Noweto 18983/28-5-21

MAYAY 28,28, 2021 • 012-842-0300

Covid-19 elderly vaccination roll-out kicks off

The Tshwane metro anticipates that it would take “some time” to complete phase 2 of its Covid-19 vaccine roll-out aimed at vaccinating over 300 000 persons in the region aged 60 and above. The Department of Health started with the vaccination of people aged 60 and above last week Monday. Things got off to a slow start at Tshwane vaccination points, while the department aimed to vaccinate 468 people daily, about 67 health workers and 280 people aged 60 and above received the jabs in the region on Monday. Tshwane health MMC Sakkie du Plooy said the metro anticipated that the roll- out of phase 2 combined with the completion of vaccination of health workers would take “some time” to complete. In the photo is Waterkloof resident Mojaki Pitso (61). Photo: Ron Sibiya Mother demands answers A north mother was shocked to learn that her 10-year-old son’s penis foreskin was not the only thing that was removed.

Noxolo Sibiya Mmabatho (not her real name, which is She discovered that more than the foreskin “We have sleepless nights where he is being withheld to protect the boy’s identity) of her son’s penis was removed. complaining of pain,” she said. A Ga-Rankuwa mother wants answers of zone 16, sent her 10-year-old son for “They skinned my son’s penis. The skin “I don’t know how intense the damage from a local clinic on how her son’s penis circumcision on 8 May, a procedure she said on his glans was also removed and they is and if my son’s penis will be able to was “skinned” when the boy underwent the local clinic had booked for him. stitched what was left on the wound. function normally. circumcision. Mmabatho said she had done her booking “I knew something was wrong because “I just need help for him, soon.” through the PhedPhedisong clinic in Ga- I have two other sons, they have been Mmabatho said her suspicion was RankuwaRankuwa,, zone 4 and was referred to a local circumcised before and this was not how it that the doctor was not trained to handle doctor the clinic ssaid they worked with. looked. They injured my son, they skinned circumcisions, but wondered how he or she ““WhenWhen I made my booking, I was told the his penis. managed to work with the local clinic. ccliniclinic itself doesdoesn’tn have the capacity, but “He was also bleeding and swollen.” She said the doctor’s surgery was at a works with local doctors for circumcisions,” Mmabatho said she notifi ed the clinic, house with no branding or name. sshehe ssaid.aid. brought pictures to show them along with “I didn’t make much of it because it is ““II was not in a position to dispute that. I her son who was in pain. quite common for houses to be turned into did my bookibookingn and I was given a date.” She said the clinic distanced themselves doctor’s rooms in our townships,” she said. On the dadayy before the procedure, from the matter and referred her back to the “But after I saw what I saw, I am not Mmabatho ssaida the clinic did mandatory same doctor. sure if the doctor knew what he or she was HIHIVV tests whwhich she would take with to “How do I take my son back to the same doing. ththee lolocalcal dodoctor.cto doctor that caused damage? “And I don’t know how he or she She said shshee was given forms of “I asked that they at least give me a letter managed to work with the local clinic. cconsentonsent to sigsignn for approval of the tests as to go to the local hospital for a urologist to “We rely on the local clinics and hospitals heherr sosonn wwasas a miminor.n have a look at him. with our lives.” ““AfterAfter thatthat,, I wwas told where to wait for a “They refused. They said they could not Mmabatho said the local hospital had vevehiclehicle ththatat wouwouldl escort us to the doctor. I assist me. arranged for her son to see a urologist after was with other pparentsa who had also brought “They suddenly could not do anything for she pleaded for assistance. ttheirheir childrechildren. We boarded the vehicle me when they were the ones that referred me While her son waits to be assessed by a and wewerer dropped off at a house in and other parents to that doctors. I was so specialist, Mmabatho said she was desperate MaMabopane.b frustrated and I am still worried.” for answers on how this could have “The procedure was done The single mother of three said her biggest happened at a government clinic. and we were advised to fear was that long-term damage would be She said she was looking to get advice on remove the dressing after caused to her son’s penis and he might be what recourse she has, but would fi rst focus two days.” unable to lead a normal life. on her son’s recovery. It was when Mmabatho Mmabatho said her son was in constant Gauteng health spokesperson Kwara Mmabatho (not her real name) explains her frustration took her son’s bandage pain and struggled to walk. Kekana said the department was aware of about her son’s botched circumcision. off after two days that “He is struggling to walk; he has to put his the incident and was investigating. Photo: Gaopalelwe Moloko she got the shock of her hands in his pants so the material does not “The team is still investigating the life. touch the penis. matter,” said Kekana. 2 NEWS NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021 Slashed police budget to focus only on ‘core’ goods, services Reitumetse Mahope be aff ected on non-core goods and services items. Police minister Bheki Cele tabled his budget Cele said the reductions in the breakdown on Thursday, with aims to compensation of employees’ budget, mitigate the impact of budget reductions on required reprioritisation of police resources service delivery over the medium term for as well as investment in technology. police services. He said the SAPS during the 2021/22 Cele said the expenditure in his fi nancial year, envisaged that approximately Photo for illustration purposes. department was expected to decrease at an 3 000 vacancies would be considered for average annual rate of 0.8%, from R99.6- fi lling by the recruitment of new police billion in 2020/21 to R97.1-billion in offi cers. 2023/24. “A process will be embarked upon where The South African Police Service tabled public service act personnel and current Cops warn couriers budget for this fi nancial year amounted serving reservists will be considered for to R96-billion; with the Independent recruitment as fully fl edged police offi cials.” Police Investigative Directorate allocation He said 2 000 public service act personnel amounting to R348-million and the and 1 000 current serving reservists would department of the civilian secretariat for be targeted. to be careful in area police service getting R149-million. Cele said the budget would focus on Cele said already compensation of professionalising the police service through employees was R225.9-billion of the skills development; investing in machinery Rietgat police say delivery service personnel must be department’s expenditure. and equipment, such as transport assets as vigilant when making their rounds. “To remain within government’s well as mobile police stations, focus on critical items such as bullet resistant vests, expenditure ceiling for compensation of safety of the personnel and the products employees, the department’s budget for this fi rearms and uniform. Lunga Mzangwe “These are critical tools of trade for police they are delivering. item is reduced by R35.8-billion over the Rietgat police have warned courier and “As a precautionary measure, the medium term. to successfully render their duties.” He further said visible policing would delivery services personnel to be vigilant Rietgat police station would also like to “Of this, R15.9-billion is in line with the when doing their rounds in the area. implore courier companies to consider decision not to implement the third year take 51% of the weight of the total 2021/22 budget. The warning came after an escalation having their products collected by their of the 2018 public sector wage agreement, of armed robbery and hijacking cases customers at designated pick-up points to and freezing of salary increases for the next emanating from the delivery of goods and help curb this scourge,” Maluleka said. three years. products in the vicinity. “Victims of car or truck hijackings “These reductions are a continuation of “People becoming more techno-savvy are further urged to work closely with reductions introduced during 2020, which and opting for online shopping also helps the police and have confi dence in them, have material negative impact on the human reduce numbers at shopping malls, but especially where their vehicles are resource priorities of the SAPS, essentially now creates a market for criminals to take impounded. Police are better placed to as far as the enlistment of entry level police advantage of courier companies.” off er advice and recover vehicles without offi cers are concerned. Maluleka said they have opened several asking for a single cent.” “As a result of this, personnel numbers robbery, car-jacking/truck-jacking cases, Maluleka said the station would also over the medium term will require most of them stemming from the delivery like to warn the public to avoid buying reconsideration in terms of options that of goods in the township. and paying for things from dodgy online will ensure that the department continues to He said according to victims, sellers especially motor vehicles where achieve its mandate and to maintain service perpetrators legitimately placed orders “sellers” asked potential buyers to meet delivery at local level.” of a range of products, including but not at taverns and dilapidated buildings in the He said other reductions would mainly limited to cellphones, beauty products township. and other household items. “If a seller gives you an off er that is “They further send their location via too good to be true, that is a red fl ag. You MAMA GRACE cellphone to an isolated area diff erent should avoid such off ers because in most from the address on the order. As they cases it results in complaints of buyers SPECIAL PRAYER arrive at the location with a view to being conned.” delivering the goods, criminals pounce Station commander Colonel Stephina 100% SATISFACTORY on these unsuspecting delivery personnel, Nkosi warned perpetrators that police rob them of their products and at worst have doubled their eff orts to work around I was poor and deep in debts. At one hijack, kidnap or brutally assault them. the clock to close the net on these crimes. point I thought of ending my life. I tried “The police are calling on service Anyone who witnesses any criminal many healers but no one helped me. I providers to inform us before deliveries activity in their neighbourhood should only wasted money. I saw people giving to deploy sector vehicles to ensure the contact the police. testimonies about Mama Grace and I Police Minister Bheki Cele. Photo: SAPS booked an appointment. My husband came back after 24 hours and confessed. She read me all my fortunes and showed me my enemies. I was shocked. She cleansed me from all my bad luck. Mama Grace can solve the following problems: Follow us * Bring back lost lover on Twitter * Speed up provident fund claims for regular * Money in your bank account * See your enemies in a mirror news updates, breaking

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Contact us Publisher Code of Conduct Audit Group Editor: Rekord is owned and published by Capital This newspaper has committed itself to report The distribution of this Sunette Visser / [email protected] Media, 32 Orpen Ave, Lydiana, Pretoria news truthfully and accurately, and to publish ABC newspaper is 0184; and printed by North West Web comment that is fair, in accordance with the highest independently audited Tel: 012 842 0300 Business Manager: Printers (Pty) Ltd, 13 Coetzer Street, standards of journalism as set out in the Press to the professional Sabine Goodwin / [email protected] Rustenburg, 0300. All rights and the Code of South Africa. Complaints that this code standards administrated Address: 32 Orpen Ave reproduction of all reports, photographs, has been breached may be lodged with the offi ce by the Audit Bureau of Lydiana, Pretoria Sales Manager: drawings and all materials published in this of the Press Ombudsman. Written complaints, with Circulations of South 0184 Bianca Pretorius / [email protected] newspaper are hereby reserved in terms of a copy of the report concerned, may be sent to the Africa. Section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 press Ombudsman: (Fax) 011 484 3612 or e-mail: Total weekly distribution: Distribution: [email protected] of 1978 and any amendments thereof. [email protected] 28 820 012 335 3760 NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021 NEWS 3 Teacher fired for assaulting Grade R pupil Lunga Mzangwe at our schools never to use violence as a “We believe that educators should at “The case has been allocated to the form of disciplinary measure.” all time lead by example to create a safe family violence, child protection and sexual The Gauteng education department has Last week Mabona said it must be noted schooling environment conducive for off ences unit for further handling.” welcomed the dismissal of a teacher that teacher had been removed from the eff ective learning.” The child’s grandmother said she felt who was seen on social media last week school, pending a disciplinary hearing Police spokesperson Captain Stephen happy that the teacher had been removed allegedly assaulting a Grade R learner at the scheduled for 24 May. Maluleka confi rmed a case of common from the school. Nchuncheko primary school in Soshanguve. “Our psycho-social unit has been assault has been opened against the teacher “He started going to school on Tuesday. Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona dispatched to the school to off er counselling at Rietgat police station. “I am happy that they are receiving said the department can confi rm that the to the aff ected learner. This is after the child’s grandmother help from social workers and I also feel disciplinary process had been concluded “We remain unequivocal in our alleged that police refused to assist her to happy that the teacher is not at the school with the verdict being the immediate condemnation of any form of assault open a case regarding the incident when she anymore,” she said. dismissal of the Grade R practitioner. of learners in our schools as corporal visited the station last week. Last week during an interview with “The practitioner was served with the punishment is outlawed by the country’s Maluleka said according to internal Record, the grandmother the child was afraid outcome of the disciplinary hearing,” said constitution.” investigations, “the grandmother [of the of going to school. Mabona. Mabona said they had never hesitated to child] stormed out of the station’s client “He gets afraid when he sees people. “We are fully behind the school’s decision act when such matters were reported and service centre as the police offi cer who was “He has been saying he will not go to to dismiss the teacher as it sends a strong would continue to prioritise safety at schools taking the statement was busy interviewing school because he’s afraid of the teacher,” message to everyone working with learners at all times. her”. she said. Vehicle-related crimes on the rise in north, police warn ‘Scammers target companies that rent out trucks and when they deliver, they get hijacked.’

Keitumetse Maako TLB vehicles were also being targeted. The vehicles which were reportedly being “These hired trucks are usually from targeted included the Fiat Uno, Toyota Tazz Police in Akasia, north of Pretoria, have Kempton Park and Benoni and other areas in and Nissan NP200. warned against an increase in the number of Johannesburg,” she said. “These vehicles are being stolen almost smash-and-grab incidents in the area. Mdluli added that these crimes were every day,” she said. Akasia police spokesperson Constable expected to continue increasing, particularly Miyen further advised motorists, Lindiwe Mdluli said most incidents had the smash-and-grabs, as it was now getting particularly those who drove the high-risk occurred along Brits Road. colder earlier due to winter approaching. vehicles, to install gear locks, mobilizer units The targeted intersections reportedly In neighbouring Pretoria North, police and steering or peddle locks. included the off -ramp to Akasia, from spokesperson Sergeant Tsakani Miyen “This will defi nitely help as the theft of the R80 Mabopane highway and another warned motorists against a recorded spike in motor vehicles is getting out of hand,” she intersection near the Bentley’s Country the theft of motor vehicles in their policing said. Lodge. precinct. During the release of the latest crime Mdluli added that an increase in truck “I would like to sensitise our community to statistics, police minister Bheki Cele said the hijackings had also been recorded. the high rate of theft of motor vehicles in the overall number of theft of out vehicles and “Scammers target companies that rent area,” police spokesperson Sergeant Tsakani motorcycle which had been recorded from out trucks and when they deliver, they get Miyen said. 1 January to 31 March 2021 had dropped by Pretoria North police spokesperson Sergeant hijacked,” she said. 17,2%. Tsakani Miyen. 4 NEWS NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021

Lee-Anne Bac, director of advisory services of BDO SA, Tshwane mayor Randall Williams addressing guests about emphasising the importance of encouraging Africans to be Dr. Lardo Stander speaking to guests about the the tourism opportunities available to them in the metro. tourists. importance of uniting as Africans. City is ready to reopen its tourism, says mayor Gaopalelwe Moloko

The Tshwane metro has celebrated the 58th anniversary of Africa Day. In partnership with the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), the municipality on Tuesday held the annual commemoration of this day. “Today’s special event was deliberately planned to engage and celebrate our multiple African identities,” said Tshwane mayor Randall Williams. The metro hosted the event to not only celebrate Africa Day, but to emphasise the importance of unity among African countries. The metro also took the opportunity to highlight the city’s tourism sector and the opportunities readily available to other African countries and the rest of the world. Members of the African diplomatic community were invited to showcase the city’s tourism and leisure activities. “The celebration of Africa Day allows us to highlight the importance of continuing to strengthen relationships with not only our international community but specifi cally with our African brothers and sisters,” said Dr Lardo Stander, acting CEO of TEDA. The municipality announced that it was ready to open its doors to the rest of the African continent. “This will be done while adhering strictly to Covid-19 protocols and adopting a “safety fi rst” approach. “For us, one of the key strategic sectors that need immediate attention is tourism, particularly the meetings incentives conferences events (MICE) industry. “Travel and capacity restrictions have had a devastating impact on the MICE industry. “However, I am pleased to see TEDA leading eff orts to revive this sector using new solutions and strategic adaptability,” said Williams. He said the tourism sector needed to be restarted and the roll-out of vaccinations would ensure “safe channels” to promote intra-Africa tourism. “As a city, we confi dently call on African nations to consider Tshwane as their preferred business and leisure destination. “We have the resources and the experience. “Thus, we are excited by the opportunity to continue to work with our fellow African countries to revive our economies together and safely,” he said. NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021 NEWS 5 Upcoming tariff increases ‘not metro’s fault’ ‘This budget has been prepared with the intention of keeping rates and tariff increases as low as possible.’

Reitumetse Mahope Tshwane metro would operate with R39-billion. Tshwane metro has tried to put its residents Williams said the 2021/22 budget was fi rst as annual increases were kept low, except prepared in the midst of a diffi cult economic for the electricity hike. climate and was geared towards stabilising Residents will most likely feel the the metro’s fi nances and driving quality electricity tariff hike in July as mayor Randall service delivery. Williams announced the 2021/22 budget. “This budget has been prepared with the Chief economist at Effi cient Group intention of keeping rates and tariff increases Dawie Roodt, speaking to Record, said as low as possible through identifi ed cost the biggest unfortunate hike was that of cutting and savings.” electricity; however, this increase was not the He said Tshwane electricity consumers municipality’s fault. faced 14,59% tariff increases in July. Roodt said it seemed as though the metro “Similarly, the city is bound by the tariff had tried to put its residents fi rst as increases increase for bulk purchases of water from were kept low, besides the electricity hike. Rand Water compelling the city to increase “These increases are not excessive and are the water tariff by 8% while sanitation Tshwane mayor Randall Williams. Photo: COT/TWITTER roughly in line with infl ation.” charges will increase by 10%. He said it was good that the municipality “It is important to note that water and R111,59 for refuse removal services tariff for across the city. intended on keeping the tariff rates low as electricity tariff s are mainly infl uenced by an 85l bin and R315,01 for a 240l bin. - Streetlight maintenance is R90-million, many were still under fi nancial stress due to the Rand Water and Eskom tariff s,” said Tshwane bus service and A Re Yeng bus - Water leaks R72-million, the pandemic, job losses and salary cuts. Williams. service have proposed to increase fares by an - Sewer maintenance R67-million to “People are still stressed and working under He said all households with properties with average of 8% for the 2021/2022 fi nancial address blockages, diffi cult fi nancial circumstances. To increase a value of R150 000 and less were exempted year. This will be between R1,00 and R2,50 - Road maintenance R137-million, any prices would lay more fi nancial stress on from paying any property rates. per fare band. - R62-million will be used to address consumers. Williams said this came at a cost of Williams said his budget was focused potholes and road repairs, “We need to remember that as much as R965-million to the metro, in terms of on prioritising the electrical grid and water - Budget of R541-million intended to many people lost their jobs, not one single forgone revenue as part of Tshwane’s social infrastructure in the metro, implement a cover the running costs of clinics, providing person in civil services lost their job. relief programme. robust Covid-19 management strategy, create municipal health services, health promotion “Many jobs were lost in the private sector.” “Registered indigent households pay no a reliable waste and refuse removal service, campaigns and the drug and substance abuse Tshwane tariff increases for the 2021/22 property rates and continue to benefi t from providing stringent fi nancial management and programme. fi nancial year are: other social relief benefi ts off ered by the oversight as well as enhance the city’s safety “Communities have for some time - Electricity 14,59% city.” and emergency services. requested additional clinic facilities due to the - Water 8% He implored residents to manage and track The utility services department budgeted: area’s population growth. - Sanitation 10% their consumption of electricity, water and by - R95-million for the replacement of worn- “We are also upgrading our management - Refuse removal 4,1% implication, sanitation, as it could be self- out water pipes, systems.” - Property rates 2% managed. - R93-million for electricity matters, He said the old manual fi ling system, Last week Thursday Williams presented his Tshwane residents with eff ect from 1 July - R95-million to tackle streetlights and to keep records of patients, had become 2021/22 budget speech where he tabled how 2021 until 30 June 2022, are expected to pay - R45-million for smart pre-paid meters increasingly ineff ective.

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Visit our website for more information about selected stores, product availability and to find your nearest store. www.hificorp.co.za T's & C's Apply. 6 COMMUNITY NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021 Child safety Art wall project highlighted at centre at local library Kamogelo Habanyane how people interpret the poem Lunga Mzangwe in diff erent ways is a beautiful An opportunity for all art lovers thing,” said Nova. Rietgat police, together with other was recently held through an art Anyone visiting the library stakeholders such as the Department installation for the public. was welcome to paint what they of Health and local crèches, observed It took place at the American like with the help of the eight Child Protection Week at Sibongile Corner in Es’kia Mphahlele qualifi ed art facilitators. Early Learning Centre in Soshanguve, community library at Sammy They draw your idea on the block FF, on Wednesday morning. Marks Square from 12 to 27 May. wall for you and then you simply About 170 children attended the This art installation was about paint it however you like. event, according to police spokesperson involving the community and Captain Stephen Maluleka. “The project is a great They were taught to always be vigilant giving them a chance to learn opportunity not only for us as against bullying, sexual assaults, child more about art. artists but for the communities as abuse as well as child traffi cking. Anyone who visited the well. “National Child Protection Week is library was welcome to add their “It’s a great way to bring commemorated in the country annually paintings to the wall. people together,” said one of the to raise awareness of the rights of “The key idea of this project art facilitators, Thulani Prince children,” said Maluleka. was to fi nd ways to sustain artists Mlangeni. Maluleka said the campaign was and their craft,” said Reuben A young student visiting the led by the Department of Social Matlala, the project manager at library, Thabang Tshehla, said Development in partnership with key American Corner. his experience was great and the government departments and civil Matlala pointed out that the facilitator helped bring his idea society organisations rendering child American Corner had mainly to life. protection services. focused on science and business The US embassy funded the “It is against this backdrop that issues training. whole project. of abuse, violence and exploitation of They had never accommodated They also provided all the art children are given attention. visual artists before until now. and drawing tools including extra “As part of proactive measures, the The paintings were inspired by masks and sanitiser to uphold the station would like to send a clarion call a poem called “A Celebration”, coronavirus restrictions. for the protection of children of all ages.” which was written by two young This two-week long project Maluleka said the station further poets, Noxolo Desire and Fadzai was a fi rst of its kind at the library. encourages parents to make sure that Nova. The American Corner and children are safe – especially during This poem represented the Tshwane metro hoped to continue this Covid-19 period where children are theme of the exhibition – making a diff erence in the lives rotating at schools and at times they fi nd Top photo: One of the art facilitators, Siyasanga Madyibi Democratisation of the Arts. of community members. themselves alone at home while parents reworking an artwork. Bottom: Thulani Prince Mlangeni, one “We are very honoured. Once the wall is complete, it are away due to work commitments. of the art facilitators. Seeing the wall come to life and will be left there for all to see.

3kg 3kg 3kg 3kg 3kg 3kg R109-90 3kg 3kg 3kg 3kg NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021 7

Injuries and Covid-19 have frustrated Kayla van den Bergh over the past few months, but she should be back on the athletics track soon. Photo: Reg Caldecott Hurdles star back in sunny South Africa So far, 2021 has been an eventful year for the former African youth 100m-hurdles champion, Kayla van den Bergh, despite her not having raced yet. The Tuks athlete survived Covid and learned the grass is not always greener on the other side. In January, Van den Bergh left to study and train at the University of North Colorado. Things did not work out as she had hoped. Sprinters and cold weather don’t ever really gel. According to her, when she arrived, the temperature was close to -20 degrees. It was not her only concern. Van den Bergh found it challenging to adapt to the American way of training. To her, it felt insouciant. The Tuks athlete has defi nite goals. She wants to compete at the World Student Games as well as the World Junior Championships. To her, it means putting in long hard hours. It felt like she was not doing so. It, however, turned out to be the least of her concerns. Van den Bergh contracted the Covid virus while in the USA. She really got sick. “I battled to breathe. At one stage, I could hardly get out of bed to shower. My biggest fear was that I would need to go to the hospital. I did not want to be on a ventilator as I have heard there is a risk of damaging one’s lungs. It is something no athlete can aff ord. Being all on your own in a little room far from family and friends drained me emotionally,” she explained. Van den Bergh is relieved to be back in South Africa and to have made a full recovery. According to her, people must realise the Covid pandemic is real. “Believe me, you don’t want to get sick,” she warned. Van den Bergh relishes a good duel on the track. “Every race has its own challenges. That is what makes athletics exciting. I don’t mind losing as long as you learn from your mistakes. The goal should always to be better.” The Tuks athlete’s CV is already impressive. She has won the 100m-hurdles at the 2018 African Youth Games (u.18), and in 2019 she won gold at the African Youth Championships. She was fi fth during the 2018 Youth Olympics. Van den Bergh is also a former double South African youth champion. For now, her best time is 13.84s, but she believes she is capable of being faster. Speed seems to be a family thing. When her dad, Riaan, played fullback for the Bulls, he was no slouch when he had the ball in hand. Mum, Yvonne, was a 400m-hurdler in her younger days, while her younger brother, Christiaan, is already also a champion hurdler. Hurdles star back in I sunny South Africa N S I D

NOWETO RECORD MAY 28, 2021 E Paralympic sets world record but faces ‘snag’ ‘It is such an honour to be included in the fi nal line-up.’

Koos Venter world-class Paralympic athlete. Mahlangu celebrated his result Although there are high at ASA Senior Track and Field expectations from Pretoria’s Championships, by paying it Pretoria’s superstar road athlete, Irvette van Zyl, breaks the ribbon at Paralympic star, Ntando Mahlangu, forward to the next generation. the past weekend’s fi rst Nedbank Runifi ed Breaking Barriers race. to win a medal at the Tokyo He’s new world record is Paralympics later this year, there actually a side issue for him. is still a logistical problem that It is the example he is setting would probably prevent him from for kids born with the same Pta star athlete runs competing in his favourite item. severe congenital condition as his At the recent Athletics South own, that he is most proud of. Africa (ASA) Senior Track and “I am happy with my time. It is Field Championships, Mahlangu such an honour to be included in record time in race set a new Paralympic T61 world the fi nal line-up. record in the 800m when he “Thank you to Athletics Koos Venter time. In the process, Van Zyl clocked a time of 1:44,99. Gauteng North president, beat international stars such as However, due to a lack of Hendrick Mokganyetsi, and ASA Bashanke Bilo from Ethiopia, Well-known Olympic marathon participants in his category (T61), president, Aleck Skhosana, for Dominika Stelmach from athlete from Pretoria, Irvette van he will not be able to compete in having a vision of inclusion,” he Poland and Russian Alexandra Zyl, made history in Gqeberha the 800m in Tokyo. said. Marozova. (Port Elizabeth) on Sunday when Fortunately, Mahlangu has To celebrate his result, She took nearly three minutes she set a new world-best time already qualifi ed for the 200m and Mahlangu paid a visit to Jumping off the previous best time of in the 50km ultra marathon for this item is on the programme in Kids – the charity that gave him 3:07.20 set by Alyson Dixon of women. Tokyo. his start back in 2012 when he Great Britain in Brasov, Romania Van Zyl, who recently Mahlangu was born 19 years was fi tted with his fi rst set of qualifi ed to represent South in September 2019. ago in KwaMhlanga on the blades. Africa in the standard marathon Lilian Chemweno of Kenya north-eastern border between On the same day, the (42km) at the Olympics, would took second place in 3:05.00 and Mpumalanga and Gauteng with a organisation fi tted four initially have only participated Stelmach was third in 3:10.26. defect in his legs. boys, all born with similar as a pacemaker in the Nedbank In the men’s race, Ethiopian Despite his physical disability Runifi ed Breaking Barriers race athlete Ketema Negasa took the congenital conditions to he loved sports and he took part in the Eastern Cape. win in 2:42.07. Mahlangu, with their new in a variety of sports at an early However, after 30km, when she He obliterated the global best custom manufactured and the other offi cial Nedbank of 2:43.38, which was set by age. Soccer was especially his prosthetic Running Club pacemaker, South African athlete Thompson favourite. equipment. Gerda Steyn, completed their Magawana in Cape Town in During his primary school They were responsibility for their club, Van April 1988. Negasa also cashed days at Laerskool Constantiapark ecstatic to see Zyl realised she felt good enough in a total of R250 000 for the win in Pretoria, he and his parents their favourite to fi nish the race in a world-class and record. decided to have his lower legs paralympic hero. time. She then communicated Jonas Makhele was the fi rst amputated, specifi cally to improve “It is an honour to be a role- with the manager and coach of South African, fi nishing second his sports abilities. model to the next generation the Nedbank club, Nick Bester, in 2:42.14 and countryman After amputating his legs, he and a responsibility I take very who encouraged her to keep Ntsindiso Mphakathi ended third got custom prostheses with the seriously. going. in 2:42.56. help of Jumping Kids, a registered “Kids born with my condition Eventually Van Zyl won The race, initiated and NPO that provides access to are usually confi ned to the women’s event in 3:04.23, presented by Nedbank Athletics prosthetic equipment, and holistic wheelchairs, unable to perform Paralympian athlete, Ntando banking R100 000 cash for Club under the supervision of rehabilitation, for children living even the most basic tasks. Mahlangu, in action on the athletics the win and an extra R150 000 Athletics South Africa (ASA), with lower limb amputation. “When they look at me, the track in the colours of his school, for breaking the world-best was a huge success. This development changed his kids see what is possible,” he Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affi es). life and it enabled him to become a said. Photo: Johan Meintjes