bay news vol 12.2 - 14 december 2016
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Vol 12.2 15 D
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An unkindness of ravensA crash of rhinocerosesA walk of snailsA cuddle of teddy bearsAn ambush of tigersA raffle of turkeysA blessing of unicornsA nag of wives
WORDSMITH
Collective names for animals - and wives! How many of these do you know?
A sum of addersA wake of buzzardsA clowder of catsA float of crocodilesA murder of crows
A flamboyance of flamingosAn army of frogsA tribe of goatsA bloat of hippopotamiA chain of lynxAn overbearance of maresA labour of molesA circus of monkeysA rake of mules
Editorial TeamEditor: Mzobanzi Jikazana
Managing Editor: Marthie Nel
Contributors:
Mthubanzi MnikiSivenkosi MtiyaZonile NdoniSiphokazi NogayaPrincess Tobin-Diouf
Layout & Design: Nikita Stevens
Kupido BaronZikona CaptainNande Majova
WEATHER - 15 Dec - 19 Dec 2016
Thur: 17 - 25
Fri : 16 - 24
as per WeatherSA
Sat: 18 - 26
Sun: 20 - 27
� 100 Days In Office!
Christmas Lunch With The Mayor
Explore the Beautiful Bay: Guided
Hiking Trails
Amanzi Farm School – Uitenhage:
Library Outreach Programme
�HIV/Aids Book Reviews
�Visitors To The Traffic Department
�Style Diva
�Wordsmith
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�
�
In this publication
Mon: 18 - 26
100 DAYS IN OFFICE!
During a press conference on 5 December 2016, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Athol Trollip, presented an overview of the progress and advances made and challenges faced during the new leadership's first 100 days in office.
Mayor Trollip stated: “Rebuilding a city takes time, concerted effort, integrity and determination. But in 100 days we have seen massive transformation, which bodes well for the future of our Municipality.
“Our mission to stop corruption has been strengthened with the launch of an anti-corruption hotline, which already resulted in 38 internal investigations. Political will is what drives change and this new government has made it clear that corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay will not be tolerated, and that those found guilty of corrupt dealings will face the full might of the law.
“Recent suspensions and dismissals of numerous senior municipal officials, in the face of scathing evidence, is testament to this government's strong position on corruption and fraud.
“I made a commitment when we took office that this government would not use deviations as a matter of course, and that proper planning would be the order of the day. This change has already seen a huge reduction in the number of d e v i a t i o n s a p p r o v e d b y t h i s administration.
“Uitenhage, Despatch and KwaNobuhle have received my personal attention since taking office. I am proud to announce that over the last 8 weeks, 2500 water leaks have been fixed in these communities, 29 families have received title deeds to their homes, and three main roads have been resurfaced.”
Concluding, Mayor Trollip commented: “I am humbled by the work ethic and dedication of my Mayoral Committee members, the City Manager, municipal staff and volunteers. The progress we have made in this short space of time is truly remarkable and if in three months we could achieve this, then in five years our City will be transformed!
“More importantly, to the residents of the Bay, who have stood by us through some trying times: Thank you for the ongoing backing and encouragement.
“We are building one City, with one future, where freedom, fairness and opportunity exist for all. This will take time, but it will be done!”
With a specific focus on directorates, the
following important achievements over the 100 days were listed:
Roads: Completed work on 13 major roads, while a further four roads are currently under construction.
EPWP appointments: Doubled the n u m b e r o f p r o m i s e d E P W P appointments, with 300 workers now fully employed.
Potholes: Potholes are now being made safe within 24 hours of reporting, with full repairs taking place within 72 hours.
IPTS project: Securing budget of R629 million between now and the 2018/19 financial year, by which time three trunk routes will be in operation. Transport learnerships: Launching a bursary programme worth approximately R30 million, which will see 1800 residents engage in learnerships across the transport sector.
Budget and Treasury: Securing savings of approximately R200 million, for channeling towards improving service delivery and growing the economy (savings were achieved by reducing operational expenditure and cutting the size of and salaries in political offices).
Supply Chain Management: Adding a new position for a Quantity Surveyor to the organogram, to ensure that all bids provide value for money and the bills of quantities do not result in costly deviations.
Macro Organogram: The organogram in its current format has been reviewed and identified ghost employees have been removed. Amending the macro structure to ensure improved service delivery will require many months of deliberations, which are ongoing.
Critical service delivery vacancies: Identifying 128 vacancies in Electricity and Energy and Infrastructure and Engineering; 83 of these have been filled.
Qualifications audit for all senior managers: This audit was rolled out, to be closely followed by a skills audit. Infrastructure and Engineering: the filling of vacancies, skills development and unit capacity have been prioritised.
Bucket toilets: The commitment remains to eradicate all bucket toilets on municipal land by the end of 2017.
Joint Operational Centre : The number used, namely 0800 20 50 50 is working excellently, dealing with between 3000 and 5000 calls a week, dispatching teams to faults and keeping residents up to date.
Safety and Security: A new Metro Police Chief, Yolande Faro, was appointed on 1 December 2016, and 41 staff members are currently operating in the Metro Police Special By-Law Unit. A further 202 staff members are fully qualified and compliant and awaiting grading before being sworn in.
Increasing law enforcement and monitoring by-laws: Since the By-Law Unit came into operation on 13 October 2016, 1338 By-law infringement fines have been issued.
Traffic Safety: At least three roadblocks are taking place every week, numerous
Executive Mayor Athol Trollip
fine and warrants are being issued and unroadworthy vehicles are being impounded.
Human Settlements: Working towards reclaiming the responsibility of building houses from the National Department of Human Settlements and cleaning up the housing list. The new Executive Director for Human Settlements appointed on 1 December 2016, Ms Nolwandle Gqiba, comes with a wealth of experience.
Problem Buildings: The Problem Buildings By-Law to clean the city up of derelict buildings and rejuvenate our urban centre will be promulgated in early 2017.
Sports tourism: The City won the bid to host the 2018 Ironman Championship and various other sporting events; and three local beaches scooped Blue Flag status.
Public Health: 1280 people were employed in litter picking and cleaning services, focusing on public toilets, access roads, bridges and general open spaces; also, all 60 wards now receive timeous and regular refuse collection.
Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture: An economic advisory council, made up of key industry specialists, is being formed to advise the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o n e c o n o m i c development and tourism growth issues.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR
“Even if you feel old, you can still bear fruit” (Judges 2). This was the message from the Executive Mayor, Athol Trollip, to the senior citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay at the annual Christmas lunch for the elderly, this year held at the Feather Market Centre on 13 December 2016.
Mayor Trollip hosted 300 older persons from across the Metro to a glorious meal
in a beautifully decorated and lit venue. To add ambience, a pianist played Christmas carols in the background, while our own municipal Choir performed soulful melodies.
Senior citizens tend to play a less active role in society However, it goes without saying that they contributed immensely to the growth and development of our city
in their younger years. They are the wealth and wisdom of our communities.
Mayor Trollip commented that the less fortunate among the elderly often enter the Festive Season with not much to celebrate. The multilingual Mayor ensured his audience in English, IsiXhosa and Afrikaans that his team and he would ensure that good care would be taken of the elderly. He thanked all the elderly, the women in particular, who are still active for “doing their part in ensuring that the city continues to function successfully”.
Mrs Dineo Kondile, the Chairperson of the Metro’s Older Persons Forum, who sang for the Mayor and rallied the 300 attendees to join her in song, thanked the Executive Mayor for hosting and attending the Christmas lunch, adding, “You have recognized us and shown us that you care for and value women”.
Mayor Trollip shared that he would soon become a grandfather – news that caused a lot of excitement in a venue packed with oumas and oupas, with everyone cheering and ululating.
Older citizens having lunch with Mayor Trollip in Feather Market Centre
STYLE DIVA
hearted and loving and, of course, she is beautiful. Enjoy this brilliant and insightful Style Diva interview.
How would describe your own style and sense of dress?“Mainly smart casual, but it really depends on my mood. When I am in a good mood, I tend to put in extra effort. I like coordinating colours and I prefer to wear one or two colours per outfit.”
Why do you think appearance is important in a local government office?“It is very important to be presentable at all times. I personally believe that women in particular should always dress professionally and respectably and refrain from wearing revealing clothes to the work-place. How you dress, says a lot about you.
“Because we work with people of different value systems, religious and cultural beliefs, we should always be considerate and respectful to our colleagues and people in our work environment. The way that you dress, carry yourself and treat others shows respect – or the lack of it.”
Budget and Treasury, Chief Clerk Buyiswa Bala
What do you or others regard as your best feature?“My body shape and my legs - despite the cast!”
What are your thoughts on the role of women in the workplace? “I believe that it is the responsibility of women in senior positions to provide an environment of opportunity and exposure to younger women in the workplace; so as to impart knowledge and enable them to gain experience that will capacitate and develop them.
“As we grow older, we should lead by example so that the younger generations can learn from us. Women play different roles within their households, they are directors, supervisors, caretakers and protectors of their families. We can do the same in the office as well - it's in our nature.
“As women we should embrace, support and pray for one another and do away with the distasteful 'Pull Her Down Syndrome'.”This week, we had the pleasure of
chatting to a lovely Style Diva in Budget and Treasury, Chief Clerk Buyiswa Bala. Buyiswa is a staunch believer, kind
AMANZI FARM SCHOOL – UITENHAGE LIBRARY OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The future of libraries depends on strong community involvement, strong policies, and strong ideas. The Municipality's Uitenhage Library has established strong
Great excitement as Amanzi schoolkids greet the ocean
lies with the Amanzi Farm School through providing outreach services.
The Amanzi Farm School is located on the Amanzi Farm about 10-15 km out of Uitenhage. The School caters for all children whose parents work or reside on the farm. The Amanzi Farm School is isolated, lacking in reading, learning and research resources, with minimum basic education support structures. The school has a total of 32 learners and a staff complement of three members.
Since 2014, Uitenhage Library staff members, in partnership with NMBM Libraries' Head Office staff; have been donating Christmas goodie bags to the learners on the last visit of the year.
In 2016, the Amanzi Farm School requested the Uitenhage Library to arrange an educational visit to Hobie Beach to teach the learners the basics of water safety. The trip took place on Wednesday, 30 November 2016.
HIV/AIDS BOOK REVIEW
A different kind of Aids by David DicksonIn this book, Davis Dickson explores the folk and lay theories about HIV/AIDS that are still being circulated in our township communi t ies . Even though the government and NGOs are continuously rolling out educational programmes to teach and inform South Africans about the use of antiretroviral treatment, these myths are still being circulated, to the detriment of those who are living with the disease. His book introduces us to the lives and thoughts of Bafana and Paseka Radebe, Grace Dlamini, and Neo Pakwe and how HIV/AIDS has affected their daily lives.
David Dickson draws a picture of township life, how people in the townships are going through so many hardships, and how HIV/AIDS also just becomes part of these problems and does not get the attention that it needs. The myths doing the rounds, the culture and the traditions also affect how these individuals deal with their health.
A number of books on AIDS, its prevention and treatment are available at NMBM libraries.
Below are reviews of one eBook and one printed book, available from our libraries.
Living a Healthy Life with HIV, by Allison Webel
EPUB eBook· ISBN: 9781936693948 · File size: 11678 KB
Completely updated to the current care guidelines from the Centre for Disease Control and elsewhere, this book addresses the current emphasis on managing medications for HIV treatment and many of the illnesses that commonly occur along with HIV. Combining the latest medical advice with the ideas of hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS, the book is helpful for adults living with HIV and their friends, family members and others who support anyone struggling with HIV/AIDS.
Van Stadens Hiking Trail:
Go into the Van Stadens Nature Reserve, and meet in front of the first office (to get to the Reserve, follow the road from the N2 Van Stadens turn-off. Turn left).
Date: Wednesday, 4 January 2017 Time: 09h30 (2-3 hours)
Cape Recife Hiking Trail:
Follow the Marine Drive to Cape Recife, and take a left turn to Pine Lodge, and meet in front of the boom gate.
Meeting Place: Pine Lodge boom gateDate: Wednesday, 11 January 2017Time: 09h30 (2- 4 hours)
What to bring along:? Packed lunch?Stout walking shoes or takkies?Water bottle (juice or water)?A hat and sun block?A jacket (for changing weather
patterns: it can become windy on the trails).
?Some of the hikes may not be suitable for very young children.
The Municipality is running a Guided Hiking Trail Programme for the general public over the December 2016 – January 2017 school holiday period. Explore and learn more about the stunning fauna and flora that you will encounter on these well-established hiking trails, which are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Note that there is no charge for participating in these guided trails.
For more information, contact Pumla Koltana at 041- 506 5235 or e-mail her at
Settlers Park Hiking Trail:How Avenue, next to the St George's Private Hospital. Follow the road until you see the gates to the park on your left hand side.
Meeting Place: Meet at the tarred parking area inside the Settlers Park Reserve.Date: Tuesday, 20 Dec 2016 Time: 09h30 (3-4 hours)
EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL BAY: GUIDED HIKING TRAILS
Sights like these are common along our coastline
VISITORS TO THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT: PLEASE NOTE
It has come to the attention of the Municipality that members of the public who visit the Traffic Department, Sidwell to make enquiries or pay their fines, are redirected by individuals to a certain company with offices close to the Traffic Department.
Members of the public are then requested to pay an amount (normally a reduced amount) and are then issued with a receipt and informed to contact the
company should they receive a summons for those specific fines.
The Municipality wants to make it very clear to the public that no individual or company was appointed to collect money for traffic fines on its behalf. Any member o f the pub l ic can comple te a representation form at the NMBM Traffic offices should they wish to ask for reduction on their fines. This will then be dealt with on merit. Should a member of the public that received a fine send somebody else to ask for reduction on his/her behalf, a power of attorney form should be completed by the offender.
Members of the public are requested to contact the Traff ic Department immediately should they have had any such experience. Note that the Municipality has already assisted a number of private people and companies who had these experiences by opening criminal cases, which are currently being investigated by the SAPS.
Please note that only an official receipt issued by the Municipality, EFT transfers into the account of the Municipality or proof of payment as per the methods on your summons will be accepted.
SMALL GRANTS FOR LOCAL ARTISTS AVAILABLE!
The Arts and Culture Sub-directorate of our Municipality makes small grants available to individuals, community groups, NGOs, NPOs, co-operatives and organisations active in the arts, culture and heritage and creative industries that wish to host events and programmes on platforms such as the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
Applications – not to exceed R110 00 each are currently invited from local artists, with the closing date set as 17 January 2017.
Closely overseeing the programme is Vaughan Japhta, NMBM Manager: Living Arts. Vaughan, a former Board member of the National Arts Festival who holds a
–
degree in Music Education, believes that developing their creative ideas and shaping programme content for the Grahamstown National Arts Festival circuit will be a great artistic experience for local artists.
Vaughan emphasises that to qualify for the small grants, the proposed event/programme must inter alia be locally owned and delivered, held in Ne l son Mande la Bay, and be developmental in nature.
The grants will come from funding sourced or facilitated by Vaughan himself as part of his duties. Vaughan shyly admits that in 2010 he facilitated the biggest Arts Grant ever given to a Local
Authority in the county: a cool R23,1 million!
So what is Vaughan's passion among all the arts? Music! "Music gives soul to the universe. wings to mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." * A form is available at the office of the NMBM Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Directorate in St George’s Park or from the following e-mail address: [email protected] NMBM. For any further clarity, call Vaughan Japtha at 041 506 2723.