1.2 ton dagga in Khayelitsha seized by the Western Cape Flying Squad

By Ilhaam Hoosain
12 May 2008

Western Cape Flying Squad members seized 1.2 ton dagga during the early hours of Monday morning, at a residence in Khayalitsha.

The members received information from a reliable source that a furniture removal truck was en route to make a dagga delivery in Khayelitsha shortly after midnight.

The area was extensively patrolled and at approximately 00:30 the truck was spotted on the R300 freeway, where it was pulled off the road.

“They found they truck but the truck had no dagga. So they interrogated the driver and he led them to a residence in Khayelitsha, where a quantity of dagga, with the weight of 1.2 tons was confiscated,” says Superintendent André Trout.

“Five people, four males and one female were arrested and are now facing charges of dealing in contraband and they will make a court appearance once they are charged,” says Trout.

Wage negotiations starts for thousands of employees in chemical industry

By Tina George
12 May 2008

As wage negotiations starts this week in the chemical industry, the trade union Solidarity predicts that negotiations will this year be characterised by a strong stance for double-figure wage increases.

According to Solidarity, trade unions have submitted a joint initial demand for a wage increase of 15% for negotiation. Employers in the industrial chemical and petroleum sectors will start negotiations with an initial offer of 8% while employers in the glass sector will open negotiations on 6,5%.

Trade unions have included various other demands including improved benefits with regard to shift allowances, sick leave, maternity and study leave as well as overtime payment and working hours for this year’s negotiations.

“This year our demand from employers will convey a clear message. Our members will not accept less than double-figure wage increases. The current economic climate has hit every employee in the industry and with worker inflation on 1% to 2% above the consumer price inflation employers cannot be satisfied with less than a 10% wage increase,” says Solidarity spokesperson in the chemical industry,Marius Croucamp.

The outcome of the negotiations is due for implementation on 1 July this year.

Sasol, PetroSA and Omnia are some of the largest companies involved in the negotiations.

Increased support measures to improve maths and science performances

By Tina George
11 May 2008


In a bid to halt the decline in the performances of maths and science, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has introduced intensive support measures for grades 11 and 12, and will step up its literacy and numeracy strategy in primary schools.

On Friday, Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore addressed a gathering of learners, teachers and science organisations at the launch of the National Science Week in Constantia, Cape Town.

According to MEC Education spokesperson, Gert Witbooi, National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and aims to take young people into the exciting world of science, and to encourage them to develop an active interest in studying mathematics and other science-related subjects.

“We are concerned with the fact that it appears that the numeracy and literacy numbers have levels have dropped in the last few years however there is a slight improvement in the levels of literacy, “ says Witbooi.

Witbooi adds that the WCED will this year have winter and spring schools, increase learner’s support materials, give extra support to those of the poorest of schools in terms of providing laboratories, as well increase support in teacher development.

“This at the end of the day will create a positive impact.”

Cosatu to protest against increased prices

By Tina George
10 May 2008

Tomorrow the Congress of South African Trade Unions along with organisations linked to the jobs and poverty coalition will be protesting at the Provinicial Legislature between 4pm and 6pm.

According to Mike Louw, Cosatu organiser, they will be protesting against high food prices and the proposed increase in electricity tariffs.

“The price of bread is touching R10 in the townships and fuel is also up by that price, “ says Louw.

The union have raised demands at a variety of levels to the government to respond more urgently to the plight of the working class who bear the brunt of the increased prices.

“Among our demands is that government regulate the price of basic food stuff, we also demand that government reduce the cost of fuel by taking out the taxes that is incorporated in fuel prices,” says Louw.

“We are hoping to have at 500 to 1000 members at the protest as it is an ongoing campaign and we believe the pressure should be intensified by civil society.”

Cape Town graduates thirty film industry students

By Tina George
10 May 2008

Thirty Cape Townian film graduates have completed South Africa’s first ever mentorship training programme for the film industry.

The unique one year learner mentorship programme was initiated by F.I.L.M, a non-profit organisation set up by Cape Town’s leading film companies to address transformation and the critical shortage of managers in the film industry.

The proud students received their certificates from Cllr Simon Grindrod, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Social Development and Tourism.

The graduates, aged between 25 and 40 years, hail from the Cape Flats and other previously disadvantaged areas.

According to David Wicht, owner of Film Afrika, the graduates were all selected for the course because of the talent and commitment which they demonstrated whilst being employed in the industry for two years or more.

“F.I.L.M’s aim is to accelerate career opportunities through work-based mentorship as well as formal accredited courses with a primary focus on production managers, line producers, accountants and assistant directors,” says Wicht.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Cllr Grindrod said that Cape Town was fast becoming the film industry capital for Southern Africa.

“The film industry is one of the Big Five income generators in Cape Town and the Western Cape’s film industry contributed an estimated R3,5 billion to the South African economy.”

City approves funds to upgrade street lighting

By Anele Siwa
10 May 2008

The City of Cape Town has agreed to an additional amount of R8,6 million to upgrade street lighting and install high mast lighting across the Cape metropole.

"Due to budget constraints, some sections of the public lighting network are in a state of collapse while others have a high number of luminaries which need replacing. This is not conducive to public safety or the deterrence of crime," says Councilor Clive Justus,

According to Justus the City has now approved the expenditure of R3.6 million for the installation of high mast lighting in informal settlements, and another R5 million for a refurbishment programme to restore parts of the network to acceptable standards.

High priority areas include Langa, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Wynberg, Claremont, Diep River , Plumstead , Bellville South , Kenridge , Gordon`s Bay , Voortrekker Road (Goodwood) , Heideveld , Bridgetown , Bonteheuwel , Vanguard Estate and Athlone Industria.

"The increased budget would also enable the City to convert mercury vapour lights to environmentally friendly high pressure sodium vapour luminaries in line with its energy strategy,” he added.

According to Justus about 80% of the City’s existing public lighting network consists of mercury vapour lights.

City prepares for global warming and rising sea levels.

By Henry Booysen
09 May 2008

The city of Cape Town is gearing up for global warming and rising sea levels after an in depth study of sea-level risk was done.

According to Councillor Brian Watkyns at a meeting of the Planning and Environment Portfolio Committee (PEPCO) councillors were presented with three different models as how changes in tidal movements and increased storm events may impact the rising sea levels and the mother city.

“The aim of the Sea-Level Rise Risk Assessment is to predict the ramifications of sea-level changes as a result of climate change on existing coastal systems,” says Watkyns.

Watkyns elaborates that because Cape Town has a coastline stretching 307 km which is the longest sea frontage of a metropolitan authority in South Africa, it has become vulnerable to the dangers of climate change.

Areas which are at highest risk in Cape Town are because they are situates in low lying areas are Milnerton Lagoon, Fish Hoek, Strand, Gordon’s Bay and Sea Point.

Shaun Pollock friendliest sport personality

By Ilhaam Hoosain
09 May 2008

Shaun Pollock, on Thursday morning was named to the prestigious and influential MCC World Cricket Committee, a body that protects the values of the game and includes the likes of Geoff Boycott, Barry Richards, Steve Waugh and Courtney Walsh.

And on Thursday evening he was named the most media friendly sports personality at the annual SAB sportswriters’ award function in Johannesburg.

Because of his involvement in the Indian Premier League as captain of the Mumbai Indians, Pollock was not able to accept the award in person. The award was accepted by his cousin, Anthony Pollock – but he was quite overwhelmed when informed of the tribute.

”I'm at a loss for words... All I can say is that I when I think back on my career, the spectators and media contributed hugely to the wonderful experience of being an international sportsman. I always enjoyed interacting with the personalities involved in the media and got to know most of them pretty well. I would like to thank them sincerely for the kind gesture of giving me this award.”

CEO Gerald Majola led the tributes from Cricket South Africa and he commented: “Shaun Pollock has been one of cricket’s greatest role models and has a wonderful way with the media and the public. This makes him a most apt recipient of this prestigious SAB Sports Award and is another indication of the positive impact he has made on the game.”

Meanwhile, Proteas coach Mickey Arthur says: “It is typical of the guy. He has always been very professional both on and off the field and he fully deserves to be honoured in this way. The entire Proteas squad is extremely proud of him.”

Picture: www.grandstand.net

MEC Dugmore: the tragic death of 12-year-old learner in bus accident is sad

By Ilhaam Hoosain
09 May 2008

Cameron Dugmore, Western Cape Education MEC expressed his sadness when hearing of the tragic death of a 12-year-old learner when a bus collapsed and crushed her body in an accident near Ceres on Thursday.

The accident happened about 10am on Die Eike Road, near the Dennegeur Farm about 30km from Ceres.

Of the 40 Die Eike VGK Primary School learners in the bus, two were trapped under the wreckage when the bus overturned on its way to the school.

Emergency and rescue personnel managed to retrieve a grade 8 learner Lilian Boer (13) who has been admitted to the local hospital together with the driver of the bus.

However, grade 7 learner Clarissa Smit from the Dennegeur Farm tragically lost her life and her family was immediately informed.

It has been reported from officials of the WCED that it appears that the bus driver was trying to prevent a head-on collision with an oncoming heavy vehicle.

“It is sad when a young child looses her life in such tragic circumstances. Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Clarissa,” says MEC Dugmore.

He also expressed his appreciation for the quick response and support provided by medical and rescue personnel, traffic services, the police and WCED officials when the accident occurred.

“The department has made the services of two District Office psychologists and other support personnel available and will continue to provide emotional support and counseling to all the learners, teachers and parents throughout this period.”

SA cricket star to return home

By Anele Siwa
09 May 2008

Morne Morkel’s county cricket season with Yorkshire came to an unexpected end when he suffered a grade 2 hamstring tear in his opening four-day match against Nottinghamshire at Headingley.

“This type of injury normally takes three weeks to clear up, so we decided the best thing was for Morne to come home for rest and recuperation,” says national cricket coach Mickey Arthur.

According to Arthur it is hugely disappointing for Morne but the good news is that he will be well in plenty of time for the Proteas tour of England.

Morkel has expressed his disappointment at not being able to continue his time at Yorkshire.

“The people there were very good to me and I was enjoying my cricket at Leeds. I was particularly keen to pick up tips from their captain, Darren Gough, who was one of England’s outstanding fast bowlers,” says Morkel.

Air pollution high priority in Khayelitsha

By Tina George
9 May 2008

A public meeting on the effects of air pollution on the residents of Khayelitsha will be taking place at the Community Hall in Site B on Saturday May 10.

Due to the high levels of pollution in Khayelitsha, City of Cape Town spokesperson, Bethwell Mbete says that they want to create awareness of the pollution that is occurring in the area.

“The community residents will be given the results of the survey that we have done as well as a workshop,” says Mbete.

According to the survey the high levels of pollution originate mostly from wood and tyre burnings.

“We have to include the community and inform them so that they can come up with means and ways as to how to reduce the pollution, “ says Mbete.

South Africa sends condolences to Myanmar after horror cyclone

By Henry Booysen
08 May 2008

The South African government has joined the international community by sending its condolences to the people of Myanmar after a horror cyclone devastated the country over the weekend.

“It is with a deep sense of regret that the government and people of South Africa learnt of the deaths of so many citizens of Myanmar as well as the destruction of property and infrastructure following the devastating trail of the cyclone,” says Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.

He elaborates in a statement that the SA government joins the world in extending its condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives and the injured a full and speedy recovery.

Mamoepa said that South Africa will assist the people of Myanmar within its limited resources.

Affirmitive Procument Policy will increase spending for Disadvantages Individual business

By Ilhaam Hoosain
08 May 2008

Increase spending on Historically Disadvantaged Individual businesses from 5% to 70% will be brought on by the launch the Affirmative Procurement Policy Framework by Transport and Public Works Minister Marius Fransman.

The current policy only benefits sectors of the society that are generally financially secure and who have the required skills, means and resources. BEE companies currently benefit about 5%-6% of departmental spending on projects.

With this new policy BEE companies on the Koeberg Interchange Development will receive more than R300m in business a 70% increase.

Oudtshoorn residents to get houses

By Anele Siwa
08 May 2008

The MEC for Local Government and Housing in the Western Cape, Qubudile Richard Dyantyi together with the executive mayor of the Oudtshoorn municipality, Alderlady D. N. De Jager will today officially hand over houses to Nippon East (Rose bank) residents in Oudtshoorn.

“This is a new zone within the Nippon East neighbourhood of Oudtshoorn”, says Vusumzi Tshose spokesperson of MEC Dyantyi.

According to Tshose construction of 663 top structures has been started during September 2007 and up to end April 2008.

“Units are under various stages of completion with the 100% completed houses to be handed over to beneficiaries today”, he added.

Tshose says an amount of R 4,517,964 has been paid by the Department to the Municipality for top structures.

“The Provincial Executive of the Western Cape (Provincial Cabinet) has on 14 March 2007 intervened in the Oudtshoorn municipality in terms of section 139 of the Constitution. The intervention led to the assumption of powers of Council and the Municipal manager by the administrator functioning under the direction of the Provincial Executive. Service delivery in Oudtshoorn Municipality has been hampered by the events leading to the placement under administration”, he explains.

On November 2006 MEC Dyantyi appointed a Commission of inquiry to probe allegations of maladministration, non-compliance with statutory obligations and serious malpractices in the Oudtshoorn Municipality.

According to Tshose amongst the beneficiaries to receive houses are, Andre Redelinghys, 65 years old who have never own a formal house before, Jimmy Junsen and Annie Moos who are physically challenged are also among the beneficiaries.

Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain to receive an Economic Development Workshop

By Tina George
8 May 2008

Today marks the day for the start of a two day Economic Development workshop for the Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha area, which will be taking place in Gordon’s Bay until tomorrow.

“The intention is to stimulate economic development and growth and develop a programme of action and attract economic investment for these areas, ”says Director of Urban Renewal Programme in Cape Town, George Penxa.

Penxa says that along with this they also hope to initiate a process of developing an inclusive local economic development strategy.

“Councillor Simon Grndrod, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social, Economic Development and Tourism and the MEC for Local Government and Housing, Richard Dyanti will be among the first speakers at the worskshop,” adds Penxa.

When two bulls fight only grass suffers

By Anele Siwa
07 May 2008

The Round 13 match of the 2008 Super 14 between the Stormers and the Waratahs, will take place at Newlands in Cape Town at 19h10 on Saturday.

“Both teams are well placed to secure semi-final places, the hosts currently lying fourth in the standings and the visitors in second place just two points ahead with two rounds of matches to play”, says Rayaan Adriaanse South African Rugby Union Media Officer.

The winners of Saturday’s match could secure home in the playoffs. Both Stormers and Waratahs have been in good form over the past month.

“The Stormers hold the upper-hand in terms of the history of meetings between them in Super Rugby history. They have won six of the previous ten, which includes three wins out of five at Newlands, the last being a 27-23 victory in 2004", says Adriaanse.

“The Waratahs won 32-26 on their last visit to Cape Town in 2006 and they also won 26-25 at the famous stadium in 2002. Last season’s clash between them in Sydney was won 16-10 by the Stormers”, he explained.

Rassie Erasmus, the Stormers coach is reportedly saying he is looking for an 80-minute effort from his team.

Adriaanse elaborates that the Waratahs, who appear to get stronger as the game goes on and have put in some strong second-half performances in recent weeks, will arrive in the Mother City in a confident mood despite last week’s defeat and the home side will have to work hard for every point.

“The Hurricanes are third on the log a point ahead of the Stormers and the Force is ninth and seemingly out of contention”, he added.

“appointing people solely on their credentials as ANC "cadres" must end” – Holomisa

By Ilhaam Hoosain
07 May 2008

The SABC board has confirmed that Group CEO, Dali Mpofu has been suspended with immediate effect.

According to reports this is pending an investigation and possible disciplinary inquiry. The Board says in a statement that Mpofu's suspension follows "very serious allegations" including "an alleged refusal and or failure to implement decisions of the board".

Mpofu's suspension follows the suspension of head of news Snuki Zikalala yesterday. Zikalala suspension was announced yesterday.

UDM President, Bantu Holomisa says: “The fiasco at the SABC is a case of the chickens coming home to roost. Many people have been critical of the SABC acting like state-controlled media, instead of being an unbiased public broadcaster.”

He goes onto say that the debate about the credibility of the SABC Board, and now the fracas involving the suspensions of Zikhalala and Mpofu, illustrate that as long as Board members and senior staff are selected for their connections to the ruling party, there will always be questions of bias and infighting.

“The public is aware that this infighting revolves around the replacement of people who are perceived by one faction as being loyal to another faction in the ANC. It is clear that the Board and some staff would want to endear themselves to the new ruling clique in the ANC,” says Holomisa

He adds that there is no doubt that some people are likely to fall by the wayside, but we (the UDM) appeal to the Board to ensure that when they appoint new people in these senior positions they cast the net wide.

”This nonsense of appointing people solely on their credentials as ANC "cadres" must end, surely they have now learnt that it keeps backfiring,” says Holomisa.

44 year old man wanted for abduction

By Henry Booysen
07 April 2008

The Grabouw SAPS is requesting the publics’ assistance in the tracing of Larry Davids also known as Larry Groenemeyer.

During the period of 1 December 2005 and 31 March 2006 14 year old Raylene Slinger ran away from her Nuweberg home and then disappeared with the 44 year old wanted man.

“A cae of abduction was registered against the suspect and is being investigated by Caledon Fcs. The suspect does not have a fixed address therefore that makes it difficult for the police to track him down,” says Police Captain Elliot Sinyangana.

Sinyangana said in a statement a warrant of arrest has been issued for the suspect and any person with information on his whereabouts must contact Detective Constable Rudi Coetzee at Caledon Fcs on 028 859 7700.

The City invites public input on draft events policy

By Ilhaam Hoosain
07 May 2008

Until 30 May 2008 all interested parties now have the opportunity to provide input on the City of Cape Town's Draft Events Policy.

According to the City, the hosting of events impacts the City’s competitive strategy because the events industry increases economic activity and tourist numbers and results in urban rejuvenation and improves cultural and social consistency in communities; and communities are central to making events successful.

"Playing host to top line events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, has made Cape Town known as the ‘fun capital’ of South Africa and a 365-days-a-year, multi-faceted destination." says Councilor Simon Grindrod, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Social Development and Tourism.

"These events contribute significantly to the City’s key objective, as set out in our Five Year Integrated Development Plan [IDP], to promote economic growth in Cape Town by investing in infrastructure and a cleaner, safer city. Our events industry is an important economic, investment and social driver in terms of promoting tourism and community development," says Grindrod.

While the City has a good track record in the hosting of major events, the absence of a strategy and policy has meant that the City has not been able to maximise the benefits provided by such opportunities.

The objective of the draft policy is to provide direction for Cape Town’s current and future events, processes and events calendar. The policy seeks to balance the economic development needs with community needs like health, safety and environmental management.

"It will align events with the City’s IDP, ensure the co-ordination of all City departments and link its financial and logistical support to those events that can provide strategic benefits for to the city and its citizens," says Cllr Pat Hill, Chairperson of the Steering Committee.

Cable theft boy arrested for third time

By Tina George
7 May 2008

On Sunday the City of Cape Town’s copper cable theft task team (Copperheads), arrested a 17-year-old boy for the third time at a City Electricity Services substation in Parow Industria.

This comes after the boy, said to be Brent Pietersen of Ravensmead along with another suspect were caught burgling and vandalising the substation.

“This not the first time, last year January he sustained third degree burns after coming into contact with 11 000 volts of live electricity whilst breaking into the substation while the other incident occurred later in May,” says Councillor Pieter van Dalen, Chairperson of the Copperheads.

Van Dalen adds that the team is very frustrated with the justice system as they are allowing the release of the boy after previous misdemeanours.

“He has caused alot of hassles and cost the tax payers R1, 5 million already.”

Pieterson is currently in Police custody

SARU confirms SA U20 Team

By Anele Siwa
07 May 2008

The South African Rugby Union has confirmed the SA U20 team to participate in the inaugural IRB World Junior Championships next month in Wales.
The new tournament replaces the long-established U19 World Championships it will take place from 6th to 22 June.

“No less than 16 players, who formed part of last year’s SA U19 squad, have made their way into the Under-20 team”, says Rayaan Adriaanse SURU Media Officer.
According to Adriaanse the South African selectors have included three players who have played for the Springbok Sevens as well as two youngsters with Super 14 experience.

“Juan de Jong, Robert Ebersohn and Wilton Pietersen, were all capped for the Springbok Sevens team earlier this year. Centre Stephan Dippenaar and scrumhalf Francois Hougaard, are the duo who already boast with Super Rugby experience. ”, he added.

South Africa will contest in Pool B against Samoa, Scotland and the United States.
“My team is looking forward to the challenges in Wales”, says Eric Sauls, the SA U20 coach.

Souls says South Africa has a proud tradition at junior international level with many current Springboks having made their name first at this level.
“I would like to believe that we have a fair amount of continuity and experience in the squad and this will hopefully contribute to our performances”, he added.

The SA U20 team includes the following players:
1. Cecil Afrika
2. Wilton Pietersen
3. Omphile Seabela
4. Vainon Willis
5. Lionel Mapoe
6. Robert Ebersohn
7. Juan de Jongh
8. Stephan Dippenaar
9. Stefan Watermeyer
10. Francois Brummer
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Dewaldt Duvenage
13. Nick Koster
14. Gerrit-Jan van Velze (C)
15. Luvuyis Lusaseni
16. Johan van Deventer
17. Thiliphatu Marole
18. Sabelo Nhlapo
19. Cornel Hess
19. Martin Muller
20. Jean Rossouw
21. Corne Fourie
22. Frederick Kirsten
23. Wiehahn Herbst
24. Henri Bantjes
25. Pieter van Vuuren

“Gerrit-Jan van Velze will captain the team to Wales”, he added.

“25 000 candidates enrol for supplementary exams”-WCED

By Tina George
6 May 2008

The Western Cape Education Department is pleased that 25 000 candidates have enrolled for the 2008 supplementary exams which started yesterday at 262 examination centres across the Western Cape.

This after the figure for supplementary exams for 2007 was 4 200. This year’s number includes 2 412 full-time candidates, 8558 part-time candidates and 14 512 private candidates.

“More and more young people are starting to realise the value of education as 90% of the total candidates this year were either private or part-time candidates,” says WCED spokesperson, Paddy Atwell.

According to WCED, the exams started yesterday with the English First Language Higher and Standard Grade papers and will continue until Friday 20 June 2008 when candidates will end with Computer studies theory exams.

“We are now in the process of completing a process of introducing a new national curriculum and Grade 12 learners will write the National Senior certificate based on the new curriculum at the end of this year,” says Atwell.

However Atwell adds that Matric candidates have until mid – 2011 to complete the Matric curriculum based on the old curriculum if they registered for and wrote Senior Certificate examinations before 2008.

Meanwhile Atwell states that the WCED examinations’ directorate has mounted similar management as that of a matric final exam.

“We will be having about 700 markers who will each mark 313 papers starting from the end of June until July 5 2008.”

Candidates can contact the WCED’s Exams helpline for further information at (021) 467 2300 or visit the Exams helpdesk at the WCED’s Head Office, 2nd floor, Grand Central Building, Lower Parliament Street, Cape Town.

Ajax Cape Town determined to take the Cup

By Ilhaam Hoosain
06 May 2008

The Athlone Stadium will host the clash between Ajax Cape Town and Amazulu FC on Wednesday 7 May, 2008.

Ajax Cape Town is determined to take all three points from this crucial game, meanwhile the top two teams are only separated by one point in the final straight of the Premiership race.

Only three fixtures remain of this PSL season and Craig Rosslee the Ajax coach said, “We still have three games to play and nine points to play for. Our remaining fixtures favour us as we play two home fixtures then it’s off to Durban to play Golden Arrows.”

He added that their players have been fantastic in response to the pressure that they are under. He goes on to say that the spirit in the team is high and they know that nothing but a win from this game will be enough.

“I have always said that we will concentrate on winning one game at a time and the rest will take care of itself. I believe we have the depth in our squad to effect a winning combination for the remaining games. This championship is going down to the wire and may even be won on the last day of the season”, says Rosslee.

The top three teams have it all to play for and Ajax Cape Town is determined to be in first place come the end of this season.

The game starts at 19h30.

COSATU keep stance on Scorpions

By Henry Booysen
06 May 2008

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has kept their stance with regards to the Scorpions after the Khampepe report was made public yesterday.

According to COSATU spokesperson Patrick Craven they believe that the Scorpions should be incorporated into the South African Police Service.

In a statement released by COSATU in November 2006 they said that the Scorpions together with the National Prosecuting Authority are showing contempt to legal processes and court orders. It elaborated that as an agency it’s not showing respect or cannot be trusted to defend the law.

Craven says that COSATU repeats their call for “a speedy end to the elective prosecutions of choice which have been the sole contribution of the regrettable Scorpion experiment, and welcomes the decision of the ANC National Conference, and now the government, to dissolve the Scorpions into the SAPS,” he says.

The trade union federation said they will study the Khampepe Commission Report on the Scorpions and will refer it to their legal experts so that they may give a detailed report on it.

Winter weather cause havoc

By Ilhaam Hoosain
06 May 2008

The damage from last night’s storm in parts of Cape Town seems to be limited to the Southern Peninsula and the Helderberg areas.

Disaster Management’s Charlotte Powell confirmed that there are no injuries reported, but a gale force winds blew the roofs off about eight shacks in the Masipumelele informal settlement in Fish Hoek, meanwhile home owners and businesses have also reported damage.

Meanwhile, in Hout Bay a builders’ shack became air borne and smashed into a vehicle. In Constantia, Plumstead, Tokai and Somerset West areas trees were blown over, fences damaged and garden furniture was blown around. Powell says they are on full standby for today’s predicted storm.

The Western Capes Overberg area fire-fighters are battling to contain several fires. Strong winds are obstructing the efforts of emergency workers in Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond and between Stanford and Hermanus.

According to Disaster Management some of the fires were started by power lines that were blown down and several farm houses and holiday homes have been gutted or damaged.

City of Cape Town to repair and upgrade its rented flats

By Anele Siwa
06 May 2008

Cape Town City Council has launched a project that will see some seven-thousand-500 flats and houses currently being rented by residents receiving a total make-over upgrading and maintenance.

“The funding has received conditional approval under the Community Residential Units Housing Programme”, says Councillor Dan Plato.According to Plato this is Phase 1 of a project that will finally see the entire City’s 43 500 rental properties across Cape Town receiving attention.

Some of the areas which are to be upgraded are:
>Connaught Estate Flats, Elsies River
>Scottsdene Flats, Oostenberg
>Uitsig Houses, Elsies River
>Woodlands Flats, Woodlands, Mitchells Plain
>Kewtown Flats, Kewtown, Athlone
>Hanover Park Flats, Hanover Park
>Heideveld Flats, Heideveld
>Manenberg Flats, Manenberg
>Marble Flats, Ottery

“The first phase of the project will include a detailed assessment of the block of flats to find out what type of repair and upgrading work needs to be done. The maintenance team will then do the necessary construction work, as well as repainting and improving the general appearance of the units”, he added.

Plato goes on saying the City will soon put the project out to tender and planning for the project will start in July 2008.

“Phase 1 is expected to take three years to complete. Planning for Phases 2 and 3 will commence during this period”, says Plato.

International Midwives days celebrated

By Henry Booysen
05 May 2008

International midwives day is being celebrated today.

According to MEC for Health Pierre Uys midwives are highly skilled professionals who form a critical part of the health system especially in executing quality service to mothers and their new born babies.

“The aim of the day is to celebrate midwifery and to raise awareness of the importance of a midwife’s task as a health professional,” he said.

It is important to note that nurses’ training include that of midwifery which is to train students to provide expecting mothers with the required care throughout their pregnancy, childbirth and then the newborn period to inform mothers that childbirth is normal and a noteworthy life event.

“Midwives are indeed privileged to assist parents and families during what must be one of the most precious moments in their lives by providing pregnant mothers with centred care and support during pregnancy, birth and post natal period,” says the Minister.

In 2007 there were 95 279 births at public health facilities in the Western Cape, therefore the importance of midwives serves as a crucial constituent to the health sector.

Community Information Network

By Anele Siwa
05 May 2008

*Community Notices*

# Sea Point Book Club is looking to swop books with other clubs in Cape Town. For more details on this you can call Max Barnett on 021 439 1979.

#Looking to lose a few kilos and getting fit the fun way? Well then move along to the Salt River Community hall and join Taebo classes which are held every Monday evening from 17:30 – 18:30. The cost of the classes is only R10. For more info call Nawaal on 021 447 8894.

# Cape Town Child Welfare is seeking people, preferably under the age of 45, to become adoptive parents or emergency parents. Any stay at home mothers, with slightly older children of their own, should consider this way of making invaluable, but temporary contribution in a baby’s life. For more information contact Anne Bruce or Mandy Frieslich on 021 790 2300.

# The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service is appealing to Capetonians to help alleviate pressure on the province’s blood supply by attending donation clinics. Any healthy person, especially those belonging to the O blood group, who would like to donate can go to the WPBTS Donor Centre at 22 Long Street, Cape Town or call WPBTS on 021 507 6300/6364.

If you would like our community information network to announce your community notice, submit a paragraph detailing the information of your event or project. Send those details to news@bushradio.co.za or fax them to 021 448 5451. You can even give us a call on 021 448 5450. Don’t forget notices that can uplift the community in any way- will be announced free of charge.

COSATU condemns racist assault in Skierlik

By Anele Siwa
05 May 2008

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the North West condemns what it believe is the racist assault on James Patapata and James Kaunda in Skierlik, Swartruggens, on May Day.

“COSATU welcomes the arrest of two family members alleged to be responsible”, says Solly Phetoe Cosatu General Secretary in North West.

According to Phetoe the Skierlik community is becoming extremely unsafe and the trade union federation demands strong action against perpetrators of racist violence.

It was reported earlier that a 40-year-old father and his 20-year-old son were arrested for allegedly assaulting Patapata and Kaunda, both aged 58. The assault victims went to a farm in the area to buy livestock when two men who were visiting the farm are said to have attacked them. The father and son allegedly kicked and hit one of the men so badly that they broke both his arms. The suspects will appear in court in Swartruggens tomorrow.
In a separate incident, 18-year-old Johan Nel, is standing trial for shooting dead four people including a three-month old baby and a 10-year-old child, and wounding six other in Skierlik in January.

Gordon's Bay ski-boat lacking power

By Anele Siwa
04 May 2008

Yesterday Gordon’s Bay 28 foot ski-boat Oom Piet has been reported lacking power following mechanical engine failure, electrical and steering failure 20 nautical miles South of Cape Point with 2 males on-board.

“We launched our rescue craft Spirit of Safmarine III and on arrival on-scene a tow-line was established”, says Darren Zimmerman, NSRI Simonstown Station Commander.

According to Zimmerman NSRI towed the vessel to as far as Cape Point.
“Sanlam Rescuer towed the vessel safely further on to Gordon’s Bay harbour where the survivors required no further assistance”, says Zimmerman.

In another development a small boat has been reported having fired off a red distress flare off-shore of Camps Bay beach.

“On arrival on-scene we found a local Snoek fishing boat had taken an Oceana Power Boat Club (OPBC) waterskiing racing craft with 3 men on-board under tow, after they had responded to the red distress flare that the fishing crew sighted being fired off by the racing craft, and they were towing them towards OPBC at Granger Bay”, says Johnny Albert, NSRI Bakoven duty coxswain.