Local news

Candidates battle it in upcoming Clairwood by-election
Local news
Nothando MthembuNovember 10, 2020

Three candidates will battle it out for the position of ward councillor in their pursuit to return the community, which…
Make Christmas extra special for Tafta elders
Local news
Nothando MthembuNovember 9, 2020

For just R120, you can sponsor a single elder to enjoy a festive lunch at Tafta this Christmas.
Neglected Clairwood slowly drowns in sewage and refuse
Local news
Nothando MthembuTHE race to determine Clairwood’s (ward 32) council fate is at its final stretch as the ward by-election takes place on Wednesday, 11 November. Three candidates will battle it out for the position of ward councillor in their pursuit to return the community, which is plagued by a number of challenges, back to its former glory. The community was left stranded and without a councillor in 2018 after the then councillor, Romeo Zuma, of the ANC stepped down with no clear explanation. According to the ward’s current PR councillor, Sharmaine Sewshanker, there was public speculation that Zuma disappeared after being shot in a hit. Inquiries were made about his whereabouts and it was soon discovered from eThekwini council that he had indeed survived a fatal incident, however, no police report was lodged or specific details revealed regarding the incident. A new ANC councillor, Thabani Luthuli, was appointed to serve in the interim after Zuma’s departure. However, people within the ward didn’t receive Luthuli very well after he was dismissed by an unruly crowd during a council meeting last year. With the absence of a ward councillor for almost two years, the community of Clairwood has since slipped into a situation where there is little to no service delivery or direction in resolving various socio-economic issues. In the build up to the by-election, here is what the candidates had to say: Mthembiseni Thusi Mthembiseni Thusi is the IFP ward candidate. He has been an active community leader in the Dalton area since 1989. He has a strong civic passion and strives to improve the standard of living for the residents of Clairwood. He became actively involved in Clairwood during the Covid-19 lockdown when he saw a great need for food supply to the less fortunate families in the disadvantaged community. “In helping provide food parcels to the people of Clairwood I got a clear picture of other major challenges in the area and communicated with the locals. Poverty is a big problem in this community but there are also other problems such as crime, inadequate housing and lack of service delivery. To be elected as councillor would be more than just a title. I want to be on the ground working with the people to revive this place,” he said, adding that he would love to see the community also have better housing, its own clinic and a local crèche. Portas Ngonyama Portas Ngonyama is the ANC ward candidate. He has been an activist for the party for over 20 years. He is knowledgeable of the state of Clairwood and applied for the ward 32 councillor position upon hearing of the opportunity. He wants to make a noticeable difference by primarily focusing on the various challenges in Clairwood. “Problematic refuse collection, unregulated trucks in residential areas, human settlements and informal housing, unemployment, lack of ablution facilities, illegal electrical connections and fixing roads in poor condition are just some of the issues I want to tackle by working closely with the municipality and community members,” he said. Sharmaine Sewshanker Sharmaine Sewshanker is the DA ward candidate. She has been serving as the ward’s PR councillor since 2017. “As a community we have experienced several challenges in 2019 especially with regard to service delivery, illegal businesses and trucking in residential areas. “My job has been very challenging as a PR Councillor. The lack of funding for the failing infrastructure in Clairwood is most concerning. The Back-of-Port plan has seen a massive migration of trucking companies into Clairwood. The residential roads were not designed to accommodate heavy duty vehicles. These trucks have caused irreparable damage to roads, street lights, water meters and pavement resulting in potholes blocked storm water manholes and more recently the death of road users. Poverty and crime has increased as more and more people have become unemployed and desperate due to Covid-19. I am already known in the community and aware of the pressing issues. Should I be elected as councillor in this upcoming by-election, efficient service delivery for the community will be my first priority because I know how much the people have suffered as a result of the lack of it”. November 9, 2020

Ward 32 PR councillor, Sharmaine Sewshanker shares on the troubling state of Clairwood.
Wentworth robbers sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
Local news
Nothando MthembuNovember 6, 2020

According to Wentworth police, the crime took place on Brooklyn Road at Joosabs Cash and Carry in Jacobs back in…
Spooky fun at WBC
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Nothando MthembuNovember 6, 2020

Wentworth Bowling Club hosted its spooky-fun Halloween themed craft market on Saturday, 31 October.
WATCH: Oncologist highlights importance of regular breast examinations
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Thobele NzamaNovember 5, 2020

The programme included a testimony from a surviving patient and oncologist, Dr Lucielle Heslop, was the guest speaker who gave…
Merebank woman accosted, robbed and almost abducted
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Nothando MthembuNovember 5, 2020

PT Alarms Tactical Units responded to the Merebank Ridge area after receiving reports of a robbery and attempted abduction on…
Help police find missing Clairwood woman
Local news
Thobele NzamaNovember 4, 2020

Thembelihle Vilakazi was last seen on Sunday, 25 October.
Residents fear alleged drug boss’ death may incite violence in Wentworth
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Nothando MthembuNovember 4, 2020

Simone “Moni” Jasmin's death sent mixed feelings and shockwaves throughout the community of Wentworth as it is alleged that she…
Brighton Beach SAPS urges public vigilance
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Thobele NzamaNovember 4, 2020

Captain Louise le Roux says with the support of vigilant individuals crimes can be prevented, decreased and safer communities can…
VinoVeritas by CTP App – giant leap for Veritas online wine sales
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Content Supplied November 4, 2020

A first in the world of wine competitions by Veritas, South Africa’s oldest and most trusted competition for market-ready wines…
Frustrations rise as Austerville residents sent to court
Local news
Nothando MthembuNovember 3, 2020

The recent protest was fuelled by a court interdict that was issued to four residents recently, which they claim are…