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GSFA: Group Sex For Amoebas
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| Welcome to MyPE - Port Elizabeth Community Web Site
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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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Send Port Elizabeth News to alan[at]MyPE.co.za | VISIT the
MyPE BARGAIN Corner |
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 www.MyPE.co.za: An
international organization will from 12h00 tomorrow (11 September 2010)
at the Walmer Methodist Church, 83 Main Road, Walmer
package and distribute 5000 food packs to individuals in Walmer
Township and other residential areas as part of a campaign to stop
hunger.
Stop Hunger Now, as the organization is known, is collaborating with a
local church to provide much needed relief to needy individuals.
This comes as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is mooting a
city-wide war in hunger campaign to respond to the immediate needs of
families while long term sustainable poverty eradication measures are
being put in place. The plans are at an advanced stage and a number of
stakeholders have been engaged. Further consultations with communities
on key aspects of the campaign are scheduled to take place shortly in
order to bring communities on board.
The Municipality is pleased to see stakeholders respond to the call to
action and is truly inspired by this great initiative.
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage
and Despatch).
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 17:03:35 SAST
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NMMU Design Students Dominate Ideas that Matter Grants |
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 www.MyPE.co.za: Three
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University graphic design students won a
total of R280000 worth of grants as part of the international SAPPI
Ideas That Matter initiative for 2010.
 Graphic Design BTech
students Michelle Hoch, Bianca Wolmerans and
Leigh-Anne Salonika designed campaigns for community-based
organisations. With the guidance of Applied Design postgraduate
lecturer Bruce Cadle, all three submitted work to The Sappi Ideas that
Matter competition.
The initiative encourages designers to use design to influence positive
change, to help those in need, to make a difference, towards building a
more sustainable future that reduces inequalities and access to
resources in South Africa.
"Graphic design students have become acutely aware that they have a
social responsibility to use their talent for more than just commercial
ends - it's about balance and making a difference in someone's life as
well," says Cadle.
"This year choosing work for submission was a real challenge because
there were such outstanding ideas. I guess three wins out of five
entries is pretty impressive. Last year we managed three grants as well
and this year have scored an additional R280 000. I am really proud of
these students' achievements. Watch out 2011!"
 Michelle has been
awarded R100 000 for her campaign for the Missionvale
Care Centre, Leigh-Anne R80 000 for her campaign for the
Thandusana
Babies Home in Newton Park and Bianca won R100 000 for The Nkosinathi
Foundation. The grants will be used to pay for the production
(printing) of the campaigns on behalf of their chosen organisation.
"I have always had a heart for the hungry and marginalised. The
Missionvale Care Centre selflessly helps thousands of people everyday,
but their hands are tied as a result of the critical shortage of food,"
says Michelle.
"It is always fulfilling to reach out and help others, and now this
Sappi grant has provided me with the opportunity as a designer to do
just that."
Bianca's campaign is to create awareness about people with visual
impairments and try and obtain donations for the Nkosinathi Foundation
to continue helping people.
"By doing this I intend to show the difficulties visually-impaired
people are faced with. Hopefully then sighted people will see things
differently and have a positive reaction by donating money."
The third winner Leigh-Ann was prompted to support orphaned babies
after reading the plight of abandoned babies. "I could not think of
anything worse than abandoning a child without a
thought as to if they survive and how. Their plight hit home while
spending a day with these little ones.
"They are amazing little people when you enter Thandusana's home you
are welcomed with smiles and greetings of hugs around your legs that
brighten anyone's day".
Director of the School of Music Art and Design Mary Duker is equally
delighted with the results. "These Ideas that Matter 2010 awards add to
students recently excelling in different areas of art and design. Our
students from NMMU
in the Eastern Cape are showing their potential and
flair nationally and internationally."
The SAPPI Ideas That Matter competition is open to the design industry
worldwide and includes students and design professionals. The
competition requires graphic designers to identify a charity or NGO of
their choice. The graphic designer is challenged to create a
publicity/fund raising/ awareness campaign for their selected
organisation and calculates the costs for the production of the
campaign. The graphic designer's time is supplied pro bono.
The talent of graduate and postgraduate work in Art and Design will be
on exhibition next month. The public is welcome to attend.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 16:17:50 SAST
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Churches Call for Education Rescue Plan |
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www.MyPE.co.za: A
group of senior church leaders from Nelson Mandela Bay has called on
the churches, parents, teachers and pupils to "rescue" education from
its present crisis.
The statement was released after a meeting between the church leaders
and senior management officials from the Department of Education in
Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage on Thursday 9 September.
"A frank discussion was held in which we expressed grave concern about
the state of education in general, despite huge budget allocations over
many years. The serious predicament of Grade 12 learners, who were left
without educational support in the face of their final exams, creates
an intolerable situation," says the statement.
It comes as the Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011 by the World
Economic Forum gives South Africa poor marks for education:
South Africa is ranked at 129 out of 139 countries for "health and
primary education". It is at number 125 for the quality of primary
education, 130 for the quality of the educational system, 137 for the
quality of maths and science education, and university enrolment at
number 15% of matriculants places it at number 99 in the world.
"The plight of all children at school touched our hearts, since we as
adults are failing them and leaving them at risk while we are called by
God to protect and nurture them, helping them to find a productive and
meaningful future through a proper education," says the statement.
"We were greatly encouraged by the rescue plan prepared by the
Department of Education’s senior management for our area. It includes
the request to pray for our children and the way forward," it adds.
The leaders are Catholic Bishop Michael Coleman, 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, and Anglican Bishop Bethlehem
Nopece.
"Parents need to work hand in hand to motivate learners. All is not
lost. By working hard, staying focused and preparing themselves well,
our children, especially those in Grade 12, can still reach their dream
in 2010.
"Learners should motivate one another. Stay on track, prepare each day,
study hard, turn up for school, take part in your exams.
"Teachers need to be responsible and work hard in the class room with
learners to prepare themselves. Now is the time to put in extra hours
with our children to make sure that we complete the curriculum. Take up
the chalk and teach!
"School governing bodies and principals carry the responsibility to
lead and to manage their schools professionally, and to follow the
leadership of the Department of Education. We are held accountable by
God for the way in which we treat and support those put under our care,
the children, the future of our nation.
"Congregations should take up their public responsibility to be
involved in the local schools in their vicinity. Support the schools,
strengthen the hands of educators, motivate learners and pray for our
school system. Create space in your liturgy for education," say the
church leaders.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 15:16:23 SAST
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New Moon Spring Tide Warning |
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 www.MyPE.co.za: The
National Sea Rescue remind bathers, paddlers, surfers, anglers and
boaters to be aware of the New Moon Spring Tide which brings a lower
than normal low tide and a higher than normal high tide resulting in
the strongest rip-currents and other dangers like rocks, not normally
swamped by waves, being swamped by waves and rocky outcrops that are
cut
off from the mainland during the high tide as well as sea currents
being stronger
than normal.
Spring Tide occurs twice monthly, every month of the year, at New Moon
and again at Full Moon.
The few days leading up to, during and following spring tide
are when the strongest rip-currents
occur.
Bathers and people wading in the ocean who are caught up in
Rip-Currents are the greatest cause of drowning accidents along our
coastline.
Anglers can be swept off rocks by the unusually higher than normal tide
or cut off from the mainland when fishing on rocky outcrops.
Caution along the coastline is advised for bathers, paddlers, surfers,
anglers and boaters during spring tide.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 12:20:44 SAST
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Municipal Lifeguards Pass Diving Course With Flying Colours |
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www.MyPE.co.za: Nine
lifeguards from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality did exceptionally
well during a recent diving course facilitated by Pro
Dive in Walmer,
Port Elizabeth.
Mr Louis van Aardt, Owner of Pro Dive, said that he was very impressed
with the group’s enthusiasm to learn and that they were actually very
good.
“They all passed the intense instruction on open water diving and
advanced diving with flying colours which means they can now classified
as rescue divers,” he added.
Laurence Gin, Kirsten Ingram, Kirsten Japhta, Thomas Plaatjies, Kurt
Cain, Cameron Pritchard, Asanda Makazi, Luvoyo Nonzinyana and Craig
Scott received their certificates at a brief ceremony at the Pro Dive
Offices.
They were exposed to this course as a result of the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality’s Training and Development Programme that is essentially
focused on developing the skills of the lifeguards who are entrusted
with the important responsibility of safeguarding the visitors to our
pristine beaches.
Their newly developed skills will not just be put to good use during
rescue operations, it will also be used during the placement of buoys
and they will now also be able to dive it out.
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage
and Despatch).
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 12:13:31 SAST
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Visit Addo Elephant Park for FREE |
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www.MyPE.co.za: From
Monday to Friday next week (13 to 17 September), all South Africans can
spend a day at one
of the country's national parks without paying an entry fee as part of
the Know Your National Parks campaign.
South African National Parks (SANParks) will allow locals with valid
South African identity documents to enter any park managed by it
completely free of charge, with the exception of Boulders in the Table
Mountain National Park, and Tankwa Karoo and Namaqua national parks.
According to SANParks' general manager of media relations, Reynold
Thakhuli, the campaign's objective is to cultivate a culture of pride
in all South Africans with regards to the country’s natural, cultural
and historical heritage.
"The idea of a national parks focus week was conceived in 2006, after
we realised that a vast majority of South Africans was not accessing
the national parks.
"SANParks then embarked on this campaign to encourage all South
Africans, especially those from the communities around the parks, to
share in what we envision to be the pride and joy of all South Africans
and the world," said Thakuli.
"Environmental education and protection is the responsibility of
everyone, not just a privileged few. If we are to create a sense of
ownership of the natural heritage of South Africa in all South
Africans, then all South Africans must be able to have access to such,"
he added.
Children younger than 16 will be allowed free access without having an
ID document.
"We especially want our young people to take advantage of this
opportunity because this heritage will be under their protection in the
near future. We encourage teachers and school groups to diarise these
dates and plan a visit to a national park nearby," said Thakhuli.
He added that the free access did not include any commercial activities
in the parks, such as guided safaris or walks.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 12:11:07 SAST
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Get Your Free Bay United Shirt |
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 www.MyPE.co.za: The
first 50 supporters at Westbourne Oval will get a unique Bay United
T-shirt for free.
While Nelson Mandela Bay is slowly warming up to Executive Mayor
Zanoxolo Wayile's call to support local football outfit, Bay United, by
donning Umlilo's traditional red and white on Football Friday's,
several supporters will get the opportunity to pick up a unique T-shirt
at the game.
The first 50 supporters that pitch up at the Westbourne Oval before
kick-off at 3pm tomorrow, 11 September 2010, will get the Bay
United
supporters T-shirt for free. Gates open at 12:00.
During the week supporters must take note that Bay United gives away
free T-shirts when an individual buy 5 tickets at a cost of R10 per
ticket. Tickets for children cost R5.
Free busses will be available from Motherwell (NU2 Stadium and Wells
Estate), KwaNobuhle (Babs Madlakane Hall), Veeplaas (Crown), Walmer
Gqebera (Vernon Gamanda High School), Cleary Park Shopping Centre, New
Brighton (Nangoza Jebe Hall) and Njoli Square (Kentucky) at 1pm
tomorrow.
Tickets are available from your Bay United supporter's club committee
member in your area or at the gate.
For more information, contact Fezeka Matsheku at 082 848 4376.or Mayoyo
Ndimba at 072 541 9776.
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage
and Despatch).
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 12:08:30 SAST
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PEBCI Continues Moving Sideways |
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 www.MyPE.co.za: As
has been the case for a number of months the PEBCI, while reflecting
marginal month-on-month growth, has largely been moving sideways, a
trend which continued through July 2010.
The constrained performance of the PEBCI, however, does reflect more
subdued levels of economic activity in the economy in general. During
the second quarter of 2010 South Africa’s rate of economic growth
declined by more than expected to 3.2 percent, down from 4.6 percent in
the first quarter, and when the contribution of agriculture to GDP
growth is factored out, the rate of GDP growth in the second quarter
falls further to 2.7 percent.
Despite growth in the real disposable income of households, which will
also probably have slowed in the second quarter of 2010, households
remain heavily in debt and under pressure from the loss of around
700000 jobs in the formal non-agricultural sector in the past eighteen
months creating an environment of caution characterized by debt
reduction and financial consolidation. In these circumstances despite
an already significant reduction in interest rates with possibly
further interest rate reductions to come, growth in credit extension to
the private sector, while slowly improving, remains subdued continuing
to reflect growth rates last experienced in the mid nineteen sixties.
Encouragingly business confidence levels for South Africa as measured
by the RMB/BER survey and SACCI are both reflecting some improvement in
the third quarter which will be supportive of growth in the economy,
but in all probability at a further reduced rate in the second half of
the year. Further interest rate reductions, should they occur, will
also support sentiment and economic activity in coming months as well
as the performance of the PEBCI.
With regard to the details of the PEBCI, the trend cycles in seven of
the sub-indices reflected improvement, six reflected deterioration and
two moved sideways.
The indicators that supported the PEBCI through July included growth in
the trend cycle of new car sales in the metro which continues
reflecting improvement and the trend in the number of passengers
arriving at the PE airport which also continues reflecting growth. The
PEBCI continues to be supported by a decline in the trend cycle of
local rate of inflation which fell to four percent in July from five
percent in June. Trend cycle growth in the real value of retail sales
in the Eastern Cape continues reflecting slow recovery and the trend
cycle in the price of gold also assisted the index. While down on
levels achieved earlier this year the trend cycle in the JSE all share
index recovered slightly through July and the trend in the real value
of exports while moving sideways in recent months reflected growth in
July.
On the downside, while new data will only be available in
mid-September, the level of consumer confidence in the Eastern Cape
declined during the second quarter of 2010 with the index falling to 20
from 26 in the first quarter. Furthermore, the trend cycle in the rand
US dollar exchange rate reflected weakness through July despite the
average exchange rate for July strengthening in comparison to June, and
the trend cycles of the real value building plans passed in the Metro
and the real value of building completed declined through July. The
decline in the trend cycle of the total new vehicle market continued
into July as rates of growth in commercial vehicle sales reflected
weakness and the trend cycle in the real seasonally adjusted value of
manufacturing output also declined through July.
The trend cycle of two indicators moved sideways through June, these
included the trend cycle of the prime rate of interest that has
remained unchanged since March, and the trend cycles in the real value
of imports which moved sideways through July.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 12:04:18 SAST
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Gallop on Down to Fairview to Help the Dolphins |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
Save Bayworld Campaign - launched by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism - get's
off to a gallop today (Friday 10 September) when Nelson Mandela Bay
businesses and individuals attend a charity Surf 'n Turf Day at the
Races to raise funds for the cash-strapped Bayworld.
Many Bay businesses have thrown their weight behind Save Bayworld
campaign by sponsoring tables and prizes for the event and are
determined to see that the city does not loose one of its best loved
icons.
"I honestly believe that Bayworld has been and is one of Port
Elizabeth's landmarks. We are devastated that we stand the very real
chance of loosing this crucial facility," said Elsabe Boshoff, general
manager of Ocean
Divers International, which is sponsoring a prize for
the Day at the Races raffle and lucky draw.
"If we look at other oceanariums around the world and in South Africa -
like uShaka in Durban - I think we in Nelson Mandela Bay really do have
the capacity and facilities to create a phenomenal oceanarium.
"With the money and the right leadership Bayworld can go to new
heights. But this cannot happen without buy-in from the public," said
Boshoff, hence the reason they are supporting the campaign.
Trenwyth Pledger, owner of Thunzi Bush Lodge, said that supporting this
campaign was equivalent to being patriotic to Nelson Mandela Bay. "As
someone from the private sector, but working in the tourism industry, I
realise more than ever that it's vitally important that we help
Bayworld because it's a key tourist attraction for our city," she said.
"I myself have fond memories of the dolphins, seals and museum at
Bayworld - and it's important for our children to have a place to go to
revisit the history of our city and also learn and see the beauty of
the marine world," said Pledger, a mother of triplets. "We live right
on the ocean - it makes sense for us to have an oceanarium that gives
us insight to what goes on under the waters."
Legacy Hotels Resorts is sponsoring the biggest prize for a raffle
draw, valued at R12 000, and includes a wellness weekend breakaway at
Kuzuko Lodge near Addo for two people.
Das Boffa, general sales agent for Legacy Hotels Garden Route and
Eastern Cape, said the company as a tourism industry stakeholder
believes it is important to protect tourism in the country. "Bayworld
is a core product for Port Elizabeth and it is sad that, as a
destination, it might loose one of its most important attractions.
"It's important that we help preserve Bayworld because it improves the
whole tourism trade to Nelson Mandela Bay - we couldn't not get behind
the Save Bayworld Campaign," said Boffa.
Summerstand Hotel is also sponsoring a prize and sales representative
Donna Peo reiterated the point that Bayworld helps bring people into
the city and provides a centre of excellence for those who live here.
"We decided to back this campaign because it is crucial that Bayworld
is saved, fixed up and brought back to it's former glory and better for
Bay locals and other tourists," said Peo.
The first fundraising event is a Surf n Turf Day at the Races today at
Fairview Racecourse, Greenbushes. Bay idols candidate Simon Shaw will
play for the public and the Sunrise Jazz Band will also be performing.
Members of the public are invited to come watch the races from 12pm
onwards and to dress in either surf or turf attire and to "open their
hearts and wallets to the Save Bayworld Campaign", said Phrosne
Phillips NMBT
event organiser.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, September 10 @ 12:00:05 SAST
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Eid Mubarak Message From the Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile |
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www.MyPE.co.za:On
behalf of all residents of Nelson Mandela Bay I would like to wish all
our Muslim brothers and sisters 'Eid Mubarak!'
 Eid-ul-Fitr marks the
end of the holy and spiritual month of Ramadaan, which you spent in
fast and prayer, in addition to reaching out to and feeding the poor
and needy in our city. For these and other compassionate deeds, we
would like to say thank you.
May your Eid be filled with celebration and thanksgiving.
If I may quote from the blessed Qu'ran: "Come, ye thankful people,
come, that you complete the number (of Fasts) and proclaim the
greatness of God for having guided you, and so that you may render
thanks and rejoice" (2:185).
Eid Mubarak to you all!
Zanoxolo Wayile
Executive Mayor
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage
and Despatch).
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, September 09 @ 17:01:23 SAST
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Bumper Sporting Weekend in Port Elizabeth |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Cllr Zanoxolo Wayile, today urged
residents to support the sports activities that will be taking place in
the city over the weekend.
"Nelson Mandela Bay is fortunate enough to be hosting, not one, not
two, but three major sporting matches this weekend, in the three most
popular sports," said Mayor Wayile, referring to the EP Kings vs Boland
1st Division rugby match on Friday evening at the Nelson Mandela Bay
Stadium, the 2010 Airtel Champions League Twenty20 cricket match
between the EP Warriors and Sri Lanka's Wayamba Eleven on Saturday, and
the Bay United-Blackburn Rovers soccer match, also on Saturday.
The cricket match takes place at St George's Park and starts at 13h30,
the soccer is at the Westbourne Oval at 15h00.
"When such exciting events happen in the Bay, it is important that we
show that we are worthy hosts - as we did in the World Cup - by turning
out in our numbers," said Mayor Wayile.
"I also urge all our people to wear white and red on Friday, in support
of Umlilo (Bay United)."
Mayor Wayile assured all residents and visitors that all necessary
logistical arrangements had been made. "I have had the pleasure of
either meeting with the organisers or being briefed by fellow
councillors and officials, and am confident that this weekend is going
to be great."
"I hope that our Royals show their mettle and the fact that we deserve
top flight rugby in the Bay, that Umlilo register an emphatic win and
that the Warriors show our brothers from Sri Lanka why they (the
Warriors) are the domestic champs!"
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage
and Despatch).
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, September 09 @ 16:57:36 SAST
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East Cape Property Crimes Increase |
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 www.MyPE.co.za: The
number of contact crimes - such as murder and attempted murder -
although frighteningly high, have stabilised at an astronomical level.
On the one hand I am relieved but on the other disappointed that we are
still living in a very violent society.
In total contrast to this, crimes against property have shown an upward
drift in certain categories. The real shocker is the high increase in
robberies at non-residential premises, which are up almost 50% (from
851 to 1 273). Burglary at non-residential premises is also
up by about three percent.
This means businesses continue to undergo high costs to protect their
premises. An added cost to business is the increase in truck
highjackings from 30 to 57.
The high rate of burglaries at residential premises remains almost
constant at 28 384 compared with 28 572 the previous year. This means
that 78 homes are broken in to every day in this province. Robbery at
residential premises which increased 128% last year continues to rise.
This means four households every day are confronted by robbers.
Crimes against property, particularly when your home is invaded,
strikes fear into the heart of our communities. Until there is a major
downward shift in these kinds of crimes, people will not feel safe and
secure even in their own homes.
Of ongoing concern is the increase of stock theft of 11%. This impacts
on the viability of the agricultural sector which is a large employer
in the province.
The fact that the crimes of driving under the influence of alcohol and
drug-related crime are slightly up is a reflection of good police work
in nailing drunken drivers and the SAPS must be commended for this.
However, we are never going to get the drug situation under control
unless we re-establish the narcotics bureau which is a specialised unit
for dealing with drugs.
During the Soccer World Cup the police engaged in a number of
successful strategies which created a climate of real security. These
strategies need to be applied round the clock if we are to bring the
crime rate down. This together with a return of specialised units, an
increase in the number of detectives and improved visibility patrolling
will create the society in which we will all feel safe.
Bobby Stevenson, MPL.
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, September 09 @ 16:54:17 SAST
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New Telephone Number for Uitenhage Traffic Department |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Traffic Department in Uitenhage can
be contacted at a new number from Monday, 13 September 2010.
The old number of 041 922 9900 will be permanently replaced with the
041 995 2700.
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage
and Despatch).
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, September 09 @ 13:53:21 SAST
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Achmat Dangor Challenges PE Business |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
PERCCI,
NMMU,
MBDA
and NMBT
hosted a business breakfast for Nelson
Mandela Foundation CEO, Achmat Dangor at Elizabeth Place on 8 September.
 If I have to hear the
phrase "All Protocol Observed" at one more event,
one more time I just may scream - all these guys (and they tend to only
be male) get up and acknowledge the movers and the shakers in the room
in the name of protocol. Then, they stand there and rail against
pigeonholing people in a box - black, white, coloured, advantaged,
disadvantaged etc. saying that we are all one and part of the Human
Race. Um, speaker of the moment, you have just negated your high ideals
in your race to point out those who are greater than you and I and
become a classist (is there such a word?), DUH!
A number of 'incidents' at the breakfast made me think that we, in
business and in Port Elizabeth have become maybe a little too stuffy
and self important for our own good.
First of all we love to use acronyms - just look at the list of
sponsors: PERCCI,
NMMU,
MBDA
and NMBT.
Not to mention some of the other
favourites such as JIT, AVO's FIFO, LIFO, APO and my particular
favourites WTF and MTPSS (The qualification on my old business card).
Then we tend to leave the fun loving side of our personalities at home
in the endless quest to be 'Adult': In his introduction of Achmat
Dangor to the assembled business and other people, NMMU Vice Chancellor
Proffesor Derrick Schwartz nearly had me choking on my coffee with
gleeful laughter when he asked us to imagine him as a young activist
with platform shoes, bell bottoms, an afro with a comb in it and a
bright shirt trying to run away from the grim long arm of the security
police - what a delightful image and instant realisation of Prof
Schwartz as a delightful person. (Next CASUAL Day I am coming to get a
photo of you in such a get up, Prof!)
Conclusion - I would far rather have a fun loving boss than a tyrant.
And of course if you want something done right then get the right
person to do so - in this instance it was a small problem with
adjusting the microphone for Achmat to make his presentation. And, if
that right prson happens to be a women then all the power to her.
Watching the academics struggle to adjust the microphone stand was just
a little bit too much for young Buli G. who eventually sorted out the
small technical hitch with aplomb.
Note to self; "Try and be a bit more positive" - someone at the
breakfast told me that I could be pretty caustic when reporting on
things that irk me and then went on to say that it was an attitude that
was needed - talk about mixed signals!
Achmat Dangor cued us in on some stats from the Nelson Mandela
Foundation which had, in the period 1999 to 2004, accomplished the
building of close on 100 schools, numerous clinics, handed out many
bursaries through the Nelson Rhodes Foundation, established the 4664
movement and raised around R400 million.
The emphasis of the Nelson Mandela Foundation since Dangor took over in
2004 has changed from one of raising money and supplementing
infrastructural needs to one of ensuring that the legacy, documents and
records of Nelson Mandela are found all over the world and collated for
future generations.
Dangor is planning to ensure that these documents will constitute a
unique record of struggle, documenting the way that people found each
other and entered into dialogue thereby allowing people to also learn
from the mistakes of the past.
An emphasis on dialogue between South Africans is needed where the
present generation learn how to speak AND listen.
Dangor is hoping that the "assumption that only political organisations
can engage on a community level" becomes a misnomer. Through dialogue
it is hoped that citizens will come to the realisation that government
must be held accountable for creating an enabling environment and that
the current perception of "the reward for my vote is that government
will create a job for me and give me a house" will change to "how can I
create a job myself".
Achmat Dangor summed up the Nelson Mandela Foundation's purpose with an
acronym: MDA - Memory, Dialogue, Action.
In closing Dangor asked Port Elizabeth business and people to make a
conscious effort to invest in people who are on the edge - pointing to
a succesful Micro Loan product by the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh for
which Prof. Muhammad Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.
Port Elizabeth has been challenged to start a dialogue with the young,
the marginalised and the poor - asking what can I do to improve the
situation around me?
Submit Your Press Release to MyPE
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on MyPE | MyPE
Classifieds.
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, September 09 @ 13:49:51 SAST
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Bay United Make Their Comeback |
| | Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 08 @ 17:04:23 SAST
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They Say That Losing Builds Character |
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www.MyPE.co.za: But,
what they don't say is that the losing feeling SUCKS.
 Port Elizabeth was
just getting used to having a rugby team on a
winning streak and looking like being invincible in the Absa Currie Cup
First Division when a long flight to Johannesburg followed by an even
longer bus trip to Welkom to face the Griffons proved too much for the
EP Kings who went down 27 - 18 on Friday 3 September.
With a total of 18 penalties (11 at the breakdown) conceded by the EP
Kings last Friday the score against could have been much larger.
The EP Kings previous encounter with the Griffons on 23 July at the NMB
Stadium saw the EP Kings snatch victory from the jaws of
defeat, the
dying seconds of the game, to win 26 - 25.
The feeling in the EP camp is one of learning from a hard and
disappointing lesson and going forward one game at a time.
This Friday sees the EP
Kings take on Boland in a match starting at
7:00 p.m. The entrance fee is R30 for adults and R10 for children.
Reflecting on the EP Kings defeat of Boland on 31 July at the Boland
Stadium in Wellington, EP Kings coach, Alan Solomons remarked; "Boland
were purportedly the strongest team in the division and the first time
that we played them was a big game. This game will be an even tougher
one as they now have four guys playing for them who have represented
the country."
The points situation for
the top three teams in the first division is
looking pretty tight:
- Eastern Province Kings: (Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1) 28
- SWD: (Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1) 24
- Griffons: (Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3) 22
- Boland: (Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4) 12
- Border: (Played 7, Won 2, Lost 5) 11
- Valke: (Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6) 8
A loss by EP, on Friday, to Boland could see South Western Districts
drawing
neck and neck with EP if SWD beat Griffons.
Tickets are available at the EPRU Stadium and Computicket. Tickets will
also be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium from 12:00 p.m. on
Friday only.
Say Hello to Mpho Mbiyozo:
Born 7 February 1983, Mpho plays at Flank for the EP Kings wearing the
number 7 jersey.
 Mpho Mbiyozo has represented
Craven Week (2001), Western Province u19 (2002), Western Provine u20
(2003), Western Province Currie Cup (2004), Stormers Squad (2005),
Springbok 7's (2006 - 2010), Southern Kings (2009).
Mpho has a fiancee (Down ladies - no potatoes for you here!) and says
that he enjoys her cooking above all else.
The EP Kings coaching staff describe Mpho as a hard as nails flanker
who showed a glimpse of his potential during the Southern Kings vs
British and Irish Lions tour in 2009 where he picked up the Man of the
Match award. Mpho bases his game around fetching. Due to his strength
he is able to carry the ball with ease and has proven himself to be a
hardened defender.
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 08 @ 16:49:45 SAST
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Finance MEC Must Clarify Nelson Mandela Metro Cash Crisis |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
latest strike and pay demands are going to put huge strain on the
national fiscus that is already operating under severe constraints as a
result of falling tax revenues. It is therefore unlikely that there a
going to be large bail-outs for provinces and municipalities.
The financial crisis that the province finds itself in also appears to
be cascading down to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The
Eastern Cape provincial Departments of Education and Health are
projected to overspend by R3 billion in the current financial year.
It is in the public interest that one understands the full extent of
the cash flow problem being experienced by the Metro. Public
representative who are accountable for the Metro’s well-being should
not be kept in the dark. What needs to the clarified is whether or not
there is unbudgeted expenditure taking place or whether the problem
lies with a lack of revenue collection. The extent to which both these
factors are impacting on the cash flow of the Metro needs to be spelled
out.
I therefore tabled a question to the MEC for Finance, Mcebisi Jonas, to
clarify the situation. The MEC is obliged in terms of section 71 of the
Municipal Finance Management Act to table regular reports in the
legislature on the state of municipal finances. This is simply not
occurring.
What is totally unacceptable is outstanding millions due to the
municipality from the provincial departments. It was reported that the
Departments of Health, Education and Public Works owe R53,3 million and
that R190 million was owed by the Department of Human Settlements, and
R31,6 million by the Department of Economic Development and
Environmental Affairs.
When a municipality experiences cash flow problems they tend to go slow
on the payments for service providers. It has a crippling effect on
businesses and results in job losses. This is clearly an unacceptable
state of affairs. The MEC for Finance needs to thoroughly assess the
situation and determine whether or not eventual intervention is
necessary or not.
Bobby Stevenson, MPL
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 08 @ 16:06:19 SAST
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Gouveris Impresses at Cycling Champs |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Mecer-NMMU's Kellan Gouveris continued to impress when he swept aside
all challengers at the inaugural Eastern Cape Track Cycling
Championships at the Westbourne Oval in Port Elizabeth this past
weekend.
 The 16-year-old, who
participated in the u/16 category, won all eight
of the events he entered at the event, which was held under the
auspices of the newly amalgamated Eastern Province and Border cycling
federations.
On Friday evening, Gouveris claimed gold medals in the 200m time-trial
(11:93), 2 000m individual pursuit (2:38:81), 500m time-trial (36:45)
and 10km points race.
He followed these successes up on Saturday with wins in the 200m sprint
(12:55), 1 500m (2:26:22), 5km (04:58:01) and keirin events.
"I'm happy with my times so far," said Gouveris, who emphasised the
importance of never underestimating his fellow competitors. "I just
need to do a little bit more training, then I'm there."
He is now looking forward to next month's South African Track Cycling
Championships in Cape Town. Although Gouveris is taking part in a
number of events, his focus will be on the 200, 500 and 1 500m sprints.
When asked about the significance of last weekend's performances at an
event that was deemed "open" for the first time, he said, "I've been
training hard for the SA Track Champs, so it's good to see how I'm
going against some of my rivals."
The Grade 10 Pearson
High School learner trains six days a week,
splitting his efforts between the road and track.
"At the moment I'm undecided," he said about his personal preference.
"I started off with road but the speed of the track is great."
In July, Gouveris represented Eastern Province at the Eric van Enter SA
Interprovincial Schools Championships at the Gariep Dam. There he won
the 80km road race and criterium, helping his team to second place
overall.
Gouveris also played a starring role at the SA Omnium Track Cycling
Championships in Durban over the Easter weekend. He
won five of six
events and accumulated the most points overall, despite crashing in the
10km points race.
Although he has been cycling for just four years, Gouveris has notched
up a string of successes and is hoping to turn professional after he
completes his schooling. "That's the goal," he said.
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 08 @ 16:04:03 SAST
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International Coastal Cleanup Day |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
International Coastal Cleanup Day is a global event held on the third
Saturday of September every year with a view to creating more
environmental awareness and to get the public involved in being part of
the solution with respect to the ongoing pollution of our oceans and
beaches.
Last year some 1500 volunteers participated locally in the
cleanup with volunteers ranging from commercial ie. SAPPI and Pick 'n
Pay to schools, scout groups, private individuals and even the SANDF.
The DA Ward 1 and 2 branches will be getting involved in doing their
bit to help conserve our marine environment and extend an invitation to
each of you to do the same.
Details for the 2010
International Coastal Clean up as follows:
- Date: 18 Sept 2010
- Time: 09h00 to approximately 12h00
- Venue: Pollock Beach
Ward
2 Councillor Dean Biddulph says; "We need as many people as
possible. It really is a fun outing and also good for our environment."
Anyone who wishes to participate is requested to please, as soon as
possible, before Thursday 14h00, inform Ann at the Ward 2 office of
their participation to allow for proper arrangements on 041 585 0515.
Participants will be divided into groups and allocated an area of beach
to clean up by removing litter and any item that can endanger bird and
fish life. Groups will be given Refuse Bags and data sheets to record
refuse collected. These data sheets will be handed to Godfrey Murrel of
the Metro Environmental department who will arrange for refuse trucks
to collect the bags of litter.
Editors Notes:
I wish to encourage you to pick up litter on a daily basis as well -
the Longhair and I resist doing so every time we walk but are not
succesful. The very sight of fishing line and plastic always galvanises
us into action and there is always a chokka or other plastic bag lying
somewhere on the beach if you forget to bring your own.
Personally I think that all the fishing line retrieved should be used
as a display in the front of all bait and tackle shops in an effort to
show fisherman the mess that they leave behind.
See Also: International
Coastal Cleanup.
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 08 @ 15:59:17 SAST
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Shock Eastern Cape Baby Deaths Report |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Almost half of babies born in the OR Tambo region of the Eastern Cape
die during birth. These tragic facts are contained in the latest report
on Child Mortality and Infection Control in the Eastern Cape Department
of Health and the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. The
Department made presented their case to the Parliament’s Portfolio
Committee on Health. Apart from the 430 deaths per 1000 in the OR Tambo
region, the Eastern Cape’s average overall death rate was 38 deaths per
1000 live births. Compared with the national figure of 18 deaths per
1000 live births, these statistics are shocking, sad and simply
unacceptable.
The statistics also confirmed what the Democratic Alliance has been
saying for the last couple of years: that this province has little
chance of meeting the Millennium Development Goals we have set
ourselves. Drastic measures need to be taken to have any chance of
meeting these goals, but current strategies being developed and
implemented to decrease maternal and infant mortality rates are simply
inadequate because of the immense lack of finances, pathetic management
skills in our hospitals and general administration and inefficient
primary healthcare.
We have also learnt from this report that a mere 26% of the province's
budget was allocated to health work itself. A gross 63% of the health
budget is allocated to the cost of employment. Over-spending on
employment is making it impossible for us to invest in infrastructure
and resources we need for quality healthcare. The lack of control over
spending and blatant corruption indicates that poor monitoring by the
government could impact on mortality rates and specifically on child
deaths.
If I can mention only one of many examples, the department admits that
in many instances they do not know what happens to drugs which leaves
depots. This reeks of corruption, maladministration and inadequate
monitoring mechanisms. If the department is aware of this and prepared
to admit this to the National Parliament’s Portfolio Committee of
Health, when will we find the culprits and charge them? In my mind
these offences are comparable to murder.
We are living in a province where babies have to share incubators,
officials are allegedly selling state drugs to bolster their income,
ambulances do not come when they are called for, some doctors do not
know how to perform Caesarean sections in an emergency and many mothers
do not know their HIV status. It is time for the ANC-led government to
tell us what it is going to do about it. The time for committee reports
and constant talking is over. The time for answers to these questions
and deeds has long past.
Pine Pienaar, MPL
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, September 08 @ 15:37:38 SAST
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Latest Listings on the MyPE Search Engine and Directory
| | | | |
| | Random Photographs from the MyPE photo Gallery.
Click the photo to see image
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| | Tuesday, September 07 | | · | Six in a Row for NMMU |
| · | Gino Fabbri TOASTS EPSAC |
| · | PE Company Assists with Biofuel Research |
| Monday, September 06 | | · | Heritage Task Team Postponements Becoming Irksome |
| · | Parliamentary Praise for Local Company |
| · | Train:1, Bakkie:0 |
| · | PE Photographer, Liezel Barrow, Shoots Cancer Campaigners |
| Sunday, September 05 | | · | Shirley Valentine Pops into PE |
| Saturday, September 04 | | · | Strikes Contributing to Tourism Industry Job Losses |
| · | Property Poser: Usufructuary Liable for Rates and Taxes |
| · | Food and Dance Fest |
| Friday, September 03 | | · | Inter-leading Door Saves the Day |
| · | Weekend Free for All on Eastern Cape Roads |
| · | Join the Baakens Valley Clean Up and Alien Removal Walk |
| · | Free Vehicle Check |
| · | Local Motor Manufacturers React Positively to Vehicle Sales Figures |
| · | Port Elizabeth Match Fixtures for the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 |
| · | EPRU Semi Finals Today |
| Thursday, September 02 | | · | MyPE Proposes a Strike by Media Against MAT |
| · | Dave Moorhouse - the Grandfather of Neighbourhood Watches |
| · | Continental Milligan Vintage Trial Agenda |
| · | Local Company Finalist in Focus on Excellence Awards |
| Wednesday, September 01 | | · | Evolver One Return to Port Elizabeth |
| · | Mandlakazi Skefile is new Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO |
| · | Ward 8 News - August 2010 |
| · | Free Community Self Defence and Safety Awareness Classes |
| · | Strike Forces Volkswagen of South Africa to Close Uitenhage Plant |
| · | Breakfast With Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO, Achmat Dangor |
| · | Please Don't Choke on Your Cornflakes |
| · | Take Part in Africa's Largest Beach Event |
| Tuesday, August 31 | | · | Bikini Ambassadors Qualify for a Treasure Trove of Prizes |
| · | Port Elizabeth Chokka Fishermen Keep Agulhas NSRI Busy |
| Monday, August 30 | | · | Senior Church Leaders Call for Hospital Volunteers and End to Strike |
| · | The Ungloved One Speaks |
| · | Dear Business, Partner With the Metro and Give us Millions to Buy Votes |
| · | 1 900 Kilometre Skateboarder on his way to Port Elizabeth |
| · | Ward 3 News August 2010 |
| · | Would You Live in a Noisy Neighbourhood? |
| · | Reaching out to Port Elizabeth's Youth |
| Sunday, August 29 | | · | Google Maps MUST be Wrong |
| · | Be on the Alert for Whale Tangled in Net and her Calf |
| · | Can you Pass This Quick Test? |
| · | Then and Now |
| · | Nikki Crew of 6 Rescued off Coega Shore |
| Saturday, August 28 | | · | Dear EP, Please Stop Winning |
| · | Job Loss Probability in Light of Strikes |
| · | Property Poser: Deciphering Your Levy |
| Friday, August 27 | | · | Double Dip Recession Unlikely |
| · | Free Dream Girlz Cabaret |
| · | The 7 Myths of Love |
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