for me as a parent, I think it will help Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Devel- improve the lives of our young people. I hope opment Deputy Minister Rosemary Nokuzola everyone will grab this opportunity and use Capa was one of the people who had to be es- this place because such things don’t come very corted out of the flaming building. DEBRIS: The gutted remains of Mmabatho Palms Hotel often. We are blessed to have this among us, as Jabulani residents, and I believe, if we all work together, we can achieve more, we can grow, so it’s going be beneficial to all of us. Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror on the side lines later, Matongo said he was aware of the Motlhlamme matter. He said the councillor had offered to resign after he was allegedly assaulted by criminal elements in the community, but his political principals told him to stay on board.

Friday 10 September 2021 CONSUMER & LEGAL MATTERS 5WEEKLY SA MIRROR Consumer Eye AWARD-WINNING CONSUMER EDITOR LOOKS 060 936 2673 INTO YOUR COMPLAINTS EKURHULENI BAKER TURNS TO COURT OVER KITCHEN UNIT ROW TRUST: The trust I had with her is broken By Thuli Zungu still kept us in shackles, she said. The aim of the gust until the end of the year,” Bokaba said. undertook to deliver the units on the 15 September Facebook could be a new breeding ground for group is to support black owned businesses, and to She said Ncedani undertook to complete her 2021. Ncedani also accused Bokaba of sending fraudsters. All Thato Bokaba, of East Rand break the stereotype that black service providers people to threaten her. “She (Bokaba)) sent some wanted was a new kitchen unit for her bak- deliver shoddy workmanship. kitchen units before 1 August and on the 24th of Nigerians who came threatening and swearing at ing business and not to go to court before her July Bokaba advised her that she will remove her us two weeks ago - the same day that we were kitchen unit installed. Bokaba says she has also been following Nce- old kitchen unit for the tilling, plumbing and elec- served with court papers. These guys ransacked dani on her FB and Instagram account and to au- trical work to be done. our house,” Ncedani said. Last Friday she obtained a default judgement thenticate her business she visited her factory at after Dani Ncedani of Home defied a court or- Silverton Dale twice to inspect her work before “I also asked her to advise if anything has Bokaba refuted this adding that she could der to appear in the Magistrate’s Court to explain enlisting her service. changed on her side and she confirmed that she have laid charges of against her. “This is a serious why the units had not been installed after she had will install the units.” On the day of installation allegation and she should have reported this to the been paid. Bokaba’s business stopped in August The group has over 200 000 members who Ncedani failed to arrive. police,”Bokaba said. and has not been able to earn an income after support each other in their business. She decid- the kitchen manufacturer Dani Andy Ncedani of ed to support this black empowerment initiative ‘’Two days later she sent a message stating BrownSense group is investigating the con- Home reneged on her undertaking to install the and received excellent service when she first ap- that she could not fit my units. I asked for a re- duct of their member, according to a person we units at the end of July this year.​ proached Ncedani. fund of my money but she has not responded. “I spoke to at the company’s complaints department. still don’t have a kitchen, and this woman is now “She was very quick to demand her deposit “I was also impressed by her journey leaving ignoring me,” Bokaba said. The individual said BrownSence was commit- of R45 000, but when delivery time came, she her career as a medical doctor to manufacture fur- ted to excellence. had lots of excuses,” Bokaba said. Bokaba said niture.” She contacted her again in May this year She added that the trust she had with this she started following Kitchen Home Staging and was given a R66 000 quotation which she woman was now broken and she wanted nothing a few years ago when she was invited to join accepted. Bokaba was required to pay a deposit to do with Ncedani, but her money back. Asked BrownSense Facebook group. of R45 000 which needed to be cleared within 14 for comment, Ncedani said “We will not be able days before the installation. “I warned her to in- to comment at this point as the client has taken the This group was formed in 2016 to empower stall the units before the end of July as the busi- matter to the high court.’’ She also did not show members of the group and remove every layer that ness is a bit quiet during this period and that I had up at the local magistrate’s court last Friday af- a line-up of wedding cakes in the first week of Au- ter she was served with a notice to appear. She told Consumer Eye that she had challenges and By Thuli Zungu MAN’S FURY OVER he is hostile when questioning issues. He said now A process to dissolve a deceased’s estate can be LAWYER’S HANDLING they were telling him that he had been appointed as an emotionally taxing experience for the be- OF EX-WIFE’S ESTATE an executor for the parents’ estate and expected to reaved and beneficiaries who expect their in- start all the work they failed to do in the past four heritance to be released timeously. Worse, their FRUSTRATION: Legal Practice Council steps years. anxiety can be especially heightened when attor- in to resolve dispute between client and law firm neys take longer than expected. “Recently, when transferring one of the de- done to date except for the evaluation report, for Gauteng Provincial office. ceased properties it was registered in Noko’s name A case in point is that of a divorcee, Envoy which it was paid for,” he said. Makam said, still, they did not honour the and when questioned he told me it was a mistake,” Makam, 54, of Centurion, who has been battling adding that he later corrected his mistake. They to get Noko Ramaboya Attorneys to wind up his Makam said, instead of winding up her de- promises they made to the LPC as per their re- haD not met the deadlines promised to the LPC, ex-wife’s estate for some time. ceased parents’ estate first, they started with that of sponse letter to the LPC. “There’s half done work he said. the ex-wife. “Six legal experts within the firm have and now they want to terminate the relationship. Makam says at the time of his wife’s death they been working on this file with no results. What am Cars sold two years ago are still not yet registered “The deadline they committed to since I com- were in a process of reconciling, and, as a surviv- I paying them for?” asked Makam. to the prospective buyers, and the Onderstepoort plained has long passed”. The lawyers had since ing parent, he was allowed custody over his two property,” he claimed. offered a 3% discount of the total estate value as children, aged 12 and 14. He accused this law firm of inexplicable delays their legal fees to make up,” he said. In response, in handling the two deceased’s estates and has since He said the firm scheduled and failed to honour Noko Ramaboya Attorneys’ Andrea Julius said the He said he was not appointed as an executor of reported the lawyers to the Legal Practice Council’s their own meetings and now have the guards to say estate involved minor children and reporting and the deceased’s estate because, at the time, he had publication could only be done if it was in their asked his attorney to represent him at the Masters’ best interest office. However, he claims his attorney did not ad- vise him accordingly, on the requirements to qual- She said the complaint was submitted to the ify. As a result, he had requested that the Master regulatory body and believed that this matter be appoint Mokate Victor Noko as such in 2017. dealt with by that office. The client would be kept updated by that body and he should also be able to “Though he promised that the estate would keep the WSAM posted. be wound up within six months as it was not con- tested, but until now nothing has been completed,” The winding up process was in its penultimate Makam said. stage and the liquidation and distribution account had been advertised and could also be accessed at Apart from his wife’s matter, this firm was also the Master’s office in Pretoria, she said. engaged to wind up the estate of his ex-wife’s par- ents as well. “Noko sent an evaluator to evaluate “Both children and their father have been re- the property at Onderstepoort, but nothing has been ceiving payment for maintenance and school-relat- ed expenses,” Julius said.

6 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Friday 10 September 2021 IKUSASA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAREER GUIDE IS THE ISSUE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN SA ONE BIG CONSPIRACY? UNAPPRECIATED: Mzansi youth pin hope on overseas job opportunities as SA’s unemployment- rate reaches unprecedented levels... By Thuli Zungu Mbatha told Weekly SA Mirror that youth Loyiso Mbatha (36) of Westdene, who lost his job in May last year, after he had worked for After the 1976 uprising, the majority of South unemployment is being orchestrated, adding that three years. Photo: Mohau Mofokeng Africa’s black youths went into exile because South Africa, as a country that is rich in minerals, they had rebelled against Apartheid and its op- should not be teeming with unutilised and underuti- but can’t find employment in my own country, be- our pensioners or South Africans should be getting pressive laws, but now the millennials go abroad lised professions, and hordes of unemployed gradu- cause my career is seemingly not for a black youth,” at least R35 000 a month instead of the R350 they for greener pastures because of rampant unem- ates. “Poverty, unskilled labour or unemployment is he says. are getting as a grant. “In the past few months of ployment in their homeland. not what we should be worrying or writing about,” unemployment, I have learned to identify with the Mbatha says. He asked how we explain unemployment to the unemployed and those who are driven to indulge in “Where did we go wrong?” asks Loyiso Mbatha residents of the North West which hold the largest drugs, there is no difference. They are unemployed, (36) of Westdene, who lost his job in May last year, Mbatha says as a young man he feels sidelined, percentage of World’s copper mining. Mbatha told I’m not and where is the future.” he asked. after he had worked for three years. Mbatha says he because at no point has he been in the driver’s seat WSAM that with all the wealth the country has, is currently in negotiations with an Australian bank or a position where he could determine things for his which had hired him for three years, between 2009 future. He feels like a passenger in his own life be- and 2012. cause his life is determined by those who are better positioned to employ those closer to them whether While he was working in Australia, Mbatha was they have experience or not. He says he has done able to send money home and had also helped to everything he was expected to do, but he remains pay for his sister’s university fees. Mbatha says his unemployed. departure is earmarked for January 2022, adding that 50 percent of his fellow SA students who were “When do I become a man to do things for my- doing a similar course were preparing to leave the self?” he asks, adding that depending on his mother country for employment opportunities abroad. for support is embarrassing. “For me this unemploy- ment issue is deliberate, and it’s not by accident or He says at some point he had even considered chance because there are countless countries that are going back to the military, but he had opted to reg- directing their energies towards creating employ- ister for his third degree. He is studying towards a ment for their citizens,” he says. post-graduate certification in further education and training, which he says is a qualification that is rec- He mentioned among other countries America ognised world over, he says. Mbatha says the degree which spent a trillion of dollars in its stimulus pack- would allow him to even teach English overseas, if age to create employment for its citizens. “China this were necessary. “As a youth I feel powerless was able to create employment for its population and invisible, without employment,” he says. “I’m which is bigger than South Africa, and is still em- supposed to be called a man, but I have no track- ploying South Africans,” he says ing of a man, when do I become a man, instead of depending on my parents for support.” Mbatha says he does not want to go abroad but he has to since he can’t find jobs in his craft. “I have experience in banking which I acquired in Australia, IT’S COOL TO BE A TWENTY FIRST CENTURY ARTISAN By Thuli Zungu WORK-READINESS: development opportunities for artisans,” he said. “The South Africa has strengthened the curricula of uni- It is possible to acquire theme of this campaign was ‘It’s cool to be a 21st cen- versities and Technical and Vocational Education skills to become self- tury artisan’.” and Training (TVET) colleges to meet the require- reliant ments of the national economy and the world of Nzimande said in 2017, the Department begun work. ployers and communities,” Nzimande said. with the establishment of Centres of Specialisation “In addition, there has been an extensive review in more than 20 colleges, and had focused on several According to Higher Education, Science and In- designated trades, including air-conditioning and re- novation Minister, Blade Nzimande, the Department of much of the TVET curricula to make them rel- frigeration, boiler making, diesel mechanic work, of Higher Education and Training has embarked on evant and keep them current, and this will continue Electrical work (particularly for large construction a campaign to place graduates in work places to en- for the next several years. The focus at the moment projects), fitter and turner specialisation, motor me- hance their work-readiness for easy absorption into is on digital and related skills to meet job demands chanical work, and welding. the world of work, as the lack of work experience is driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).” often a barrier to securing gainful employment for Nzimande said the Department of Higher Education Nzimande said Centres of Specialisation in the countless youngsters. “Entrepreneurship hubs are also and Training has also initiated different programmes TVET College sector is a programme which aims being established at Technical and Vocational Educa- aimed at encouraging the youths to become artisans. to inform college differentiation, promote quality tion and Training (TVET) Colleges to help qualifying “In 2014 we launched the Decade of the Artisan at teaching and learning, facilitate responsiveness and students to move into self-employment after they have Ekurhuleni East TVET college which is a campaign provide a model for the implementation of QCTO’s completed their programmes,” said Nzimande. that seeks to promote artisanship as a career of choice trade qualifications at the same time as it develops ar- for South Africa’s youth as well as highlight skills tisanal skills. In relation to artisan training, Minister He said both the Universities and TVET Col- Nzimande said that in 2018-2019 financial year, the leges curricula were being strengthened to make these number of registrations was at 29 982. learning and teaching programmes relevant to the skills required by the national economy and that of the However, due to the economic slowdown and world of work. “At various intervals our universities COVID-19, this number had dropped to 16 218 be- align their study programmes to these national priori- tween 2019 and 2020, and that the number was ex- ties, whilst our TVET colleges are gradually aligning pected to drop further over the next two years, due to their programme offerings to the needs of local em- the Covid-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has affected all the Skills Development providers, including those that are in the public and private sectors,” he said.

Friday 10 September 2021 ENTERTAINMENT 7WEEKLY SA MIRROR YOUNG ASPIRANT MUSICIANS LEARN TO READ AND PLAY MUSIC IMPARTING SKILLS: Some of the veterans who offer their time at the Mofolo Super Bowl By Gugu Sibiya SAFE HAVEN: Soweto children offered a solid She says Thuthukani first opened its doors over With all the horrific incidents happening foundation to better themselves 30-years ago. “We were all members of Soweto around, parents are beside themselves worry- Symphony Orchestra. When our leader relocated ing about the best possible way to protect their and healing, but it teaches them discipline” not to Bragging she adds “Our students are the best. with our name, Thuthukani was born. Funding is a children. Responding to parents’ anguished mention an exciting career adds sis Lindy as she’s Most are successful professional musicians in high major hurdle. We host fundraising concerts but it’s concerns, Thuthukani Music Conservatoire affectionately called. profile orchestras, work overseas, are members of not enough. We could do with donors digging deep Orchestra stepped up to the plate. They’ve pro- the Military Band and South African Navy Band. into their pockets “she pleads. vided a safe musical haven for Soweto’s embat- Part of the training includes collaborations with Most of all, they are teachers and orchestral per- tled youngsters. other orchestras, churh and school choirs. “The formers themselves” revealing that Thuthukani is “Empowering, developing and instilling con- most important dates on our calendar, are four an- made up of their students and adults. fidence in our youngsters remains our main ob- “It might not be a short term solution but we nual concerts. jective. We wish to keep going for many years to are teaching our kids to read music and play in- This year’s theme for Thuthukani Woman’s come” sis Lindy says longingly with her jovial struments. It’s our passion and we’re imparting it “At Easter we host Passion of Christ, then June Month Concert held last Sunday, was gender- voice. with love and dedication to our kids. We’ve seen celebrations showcasing youth talent, Septem- based violence. “We decided to honor Tshegofatso how it’s impacted our students positively” states ber kicks off with the Heritage offering featuring Pule with a 21 piece orchestra performance. Her Instruments offered: Lindy Makhubalo, one of the teachers and found- music by African composers and Carols by Can- gruesome murder not only highlighted the plight of ing member, proudly revealing how they’ve gone dle light at night on the first Sunday of December. women but the need for more education around this Piano. Violin. on to achieve great success. Hugely popular, it attracts parents in droves to Mo- matter” Sis Lindy suggests hopefully. Flute. Bass. folo Park Art Centre Hall” says a proud sis Lindy. Cello. Viola. “We start our kids at the age of six and offer Clarinets. Trumpet. them two hours’ tuition on Thursday and Satur- Saxophone. Trombone. days. Adults attend on Sundays at our Mofolo Park Super bowl home. Music is great for enjoyment By Victor Mecoamere MODEST LENSMAN STAGES PHOTOJOURNALIST Jacob Mawela hopes his Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu photographic exhibition titled Names in Uphill observing a moment of reflection inside his fam- INTRIGUING Letters which will be staged in Benoni, Johannes- ily’s private chapel in Orlando West, Soweto SHOWCASE burg and Pretoria will make a name for him, the than two decades, Mawela has worked at Drum same as 30 of the numerous personalities he had magazine for six years, and has also worked with the HISTRIOGRAPHY: Mawela hopes to photographed over the years had done for them- legendary Ken Oosterbroek at The Star newspaper. contribute to social cohesion selves in several different spheres of life. Mawela has also been featured in A Bigger Picture: A Manual of Photo-journalism in Southern Africa, Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Mawela’s showcase will be mounted for three a book by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technol- months at the Benoni Museum in Benoni from Her- ogy graduate, Margaret Waller. In the book, Mawela itage Day, starting on Heritage Day, September 24, shares equal mention with the likes of top documen- this year. His next two shows will run for a month tary lensmen like TJ Lemon, Santu Mofokeng, Ce- each at the Workers’ Museum in Newtown, Johan- dric Nunn, Jürgen Schadeberg, Alf Kumalo, Victor nesburg, from March 27, 2022; and at the Pretoria Matom, Steve Hilton-Barber and Benny Gool. Art Museum in Pretoria, from May 7, 2022. Mawela is touting the show as being about the newsmakers who had influenced the sciences, academia, sports, economics, literature, law, humanities, as well as the social, political or cultural landscape and history of South Africa in various ways over the years. But Mawela says the show is not necessarily glorifying any of the personalities, who number 108 in total, although financial and space constraints are limiting the tally on view to only 30. “For me, this is merely a historical glance at the many, different peo- ple who had influenced political, cultural and cultur- al lives in South Africa over the years; and, as a way of contributing towards social cohesion, while also attempting to reach the young generation, commonly known as the millennials, with an enlightening mes- sage about their own country’s past,” Mawela said. Mawela said, seeing that the country had become polarised over the centuries, he is hoping that the guests at the galleries will be inspired to regard the past, present and future differently. He is also looking forward to holding workshops for young photography students. “We need to show the young ones the importance of each, and all of us, playing a meaningful roles in contributing to social cohesion. But, I am also hoping that the more ma- ture patrons will also derive value from the shows,” Mawela said. Some of the photos in Mawela’s collection feature apartheid era president FW de Klerk, who helped to usher in a new, democratic era by unban- ning political leaders and organisations and releas- ing political prisoners including Nelson Mandela in 1990. The others are civil rights lawyer George Bi- zos, Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, local F1 Racing Champion Jody Schechter, opera diva Mimi Coertse and artist William Kentridge. While it is somewhat modest for Mawela to be hoping that the travelling historiography might make him as well-known as his many exhibition subjects, his profile is nothing to sneeze at. Because, in more

8 WEEKLY SA MIRROR OPINION/ANALYSIS Friday 10 September 2021 Comment CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE – LETS BLACK WOMEN STILL VICTIMS SAVE THEM FROM CANCER OF WORKPLACE RACISM HEALTH organisations are painting a grim By Monk Nkomo PAY GAP: Research by that Black women are experiencing more extend- picture about the rising incidence of cancer RACE and gender discrimination was still the US National Women’s ed hardship coming out of this health crisis, com- globally, warning that one in 408 children rife in the workplace in the United States of Law Center reveals they pared to other racial groups.’’ worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer be- America where black women needed to work earn far less than white fore the age of 15 years. until they were 83 years-old to reach the sala- men in a lifetime Williams said employers were today desper- ries white men make when they reach 60 years ately seeking help and throwing people in the fire As the world currently observes the Interna- of age. paid 63 cents for every dollar (approx. R14) without properly training them to their policies tional Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, these that White men make. That amounts to a loss of and procedures. ‘’That allows for a lack of knowl- health bodies have contrasted this scenario with The shocking disparity is contained in a re- $2,009 (about R28 000) a month, $24,110 (about edge and a low-end to fight for your worth in the the fact that the world of science has made huge cent research report by the National Women’s R342 308 a year), translating to $964,400 (about long run’’, she added. advances in paediatric oncology and medicine. Law Center released a month ago. R14m) over 40 years for Black women. Yet, cancer has remained a leading cause of mor- The question was being asked on how to tality among children worldwide today – all the In a preface to the report, the NWLC says: This stark reality is why August 3 is marked beat the wage gap. The National Women’s Law while the world’s most technologically advanced “Black workers have always faced discrimination (in the US) Black Women’s Equal Pay Day every Center suggested that equal pay laws should be countries, like South Africa, have highly resourced in the U.S. workforce, even as they helped liter- year, which signifies the extra 214 days Black bolstered, the availability of affordable childcare tertiary academic hospitals with paediatric oncol- ally build America and provided the foundations women would need to work each year to catch should be expanded and women’s wages in low ogy units providing specialised treatment. for its economy. Today, it takes longer for Black up to white men’s salaries. Put it this way; Black -paid jobs be increased. workers to find jobs and when they do, they’re women will have to work until they are 83 years Still, the picture looks even grimmer with an- paid less than their white peers.” old to reach the salaries white men make at age The research concluded that these suggestions other dire revelation from the same health bodies 60. seemed fair and straightforward ‘’ but there is no that, with all that technological capacity available This pay gap is especially stark for Black telling of how long it will take America to get globally, less than half of the expected cases were women, who face not only race discrimination, Reacting to the discriminatory wage gap, Tif- with the program.’’ being diagnosed. And, more ominously, of those but also sex discrimination, according to the re- fany Williams, a business and marketing strate- diagnosed, most were in stage three or four of the port. gist told AfroTech, a black business news digital Williams had some words of advice for wom- disease. Yet, the disease could be challenged only platform, that the issue was not publicly discussed en who planned to leave their full-time jobs to when affected children were diagnosed early for “Among full-time, year-round workers, Black as it should be. pursue entrepreneurship: effective treatment, according to the health ex- women typically make just 63 cents for every perts. And, in so doing, the survival rate could be dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. This ‘’The wage gap is so prominent because * Understand that entrepreneurship is a mara- much higher, according to the Childhood Cancer disparity has only closed by 3 cents over the last there’s lack of understanding on ways you should thon, sometimes it is a sprint, but it will take time Foundation SA. thirty years, which means Black women are not negotiate your salary as well as there’s still a lack to build a brand; projected to reach equal pay until the year 2130,” in employee and training support to help enhance Fortunately, public evidence of positive out- the NWLC adds. employees’ work style’’. * Save up at least six to 12 months of expens- comes from early detection is widespread – as es before leaving your job; and happened in the case of Nicola Hlongwane of According to the report, there were many rea- The research also showed that, at the height Mamelodi, Pretoria. The schoolgirl, diagnosed sons why the wage gap persisted and the corona- of the pandemic in April last year, 16,5 percent * Create an action plan of how you plan on with ovarian cancer at the age of 15, managed virus pandemic had made matters worse for black of Black women reported that they were unem- running your business. to beat the dreaded disease with timely medical women. ployed compared to 12,3 percent of White men. attention. Thanks to the swift diagnosis and spe- The NWLC was established in 1972 as a pro- cialised treatment, which helped her to survive the “Factors like student loan debt and caregiv- ‘’This past June, 8,5 percent of Black women ject of the Center for Law and Social Policy to disease, and live a normal life today. Her story of ing duties also exacerbate the wage gap issue, reported being unemployed compared to 5,2 per- secure and advance legal rights and protections triumph is a living testimony to the life-saving im- even though Black women are stepping up in the cent of white men. Research supports (the view) for women in the courts, in the US Congress and portance of early diagnosis and treatment. Cancer, professional world more than other racial groups. in the states. described as a group of more than 100 different More than one in three Black women (36,8%) diseases, is characterised by uncontrolled growth worked in frontline jobs before the public health As a women’s rights project, NWLC counts of abnormal cells occurring in multiple phases. crisis, compared to 12,6 percent of white men. as victories the landmark Supreme Court rul- Records show that 50 percent of people diagnosed ing legalising abortion, protections for pregnant with the malady could only live for at least five The research also established that Black workers, new enforcement to ensure child sup- years. Yet, still, some cancer patients had a sur- women working full-time made one million dol- port, and much more. vival rate of more than 90% as a result of – again lars less than white men during their careers. – early diagnosis and medical intervention. In the 1990s, the project helped pass major ‘’Black women, on average, are currently child care legislation and improved remedies for Thus, parents are duly urged to be vigilant sexual harassment, secure the opening of mili- about the early signs of the disease as this could tary institutes and thousands of military jobs to prevent a cancer-driven high mortality rate among women. the youths, which is feared as a likely scenario in the coming years. On the other hand, governments have a critical role to play too in the global anti- cancer campaign – especially in preventing dis- ease from wreaking havoc to vulnerable countries. This is something that health organisations have decried as many children in low and middle-in- come countries still have poor access to hospitals. Indeed, inadequately equipped health insti- tutions – as the health organisations point out – translate into a lack of essential diagnostic tests, experience a shortage of nursing medical and surgical personnel, inadequate and erratic supply of basic pharmaceutical and chemotherapeutic agents, including an absence of radiotherapy, sur- gical and intensive care facilities. Unfortunately, this is a glaring and debilitat- ing weakness in the global crusade against the disease, one which emphasises the stark realities of the unequal world we live in, and the challeng- es lying ahead in the fight the scourge across the world. That governments across the world have a moral responsibility to protect the world’s chil- dren against disease. Is needless to say. For, the children are the future of the world. v 060 936 2673 [email protected] PEARL RANTSEKENG.................... Editor MOLEFI MIKA ..................Deputy Editor THULI ZUNGU ................ Associate Editor GUGU SIBIYA ................. Lifestyle Editor Weekly SA Mirror is published by Weekly SA Mirror Pty Ltd. Correspondence to be directed to: Postnet Suite 230, Private Bag X 9, Melville 2109. Website: www.weeklysamirror.news Contact: 060 936 2673 Letters to be sent to: [email protected] Weekly SA Mirror commits to truthful, accu- rate, fair, balanced reporting. The publication is in the process of submitting its application to join the Press Council.

Friday 10 September 2021 OPINION/ANALYSIS 9WEEKLY SA MIRROR Kebby Emmanuel Ramaotoane Maphatsoe KEBBY played a key role in the drafting and eventual adap- (Mosia ,Motubatsi), known as Kebby to all his MAPHATSOE tion of the Military Veterans Act, Act Number 8 of friends and comrades, was born on December 2011, that legalised the rights of military veterans. 31 1962. A STOIC CHAMPION The adoption of this Act, and the establishment of OF MILITARY the DMV during former president Jacob Zuma’s He was the seventh of nine children born of the administration, represented great strides in the marriage between Everista Mota and Victoria Ma- VETERANS’ CAUSE struggle for the recognition and full dignity of MK phatsoe. He went to Kgugamashiu Primary School, military veterans, and military veterans in general. and later at Mokotuli School in Evaton, in the Vaal LOYAL: He played a central role in the in 1976. He completed his matric at Lebone High establishment of the Department of Military Veterans In 2014, Maphatsoe was appointed by Zuma School in Lesotho. as Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Vet- FAREWELL: MK Veterans carry Kebby Maphatsoe’s coffin during his funeral last Sunday. erans, a critical part of his responsibilities being After matric, Maphatsoe worked as a clerk at Photo: Rapitse Montsho the Department of Military Veterans. He remained Tshiawello Clinic. His life, like that of many young in the position until 2019. After the 2019 national people his age, was shaped by oppression under the liberation. and for, MK veterans in order to advance their own elections, he returned as a Member of Parliament, apartheid regime. The events of the student revolt His commitment and insistence that MK lib- cause. Similarly, Maphatsoe played a central role in and was a Whip with specific responsibility for the of 1976, and the subsequent heightened resistance pushing for the establishment of the Department of portfolio committee of police. against the apartheid system deeply impacted on eration soldiers must receive their full dues in Military Veterans (DMV), and also the overall rep- him and formed the foundation of the political con- the democratic dispensation began after the 1994 resentative structure for military veterans in South Throughout his life, he remained a remarkably sciousness of the young Maphatsoe. elections. It led him to play a leadership role in Africa, namely the South African National Military humble and loyal, member of the ANC. He was the formation of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (SANMVA). deeply committed to forging principled unity in the As a student he became involved in the ac- Association (MKMVA), formed by MK veterans. party. No matter the challenges faced by the party, tivities of the Congress of South African Students He was always clear that MKMVA was formed by, Together with the MKMVA, Maphatsoe also he continued to implore his fellow MK veterans to (COSAS), and was also a member of the Soweto remain loyal to the party. Youth Congress. Because of his political activism, and outspoken opposition to apartheid, he was tar- Thus, Maphatsoe accepted with discipline and geted by the apartheid regime and was forced to dedication the ANC resolution of the 54th national eventually flee the country of his birth to go into conference that unity must be forged in the ranks of exile. all MK veterans, and also convinced the rest of the MKMVA leadership to accept it and to advance its In exile, Maphatsoe joined the African Na- implementation. tional Congress (ANC), and became a member of its liberation army, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He Together with the senior MKMVA leadership, underwent training in Angola, and also received Maphatsoe worked diligently together with the specialised training in the now-defunct German ANC NEC’s peace and stability sub-committee to Democratic Republic (GDR), the former Soviet ensure the preparations for the unity conference of Union and Cuba. MK veterans were put in place with integrity and democratic representativity. Great strides were Throughout his life in exile, living in the MK made, and it should be possible to hold a MK unity camps in Angola and Uganda, he was known as a conference sometime this month, on the basis of highly committed soldier, with a clear and unwa- that excellent work, to which comrade Kebby made vering political consciousness. a leading and definitive contribution. In 1992, at the dawn of the new democracy in Throughout his life, Maphatsoe remained fully South Africa, he returned from exile. His life, and committed to the liberation ideals and tasks of the political activism, was preoccupied by a deep con- ANC. Under his leadership as president, the MKM- cern for the welfare his fellow MK veterans. He be- VA took strong and principled positions in defence came the leading champion for the welfare of MK of the ANC’s historical task to bring full liberation veterans, and military veterans, in general. to black (especially African) South Africans. In December 2007 Maphatsoe was elected into He was a true liberation soldier who under- the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) stood the meaning of comradeship. He lived this at the 52nd national conference in Polokwane. out in his jovial, warm, comradely relations with He used this position to advance the cause of MK his fellow comrades. His unwavering support for veterans. His mission was always very clear: that, former President Jacob Zuma, and his pursuit for while the MK liberation fighters had played a cen- justice for him and all his fellow comrades, is leg- tral and critical role in the liberation struggle, and endary. In doing so, he set an example for all. the subsequent ushering of democracy, they had not received recognition that they deserved. He was Maphatsoe was a man of faith, and a deeply deeply concerned that the process to integrate MK religious person. As with everything that he did, liberation soldiers into the South African National his life as a leader in the St. John Apostolic Church Defence Force (SANDF) was flawed and unfair. He of Prophecy was characterised by principled dedi- made it his duty to address this issue, and to cor- cation. He is survived by his wife, Lerato, whom rect it. he married in 1995; five children, Mary, Victoria, Lehlohonolo, Thabiso and Neo; five grandchildren, Throughout his life, Maphatsoe was an ardent four brothers, three sisters, and nieces and neph- advocate for instituted re-ranking processes, for ews. He passed on quietly in his sleep on August what became known as the non-statutory forces 31, aged 59, at his family home in Meyersdal. He within the SANDF and SAPS. He always ensured will be sorely missed by his family, comrades and that MKMVA, once it was formed, gave its clear friends, for whom his remarkable life will continue support for, and was centrally involved in ensur- to be a source of inspiration and dedication. ing that re-ranking succeeded eventually. Also, and HAMBA KAHLE MKHONTO! that justice would finally be done to MK veterans - source: Maphatsoe family who dedicated their lives to the achievement of our POLITICAL PARTIES URGE MILLIONS TO VOTE BUT FAIL TO DELIVER ON PROMISES By Ido Lekota VOTER APATHY: Statistics show voter participation that provides for their needs, including housing, The silly season is upon us, with millions of South in South Africa has dropped by 36% in the past 20 years... security and employment. This view was held by African voters expected to go to the polls in a few 67% of young people aged between 18-35 yrs. weeks’ time to elect their local government repre- humiliation under the DA-led City of Cape. rica has successfully delivered both the political sentatives. The kick-off for the regular bouts of This includes covering themselves with blan- ( good governance and freedoms) and economic The unfortunate impact of the picture painted political mendacity happened last week during goods ( poverty reduction and employment) as ex- by the Afrobarometer has been the kind of apathy a TV talk show where politicians from the ANC, kets when using the city-built open-air toilets, pected by the electorate. displayed by the South African electorate – espe- DA and ActionSA called on South Africans to vote and in the case of Bulelani Qolani being publicly cially among the youth whom statistics show they for their respective parties because they have the dragged naked out of his shack by the city of Cape Unfortunately, with the country having the most feeling the brunt of the country’s eco- mettle to deliver the much needed political and Town police. Such inhuman treatment is most slipped into recession in 2020; the economic im- nomic recession. economic goods. probably linked to the previous assertion by the pact of Covid 19; the recently announced unem- then DA Premier Hellen Zille that Black Western ployment rate of 34.4% (7,8 million unemployed); Statistics show that voter participation in First was City of Johannesburg executive Cape residents are “foreigners who have invaded the revelations by the Zondo Commission about South Africa has dropped by 36% in the past mayor Jolidee Matongo crowing about how as a the province.” large-scale corruption in government and the twenty years – from 86% in 1994 to 49% in 2019. ruling party since 1994, the ANC has gained the private sector; as well as the failure by Eskom to experience to run metropolises such as Johannes- Going on his usual xenophobic rant ActionSA provide sustainable and affordable electricity to This is a matter of grave concern given the burg efficiently. leader Herman Mashaba called on the residents to the vulnerable majority – the country seems to be role of voting in building a vibrant and robust vote for his party because he has the capacity “to running on both an economic and political deficit representative participatory like ours in South Matongo conveniently forgot that it was un- deliver a clean and prosperous city of Johannes- when it comes to the state of our democracy. Africa. Essentially by not voting, the electorate der the leadership of the now late ANC executive burg by efficiently dealing with illegal immigrants abdicates its responsibility of electing members mayor Geoff Makhubu that the City of Joburg who are running it down.” The much-expected A 2018 survey by the independent Pan-Afri- of the most important institution in our form of was found by the South Gauteng High Court to mendacity aside, several factors are making this can research network Afrobarometer revealed democracy – parliament. have acted inhumanly and illegally in evicting vul- year’s local government elections outstandingly that South Africa had slipped into a “political re- nerable people from a block of flats in Fleurhof important. One of the critical factors is that these cession” even before the Covid19 pandemic. The As parliament has previously said, the most during the first national Covid 19 lockdown. local government elections and the forthcoming survey revealed South Africa’s confidence in elec- effective way to redress the country’s democracy 2014 general elections happen when South Africa tions to bring change into the lives drop from 70% project’s dire situation is through voter education Following him in political dishonesty was City is experiencing three centuries of democracy. in 2015 to 61% in 2018. Of much concern is that combined with qualitative civic education. of Joburg MMC for Health Dr Mpho Phalatsi 62% of the polled South Africans were willing to who brazenly declared that the DA was the most To this end, these elections are a test of wheth- give up elections for a non-elected government Voter education is essential because it ensures efficient governing party for local government. er the 30-year old democracy project in South Af- that voters effectively exercise their voting rights She discounted the experiences of Cape Town and express their political will through the elec- Black residents who have suffered indignity and toral process. Voter education needs to be supple- mented by ongoing civic education efforts which promote democratic participation. Ido Lekota is an independent socio-political com- mentator.

10 WEEKLY SA MIRROR CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Friday 10 September 2021 By Isaac Moledi ALARMING in South Africa, communicable diseases, such as While the world of science has made huge ad- INCREASE IN CHILD respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases, HIV-AIDS, and vances in paediatric oncology and medicine, CANCER GLOBALLY tuberculosis, are better controlled. It is imperative to yet cancer remains a leading cause of mortality focus on non-communicable diseases such as child- among children worldwide. Globally, childhood – EXPERTS hood cancer and identify these diseases early, have cancer is on the rise with health bodies estimating access to the correct diagnostics and therapeutics that one in 408 children worldwide will be diag- VIGILANCE: Survival-rate can be higher with and ensure the availability of supportive care to im- nosed with cancer before the age of 15 years. early detection and treatment prove overall survival of our children with cancer.” The three health specialists believe that the burden South Africa, like the world’s most technologi- with the disease can live for more than five years, - U - Unexplained fever present for more than two of the SARS-CoV-2 is further testing our fragile cally advanced countries, has advanced tertiary aca- Choc believes however that if diagnosed earlier, weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, African health care systems. “Many caregivers are demic hospitals that have paediatric oncology units some cancer patients have survival rate of more than easy bruising and bleeding; unemployed due to national lockdowns, there are in- that provide specialised treatment. Unfortunately, 90%. “Early stage cancer also does not kill. It is for adequate transport systems, and caregivers are afraid says locally-based health bodies, less than half of this reason that early diagnosis is so important – it is - A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures; to venture out of the safety of their homes to seek the expected cases are being diagnosed, and, of during early stage cancer that treatment is likely to - N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance healthcare as the ever-present danger of contracting those diagnosed, most are in stage three or four of work best,” says Choc. Covid-19 lurks. the disease. “Yet with early detection and specialised of speech, regression, continuous headaches treatment, the survival rate can be much higher,” ac- But Cancer Research UK believes that cancers with or without vomiting and enlarged head. “Sadly, we may experience even further delays cording to Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (Choc) can cause death in more than one way. “There is, “These are but some of the factors which con- in the diagnosis of childhood cancer. We should en- CEO Hedley Lewis. therefore, no single answer to the question of how tribute to patients presenting with advanced disease deavour to ensure children with cancer do not face cancer kills. It really depends on the type of cancer and resultant poorer outcomes,” says the three health further delays in the diagnosis and treatment of can- As the world observes the International Child- one has and which parts of the body are affected,” bodies. Teenagers involved in various sports and cer during the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.” hood Cancer Awareness Month, Choc - together the UK research body says. other activities were particularly warned: “Teenag- with two other locally-based health bodies that in- ers, busy with sports and other activities, often do According to the three medical specialists, the clude the SA Children’s Cancer Study Group (SAC- Although the three SA health bodies warn of not notice the first symptoms of their cancer, or Siluan Warning Signs for childhood cancer were CSG) and the Non-Communicable Diseases of Na- many factors responsible for delays in childhood attribute them to other parts of their lifestyle,” the adopted by the South African Children’s Cancer tional department of Health (NDOH) – believe that cancer, including the child’s age, family’s socioeco- three health bodies said. Study Group and the national Department of Health it is imperative that children are diagnosed early for nomic status, parental educational level, distance of According to the statement by the health organi- to promote the early detection. “As Gold September effective treatment of early-stage disease which, the residence from the hospital, cancer type, site and sations, many children in low- and middle-income is an annual campaign world-wide to raise aware- health bodies say, will translate into favourable out- stage, Choc also cautions families about what it calls countries have poor access to hospitals, which, in ness of childhood cancer, we encourage the com- comes and improved overall survival. St Siluan’s early signs of cancer. turn, lack essential diagnostic tests, experience a munity to be a voice of hope this September and shortage of nursing medical and surgical personnel, collaborate with health care workers, non-profit or- “But this can only be successfully done if the The body tabulates Siluan’s alphabetically as: inadequate and erratic supply of basic pharmaceuti- ganisations, and the Department of Health to spread disease itself can only be fully understood and early - S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms; cal and chemotherapeutic agents, including an ab- the Siluan Warning Signs for early cancer diagnosis. warning signs be shared among parents and stake- - I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blind- sence of radiotherapy, surgical and intensive care This could possibly save the life of a child or teen- holders involved,” said the health bodies in a state- facilities. ager,” the three health bodies said. ment. ness or bulging eyeball; “As neonatal, infant and child health improves - L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, They also warned against the myths and stigmas Professor Gita Naidu, chair of SACCSG, Sand- around childhood cancer, saying these can create hya Singh, director at NDOH, were also part of the testicles or glands; a culture of silence that is not good for promoting media statement. diagnosis and accessing treatment. “Choc aims to continue to expand its reach into far-flung regions of According to Choc, cancer can be described as the country whilst growing its education campaign,” a group of more than 100 different diseases which Lewis said. The three medical specialists advised are characterised by uncontrolled growth of abnor- anyone who is concerned that his or her child or mal cells occurring in multiple phases. With more teenager may have cancer or similar symptoms to than 200 different kinds of cancers, the organisation please refer the child or teenager to the following believes that the disease can develop in almost any website https://choc.org.za/choc-patient-referral- organ or tissue such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, pathways/ or contact the Choc helpline at 0800 333 bones or nerve tissue. 555 immediately. Although more than 50% of people diagnosed CANCER VICTIM SURVIVES TO RELATE HER ORDEAL OF TRAUMA AND HOPE TO PATIENTS DETECTION : It is important for kids to be diagnosed early for effective treatment of the disease SURVIVOR: Nicola Hlongwane was only 15 when she was struck by ovarian cancer By Thuli Zungu She underwent chemotherapy for three months, has a happy ending. “Through God, I am more nel, inadequate and erratic supply of basic phar- Cancer has no mercy. It does not matter the and then started her remission journey on the than a survivor - mentally, I’m a hero of the battle. maceutical and chemotherapeutic agents, and an age, race or gender. Nicola Hlongwane, 21, of 1st April 2011. It was a short encounter with the I’m ready to conquer the world as a future Char- absence of radiotherapy, surgical and intensive Mamelodi who is a survivor of ovarian cancer dreaded disease, but her world was completely tered Accountant and inspire other heroes to keep care facilities. says she was 15 when she discovered that she flipped outside down. dreaming,” she adds. had the disease. As neonatal, infant and child health improves, During her treatment at the Little Company of Taryn Seegers, Communications Coordinator communicable diseases, such as respiratory and “I remember the beginning so clearly. It was Mary Hospital, she and her parents stayed at the of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA says diarrhoeal diseases, HIV-AIDS, and tuberculosis, towards the end of the year and I was in Grade CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA house September is an annual campaign worldwide to are better controlled, she says. “It is important 9.” Hlongwane says she had settled into adoles- in Pretoria. Hlongwane says beyond the financial raise awareness of childhood cancer. There are to focus on non-communicable diseases such as cence and was participating in all the items the consequences, She underwent blood tests and many advances in paediatric oncology, yet cancer childhood cancer and identify these diseases ear- high school could offer. scans and in the end the family was just never remains a leading cause of mortality in children, ly, have access to the correct diagnostics and ther- fully prepared for the journey that lay ahead. she says. apeutics and ensure the availability of supportive “I was the prime picture and fit as a fiddle. care to improve overall survival of children with Then out of nowhere, there was a weird pain in She recalls sitting in the lounge as many fami- “It is important that children are diagnosed cancer,” Seegers says. my lower abdomen, and my tummy just began lies with very different backgrounds, enjoyed early for effective treatment of early-stage dis- expanding,” she says. For a week or so, she attrib- dinner, engaged in discussions and found joy in ease, which will translate into favourable out- She says many caregivers are unemployed uted it to period pains, and muscle cramps from some of the little things they discussed. “It was a comes and improved overall survival’’. due to national lockdowns and fears of contract- exercising. place where I was free to take off my wig and still ing Covid-19. “We should try to ensure children feel absolutely normal.” Seegers says many factors are responsible for with cancer do not face further delays in the di- “Our family doctor said it was just a growth delays in childhood cancer, including the child’s agnosis and treatment of cancer during the global in my abdomen, most definitely benign, looking at Looking back, there were a lot of untrue ste- age, family’s socio-economic status, parental edu- SARSCoV-2 pandemic.” my age, and booked me into a hospital in Pretoria reotypes surrounding cancer, and her story defied cational level, distance of residence from the hos- to have it removed.” After surgery, it was estab- her community, she says. “It doesn’t target a par- pital, cancer type, site, and stage. She encourages the community to be a voice lished that she had a malignant tumour. ticular race, age, gender or lifestyle. If discovered of hope this month and collaborate with health early especially at childhood, it can be cured,” Many children in low- and middle-income care workers, non-profit organisations, and the “After a whole lot of further tests and scans, I she says. Hlongwane says cancer was a trying countries have poor access to hospitals, which in Department of Health to spread the Siluan Warn- was told I had stage 2 germ cell ovarian cancer’’. part of her story, but because of God’s grace, it turn lack essential diagnostic tests, experience a ing Signs for early cancer diagnosis. shortage of nursing medical and surgical person-

Friday 10 September 2021 FOOD AND WINE 11WEEKLY SA MIRROR Wine-ly Yours BRIGHT FUTURE: Trainee winemaking graduates Terry-Ann Klink, Anda Ntlontlo and Kaylin Willscott, who have benefited immensely from mentor- ship highly experienced winemakers. HERE’S TO SA’S ‘MUCH AWAITED PREMIER WINE CALENDAR EVENT COLLECTOR’S DREAM: CWG wine auction event features newly released wines crafted by some of the country’s preeminent winemakers By Len Maseko Membership is by invitation only and many of lection for the auction? opportunity to still age them. The Cape Wine One of the most anticipated events in South Af- South Africa’s leading winemakers are mem- No. They have the option to submit wines Auction is a collection of older wines. The rica’s wine calendar is undoubtedly the annual bers. Members meet regularly as a technical charity auction includes wines from previous Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, tasting group, providing its members with an but, to remain an active member, they need to auctions, whose proceeds will go towards fund- which features the best of the newly released opportunity to evaluate wines from around the have a wine on auction at least once every four ing the skills development programme. wines from the crème de la crème of the coun- world and to share their knowledge and ideas - years. If one is not successful in bidding for any of the try’s winemakers. ensuring that CWG members remain leaders in Is there a reserve price of the auction wines? wines at the online auction, where else can they the art and science of winemaking. Members No. purchase them? It is invariably awaited with much glee and sus- are responsible for the production of outstand- What makes the CWG Auction wines different These wines are only available at the auction. pense generated by intense competition between ing wines from harvesting to bottling. A mem- from wines offered from other auctions like the What happens to the unsold wines? local and international bidders vying for the wines. ber who is recognised by the CWG as a win- Cape Wine Auction. Everything is sold. emaker of outstanding wines for a minimum Note that the wines in the main auction are cur- Can one find these wines at the wineries involved? Last year, for the first in its history, the auction period of five years can be invited. rently released and made exclusively for the No. was held online in keeping with the Covid-19 lock- auction. Although these wines can be enjoyed Is there a guarantee for the quality of the wines down and social distancing protocol. Again, this How are wines selected for the auction? now, they are still young and offer buyers the sold at the auction? year, the auction returns live and online on October Members are invited to submit wines on an an- The members comprise of winemakers who 2 2021, and will be preceded by a two-week online SURFEIT: Mxolisi Mahashe, sommelier at have a solid trajectory of excellence, recog- charity auction offering rare and unique wines to nual basis. All the wines are made exclusively Sandton’s Signature Restaurant, samples nised by their peers. Like wine expert Michael raise funds for winemaking students training under for the Auction by CWG members. All wines some of the auction at a pre-tasting session. Fridjhon, said: “There will never be any bad the Guild’s Protégé Programme. are tasted blind and selected by specialist pan- wines here.” els of Guild members to ensure that only wines How does the charity auction work? This year, the line-up includes wines by Sa- of excellence are offered for the Auction. The auction excitement starts with the Protégé mantha O’Keefe, and JD Pretorius for the first time, How does the online auction process work? Programme Auction, which opens on Friday, while three long-time members will take their final The auction will be hosted live and online at September 17, and closes on Monday, October bow. The three are Jeremy Walker, Jacques Bor- 10:00 (London time) on Saturday, October 2 4 2021. Items on offer include rare collections man and Jeff Grier.The auction brochure describes 2021 by international auction house Bonhams, of past CWG Auction wines, flagship wines the wines as “outstanding cool climate white wines showcasing the immense diversity of world- from the members of the Guild, collections of and stalwart reds that underpin excellence and con- class South African wines. Bidders will be able the wines produced from this year’s graduating sistent quality”. to bid via the Bonhams website and watch the protégés as well as bespoke wines and wine- auction real-time, bid by telephone, or place related experiences donated by individual We asked CWG Auction publicist Samarie proxy commission bids with Bonhams in ad- member properties. For this auction, the CWG Smith to provide a basic guide to the CWG auc- vance. Bonhams in London will also be open introduced the hashtag #BuyForTheFuture. tion. Following is the Q & A: on the day for bidders wishing to attend and bid By participating in this auction, bidders will What is the CWG? in person. contribute towards a programme that nurtures The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) was Note that there will be two separate and distinct young talent and enriches the lives of individu- auctions this year, and both will be hosted by als who ordinarily would not have had the op- founded in 1982 to improve the quality of international auction house Bonhams. portunity. Buyers will also be supporting the South African wine through the tasting of inter- Can one attend the auction in person? future of the South African wine industry. national benchmarks and the sharing of knowl- A small number of people will be allowed to Since the inception of the Protégé Programme edge among its members. attend the Auction in London, but following in 2006, 24 protégés have completed the three- The CWG is committed towards real and mean- Covid protocol, the auction will only be held year winemaking internship and 13 are current- ingful transformation in an industry that needs online for bidders residing in South Africa and ly participating in this programme. Of those to work harder at creating equality. In 1999, elsewhere. who have graduated, 16 are now either holding realising there was a need for this, they found- How does one register for the auction? leading winemaking roles or have their own ed the Cape winemakers Guild Development They can register via auctioneer Bonhams winemaking projects. Trust. Through this Trust, the CWG empowers website www.bonhams.com farm employees through further education and Do all CWG members submit their wines for se- contributes towards transformation through its Protégé Programme. The project is funded by charity auctions throughout the year and dona- tions from outside organisations. How do members join the guild?

12 WEEKLY SA MIRROR MOTORING Friday 10 September 2021 MOTORING:Briefs VW ID Life: Nicely styled electric crossover BMW CIRCA 2024: Hundred percent recyclable CHERY FOR SOUTH AFRICA THE IIA BRISTLES WITH Chery, one of the most respected vehicle ELECTRIC ENERGY manufacturers in China and the winning brand in the 2020 China National Car of the Year competition, is now officially back in South Africa, with sales of its new product range starting in November this year. At a briefing at its new head office in Bry- anston, Johannesburg, the company announced the establishment of Chery South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the industrial powerhouse and China’s top vehicle export brand for the past 18 years. South Africa now becomes the newest member of a global network with a family of over 9.5 million owners across more than 80 countries and regions. Indeed, according to Chery, a new overseas owner is added to its family every two minutes. Chery South Africa is now completing the appointment of the first thirty national dealers and preparing to intro- duce the first vehicles - expected here by No- vember FIRST SHOW SINCE COVID: Premier German motor show has now MICHELIN TYRES POWERS found a new home in Munich SOWETO MOTORBIKE SCHOOL By Ali Mphaki where the show is being held. visitors were drawn like magnet to what the German Michelin Tyre Company South Africa has (In Munich via Satellite) With German Chancellor Angela Merkel in tow, manufacturer calls BMW I Vision Circular Concept. announced its partnership with the Soweto Munich is the place to be as the IAA Mobility Motorbike School, a skills development initia- 2021 wounds up Sunday. Like pilgrims to Mecca and while accusing motor manufacturers for not This is BMW’s long-range look at what a BMW tive based at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg. the motor industry, well almost all the manufac- switching to electric cars fast enough, some of the circa 2040 would be like: a subcompact hatchback, Michelin built the school a full and secure mo- turers, this week have been camping on Bavaria toyi-toying brigade were opposed to the very idea of or one-box, design of about 160 inches in length torbike track that incorporates the various ter- about 250 miles northwards of Munich to show- people using cars calling for all of us to be Johnnie but still spacious inside because the electric motor rains possible in urban traffic networks such as case their future products, their focus inevitably Walkers. Thixo wase George Gogh! doesn’t take up much space. Circular” means circle steep climbs, descents, and flat stretches. on electrification and alternative transport in- of life for the components, 100% recyclable, even cluding e-bikes. But it was inside the conference hall where there the solid-state battery (using a solid electrolyte with “We are very proud to be partners with the was most activity especially at the BMW stall, where little or no explosion risk). The body skin is alu- Soweto Motorbike School. It is an institution Formerly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show minum, anodized not painted. for motorbike lovers in South Africa and it where it was held for the past 50 years, the IAA has left an indelible mark in the lives of many (German for International Automobile Exposition), Some of the show highlights: young people in Johannesburg and beyond,” is the first major trade show to open its gates to the • Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV – a wheel-drive with said Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie, MD of Michelin public since Covid and was held under strict regula- South Africa. tions with all visitors asked to produce a vaccination two or three rows of seats. passport and to wear a mask all the time etc. • The Volkswagen ID.Life – a nicely styled elec- The Soweto Motorbike School was estab- lished in 2008 by motorbike enthusiast, Alfred Seemingly unimpressed by the e-bikes and tric crossover smaller than the ID.4 compact Matamela, as a means of engaging youth. On electric vehicles on show, environmental activists crossover with first US shipments in 2025. average 64, people are trained monthly, and to could not miss an opportunity to make their case for • Audi Grandsphere Concept – Long, low and date, the academy has trained more than 3000 cleaner emissions, this time protesting by immersing sleek with a steering wheel that retracts into the riders. themselves in a lake opposite the conference center wrapround dashboard suggesting full self-driv- ing. “We believe that more young people will • Smart Concept #1 – Bigger and on par with Mini be trained, and that the skills they will receive Countryman, Smart is back. will help them find jobs and build businesses to support their livelihoods,” said Matamela RENAULT KIGER A GOING ALL THE WAY ELECTRIC TIGER OF COMPACT Despite supply chain constraints, global electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2021 in- SUVS creased by an estimated 160%, with around 2.6 million units sold. This is according to the lat- COUPE-LIKE: est global EV market research report, “Electric vehicle outlook: 2021 and beyond”, compiled Attractive looker could by research firm Canalys. EVs include fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric easily be misconstrued vehicles. By Ali Mphaki What immediately draws you is its large as an overgrown Kwid The report notes the growth of EV sales far It’s got a steering wheel, four wheels, an engine chrome-embellished front grille and the sculpted exceeded that of the total global gas-powered and can accommodate five adults, but not of the bonnet that makes it appear wider than it is. bench folded down. vehicle market, which was up 26%, with de- amapakisha type. Unmistakably French it comes The cabin is further bolstered by storage com- mand returning as COVID-19 restrictions at a knockout price just shy of R200 000. And unlike the typical boxy SUV look, the eased in many markets, though overall car sales Kiger distinguishes itself by its raked rear wind- partments totalling 29L. These include four 1.0-li- are still below pre-pandemic levels. Punted as the narrowest of any compact SUV, screen, tapering roofline and distinct spoiler ele- tre water bottle holders, 7.5L in the central armrest, the Renault Kiger makes a good proposition for ment, all of which lends it a SUV-coupe-like profile. and 10.5L in the glove compartment. The upper and The top five best-selling EVs: those looking for an affordable compact hatchback At the back are the 3D, C-shaped LED tail-lamps lower glove box capacity totals 14.9L · Tesla led the worldwide EV market with a which is also, well, not bad looking either. with gloss black elements. The Kiger is available in three spec grades, 15% share, with sales remaining strong in Thing is size, despite what others want us to The roof rails which can take loads up to 50 kg namely Life, Zen and Intens. production in Mainland China. think, definitely matters. and the smart 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 205mm · Volkswagen Group was second, with a of ground clearance adds to what is a decent pack- The normally aspirated models are sold with a 13% market share, and it led in Europe. Which is why at 3,991mm in length and age. two-year/30 000km service plan and the turbo vari- · SGMW, the combination of SAIC, GM and 1,750mm in width and based on a 2,500mm wheel- ants get a three-year/45 000km plan. Wuling, came third with an 11% market base parking blues are a thing of the past when you According to Renault, there are 710mm of space share. drive the Kiger and there is an added benefit of get- between the front and rear seats, gifting second-row Wonder if Renault would be introducing a die- · BMW Group came fourth, with a 6% share ting the best of both worlds, performance and fuel passengers 222mm and 1 413mm of leg- and elbow sel variant soon, but that does not take away the fact in H1 2021. efficiency thanks to its 1.0L turbo petrol engine. room, respectively. And while boot space should be that the Kiger is a sensible buy. Stellantis was fifth with 6% share. adequate, it can be increased to 879L with the rear LAND ROVER NO TIME TO DIE In honor of its 38-year association with the James Bond franchise, Land Rover has re- leased a limited-edition Defender 110. Exclu- sively made in the 110 body style for the U.S., the British automaker has earmarked 15 models for the U.K. available in the 90 and 110 body styles. Inspired by the upcoming Bond film No Time to Die, there will be 300 examples of the blacked-out Defender produced. Based on the four-door 110 model, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V-8 James Bond Edition features custom work by Land Rover SV Be- spoke in the U.K. Power to the 007-inspired Defender comes from a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 rated at 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The all-black luxury SUV has a top speed of 149 mph and can reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds

Friday 10 September 2021 PERSONAL FINANCE/BUSINESS 13WEEKLY SA MIRROR COMPANIES WARNED AGAINST IGNORING AGE OF TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION SHIFT: Services have to be digitised if companies are to thrive and meet customer expectations... By Isaac Moledi interest rates, etc.. • Financial technology (fintech) – He says finan- “Go digital or go dark,” that’s an advice from account manager at Liferay Greg Gatherer, cial technology has been present longer than who warns that companies that fail to heed this we realise, with ATM and credit cards falling advice, irrespective of sector, run a great risk in under this classification. However, this has now the age of technological revolution. expanded to include tools such as customer ser- “Consumers prioritise convenience and will vice chatbots, expenditure trackers and online often not see the need to step out of their houses banking tools. to use a service that could be achieved with a few According to Gatherer, customer experience taps on their phone.” Added to this, he says, is a has a major impact on how well financial ser- pandemic which has led to even further restrictions vices are received. While it can be influenced by which has made the need to embrace digital ways a range of factors including colour palettes and of doing business even clearer. ease of use, customer experience boils down to Gatherer says it is crucial to recognize that two things: accessibility and userfriendliness, digital transformation has become a necessity for he says. a good business strategy. He explores some of the He advices businesses to ask themselves these reasons why digital financial services need to be questions: digitized. He also offers some tips to help with the • Is my service easy to find? transition to digital. • Is it an option for people making transactions in 1. Meet evolving customer needs: With custom- DIGITIZED: Transformation has become a necessity for a good business strategy popular marketplaces? ers increasingly expecting convenience and • Are the features of the service easy to navigate on-demand services, going digital is essential mentally changed how banks and financial in- through? if businesses are to thrive and meet expecta- bailouts and investor losses, has now increased stitutions function. It is only expected to grow • Is the interface pleasing to look at? compliance spending by 60%. These increasing The answers to these questions, he says, will tions. regulatory complexities highlight the need for further and it is an essential service to offer in determine whether or not your financial services “While prospects or customers may have a 2021 and beyond are meeting consumers’ expectations for customer positive opinion of your brand or company financial services companies to accelerate digi- experience. tally in order to monitor risks and adapt more • Blockchain – According to Gatherer, this is the Responding to why is digital transformation based on their first impressions or initial ex- efficiently. advancement that companies will be talking crucial for the financial services industry, Gatherer periences, what really matters is the ability for 3. Meet requirements for cyber security and data about in years to come. “Not many companies says: “With the increasing levels of competition in your business to continue to stand out from the privacy: With the recent implementation of the have adapted to blockchain technology, but it the financial services industry, it’s difficult to im- competition. With the rise of financial technol- is gaining momentum and is expected to play agine a financial landscape without it going digital. ogy (fintech) startups and other financial or- Protection of Personal Information Act (POP- a crucial role in digital payments, loan process- The number of fintech companies has contin- IA), customers now have greater control of ued to rise faster than ever, regulatory complexity ganisations embracing digital transformation, a their data. Gatherer says in order to stay ahead ing and other processes.” is at an all-time high, and businesses are constantly key differentiating factor is to meet customers of the new requirements, it’s crucial for finan- • Big data - Big data can be utilised to serve being pushed to innovate digitally. where they are and continue to be present as an customers by curating services based on the ‘’Despite its share of challenges, undergo- option for future services within the financial cial institutions to undergo digital transforma- insights gathered. Financial firms can use ma- ing digital transformation will play a major role tion. in your business strategy and ensure that you’re industry,” Gatherer explains. chine learning and advanced analytics to pro- future-proofing your business to ensure long-term 2. Adapt to increasing regulatory complexities: Tips for undergoing digital transformation cess data and generate insights . success.” With regulation of the financial services indus- Gatherer offers the following few trends to • Automated wealth management – According to try having undergone dramatic changes, Gath- get companies started in the digital transformation Gatherer, these are essentially wealth ‘bots’. erer says what started as a response to the glob- journey: “This AI (artificial insemination) uses algo- al financial crisis, bank failures, government • Mobile banking - Mobile banking has funda- rithms to calculate ideal investments, loans, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT SHOULD GALVANISE EFFORTS TO CREATE JOBS VISION: SA needs skilled youth to achieve goal of being globally competitive By Isaac Moledi the future, be it a job or the opportunity to create and transformation – with the ultimate objective GALVANISED: Louise Pulzone Youth unemployment is not a problem to be a business and employ others”. to create a globally competitive economy,” says solved, but an opportunity to maximize, says Lima-Boekhoud. the LFP Group, one of South Africa’s leading According to the UNDP, Africa has the organizations involved in accelerating job youngest population in the world, and it’s grow- Her company pursues these objectives creation. ing fast. In fact, says the world development through a variety of integrated training and busi- body, in about 30 years from now, the continent’s ness solutions. These include: “With one in four people under the age of youth population (aged 15-24), is expected to be • Skills development and training across all 24 in South Africa unemployed, this is a statistic more than double the 2015 total of 226 million. that raises concern, but importantly, it is a sta- sectors and industries. tistic that should galvanize us into action to put “The obstacle is a massive skills mismatch • Learnerships for individuals and through all that wasted potential to work,” says Louise – and an unhealthy dose of pessimism about the Pulzone, LFP CEO. 74.7% of unemployed young people.” corporates, public sector entities and SETAs. • Custom-designed digital learning pro- Quoting the United Nations Development Pulzone says although too many decision Programme (UNDP) which highlights Africa as makers both in the public and private sector be- grammes that enable ongoing skills develop- the continent with the youngest growing popu- lieve that unemployment to be a problem that ment and training, despite Covid-19 restric- lation in the world, Pulzone believes a lack of needs solving, his group takes a different view. tions. technical and business skills leaves our future “We see limitless potential wanting to be un- • Mentorship programmes. workforce largely unprepared for the current and locked.” • Consultation and facilitation to improve BEE future world of work, and by being unemployed, scores. our youth are not learning the workplace skills According to Bianca Lima-Boekhoud, group Arguing that skills development is never an that will make them successful. head of transformation for Blue Label Telecoms’ end in itself, Pulzone says his company believes Trust Blu Foundation, her company does not see it is its responsibility to mobilise a broad spec- Surrounding this ocean of untapped poten- a nameless mass of jobseekers. “We see individ- trum of role players to focus on the ultimate goal, tial, says Pulzone, is a country and a continent uals, capable of learning, growing and changing which is “a South African economy that is glob- ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic. To recover, the world.” According to her, young people are ally competitive and that includes all its citizens he argues, “our economy needs new thinking, agents of change, reform and recovery. in meaningful and rewarding economic activity. fresh approaches and a real drive to encourage This can only be achieved if we stop solving the entrepreneurship. In short, our economy needs She says this view of young people informs problem of youth unemployment and start un- skilled young people.” her company approach – together with the com- locking the potential of millions of individuals panies with whom they partner - to skills devel- who are our country’s most valuable asset”. With this in mind, Pulzone believes that the opment, learnerships and job creation. For skills development and training, the LFP South African economy “needs young people as Group can be contacted on 011 791 1602 or at desperately as young people need prospects for “Far from ticking boxes and chasing num- [email protected]. bers, our programmes are designed to alleviate poverty, create social cohesion and safer com- munities, and bring about economic inclusion

14 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORT Friday 10 September 2021 PARALYMPICS A GREAT SHOW OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY DISPARITY: The event drove home the imperative to organise regular televised sporting events for disabled athletes Molefi Mika by businesslive.co.za as having said: “I wanted to Watching the swimming event featuring the Paralympics are staged. That’s is absurd! dedicate the long jump to the people of Japan. small-stature athletes with various disabilities like That China today dominates Paralympic Games TOUCHLINE amputees and limbless, one was truly awed by MUSINGS “I have to thank the people of Japan for having spectacular performances that were just out of this like no other country is attributed to the fact that it us here. They have been kind and this gold medal world, almost surreal. has since decided to treat disabled people equally By Molefi Mika I dedicate to the people of Japan. The writing on as the able bodied, something the United Nations No doubt, the world’s disabled people displayed the leg (his prosthetic) says ‘arigato’, which means At the same event, some of the athletes had to has been preaching all along. This clearly calls for great athleticism and commendably kept some ‘thank you’ in Japanese to our hosts.” be carried like babies into the water to take part in consistency when it comes to dishing out the cher- of us, armchair fans, glued on our TV sets dur- the swimming contest. Thankfully, this task was ished botho (humanity), including putting bread on ing the 12-day Tokyo Paralympics 2020, which Apart from Mahlangu’s gold medal snatches, carried in the most humane way by the well-trained the table. ended last Sunday. there were also two more gold medals from Pieter and considerate aides. When the official starter’s du Preez (cyclist) and Anrune Weyers (women’s gun went off, it was again truly amazing to behold The Top-5 countries on the Tokyo medal table The competitors literally came in all sizes and 400m). Louzanne Coetzee added a silver medal to these brave athletes take off – fish-like – to the fin- were as follows: 1 – China, 96 Gold (G), 60 Silver shapes, yes, from athletes of exceptionally small the tally in the women’s 1500m and a bronze in the ish with some irrepressible gusto. Unbelievable (S), 51 Bronze (B) = 207; G Britain – 41 G, 38 S, stature to the extremely tall, some of whom stood marathon. Mzansi’s other medal was a bronze from stuff, indeed! 45 B = 124; 3 – USA 37 G, 36 S, 31 B = 104; 4 – close to two meters in height, while others were Sheryl James (400m), who scooped it the same day Russia Paralympics Committee 36 G, 33 S, 49 B = quite bulky. That notwithstanding, they all shared Weyers became the champion. And the underlying message throughout the ac- 104; 5 – Netherlands 25 G, 17 S, 17 B = 59. camaraderie, determination, enthusiasm, confi- tion, was unmissable and poignantly drove home dence, respect and unbelievable warm-heartedness Those who have seen it all, like Keith Lyons, the disabled swimmer’s story: “We may be differ- Clearly, China appears determined to add the towards each other and the ever-helpful volunteers a Professor of Sport Studies, say: “One measure ent from you physically, but we are just as able as “Great Gold Medal Haul” as part of its national around them. of a nation’s performance is the proportion of gold you are.” brand. And its repeated excellent record since the medals they win in relation to the total number of London Paralympic Games of 2012 is ample proof. Our two-gold medal winner in the long jump medals they win.” The whole scenario simply demonstrated to and 200m dash, Ntando Mahlangu, summed it all us that these athletes need ample support and fre- In his speech at the closing ceremony, Interna- up when, praising the hosts Japanese, was quoted Perhaps this also explains why most gold med- quent activity, the same way as their able-bodied tional Paralympics Committee president Andrew al winners at the Paralympics were all teary, par- counterparts who enjoy regular action in competi- Parsons said: “During our carnival of sport, we BUCS KEEPER: Richard Ofori ticularly during the singing of the national anthems tions like the money-fused Diamond League. All have celebrated difference, exhibited the best of By Masoja Cele of their countries. Indeed, there would be similar the more since it seems there is an unwritten rule humanity and shown unity in diversity.” Could the signing of Nigerian international situations in other championships of the able-bod- that disabled sports people shall be seen on TV and # Molefi Mika, SA Sport Hall of Fame – 2008 Me- defender Olisa Harold Ndah be the solution ied, but not as intense as seen in Tokyo, during the in the newspapers only when the two-week-long dia Inductee is an author of two non-fiction books: to the constantly precarious Orlando Pirates pulsating, albeit emotion-filled action. Resilient Ntate Molemela and Dance Siwelele. defence? That may possibly be revealed Sat- urday in the DStv Premiership League match BUCS SPORTS: Briefs between the Buccaneers and Moroka Swal- lows at the Orlando Stadium. AIM TO SHOOT GOLF EVENT FUND-RAISER FOR KATLEHONG’S PHAKE The towering defender might be key to the THE BIRDS YOUTH CLUB staggering combination of Thulani Hlatshwayo and Happy Jele or even Ntsikelelo Nyauza. The OLDEST RIVALRY: First Golfers – male and female – from different Dube Birds thrashed Bucs 2-1 in the Wafa-Wafa clubs around Gauteng will tee off in a “Better MTN 8 competition at the same venue in early meeting after Swallows edged Ball Stableford” competition to raise funds for August, a loss which saw Pirates coach Josef the Katlehong-based Phake Youth Club (PYC) Zinnbauer resign within 48 hours of the defeat. them out of the MTN8 in August at the Germiston Golf Course on September 19. His lieutenants, Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Another newbie that could get his debut ary, as well as Tebogo Langerman. Explaining the purpose of the tournament, Davids were assigned as interim co-coaches. on Saturday is highly rated Ghanaian striker In another exciting fixture, today TS Galaxy PYC coordinator Dikeledi Kekana said: “We ex- The duo began their DStv Premier League duties Kwame Peprah. The 20 year old forward signed welcome Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium pect between 80 and 100 hundred golfers to com- against Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants. for Bucs from King Faisal in the Ghana Premier in Nelspruit (15:00). Baroka FC face the strug- pete for prizes in an effort to raise funds for the They managed only two points from six from League. gling Maritzburg United at Peter Mokaba Stadi- Phake Youth Club. This club was formed in 2020 two matches played against Stellenbosch FC (2- The legions of The Ghost supporters would um (17:00) while Sekhukhune United host Stel- by youngsters from around Phake, Phooko, Mo- 2) and Marumo Gallant (0-0) respectively. want nothing from Peprah than a rewarding com- lenbosch FC at Ellis Park Stadium, 17hrs. SEE pedi, Motsamai and Hlahatsi sections. bination with the likes of Gabadihno Mhango BACKPAGE Though it is still early in the season, drop- Tshegofatso Mabasa and “They have an active 12-17 football team and ping such valuable points could brutally count Zakhele Lepasa. How- a netball side in the same age groups, including a against Pirates’ end of the season. For a big club ever, against Swallows, budding book club. like Bucs, it is essential to collect as much points Pirates will face the as possible in the first round so to be counted team that is crammed We hope to raise about R30 000 needed to among the early pace setters. ‘’Ezimnyama- with confidence after ac- purchase netball shoes and soccer boots, plus help- Ngenkani’’ last won a league title in 2012 under cumulating satisfactory ing with the refurbishing of the netball court at the caretaker coach Augusto Palacios. results in their two DStv Tshabalala Primary School. We believe helping Premier League open- these kids will help them to avoid doing bad things Pirates have recently invaded the transfer ing matches at AmaZulu as many come from poor backgrounds”. network and brought on players like the creative and Royal AM (former- midfielder Goodman Mosele from Baroka and ly Bloemfontein Celtic). Kekana revealed that some of the challenges Bandile Shandu from Maritzburg United. The Beautiful Birds held facing the football team is lack of soccer boots, Usuthu to a goalless something that often forces the head coach to draw at Kings Park Rug- “rent” soccer boots for a fee from other teams. by Stadium and narrow- Hence the theme of the coming event is, “Rebuild- ly beat AM 1-0 at home. ing The Youth Golf Day”. Swallows are currently playing enthralling “We also welcome donations of unused soccer football coupled with boots and netball shoes as it appears the formation pleasing results. The of the sporting teams has sparked excitement be- Dobsonville based team cause more kids want to join the Phake Youth Club. has also beefed up their My contact details are: [email protected] side with quality play- and my cellphone number is 079 613 2712,” - ers. Keletso Makgalwa, WSAM Grant Margerman and goalkeeper Jody Febru- SWALLOWS MIDFIELDER: Lebohang “Cheeseboy’ Mokoena SPRINGBOKS WELCOME FAF AND DUANNE The Springboks will go into Sunday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Aus- tralia without their talisman Cheslin Kobe, but welcomed back hardman Duanne Vermemulen and halfback Faf de Klerk to the starting lineup on Wednesday. As expected, Vermeulen passed his fitness tests and claims back the No 8 jersey from Jasper Wiese, while de Klerk is back as well and replaces Cobus Reinach at 9 with the Bok axis looking a lot strong- er and closer to full strength than in the opening two Rugby Championship games. The Boks record in Australia is dismal but there is a lot of confidence in the side now than in a number of previous visits.

Friday 10 September 2021 SPORT 15WEEKLY SA MIRROR By Masoja Cele On his day cultured and stylish Samuel ‘’Hap- LEFT WING: Samuel “Happy Cow” Mnkomo py-Cow ‘’Mnkomo was untouchable in the field of play. His skill and trickery left many defend- HAPPY COW ers sprawling on the turf like fumigated flies, to the delight of his teammates and the fans. DELIGHTED IN MILKING DEFENDERS DRY Its almost 30 years since Mnkomo decided to hang his boots in 1992, having left an indelible EXCITING LEFT WING: Samuel Mnkomo one mark in the hearts and minds of especially Moroka of the legendary Moroka Swallows forwards Swallows where his star shone the brightest. hala’’ Maimane. Nonetheless, we beat Aces 1-0 “Currently, I own three delivery vans and I DEFT TOUCHES: Happy Cow could leave Looking back the left winger only has fond with the courtesy of ‘’Ace’’ Mnini’s thunderous have employed two drivers and I operate the third defenders sprawled on the turf memories of his playing days. The boy who started goal in extra-time’’ says Mnkomo. bakkie,” he says. playing football at age six in Wesselton, Ermelo in Mpumalanga, would grow to rub shoulders with Following the appointment of a new coach at The footballer turned businessman seemingly stalwarts like Meshack ‘’Wonder’’ Mjanqeka, Swallows – Stanley Tshabalala, it was clear Mnko- lost to football “forever”, decries the level of our Kenneth ‘’ The Horse’’ Mokgojoa, the captain mo was not on the mentor’s plans and was loaned football which he says has declined tremendous- Richard ‘’Litre’’Lata, and Peter ‘’Blue-Monday’’ to the now defunct Durban Bush Bucks on a one- ly. “I still miss the skill of the legendary Mecro Sejake when he made his debut in pro football by year loan deal in 1987. ‘’ Masterpieces’’Moripe, the stylish Mlungisisi joining erstwhile formidable outfit Benoni United. ‘’Professor’’Ngubane, the dribbling wizard Joel He returned to Swallows where he soldiered on ‘’Ace’’Mnini, Ephraim ‘’Jomo’’Sono, the late Pule A game that he will never forget was the gru- until he decided to hang his boots five years later ‘’Ace’’Ntsoelongoe, Nelson ‘’Teenage’’Dladla, elling BP Cup final they played against Soweto in 1992. just to quote a few.’ giants Orlando Pirates in his debut season. In the Pirates arsenal were the likes of Patson ‘’Sparks’’ After hanging up his soccer boots the former “You don’t come across such talent today,” he Banda, Ephraim ‘’Jomo’’ Sono, Webster ‘’City- midfielder had to devised a plan to earn a living so says. Late’’Dichaba, Phil ‘’ Jones Setshedi, Johannes he could provide for himself and his family. ‘’Big-Boy’’ Kholoane, who formed the spinal col- umn of the Bucs team ‘’ Yeah, what a football spectacle? It was a nerve wrecking affair with the proceeding swaying from end to end. We lost that final 4-3 on aggregate after they beat us 3-0 in the first leg in Durban. After a successful five successful years at The Rab- bits, he later quit the ‘’Onogwaja ’’ burrow to settle in the Moroka Swallows Limited’s oviary. ’ My transfer deal to Swallows involved a swapped transaction that saw former Dube Birds utility player the late Andries ‘’ Six Panyaza’’ Maseko moving the opposite direction. This was an exciting contract for me as ‘’Izinyoni Ezibom- vu’’ offered me a hefty salary of R400 a month while at United I earned R40 a week’’. Playing under the shrewd mentorship of Mario ‘’The Godfather’’Tuani’, Mnkhomo remembers the in the final of the prestigious Mainstay Cup Final against another polished opponent Witbank Black Aces at the jam-packed Ellis Park Stadium. ‘’Amaziyoni’’as Aces was affectionately called in football circles played entertaining foot- ball. They were a menace against any opposition. They swanked artistic playing personnel that in- cluded the late Steve ‘’Disco’’Makua, Nick ‘’Baz- zoka’’ Seshweni, the evergreen Thomas ‘’Junior ‘’Ngobe, their reliable goalkeeper Cyprian ‘’Ma- A ROSE THAT WOULD NOT WITHER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT: Thobela looks at historic ring moments as he relishes THE ROSE: Dingaan Thobela has good Spring month ACTION: The Rose in his brilliant best during one of his international fights memories for his birth month of September By Pule Mokhine outshine them by making a mark at home with his this historic month was me becoming South Africa “ I co-promote in Namibia with my partner While South Africa has ushered in September as conquest, As if the exhilarating tale of September and Africa’s first boxer to win the WBC champion- Nestor Tobias. There are numerous young fighters its heritage month, for Dingaan “ The Rose of is insufficient for the Rose, he continued to make ship belt at home. I won’t forget that night during here in SA whom we promote in Namibia. It’s so Soweto” Thobela, this period marks an impor- a mark as a pugilist on this particular great month the bout when I unleashed a powerful right hook good to see talent coming through our shows,” tant milestone for him as well as his successful during his boxing run. He won his first- ever global that forced Catley crashing to the canvas to get explains Thobela. boxing career in a very special way. crown - which was for the World Boxing Organi- the referee declare me the overall winner on the zation (WBO) lightweight title - in September 22 night,” says Thobela But with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown re- The 54-year-old retired fighter was born on in 1990 . On that glorious night, he outpointed strictions having dealt the fistic sport a low blow September 24 1966. He made a huge impact in American Mauricio Aceves to snatch the belt in Thobela, who is also the erstwhile SA light- due to a lack of fights, Thobela cautions boxers to the professional ring by winning the World Box- Brownsville, USA. weight and World Boxing Association (WBA) use their money wisely while they are still active in ing Council (WBC) super-middleweight crown on kingpin, regards the spring month as “ my lucky boxing, thus avoid being buried as paupers when September 1 at Carnival City, Brakpan in 2000. September 14 the following year (1991) saw charm”. they pass on while their boxing days are over. Thobela put his WBO belt on the line successfully Thobela accomplished this feat by stopping against Mexican Antonio Rivera, becoming victo- “ I am planning to celebrate my birthday by “It’s painful to see some former boxers not be- Englishman Glen Catley in the 12th round, thus be- rious via a unanimous points decision at Standard watching tapes of all my wins and in particular, ing able to get decent burials as a result of them not coming the first-ever local pugilist to win the WBC Bank Arena, Johannesburg Thobela, who is now my encounter with Catley. That fight evokes great having saved money wisely whilst they were still belt of this sanctioning body before his home fans boxing promoter in addition to running a thriving memories,” says the Rose, whose professional ring active in the ring. Boxing SA is currently address- in Mzansi. Thobela also became the toast of the lo- funeral business called The Rose Funeral in Johan- records spans 50 bouts in the paid ranks. ing the issue of what can be done to help to boxers cal boxing fraternity as he was to also become the nesburg, is ecstatic about his feat during what he in times of difficulties. first African boxer to lift the coveted WBC diadem. simply refers to as “ my lucky month” He is also widely remembered for beating the acclaimed South American puncher Tony Lopez “ Lehlohonolo ”Hands of Stone” Ledwaba The Rose’s historic victory against a stubborn “This month being my birthday month, I have on points to conquer the World Boxing Associa- who passed away in July, had a good financial plan Catley gave him the accolades of becoming the a great deal of respect for September as it has be- tion lightweight crown at the Superbowl in Sun while still alive , hence he got a decent burial . first prized fighter to win the coveted WBC diadem come unique for me personally as I have achieved City in June 1993. However, he lost it to the Rus- This must hopefully be a wake-up call to other in SA. Prior to that, Thulani “ Sugarboy” Mal- a lot as a prized fighter. I couldn’t have attained all sian Orzubek Nazarov in a first defense in October pros,” concluded Thobela. inga and Ghanaian Azumah Nelson had been the these goals boxing-wise on any other months ex- the same year. only African pugilists to capture WBC crowns cept September, “ he says. Ledwaba, the former IBF junior lightweight overseas. But the Rose undoubtedly blossomed to Now that his days as a prized fighter are over, champion who famously lost one of his bouts to “ The most remarkable achievement during the Rose finds time to plough back into the sport by Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines, succumbed promoting and managing boxers to a Covid-19- related illness in July.

MIRROR SPORTWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... CHIEFS SMELL BLOOD REVENGE: AMAKHOSI WILL WANT TO INFLICT PAIN ON THEIR PERENNIAL NEMESIS AS THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP RESUMES IN EARNEST EFFECTIVE: Sundowns Lyle Lackay By Ali Mphaki a 2-all draw only for Sundowns’ to win on pen- Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter’s post match com- alties much to the anguish of the long suffering ments about his charges were revealing: “If the The weatherman predicts azure, sun-kissed GIFTED: Keagan Dolly Amakhosi faithful. What was evident in that game players can give me 20% more than that, we will skies with temperatures expected to hit the is that a team haunted by its past glories seemed be a team to be reckoned with,” Baxter said after 24th degree mark for the capital city Sunday. energized those blue away shirts threading lightly. the game. But blessed with a panoply of bril- But it will be more than an inferno in the field liance in their squad, Sundowns as title holders of play when title holders Mamelodi Sundowns Having been outplayed in the early stages and won’t have their guards down and would once host a bullish and belligerent Kaizer Chiefs in a going down 2-0, Amakhosi showed great courage more want to prove who is the boss in the PSL. DStv Premiership match scheduled for the Lof- and determination to claw the game back to 2-2 tus Versfeld stadium, kickoff 17hrs. and after a strong second half, came very close Adding intrigue to the game is that there to snatching a late 90th minute winner through is a reported “mutiny” in the Sundowns camp, The match is the final act to a weekend remi- Phathutshedzo Nange. The most memorable event with the three coaches Manqoba Mnqithi, Steve niscent of the recent MTN8 quarter finals, with of the game for the Chiefs legion of fans was when Komphela, and Rulani Mokoena apparently not the curtain raiser the oldest rivalry in SA football Keagan Dolly replaced Kgaogelo Sekgotho in the singing in the same sheet about tactics. – the Soweto derby - featuring Swallows FC and 59th minute to make his Chiefs debut after his Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium Saturday. signing following his spell at French Ligue 1 side But whether there is substance in these say- Montpellier. ings, only time will tell. Starting from 2009 Chiefs Fans will agree that the seismic changes in and Sundowns played 20 games among which our local football especially in recent times has The playmaker had barely taken his place on there were 13 winning matches for Downs, 7 seen the Swallows/Pirates fixture lose its charm, the pitch when the ball fell to him and with his draws and with Chiefs winning 11. There’s been hence the Chiefs/Sundowns takes precedence and first touch Dolly unleashed a peach of a defence- no red cards in all their matches, but Chiefs have undoubtedly a must watch game in a weekend splitting pass into the path of Billiat, who hit a de- amassed most yellow cards at 15 and ‘Downs with featuring no less than six other DStv Premier- licious first time shot which fizzed high and hand- a mere eight. A draw seems a safer prediction for ship games. Both Chiefs and Sundowns are go- some into the Sundowns net inside the far post, this game, but a win for Chiefs would still be ing nearly equal strong into this match. Their last past a hapless Mweene for a sensational Chiefs priceless, just like they did last season being the game, the MTN8 quarter final in August ended in equalizer. only team to beat Sundowns in the Premeirship.