Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Soccer players honoured during club awards

The Zandspruit-based football outfit, which plays under the Mogale City Local Football Association, hosted its 5th annual sports awards ceremony on 10 December.

Coach Proud Shoko and Dieketseng Makae coordinated the presentation of the awards.

Hard work and dedication paid off to a score of Golden Drifters Football Club Academy players who were honoured for their incredible display during the season.The Zandspruit-based football outfit, which plays under the Mogale City Local Football Association, hosted its 5th annual sports awards ceremony on 10 December.

Golden Drifters FC players and Dieketseng Makae celebrate the achievements at the awards venue.

It was clear that the awards were much anticipated, as the communities of Zandspruit and Cosmo City, including parents of the players, turned up in large numbers at the Good News Convention Centre in Muldersdrift to support this prestigious event.

“The whole event is about the children. We are here to empower them, especially since most hail from the outskirts of Zandspruit, Cosmo City and Muldersdrift. The event is basically to award them for the hard work that they’ve put in this year,” said Proud Shoko, who is the founder and coach of the academy.

The players, who were dressed in their finest suits and casual wear, were rewarded for their outstanding performances in both the leagues and various tournaments.

U/17 player and awardee Siyabong Nkosi thrilled the crowd with his dance moves at the venue.

Shoko indicated that the boys excelled throughout the year, with the U/17s being crowned as champions of the league and other divisions as runners-up.

“The boys did very well this year. Our U/13s and U/15s finished second in the league and our U/17s scooped their league – they are the champions of this year. We also had one boy selected to play for Platinum Stars and another who was chosen to play for Panorama Football Club,” a delighted Shoko explained.

Best Players of the Season, Player’s Player award, Most Improved Player, Top Goal-scorer and Captain of the Season were some of the elite awards presented to players from the U/11s to the U/17s during the event.

A vibrant Ntando Ntwanambi, the captain of the U/11s, was one of the most called-out recipients at the awards, walking away with both the U/11 Best Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Year, an award voted for by the player’s teammates.

Ntando Ntwanambi proudly displays his accolades after the Golden Drifters FC awards.

Phoko, who facilitated the occasion along with Dieketseng Makae who was the programme director, explained why they will continue hosting these awards despite challenges. “It’s only through this event that we have seen the growth of these young footballers. As an organisation that deals with sports we have managed to change so many children’s lives and transform them into better players using our own limited resources and funds,” he said.

Since Zandspruit, Cosmo City and Muldersdrift are affected by all sorts of socio-economic challenges, Shoko thanked the parents for their unwavering support of their children’s future at the academy.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Uninvited guests spoil birthday party

COSMOCITY – Suspects rob family and friends during birthday party celebrations.

Police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan says the police are searching for the suspects.
A house party came to an abrupt end in Boskruin on 6 December when two gatecrashers arrived uninvited.

The two alleged robbers entered the home through the back door that was not locked while the complainant was celebrating his birthday with friends.

One of the suspects is said to have had a firearm while the other had a pair of bolt cutters.

According to police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan, the armed suspect allegedly pointed his gun at the victim and his friends and asked them to keep quiet.

“The gunman took the victim to the bedroom and wanted to know where the safe was. The victim told the gunman he doesn’t have a safe, and he asked for a laptop, and the victim showed him a laptop and he allegedly took it.”

It is reported that the armed suspect then ordered the victim to return to the dining room where everyone was lying on the floor, tied up with shoelaces.

The suspects also covered everyone with a duvet before taking a TV, laptop, six cellphones and jewellery.
On the same night, two suspects allegedly robbed two sisters while they were at home in Cosmo City.

It is claimed the two entered the room the sisters were in, and one of the suspects, who had a firearm, allegedly pointed it at them and demanded money.

The other suspect is said to have taken a cellphone and ran away.

One of the sisters screamed to alert the community and one suspect was caught.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Mega-blitz to make Cosmo beautiful

COSMO CITY – Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo hit the ground running this festive season with planned mega blitz clean-ups around Johannesburg.

This illegal dumping sign has clearly been ignored.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo hit the ground running this festive season with planned mega blitz clean-ups around Johannesburg.

The first clean-up took place in Cosmo City on 13 December.

Dumped rubbish outside the wall of the park.

Johannesburg City Parks regional manager, Puleng Ditabe said, “What happened here today is what we call a ‘mega-blitz’… where we have identified areas in need of conservation efforts.

We have reached peak-season where we are at the top of the rainy season. People are on holiday and need to enjoy the park life.

“This area suffers from a lot of illegal dumping, and many materials that have been dumped are not safe for children. We are also planning to beautify the area by cutting grass and repairing safety fences.”

Approximately 60 City Parks employees, 40 environmental workers, community members and Pikitup employees participated in the mega-blitz to cut grass, prune trees, clear out illegal dumping, and pick up litter. Over 100 indigenous trees were planted in the area during the course of the day.

A Johannesburg City Parks truck brings in indigenous shrubs ready to be planted.

Environmental experts were there to educate the residents and also to give them advice.

Ditabe said, “The primary focus of this education initiative is that people need to learn how to co-habit with the environment.”

A digger waits at the corner of Eritrea and Guinea Streets in Cosmo City to clear dumped rubble in the park.

Areas focused on during the clean-up included:

The Cosmo City Arboretum in Sierra Leone Drive. Grass was cut, trees pruned and illegally dumped material removed
Guinea Street. This is one of the worst affected streets often used for illegal dumping. The street is also close to the beautiful Eritrea Park. Rubbish and litter were removed and the area was beautified
Afghanistan Street. Grass was cut and trees pruned
Slovenia Road. Wetland maintenance and vegetation control of reeds, litter and debris
Repair and replacement of broken fences

A vandalised children’s play slide had to be repaired..

As part of its citywide A Re Sebetseng clean-up campaign Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo encouraged all citizens to do their part in keeping the city clean, green and liveable.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Who is your ward councillor?

COSMOCITY – Many do not know the answer to this question. Find out here.

Ward councillors act as spokespersons for the needs of residents in certain wards.

Their contact details are invaluable numbers to have on your phone and also helps you to get involved in the goings-on in your area.

Here are the details of Randburg’s ward councillors:

Ward 96 – Sbusiso Mthemba on 071 295 8290 or 082 559 1371 and sbusiso1025@gmail.com

The ward includes Kya Sand, Chartwell, Farmall, Bloubosrand and other areas outside of the Randburg Sun distribution area.

Ward 98 – Beverley Weweje on 074 882 3014 and weweje@vodamail.co.za

The ward includes Randpark Ridge, Kelland, Cresta, Windsor East, Windsor West, Windsor Glen, Randpark and Fairland.

Ward 99 – Nicole van Dyk on 071 382 1992 and ward99jozi@gmail.com

The ward includes parts of Robin Acres, Robindale, Linden, Jacanlee, Darrenwood, Robin Hills and parts of Blairgowrie.

Ward 100 – Rosina Mosito on 061 993 7276.

The ward includes Cosmo City and parts of the surrounding areas.

Ward 101 – Dalu Cele on 073 446 8653 and dalu@ward-101.co.za

The ward, recently demarcated, includes parts of Boskruin, Bromhof, Northwold, Sonneglans, Golden Harvest, Hunters Hill, Sharonlea and Olivedale.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

SHOPRITE ASSAULT COSMO CITY: GAUTENG MEC HOPES GUARDS RECEIVE HARSH JAIL TERM

The private guards were caught on camera last Saturday, manhandling and handcuffing a mother whose child relieved herself outside the shop.

A screengrab shows a mother being assaulted in front of her toddler at a Shoprite store.

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has welcomed the arrests of three security officers for assaulting a patron at the Shoprite Usave in Cosmo City.

The private guards were caught on camera last Saturday, manhandling and handcuffing a mother whose child relieved herself outside the shop.

The MEC says she hopes this sends a strong message that gender-based violence won’t be tolerated.

Her spokesperson Busaphi Nxumalo said: “Following the shocking assault incident, she is confident that with evidence at the police’s disposal, they will represent a water-tight case to ensure that these security officers receive the harshest possible terms behind bars.”

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

29-year-old in the dock for housebreaking RANDBURG-COSMOCITY – The Case against housebreaking accused postponed for trial date to be set.

The case against a 29-year-old Saamagile Seleka was postponed at the Randburg Magistrates Court.

The case against Saamagile Seleka was postponed to 28 November for a trial date to be set at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.

The 29-year-old is charged with housebreaking with intent to steal, and theft.

The state alleges that on 24 January, the accused broke into a property at Cosmo Creek in Cosmo City where he allegedly stole two laptops, three cellphones and one Play Station.

Seleka is out on R2 000 bail

Missing pastor found dead near COSMO CITY

Pastor Martin Beneke.

The pastor was last seen with two unknown males.

The senior pastor and founder of Life in Christ Network 45-year-old Martin Beneke has been found dead in Magaliesburg after an apparent hijacking, Rooderpoort Record reports.

According to unconfirmed reports he was last seen on CCTV footage at about 10am on Monday morning (October 16) with two unknown males at the Total Garage on 14th Avenue.

His double cab Nissan Navara bakkie was also tracked at one stage close to Cosmo City.

A family member, who does not want to be named and says she is not at liberty to discuss the details, told the Record that all she could say was he was “found murdered in Magaliesberg yesterday evening”.

Beneke’s mother wrote on her Facebook page: “My son is now part of the statistics – hijacked and murdered!”

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Usave security guards face charges of assault COSMO CITY – A video of a mother being assaulted in front of her 3-year-old daughter at USave in Cosmo City went viral on social media.

Thandi Shaparadzo is assaulted and roughly handcuffed by two Vigilant CQ Security guards at Usave in Cosmo City. Photo: Twitter

A video of a woman being assaulted by security guards at a Usave Shoprite in Cosmo City has gone viral on social media.

WATCH VIDEO:

The assault took place on 7 October and came after the woman’s three-year-old daughter allegedly relieved herself outside the store. In the video, you see the mother being roughly handcuffed by two security guards while being pushed to the ground.

As this takes place you see her daughter crying next to her as she clutches her mother’s handcuffed wrists.

Social media users were outraged by the incident:

Social media users were outraged by the incident:

What Shoprite had to say:

Captain Bulan Muthan of Honeydew Police Station said investigations are underway for the two security guards in question.

“They have been charged with assault and could also be charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,” said Muthan.
Operations manager of Vigilant CQ Security, Qhubani Ngcongolo – the security company in question – said they took heed of the advice given to them by MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane when she requested that the guards be handed over to the police.

The two security guards have since been suspended and Vigilant CQ Security plans to meet with the victim along with the MEC after the media storm dies down in hopes of finding a way to assist the victim.

Ngcongolo added that the security guards would appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday 9 October.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Woman transported to hospital after stabbing incident in Cosmo City

The woman was found in a critical condition by ER24 paramedics.

A Cosmo City woman is fighting for her life in hospital after being stabbed multiple times at her residence in the early hours of 28 September.

ER24 paramedics found the woman in a critical condition after they had been called to the scene by a hospital.

According to Russel Meiring, ER24 spokesperson, “Paramedics arrived on the scene at 1.30am and found the woman lying in the doorway of the residence. She was assessed and found to have sustained numerous stab wounds and was in a critical condition.

Paramedics treated her and immediately transported her to Life Fourways Hospital for urgent treatment.”
Meiring concluded by saying that local authorities were on the scene to investigate the exact cause of the incident.

Following an increase in violent attacks on paramedics, Johannesburg Metro Police officers will now escort emergency services to crime hotspots. Photo: Ekurhuleni Emergency Services / William Ntladi

Criminals slammed for disrupting ambulance services
“We cannot afford situations where every time we have an emergency we have to go via the nearest police station,” said Joburg EMS spokesperson.

Following an increase in violent attacks on paramedics, Johannesburg Metro Police officers will now escort emergency services to crime hotspots. Photo: Ekurhuleni Emergency Services / William Ntladi

City of Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says communities need to work together to report crime which hampers the response time of ambulance services.

The spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services, Robert Mulaudzi, has urged residents to protect EMS personnel while they are rendering an essential service to the community.

The appeal follows the robbery and hijacking of a Joburg EMS night shift ambulance crew in Cosmo City on Saturday, 23 September.

According to Mulaudzi, the ambulance crew was responding to an emergency call in the area. “While they were looking for the physical address they were requested to go to, two male suspects came from nowhere, pointed a gun at them and instructed them to get out of the ambulance which they did, and the suspects drove off with the ambulance,” said Mulaudzi.

He added that the traumatised crew managed to walk to the nearby Cosmo City Police Station to seek help and a case of hijacking and robbery was registered.

Metro police to escort paramedics to crime hotspots

Following an increase in violent attacks on paramedics, Johannesburg Metro Police officers will now escort emergency services to crime hotspots.

JOHANNESBURG – Following an increase in violent attacks on paramedics, Johannesburg Metro Police officers will now escort emergency services to crime hotspots.

On Saturday an ambulance crew was hijacked and robbed while responding to an emergency in Cosmo City, Johannesburg.

MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun said: “Our paramedics and firefighters are not trained to fight criminals whilst they're attending to an injured patient. About a year ago we started to identify these hotspots, we've built a trend map to map out the hotspots where attacks have taken place. So when we do receive calls from these areas we will dispatch JMPD officers to accompany them to a scene.”

“Fortunately a lot of private companies like security companies they are also coming to assist. But mostly we are calling on residents to please note that when paramedics are out there saving lives, they need to be looked after so if you can and willing please ensure our paramedics are being kept safe,” Sun added.

WATCH: For GOGOz, the gloves are on COSMO CITY – Age is nothing but a number for these grannies.

Clara Nose (65) lands every punch to show that senior citizens are as active as everyone else.
Over the past four years, Claude Maphosa has been keeping grannies in the north of Johannesburg fit through boxing.

Maphosa, who has established himself as a bodybuilder, started hosting bodybuilding contests in the townships of Johannesburg. When he held a contest in Cosmo City, he realised there wasn’t a gym or fitness centre in the area. Maphosa decided to take the initiative and opened up a gym in Cosmo City.

He said even though the programme had become successful, the gym did face certain challenges. The first was that of transport. “As active as these ladies are they still struggle to move to and from the gym, it would be helpful if we could provide transport for them,” he said. Maphosa does provide transport for those that he can assist.

Another challenge was maintaining and supplying boxing equipment. “We have over 30 grannies and I need to ensure that they have a set of gloves and equipment that they can all use at the same time.” He added that he did not want a situation where he had to turn away grannies that were interested in signing up because he could not accommodate them.

“I would love to expand this programme to other townships so grannies all over Johannesburg can get fit, healthy and active.” He is planning to host a gogo’s boot camp in October where senior citizens will compete in a boxing showcase and businesses will get involved in sponsoring prizes. Maphosa said all proceeds from the event would go towards buying boxing gloves.

He is appealing for help to grow this initiative and make it sustainable.

Details: Claude Maphosa 082 395 5115, info@ateamfoundation.co.za

Before the punching and ducking begin, the gogos of Cosmo City begin their morning with a warm- up session.

Gladys Ngwenya (68)is still active enough to dodge anything her trainer throws her way

Gladys Ngwenya (68), gives her all during her morning boxing workout session.

Clara Nose (65), shows that the boxing programme is a full body workout as she performs an abdominal exercise.

Mabel Mokgosi (66) is still as energetic as ever as she spars with her trainer

The gogos of Cosmo City do boxing to keep active, healthy and fit.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Mzansi’s youngest club DJ, Oratilwe Hlongwane, best known as DJ Arch Jr has broken the Guinness World Record

Mzansi’s youngest club DJ, Oratilwe Hlongwane, best known as DJ Arch Jr has broken the Guinness World Record by becoming the youngest club DJ in the world. The five-year old DJ sensation was officially inducted into the record books on Wednesday, September 13, after successfully beating Japanese six-year-old Itsuki Morita’s record. The young DJ performed his record-breaking one hour-long set on June 10, after his father Glen Hlongwane managed to sneak the youngster into the Platinum Lounge in Cosmo City. This was DJ Arch Jr's third attempt. His first attempt was two years ago when the young boy wasn’t able to concentrate long enough to complete the hour. #DuduzanesFather His second attempt wasn’t recognised by the global world records body because his set was performed at a stadium and not in a club or a bar. Arch Jr was crowned SA’s Got Talent winner in 2015. He's a resident deejay for the Mc Donald’s U/14 Schools Soccer League, and has performed at the SAFTA’s (South African Film Awards) and AFRIMA’s (All Africa Music Awards) in Nigeria.

Watch Mzansi's 5 year old DJ Arch Jr breaks Guinness World Record

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

JHB west cluster police charged with fitness COSMO CITY – Douglasdale were the strongest and fittest members in tug of war.

Officers from Douglasdale, Honeydew and Linden performs squats with heavy weights in tow.

The Johannesburg West Police Cluster members held an employee’s health and wellness day at Cosmo City multi-purpose hall led by the Cluster Commander General Theko Johannes Pharasi.

On 9 September, the Polmed medical scheme offered an opportunity to members to test their blood pressure, sugar levels, HIV status cholesterol and other related illnesses.

Police offers lunge out on crime.

The day started with aerobics whereby members were taken through their paces by the instructors from the Gym Company. Leading by example was the general himself, showing chest out and stomach in.

There were also other activities arranged for the day which included a potjiekos competition, tug of war and soccer.

Linden Police Station members came first for cooking delicious potjiekos.

Johannesburg West cluster police stretch out before they start their exercise.

Douglasdale Police Station snagged the win for the strongest and fittest members in tug of war. It was Honeydew who came out victorious for their dribbling and scoring skills in the soccer match, beating Douglasdale in the finals by a penalty shootout.

Douglasdale police won the fittest and strongest group for tug of war.

Passengers climb out of taxi after it rolls - COSMO CITY

Paramedics treat patients after a taxi rolled near Cosmo City.

Paramedics arrived after the occupants had already climbed out of the taxi.

A taxi accident left at least nine people injured this morning, 11 September, when the vehicle rolled on Malibongwe Drive near South Africa Drive in Cosmo City.

According to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, ER24 paramedics, along with other services, arrived on the scene at approximately 8.15am, to find the taxi on the centre median.

“The occupants had already climbed out of the vehicle and were found walking around on the scene. Paramedics assessed the patients and found that they had all sustained minor injuries,” he said.

He added that the patients were treated for their injuries and were thereafter transported by various services to nearby provincial hospitals for further treatment.

The details surrounding this incident are unknown but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Gautrain - Improved public transport set to boost commercial activities and escalate Property Values (COSMOCITY)

According to the Gautrain Management Agency, it is planning to extend the rail route by 150 kilometres over the next twenty years, including routes through Randburg, Fourways and Soweto. A proposed new line will connect Mamelodi (Irene) with the current network, branching off from Sandton, Randburg, Cosmo City, the Cradle of Human Kind and Lanseria.

Pretoria’s Bus Rapid Transport System – A Re Yeng – which was introduced in 2014 – has also done much to improve transport in and around Tshwane. Dos Reis Marques notes that a number of businesses have opened along the bus routes as accessibility improved.

Don’t overestimate your property value

“While the new property developments and the proposed improvement of public transport will likely have a good impact on property prices in Gauteng in the long run, we’re finding that sellers are assuming that buyers will pay unrealistic prices for homes”, says dos Reis Marques, “Buyers are very savvy and a house that’s not priced properly won’t sell. My advice to sellers remains to ask the advice of a qualified estate agent in terms of getting a realistic valuation.”

Dos Reis Marques also advises first time buyers to get pre-approval for a home loan before house hunting; “Knowing what you can afford, and importantly how much a bank is willing to loan you, will save a lot of time when it comes to buying your first property – there’s no point in making an offer on a property you can’t possibly afford. So do your homework before you start doing the legwork.”

COSMO CITY DONATIONS Stem from Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge spares time to help the less fortunate

RANDPARK RIDGE – The school recently took part in the annual Mandela Day when they packed lunches, made soup and delivered those and beanies to children in need.

Trinityhouse Preparatory Randpark Ridge grate vegetables as their bit for Nelson Mandela Day.

Trinityhouse Preparatory and High School Randpark Ridge took part in their annual 67 Minutes for Mandela Day initiatives.
The preparatory school participated in a soup-making initiative during which the youngsters washed, peeled and grated various vegetables. Once grated and collected, the vegetables were taken home by a number of generous parents who cooked the vegetables into a delicious soup.

Marketing officer, Robyn Aingworth, said Sunbake donated 100 loaves of bread which were added to the 100 loaves donated by the school. “During assembly on 28 July, Trinityhouse Preparatory handed over 600 litres of vegetable soup and 200 loaves of bread to Kids Haven,” said Aingworth.

She added that the high school supported Mandela Day as they collected lunch packs and beanies. The lunch packs were prepared by the students and packed during school. Aingworth explained that 1 368 lunch packs and 633 beanies were donated to 17 different schools in Zandspruit, Kya Sands, Cosmo City and Soweto.

Trinityhouse Preparatory classes grate some vegetables.

“A number of teachers and students dropped off the items at the various schools and were welcomed with big smiles and many hugs.”

Aingworth concluded that it was great to see all the children, staff and parents supporting Mandela Day and made a difference in the community.