The Elsies River Community Police Forum has formally objected to the Diamonds Liquors for an extension of their trading hours at the Diamonds Discount Liquor Elsies River c/o 27th Avenue and Halt Road Elsies River.

Their main reason for their objection is that alcohol consumption is a contributing factor to crime in our area. They are very concerned about the increase in liquor related crimes such as public violence, domestic violence, and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Chairperson for the Elsies River Community Police Forum, Hamish Arries, says that this liquor store is in a crime hotspot renowned for gang activity. Police are already keeping crime in the area under control, longer trading hours will place an even greater burden on their already limited resources, creating a situation where crime in the vicinity of the outlet will increase. 

The actress Ann Benjamin from Avonwood has landed a role in the new Afrikaans series called Volmaakte Gelukskoot. She almost gave up on her dream, but her son encouraged her and asked her, What if you are good? What if they like you? You will forever question yourself.

Ann's advice to anyone is to Google and ask for help. You can do anything you put your mind to, by asking God, and you are never too old to fulfil your dreams. Catch Ann every Saturday morning at 9am on Volmaakte Gelukskoot, repeats Wednesdays at 10:30 on Via or YouTube. 

On Sunday, Kensington residents protested against “the mushrooming of shacks” on Wingfield Land. They say that this has caused a spike in crime. Councillor Cheslyn Steenberg says they, along with the Gate 7 informal settlement residents demonstrated their frustration on Voortrekker Road and at Maitland Cemetery. Steenberg says that the plan was to hand over the memorandum to the landowners, the Ndabeni Trust, and the Mayco member for Human Settlements, to assist them in relocating the people living on the land.

According to the Daily Voice, the three informal settlements have now expanded, having tripled in the last year. Protesters want the land closed up. Gate 7 resident Phindiswa Tombela says they want the squatters to move, because they are first in line for toilets and running water. She says that next to them they have a shelter that houses refugees, who have water and toilets. As South African citizens who voted, they should be first in line to receive basic services. They say that their kids are suffering. They have to use the bushes to relieve themselves.

South African teacher Mariëtte Wheeler made it into the top ten for the 2023 Global Teacher Prize. She has combined her two main passions: biological research and teaching. She has a PhD in Zoology.  2010: she was asked to be a judge at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists  

She makes monthly record broadcasts on marine life for a local radio station, with a listenership of approximately 400,000 people. Mariëtte says that if she had won, she would have used the $1 million to: 

1. set up a medical center focusing on teenagers, especially girls, to provide sanitary products and
2. other support increase her church’s efforts in sustainable community building 
3. support rural communities by setting up a mobile science equipment unit that can travel between schools, and 
4. set up a dedicated marine sciences venue with scientific equipment and camping-style accommodation to give learners an outdoor experience.  

Congratulations to Pakistani teacher Sister Zeph. She founded her own school for underprivileged children in the courtyard of her home at just 13. She has been named the winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. 

Pictures: Daily Voice and Maroela Media

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