January 20
Police behaviour unacceptable
On Friday night, December 30, I popped down to Fego, at Tiffanys for a quick coffee. Halfway through my coffee, I saw two policemen and a security guard marching a young, handcuffed man, across the centre.
I assumed they were taking him to the police car/van , as this is usually the procedure when someone is arrested. A few minutes later, they walked back with the cuffed man, sort of parading him across through the centre, in full view of all the patrons of Fego Caffe and BBM Cafe.
They then proceeded to kneel him down in the middle of BBM Café and Fego, while they had a chat to two civilian gentlemen. The incident occurred around 8:10pm.
As I left Fego at around 8:30pm I called Umhlali SAPS, to express my dissatisfaction, at the manner in which this young man was being treated. I spoke to Warrant Officer Mthethwa, explained the situation to him and asked him to call me back.
WO Mthethwa called me back at 8:38pm, to inform me that WO Khoza was taking the young man to the station to be charged.
It really pained me to see this young man humiliated by our law enforcement officers. I understand that petty crime needs to be nipped in the bud, but there are policies and procedures in place for a reason, the infringement of an individual’s basic human rights, goes against this!
We are a half civilized society, this isn’t deepest darkest Africa (or is it?), surely our policemen should exercise a little etiquette when handling situations like these.
Anyway, over half an hour, standing outside a restaurant with a young petty thief, was probably the toughest part in these police officer’s day, as they didn’t seem in a helluva rush to get out of there. The next time someone calls Umhlali SAPS, and they are met with the remark “We don’t have any vans at the moment, all our vans are out”, please keep this report in mind.
I would however like to thank WO Mthethwa for his efficiency. Thank you for calling me back to let me know how the situation had panned out. To the rest of the policemen that were at Tiffanys , highly disgusted, without a doubt
PRIVI NAIDOO
Sheffield Beach
Acting station commander, Lt Col Dieter Fittkau replies: I have taken note of the writer’s concerns and will conduct an inquiry. If there was any improper conduct by the SAPS, action will be taken. You are welcome to contact me personally should you deem it necessary.
*****
Who damaged my car?
On Saturday January 14 at about 4:40pm I parked my new Toyota Corolla in a parking bay at Umdloti beach in front of Cozumel flats.
There was no parking and I then saw a family just about to move out and I waited for that parking bay. I did not block/ obstruct anyone, no yellow line, nothing. I safely parked in a bay.
I left the area at about 10pm and returned to Stanger. Only the next day when I removed my car from the garage did I notice the scratches from back to front on both sides of the car.
It seems like someone used a sharp object and intentionally scratched the car. The marks are quite deep on both sides.
I cannot fathom how someone in their normal frame of mind can do such a thing. I have no idea who could have done this as I am not from the area. I have a 2010 new Toyota Corolla, light brown (Champagne) in colour with registration plates AARYA-ZN.
My car was not obstructing anyone so why would someone do that?
If anyone has any knowledge of the incident please contact me on 084 626 9080.
Any assistance will be highly appreciated and will be done in confidence.
D HARILAL
Stanger
*****
The children of Thembeni thank you
A huge `Thank You’ to the many folk who so generously donated during the course of 2011 and also for Christmas gifts and other items which were handed on to appropriate causes.
A total of 1016 children at Thembeni Junior Primary School had reason to smile on break-up day with the gift of a toy for each child – in many cases, the first present they have ever received.
We were also able to give gifts of toys, clothing and other items to underprivileged folk in the Groutville area through the Methodist Church. Huge quantities of baby clothing were given to the Pregnancy Crisis centre during 2011.
We are a merry team of ladies who meet on a monthly basis for sorting goods and wrapping presents, so please don’t stop the flow. Items can be left at Driefontein Garden Centre at The Litchi Orchard. We collect all forms of clothing, from baby to adult; plastic bottle tops that are used as counters at the school (over 1000 children need an awful lot of counters), bread tags, centre cardboard of toilet rolls, tinfoil, yoghurt cartons, both small and large, paper, pens, pencils etc., second hand school uniforms and sports equipment and, of course, toys, puzzles and games for Christmas 2012. All we ask is that goods are in working order.
May 2012 be a good year for each and everyone.
PAM JACOB AND HER MERRY TEAM
Umhlali
*****
Beaches, behaviour and booze
My wife and I are very privileged to stay in a small bachelor’s flat off Marion/Compensation Road in Ballito.
Unfortunately we have to bear the totally unacceptable level of noise booming from ghetto blasters in cars and taxis alike and filthy language used by our marvellous post matric revellers during part of December.
Many residents may agree with my point of view that Ballito is punted to be the place where such behaviour is acceptable and even tolerated, acting like a huge magnet drawing this kind of hooliganism right onto our doorsteps.
Having said that, we do appreciate the work that the Umhlali cops have done to pull some ******* into line, please convey our thanks to your team, Lt.Col Dieter Fittkau. Keep up the good work.
Now to Malema’s plan: White women are already walking on the promenade, especially that stretch between Hops, past the tidal pool, towards The Galley, picking up the mess left behind by the leftbehinders after their weekend “pignicks“.
I am not trying to be funny but if you haven’t walked that walk on Monday mornings you might disagree with me.
True, there are far too few bins but have a good look and you will notice rubbish heaped up a single meter away from an empty or half empty bin.
It seems as if it is done on purpose, if not, they will remain behind for a long long time to come.
The broken glass from bottles (whiskey, nogal) can’t be seen from the walkway but my wife was very fortunate not to cut her foot when she tried to cool off after the “ pickup effort”
Our beaches are overcrowded, not enough facilities, our academic institutions can’t admit everyone who would like to enter, our schools/classrooms are overcrowded, hospitals can’t cope, the social structure and demographic profile of South Africa is under tremendous strain.
There is an underlying fact that can’t be reasoned away by telling analysts that they are racially prejudiced.
The cake or pie, if you wish, is only so big and the individual slices are getting smaller and smaller.
The economy can’t afford to bake a bigger pie, so an acceptable plan should be devised where the number of eaters should be checked and increase the contributions that the eaters make towards the size of the pie.
When a big herd of cattle goes to only one watering point day after day things might start going wrong.
The farmer has only two choices.
KOOS SLABBER
Ballito
*****
Have some respect!
Slowly the ANC is becoming a wounded snake that bites and eats itself to death.
This mass movement that has been a political vanguard of the oppressed and exploited masses since 1912 closed 2011 with an embarrassing farce at the funeral of Vusi Mhlongo where factions of Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema fought for power.
This time, it was the ANCYL that was at the receiving end of hooliganism. Such a barbaric and primitive behaviour must be condemned by we who are from the womb of a moral ANC. Did these hooligans consider that the ANC is 100 years old?
Dumisani Makhaye once said “Everytime when history repeats itself, it becomes a farce or a tragedy”. Hooligans at the funeral of Moses Mabhida heckled and booed Thabo Mbeki and Secretary-General Kgalema Motlanthe did not act.
Mbeki was booed and heckled as part of the campaign to prevent then Deputy President Jacob Zuma from prosecution on evidence that he received R4.1m from Schabir Shaik.
Why do Zumanists choose funerals to vent intolerance to those who are opposed to their preferences and choices? When ANC members preferred Chief Albert Luthuli to AWG Champion or Dr JS Moroka, there was tolerance.
Same, when at the first conference of the ANC after unbanning we preferred Nelson Mandela to Oliver Tambo or Walter Sisulu to Thabo Mbeki, Chris Hani and Harry Gwala there was tolerance.
When Mabe stood up to speak, there was shouting “Zuma, Zuma, Zuma”! Some started the song by Izingane Zoma mbaqanga group that ridicules Malema. The song is a big hit north of river Thukela (Tugela). When Mabe stood up, he shouted “Viva Mandela, Viva Luthuli, Viva Tambo, Viva Mbeki, Viva Motlanthe”! When Nathi Mthethwa stood up to speak he shouted down all the presidents except Mbeki.
Both Mabe and Mthethwa must be reminded that when the ANC was formed, one of its objectives was to bury the demon of tribalism. The hooligans who disrupted the funeral were delivered by a bus company operating in Pinetown. I would not be surprised if this hired mob was a group of “Red Army” trained by late ANC MPL John Mchunu when he was still IFP. The same group formed a guard of honour when Jacob Zuma was addressing mourners at the funeral of Mchunu. The same Mchunu printed Zuma t-shirts with the slogan “Zuma 100% Zulu Boy” to galvanise AmaZulu support for embattled Zuma.
Chief Albert Luthuli was Zulu and a chief of Groutville Amakholwa tribe and Nelson Mandela, coming from the AbaThembu tribe, never used regionalism, tribalism or feudalism to advance personal agendas. The rent-a-mob and disruptions at funerals are new tendencies adopted from Nazists and war veterans in Zimbabwe. ANC of today must teach members to respect funerals. We must reinstate revolutionary morality in our body politics.
Happy Birthday ANC!
SIYANDA MHLONGO
KwaDukuza
*****
New Year’s Eve nightmare
I refer to the front page of the Courier dated January 6 2012 “New Year’s Eve Bash a great success”
I may be very naïve but can anybody please enlighten me on how the 5FM Bash can be organised in a residential area?
I live in Patricia Rd, and to me it was a nightmare! I have no problem with young people enjoying themselves but could this “bash” not be held away from a residential area?
As it is we have to tolerate the nightclubs noise with screaming people and screeching tyres at 4 in the morning!
Maybe I am the only resident that is unhappy with the organising of the “bash” and night clubs, but should there be other unhappy residents let’s stand together and object against this as we are the tax payers that pay the high rates and taxes and not 5FM or the organisers!
JOHAN VAN DER WALT
Ballito
*****
To buy or not to buy … probably not
December has come and gone, and a December “Ballito-ites” will surely remember it was for a long time to come!
Festive holiday vibes were in the air, fairly good weather experienced, commercial businesses were rubbing their hands in glee for the bumper season they were going to experience.
A few days before Christmas, I woke up to find no water in my taps.
Not taking too much notice, as I have become accustomed to the road graders working on the new roadworks digging up pipes, so I waited patiently all morning , and then afternoon and then evening for water to be restored. . . nothing . . . ziltch . . . not a drop!
When calling the call centre re water issues, I found it to be a very busy number as it stayed engaged constantly. (Taken off the hook, maybe!)
We made do with what we had, caught a little rainwater and so could flush the loo!
After all, folk in Seaward Estate had no problems with water, so there was surely no problem, and water would be available at any moment!
By the beginning of the third day of no water, my neighbour alerted me to an East Coast Radio announcement about no water till after New Year.
I was horrified!
What I would like to know is why was everything so hush hush?
Only after holiday makers started leaving Ballito did I see small posters stuck on odd lamp posts!
One could not get through to any telephone number where one could find out exactly what was going on. The 0800 24 hour emergency number that I got through to on the night of the third day did not even know that Ballito had a problem.
Now in saying all this, I would like to know if there were water trucks going around, how come people in complexes/ homes did not know?
How was anyone to know there were trucks out there driving around offering water to any bucket holder who wanted water!
The only water tanker/truck I saw was on December 23, it was parked off the road in front of Lifestyle just past the taxi rank and there certainly was no water in that tanker and the driver was fast asleep in the cab.
What is going on in the municipal arena and all the serious issues that are mounting?
I am in the market to buy property here and settle down and become part of the Ballito community.
I am not so sure now.
M COMBRINCK
Ballito
*****
Speed control motive questioned
I read and heard that one of our government members has a brilliant idea of reducing the speed limit on “open’ roads from 120km/h to 100km/h. His reason being an effort to save lives on our roads.
Could the reason for this new proposal perhaps be a cover-up for something else, like enriching whoever is behind this?
Think about it. A lot of money will have to be spent in order to change signage on all the national roads and no one will ask any questions.
So, it will be a case of one hand washes the other hand.
Contract the job out to your friend or a friend, get your cut on the deal and everyone lives happily ever after, no questions asked and no one suspecting any misconduct.
C ASMAL
Stanger
*****
Poor service levels will affect tourism
Hi, visiting your town Ballito was quite interesting.
Water shortages, electrical failures and after being warned that the M4 was dangerous, we were shocked to see numerous cars parked on a bridge in no parking zones with litter everywhere. Is this allowed?
We very much doubt that the image with associated poor service levels would lead to return visits.
THE EDITOR
Travel Watch Team
*****
Where did the money go?
Over six months ago the KwaDukuza council increased, many, if not all rateable properties, under their jurisdiction, three fold.
The reason for the increase was that they had re-valued the properties. Very strange as no one had had a visit from a valuation company, but on objection the rateable value of the properties have been returned to normal.
However, this means that the KwaDukuza Municipality has received six “interest free” payments, which are three times greater than they should have been, and despite this new revised valuation as dated in December, the January rates still reflect the incorrect rateable value.
Hopefully the Municipality has budgeted for what will now be a “severe” reduction in their monthly receivable income, and have not spent the extra on frivolities. We have what appears to be an abandoned road project, bridge etc. at the entrance to Ballito – potholed roads, water shortages, and one cannot help but wonder, what has happened to the money?
G DUNN
Umhlali
*****
Overwhelmed by community’s generosity
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards helping the family in Nkobongo on whose behalf I made an appeal last week.
I am overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of so many individuals, all the feral cat ladies, Lourie, Chrissie and Sharon and some companies. Thanks to Suralda from Hops; Lorraine from Ballito Florist, Johnny Pechey and his staff from Remax and Jitesh from Primi Piatti.
This community definitely reaches out to those in need. I can’t thank you all enough. You have blessed this family in so many ways!
The son, Nkosingiphile, is still desperate for a job. Unfortunately he has no skills, but is willing to be trained and will do anything.
Unfortunately the dogs were not spayed, but a very generous donor has offered to pay for them, but I am needing a closed bakkie to transport them to and from the vet and leads for all the dogs. One of the dogs has just had seven puppies so we are now looking for homes for them as well.
If you also have any bowls for feeding the pets, this would be greatly appreciated. There are six dogs and three cats.
Please would you mind dropping off any donations, (not cash), with Lorraine at Ballito Florist, which is next door to the Foodlovers Market. I can be reached on 082 769 2675 or email me at lornamarydaniels@gmail.com.
Thank you also to my boss Dr Ian James for supporting what I do and giving me the flexibility in hours to do it.
LORNA DANIELS
Ballito
*****
Ratepayers must stand up for their rights
I am dismayed to read that Durban has become the most costly city in the country. The ratepayers of Durban have been a mentor for the ratepayers of the 61 KZN municipalities in their negotiations with their municipalities. It would appear that perhaps all the ratepayers need a different tack if they hope to survive the never-ending squeeze on their pockets.
The searching questions reveal that:
A) the rates base is too small and
B) the monies raised from the rates are not being accounted for properly.
Judging by the wealth displayed by the many private cars, hired combis and fancy swimwear on the beach on New Year’s Day the rates base everywhere can definitely be expanded. This should allow a decrease in overall rates to each ratepayer.
The Municipalities are trying to grow too fast and have growing pains like a child! Municipality expenditure is not like a bottomless cup of coffee in a café – they cannot always rely on Section 36 for emergencies. Municipalities must be accountable. Ratepayers have exhausted all the alternatives and enough is enough. Municipalities are no longer affordable for the ratepayers. There is no evidence of cost-cutting or efforts being made to increase the rates base. Take for example the R3.5million spent on ward committee members, Councillor’s private offices, two municipalities, huge overtime payments, purchase of palm trees, legotla in the Berg, Blythedale beach party etc. – all of these items could be reduced to minimize the exorbitant rates increases.
Ratepayers are “challenging” the expenditure of their rates money on anything other than rates issues. The last resort is to divert our hard-earned rates monies into a trust account until such time as the KDM becomes accountable for each cent they receive and how it is spent.
Ratepayers will choose the route of diversion of rates monies as our means of protest rather than go the more populist route of burning tyres, throwing stones, looting etc. which occurs in other areas which are demanding service delivery.
Remember, we are a democratic country and our Constitution gives us rights which we have to assert. Ratepayers are entitled to declare a dispute with the KDM and if conditions are not met, can pay their rates into a trust account. The trust fund will advise the KDM of payments made monthly using rates account numbers.
Legally, ratepayers would have paid their rates and if the Municipality cut the other services, ratepayers will challenge them in courts, as well as on any extra charges.
Ratepayers shouldn`t sit back and let the municipalities ride roughshod over our rights.
FRANK DU TOIT
Ballito
*****
