NEWSALEXFREE 079 439 5345@AlexNewsZAwww.alexnews.co.za Alex NewsWeek ending 13 January, 2017

STORM IS OVER

Delight is written all over the faces of these matric pupils who were early birds to collect their results at their former school, Alex High.

Tourism plays a major role in the development of new Alex Mall

MEC Panyaza Lesufi wants province to take the number one spot3 4

SEE PAGE 5

Tourism plays a major role in the development of new Alex Mall

MEC Panyaza Lesufi wants province to take the number one spot

FOR THESE ALEX MATRICULANTS

Former Alexandra High School pupils show their delight after receiving their matric results. They are Lerato Mazibuko, Kgofatso Modiba, Geraldine Mokgokoloshi, Livhuwani Molaudzi and Mbali Mkwanazi. The two boys sneaked away before we could record their names.

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www.alexnews.co.za |Week ending 13 January, 2017Page 2 • Alex News

Bramley Police Station saw a large number of arrests from the period between 19 and 31 December last year.These included:

34 arrests for driving under the infl uence 3 assaults 1 rape 3 residential burglaries 1 intimidation 12 possessions of dagga 3 possession of stolen motor vehicles 2 attempted murders 2 murders 4 house robberies and unlawful

possession of fi rearms and ammunition 7 theft cases. Captain Molefe Mogodi, spokesperson

for Bramley Police Station stated, "All the incidents of driving under the infl uence were as a result of operations that have been on-going in the area. Our community is once again advised not to drive while knowing that they have taken or have been consuming alcohol."

However, with these major crimes and grim fi gures, there was at least a bit of hope.

The station saw a decrease in crime and Mogodi said, "We have registered far less crime this festive season compared to previous festive seasons and we give our thanks to the men and women in blue who went out of their way to serve the community with pride and will continue to do so throughout this year.

"Members of the public who have any information should not hesitate to call 1011 or visit your nearest police station," said Mogodi.

Police arrest 34

Captain Molefe Mogodi from Bramley Police Station says they made 34 arrests from 19 to 31 December.

News in Brief

A man was recently arrested for allegedly assaulting his pregnant wife after informing her that he no longer loved her but loved another woman.

According to Alex Police Station's spokesperson, Captain Allie Kodisang, the incident happened at the suspect's new lover's residence at 11.30pm on 11 November.

The victim cooked a meal at the couple's residence and called the suspect to come eat, however, he had left the premises.

The pregnant wife then suspected that her husband had gone to his new lover's house. She went to the residence and she found her husband. After the victim asked her husband to return home, he allegedly refused and assaulted her, after which he chased her away while professing his love for his new lover.

The police are currently investigating the matter.

Pregnant wife assaulted

A suspect was arrested in Alexandra on 21 November for the attempted murder of police offi cers. His accomplice is at large and is wanted by police.

The Alexandra Police Station spokesperson, Captain Allie Kodisang, said the arrest followed a shootout in a high-speed car chase which started in Bramley View at about 5.30pm and ended in 13th Avenue in Alex after the suspect's car collided with a Toyota Avanza, whose driver or passengers' condition wasn't specifi ed.

Kodisang said police on patrol fi rst noticed a Chevrolet Spark with the two suspects driving at high speed and skipping red robots. They put on their blue lights and siren and ordered the suspects to stop, but they sped off.

The police called for back-up as the chase passed through Modderfontein and Rembrandt Park and got to Alex where one of the suspects shot at the pursuing police vehicle.

A backup vehicle then intercepted the suspects' vehicle in Alex and there was an exchange of fi re resulting in the suspects colliding with the Avanza.

One of the suspects was arrested while the other fl ed on foot. An illegal fi rearm with the serial number fi led off was found in the suspects' vehicle. The suspect will appear in court soon.Details: Alexandra Police Station 011 321 7600.

Suspect nabbed

LESEHO MANALAlesehom@caxton.co,za

Two suspects were arrested and are pending court appearances, one for attempted rape of his ex-girlfriend and the other for raping his ex-girlfriends.

Also, two suspects are wanted by the police for raping a minor.

Police spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang, said the attempted rape incident happened at the victim's home at about 11.30pm on 11 November this year.

The suspect and a friend, knocked on the victim's door and she let them in. Once inside, the suspect asked for reconciliation and his friend left them talking. Afterwards she went to bed leaving him seated. She asked him to close the door on his way out. Minutes later, it's alleged he came to the bed naked and asked to sleep with her but she refused. He then allegedly assaulted her and tried to rape her but she grabbed and squeezed his private parts before she ran out of the house and called the police.

When she returned, the suspect had disappeared but he had left behind a bottle of petrol which he apparently wanted to use to set the home alight. The suspect was arrested and is due in court soon.

In the rape incident, Kodisang said a suspect was arrested for allegedly raping his 26-year-old ex- girlfriend at about 5am on 19 November. This was after they met at a tavern where they argued over their child.

The suspect then allegedly forced her to go with him to his Tsutsumani home where he allegedly pushed her onto the bed and raped her without a condom.

Police are also investigating the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by two wanted suspects.

Kodisang said the incident happened at about 8.30pm on 17 November at a cemetery.

The suspects approached the victim on the street and asked for money. When she told them she had none, they allegedly gagged her by using plastic and took her to the cemetery.

They undressed and raped her without condoms, before letting her go.

Police seek 2 men

A complainant sought treatment at Alex Clinic for injuries sustained after he was allegedly attacked by a suspect for urinating in public.

Spokesperson for Alex Police Station, Captain Allie Kodisang said the police were investigating the case reported by the victim who resides in the Alex Barracks on 3rd Street, Wynberg.

The victim was with a friend when he stopped his vehicle along 1st Street in Wynberg at 9pm on 11 November and went to go urinate.

The suspect, who was nearby, approached and asked the victim why he urinated next to him.

When the victim told the suspect to mind his own business, the suspect allegedly became infuriated and responded by assaulting the victim.

The victim managed to escape in his vehicle to report the matter at Alex Police Station before seeking treatment.

The friend of the victim knew the suspect but did not intervene. Investigations continue.

Man beaten for urinating

A complaint of assault and threat to life was made at the Alex Police Station by a woman of 2nd Avenue against her ex-boyfriend.

The suspect allegedly slapped and insulted the 20-year-old victim and threatened to kill her if she called off their relationship.

He allegedly said that if he couldn't have her, no one else would.

Police spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang said the incident occurred at about 8.15pm on 15 November after the suspect allegedly confronted the complainant as she returned home from a nearby shop. The case is still under investigation.

In another case the rape of a 25-year-old woman by two men is investigated.

Spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang said the incident happened in an alley.

The victim was walking to her boyfriend’s residence on 10th Avenue in Alex, after a party in Bramley, when the suspects approached her and allegedly demanded money and her cellphone. Details: 011 321 7600.

Death threats by ex-boyfriend

Alex police spokesperson, Captain Allie Kodisang.

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Week ending 13 January, 2017 | www.alexnews.co.za Alex News • PAGE 3

Half a billion spentSIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

There will be opportunities galore for Alexandrians when their massive half-a-billion-rand mall opens its doors for workers and shoppers at the end of March.

Mpho Motsumi, president of the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce (Galxcoc), who recently took the media on a guided tour to view the work in progress, said the mall which they co-own with McCormick Properties will also open its doors to 2 000 township folk for employment in various capacities, ranging from a cleaner, all the way up to a store manager, or even a shop owner as they will be afforded the opportunity to open up stores as well.

The mall, conceived as a legacy project of the centenary celebrations of the township in 2012, was built with the complete involvement of Alexandrians, from ordinary workers to supervisors and beyond, including local contractors who were contracted for various jobs in the construction phase and others being subcontracted by the main builder.

“We wanted to empower local constructors as well to ensure they are part of the building phases of the mall and that a casual and permanent workforce is also drawn from the township, with the exception of those with skills and expertise we do not have locally,” said Motsumi, whose establishment of the mall was facilitated by the Johannesburg Property Company, an entity of the City of Johannesburg.

Entrances to the mall will feature themes of the history of Alexandra’s development from the time when the fi rst stand owners bought their pieces of land from former farm owner, Herbert Papenfus, who then named the new settlement after his wife, Alexandra. Besides embodying the history and development of Alexandra, the mall will also feature the arts, culture and tourism aspects of the township, which were the most vibrant over the years, producing not just musicians of note such as Simon Nkabinde of Mahlathini and

Galxcoc president, Mpho Motsumi stands against the backdrop of Alexandra and the continent’s richest square mile, Sandton.

Mahotella Queens fame, but other stars in the boxing and football front, including the theatre stage as well, not forgetting the gangster world. A permanent taxi rank for long distance taxis as well as local taxis in Alexandra will be part of the transport features of the mall, whose taxi organisations will only contribute to the upkeep of the rank.

“We want to avoid the chaotic situation that occurred at The Mall of Africa, where vying taxi organisations had to shoot each other to secure the rights to transport workers and shoppers on the lucrative new route.

“We made it a point that from the onset of the planning of the mall, we involved the various taxi organisations in Alexandra to ensure they played a role in the planning stages and where and how the taxi rank could be built and facilitated,” Motsumi said.

The Alex Mall also embodies the new concept of green building with more natural light powering the lighting aspect of the walkways and corridors than electrical power.

“We will also be harvesting rainwater to fl ush our ablution blocks and the grey water used to maintain our gardens and lawns,” Motsumi said.

Alex Mall hopes to draw affluent Sandton folk to its doorsSIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

The tourism aspect, which embodies the running and creation of the Alex Mall, is expected to be one of the major drawcards to the affl uent neighbours from Sandton.

This is the view expressed by Mpho Motsumi of the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce (Galxcoc) when he led a delegation of journalists on a guided tour of the work in progress on the mall, which is scheduled to open its doors to shoppers at the end of March or early April this year.

Motsumi, whose Galxcoc co-owns the massive half-a-billion-rand mall with McCormick Properties, said they had deliberately included the tourism aspect in the creation of the mall in order to draw tourists not just within the country but from abroad as well, in an endeavour to change

the negative aspects of Alexandra that has crept in over the years.

“My mission is to use the mall to change the history of our township, from a place known for its recent criminal aspects, fi lth and rodent infestation to the old and vibrant Alexandra, which [incorporated] arts, dance, music, theatre and sports in its heyday.

“We want to bring back the vibrancy of the 60s right up to 80s when the township was the place to be if you were an artist, musician, dancer, theatre practitioner or footballer of note and outstanding boxer of your time,” Motsumi said.

The Galxcoc president said tourism will play a major role in the rekindling of the vibrancy of Alexandra, as tourists will be taken on a guided tour of the various tourist spots, such as the house where former President Nelson Mandela fi rst lived on his arrival in Johannesburg, and that of former

Frelimo guerrilla leader and fi rst president of Mozambique, Samora Machel.

Other sites include Entokozweni Centre, the former breeding place of artistry in its various forms; the Pan African Square, which was the breeding ground of pan-Africanism; and the adjacent old Alexandra Health Centre building, including the Alexandra Stadium where footballers of note were born.

“The history of Alexandra will be narrated during these guided tours so that tourists, and others who do not know all this, will get to know what Alexandra was in those good old days when there was still order,” Motsumi said.

“I grew up here [in Alexandra] staring at wealth [in Sandton] that I could not touch or access, and I hope this mall will play a part in trying to bridge the gap between the two communities.”

Awareness about paraffin accidentsANDREI VAN WYKandreivw@caxton.co.za

The Communication Firm (TCF) in Johannesburg has been appointed by Engen Petroleum Limited as its elected National Experiential Service Provider for the Paraffi n Safety Awareness Campaign.

The campaign will be used by Engen to raise awareness among primary schoolchildren about paraffi n-related accidents which emanate from incorrect storage and use of paraffi n.

“It is a privilege to be involved and working with Engen on a project that will aid the safety of the children in our country.

“As TCF, we look forward to a fruitful relationship and working together to maximise this meritable campaign,” said chief executive offi cer of TCF, Bonnke Shipalana.

The campaign, set to run for 24 months, will include visiting 300 schools nationwide to create awareness about the dangers of using and storing paraffi n incorrectly.

Chief executive offi cer of TCF, Bonnke Shipalana.

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www.alexnews.co.za |Week ending 13 January, 2017Page 4 • Alex News

BELINDA PHETObelindap@caxton.co.za

Gauteng Department of Education can still claim some bragging rights following the release of the 2016 National Senior Certifi cate (NSC) results. The province dropped its position nationally, but still remains in the top three performing provinces.

On another positive note, Gauteng schools came out on top in the 2016 matric results, producing the highest number of pupils who obtained minimum requirements for admission to bachelor's degree. The province also recorded a 1.1 per cent increase in the overall pass rate which is currently at 87 percent, an improvement compared to 2015. Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga announced the 2016 National Senior Certifi cate results on 4 January in Midrand where the above details were revealed. The minister mentioned that the Grade 12 class of 2016 has achieved a 76.2 per cent pass rate, an increase from 74 percent for 2015.

Motshekga also highlighted that the Class of 2016 had recorded the highest enrolment of Grade 12s in the history of basic education in the country.

Interestingly, the minister also shared that a total of about 108 000 schoolchildren from all provinces were progressed to matric. "These are

Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi says Gauteng leads with 32 schools that achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

learners who had failed Grade 11 twice and were pushed to Grade 12 without passing," Motshekga explained, adding that is it was important for the department to to ensure that every child leaves school with a qualifi cation.

"The pass rate for 2016, progressed learners excluded, is 76.2 per cent, which is up from 74 per cent which we had [in 2015]. With progressed learners it stands at 72.5 per cent which, again, is an improvement from last year [2015] when we had 70 per cent. On 5 January, Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi announced the provincial results. He commended the class of 2016 for their hard work. "Our learners, like soldiers, fought well," Lesufi said. He mentioned that the provincial results demonstrate that there is improvement and stability in the province. The MEC also highlighted that Gauteng leads with 32 schools that received a l00 per cent pass rate, with 13 of those schools being in townships.

BUSISIWE VILAKAZIbusiv@caxton.co.za

As humans saw out 2016, the merrymaking that is associated with fi reworks turned out to be a nightmare for our furry friends.

Although Emergency Management Services had warned residents to handle fi reworks with care, most did not adhere to the rules, according to Ward 66 councillor, Carlos Da Rocha.

"Every year I receive complaints about fi reworks. I understand people use fi reworks for different events to celebrate, but they are becoming a problem for many. This year it was the worst I have ever seen. People did not respect the bylaws on fi reworks and [they were] not enforced properly," Da Rocha said.

He said most concerned residents resented the fi reworks because people had continued to discharge them, well after New Year's Eve.

As such, he had set up an online petition for the ban of fi reworks in Joburg.

"The petition has gone viral. This is evident that a large number of

people are frustrated by fi reworks. I have

reached 5 600 and [it is] growing since I set it up after 31 December. My reasons for this petition? I'm taking my residents' pleas very seriously.

I hope this petition will make an impact," he said.

EMS spokesperson Robert Malaudzi said, "The bylaws state that no one under the age of 16 is allowed to handle or use fi reworks, except if they are supervised by an adult. Retailers may not sell fi reworks to a child under the age of 16.

"Also, fi reworks are prohibited in certain areas, including inside buildings, on agricultural holdings, at schools, old age homes or hospitals, and within 500m of an explosives factory, explosives storage or petrol station."

Da Rocha added, "I feel the regulations are not being enforced properly, and not much effort is being made to curb the illegal and uncontrolled sale of fi reworks. Fireworks can [even] be bought at the robots." Details: Find the petition on www. ward66jhb.co.za;; or call councillor Carlos da Rocha on 083 447 3648.

Councillor is all fired up

DA councillor Carlos Da Rocha has initiated an online petition to ban fi reworks and he urges all animal lovers in Joburg to back his campaign.

STAFF REPORTERalexnews@caxton.co.za

The DA has congratulated the matric Class of 2016 but expressed some concerns regarding education in Gauteng.

"It must be noted, however, that critical subjects like maths and science proved to be diffi cult," read a statement issued by the party.

According to the statement, there is no district in the province that received more than an 80 per cent pass rate in physical science and only one district, Gauteng West, which achieved more than an 80 per cent pass rate in mathematics.

"Given the numerous attempts made by Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi to innovate instead of fi xing the basic problems facing the education system in the province, there are still critical subjects deserving attention to ensure that Gauteng can meet its economic needs."

The party was also concerned about the overall performance of the province, compared to other provinces. "Gauteng now fi nds itself as the third best performing province, whereas it should be higher given the resources that it has had at its disposal."

The DA highlighted that it was their

DA congratulates Class of 2016

fi rm belief that this administration should focus on the quality of education that schoolchildren receive and pay particular attention to grades 10 and 11. The party has vowed to continue monitoring the manner in which schoolchildren are supported throughout the year to ensure they receive a National Senior Certifi cate that is of the highest quality.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Khume Ramulifho.

Gauteng is tops

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SIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

The sounds of American rhythm and blues singer, R Kelly, reverberated in the minds of some Alexandra High School matrics as they collected their results from their former schools.

'The storm is over' they shouted in delight after learning they had passed with fl ying colours and immediately expressed their desire to pursue tertiary education at some of the country's fi nest institutions this year. The matrics mimicked this song as they walked out of the gates of the school, probably for the very last time as schoolgoers and could not hold back their delight that they had fi nally made it.

Kgofatso Modiba (18) said she was looking forward to pursuing studies in human resources at the I-College in the Joburg CBD; while her former classmate, Mbali Mkwanazi was eager to begin her fi rst semester in social work at either the University of Johannesburg or Wits University.

Although Lerato Mazibuko, Livhuwani Molaudzi and Geraldine Mokgokoloshi were still not sure what they wanted to study, they said they were looking forward to pursuing tertiary education too. They said they would make up their minds in the next few days.

When asked for their recipe for success, Modiba said hard work was key. "We were committed to our schoolwork and had early morning and late afternoon classes all the time to catch up where we lacked," Modiba added.

Mkwanazi said they had organised themselves into a group and had nights where they studied and slept together as a group. "This was quite motivating and it was one of the large contributors to our matric success."

The girls urged the incoming Class of 2017 to take a leaf from their book of success and be committed to their books and success will follow. "There is nothing that beats commitment, dreams and visions for one's future, and to couple it with hard work, it's off you go to success," they said.

SIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

Not all is lost for those matrics who did not perform well in 2016.

Alexandra High School, in partnership with ORT SA and Bidvest, will host the year-long Second Chance Mathematics and Science Programme at the school and are calling on prospective schoolgoers who failed their matric examinations, or believe they did not do well enough and

need to improve their marks, to come forward and register for the programme.

The recovery programme is targeted at matrics who are not able to gain access to tertiary institutions due to their poor marks in the two subjects.

It aims to equip and develop participants with mathematical and scientifi c knowledge, skills and the right attitude that will enable them to overcome the myth that maths and science are diffi cult

subjects.To enrol, matriculants must have

passed at least four other subjects and achieved low marks or failed maths and science.

Their 2016 matric results, a certifi ed copy of their identity document, and a completed application form, along with the willingness to attend class for the duration of this year will be required for enrolment.Details: Debbie Lurie 011 728 7154.

There’s still hope after exams

LESEHO MANALAlesehom@caxton.co.za

As a tinge of anxiety engulfs pupils and parents as they brace themselves for the start of the 2017 school year on 11 January, the Joburg East District has allayed concerns about any delays.

This especially in the townships, where in the past classes were delayed by the admission process.

The director for Joburg East District, Gauteng Department of Education, Mnyamezeli Ndevu allayed this concern, stating that all 158 schools in the district, including Alexandra, will commence teaching and learning on the fi rst day. This will be made possible because of the newly introduced online registration system.

Ndevu said the system was fraught with challenges when it was introduced, including threats of legal action by some quarters, and during its on-and-off piloting process during the registration process between 19 April and 1 June last year and late registrations which closed on 30 November.

"At the end, the department was vindicated with 19 305 Grade 1 and 8 pupils registered and placed in schools," said Ndevu. "They constitute 81 per cent for Grade 1 and 76 per cent of Grade 8.

“The balance of the placements will have been done when schools start," he added.

The storm

Educationist praises system

Joburg East District director of Gauteng Department of Education, Mnyamezeli Ndevu.

Former Alexandra High School pupils show their delight after receiving their matric results. They are Lerato Mazibuko, Kgofatso Modiba, Geraldine Mokgokoloshi, Livhuwani Molaudzi and Mbali Mkwanazi. The two boys sneaked away before we could record their names.

The system, he said, was revolutionary and enabled equal access to education. "It's tamper-proof and monitored by the department to ensure the registration was based on a fi rst-come fi rst-served basis and is not manipulated by schools, especially against children from poor backgrounds who are entitled to enroll in schools in affl uent areas because of their parents' residence and workplace." This, he said, would de-racialise and demolish class-based barriers for schoolchildren to be able to access quality education and will also promote social cohesion.

Ndevu said there were still other challenges, including security for the e-learning electronic

system. "Some of the Alexandra schools are now fully equipped as e-learning hubs whose classrooms should now be paperless after the teachers were also trained.

"It's imperative for the community to ensure the safety of the costly electronic investment – the smart boards, notebooks and laptops distributed to pupils and teachers by the government for their own children's education." This he added, would enhance the children's capacity to conduct research and be part of global trends in education.

Another challenge was the continued support of matrics at weekend and holiday study camps. "Five hundred and eight Grade 12s from Alexandra schools attended a two-week camp in October [last year] for extra lessons in mathematics, accounting, science, biology, geography and English."

Teenage pregnancy was another concern which Ndevu attributed to poverty. "Ninety-eight pupils in the district declared themselves pregnant. Our concern is their vulnerability to HIV/Aids and a ruined future at the hands of sugar daddies who entice them with short-term material rewards. They will be trapped in the welfare system for grants for the upkeep [of their children]."

Ndevu said many of these girls were from child-headed households or homes with no source of income.

www.alexnews.co.za |Week ending 13 January, 2017Page 6 • Alex News

Safe handling of poisonsVelisha Thompson of the City of Johannesburg writes:With the alarming rodent infestation in Alexandra, the City of Johannesburg has urged the community to handle poisons in the most careful of ways to ensure their own health and those of other living organisms and species not intended for the particular poison.Rats (rodents)Rats and mice are regarded as one of man’s worst enemies. The reason for this is that they spread diseases such as the plague and leptospirosis; they spoil and contaminate food; they damage stored goods and they eat electrical cabling insulation causing short circuits and electrical fi res.Rodents may transmit diseases in the following ways:

Through direct contact with them Through their urine and droppings Through water and food that have been

contaminated by their urine and faeces Through fl eas and lice that live as

parasites on them.For rodents to thrive and multiply they need food, water and shelter. This is usually provided by household rubbish, junk, builders’ rubble, fi lthy unmaintained premises and overgrown stands. If the environment in which rodents thrive is kept clean and free of hiding places, the rodents will move away.Rodents can be controlled by:

Keeping the environment free of waste and rubbish

Keeping lids on dustbins

Using mouse/rodent traps Using rodenticides (rat poison) Encouraging birds of prey (owls, hawks,

eagles) to move into the area.Aldicarb is an extremely dangerous substance that is regulated by strict legislation.

Aldicarb or Temik, better known as ‘two-step’ or rather haliphirimi is a banned nematicide which was recently used as a pesticide on crops such as potatoes, cotton and peanuts. It is a grey granular substance with a garlic-like smell that is applied underneath the surface of the soil during planting. Special care has to be taken to not expose it above the surface of the soil, as it is highly toxic if ingested by humans and animals. Excessive ingestion causes vomiting, cramps and pains and in severe cases can lead to death.NB: When using poison to control rodents, ensure that it is placed out of reach of children.

Velisha Thompson

Live up to the goals you set

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you from the hectic festive season, which, under normal circumstances, should be a time to rest and enjoy a well-deserved break from the rat race.

I trust that we have all entered the new year in one piece, with the exception of some loved ones who were lost to the road fatalities, something that we all need to tackle as a collective. The start of a new year is always associated with fresh beginnings as people set themselves goals and time frames for things to do and achieve in the year.

Typically, some of the most common New Year’s resolutions for men is to quit drinking and smoking, while the fairer sex tend to seek that slim fi gure that is sure to get them a Mr Right who will ‘put a ring on it’. Whether those resolutions are followed and kept is a matter for another day.

The ANC also does the same every January. It dresses itself to kill, metaphorically speaking, in an amazing combination of black, gold and green and, without a care in the world, dances the night away in the hope of luring new suitors.

In ANC language, this is called the January 8 statement, and on this day the organisation celebrates its founding. This year it is turning 105, making it the oldest liberation movement in Africa. The party uses this platform on January 8 to gloss over its failures and make pronouncements on the economy,

politics and society, issues which it looks forward to and hopes to tackle in the year ahead to bring prosperity for all.

Whether the pronouncements ever become a reality is also a matter for another day.

But this year the pronouncements went far beyond the sweet-talking aimed at attracting new members. The party is engulfed by infi ghting, where a dog-eats-dog situation has become the order of the day, or should we call it ANC eating ANC.

This dog-eats-dog cannibalistic tendency of the ANC has frightened off some members and sympathizers, especially in the country’s richest province, Gauteng, whose three major metros fell under the Democratic Alliance in the 3 August municipal election, including Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape.

With all this hullabaloo bedeviling the organisation, the ANC decided to use the January 8 statement as a show of force to gloat and indicate to the public that it was neither a dying party nor one in ICU. Many have already begun writing its obituary come the 2019 national elections.

But many don’t buy that show of force in Gauteng, as many of those who fi lled the iconic Orlando Stadium in Orlando East, Soweto, were not Gautengers. They were bussed in from all over the country. Many believe it was a damp squib and that only the 2019 elections will distinguish the men from the boys.

Week ending 13 January, 2017 | www.alexnews.co.za Alex News • PAGE 7

Coach Thembinkosi ‘Tiger’ Matholengwe and his conquering U13 team which successfully defended its league championship last year.

SIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

Stand aside Malandela Mighty Heroes’ U15, for the royal cats have arrived on the scene.

For a number of years, the Malandela Mighty Heroes U15 team has dominated this age category of Alex football, but the Alex Royal Tigers teenage group owner, Thembinkosi ‘Tiger’ Matholengwe believes his cats are ready to take over.

Matholengwe was speaking to Alex News on the backdrop

of his successful defence of the U13 Alex League, which he won in his team’s maiden season in the league in 2015, and defended last year.

The successful defence of the championship was largely based on the fact that all the players who won their maiden season title were all eligible to play for a second season as a team and hence they managed to defend the title.

An upbeat Tiger has warned other teams to be on the lookout for his new U15s, who have

been promoted en bloc from the two-time champions of the U13 league. “I believe they’re continuing to mature year after year, and they will be one of the teams to blaze the trail of Alex football in 2017 in the U15 league which has been dominated by the Mighty Heroes,” said Tiger.

In their new league category, the boys will be under the tutelage of seasoned former Rangers coach, Lee Ndhlovu, who takes care of the U17 team as well.

Birds hosts trials for new starsSIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

Bluebirds Ladies Football Club will hold trials on 14 January for players in the U15, U17 and senior team categories.

Andile ‘Size-One’ Shawe, coach of the juniors, said the one-day trials will be held at the Altrek Stadium in the East Bank section of Alexandra from 9am up until 12pm.

He said the team was looking to bolster its squads for the coming 2017 season and also open the door for fresh talent which, he said, was abundant in the township and beyond.

Those interested in joining the junior teams, which ply their trade in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association League, should bring their birth certifi cates to confi rm their ages.

Those interested in the senior team, which plies its trade in the Sasol League, should bring their IDs with.

Bluebirds juniors coach, Andile ‘Size-One’ Shawe says the team

is looking for new players to bolster its U15, U17 and senior

team in the Sasol Women’s League.

Players wanted for trials with TigersSIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

Alex Royal Tigers Sports Club, which has just opened a U23 division, is looking for new players to beef up its squad in this age category.

Teenage club owner Thembonkosi ‘Tiger’ Matholengwe, (19), said interested players can join the team’s training sessions which begin at the Innesfree Park in Sandton across the M1 freeway on 10 January.

The new division will be under

the tutelage of talented coach Eric Paul, who also takes care of the U20 team.

Tiger said the reason for the formation of the U23 team was to accommodate their talented players who have since outgrown the U20 side.

“We so loved our boys that we did not want to throw them away just like that,” he said.

“We felt keeping them was the right thing to do, hence we opened the new side.” Details: Tiger 061 620 8213; tiger@alexroyaltigers.com; www.alexroyaltigers.com

Alex Royal Tigers is looking for players for its newly formed U23 squad.

Cats show clawsHer horse to gloryNICHOLAS ZAALnicholasz@caxton.co.za

Equestrian sports might be one of the most diffi cult sports to master, but the rewards can be greater than anything else out there.

Top eventing rider and showjumper, Paige Shiller, has tasted the glory of equestrian success in South Africa, but more importantly for her, she has experienced the benefi ts of the wonderful bond between horse and rider.

The Johannesburg North resident said that understanding the personality of your horse, and developing a successful partnership with them, is key. “Horses are fantastic creatures, you can form a great bond with them as you come to trust each other,” Shiller smiled, while practising 1-metre jumps on the majestic 13-year-old Namibian warmblood, Alpha So Cool.

“Horses have different personalities, and they have good days and bad days.When I work with Alpha, a stallion, I

cannot be too controlling, and I must understand when he sometimes calls to other horses – it is in his nature.”

Shiller won the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) event in South Africa in 2003 and then rode at the FEI event in Germany afterwards, where she came third on her now retired horse, Midgard Glamour. Shiller also placed in bar two at six SA Derbies and was runner-up at another. In 2009, Shiller became the fi rst South African to ever qualify for both eventing and showjumping at the World Equestrian Games. Unfortunately, she could not compete as it was too expensive to make the trip.

She rode her fi rst horse at the age of fi ve and was riding in a group in Walkerville, and her horse had followed in a line. Shiller recalled that she was so young and excited that she did not pay attention to an approaching washing line.

“My horse went under the line but I was left there, suspended,” she laughed.

Paige Shiller practises a jump on the cross-country course with her horse, Alpha So Cool.

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The winning Alex Royal Tigers U13 team that successfully defended the league in 2016 after winning it in their maiden season in 2015.

THE FOOD CHAINTIGERS CONTINUE TO DOMINATE

SIPHO SISOsiphos@caxton.co.za

Alex Royal Tigers Sports Club has dumbfounded everybody by successfully defending their U13 Alex League title which they won in their maiden season in 2015.

They lived up to the prediction of their teenage coach and club owner, Thembinkosi ‘Tiger’ Matholengwe (19), who boldly predicted after winning the league barely a year after the formation of the club in 2015, that he was going to defend the title.

“Here I am, I have not only just successfully defended the U13 league championship but I have added another league title in 2016, that of the U20 division of the club.

“The rest of the teams, the U15 and U17, both fi nished in the top three bracket, a feat not yet achieved by anyone in the history of the Alex League… and I want to put it on record again that I am going to defend these two league titles again in 2017,” said a delighted Tiger, the youngest club owner in Alexandra.

On his recipe for success, Tiger said it was about doing the basics and doing them right time and time again, and ensuring that the boys were always well motivated and physically and mentally alert at all times.

“We had adopted a motto that we were going to develop the boys in all the divisions and place them on a higher pedestal if we wanted to remain on top of the food chain.”

Tiger said the dominance of his club was beginning to be felt as most boys now wanted

to play for his club. “It’s not just what we do on the fi eld of play that is luring players to our club but it is also about our caring nature as well,” he said.

In the 2016 season, the club fully kitted

out all the players and also covered the players’ school requirements such as stationery, uniforms and shoes.

“We want to continue with this programme in the new year and ensure we

expand it and blaze the trail.”In 2015, Tigers won the U13 league

which included one draw and one loss while last year they defended it unbeaten with only one draw.

The Alex Royal Tigers U20

squad which also won

the Alex U20 League in 2016.