BCM delay hits pupils

SARAH KINGON

OVERTON Primary School may lose a donation of four new classrooms, a kitchen and toilets at their school in Bongweni if BCM (Buffalo City Municipality) does not permit them to build soon.

The current rickety school structures occupied by 451 pupils in Bongweni and Igoda fail to meet the Education Department’s Norms and Standards for school infrastructure.

The main campus near Igoda, which is situated roughly 10kms from the East London Airport has no running water, no electricity, pit toilets and classrooms made of mud and metal. Their satellite campus in Bongweni, where 70% of the learners live, has two temporary prefab classrooms catering for three grades. Learners are transported each day from Bongweni informal settlement to the main campus in Igoda by the Department.

Triathletes set for Ironman 70.3

SARAH KINGON

THOUSANDS of triathletes are swarming into Buffalo City this weekend for the much-anticipated ninth Ironman 70.3 race on Sunday.

2852 athletes will be competing this year, including 2078 men, 743 women and 176 international athletes. 169 East London athletes are registered to compete, including one professional. Local triathlete Clinton Gravett will be making his professional debut on Sunday, competing against 25 other professionals in hope of victory.

The men’s race favourite, Matt Trautman of South Africa, will be looking to defend his 2015 win. Last year, he was made to work hard against fellow South African Stuart Marais, who won the Ironman 70.3 in Durban. Locals James Cunnama and Kyle Buckingham and British athlete Will Clarke will be looking to usurp competitors.

Example of Schools Page

Each week I put together the “Schools on the Go!” page at GO! & Express. This is an example of one of the many schools pages I have put together. Often photos are sent in from various schools and compiled on a single page.

Published in Go! & Express on 14 January 2016.

Grandads Army ride for children

Published in Go! & Express community newspaper on 10 December 2015.

Master farmers make ground in agri-project

SARAH KINGON

MASTER Farmers in Reeston, Mzamomhle and Ducats were acknowledged and encouraged during an awards and thanksgiving ceremony at Christelik Maatskaplike Raad (CMR) in Reeston last Thursday.

CMR’s Master Farming project, funded by Wesbank, aims to alleviate poverty, address unemployment and create economically active communities. CMR has helped to establish 2079 household vegetable gardens and 66 active Master Farmers in these areas during the last 10 years.

87% of micro farmers are unemployed and most survive on grants. Master farmers look after 15-20 gardens in their area with the help of CMR who provides them with resources and skills training.

Festive homes help spread a little light

HOUSES around East London are dressed up and dancing to the Christmas spirit, waiting for passersby to take a glace and make a difference.

Go! & Express visited two houses in Beacon Bay and was impressed by their entertainment value.

Number 3 and 9 Pinewood Road are decked from top to bottom with sparkling lights of every variety. The public are also welcome to take a squiz inside the property to gaze at the array of shiny decorations.