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Welcome to MyPE - Port Elizabeth Community Web Site

Our mission: To provide the residents of Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, with a medium whereby Port Elizabethans can openly share and discuss information and issues - topical, hard hitting and informative, inclusive and decisive, relevant and ... FUN!
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"I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Nelson Mandela
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 MyPE Proposes a Strike by Media Against MAT

Editorial Commentwww.MyPE.co.za: Why do journalists leave the press and become public relations consultants? For the money. Why do struggle heroes leave the struggle and become politicians? For the money.

Government and business attempt to 'guide' the media to only look on the bright side. Journalists have a mandate to cast a cynical eye on every word submitted to them as a press release.

Government and business employ ex-journalists (sell out public relations consultants!) to craft their press releases. Investigative journalists are decreasing in number and the number of entrants to the craft is decreasing hence the increasing number of press releases masquerading as news being published.

The subtle winning of hearts and minds via the use of selected articles by national and local government communications departments is rife.

Let's take the Nelson Mandela Bay and National Government Communications departments as prime examples. My understanding of the mandate given to communications departments, staffed by rate and taxpayers money, is that their purpose is to report on the business of municipalities and government in a non biased manner. Let's call it the BEE communications charter in which the number of mentions of seperate political parties is governed by their representation within a local or national context, in which the number of positive and negative mentions of parties and incidents is a truthful and balanced reflection of the local or national situation. But, the overriding 'bias' of the press releases should be crafted in such a manner that they benefit the municipality or country as a whole and are not unfairly biased in any manner.

Before we proceed further we need to define what is at stake here - the access to public information is enshrined in our Constitution. In fact the Constitution demands accountable, open and responsive government, that is realised, among other things, through freedom of expression and access to information.

Let's deal with communications department bias:
  • At a national and local government level every photo opportunity and release is only populated by members of the ruling party. The ruling party then pours scorn and derision on opposition parties by accusing them of running to the press at every opportunity. I receive few to no press releases from opposition parties.
  • Rate and taxpayer paid for communications products are used time and time again to only promote the ruling party - a recent case in point was when President Jacob Zuma was in Port Elizabeth and he stated very publically that he was here solely in his capacity as ANC Presdident. Our local communications department faithfully reported on his every move sending out press releases and featuring the ANC President in the municipal in-house publication, RISE, edited by Roland Williams.
  • Communications department resources are used to promote only 'certain' events in Port Elizabeth and not those with a legacy (i.e. those that have been succesful since prior to 1994). Strangely enough the promoted events are, on the whole, flops and end up costing the ratepayers more money, whilst the 'ignored' events are, on the whole, succesful (although the cynic in me says that they are succesful only because our municipality takes months and months to pay the organisers of said events).
  • Almost every ratepayer funded event that is promoted by communications has a side (sometimes main) focus of promoting the ruling party. What a great way of getting votes with ratepayer money.
  • As the recipient of press releases from National Government (See: SA Government) I have observed over the years that the tone of the press releases changes according to the Province being reported on - the provinces with an opposition party in control as well as those with a strong opposition party all 'enjoy', for the most part, press releases that highlight problem areas.
  • The same national communications department shows a distinct bias towards soccer and reported extensively on the national soccer team. I have only seen ONE release on the national rugby team, none for any other national team, not even for the Twenty 20 Cricket champs this September.
  • Port Elizabeth's local communications department has a staff in excess of 30 persons - almost as many as The Herald's reporting staff, one would think that Roland and his merry staff would be able to produce a local newspaper of their own, but don't seem to be able to. Compare and contrast that with little old MyPE - maybe I should offer myself to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Communications Department as a consultant on How to Run a Lean and Mean Publications Machine?
In every society there needs to be a sense of balance and journalists bring that balance by doing the stuff that Joe Public is unable to do, by asking those questions that Joe Public demands to be answered.

Consider this Mr ANC Policy maker: IF, the ANC had been sneaky they would have recognised the bias within their own government machine and used that bias as a huge selling point for the Media Appeals Tribunal - I am sure that they would have got some form of buy in which would have smoothed the way. But, no, they didn't stop to think and analyse before ambushing the media so have, once again, demonstrated their ineptitude.

How do we counter the Media Appeals Tribunal?
  • Strikes work - I propose that every publication in South Africa, for an entire week, does not publish a single article from Government and the ANC.
It all goes back to money - every article published as editorial is worth thousands and thousands of rand in terms of media exposure so let's force the ANC to buy space for an entire week. Only then will they realise that the free press also supports them in ways that they cannot imagine.

What will we do for the week of the Media Strike?
  • Publish any drivel from opposition parties, promote our local residents, support business that come out against the Media Appeals Tribunal, highlight why it is great to live in a free country and just have fun.
Related: Right 2 Know - Over 200 civil society organisations and numerous prominent individuals have endorsed a civil society statement titled "Let the Truth Be Told! Stop the Secrecy Bill".
Posted by mype on Thursday, September 02 @ 12:14:10 SAST

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 Dave Moorhouse - the Grandfather of Neighbourhood Watches

Crime and the Police in PEwww.MyPE.co.za: From the ADT Security Crime Newsletter we have picked out a couple of interesting crime incidents:

Dave Moorhouse, well known in the Eastern Cape for his involvement in the establishment of 147 Neighbourhood Watches throughout the Eastern Cape.

Originally from England, Moorhouse immigrated with his family to South Africa in 1964 where he made it his mission to make wherever he lived a safer place for himself and his family.

He originally settled in Pretoria. In 1974 he moved to Somerset West where he formally started getting involved in crime fighting initiatives. He volunteered to serve the community by joining the SA Police Reserve and was sworn in as a reservist in 1977. Moorhouse is still an active member, holding the rank of Superintendant.

He transferred to Port Elizabeth in 1980 and served at the Kabega Park Police Station.

Under the watchful eye of the police, Moorhouse started his Neighbourhood Watch systems in Pinetown, Natal in the late eighties and early nineties and continued his work in Port Elizabeth, which involved spreading the "Neighbourhood Watch” word throughout most areas in Port Elizabeth via meetings at schools, churches, etc.

Since then he has travelled the whole of the Eastern Cape giving lectures on community involvement to combat crime. Moorhouse believes communities cannot afford to sit back and say that crime is not our problem and the sole responsibility of the SAPS.

"We need to ACT - Against Crime Together", says Moorhouse. He stresses the importance of feeding crime officials accurate information so they can become more effective and believes that if crime is viewed rather as a challenge than a problem, it will be easier to overcome with organised teamwork.

Moorhouse says it is a proven fact that in areas where a Neighbourhood Watch is active there is a decrease in criminal activity.

If you are interested to become part of an existing Neighbourhood Watch in your area, or would like to start a Neighbourhood Watch of your own, kindly contact Dave on 078 322 1798 for more information.

Security guard held at gunpoint, abducted

A security guard who was guarding a premises in Mill Park was held at gunpoint by four men who arrived in two vehicles shortly after midnight on Tuesday, August 24th. The men allegedly held the security guard at gunpoint while they searched the premises, but nothing was stolen. They then forced the guard into the car and drove with him to New Brighton, where they eventually dropped him off.

Police from Mount Road are investigating the incident.

Concern over safety for Victoria Park residents

Concerns have been raised over the safety of residents in Victoria Park after a major increase in petty crime in the area. There have been a number of thefts out of motor vehicles and muggings in the area, which have been attributed to vagrants that have moved into the area.

In the latest incident, a female vagrant's body was found behind the VP Sports Club last week Monday, August 23rd. The woman had apparently stolen money from people she had helped move and was apparently bragging about the cash when she was killed for the money she had taken.

Her body was found by members of the club on Monday morning. She appeared to have died from severe blunt force trauma to the head. Police confirmed her death and have arrested her husband and another vagrant for the murder.

Increase in violent assaults over the weekend

ADT responded to three separate incidents of violent assaults over the past week. In the first incident, a man in Jeffreys Bay was assaulted by three men wielding knives when he opened his store at around 6am on Monday, August 23rd. The men grabbed him and dragged him into the store before stabbing him and fleeing. The man was taken to Kouga hospital and one of the men involved has subsequently been arrested.

In a separate incident in Soweto on Sea on Monday afternoon four men kicked in the door and severely beat the homeowner in what is believed to be a dispute over a cellphone charger, causing extensive head and leg injuries. He was taken to hospital by Netcare 911.
 
The third incident which took place at a filling station in Humewood, two men started fighting in the forecourt on Monday evening. It is not clear what the argument was about, but the one man was severely beaten and was bleeding profusely. He was taken to St George’s hospital by Netcare 911.

Contact ADT Security.
Posted by mype on Thursday, September 02 @ 10:57:48 SAST

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 Continental Milligan Vintage Trial Agenda

Sport News in PEwww.MyPE.co.za: The Continental Milligan Vintage Trial takes in the air of spring this year, with the event beginning on Monday 13 September, on Marine Drive, outside the Summerstrand Inn.

Rene Olivier, PR and Communications manager at Continental Tyre South Africa says, "Spectators should watch for Continental signage and banners at each of the starts and tea stops, which will direct them to the vintage cars. Listening for hooting, loud engines and lots of laughter is also a good way to spot rally entrants."

On Sunday 12 September, registration and scrutineering will take place at the Eatern Province Vintage Car Club Clubhouse in Conyngham Road, Port Elizabeth from 09h30. Car lovers and history enthusiasts are encouraged to take a trip down to EPVCC to see cars lined up, brass bits shining, and ready to take on the country roads of the Eastern Cape.

On Monday 13th September, the cars will be pulling out into Marine Drive at 07h30.

"Spectators who want to feel transported back in time, to the days when rallies were slower and so much more sophisticated, should get there to witness the start of the rally," says Olivier.

Tea time on day one is at Thatchwoods Restaurant in Kragga Kamma Road from around 09h30 and again, spectators are most welcome.

On Tuesday 14th September, the start of the rally will be on the Seaview Road outside the Sardinia Bay Country House. Spectators must stand well clear of the road, and should be there from 07h30 until around 09h30. If they miss the start, they can catch up with the cars at the Hankey Golf Country Club, from around 09h30, in Hankey.

The start of day three on Wednesday 15th September is in Bluewater Bay, on the road from the Mobil Service Station and shopping area down to the N2.

Notes Olivier, "This is an opportunity for residents of this area to be part of this wonderful Eastern Cape tradition. Again, they should be there early, as the cars start to leave at 07h30am."

The tea stop on day three is at the NG Kerksaal in Kirkwood, from around 10am, and this is a lovely excuse for spectators to take a trip into elephant country to see the cars.

The last day of the rally, on Thursday 16 September, will again start at the Sardinia Bay Country House on Seaview Road, with the first car again leaving at 07h30am. The tea stop on the last day will be at the Total Service Station in Humansdorp.

"This will be the last chance to see the cars, so get down there from around 09h30 for a chance to chat to the drivers of Rolls Royces, Fords, Bentleys and even a Maserati, among many other beautiful works of automotive art," says Olivier

Olivier adds, "Prize giving will take place on Thursday night, in Port Elizabeth. We wish all the contestants the best of luck and good times, and we hope to see the residents of the Eastern Cape come out to enjoy this feast of vintage cars."

1938 Frazer Nash and 1932 Chev Roadster
No. 30 - 1938 Frazer Nash and No. 11 - 1932 Chev Roadster during 2009 Milligan Rally
More 2009 Milligan Images

To sum up:
  • 12 September: Registration at EPVCC from 09h30
  • 13 September: Start in Marine Drive near Summerstrand Inn at 07h30
  • 14 September: Start in Seaview Road outside Sadinia Bay Country House at 07h30
  • 15 September: Bluewater Bay near Mobil Service Station at 07h30
  • 16 September: Start in Seaview Road outside Sadinia Bay Country House at 07h30
Click Here to print this out and stick on your fridge.
Posted by mype on Thursday, September 02 @ 10:28:55 SAST

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 Local Company Finalist in Focus on Excellence Awards

Business News from PEwww.MyPE.co.za: Goodyear and its equity retail operations partner Trentyre have both been included in the prestigious group of finalists for the fifth annual Focus on Excellence Awards.

George Vlok and Wayne NicholsonThe event recognises and honours superiority in the South African transport industry. Goodyear has been a finalist in the competition every year since its inception and this is also the fourth year in which Trentyre has achieved finalist status.

The Focus on Excellence Award programme is based on extensive research conducted by independent research analysts Scott Byers. Thousands of senior players in the transport operator industry were selected at random for telephonic interviews during the second quarter of 2010. They were questioned about which products or supplier companies they considered best and why. The final nominations are the result of Scott Byers Comparative Customer Satisfaction independent performance measurement.

A large array of supplier categories is represented, including those vehicle and parts manufacturers who excel in the fields of sales, service and parts support. Goodyear is a finalist in the ‘Best Tyre' category and Trentyre achieved its place in the ‘Best Supplier of Tyre Services' category. In the sales/service/parts categories, companies had to achieve at least 90% to earn their finalist status.

Final award winners in each of the 17 unique categories will be announced at a splendid banquet in Gauteng on 9 November.

"We have chosen to present these awards because these are all extremely important issues to fleet operators," explained Charleen Clarke, editor of FOCUS on Transport and Logistics magazine, which convenes the awards.

"Only companies at the very top of their game can become finalists," said Clarke. "It is a real honour. These companies are doing an outstanding job of delivering world-class customer service. This is a true testament to their great performance and they deserve every ounce of recognition. I am sure that the service that they deliver makes our Minister of Transport, Sbu' Ndebele, very proud!"

Goodyear has a proud tradition of innovative truck tyre technology. Its latest, cutting edge products incorporate Max Technology, which has won widespread recognition both globally and locally. Max Technology was announced the winner of the Innovation Award at the country's first Automechanika automotive trade fair last year. According to the judging panel, the product redefines benchmarks for the Southern African aftermarket sector in which it operates. "The technology constitutes a quantum leap in tyre safety and performance and carries with it substantial environmental benefits."

"Both Goodyear and Trentyre pride themselves on rolling that extra mile for our customers. The reputation of our products and services have gone a long way to cementing good relationships with the transport industry; and being close to our customers enables us to discover and deliver what they want," explained Lize Hayward, Goodyear Group Public Relations Manager.

"The nominations in this special awards programme are a reflection that our customers do indeed benefit from the efforts of both companies, which is reward in itself. It confirms that we are still on the right track."

Submit Your Business Press Release to MyPE | Add or Check Your Free 041 Business Listing on MyPE.
Posted by mype on Thursday, September 02 @ 09:33:06 SAST

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 Evolver One Return to Port Elizabeth

Entertainment in PEwww.MyPE.co.za: Don't miss out on one of South Africa's premier rock bands this September when Evolver One returns to their hometown of Port Elizabeth. The band first took the music industry by storm in 2006 with their debut album, Get Up. It featured chart toppers such as Let's Get Naked, Get Up and Keep on Moving. In 2010, the band decided to step it up a notch and have created a new sound and focus which tackles "more relevant topics for the day and age that we are living in."

Evolver OneThe band's latest, self titled Evolver One album has already generated a number of hit songs including Criminal, Move Along and The World's Gone Crazy.

There is loads of entertainment in store as up and coming South African band, 4AM will be the opening act on the night. They describe themselves as a combination of heart felt, passionate pop rock tracks with hints of electro sampling.

Don't miss out on a fantastic evening showcasing South African rock with Evolver One, live at The Boardwalk Vodacom Amphitheatre on September 11, 2010. Tickets can be purchased from Computicket at between R40 and R80 and the show starts at 20h00.

Evolver One consists of: Peter Pote - guitars and vocals, Tulsa Pittaway - drums, Sean Murphy - keys and backing vocals and James Cohen - bass.

Get: What's the Story | One.
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 18:43:02 SAST

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 Mandlakazi Skefile is new Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO

Local Government and Municipality in PEwww.MyPE.co.za: On 1 September 2010 and in celebration of both the start of national Tourism Month and spring, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism announced that Mandlakazi Skefile would be their new chief executive officer, replacing outgoing CEO Fezekile Tshiwula.

Mandlakazi SkefileSkefile was upbeat and extremely positive about the "exciting appointment". While addressing tourism stakeholders and members of the media at a media conference, she laid out her plans for leading the tourism sector in the city.

"I am humbled and privileged to be given such a huge responsibility. I will make it a point that I will not disappoint any of you. I am going to be focusing on three main areas during my tenure, there are a lot of areas that we need to look into, but I would like to highlight these three.

"First of all I am looking forward to making sure we grow the meetings industry in Nelson Mandela Bay.

"Also I am looking at making sure we grow sports tourism. Currently we are marketing ourselves as the water sports capital of Africa – so I am going to make it my responsibility to out there to find event organisers and negotiate with the municipality to assist us in funding (sports) events in the Bay.

"Lastly, my focus will be primarily on growing domestic tourism. This is very important for us, as it is basically the bread and butter of this area. However, I will not loose sight of the international market remembering we have just come off a very successful 2010 FIFA World Cup? which has placed Nelson Mandela Bay on the map," said Skefile.

She also promised to take along the important and willing tourism stakeholders in her threefold mission. Although Skefile is only 35-years old, she has already had an exciting career, and is no stranger to the chief executive position, after standing in for Tshiwula for two months over the World Cup period.

This and other "exceptional qualities" led the board of NMBT to be "convinced that there was only one candidate that could steer NMBT to greater heights", said Hugh Bartis, NMBT board chairman. "(Over that period) She demonstrated in no uncertain terms that she was a professional of note."

Tourism stakeholders heralded the appointment and promised Skefile their support, amongst them tourism "veteran" Peter Myles and PEMMBA representative Walter Passat. 

Skefile also noted that as a destination-marketing agency, NMBT will focus its attention on saving Bayworld during Tourism Month. "The whole idea is not just about Bayworld, it’s about safeguarding those very important tourism products and attractions that Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer. So it will not only be Bayworld that we will be focusing on but will also be looking at other areas – like memorial sites in our townships, which will see them better kept so tourists can visit them,"  she said.

She also encouraged people to be tourists in their own city over Tourism Month.

Skefile’s hobbies include spending time with her three children - aged 18, six and two - travel and cooking. Asked what she enjoys most about Nelson Mandela Bay she insisted it is its people and weather:  "it’s never extreme, always moderate, just perfect for all who live and visit here".
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 18:39:48 SAST

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 Ward 8 News - August 2010

News from Ward 8 Port Elizabeth

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 8's councillor, Gustav Rautenbach's newsletter below, and don't forget to see what Jeremy Davis has been up to in Ward 5; Andre Goosen in Ward 3; Retief Odendaal in Ward 6, Heinrich Muller in Ward 9, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Dean Biddulph in Ward 2 and Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1.

To subscribe to the MyPE Daily News E-Mail Update, click here.

From Councillor Gustav Rautenbach...

WARD 8 NEWS - August 2010

In This Edition:

  1. Gustav RautenbachIEC Offices relocated
  2. By-law relating to prevention of public nuisances and public nuisances arising from the keeping of animals
  3. Overgrown grass around electrical sub-stations
  4. Application for an old age pension/grant
  5. Application for pensioner’s / disabled person's property rates rebate
  6. Application for assistance to the poor (ATTP)
  7. Stop streets
  8. Extension of Romary Road and improvement to storm water infrastructure
  9. Problem of long queues at Traffic Department
  10. Outstanding Municipal account: Deduction of money when buying pre-paid electricity
  11. Dam levels
  12. Speed law enforcement in Trevor Road, Lorraine
  13. Dirty street gutters, Lorraine
AFRIKAANSE WEERGAWE
  1. OVK Kantoor skuif
  2. Bywet insake die voorkoming van openbare steurnisse en openbare steurnisse  veroorsaak deur die aanhouding van diere
  3. Oorgroeide gras rondom elektriese substasies
  4. Aansoek om ouderdomspensioen/toelaag
  5. Aansoek om pensioenaris/gestremde persoon afslag op erfbelasting
  6. Aansoek om subsidie hulp aan die sorgbehoewendes (ATTP)
  7. Stopstrate
  8. Verlenging van Romaryweg en opgradering van stormwater infrastruktuur
  9. Probleem met lang rye by die Verkeersdepartement
  10. Agterstallige Munisipale rekening: Aftrek van geld wanneer voorafbetaalde krag gekoop word
  11. Damvlakke
  12. Spoedwetstoepassing in Trevorweg, Lorraine
  13. Vuil straatvore, Lorraine
1. IEC Offices relocated

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) recently relocated their offices from Brister House to 122 Cape Road, Mill Park (on the corner of Cape and Way Road).

There is probably nothing worse than standing in a queue at a voting station only to find out that you are registered incorrectly and have to do it all over again.

If you are not registered or want to verify whether you are on the voters roll for the 2011 Local Municipal Election visit their new offices or you can use the following methods:
  • IEC offices: Tel. 041-373-8604 or 041-373-8611
  • Website: www.elections.org.za
  • SMS ID to 32810
2. By-law relating to prevention of public nuisances and public nuisances arising from the keeping of animals

I am receiving numerous reports from residents complaining regarding dogs roaming around the streets not being on a leash. The above by-law was promulgated on 31 March 2010 and part 19 of the said by-law stipulates the following:

Dogs in streets or public places
1. Subject to the provisions of the Public Amenities By-law, the owner or keeper of a dog may not bring or allow it in a street or public place unless the dog is on a leash.
2. Except in the event of a blind person being lead by a guide dog, a person in charge of a dog in a street or public place, must remove any faeces left by the dog by wrapping it in paper or plastic and disposing of it in a receptacle provided for litter or refuse.
3. A person who contravenes any of the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) commits an offence.

If you are interested, a copy of the said by-law can be collected at my office or e-mailed to yourself.

3. Overgrown grass around electrical sub-stations

The DA asked the question why there is such a long delay by the Municipality to cut the grass around sub-stations and received the following answer:

"There were a number of extenuating circumstances which contributed to the above-mentioned delay. They are as follows:
  • Although renewal of the sub-station lawn mowing contract within the Supply Chain Management process was underway, it was necessary for a quotation to be obtained due to the fact that the new contract had not been awarded yet. It is important to note that the above-mentioned sub-station is one of 377 sub-stations, which need to be moved;
  • On 28 May 2010 the required quotations were received;
  • On 2 June 2010 requisitions were submitted to the Purchasing Division (Budget & Treasury);
  • On 10 June 2010 orders were received from the Purchasing Division (Budget & Treasury) and were then given to the contractor;
  • On 15 June 2010, the cutting of all 377 sub-stations quoted for, commenced.
  • One of the main reasons for the delay was the fact that during that time, the Purchasing Division (Budget & Treasury) relocated their premises.
  • Cognisance must be taken of the fact that the average sub-station has 40 m² of grass surrounding it and major sub-stations have between 250 and 500m² of grass to be managed. These sub-stations are mowed on a rotational basis.
  • The Electricity & Energy Directorate is presently formulating a streamlined tender process in order to ensure that the service delivery is not hindered in the future."
4. Application for an old age pension/grant

I want to encourage all persons (men and women) who are 60 years and older and qualifies to apply for an old age pension according to the following criteria to apply therefore:
  • ASSETS THRESHOLD (property, investments, etc) - Single person: R 518 400, Married persons: R 1 036 800
  • INCOME THRESHOLD  (pension, interest, help from children, etc) - Single person: R 31 296 per year (R 2 608 per month), Married persons: R 62 592 per year (R 5 216 per month).
You are welcome to contact my office if you need more information.

5. Application for pensioner's / disabled person’s property rates rebate

If you are the owner of a residential property, 60 years and older, or disabled and the total gross annual income from all persons normally residing on that property does not exceed R78 720 per annum (R6 560 pm) you can apply to receive a rebate on your property rates ranging from 10 % to 100%. Application forms are available at my office.

6. Application for assistance to the poor (ATTP)

If the total monthly household income of all residents on your property is less than 2 state pensions (R2 160 pm) you can apply for assistance to the poor (ATTP) to receive the following free basic services:
  • Free 8kl of water
  • Free basic sanitation
  • Free 75 kwh electricity
  • Free basic refuse removal
  • Property rates subsidy
For more information you are welcome to contact my office.

7. Stop streets

It is of great concern to see how many motorists in the Metro fail to stop at a stop sign. I urge motorists to stop at a stop sign. The fine for disobeying a stop sign is R 1000, 00. This is a lot of money to just throw in the water!

8. Extension of Romary Road and improvement to storm water infrastructure

The contractors, Mawethu Civils, set up camp on 6 August 2010. The project budget amounts to 2,4 million and the contract period is 4 months with an estimated completion date of 26 November 2010.
 
The activities entail:
  • The installation of a new 450mm diameter stormwater pipe along the new extension to Romary Road. This pipe will run adjacent to the western side of the road, from the existing catch pit to the southern side of Woodlands Avenue (approximately 80m).
  • The abovementioned pipe will feed into the new proposed stormwater pipe along Woodlands Drive. The pipe will be upgraded from 300mm diameter to 600mm diameter until approximately 100m before Bordeaux Avenue, where it will be 525mm diameter. The pipe will follow the existing stormwater pipe’s alignment until Weybridge Drive. From there onwards, in order to avoid the large trees on the verge, it will run under the northern side of the road parallel to the existing pipe.
  • A berm will be constructed along the northern side of Woodlands Drive, from opposite Romary Road to Weybridge, to prevent major flood water from flowing into low lying erven. The berm will initially be 300mm above edge of tar level and will then taper off over approximately 200m until reaching ground level. The berm will be landscaped and grassed according to the property owner’s requirements.
  • Romary Road will be extended from where it currently terminates, just after the intersection with Bayeux Road, to connect to Woodlands Drive.
  • The proposed construction will be black top and will be approximately 300 metres long. The NMBM standard road cross section will apply to the design, and a road width of 6,22 metres will be adopted as this is the current width of the existing potion of Romary Road.
9. Problem of long queues at Traffic Department

During a Council meeting held on 22 July 2010 I referred to a Key Performance Element (KPE) and stated that the problem of long queues at municipal offices and in particular those at the Traffic Department, was a result of staff shortages and that this problem should be addressed as a matter of priority to improve service delivery to the public. The Speaker stated that the Acting Municipal Manager should ensure that the turn-around time for serving members of the public at all municipal facilities was improved.

10. Outstanding Municipal account: Deduction of money when buying pre-paid electricity

My office is receiving many enquiries from residents whether the Municipality is permitted to deduct monies from persons with outstanding municipal accounts when they purchase pre-paid electricity. I received the following answer from the Chief Financial Officer:

Due to the huge amount of municipal accounts that must be processed by the Treasury Directorate, it is necessary that these accounts be spread out and delivered on a daily basis. For this purpose the Metro is divided into 21 zones and every zone has different dates when the metres are read , accounts are processed as well as due dates for the payment of accounts. Due dates are therefore stretched out from the 1st to the 30/31st day of the month and not just on the last day of the month.

According to Section 15(4) of the Income Management and Customer Services By-Law, Council has the authority to suspend the purchase of pre-paid electricity by an account holder if such account holder is in arrears with any other service. Council may also allocate a portion of the purchased pre-paid electricity to any other debt.

It must be taken into account that the municipality grants account holders a month to pay costs that was charged for the previous month. However, it seems as if clients are paying their municipal services of a certain month with their salary/pension of the following month. In stead of paying their June account with their June salary/pension, which would leave enough time for electronic payments, they pay it with their July salary/pension which in many instances does not allow the 4 days transfer period.

11. Dam levels

The levels of the major storage dams supplying the Metro as at 23 August 2010 are as follows:
  • Kouga: 36,2%
  • Churchill: 25,3%
  • Impofu: 35,7%
  • Loerie: 37,3%
  • Groendal: 32,9%
  • Average: 34,6% of total combined capacity
I again appeal to all residents to use our scarce water resource very sparingly!

SAVE IT, OR DO WITHOUT IT !

12. Speed law enforcement in Trevor Road, Lorraine

My office received the following law enforcement report regarding Trevor Road from the Traffic Department:
  • On Thursday, 12 August 2010 between the hours of 06:30 and 08:30, 210 vehicles were measured and no motorists were prosecuted – the highest 70 km/h.
  • On Friday, 20 August 2010 between the hours of 16:00 and 21:00, 170 vehicles were measured and no motorists were prosecuted – the highest 68 km/h.
13. Dirty street gutters, Lorraine

The Lorraine area is one of those areas where we have no dedicated street sweepers due to staff shortages. However, the Waste Management supervisor for the area has started sweeping , but it is going to take some time to finish all the gutters. Sweepers from other areas will also be taken in to assist in the maintenance of the cleanliness in Lorraine.
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 17:39:20 SAST

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 Free Community Self Defence and Safety Awareness Classes

News from Ward 2 Port Elizabethwww.MyPE.co.za: Ward 2 Councillor, Dean Biddulph, has been successful in getting Sensei Clinton Frieslaar to very kindly offer his services in conducting a number of community safety and basic self defence classes to the residents of Ward 2. These classes will be conducted at various times over the coming months and Clinton has very graciously offered his services free of charge for this project.

In addition to these classes, we have also concluded discussions with two schools in the ward and will be conducting classes at these schools as part of Life Orientation classes.

Sensei Frieslaar, a 5th Degree Black Belt, is the head of the International South African Institute of Unarmed Combat which was founded in 1981 by Ben Mangels, a well known self defence expert in Port Elizabeth.

The first class has been booked for Saturday 18 September 2010 at 11.00am. The venue will be the King's Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Hall. Weather permitting, training my be conducted on the beach.

There is limited space available which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Contact Dean to secure your space: dbiddulph[at]mandelametro.gov.za or ward2[at]mandelametro.gov.za.
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 16:55:29 SAST

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 Strike Forces Volkswagen of South Africa to Close Uitenhage Plant

Business News from PEwww.MyPE.co.za: Volkswagen of South Africa was forced to close its Uitenhage based production plant indefinitely after the morning shift today. The plant closure is as a result of the NUMSA strike in the component industry. It is expected that the closure of the plant will result in a substantial loss of volume of Polo's destined for worldwide right hand drive markets, as well as Polo and Polo Vivo Models destined for the local market.

Bill Stephens, General Manager - Communications Volkswagen of South Africa said; "Employees have been advised that as soon as the supply of components is resumed, they will be informed and requested to return to work. The Company deeply regrets this unavoidable situation - particularly, as VWSA was starting to recover from an eight-day motor manufacturing industry wide strike which also severely impacted customer deliveries".
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 16:44:36 SAST

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 Breakfast With Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO, Achmat Dangor

PERCCIwww.MyPE.co.za: Achmat Dangor is an acclaimed writer and activist. He was the founding executive director of the Kagiso Trust and has held senior positions in a range of national and international development agencies.

His topic for the morning is the role of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and what this means for the community of Nelson Mandela Bay.

Date: 8 September 2010
Time: 07:30 for 08:00 until 10:00
Venue: Elizabeth Place, Pickering Park
Cost: R200.00 (excl. VAT)
PERCCI Members price: R180.00 (excl. VAT)

Should you be interested in attending the above event, contact PERCCI.
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 16:41:09 SAST

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 Please Don't Choke on Your Cornflakes

Editorial Commentwww.MyPE.co.za: There is a set of images doing the e-mail rounds purporting to illustrate a group of semi-naked striking workers in Tembisa.

The 'striking workers' are depicted doing the normal toyi toyi action with a security guard denying them access.

What is different about these images is that the strikers, in a show of solidarity, have pulled down their pants and lifted up their shirts to demonstrate just how hungry and underfed they are. We presume that this has been done to illustrate their desperate need for more food in order to escape the poverty line.

Close study of the image below will reveal the shocking amount of deprivation these strikers have been through over the last 16 years of democratic government - close examination of the buttocks on display will show just how much smaller and skeletal thay have become over the last 16 years as wages and benefits have shrunk.

Striking Buttocks

Let them eat cake (as in Black Forest Cake and not that other French kak) I say!

Now, just imagine that these 'striking workers' are teachers. I can just hear the schoolchildren giggling and saying; "Mam, we saw your fat buttocks on the interweb!" What teacher will be able to hand out discipline or espouse high moral values for South Africa after that?

Sorry strikers - you are fast losing the support of the general public who are directly responsible for providing the money that the Government awards you - maybe the time has come to be far more creative when wage negotiations time arises?

How about making a deal with government along these lines: In exchange for getting what you want you WILL bring the crime rate down and the Matric pass rate percentage WILL increase year on year for the next 5 years.

Thanks Janine.
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 07:54:26 SAST

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 Take Part in Africa's Largest Beach Event

Sport News in PEwww.MyPE.co.za: Entries for season 6 of the Nelson Mandela Bay Ocean Racing Series - Africa's largest family beach lifestyle event, open today (1st September). The Series, which is unique to Nelson Mandela Bay, is one of the Provinces highest profile events attracting over R25m in media coverage last season with over 6,000 entries and a year on year participation growth of over 20%.

"The Series has grown fantastically over the last couple of years and is a great boost for the Metro as we try and claim the title of being Africa's water sport capital." said Series organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports, "Despite the massive media exposure and return on investment for sponsors, the support from private sector is very disappointing and we find ourselves without sponsors for this season."

Season 6 will consist of 10 race days, held on mostly alternate Sunday mornings at Hobie Beach, between Sunday 7th November 2010 and Sunday 3rd April 2011. Each of the race days will consist of a 1km and 3km Ocean Swim, a 5km Beach Run/Walk, the Varsity College 5km Ocean Paddle and a kids (12 years and under) 1km Beach Run/walk. Participants take part in only one of the 5 events on offer on a race day and qualify for lucky draw prizes valued in excess of R15,000 with the top lucky draw prize on race days being R1,500 cash.

Series membership costs just R100 with all members receiving a membership pack which includes a Series t-shirt, tog bag and swim cap. A premier membership package is also available to all members who sign up and pay for the entire season. Premier Membership offers a two race discount, hassle free race day registration and the first 200 premier members will each receive a Crocs voucher for Crocs shoes.

A Series registration function will take place at Profiles Health Club on Friday 5th November where all members will receive their registration packs ahead of the first of the 10 race days on Sunday 7th November. Race day entry fees for each of the 10 race days on offer during Season 6 will be R60 for the 1km or 3km Ocean Swim, R60 for the Varsity College 5km Ocean Paddle, R40 for the 5km Beach Run/Walk and R20 for the kids 1km Beach Run/Walk for kids 12 years and under.

More Info: Ocean Racing Series.
Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 01 @ 00:10:00 SAST

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 Bikini Ambassadors Qualify for a Treasure Trove of Prizes

Community Projects and Issueswww.MyPE.co.za: Club 100 For Ladies is closing in on its target of signing up 200 female ambassadors to represent the Nashua Largest Ever Bikini Photo Shoot at the NMB Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 23 October 2010.

Emsie Vieira, Candice Parker and Lauren PuffettBy mobilising family and friends as participants and sponsors, ambassadors will help to break the current Guinness World Record, raise much-needed funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and also stand a chance to win prizes worth thousands of rands.

"At this early stage, we have 70 ambassadors on board," said organiser Laurence Finn. "The event is not possible without them; they play a pivotal role in getting the word out."

Candice Parker, sales manager at Nashua, was one of the first to sign up as an ambassador for the shoot, which will take place at the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

"At first I was a bit intimidated as I’m by no means a bikini model. However, I realised what an awesome opportunity this was to show my support for a worthy cause.

"I lost my dad to cancer and this is my way of raising awareness about the disease. I believe we can accomplish this world record and am very excited to play my part."

The top ambassador will win a prize package worth R30 000, including a two-night stay for two at Shamwari Game Reserve, ghd hair straightener, a Samsung Notebook and cellphone, a pamper package from Oligo Spa, an XClusive Hair voucher, Guess sunglasses and a handbag from Honey.

The second and third place runners-up will receive a camera and cellphone respectively, both courtesy of Samsung.

To become an ambassador costs R50. Each one must sign up a minimum of 20 female participants, 10 male and five corporate sponsors to qualify for a luxury goodie bag worth R1 000.

The goodie bags for the first 200 qualifying ambassadors each contain a bikini, Rimmel London beauty products and Honey jewellery. There are also weekly prize incentives for the top performing ambassador.

The organisers have emphasised that the event is not a beauty contest and is open to women of all ages and sizes (and sarongs may be worn).

"With another 2 000 ladies present, who is going to be looking?" smiled Parker. "Besides, the terrible disease of cancer doesn’t choose a particular body shape or size."

Nashua has challenged corporates to sponsor the ambassadors and encourages staff to participate.

"This is a fun event in which everyone can play a part while raising money for an excellent cause and gaining awesome exposure for Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay," said Parker.

Two years ago, 1 923 ladies were photographed in the Russian seaside resort of Sochi to set the current record.

See: http://www.MyZA.co.za/bikini.
Posted by mype on Tuesday, August 31 @ 17:12:30 SAST

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 Port Elizabeth Chokka Fishermen Keep Agulhas NSRI Busy

Community Projects and Issueswww.MyPE.co.za: Shane Kempen, Sea Rescue Agulhas  station commander, said: "On Monday 30 August at 10h17 our sea rescue Agulhas volunteers launched our NSRI rescue craft I&J Rescuer III to rendezvous with the Chokka fishing boat Cape Natal to casualty evacuate 31 year old Abram Yutse, from Missionvale in Port Elizabeth, who was requiring treatment for Diabetes.

The skipper of Cape Natal, Keith Hendricks, had called sea rescue the night before to request assistance after Abram ran low on his diabetes medication and after the skipper confirmed that they had enough medication to last them the night we requested that they make their way towards the Struis Baai area this morning.

At 10h15 they reported to be in the Bay and we launched our sea rescue craft I&J Rescuer III and on arrival on-scene, in 3 metre choppy seas and light winds, we transferred Abram onto our rescue craft and brought him to shore where we were met by a Metro ambulance and the patient was transported to a local clinic in a stable condition.

Later in the day, the owners of Cape Natal, the Van Niekerk Fishing Company, requested sea rescue to transport Abram back to the Chokka Boat after he had been released from the clinic and after he was provided with his stores of diabetes medication and our volunteer sea rescue crew obliged.

Once Abram was safely back on his vessel no further assistance was required and they have continued on their fishing voyage.

At 14h02 our sea rescue volunteers were activated following a request for urgent medical assistance from the Chokka fishing boat Nomvuyo reporting their 52 year old crewman, Craig Balfour, from Port Elizabeth, to have sustained a laceration to the head after falling on the deck while fishing at sea.

The skipper of Nomvuyo, Boschoff Jordaan, reported that they were at the 6 Mile Bank and that the crew had bandaged the laceration and that although Craig appeared to be in a satisfactory condition they required medical assistance and medical evaluation.

We requested that Nomvuyo motor towards Struis Baai while we launched our rescue craft I&J Rescuer III and we rendezvoused with the casualty in the Bay where, in rough 3 to 4 metre choppy sea swells and a 10 to 15 knot Westerly wind, our sea rescue medics found Craig to be in a stable and satisfactory condition but requiring sutures to a laceration on his head.

Craig was brought ashore aboard our sea rescue craft and we took him to our local doctors surgery where he was sutured and released.

Sea Rescue Agulhas then transported Craig back out to sea aboard I&J Rescuer III where he was reunited with his fishing boat and no further assistance was required."
Posted by mype on Tuesday, August 31 @ 06:51:06 SAST

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 Senior Church Leaders Call for Hospital Volunteers and End to Strike

Community Projects and Issueswww.MyPE.co.za: A group of senior church leaders from Nelson Mandela Bay has called on members of the public around the Eastern Cape to volunteer in the state hospitals that have been affected by the national civil servants strike.

"We are abhorred by the situation at state medical facilities," say the leaders in a statement.

They are Catholic Bishop Michael Coleman, Pastor Patrick Douglas-Henry, head of the Apostolic Faith Mission, Pastor Neville Goldman of the Ebenezer Christian Centre, Bishop Lunga ka Siboto, head of the Episcopal Church, Methodist Bishop Musi Losaba, Ds Danie Mouton, head of the NG Church in the Eastern Cape, Anglican Bishop Bethlehem Nopece, and the Rev Mkhuseli Bashman of the Presbyterian church.

A Metro-wide volunteer effort is being co-ordinated by Rev Christo van Heerden of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in Newton Park. Volunteers depart daily (week days and weekends) at seven thirty in the morning from the church (corner of Mowbray St and 4th Avenue) and return from the hospitals at one thirty.

"Volunteers from all walks of life, and affiliated to a broad spectrum of churches and faith communities, started to volunteer last week at both the Dora Nginza and Livingstone Hospitals. No security related incident has been reported. The volunteers are safe.

"We trust that the volunteer effort will spread out to every town and village of our province. Not a single state hospital and clinic is exempt from the effect of the strike," say the leaders in a statement.

"Huge appreciation for the selfless work of the volunteers was expressed by Dr Fred Rank (Director Clinical Governance) and Thulane Madonsela (Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex chief executive) at a meeting we had with them on August 29. The effort serves those who would otherwise be left without the very basic medical care during the prolonged strike in the public sector," say the leaders.

Qualified medical health care workers may also volunteer in their professional capacity at state hospitals. They will need to identify themselves and submit proof of their qualifications at the hospital.

The church leaders have urged the government and labour to put an end to the strike: "As the church we collectively urge organised labour and government to come to an agreement to end the strike. We invited representatives from DENOSA and NEHAWU for discussion of the precarious position at state-run hospitals, and will meet with them as soon as possible."

The church leaders are also "deeply concerned about the situation at schools, and plan to meet with all stakeholders in the field of education. Education as a national priority, is threatened by the strike," they say.

The effects of the strike on the strikers and their families also need to be considered: "We are concerned by the forthcoming financial plight of the families of state employees due to a loss of income. The most vulnerable – the sick and the children of employees– will suffer the most.

Rev Van Heerden can be contacted at 071 1255 794, or Danila Barnardo at the church office, tel 041 365 2169.
Posted by mype on Monday, August 30 @ 18:10:50 SAST

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 The Ungloved One Speaks

Business News from PEwww.MyPE.co.za: At a Friday 27 August PERCCI breakfast at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the well respected Michael Jackson, a global expert in the field of 'business to business' talks, captured the attention of a packed room of business men and women with his motivational presentation on "Better business rules". Jackson spoke of the gorilla's - or opportunities that are often missed because too much concern is shown towards following set patterns instead of thinking outside the box and adapting to changing times.

He demonstrated this pattern fixation with an entertaining video clip featuring 6 basketball players, part sleight of hand, part obfuscation and a major starring role taken by a man in a Gorilla suit.

Wanna know more? Pay the price of entrance the next time he comes to your neck of the woods, cheapskate - don't expect me to spoonfeed you all the time!

Having addressed over 700 conferences and seminars across the globe and sharing his knowledge in communication and marketing I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Michael Jackson has close ties to Port Elizabeth with two children at Woodridge School.

Having attended a number of these talks by business gurus I am at that stage in my life where I think that these business guru's are becoming a replacement for organised religion as they espouse adherence to moral and ethical guidelines and also create an almost religious fervour in those business people who leave the room fired up to change the world, but need to return for another fix from another guru every now and then. Even the words used are related to religion - for example Michael's presentation revealed the 7 Deadly Sins in business.

After the Gorilla was revealed to those present (there are none so blind as those who refuse to see), Michael recommended a book by Daniel Simons for further reading: The Invisible Gorilla.

Then we moved into some fascinating stats:
  • There is more trade in one day today than in the whole of the year 1950
  • There is more research in one day today than in the whole of 1960
  • There is more mail sent in one day today than in the whole of 1970
  • There are more phone calls made in one day today than in the whole of 1980
  • There are more emails sent in one day today than in the whole of 1994
  • There are more SMS's sent in one day today than in the whole of 1994
  • 2 Million e-mails are sent every second
  • 8 Billion SMS's are sent daily.
Interspersed with the stats were real life examples, comments and nuggets of knowledge from Michael.

Michael predicted that by 2013 business would have to respond to their customers in a near constant real time time frame - no longer weeks, days, hours, minutes or seconds. Social Networking communication technologies such as Twitter and Facebook are the main drivers of this emphasis on near constant speed.

Jackson cited Obama as the most savvy and influential change merchant in the world urging his audience to purchase Barack Obama's book, Dreams From My Father.

The modern shift in customers is away from trusting institutions like the Government of the day, Religion, Teachers, Police and the like and more towards; "People just like me". The challenge for business is to find other and more people just like their customers and to engage those markets in their own space. Today's customers have all the technology, choices and power.

Business today needs to be "Always on, always different, always changing and always available"!

The 7 deadly sins according to Michael showed just why, in the last 100 years, 486 of the world's top companies have become extinct.
Posted by mype on Monday, August 30 @ 18:07:47 SAST

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 Dear Business, Partner With the Metro and Give us Millions to Buy Votes

Editorial Commentwww.MyPE.co.za: This morning I popped along to the King Edward Hotel for a War on Hunger breakfast/presentation sponsored by Absa Bank. The War on Hunger initiative sees the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality seeking to partner with business in an attempt to address the crushing poverty experienced by the nearly 30% of the Metro's population that have been identified as living in severe poverty.

Actually the estimate is that between 140 000 and 300 000 of the Metro's estimated population of 1.1 million live in severe poverty.

In 2006/7 survey by Development Partners, headed by Professor Deon Pretorius, it was determined that the population figure of 1.1. million as provided by Stats SA in 2006 was correct, despite the sprawling growth in the urban and peri-urban areas.

This same survey also confirmed the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro as the 'slowest growing Metro in the country'.

Some shocking facts emerged from the 26 areas identified as poor and distressed:
  • 83.9% of people over the age of 18 in these areas do not have a Grade 12 certificate
  • 35.9% of the 18 to 65 year olds are unemployed
  • 53.4% of the households receive a grant
  • 47.4% have no money for education
  • 99.7% of households do not have hot running water.
A total of 50 Metro Areas have been identified as poor or distressed.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality asked Development Partners to identify the mst distressed areas in the metro in order to form a Pilot Project based around the first phase of a feeding project.

For the War on Hunger Campaign, Development Partners identified:
  • 11 Wards for the Pilot Project
  • The general trend from 2006/7 is that the situation is at least 10% worse today
  • Over 90 000 people have been identified as needing immediate assistance
  • It is projected that between 140 000 and 300 000 people live in severe poverty in the metro.
  • In order to roll out the first phase of the Pilot Project over a period of 6 months a total of R90 million is required
  • To roll out the feeding programme ONLY to ALL identified communities over a one year period will cost R500 million
  • A three phase programme is proposed with the final outcome being poverty alleviation on a self help basis
  • Feeding Programmes are the first or dependence phase, the next phase being independence and the final phase interdependence
  • Local Government is becoming involved in unfamiliar territory (food provision, poverty alleviation and local economic development) so needs to partner with outside agencies and business to fulfill it's mandate
  • Poor must participate IN development and move away from benefitting FROM development.
Truly shocking figures that should be ringing alarm bells in any human beings mind and truly something that we should support with any means possible.

BUT, now allow the ranting cynic in me to rip the whole proposal and method to shreds - WARNING to sensitive readers - do not read on if you live in an ivory tower or dislike people who do not pull punches!
  • I received the notification of this breakfast/presentation, the day before, on Sunday 29 August at 1:34 p.m.
  • My immediate thought was; "Bloody hell, how insensitive can you get by having a Fat Cat Breakfast for the War on Hunger?"
  • The time on the e-mail invite was 8:00 for 8:30 - the presentation started at 9:00'ish.
  • The media e-mail invite went to 269 people.
  • One of the people on the e-mail invite was Graham Richards - I think he can afford his own breakfast, thank you.
  • I counted 4 media representatives that attended.
  • Executive Mayor Xanoxolo Wayile was a No Show.
  • The Programme Director did not sum up the reason for the breakfast at the start.
  • NO indication of end time was given.
  • Vital players in the War on Hunger were INCORRECTLY identified.
  • Speakers struggled to find their Slideshows on the one laptop available.
  • The DVD had no sound and it took the presenters 3 minutes to work out that the sound would NOT magically appear.
  • The DVD still had no sound after a second attempt to play it.
  • No follow up Road Map was presented.
  • The champion and person in charge of partnering with business was NOT identified.
  • No benefit to business was highlighted at all.
  • No contact details or indication on how to get involved was given.
  • No comfort given to business by the local government on steps that will be taken to create an enabling economic environment relatively free from strikes.
  • Catering was for 100 attendees.
  • Less than 50 people attended.
  • Many people left before the end.
  • How doff can you be to invite people to a breakfast at the start of the work week and not give time frames?
  • My conservative, cynics estimate is that only 5 corporates were present at the presentation.
  • I literally cringed with embarrasment that such an important initiative as the War on Hunger should be so badly planned, executed and attended.
  • The message that I got loud and clear from the Metro was; "We want millions of rand from business, but cannot operate a computer nor have the decency to prepare properly, BUT, we are the politicians in charge and need to be seen by the poor to be looking after them as the local elections are looming. So, let's quickly put this programme together and buy votes with other people's money!"
  • Lets face it when you are seeking to make such radical changes in people's lives and asking business for millions of rand in assistance your presentation needs to be top notch, well planned and offer tangible benefits.
  • I would do far better handing my R100.00 contribution directly to someone who would benefit from it - at the moment I don't see any benefit for the poor or the people financing the programme, other than vote collection of course!
Posted by mype on Monday, August 30 @ 16:13:17 SAST

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 1 900 Kilometre Skateboarder on his way to Port Elizabeth

Community Projects and Issueswww.MyPE.co.za: 27 Days into his journey Puddy (Johan) Zwennis, professional skateboarder and humanitarian, is on a roll as he strives to complete his 90 day expedition from Johannesburg to Cape Town on a skateboard. His trip, better known as 'Skate for Change', has not been without challenges however hospitable South Africans, beautiful towns and the constant reminder of why he is skating 1900km has kept him pressing forward to his ultimate goal.

An emotional send off on July 31, 2010 from the SOS Children's Village in Ennerdale saw Puddy and his team more determined than ever to fulfill their promise to raise funds for the Charity that aims to provide a loving home for every child. Their plan to raise awareness and get South Africans, specifically Puddy's generation, behind SOS Children's Villages South Africa has so far been met with nothing but excitement and a genuine willingness to assist.

In fact, both Puddy and his five-strong team have experienced firsthand the true spirit of Ubuntu as people - everyday South Africans - have opened up their homes and hearts to the Skate for Change team and their cause. "The response from the public has been phenomenal! Complete strangers have offered us accommodation, place to camp out and even meals and refreshments" explains Puddy.

Puddy committed to skating 25km per day, a figure he has reached and even exceeded. On Day 18, Puddy did a record 42km, just 8km short of double the amount he was required to do. He also averages 25–30km per hour on his skateboard, exceeding that on a downhill and sometimes slower than that on an uphill. Fellow teammate, Human Bergh (the team's marketing man) says "He (Puddy) has proven to be an athletic powerhouse and gets stronger with every stride."

Bad roads, potholes, fatigue and flat tyres are just a few of the obstacles that Puddy and the team have had to overcome. However, the highlights of the skateboarding voyage thus far have surpassed any difficulties experienced. They have brushed shoulders with celebrities such as Big Brother's Ferdinand Rabie, a well-known South African band has dedicated a song to them, they were invited to the opening of a new restaurant and they have even had the South African Police escort them into one of the towns.

Puddy and his team have ventured through Fochville, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Wesselbron, Bultfontein, Bloemfontein and Reddersburg; every town hosting the team with the warmth and hospitality that only South Africans can offer!

Whilst every town has provided them with a unique experience, Bloemfontein has been the most action packed. Puddy was given the opportunity to speak on OFM, a fan wrote a song for the team, Puddy skated in a pink tutu and, for the first time, he had a couple of skaters join him on the road.

Never losing sight of the cause and why he committed to this mammoth task, Puddy is psyched for the remaining 63 days. "My main goal remains to help the children of SOS and in the process get South Africa behind this charitable cause. I am ready for the days that lie ahead and no matter what obstacles come, I am committed to completing the journey."

Leigh Swartz, Fund Development Manager for SOS Children's Villages in South Africa says "We are exceptionally proud of Puddy and the Skate for Change Team! They have been awesome brand ambassadors for SOS and we can't thank them enough for taking on the enormous task of not only raising funds, but awareness too."

Puddy has left Reddersburg and is en route to the Port Elizabeth, Schauderville SOS Children's Village. Follow the Skate for Change extravaganza on www.sos.org.za or follow Puddy's journey in real time on www.skateforchange.co.za and click on his blog. Should you wish to support Skate for Change and their endeavour to assist SOS give a loving home to every child by raising R1 million, all you need to do is SMS the word Puddy to 38665 to donate R10 or go to your nearest Shoprite Checkers Easy Pay Point counter.
Posted by mype on Monday, August 30 @ 14:59:40 SAST

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 Ward 3 News August 2010

News from Ward 3 Port Elizabeth

www.MyPE.co.za: To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 3's councillor, Andre Goosen's report below, and don't forget to see what Jeremy Davis has been up to in Ward 5, Heinrich Muller in Ward 9, Retief Odendaal in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2.

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From Councillor Andre Goosen ...

WARD 3 REPORT - August 2010

In this Report:
  1. Housing & Land
  2. Infrastructure Engineering
  3. Economic Development Tourism & Agriculture
HOUSING & LAND
  1. Rezoning & Special Consent, Erf: 3261, How, Avenue, Central rezoning from Residential 1 to Special Purposes was refused but despite the objection received it was rezoned from Residential 1 to Residential 3 Purposes and that Special Consent be granted to permit Erf 3261 to be used for Medical Purposes subject to a series of conditions.
  2. Erf 2045, 82 River Road, Walmer, had been granted Special Consent to permit the property to be used as a Guest house.
  3. Erf 925, 54 Main Road, Walmer, request for Special Consent to permit a licensed restaurant was approved. As Councillor I recommended refusal since it is against the Walmer Policy Plan.
INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING
  1. The Electricity Distribution industry restructuring was presented by consultants who inform the committee that the NMBM ring fencing progress had been concluded and that a workshop will be arrange to discuss the programme and the way forward. In a private discussion Dr Barnard he assured me that all our concerns will be adequately addressed.
  2. There was a report on the number of Erven which will be electrified and the aim is to electrify 5014 by the end of this financial year. Council approved a total capital budget allocation of R15,995 million for the implementation of the electrification programme for 2009/10 of which 100% has already been spent at the end of April 2010.
  3. A committee led by Councillor Manentsa and officials from Electricity & Energy met with officials from Electricity & Energy who are responsible for the allocation of funds for electrification had a discussion on the electrification of informal dwellings. The NMBM had been requested to develop a strategic document to address the electrification of informal settlements. This strategy will consider the requirements of the Department of Energy and the outcome is targeted at attaining funding for the selected number of informal settlement for which the Department of Energy will provide guarantee letters. This strategy will then be incorporated in the National process and could act as a starting point for other large Cities and Metros.
  4. The Division of Revenue Act (DORA) has put in R30 million for 2009/ 10 and R25 million for 2010/2011 and R30 million in 2011/12 for energy efficient projects. These will include compact fluorescent lamp roll-out, energy efficient street lamps, energy efficient high mast lighting, energy efficiency in municipal buildings, traffic lights conversions LED and energy efficiency in water and waste water projects. Of these only the energy efficient high mast lighting and energy efficiency in the waste and water project has not yet been started.
  5. Following on a motion about the overgrown grass around electrical sub- stations. The committee was informed that budget is available and that it will be done by the grass cutters contacted to the Parks division.
  6. As at the 13th of June 2010 our dams were 35.5% full. The actual consumption in June this year was 11.4% lower than the consumption which the officials estimated. The average daily consumption is about 235 mega liters.
  7. In the Micro biological test on our drinking water the SANS requirement is 97% and the NMBM compliance is 97.8% compared with the Eastern Cape which has 96.5%. In the chemical test the SANS requirement is 85% and the NMBM compliance is 99.9%. Hence the water being produced by the NMBM is safe for human consumption.
  8. A total of R124 billion has been spent on the tarring of gravel roads through out the Metro. The officials reported that although there has been a slow start due to EIA requirements and the introduction of the new preferential procurement policy, the construction component is well on track to meet targets. The discharges from the Metro 7 waste water treatment works comply with the general standard and the authorization. The non-compliance of the industrial final affluent from Fish Water Flats wwtw is due to illegal discharges as well as hydraulic and organic overload. Consultants have been appointed to look at the process and hydraulic capacities of all the works.
  9. After various virements, i.e transfer of funds to the next financial year the officials reported that the capital budget expenditure will be excess of 96% by the end of June 2010.
  10. Contracts had been awarded for the construction of basic sanitation services in areas of the Metro where no sanitation or bucket sanitation exists. The bucket system is not considered to be basic sanitation. One of the problems is the tender amounts were much higher than anticipated and also the financial position on the budget. Owing to the above problem the NMBM will not be making the 2010 deadline for basic sanitation hence the basic sanitation.
  11. The expenditure of the project to inform the public to use less water was R18 .285 million.
  12. There will be a workshop on the integrated water resource management strategy in due course.
  13. Despite repeated advertising for civil engineers in the Local & National press, the recruitment has been minimal. Some new recruits are leaving better opportunities else where whilst others have capacity challenges. This impacts very seriously on the performance of the Infrastructure & Engineering directorate. The officials have recommended that interfacing with a remuneration project are undertaken by human resources directorate to determine suitable remunerative provisions for intended scarce skills recruits.
  14. The officials also proposed that the infrastructure & engineering directorate be divided into two directorates namely: water & sanitation directorate and integrated transport directorate.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURISM & AGRICULTURE
  1. There was a presentation made by BIDEVCO BBVEE Consortium on the Coega refinery. Mr van Wyk stated that they would be business partners and that government with a limit each partner to a R2 billion portion. Petro SA as well as other oil companies would be partners. In the refinery the petroleum coke will be used to generate power and there will also be desalination plant. This consortium stated that there will be approximately R2.1 billion in salaries and 16000 permanent jobs created. It also stated that this refinery will use more cement than all the Soccer stadium in South Africa. The crude oil will come from Brazil, Ghana & Afrika.
  2. In the presentation on the Standard Bank Community Investment Fund Mr Patrick Ooro said that communities will be involved in investments and that these funds will be available at low interest he said that businesses in the various communities. SBCS has developed a social corporate investment programme which will in assist the informal traders, co- operatives and all businesses to access funding and also build their financial profile.
  3. Mrs Mahuwa of NMBU made a presentation on the Co-operatives development sector. The NMBM is one of the leading municipalities in the implemention of the National Policy on Co-operatives, and persuisance of meaningful participation of the Co-operative Sector in the attainment of Local Economic Development imperatives.
  4. The Economic Development Directorate has developed a business plan and R1.5 million has been available in 2009/10 for the implementation of the Co-operative Development Centre at the University.
  5. There was a presentation on the Auto SMME Sector LED by Mr Grant Minnie. The aim on this sector is to support informal/formal businesses that are operating from back yards and also bring them into the main stream economy in order to nurture Economic Development and job creation. The idea is to find suitable land where these small auto practitioners can be housed and to empower them with skills to sustain their trade.
  6. A co-operatives exhibition – emerging designer exhibition which will be held in October 2010. The objectives of this programme are to improve and strengthen relations between the co-operatives sector and government and to ensure consultations among all business units. It also provides information and training to the co-operatives on tendering, co-operative legislation and procurement opportunities. It is estimated that there will be 350 participants from all the various stakeholders. The committee has approved a budget of R300 000 for this programme.
  7. The SEDA Nelson Mandela Bay Information, Communication & Technology Incubator constitutes to the process of creating small enterprises in the sector and it is a steady pipeline to the various clients as well as at these tertiary institutions.
  8. There was a detailed report on the National Business Incubation Conference Association which was held in Orlando, Florida, USA. The committee has recommended that the NMBM apply for membership to the National Business Incubation Association since it will allow numerous benefits and they also recommend that more representatives from the Municipality attend the Annual Conference.
  9. In the report on the SEDA Construction Incubator it was stated that the purpose is to provide selected contractors training in order to assist them to operate sustainable businesses. This will be done by training and mentorship.
  10. In the report on the market it was shown that the turnover has increased to R249. 399 million in 2009/10 as opposed to R224. 948 millions in 2008/9. The sale of potatoes decreased from 74 081 tons in 2008/9 to 31 148 tons in 2009/10 but the sale of vegetables increased from 15 508 tons last year to 19 398 tons this year. Surprisingly the most expensive vegetable was tomatoes which fetched R4 675 per ton and secondly was bananas which fetched R4 095 per ton. In contrast potatoes fetched R2 595 per ton.
  11. The committee has supported the process to identify a suitable form of recognition for buyers e.g. buyer one purchase R21.8 million and buyers 12 purchase was R1.232 million. Three buyers will be divided into 5 groups and be given some form of recognition.
  12. The committee is going to have a workshop to deal with all issues relate to commonages.
  13. All reports on planning agriculture project appraisal were not available and will be presented to the committee at the next meeting.
  14. A letter granting the Nelson Mandela Bay Community Station a temporary licence to operate has been received from ICASA and this radio station will be placed for open tender to be a Non-profit station and a Section 21 Company.
  15. Since the current international travel approval process is not rapid enough the committee has recommended that international travel by officials of the Sub-Directorate Trade & Investors be approved by the Executive Director and endorsed by the Municipal Manager in order to meet the investor deadlines.
  16. The business process outsourcing and off-shoring/promotion of services sector is promoting the employment of people in various call centres. At present 952 persons have been employed at various call centres. The largest are ABSA & Vodacom for each employed 240 people whereas the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism call centre only employed 3 people. VW contact centre employed 104 people. The standing committee has approved and supports the following up of the investment leads by undertaking working visits to Australia, Brazil & India in order to enter into negotiations with the visits investors.
  17. The standing committee supports the hosting of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Awards and has approved the funding of R300 000 for hosting this event.
  18. There were detailed reports on the Uitenhage Despatch Development Initiative and the Mandela Development Agency which can be read via the CD which can be obtain from the Ward 3 office.

Best Regards

André Goosen
(Ward 3 Cllr)
Tel:
041 586 2453
Cell:
083 405 0320
E-Mail: ward3[at]mandelametro.gov.za

Ward 3 covers the following area: Walmer, Greenshields Park, Walmer Heights, Park Drive from Doncaster Rd 1st Cape Rd up to Mill Park (east side) College Drive (Grey School) N.E. Mill Rd up to Hampton Rd

Posted by mype on Monday, August 30 @ 14:42:13 SAST

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 Would You Live in a Noisy Neighbourhood?

Community Projects and Issueswww.MyPE.co.za: Consider this scenario; For years you have stayed in a quiet neighbourhood, your children have followed your example and also populate the same space as you, growing their families and enjoying the prosperity.

Then, one day, totally unannounced, an alien craft moves into your neighbourhood and for days, weeks and months on end flies up and down releasing bursts of what sounds like a popping noise every 6 to 20 seconds. Sleeping is impossible, your body vibrates with the booming noise, your children cry all the time and the stress is making you 'slightly cranky'.

What do you do?

At first you run and hide, then, as you feel yourself going quietly mad, you leave your neighbourhood and move in somewhere else where it is quieter and you can manage to keep on growing your family. Your former happy and healthy neighbourhood now becomes a no go zone.

Imagine now that you are a vital cog in the marine food chain - choose your preffered creature - a sardine, a penguin, a seal, a whale, a dolphin, a calamari, a crab or any one of the many creatures that inhabit the sea floor and space of Algoa Bay.

Here you are enjoying your marvelous life in the food chain - most everything is in balance so you don't begrudge the many predators feasting on your 'excess' loved ones as that is the circle of life. Everyone in your neighbourhood is lusty, lively and happy.

Along comes a Seismic Exploration ship (the alien craft!) and it, on a 6 to 20 second cycle, continuously blasts off an acoustic signal produced by the sudden release of high pressure air from many pneumatic devices (an airgun) - all of a sudden the sea is now full of popping and crackling sounds that you can feel continuously bashing against your lateral line and within the sensitive parts of your body.

If you were that sea creature what would you do?

I am willing to bet that you would not hang around waiting for the alien craft to stop it's operation in your neighbourhood.

South African company, New African Global Energy is proposing to conduct a 3D seismic survey in the Algoa Gamtoos Block off the coast of Port Elizabeth to investigate oil and gas prospects.

The Algoa Gamtoos Block stretches from Jeffreys Bay to Alexandria and covers an area of 12 000 Square Kilometres. The area that will be surveyed is around 50 kilometres off the Port Elizabeth shoreline, about 500km2 at a depth of between 100 and 200 metres. The proposed Seismic Survey area is contained within a greater area of 1 500 Square Kilometres.

It is estimated that the survey will start in November or December 2011 and last three months.

Deep water marine surveys are conducted using vessels capable of towing one or more seismic cables known as "streamers". Modern 3D surveys use multiple streamers deployed in parallel, to record data suitable for the three-dimensional interpretation of the structures beneath the sea bed. A single vessel may tow anything up to 10+ streamers, each 6 km+ in length, spaced 50–150 m apart.

A Seismic vessel engaged in surveying is defines as a "vessel restricted in it's ability to manoeuvre" and requires that other vessels, especially those engaged in fishing shall keep out of the way.

Typical applied for exclusion zones for Seismic ships could be 8 kilometres bow and stern and 6 kilometres port and starboard during the day time, 12 kilometres bow and stern and 9 kilometres port and starboard during night time for the vessel which will be moving at between 3 and 6 knots.

The basic principle behind seismology is based on when a seismic wave encounters a boundary between two materials with different impedances, some of the energy in the wave will be reflected at the boundary, while some of the energy will continue through the boundary. As a consequence there must be some truth in the assumption that these seismic surveys affect the marine population negatively physiologically and acoustically.

The Acoustic Ecology Institute estimates that there are about a hundred commercial seismic survey vessels worldwide, and that their activity is increasing the overall background noise in the sea to levels that are likely making long-range whale communication difficult.

A 1996 study in Norway showed that airguns lowered fish catch rates over a 5 200 square kilometre area, a 2004 study provided the first suggestions that airguns can cause long-term injuries in snow crabs, and surveys in 2001 and 2003 were implicated surveys in the beaching of squid that died from unexplained internal injuries.

A well-established body of research indicates that marine mammals tend to avoid active seismic survey vessels, often exhibiting avoidance behavior at ranges of 5-30km; however, it is not uncommon for whales or dolphins to approach closer to operating airguns, whether out of curiosity or because of a biological need to be where they are. In 2002, two beaked whales (proven most susceptible to sonar impacts) were found dead along a shoreline near where an academic survey was underway; they were too decomposed to determine a cause of death, but the incident became the first case of a survey being stopped by the courts due to animal safety concerns.

Wild fish stocks similarly avoid active seismic surveys; several studies since 1990 have shown that fish catches decrease by 50% or more in areas of up to 5 200 square kilometres during seismic surveys; there is also evidence that fish egg viability is decreased by long-term exposure to low frequency noise. There has been very little study of the effects of airguns on more sedentary bottom-dwellers, or on plankton and other foundations of the food chain. Recent studies of caged fish and snow crabs have shown that both can sustain physiological damage when airguns pass overhead.

Industrial seismic surveys have been in operation worldwide for decades, with relatively few reports of obvious harm to sea life. BUT, the biological effects of displacement and harassment by noise are not well studied. There is some evidence of long-term hearing damage in cetaceans.

Though the effects of behavioral changes caused by animals avoiding sound are impossible to separate from other population-level stressors on sea life such as toxins, etc, given the tenuous recovery of cetaceans, and the global decline in most fish species, calls are increasing to limit additional stressors on these fragile populations of sea life.

Several beachings of giant squid along the coast of Spain have raised concerns that their deaths may have been caused by exposure to loud sounds, possibly seismic survey airguns. Unusual numbers of stranded squid appeared during seismic surveys in both 2001 and 2003, according to researcher Angel Guerra. None had signs of superficial damage, but all had internal injuries. Ear damage was present in all specimens, with further organ and tissue damage in some. "No one has ever seen this before in giant squid," says Guerra, who fears there might be many more victims.

The first controlled study of snow crabs exposed to an active seismic survey has revealed a surprising amount of physiological damage. Crabs, which were caged on the seafloor as airguns passed 40 meters above them, exhibited tissue and organ damage, slightly poorer reproduction, and an increased number of lost legs. Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans researchers, who did the study, noted that there was no significant change in mortality or feeding patterns in crabs exposed to airguns, but that hemorrhaging and membrane detachment in the crabs' ovaries was noted.

Environmental Resources Management is calling on all interested and affected parties to comment on the proposed Seismic Survey by New African Global Energy.

You can register your intent, issues and concerns by contacting ERM via e-mail, post or fax and quoting this reference number: 0120496:
  • Tougheeda Aspeling - tougheeda.aspeling[at]erm.com (* See below as well)
  • Fax: 021 701 7900
  • Post: Postnet Suite 90, Private Bag X12, Tokai, 7966
Please Note:
  • Registration must be done by 6 September 2010
  • An e-mail sent to the original ERM contact, * Albert De Jong (albert.dejong[at]erm.com) comes back with an autoresponder saying: "Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office from Monday 23 August and not return until 13 September. I will have intermittent access to emails. For urgent queries please contact Tougheeda Aspeling on tougheeda.aspeling[at]erm.com or + 27 21 702 9100."
Local NGO, Ocean Messengers recently expressed their deep concern at the proposed Seismic Survey saying; "We want to express our deepest concerns with any oil exploration in our extremely vulnerable and fragile marine environment. We strongly suggest to cancel your operation immediately."

"Ocean Messengers stand together with our Members and expertise to try and prevent a similar catastrophe as in the Gulf region happening in Algoa Bay and South African waters."

"We have a lot to lose. Huge fishing grounds (Hake and Squid), a current (Agulhas) which is responsible for the climate in the Northern Hemisphere as well as a huge biodiversity in marine mammals and sea birds."

"Oil is a resource with limited accessibility and its time is running out. We need to concentrate on alternatives."

More Reading: Wikipedia | ERM | Accoustic Technology Institute.
Posted by mype on Monday, August 30 @ 13:01:37 SAST

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