Table of contents for 2023-11-10 in DFA News

IN A STUNNING botanical discovery, a new species of pelargonium, commonly known as geraniums, has been unearthed in the rugged landscape of the Richtersveld. The discovery was made by Pieter van Wyk, the curator of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Desert Botanical Garden and Nursery. The find promises to expand our understanding of this diverse genus and has already sparked interest among horticulturists and nature enthusiasts alike. Pelargoniums, a genus encompassing about 280 species of perennials, succulents and shrubs, are widely recognised for their vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage. While they are commonly referred to as geraniums, it's important to note that the geranium is a separate genus of related plants, also known as cranesbills, although both genera belong to the family Geraniaceae. The separation of these two genera, Pelargonium and…

AS A SCHOOL team from the Frances Baard District progressed to the national robotics competition following their success at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) provincial robotics competition, a call has been made to unlock robotics skills in the district. The Kimberley Technical High School robotics team “Zero 2 Heroes” was not only selected as one of five teams to represent the Northern Cape at the national robotics competition, to be hosted at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg in December, but the team also walked away with the Engineering Excellence Award. Another team from Kimberley Technical High School also managed to clinch the Motivate Award. Twenty-three school teams from across the Northern Cape competed in the FIRST provincial robotics competition in Carnarvon this past weekend. Tesla…

WITH more than 70% of households in the Northern Cape now having access to flush toilets, 2% above the national average, and 82% of households having access to piped water, it is an indication that the Northern Cape provincial government is making great strides in the provision of basic services. This is according to Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, who was speaking during the handover of the 2022 Census results. Additionally, there has been an increase from 85% of households in 2011 to 93% of households in 2022 using electricity as a source of energy, but Saul said that there is still much to be done. The first-ever digital census was handed over by Statistics South Africa Deputy Director-General, Yandiswa Mpetsheni at the Ruth First Auditorium at the Northern…

EMBODYING a rich legacy of sportsmanship and camaraderie, the Juventus Masters Football Club in Kimberley stands as a beacon of inspiration within the local sports scene. Founded by retired soccer players, this unique club is a testament to unwavering passion and community involvement in the world of football. This extraordinary club is the brainchild of former soccer players who have hung up their professional boots but remain deeply committed to the beautiful game. Hailing from various local soccer clubs, these players may have aged, but their love for soccer is as strong as ever. And if you’re wondering, their vision is to nurture and discover new talent, thereby sustaining and promoting the sport they hold dear. Managed by players over the age of 35, Juventus Masters has not only carved…

Kimberley Golf Club results for the week of November 1 to 4 and a look ahead next week’s programme. Results for the week of November 1 to 4 are: The Wednesday, November 1 Konica Minolta sponsored 18-hole BBS competition was won by Jason Barnes and Nigel Page on 44pts. Second was Pete van Zyl and James Stander with 43pts on a count-out over 3rd placed Barend van Zyl and Jacques Gouws also on 43pts. Fourth on 42pts was Faried Richards and Bernie Turton. The Thursday, November 2 KWV-sponsored Niner with power play options was won by Kevin Wakeford on 26pts with Johan Herselman 2nd with 22pts and Braam Botes 3rd on 18pts. The results for the Friday, November 3 MVD Construction Golf Day were not available. The Saturday, November 4…

THE MULTIPLE-award-winning gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration has promised an explosive comeback at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley for a one-night show on Saturday, December 2. The group has promised city residents a performance that will reignite hope, faith and renewal, after the group’s last performance in the Diamond City in 2017. The concert was made possible, despite the group’s hectic national, intercontinental and international tour schedule, thanks to a partnership with Zikmo Promotions. This is also particularly admirable considering how difficult it’s proven over the years to stage live concerts in Kimberley. The local organiser for Zikmo Promotions, Zikie Molusi, said that the entire crew from Joyous are delighted to be able to reconnect with their Kimberley fans, knowing that they have been patiently waiting for the group…

WHEN last have you seen a sports fan? I mean seriously, think about it; when was the last time that you have met, seen or spoken to someone who really enjoys sport? I am sure there are a few out there in this wide, wide world. But to find them – I am certain – will be a pretty stiff challenge. Of course a sports fan must not be confused with a team fan. Team fans are a dime-a-dozen; they are everywhere. There are teams who have loyal, dedicated and even fanatical supporters. There are even ‘anti-supporters’ – people who dislike a specific team so much that they will cheer for whoever plays against them. In South Africa, I am estimating, there are quite a number of team fans. There…

THE SKY, or rather the universe, is the limit for an astro tour guide in training, Chrislin de Koker from Van Wyksvlei, who believes that her future is set in the stars. De Koker is part of the first group of six astro tour guides being trained as part of the science engagement programme seed by the Northern Cape Tourism Authority and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). De Koker said her daily training involves studying the stars and planets and relaying folk tales about the universe. She said she never had any aspirations in choosing a career as an astro guide and that her personal responsibilities pushed her towards the opportunity. “I studied Business Innovation and Technology in Johannesburg for two years. The college I studied at ran…

THE LOCAL dance community is buzzing with excitement after Culture, an 11-member hip-hop dance ensemble from Kimberley, has recently returned from the prestigious Hip-Hop Unite World Championships in Obidos, Portugal, held between October 23 and 29. Culture's participation in this esteemed global event demonstrates their skill, commitment, and the steadfast encouragement provided by their mentors and the Kimberley community. The dance ensemble, under the leadership of Noleen and Liam Abrahams, symbolises the essence of hip-hop and reflects the spirit of unity and resilience that brings pride to Kimberley. Training at the Noleen Andrews School of Dance, a local studio in the city, the group secured their place on the global platform after securing third place at the South African sport aerobics, fitness, and hip-hop championships in Cape Town in June.…

THE PROVINCIAL commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, hosted her first Medal Parade since her appointment in August last year at the 3 SAI SANDF parade grounds in Kimberley on November 7. Also in attendance were the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, the MEC for Youth, Women, Disability, Communications and e-Government, Venus Blennies, the provincial director-general, Justice Bekebeke, the executive mayors of the Frances Baard District and Sol Plaatje Local municipalities, the acting deputy national commissioner for Support Service, Lieutenant-General L Ntshiea, the provincial SAPS management, other dignitaries, district commissioners, station commanders, the Community Police Board, SAPS members and community members. Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that Saul conferred 218…

THE SOL Plaatje Municipality said yesterday that an amicable resolution was reached with regard to the delayed relocation of the taxis that used to occupy the now-closed Bultfontein Taxi Rank in Kimberley. This follows more than two weeks of fraught negotiations between the taxi associations and the municipality regarding the relocation to the Indian Centre. The taxi associations had at first indicated that they could not move to the temporary location allocated by the municipality as the facilities at the Indian Centre were not conducive for them to operate. Sol Plaatje workers then had to jump to carry out much-needed renovation work at the Indian Centre. The bulk of the work included replacing the toilets in the ablution facilities, cleaning the premises and installing electricity at the rank. The Kimberley…

THE RETURN of a disputed 45 000-hectare tract of land located in the Kgalagadi National Park in the Northern Cape to the Khomani San community provides invaluable lessons on how to strike a delicate balance between promoting nature conservation and correcting past injustices that arose from forced land removals. The Khomani San community is located in the Kgalakgadi Transfrontier Park and surroundings and now owns the 45 000ha of land within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and six farms on the south of the park, totalling to about 370 000ha. The park is also recognised as a World Heritage Site (WHS). The Vumelana Advisory Fund, a non-profit organisation that facilitates partnerships between land reform beneficiaries and private partners, played a key role in ensuring that the post-settlement agreement with SANParks, the…

NESTLED within the culturally vibrant city of Kimberley, the Aztec Football Club has been quietly leaving its mark on the local football scene for almost four decades, since its establishment on January 15, 1985. Spearheaded by Omphemetse Patrick Mabula, fondly referred to as ‘Stoppa’ Mabula, the club has upheld the virtues of respect, love, unity, Christian principles, and dignity, embodying a legacy that extends beyond the city’s boundaries. Serving as a successor to the defunct Mighty Panthers Football Club, Aztec has evolved into a hidden gem within Kimberley's sporting landscape. With their core values as their guiding light, Aztec Football Club united individuals from the community who resonated with their principles. Leading the charge were key figures such as Olehile ‘Whiney’ Manong, serving as the inaugural secretary; Dinkies Lekoma, the…

Last week, the Kimberley community bid farewell to another remarkable individual. Thomas Jossie, a devoted family man and inspirational sporting personality left this world on Monday, October 30 2023, at the age of 72. According to family, friends, colleagues and teammates, Mr. Jossie’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering dedication to various spheres of society, from sports administration to education, and his legacy continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Thomas Jossie's extraordinary journey into sports administration began at the tender age of 16, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to the development and unity of sports in Kimberley, during a time when sport was still segregated along racial lines, with separate leagues for what at the time was defined as ‘Indians’, ‘Coloureds’,…