By Phumlani Saul

President Cyril Visits Flood-Affected Areas, Bridge Rebuilt Amid Dam Concerns….

President Cyril Ramaphosa embarked on a visit to the flood-ravaged communities of Gqebera and Kariega to assess the government and civil society’s response to the recent devastating floods that claimed lives and caused widespread destruction of public infrastructure and property.

During his visit, President Ramaphosa inspected the areas affected by the floods and met with government department entities and civil society groups involved in the ongoing relief efforts. The President commended the collaborative response efforts aimed at providing assistance to the affected communities and ensuring swift recovery in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

One significant development highlighted during the President’s visit was the successful reconstruction of the collapsed bridge along Mathanzima Road in Kwanobuhle, which was severely damaged by the weekend floods. The rebuilt bridge now stands as a crucial link in restoring vital transportation connections disrupted by the recent calamity, facilitating the movement of people and goods in the area.

While efforts to address the immediate impact of the floods continue, concerns remain regarding the integrity of a dam located on a private farm near the affected regions. Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya has raised alarm about the high probability of the private dam overflowing into the nearby informal settlement of Lapland and its surrounding areas, posing a significant risk to the residents and infrastructure in the vicinity.

President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to safeguard communities from the destructive effects of natural disasters. He underscored the need for continued collaboration between government entities, civil society organizations, and community members to enhance resilience and mitigate risks associated with future flooding incidents.

The visit to Gqebera and Kariega offered President Ramaphosa firsthand insights into the challenges faced by the flood-affected areas and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts and rebuilding essential infrastructure. The President’s presence symbolized solidarity with the impacted communities and underscored the nation’s collective determination to overcome adversity together.

As assessments of the dam situation on the private farm progress, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the potential overflow and implementing necessary precautions to prevent further damage and protect vulnerable populations. The ongoing efforts reflect a coordinated approach to disaster management and underscore the importance of proactive measures in mitigating future risks.

The reconstruction of the Mathanzima Road bridge in Kwanobuhle stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit, highlighting the unity and determination of local residents and authorities in overcoming challenges brought about by natural disasters. The restored bridge not only signifies progress in rebuilding infrastructure but also serves as a symbol of hope for the impacted communities.

President Ramaphosa’s visit to the flood-affected areas and his engagement with stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery of the impacted regions. The collaborative response to the floods underscores the strength and resilience of South Africa in the face of adversity, reaffirming the nation’s unity in times of crisis.

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By Zola Ngcwadi

As Kariega residents come to terms with the aftermath of heavy rain at the weekend, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has warned residents of Lapland that a nearby dam could burst.

While assessments of the integrity of the dam situation on a private farm are still under way, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said there was a high probability of the private dam overflowing to the nearby informal settlement of Lapland and surrounding areas,

“The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has assessed the integrity of the dam wall regardless of the challenges in accessing the private property.

“We are in the process of conducting more assessments to ascertain the risks, develop contingency plans and determine cause of action for surrounding communities,” Soyaya said.

More than 200 residents in the area have already been evacuated while others refuse to be moved.

“We shall continue to engage, and work with all stakeholders to help manage the situation, protect, and save lives. This is an ongoing situation and operation, we thus plead for calm and co-operation during this volatile, uncertain time as we work tirelessly to manage the situation,” Soyaya said.

By Phumlani Saul

At least two people died, two more are missing and several roads have been flooded as heavy rain continues to fall across Nelson Mandela Bay 

Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said 65 people have also been rescued.

“Two have been declared deceased and two have been reported as missing.”

He said they were forced to close Blue Horizon Bay road and several other streets  including:

• Stock and Daniel Pienaar
• Algoa Road
• Cuyler Street
• North and Graaf Reinet
• Vanderick and Taylor
• Victoria drive to Caledon
• Matanzima road

“Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.

“All residents are requested to take precautions.”

Soyaya said as a result of the downpour large parts of Nelson Mandela Bay is experiencing power outages.

“NMBM has promptly activated its standby resources and is diligently responding to these outages. 

“However, due to the ongoing storms, we anticipate a significant number of additional power outages over the coming days.

“We assure the public that we are doing everything within our power to restore services and mitigate the impact of these outages.”

The affected areas include:

Kwanobuhle, Cuyler, Riverside, Groendal, Summerstrand, Fitzpatrick, Kamesh, Brymore, Fairview, Humewood, Kragga Kamma, Lorraine, Lovemore Heights, Miramar, Mount Pleasant, parts of Newton Park, Overbaakens, Pari Park, Summerstrand, Theescombe, Walmer, Walmer Heights, Woodlands and the surrounding regions

By Phumlani Saul

Alleged Racist WhatsApp Message Sparks Outrage and Protests at Shoprite in KwaNobuhle

In a disturbing turn of events at a Shoprite branch in KwaNobuhle, a racially charged WhatsApp message allegedly sent by a manager has ignited outcry and activism. The contentious message, circulating on social media, reportedly contains derogatory remarks directed towards black employees at the store.

The incendiary content of the message prompted members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to stage a protest at the shop premises on Friday, demanding swift action against the accused manager. The EFF, known for its advocacy against racism and discrimination, vocally called for the immediate suspension of the manager implicated in the controversial communication.

The authenticity of the WhatsApp screenshot, capturing the inflammatory message purportedly sent by the manager to a colleague, has raised serious concerns within the community. The disparaging nature of the comments attributed to the manager has struck a chord with many, leading to a swift escalation of tensions at the Shoprite outlet.

In response to the escalating situation, Shoprite has issued a statement condemning any form of discrimination and asserting a commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly. The supermarket chain emphasized its dedication to promoting inclusivity and a respectful working environment for all employees, regardless of their race or background.

The fallout from the alleged racist message underscores the deep-seated issues of prejudice and intolerance that persist in our society. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of combating racism in all its forms and holding individuals accountable for their discriminatory behavior.

As the call for accountability grows louder, the community awaits further developments in the case and the decisive action that will be taken to address the concerns raised by the offensive communication. The incident at Shoprite in KwaNobuhle serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing battle against racism and the urgent need for solidarity in promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

By Phumlani Saul, Olwethu Nyawo and Nomalungelo Booi

Voting got off to a slow and chilly start at several voting stations in New Brighton on Wednesday, with some glitches delaying the process — including a missing password.

At Ben Sinuka Primary School, where scores of voters lined up at the designated voting station, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials did not have the password to scan IDs to assist with the counting of voters.

The presiding officer at the voting station, who declined to be named, said they had been trying to get hold of their colleagues to get the password.

“We haven’t been able to scan anyone since we started working this morning,” the officer said.

“We have been trying to call people at the office to assist us and are still waiting. But voting has not been affected.”

At Jarvis Gqamlana Primary School, presiding officer Sibuyile Hlungwini said it was mostly the elderly who arrived at the station early in the morning.

He said they had experienced network issues, making it difficult to operate the voter management device (VMD).

“The VMD works intermittently, but we are using the voters roll as back up which makes things easier because it’s in alphabetical order.”

IEC spokesperson Sanda Nodada said there were minor issues at some stations.

“There were a few technical glitches when stations were opening with a delay of about five minutes but this was resolved.”

Nodada said the voter management devices could work offline without a signal.

“They work offline to check whether a person is registered and ballots are to be issued.

“The voter’s roll is not a backup but rather it is used to check if a voter is registered as well and mark them as voted,” Nodada said.

KWADWESI RUN SMOOTHLY:

Despite threats of protests, voting in KwaDwesi went smoothly on Wednesday morning, with scores of young and old people arriving to cast their ballots.nul

A strong police presence ensured voters’ safety.

“I’m thrilled to be here today,” Palesa Payi said at the Sango Methodist Church.

“It’s important to make our voices heard, and the atmosphere has been positive.”

Protesters promised on Tuesday to shut down voting stations in the area, in a bid to grab the government’s attention.

In the Westville informal settlement, residents blocked a section of Gwancu Street with burning tyres on Tuesday, demanding long-awaited promises of houses, sewage systems and roads to be fulfilled.

They torched a bus and chased away special voters.

Ward 36 councillor Khanyisa Mani said the situation was under control.

BY Nomalungela Booi

PARENTS and pupils in Nzondelelo, Eastern Cape, are worried after some kids were allegedly assaulted on Friday, 24 May. It was reported that a group known for wearing camouflage uniform, which was set by the principal to discipline misbehaving pupils, stormed the school and caused chaos.

The group was reportedly brought in to address substance abuse issues at the school, but what was expected to be a normal school day turned chaotic with pupils getting injured.

A 42-year-old parent told Daily kasi  they don’t have a problem with the school acting against offenders, but it should be done the right way. 

“We thought the group would visit the school and address the issue of substance abuse, not hurt children,” said the parent.

Some parents believe the group may be connected to various security groups in Gqeberha that are currently involved in a deadly gang war

A 20-year-old grade 11 pupil said the group separated about 28 pupils and searched them one-by-one. 

“They found some of us with cigarettes, dagga and rizzlas. They assaulted and slapped us. I went home bleeding. Some pupils are non-smokers but were also assaulted. They also took our money and told us to never smoke again,” he said. 

Pupils also claimed some were beaten up for not wearing full school uniform.

On Friday, parents held a meeting with teachers and members of the School Governing Body (SGB). It’s reported the principal apologised and urged pupils not to continue coming to school with substances. 

However, when Daily Kasi tried to contact the SGB, they refused to comment on the matter.

Eastern Cape education spokesman Malibongwe Tima confirmed that the principal didn’t hire any gangsters to beat up pupils.

“The principal implemented Section 8A of the South African Schools Act as amended, which empowers him to delegate a person or persons to conduct a search. We, however, condemn any physical assault against anyone. The school governing body has addressed the issue with the parents, together with pupils,” said Tima.

By Phumlani Saul

HE LIVED a lavish lifestyle all his life – and even in the grave he still had cash, cellphones and expensive clothes!

His friends and some family members poured beer into his grave and tossed in money, cellphones and expensive clothes as an expression of their love for the Skhothane King.

There was singing and dancing, drinking and crazy displays of riches as his friends celebrated his short life at Mathanzima Cemetery on Friday.

Paulos Mandl’endoda from Rocklands Farm, outside Kariega, took his own life over a love tragedy.

He was 27 years old. According to his family, the father of three committed suicide on Mother’s Day by drinking beer laced with rat poison.

At the cemetery, people were screaming, “Fakani futhi! Put more!” calling for clothes, cellphones and money to be thrown into the grave.

Jeannette Mandl’endoda, Paulos’ sister, told Daily Kasi News they knew Paulos as a man of style, so they let his friends celebrate him the way they wanted.

“We could not oppose the manner they wanted to celebrate him. When they poured beer and put money and clothes into the grave, we understood that it was the same way they did things when he was still alive,” she said

Meanwhile, Rhamba liyathwethwa, a cultural expert, said what the young people had done was pure disrespect.

“This undermines our culture. It is a meaningless publicity stunt created by people who seek fame,” he said.

“There is nothing respectful about people pouring beer into a dead person’s final resting place. If they wanted to celebrate him, they should have done it while he was still alive.”

By Andisa Bonani

An eight-year-old boy died in a shack fire on Friday evening while his mother was hanging laundry at a neighbouring property in NU 30, Motherwell.

Babanyane Mbalane was asleep in his parent’s shack after he returned home from playing when neighbours noticed heavy smoke coming from the shack. 

Seconds later it was engulfed by the blaze, making it almost impossible to get inside to save Babanyane.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the incident happened at about 5.40pm.

“The shack completely burned out from an unknown cause in Sininzi Street, NU30, Motherwell,” he said.

An inquest docket has been opened and an investigation will be conducted by Motherwell officers. 

Community members collected water with buckets in an attempt to douse the fire, but low water pressure in the taps slowed their efforts.

Babanyane’s stepfather, Mthetheleli Mjekula, said he and another resident had to break the plumbing mechanism in the toilets to get stronger-flowing water.

“Everything happened so quickly. We kicked the door open and huge flames could be seen,” he said.

“We managed to put out the fire eventually and the fire brigade arrived after the fact.”

Mjekula said he suspected the fire was as a result of faulty electricity connections in the area.

“All of us in this area experience the same thing. When we use electricity, sparks come from the plugs or sometimes the meter box itself.

“So you can imagine that if a small shack like ours catches fire everything will be destroyed.”

Ward 54 committee chair Xolie Mestile said this was not the first time shacks had burned because of the faulty electricity connection in the area.

Formal electricity connections were installed in 2018 by the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.

“This area has been experiencing electricity issues which pose danger to the residents for a while now and no-one is stealing electricity here because we all have meter boxes.”

She said there were often sparks from electricity poles as had been the case in April when three families were displaced after their shacks caught fire and burned down.

“We don’t know what needs to be done before the municipality acts because we don’t want to experience any more tragedies.

“If nothing is being done about this electricity, I’m afraid more shacks will burn and that puts everyone’s life in danger because one shack burning, depending on how big the blaze is, can cause the next to catch fire.”

Resident Siphokazi Oniwe whose shack burned down in April, said she had been at a funeral when she heard her home had burned down. 

“I later found out that the fire had started at the electricity pole and my neighbour was cooking at the time.

“I don’t know what happened, but her shack caught fire, which also affected mine and another neighbour’s.

“Everything I owned was destroyed. I could only save a couch. Now I have been placed in an open field alone and I don’t feel safe here as a woman.”

Infrastructure and engineering political head  Khanya Ngqisha said they had not been aware of the electricity and water issues in the area and would follow up.

“These issues have never been brought to our attention before and now that we are aware we will zoom into it and ensure the community is assisted to avoid further incidents.

“We convey our condolences to the affected family and urge residents to practise caution until a lasting solution on the electricity matter is achieved.”

By Phumlani Saul

A Kariega mother  was shot and killed in Rosedale on Thursday evening as she was returning home from a nearby shop. 

Keziah Kleinbooi, 23, died on the scene in Pelican Street while a 16-year-old girl, who had accompanying her, was hospitalised after sustaining several gunshot wounds.

Kleinbooi was a mother of two, a six month old and 3-year-old.

Police spokesperson captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the motive for shooting was suspected to be gang-related.

“The anti-gang unit is investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after two women were shot on Saturday in Kamesh.

“It is alleged that at approximately 9:10pm the women were found lying with multiple gunshot wounds in Kamesh.

“One 23-year-old woman died on the scene while the other  was taken to hospital for treatment.”

Janse van Rensburg said anyone who could assist identify the unknown suspects should contact the police.

By Asanda Welani

“Unleash Your Creativity” the closing date for the call is next week 10 May 2024.

The fashion industry in the Eastern Cape is set to get a major boost with the upcoming 3rd Annual Eastern Cape Fashion Week in 2024. Ebubeleni Festival Projects NPC is inviting all talented fashion and textile designers in the region to showcase their creations at this prestigious event.

Formerly known as Ebubeleni Fashion Show/Week, the Eastern Cape Fashion Week has rebranded and is now open to all designers in the Eastern Cape, not just those based in Nelson Mandela Bay. This change aims to provide a platform for all local designers to shine and celebrate their creativity.

Designers interested in participating can apply online at http://www.ecfashionweek.co.za, with applications closing

on 10th May 2024. The selected designers will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the Fashion Week in August, alongside Nelson Mandela University’s fashion design students, guest designers, and performing artists.

Organized by Ebubeleni Festival Projects, a Non-Profit Company dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and fashion in the region, the Fashion Week aims to support and develop the Eastern Cape fashion industry. The event promises to be a celebration of style, creativity, and innovation in fashion.

Namhla Fihla, one of the organizers, expressed excitement about this year’s event, calling it a vital platform for the local fashion industry. The 3rd Eastern Cape Fashion Week will take place in Gqeberha during Women’s month from the 7th to the 10th of August 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a fashion extravaganza that showcases the best of Eastern Cape’s design talent and marks a significant milestone in the region’s fashion industry. Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming Fashion Week.