Johannesburg Water shares how vandalism/theft, logging a call is important anmd old infrastructure

Numerous problems have been occurring in Lenasia and the neighbouring areas, including big leaks, burst pipes, theft, vandalism, and logging a call either telephonically or via email. 

Nombuso Shabalala, the media spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, gave us at Lenasia @ a Glance some input. 

Shabala explained that the issues of aging infrastructure and vandalism in Johannesburg's water system are indeed critical. Frequent pipe bursts and water meter leakages not only disrupt supply but also exacerbate the need for urgent upgrades. The risk to public safety, especially for children near open manholes, highlights the urgent need for solutions.

Johannesburg Water's plan is to implement physical and electronic protection systems in high-theft areas is a proactive step. The use of CCTV for crime deterrence and community awareness campaigns can engage residents and foster a sense of ownership over local infrastructure. The introduction of smart manhole covers with sensors will enhance monitoring and enable rapid responses to theft, potentially minimizing service interruptions.

This includes strengthening security measures and promoting community involvement, Johannesburg Water aims to create a more reliable water supply while safeguarding the wellbeing of residents. These initiatives could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

This includes strengthening security measures and promoting community involvement, Johannesburg Water aims to create a more reliable water supply while safeguarding the wellbeing of residents. These initiatives could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

By-law enforcement's approach to combating asset loss and theft: To find customers who are not customers, the organisation would perform routine inspections and stand-by-stand audits. 

By-law enforcement is required for this process, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police department (JMPD) will work with them to accomplish this. 

 

“Residents and community members are urged to report criminal activities such as theft and vandalism of infrastructure by calling(0800 002 587 or City of Joburg social media platforms. Residents can also send an anonymous email to: whistle@joburg.org.za,” said Shabalala

She further stated that the City of Johannesburg has allocated the Entity a multi-year capital budget for sewer and water upgrades and maintenance. The allocated budget will focus on programmes geared towards sewer and water pipe replacement, upgrades and storage infrastructure, as well as repairs and maintenance. You can find more information on our business plan: https://www.johannesburgwater.co.za/resource-centre/business-plans-2/

Informal settles play a crucial part of Johannesburg Waters duties and despite the challenges they face they work with the Department of Housing (Human Settlements) is the custodian of informal settlements. As such, when basic services such as water tanks and ventilated improved pit (VIP) / chemical toilets are required, Johannesburg Water receives a directive from the department to provide those water and sanitation services.

Johannesburg Water emphasizes the importance of logging calls for efficient service delivery. The internal SAP system captures calls, generates reference numbers, and assigns jobs to available teams. Prompt reporting of issues helps Johannesburg Water prioritize and address them effectively, leading to better water service for all.

Turnaround times for responding to logged calls differ. Please see the below:

· Turnaround times:

· Sewer: 24 hrs

· Water outage: 12 hrs

· Leaking meter: 3 days

· Burst meter: 24 hrs

· Water leak: 48 hrs

· Major burst pipe: 48 hrs

·

 “Shabalala ended by saying; “Response times for logged calls can be affected by various factors, such as burst and leaking pipes. These issues can affect the nature and magnitude of the work, machinery, human labour, and weather conditions. The process includes investigating, isolating the water supply, excavating, assessing material, sourcing, and repairing the pipe. In some cases, a specialist may be needed, causing further delays in the repair process.”

City Power crisis with overload, cable theft and vandalism

City Power services Lenasia and nearby areas in Johannesburg, but they are facing significant challenges. Cable theft, vandalism of TSS Substations, mini substations, and electricity overloads are major issues, often leading to trips at the main substation. 

In a recent discussion, Lenasia SDC General Manager Nelson Ravuku addressed these concerns, highlighting the impact on service reliability and ongoing efforts to mitigate these problems. He emphasized the need for community support and collaboration to improve the situation and ensure a stable power supply.

Vandilsm and overload causing disruption: 

Vandalism contribute to solidness of the station and pose a risk to the transformer to be burnt. 

"Overloading significantly affects the power supply, particularly when communities exceed their allocated electricity usage. Illegal connections exacerbate this issue, leading to even higher demands that can overwhelm substations. This not only risks shutdowns but can also cause severe damage, including burnt cables and compromised infrastructure. Addressing these illegal connections is essential to ensuring the stability and safety of the power supply," said City Power's GM Ravuku.

He added that cable theft, overloading and vandalisism can cause prolong outages and costs City Power a lot of money to replace. 

Street lights:

City Power has hstreetlights pole and maintenance poles.If connection come from maintenance pole it's a problem to fix and can take longer than usual to fix due to locating the fault especially if its cable fault.

Informal Settlements:

Informal settlements often face challenges in accessing reliable electricity, leading residents to connect illegally to power sources like mini substations, streetlight poles, conductor overhead and pillar boxes. This practice can be dangerous and result in frequent power outages or safety hazards. Communities often lack proper infrastructure, making legal connections difficult and prompting reliance on these informal methods. Addressing these issues requires improving access to legal electricity services and upgrading infrastructure.

Logging a call and time around time: 

Logging calls is crucial for assessing team performance and operational efficiency. It allows City Power to analyze call volumes, identify trends, and measure turnaround times, ultimately improving service delivery to residents. This data-driven approach helps allocate resources effectively and enhances overall customer satisfaction.

Ravuku explained that queries are segregated as per their types, whether it's, legal, customer disputes or no power.

Ravuku expresses his concerns about cable theft and has urged that the residents must take ownership of the network and protect it from theft and vandalism. Community must stop bypassing electricity, 

He ended by saying that have not found any issues of sabotage on their substations

Diwali - light over darkness

Tomorrow the broader Hindu community will celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights that usually falls between October and early November. Following this, on Saturday, 2 November, the Hindu Gujarati community will mark their New Year, traditionally celebrated after Diwali. This period is filled with joy, reflection, and cultural significance, as families come together to honor traditions and celebrate new beginnings.

Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with the lighting of divas (candles) after 6 PM, it transforms the evening into a radiant display of hope and joy. Fireworks further enhance the festivities, representing the dispelling of negativity and the welcoming of positivity into our lives. This celebration brings families together, fostering love and harmony, and serves as a reminder to embrace light in our lives.

The largest and most colorful of all Hindu holidays is Deepawali, also known as Deepavali or Diwali. The celebration is called "a row of lights" because the words "deep" and "avali" imply "light" and "a row of lights," respectively. Four days of celebration are held to commemorate Diwali, which actually lights up the nation with its brightness and enchants everyone with its happiness

The Origins of Diwali

Diwali, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, has a rich and varied history rooted in ancient India. It likely originated as a harvest festival but has evolved to encompass multiple legends and cultural significances.

One popular belief centers on the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to Lord Vishnu, with some celebrating her birthday on the new-moon day of Kartik. In Bengal, the festival shifts focus to the worship of Mother Kali, symbolizing strength.

For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira. Additionally, the festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana, with the citizens lighting diyas to celebrate their king's homecoming. The blend of these traditions makes Diwali a vibrant and multifaceted celebration across various cultures and religions in India.

The Four Days of Diwali:

Each day of Diwali carries its own unique significance and stories. 

The first day, **Naraka Chaturdasi**, celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Naraka, aided by his wife Satyabhama, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The second day, **Amavasya**, is dedicated to worshiping Lakshmi, believed to be at her most generous, granting the wishes of her devotees. This day also recalls Lord Vishnu's dwarf avatar vanquishing the tyrant Bali, who is allowed to return annually to illuminate the world with lamps, dispelling darkness and ignorance.

On the third day, **Kartika Shudda Padyami**, Bali ascends from hell to rule the earth, reflecting the cycle of life and the importance of balance.

The fourth day, **Yama Dvitiya** (or Bhai Dooj), is a special occasion where sisters invite their brothers to their homes, reinforcing familial bonds and love. Each day of Diwali intricately weaves together themes of victory, devotion, and togetherness.

Dhanteras: The Tradition of Gambling

Some consider Diwali a five-day festival, starting with **Dhanteras**, which celebrates wealth and prosperity two days before the main festivities. The name "Dhanteras" combines "dhan" (wealth) and "teras" (13th), marking the significance of prosperity in this celebration.

The tradition of gambling during Diwali is linked to a legend where Goddess Parvati played dice with Lord Shiva, declaring that those who gamble on this night would enjoy prosperity for the coming year.

Lights and fireworks play a crucial role in Diwali celebrations. Homes are adorned with illuminations, and firecrackers light up the night sky, symbolizing joy and gratitude to the heavens for health, wealth, knowledge, and peace. One belief is that the loud sounds of firecrackers convey earthly happiness to the gods, while another practical reason is that the smoke can help deter insects like mosquitoes, common after the monsoon. These rituals together create an atmosphere of celebration and reverence during the festival.

The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

Beyond the lights, gambling, and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year. With that, there are a number of customs that revelers hold dear each year.

Give and forgive. It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. 

Rise and shine. Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a.m., or 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. The sages who instituted this Deepawali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realize its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.

Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O children of God unite, and love all." The vibrations produced by the greetings of love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. When the heart has considerably hardened, only a continuous celebration of Deepavali can rekindle the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.

Prosper and progress. On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.

Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. The best and finest illuminations can be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps. 

This festival instills charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds. This includes Govardhan Puja, a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale.

Illuminate your inner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

From Darkness Unto Light...

In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil. It is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope.

From darkness unto light—the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India, and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it's a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul. 

The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

Beyond the lights, gambling, and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year. With that, there are a number of customs that revelers hold dear each year.

Give and forgive. It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. 

Rise and shine. Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a.m., or 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. The sages who instituted this Deepawali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realize its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.

Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O children of God unite, and love all." The vibrations produced by the greetings of love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. When the heart has considerably hardened, only a continuous celebration of Deepavali can rekindle the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.

Prosper and progress. On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.

Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. The best and finest illuminations can be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps. 

This festival instills charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds. This includes Govardhan Puja, a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale.

Illuminate your inner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

From Darkness Unto Light...

In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil. It is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope.

From darkness unto light—the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India, and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it's a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul.

Lenasia very own receives the Civic Leaders award

On Monday, October 14, 2024, Khalil Ahmed Mohamed, one of Lenasia's own community activists, received the civic leaders accolade from Accountability Lab South Africa at the Gordon Institute for Business Science (GIBS). 

Members of the community nominated him because they thought he should be given this honour. Mohamed's commitment to serve the people with diligence and integrity has earned him recognition not only in Lenasia but throughout the nation. 

There were two categories the Civic Leader award and the Integrity Icon Award. 

Mohamed was the overall winner in the category of the Civic Leader award which was the people's choice, and Seargent Thando Kodwa from Eastern Cape was the people's choice in the Integrity Icon Award.

Accountability Lab launched the Integrity Icon awards in South Africa in 2018 as a part of a global initiative to honour truthful public servants that began in 2014. 

Mohamed a Contributing Editor for the Lenasia @ Glance feature publication said; “I'm truly honoured to have been chosen as the People's Choice Award winner. It’s humbling to know that the community values the work I’ve done. This recognition isn't just mine; it belongs to everyone who supported me.”

He added that the Accountability Lab Integrity Icons Civic Leader Award celebrates individuals who have shown exemplary leadership in serving their communities with integrity and dedication. It recognizes those who inspire change, led by example, and work tirelessly for the public good, encouraging transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Mohamed explained that the out of 425 public entries, two of us were selected for the Civic Leader Category. Three of the five competitors were in the Integrity Icons Category. Voters had the opportunity to select their preferred Civic Leader and Integrity Icon during a month-long public voting period. 

“This award shines a spotlight on the importance of integrity and active leadership in our community. It inspires others to get involved, to lead with honesty, and to become advocates for positive change. By highlighting these values, it motivates more people to take action and become active citizens, which in turn strengthens the fabric of our society,” he stated.

Mohamed ended with saying he would like to extend his deepest gratitude to everyone who voted for me and believed in me. This award is a testament to the power of community and what we can achieve when we come together. He encourages everyone to continue being active citizens, stay engaged, and work towards building a future we can all be proud of. Let's keep moving forward together, with integrity and purpose. 

Deekay Ndoni- Programs Officer for Integrity Icon Campaign/Accountability Lab South Africa speaking to the publication said: “The campaign aims to recognize and celebrate individuals who exemplify integrity in public service, shining a light on their positive contributions. By highlighting these community heroes, it seeks to inspire a culture of accountability and integrity across the country, motivating others to follow in their footsteps and ultimately driving systemic change.”

She expressed her gratitude about the awards how incredibly inspiring for the people of SA. The awards serve as a reminder of the powerful impact that honest and dedicated individuals can have within their communities. It’s heartening to see positive role models being celebrated for their work, and it reinforces the importance of integrity in public service.

Ndoni explained that anyone can nominate a person for the Integrity Icon awards, whether they are community members, colleagues, or family members. Nominations are open to the public, ensuring that everyone has a voice in recognizing those who exemplify integrity.

“Nominees must be public servants who demonstrate a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior in their work. They should have a track record of positively impacting their community or the people they serve, and their actions should inspire others. Additionally, nominees should be working within South Africa’s public sector and should exemplify a dedication to transparency and public service excellence,” she ended.

The five competing winners hailed from Lenasia, Ennerdale, Diepsloot, Makhanda and Indwe in the Eastern Cape.  

The winners were:

1. Chantal Chetty (Ogle) - A Civic Leader - Founder of Lovechild Media F & P in Finetown and Ennerdale, Gauteng.

2. Khalil Ahmed Mohamed - A distinguished Civic Leader and community advocate in Lenasia, Gauteng.

3. Sr. Portia Mtshali - An Integrity Icon and professional nurse at OR Tambo Community Health Centre in Diepsloot, Gauteng.

4. Thando Kodwa - An Integrity Icon and Sergeant at the Indwe police station in the Chris Hani district, Eastern Cape.

5. Ntombenkosi Dyani - An Integrity Icon and Agricultural Advisor at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

 

Bhakti Marga SA host a Diwali fundraiser to help nurture the organisation

The Bhakti Marga South Africa (BMSA) Johannesburg Sangha is honored to host a Srimad Bhagavatham Katha - Harikatha Musical show, blessed by Satguru Paramahamsa Vishwananda. The event will take place on Saturday, 26 October 2024, at Patidar Hall, Salvia Street, Ext 3, Lenasia, from 2 PM to 4:30 PM for a spiritually enriching experience.

The performance will be graced by the amazing vocals of well-known performers, including the renowned Swami Vishwa Ranga Ramanuja.

"The event promises to uplift the community through the timeless teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, paired with an extraordinary musical program by some of Johannesburg's most beloved artists. This gathering is designed to immerse attendees in an atmosphere of Bhakti (devotion), where music and storytelling come together to elevate hearts and minds toward spiritual realization," said Priyamvada Dasi.

She added that the proceeds from the event will be used to celebrate South Africa's cultural diversity, sustain the Bhakti Marga Centre in Mulbarton, and empower community outreach programs. The initiative will support cultural activities and engage the local community in meaningful ways, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion. With its deep-rooted message of love, service, and spiritual growth, the Bhagavat Katha event is set to be an unforgettable experience that brings people together, helping to nurture and preserve the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.

MGRO host a 5km walk & fun day

The Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Organisation (MGRO) is excited to host its inaugural 5km walk on October 20, 2024, at Gandhi Tolstoy Farm in Lawley, starting at 9 AM. 

This event marks a significant step in our outreach program to raise awareness of the legacy of Gandhi Tolstoy Farm. From humble beginnings, MGRO has established a strong reputation, contributing to various social, welfare, sporting, and educational initiatives. Join us for a day of community spirit and remembrance!

Activities for the day:

- 5km fun walk (R50 a ticket)

- Kite Flying 

- Food Stalls 

- Other fun activities 

"We are kindly requesting your assistance in creating an awareness of the walk for participation by members of the community and more specifically our Youth and Children. Bring along your umbrellas, your caps and picnic" said Tolstoy Farm board member Javie Ravjee

For more information contact Shihan Mohan Hira on 0737057126 or Hitesh Kanjee on 0734021957

Diwali festival will be filled with joy

The Hindu Coordinating Council (HCC) is hosting their 31st HCC Diwali festival on Saturday, 19 October 2024, from 3 PM until 11 PM. The event will take place at the Lenasia Soccer Stadium, Hummingbird Avenue, Ext 1, Lenasia.

With an array of enticing shopping options, delectable cuisine, large-scale entertainment, and enjoyable activities, this premium event promises to be a great experience. Santech Fireworks, a well-known brand in South African fireworks, will supply this year's spectacular display. In order to meet the requirements and tastes of the larger community, the HCC Diwali festival has developed into a signature Lenasia event.

In order to lessen the number of cars on the road, drivers are also invited to walk where they reside in the neighborhood. Parking will be available at the Lenasia Cricket for R10.

The festival starts with song and dance performance on stage by various organisations, followed by a fireworks display for 22 minutes thereafter the newest sensation in Johannesburg be the Bollywood Fusion Band, will perform live, followed by DJ RSHN.

Food vendors will accommodate every taste.

HCC chairperson Kishore Badal said; "HCC continues to endeavour to keep prices low and despite many difficulties, spiraling costs, especially with regard to JOC Compliances and venue costs; and with far less donations coming in. Entrance fee this year remains at R10.00 per entrant, and HCC, its affiliates and its agents reserve the right of admission. No alcohol, hookah, cannabis, weapons or fireworks, will be allowed at the Festival."

Badal further stated that the HCC is grateful to supporting media for assisting cover and promoting the Diwali Festival and all other HCC activities. HCC also expresses its gratitude to all our friends that assist and support our activities and help to ensure its success. Special thanks to our donors, you ease the burden.

Badal ended by adding that the community should come celebrate in true Lenasia Style. Lenasia, where everyone knows everyone and everyone celebrates as one. Diwali, every Lenasian and every South African's Celebration of Lights and good over evil,

Your blood donations will be accepted by the SANBS during the Festival once more. Life is saved by blood. Up to three lives are saved by each pint. Please lend your support. Additionally, there will be a chance for basic medical examinations.

The HCC Diwali festival depends on support from individuals, organisations, professionals and business. Each year it becomes more and more difficult to finance this festival and the team appeals to wishers to support. Donations and sponsorships can be made to HCC FNB Lenasia Branch, Branch Code: 250737; Account No: 62082100638.

For further information, please contact Kishore Badal on 082 555 2050, Ishara Singh on 072 436 1376, Vijay Naran on 061 499 3728, Indira Mathura on 082 430 2152, Viren Badal 082 347 7750, Indrin Kandasamy on 079 500 7330 and Shanille Moodley on 082 742 8694.

Maths teacher none-existence again a concern for parents

Parents of Lenasia Secondary School (Lenz High) Grade 8 students are finding Term 4 challenging due to ongoing concerns about the maths teacher. Students have complained that instead of proper instruction, the teacher has primarily been posting work on the board without offering guidance since Term 1.

Parents have been voicing their concerns since before school term 3 closed, it was a good opportunity though as their voice of frustration was heard where a facilitator from the district was sent to assess the situation and was then placed at the school to teach the learners. Learners was excited for a few days till the facilitator had to leave for urgent work and unfortunately it has been unpleasant as now there is no teacher for the grade 8 students. Exams are approaching, and parents and students are worried about how they will perform on their final maths test in order to receive a passing mark.

This is what some people have remarked when parents voiced their concerns.

“Since students are not being taught the material covered in the Grade 8 curriculum, we are quite dissatisfied with the results of our attempts to replace the maths teacher at Lenz High. Students are anxious because they haven't finished their year's syllabus and they have to choose their courses in grade nine. How can they pursue pure math after what they experienced with a teacher who didn't teach the concepts and then another teacher who came in and left maths as a free period?,” an angry parent said

A second parent disappointedly said: "When Mr. Bennette (district facilitator) was teaching, my child was ecstatic and delighted to share with me what she was learning since she understood the mathematics syllabus. However, a few days later, there was no teacher, and my daughter was returning home feeling let down. All of the students were given optimism by the teacher that they would grasp mathematics, but the bright spot has turned into a dark one.”

She further explained that her daughter and she both enjoy maths, but were left in disbelief when her grades fell 20% from the previous term due to tuition. When her tutor enquired about the section that was overlooked, she informed her that they never do it, so the tutor never addressed that portion of the paper. I'm very disappointed that my child will have to bear the consequences of their maths teacher's ineptitude. 

A third parent expressed her concerns about her child and other learners saying; "My daughter is in grade 8. Last term they wrote a maths paper that was based on work not taught. Currently there isn't a maths teacher which is putting alot of strain on my child as she is stressing about her final exam. There is no teacher teaching them. And she scared that once again the exam will be based on things not taught.This is ridiculous. Something needs to be done as soon as possible."

Action SA’s PR Councillor Zahid Zadie Jainoodeen said: “Parents need to take a stance and make their voices heard and seen by doing this in a diplomatic, amicable, and civil manner. When you sit back and expect something to happen on the basis of hearsay, it is just done as a ploy to take the stain of their backs and silence the parents. There is absolutely no need to act in an immature fashion. But at the end of the day, it's the force in numbers that makes the difference.”

Cllr Zadie further questioned about how exactly does the department expect the kids to be ready and prepared for the final examination action when they are already back by one full term with the curriculum. How do they expect to cramp 2 terms of the maths curriculum into the pupils with full understanding and know how in a span of 2 weeks as that's what is left before final examinations begin.

We are currently awaiting the response from Steve Mabona, the media spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, who was contacted for comment.

Lenasian Karatekas bring home 14 medals from Namibia

Mohan Hira Martial Arts' Sensei Pravesh Naidoo (49), along with five karateka’s—Alyaan Jooma (9), Hamzah Mohomed (9), Tariq Valymia (11), Ruhan Naidoo (10), and Safiya Valymia (15)—participated in the most recent African Kyokushin Karate Championship, which took place in Windhoek, Namibia, from September 27 to 30. 

In their respective divisions, competitors of all ages participated. The courage and dedication displayed over those three days created a vibrant atmosphere. 

Being able to compete against more than ten other nations' dojos karateka’s on their first overseas tour was an outstanding accomplishment for the karateka’s! Winning 14 medals in a difficult tournament demonstrates their talent and commitment. 

Shihan Mohan Hira's dedication and longevity in karate are truly inspiring! Leading the number one dojo in Lenasia for over 60 years speaks volumes about his skill and commitment to the martial arts community. His experience likely inspires many students and contributes to the dojo's success.

Shihan Hira said: “Our African nations are eager for these competitions to be held in their countries. People from outside of Africa as well as from other African nations came to participate in the highly-attended event. During these competitions and trips, you become friends with various dojos and their karateka’s."

"Karate is a very forceful sport," he continued. Karate is an extremely disciplined and lethal sport; it's better to leave than to start a fight. It's also one of the best physical sports you can do, and even older people can do it. Among the most crucial qualities of a karate fighter are sincerity, discipline, and respect.

Shihan’s emphasis on early involvement in sports is so valuable! Encouraging children to engage in physical activities from a young age not only promotes fitness but also teaches important life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting. Allowing kids to choose the sport they’re interested in can help them feel more invested and motivated, fostering a sense of ownership and passion. It’s a great way to keep them grounded and focused while also providing a positive outlet for their energy.

Speaking with some of the proud parents, they said how honoured they were of their kids and how they always supported and encouraged them, telling them that it didn't matter if they won or lost Their bravery in taking part for the first time on a global scale was the most significant aspect. Our children had a positive first experience, and we did not place any pressure on them to win or receive medals. The goal was to enjoy themself, socialise, and gain experience with other students from other dojos. 

The parents further expressed their concerns saying engaging in activities like martial arts or other sports can indeed provide a constructive way for kids to channel their energy and focus, helping them avoid negative influences. The discipline learned through sports not only builds physical skills but also fosters resilience and self-esteem, which are crucial for navigating challenges in their environment. It’s wonderful that the community recognizes the importance of these programs in promoting a healthier lifestyle and keeping kids engaged.