COMARO takes a look at 2021 highlights

Time flies and after many ups and downs, the year 2021 finally come to a close and we are welcoming 2022. The CHRONICLE looks at its 2021 highlights from January to December.

January
• The CHRONICLE started the year on a high note as different role players made three successes in one day to ensure safety in communities. On January 6, three successes were made reducing the incidents of priority and creating a difficult environment for criminals to operate in. In one incident, a vehicle wanted by police in Alberton was quickly found by Fox Security. In another incident, Fox Security responders caught up with a vehicle stolen in Moffat View, which was impounded by Mondeor SAPS. Late afternoon, an Opel sedan robbed from its owner in 2019 was also found close by a retail point.
• The Jansen family and Fox Security strived to keep Baren Jansen’s memory alive after he died on March 9, 2020. Barend was the co-owner and founder of Fox Alarms and Security and he was known too many in Johannesburg South. The former entrepreneur was a respectful man in the business fraternity and was said to always treat everyone with respect and dignity.
• We also introduced a new addition to the Joy Dogs, which have been serving the educational sector since 2011, educating learners about responsible pet ownership and safety around dogs. The owner of the Joy Dogs, Sue Green, told the CHRONICLE that the new pup was named Jade because she needed a name with a ‘J’ to go with Orion and Yola to spell Joy. With Old English sheepdogs Orion and Yola getting used to little Jade, they were ready to work soon.

February
• Catherine Constantinides and Jacob Lotter from 67 Blankets for Mandela Day and various other organisations made headlines after lending a helping hand to Booysens informal settlement fire victims. This is after a fire engulfed the settlement on January 22, leaving hundreds of people homeless and with everything they had burnt to the ground. City officials, including councillor Tyrell Meyers, who worked closely with the community alongside numerous entities, also came on board to assist.
• At least 30 cyclists for the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) set out from Rietvlei to create awareness of child abuse and response that leads to better outcomes for children and their families in the community.
• Ward councillor Tyrell Meyers took the reins after Sarah Wissler resigned as a councillor within the City of Joburg. After a decade of service as a councillor, Wissler resigned as ward councillor and from the DA. She explained to the CHRONICLE that it had been a wonderful journey for her to serve the community with dignity and believed that it was time for a change. She assured remaining committed to the residents of her ward and that she will continue to serve them under the new banner.

March
• An ambitious youngster, 15-year-old Katlego Moeng, aspires to help girls and assist them to do big things. Katlego from Glenvista has a pad-drive called She is Power and is also a budding author who wrote a book at 12 titled My Unknown Strength. With her pad-drive that started on January 24, they go around to orphanages and schools handing out sanitary towels. She dreams that her foundation will keep on growing, enabling her to help women all over the country.
• Four brave athletes committed to hitting the road to raise funds for the feeding scheme at Frances Vorwerg School through the school’s Feed a Child Drive. This was an effort to raise funds where the athletes gave their all to raise much-needed funds and create awareness about the project. The feeding scheme aimed at assisting about 33 families was managed by the technical occupational phase (TOC) at the school.
• The Joburg Market Opportunity Centre was launched to empower entrepreneurs. The City of Johannesburg, through the Department of Economic Development, successfully launched the much-anticipated centre on March 9. The centre is situated within the market due to the economic activities that reportedly exist. With entrepreneurs and SMMEs being the backbone of any economy, the City of Joburg aimed to establish itself as the entrepreneurial city of the future that offers concrete solutions to pressing issues such as unemployment.
• MEC for Education in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi urged parents to select the best candidates for a school governing body ahead of the academic year. This is after parents were expected to take to the polls to elect new members of SGBs between March 15 and April 30.
• Julius Smuts celebrated a milestone of 101 years of life. Julius, who has two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren, has been a resident of Queenshaven Village for the past 12 years. Julius said turning 101 years is an absolute blessing. Because of Covid-19, he celebrated his birthday in the village.

April
• Entrepreneur, youth empowerment and development activist, model and charity worker, Ariana Arnachillam, hosted a golf day at the Reading Country Golf Club. The intention behind the golf day was not only to raise funds for her modelling dream but to also bring charities on board. Arianna, who is actively involved in the community, is extremely passionate about the youth. She also has a brand called Curly Curvy and Caramel, a platform to empower others to feel confident and powerful in their skin by celebrating their natural beauty.
nurses and doctors celebrated
• Covid-19 lung transplant survivor Mbali Mbatha (27) at Netcare Milpark as they wished her well when she was finally discharged from the hospital. The young mother from Winchester Hills not only left the hospital with her three-month-old daughter whom she met for the first time, but she also left with a newly transplanted lung while overcoming one of the deadliest viruses. With what she went through for two months, Mbatha left Netcare Milpark Hospital full of joy and good memories.
• Farewell messages poured in from those who knew and loved former local councillor Linda Lewis who was almost 80 years when she died on April 11. She died after battling Alzheimer’s disease for the last 12 years and she served as a councillor from 2000 to 2006. She left a great legacy that, although having a great work ethic, always ensured she had fun at the same time.

May
• After the tragedy of many losing their homes when a fire swept through Booysens informal settlement in January, Catherine Constantinides did it again. The South African social justice activist and humanitarian had since been actively involved with the community. Alongside other entities, she would visit the area every two weeks to make sure that people get fed and are well taken care of.
• We also introduced the launch of Lwazi Agripreneur Incubator and introduced 12 agriculture entrepreneurs. African Women in Agriculture launched the Lwazi Agripreneur Incubator after they started their screening and interviewing process for candidates in December 2020. The group started with a classroom-based induction, where the recruits were taught the basics of business. The group of women was also about hydroponics.
• The Johannesburg South community mourned the tragic death of assistant referee Shaun Olive. He was passionate about soccer and served as an assistant referee in the PSL, Safa and Fifa. Shaun was also named the 2019/20 Safa Assistant Referee of the Year. He died after sustaining serious injuries in a motor accident close to his home in Mondeor on May 6. After completing his studies at the tertiary level, he worked at Mondeor Primary School as a teacher, physician and coach for about 10 years.
• Kim Croeser (47), was found safe after going missing on May 16 when she went cycling at Rietvlei Zoo Farm. She was found on May 17. She was found walking alone and looked lost, tired, confused and disoriented.

June
• The #BokkeBlanket was revealed at Steyn City School. The challenge of Carolyn Steyn 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day took shape through new and long-term committed KnitWits. Southerners Somaya Abdool Wabh and her daughter, Juwairyyah, kept their fingers moving as they crocheted away the long socially distanced hours for this cause. Somaya, Juwairyyah and Yasmin Patel made 17 blankets in total. The ‘blanket’ covered the entire rugby field with the image of our iconic ‘Bok’ and South African flag – so large, it was only visible from the sky earth’s atmosphere and via satellite.
• The Bassonia Community Forum assisted residents in the Bassonia koppie area to apply for road closures. A volunteer of the forum, Anisha Ramparsadh, said they were campaigning for the closure of roads in Bassonia because of criminal activity.
• Frances Vorwerg teacher and athlete Natasha Felix participated in a fund-raising event for a feeding scheme run by Frances Vorwerg School. Athletes gave their everything during June to raise much-needed funds and create awareness about the school’s Feed a Child Drive. The school also received donations from Umhlaba Farm.

July
• In July, South Africa entered the third wave of Covid-19. Former councillor Sarah Wisselar along with members of the healthcare industry took charge to ensure that the members test themselves
• The South had two ladies in the top 30 of the prestige’s Miss SA beauty pageant – Cheneil Hartzenberg and Tiffany Francis (she made it to the top 10 of the competition).
• The CEO of South of Joburg Tourism (SOJO) Nicky Vakaloudis celebrated 22 years of being in the position. Vakaloudis said “It has been an interesting and transformational journey. We are excited to promote our tourism members, which we call our Big 5. Many do not know that there is tourism to explore in the South and that is our job, to bring the experience to the visitor.”
• In July, Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo lost his battle with Covid-19. He was tested positive for the virus in June and was later admitted to the hospital. He was buried in Westpark cemetery on July 14.
• Ashley Murray Pretorius, a local from Glenvista was named as added to the refereeing panel of the 2021 HSBC seven series.
• In July we also saw countrywide protest over the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. The protests made way to large-scale looting. The Chayil Foundation helped with the feeding of 2000 children, taking care of the elderly and helping them with meal vouchers. The project was started by Robyn le Roux with the help of her husband, Stanton.

August
• Members of the Mondeor SAPS helped to prevent the hijacking of a 19-year-old woman. Sgt Elizabeth Mguni saw a suspicious vehicle following the girl and decided to investigate it.
• Two bystanders were injured after a man discharged his firearm in a restaurant in Mulbarton. The suspect was busy arguing with a woman in the restaurant when the bullet was fired injuring the two bystanders. One of the bystanders later died because of the injuries sustained during the shooting.
• After the death of Geoff Makhubo, a new mayor was elected for the City of Johannesburg. Jolidee Matango was elected unopposed as the new mayor a position he held until he died following a motor vehicle accident in the Soweto area.
• Marlette de Jager took our readers on an adventure of the toughest mountain climb she had to face. She was born in Natal near the sea, but have been living in Johannesburg for the past 21 years. She has lived on the West Rand, Midrand, the East Rand and now have been in the South for seven years.
• Grade 10 learners from Glenvista High school started a fire in the school hall that resulted in R400 000 worth of damage to the school and forced learners to write exams outside the buildings. The matter was later handed over to the Gauteng Department of Education.

September
• Babita Deokaran was shot and killed in her driveway after dropping off her daughter at preschool. She was chief director of finance at the Gauteng Department of Health where she uncovered irregulars and illegal PPE procurement. The suspects were later all denied bail. The case is ongoing.
• Grade 11 learners from Marist Brothers Linmeyer donated in September to Netcare Clinton Pediatric Oncology Unit. Sabrina Albino and Angelina Correia have been involved in similar projects since they were in Grade Eight.
• Deon Pillay’s case was thrown out by the court due to a lack of evidence. Lucky Sindane from City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services said, “This is not the first time that the case is thrown out of court despite the overwhelming evidence they have as the City of Johannesburg.”
• Goliath Gaming is an Esports team based in the South of Johannesburg. We met with Goliath Gaming’s founders Ashton Muller and Michele Brondani, technical manager Thulani Sishi and one of their star Fifa players from the South Thabo Moloi to find out more about Goliath Gaming and what it takes to be successful in this up-and-coming sport.
• Jane Hart a resident of the South of Johannesburg celebrated her 100th birthday on September 18. Jane was born in 1921 in Bloemhof in the Free State, and she is the second oldest of six children. When she was three years old, she lost her mother and she and her five siblings were placed into Nazareth House in Johannesburg, as her father was not in a position to look after them after her mother’s death. “I was in the Nazareth House until I was 18. My brother lived in one section and me and my sister in the other section,” said Hart.

October
• Infinity foundation visited the Joburg Society for the blind as part of their Heritage Day. The foundation organised a wellness day where medical screening was offered for the entity’s beneficiaries. The foundation organised podiatrists in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and dentists to screen beneficiaries. According to Nkosana Kubheka of Johannesburg Society for the Blind, the fun-filled day started with tasty treats served to those present on the day.
• Nataly Barbosa broke records during the powerlifting nationals held in September. “I have only been powerlifting for a year and the outcome has been amazing. I am quite excited about upcoming events, such as the WPC 2021 National Competition, where I hope to continue breaking records in lifting weights.” Barbosa broke a national deadlift record at RPC Nationals during September (175kg), which is an unofficial world record.
• The organisation, Stars of the South Sports, started a project to keep the youth of the South off the street and to get them involved in sports. The academy is based in Bellavista and they are looking forward to people from Johannesburg South and surrounding areas joining them. Its team consists of youth developer Daneilla Isaacs, head coach Andries Mosehle, head coach for junior team Thabo Lekalakala as well as assistant coaches Albert Meyers and Clinton Gray.
• Buhle Nhleka, a Grade 10 learner from St Martin’s School, won a gold medal during the South African Gymnastic Games. She was too young to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games but has now set her sight on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• After a fire damaged a substation in Robertsham residents of the South found themselves without power for 48 Hours. City Power technicians managed to liven up the last of the four feeder-boards which were affected by the fire.

November
• Gino’s Pizzeria was voted as the best Pizzeria in South Africa. It was voted by the public as the best pizza restaurant in South Africa in a pizzeria challenge hosted by Porcupine Ridge. This feat couldn’t come at a better moment, as Gino’s celebrated 38 years in the South on November 1. Gino Mazza, the owner, said this is great news, especially for the staff.
• Baby Amagluglug became an instant celebrity after he was born at a SASOL Swartgoud in Mondeor. The five-week premature baby was born on the evening of November 2 in the forecourt of Sasol Swartgoud garage in Columbine Avenue, Mondeor. Staff members gave the boy the nickname Baby Amagluglug as a way of saying the baby is part of the SASOL family.
• Following a fire that occurred in a gun shop in Glenanda five people lost their lives. A critically injured patient who was transported to Netcare Union Hospital for urgent care has succumbed to his injuries following the fire. The Glenanda Shopping Centre manager, Brenda Goldswain said, “Sadly, we can confirm that the fifth person passed away at Union Hospital from his injuries bringing the death toll from today’s tragedy to five.”
• Lifestyle Alberton Rugby Club defeated Union Rugby Club during the Annual derby between the two clubs. It was the third time in a row that Alberton managed to win the trophy. The day started with the junior sides facing each other before the Madalas and the senior sides won.

December
• Little Advika Koosialee celebrated her third birthday by making a donation to the JSPCA. Her mom Reann Koosialee took her to the JSPCA on her birthday and the JSPCA showed their gratitude by giving her a gift bag for her and her dog, Fatty.
• Johannesburg elected Dr Mpho Phalatse as the new mayor of the city. She was elected along with her fellow DA members Vasco da Gama, who took the position of speaker of the council, and Tyrell Meyers as the chief whip. Phalatse was up against the ANC’s Mpho Moerane for the mayoral position and won with 144 votes against 121. After the win, Phalatse said, “I’m quite honoured to be the first female mayor of Johannesburg. It’s a huge honour, I don’t take it for granted.”
• Frances Vorwerg School in Johannesburg celebrated its 50th birthday in 2021 with cupcakes and a fun day for the learner. The school opened in November 1971 in Crown Mines, with nine learners and 12 staff members. The acting principal, Mark Lynch, also gave a short speech in which he gave the history of the school and honoured the founding principal, Frances Vorwerg.
• JPSCA headed to the Slovo informal settlement to spoil the furry friends. Each animal was given a gift bag while inspectors gave information for people to look better after the animals. A total of 216 gift bags was collected and handed over to residents.

The editorial team of Comaro CHRONICLE would like to take this opportunity to wish all our advertisers and readers a prosperous 2022 and we are looking forward to meeting you in this coming year and sharing your stories.