Our year in review – 2016

Newcastle Advertiser – Our year in review – 2016

January

– The Newcastle Advertiser’s Dare 2 Care campaign was shown overwhelming support from the community, who openly donated to the needy.

– St Dominic’s Academy achieved a 100 per cent Matric pass rate for the 30th consecutive year.

– A case of attempted murder was opened after an SPCA employee was stabbed four times near the Farmer’s Hall, and the suspect made away with his cellphone.

– KZN Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, revealed teenage pregnancies were on the increase, after the youngest mother gave birth in Newcastle over the New Year; she was 13 years old.

– KZN received below-average rainfall and was declared a disaster area in late 2015. These conditions persisted into 2016, when funds were allocated to drill more boreholes.

– Utrecht resident, Koos Boshoff, was hospitalised when a metal bolt was caught in the blades of his lawnmower and struck his arm with enough force to lodge between the bones.

– Ferrum announced its Top 5 achievers for 2015, and congratulated them on their phenomenal results.

– Widespread panic erupted as residents received SMSes from Newcastle Municipality, stating if there were no rains, Newcastle was in trouble. Residents were urged to use water sparingly.

– Elsewhere, residents began collecting water for drought-stricken communities, including Senekal in the Free State.

– The state of Newcastle’s roads was highlighted after a cave-in at the intersection of Agate Avenue and Amethyst Drive. An experienced civil engineer said many of Newcastle’s roads were well past their design life.

– Newcastle bid an emotional farewell to stalwart businessman, Jim McDermott, who passed away in late January.

– We captured the emotional moments for parents as their precious children started their first days at primary schools across town.

– Lincoln Heights Secondary School, St Oswald’s Secondary, Panorama Combined and Newcastle High School announced their top achievers for 2015.

– The hype for the Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival began, with Bok van Blerk confirmed as the artist for the opening day of the show.

– Hardwick Street Cemetery was ‘haunted’ yet again; this time by the spooky appearance of busts and a jumble of mannequin arms and legs.

– The municipality began an earnest clean-up of water cabbage in the Ncandu River.

– Residents of Paradise began fiercely contesting the influx of taxi drivers in the suburb.

– Dr Ishara Ramkissoon began her internship at Newcastle Provincial Hospital.

– The Suryaville and Fairleigh flats received much-needed refurbishments.

– Three men appeared in the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on suspicion of burglary, attempted murder and rape.

– Thaipoosam Kavady was celebrated in a colourful fashion by Hindus throughout the town.

– Newcastle Municipality installed 473 prepaid electricity meters.

– Tension brewed over the abundance of vagrants living under the Hardwick Street Bridge, as well as in Paradise.

– Heavy downpours were welcomed by residents, but left some areas flooded.

February

– The Taiwanese community welcomed the Year of the Monkey.

– Willem Rossouw was appointed as Er24’s new Brand Operations Manager for the region.

– Outgoing Mayor, Afzul Rehman, urged councillors to leave a positive legacy.

– Cancer survivor, Tracey Marshall was awarded the title of Global Hero of Hope for her resilience and positivity.

– A Ward 4 meeting became a platform for discussion for the ongoing taxi woes in Paradise.

– East Coast Radio and local business partnered to bring drought relief to Vryheid during #Watershare.

– Residents celebrated the Month of Love at various establishments across town.

– We interviewed Michael Swart on a life spent on the water.

– The municipality sought legal advice on the taxi rank debacle.

– Members of Exco were provided a peek into the core mechanic s of municipal debt collection.

– A zero-tolerance approached helped SAPS nab 28 suspects in an operation to clamp down.

– Phil Botha and Jim Buthelezi showed off two massive pumpkins; the biggest weighing 67kgs.

– Rotary celebrated a milestone 111 years of existence.

– The clean-up of Ncandu River hit a snag as funding from the Department of Water and Sanitation was no longer available.

– The municipality began with its taxi rank extension project, in order to alleviate problems in Paradise.

– Feathers flew during an Exco meeting, where the approval of the adjustment budget was discussed.

March

– Audi Newcastle opened a new branch on Allen Street.

– The Rapportryers hosted the Lekker Amajuba Race, and 22 teams battled for victory.

– Hutten Park hosted a successful Soapbox Derby.

– A motorcyclist was killed in a horrific collision on the Majuba Pass.

– Rainfall in the Utrecht area restored hopes for the Utrecht Dam.

– The Amajuba Chamber of Commerce advised business owners on the implications of the 2016 budget speech.

– The final for entries into Miss Newcastle 2016 was placed.

– The municipality informed residents of scheduled power cuts in mid-year, to trip test the network.

– Newcastle was inspired by the story of Nicyle Kara, who has limited use of his limbs but uses his mouth to create beautiful works of art.

– A resident captured shocking video footage of a pedestrian who was hit by a car on Albert Wessels Drive.

– The Festival of Chariots wound its way through town, and was supported by the community.

– SAPS members were awarded for decades of service.

– Former Mayor, Afzul Rehman, delivered his last ‘State of the Town’ address, and highlighted what could be expected from the new financial year.

– Protestors lit fires in the street and marched against management of Amajuba TVET College, Newtech Campus.

– CANSA held another successful Shavathon at the Amajuba Mall.

– SANBS held its awards evening, recognising blood donors for their sacrifices.

– The Newcastle Municipality began addressing ways to curb illegal squatting.

– A Newcastle businessman and a guest from China were shot in an armed robbery outside Ladysmith.

April

– We looked beneath the surface into Newcastle’s shocking drug trade.

– A 15-year-old tragically drowned at the Ncandu Falls.

– After robbing a bread van, two men were assaulted by members of the Madadeni community.

– Tension in Barry Hertzog Park reached a boiling point when residents spoke out about nuisances in their suburb.

– Ruan van Staden and Sheldon Pienaar were lauded as teenage heroes after they thwarted an armed robbery in Schuinshoogte.

– Madadeni Clinic was lambasted for allegedly dispensing incorrect medicine to children.

– The Barry Hertzog Park debacle continued, with illegal communal homes causing controversy.

– A farm in Normandien was blessed with the miraculous birth of twin foals.

– A portion of Sutherland Street caved away into a sinkhole, causing part of the road to be cordoned off for repairs.

– CCTV cameras captured disgusting footage of an alleged sex worker defecating in front of a business in the CBD.

– Miss Newcastle contestants embarked on a journey to spread cheer to residents of Newcastle.

– ‘Sons of Thunder’ handed over proceeds from its Teddy Run to local children’s homes.

– An 80-year-old Chinese man fought off an armed robber, who attempted to strangle him in his home.

– The SPCA questioned the town’s love of animals, after 65 cats were taken in over a three-week period.

– Pensioner, Ken Howell, survived a brutal assault by two armed men at his place of residence.

– Blackrock Casino celebrated its sixth birthday in style.

– The Newcastle Advertiser hosted its annual Cheese and Wine evening at the print factory, in honour of Miss Newcastle 2016.

– The community united in mourning, following the death of beloved doctor, Quinton Hansen.

May

– The Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival had another successful year, with artists like Elvis Blue, Mwah, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Kwesta and HHP entertaining the appreciative crowds.

– Judges for the Miss Newcastle 2016 event were confirmed.

– Marthinus Klemp, the Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival ‘Hotdog King’ was dethroned by newcomer, Bongani Nene.

– The state of Newcastle’s street name signs was brought to the attention of residents, after reports of alleged vandalism.

– Majuba Rotary handed over a dozen wheelchairs to La Gratitude, as part of continuous charitable efforts.

– Mark Staples’s ‘Sea Cow Burger’ was a hit with judges at the first ever Spur Newcastle Big Chief Burger Cook Off competition. He raised funds for the SPCA throughout the year through sales of the burger at Eagle Peak Spur.

– After 43 years as part of the fibre of Newcastle, DCD Venco announced it was closing its doors.

– St Oswald’s class of 1980 reunited after 36 years, to rekindle friendships.

– Miss Newcastle 2016 pageant ended with a grand finale at the old Monte Vista casino, with Courtney Smith crowned as the town’s new ambassador.

– Utrecht’s Huis Joanna celebrated its milestone 60th birthday.

– Communal homes in Barry Hertzog Park faced the possibility of being closed, and tenants evicted.

– 6-year-old Lienieke Stoop donated 30 cms of hair to create wigs for cancer patients.

– Dr Prem Naicker and his surgery team delivered a miraculous baby after an abdominal pregnancy.

– An alleged attack on Signal Hill sparked fears about the spot known as ‘Liggies’.

– The angelic voices of the NKZN Youth Choir kept audiences spellbound at Ferrum High School.

– Newcastle Rapportryers were nominated as the best korps in South Africa, for the 2014/2015 period.

– Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane, warned residents of possible water restrictions.

June

– There was a significant increase in burglaries in suburbs and in one, a family pet was kicked to death.

– Johan Roos was elevated to the position of National President of the Rapportryerbeweging.

– Newcastle Municipality revealed more plans to establish a techno hub.

– A majority vote saw the 2016/2017 operational and capital budgets approved.

– Staff at a Newcastle Mall store were held at gunpoint, and robbed of hundreds of thousands of Rands.

– Vulintaba Country Estate launched its hotel at an extravagant function.

– The annual Newcastle Air Show took flight at the airport, which was hailed as one of the best organised shows to date.

– We continued investigating the state of some of Newcastle’s parks, after numerous complaints from the community.

– Rampant dumping continued to choke the Ncandu River and areas around Finnemore Street.

– Taxi-operated protests around Newcastle left many commuters stranded.

– Political stalwart, Pat Collins passed away. Many paid tribute to his work ethic.

– The Newcastle 911 Policing Forum was established to help residents take ownership of their safety.

– Two farm attacks in the Newcastle area left residents fearful for their safety.

July

– Aunty Barbie, as she is affectionately known in the community, celebrated her 84th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

– SANCA held an awareness march, encouraging drug users to come clean.

– Newcastle SPCA elected a new committee to serve the cause, headed by Michela Kissmer.

– A new state of the art Medico-Legal mortuary was opened in Madadeni by various dignitaries.

– The ANC confirmed Makhosini Nkosi would stand for the position of Newcastle’s Mayor, while Dr Musa Ngubane was up for District Mayor.

– For the first time in a decade, Utrecht boasted a new and functioning fire and rescue service.

– Farmer, Mike Phillips, lost almost 12 tons of yellow maize following a fire which began underground.

– Long time Newcastle resident, Maureen Barton, departed for Australia to live with her children.

– Former Mayor, Afzul Rehman, scooped his fourth consecutive Municipal Excellence Award.

– Fort Amiel was among areas targeted by a spree of vandalism.

– Ward 6 ANC candidate, Thembi Mbongo, was gunned down in her home leading up to Local Government Elections.

– Development at the Weir in Fernwood entered its second phase, with 500 metres of tarred road.

– Members of MOTH commemorated the Battle of Delville Wood.

– Newcastillians paid tribute to the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, in various charitable ways.

– Lize Smith was elected to a second term as president of the Newcastle Lions Club.

– The Put Foot Rally adventurers returned home after 18 long days across Africa.

– Cicilia Pieterse resigned as NCCI president, to pursue her own exciting ventures.

– Residents protested against high season tariffs, which inflated municipal bills.

– Domestic worker, Anna Madonsela, died protecting her employer.

– Former Mayor, Afzul Rehman, formally ceded his position as mayor days before the conclusion of the Local Government Elections.

August

– In a special election edition, we spoke to Newcastillians who cast their vote.

– The Blackrock and Supersonic Last Ride Car Show lived up to expectations.

– Hutten Park Primary School hosted its successful carnival and flea market.

– Newcastle Mall announced it’s ‘Faces’, following an extensive scouting campaign.

– Jean Damons officially retired after almost 30 years in local politics.

– The outgoing executive committee had its final meeting, and waited almost an hour to reach a quorum.

– St Dominic’s celebrated its milestone 125th birthday, with two days of events and activities.

– The Newcastle Municipality announced the extension and refurbishment of the Newcastle Library.

– The ANC retained control of Amajuba District, as well as Newcastle and surrounds, with a majority share of votes.

– The fourth annual Vensterfees came to a close, featuring renowned Afrikaans actors and entertainers.

– Newcastle beauty queen, Janie Erasmus, was crowned Miss Deaf World in Prague.

– Sipho Sithole promised to put 15 years of business experience to good use as the new head of NCCI.

– Newcastle was heartbroken after a number of animal poisonings. The culprits were never found.

– The community was left reeling after the sudden death of Hans Fouche.

– New shopping centre, Newcastle Corner, opened for business.

– Dr Neels Scheepers, and wife Marieta, announced they were leaving Newcastle after 40 years.

– Despite many critical issues on the table, few attended the Electricity Customer Communication Forum meeting at the Town Hall.

– Council’s first meeting under a new administration descended into chaos, as political shenanigans were underfoot.

September

– Blackrock Casino let loose with its much anticipated Ladies Night Out event.

– Matthew Shunmugam was elected to serve his fifth consecutive term as Ward councillor.

– A second attempt at the inaugural council meeting was held, where Makhosini Nkosi was sworn in as Mayor of Newcastle.

– Dr Musa Ngubane was officially sworn in as District Mayor.

– The Methodist Women’s Auxiliary celebrated 100 years of working behind the scenes for the good of others.

– The Newcastle Sakekamer held its AGM, where Japie Myburgh was elected as president.

– Various sectors worked together to apprehend a driver in a high speed chase.

– The municipality announced a multi-million Rand project to restore roads to their former glory.

– Driving school owners and operators marched to RTI, to protest many issues.

– Newcastle Municipality received a joint runner-up prize at the 2016 Govan Mbeki awards.

– Three of Newcastle’s five public pools were closed as drought conditions persisted.

– Tie collector, Johan Nortier, was interviewed for KykNet’s Kwela.

– A 22-year-old was ‘blackmailed’ after distributing nude selfies on social media.

– A robbery gone wrong left a man dead in Lennoxton, and the community in shock.

– Gerhard van der Merwe spent eight months collating the history of his alma mater, Tweespruit Landbouskool, in the Free State.

– Lethukwenama Letsoalo earned the first princess crown in the Miss Heritage South Africa 2016 pageant.

– Newcastle Golf Club Captain, Dries Els, confronted an armed robber and thwarted a robbery on the course.

October

– A teenager was targeted in the nude blackmailing scandal.

– Utrecht resident, Philly Booysen, celebrated her milestone 90th birthday with her husband, Gideon.

– Fears of an information leak on the Newcastle Municipality e-billing port went viral.

– Residents of Barry Hertzog Park protested the decline of its shopping centre.

– A resident provided a photo of the Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford Dam in 1983, when water dropped to below four per cent capacity. 33 years on, the dam dropped to a low 43 per cent.

– The municipality stated its digital safety was secure, and encouraged residents to still make use of its e-billing portal.

– A section of land in Madadeni, curated by the Ingonyama Trust, was invaded by residents, forcing the municipality to take sides.

– The annual Diwali Show took place at the Richview Civic Hall.

– Utrecht residents received the benefit of free health care, as the Rotary Family Health Days came to town.

– Garden Court Blackrock Hotel won the prestigious National Lilizela Award for service excellence.

– Eleven illegal hunters were caught red-handed on a farm near Ingagane.

– Former Mayor, Afzul Rehman, denied rumours he had been arrested or investigated by the Hawks.

– Newcastle’s financial situation took a turn, when the application for many full-time office bearers was turned down by CoGTA.

– A witness to a collision was shot and killed, in what was billed a road rage incident on Farraday Street.

– Fed-up of waiting for municipal intervention, Hilldrop resident Andre Joubert decided to pave the terrible road himself.

November

– Another historic Anglo-Boer War discovery was made in Newcastle.

– A 42-year-old murder suspect in the road rage shooting appeared in the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court.

– A man was injured when he collided into a municipal building in Hardwick Street.

– Newcastle Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi, confirmed the bleak financial state of Newcastle municipality in an exclusive interview.

– An armed robbery in Pioneer Park put shoppers in the line of fire.

– In remembrance of the fallen soldiers who died during the Battle of El Alamein, they were honoured by members of MOTH.

– A 60-year-old woman became the latest victim of road rage violence, after she was assaulted on Scott Street.

– News of a proposed landfill site just outside Newcastle created uproar within the nearby farming community.

– EFF CIC, Julius Malema, appeared in Newcastle Magistrate’s Court following his inflammatory comments on land invasion.

– St Dominic’s Academy hosted its annual Bundu Bash at the Balele Resort in Utrecht.

– Members of MOTH commemorated Remembrance Day with a parade through Newcastle.

– A conservationist weighed in on the controversial landfill site.

– Remarks made by Julius Malema during his court appearance in Newcastle caused uproar among residents.

– Utrecht’s incoming Mayor, Lindile Mhlungu, avoided questions on the suspension of the Emadlangeni Municipal Manager.

– One year on, the murder trial of Charlotte Viviers and Eric Oosthuizen finally drew to a close, with two perpetrators sentenced to life imprisonment.

– Residents of Barry Hertzog Park explained their safety was being compromised due to a lack of official support.

– Value City celebrated its first birthday since rebuilding.

– Newcastle High School pupil, Sithembiso Thusi, was selected for the South African Junior Science Team, to compete in an Olympiad in Bali, Indonesia.

– uThukela Water again called on residents to use water sparingly.

– The historic Tweefontein Farm was assailed by thieves, who left path of destruction in their wake.

December

– The annual Township Arts Festival, hosted by the Newcastle Creative Network, took place in Madadeni.

– Residents still dismayed with the rationalisation of hospital services, vowed to support a march in early 2017, to get the Provincial Hospital reopened to the public.

– 60-year-old assault victim, Lorna Murdoch-Eaton, still sought answers from the police after a road rage incident.

– After almost a year of posing questions to the municipality proved fruitless, the state of the Paradise Grounds remained cause for concern.

– The Lutheran Church hosted another successful edition of its annual Christmas market.

– Newcastle’s very own love story hit the silver screen; Vir die Voëls was based on the life of Sampie and Irma de Klerk.

– Tension brewed in local council as parties spoke out about the state of Newcastle’s finances.

– Despite record rainfalls, the level of the Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford Dam was only raised by two per cent.

– The Road Safety Campaign was launched by the Traffic Department, SAPS, emergency services and other stakeholders, in order to keep roads safe over the festive season.

– Blackrock Casino held its much anticipated Sound of Summer event.

– We showcased a series of ‘Letters to Santa’ from mini-Newcastillians.

– Brazen thieves made off with a portion of fencing from the Oval Track perimeter fence.