Sporting Legacy: The Role of Rugby in Port Elizabeth’s Identity

Rugby has long been a cornerstone of South African culture, and in Gqeberha, this sport holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. Known for its passionate fans and rich history, rugby has significantly shaped the local identity, fostering community spirit and pride. Let’s delve into the impact of rugby on Port Elizabeth’s culture, highlighting influential players, notable clubs, and unforgettable matches that have left an indelible mark on the city.

The Cultural Significance of Rugby

In Port Elizabeth, rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. The city, home to several prominent rugby clubs, serves as a hub for aspiring players and enthusiastic supporters. According to a study by the South African Rugby Union, rugby contributes significantly to social cohesion and community identity, particularly in regions where the sport has deep historical roots (SARU, 2020).

Local Clubs and Their Impact

Southern Kings: The Southern Kings, established in 2013, have become a symbol of rugby in Port Elizabeth. Competing in Super Rugby and later in the PRO14, the Kings showcased local talent and brought the community together. Their home matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium attract thousands of fans, creating an electric atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Port Elizabeth.

Old Grey Rugby Club: One of the oldest clubs in the region, Old Grey Rugby Club has been pivotal in developing grassroots rugby. Founded in 1888, the club has nurtured many players who went on to represent provincial and national teams. Their commitment to youth development is evident in their active programs that encourage young athletes to engage with the sport.

Notable Players

Port Elizabeth has produced several rugby stars whose careers have inspired countless fans.

Siyamthanda Kolisi

Kolisi grew up in Zwide. At the age of 12, he impressed scouts at a youth tournament in Mossel Bay and was offered a scholarship at Grey Junior in Port Elizabeth. He was subsequently offered a rugby scholarship to Grey High School, which South African cricketer Graeme Pollock and England International Mike Catt had attended. Kolisi was a regular member of the first XV high school rugby team. He was also a part of the Eastern Province Kings youth set-up between 2007 and 2009, playing in the Under-16 Grant Khomo week and the Under-18 Craven Week before shifting west to join Western Province. He further represented the South Africa national under-18 rugby union team (SA Schools team) for two consecutive years.

Mzwandile Stick

Stick is a former Springbok Sevens stalwart, was also born in Port Elizabeth and went to Newell High School. After having played full-back and wing in the 15-man game, he retired in 2013 and began his coaching career as an assistant with the Eastern Province U21 side. Stick worked and developed as a coach, guiding the Eastern Province U19 side to the provincial title as head coach in 2015, before being promoted to the Southern Kings management team at the beginning of 2016. In April 2016, he was appointed as the backline coach of the Springboks.

Brent Russel

Brent Russell was born on 5 March 1980 in Port Elizabeth. Russell featured for the Springbok Sevens team (Blitz Bokke), where the national selectors spotted his talent and quickly moved him into International Rugby for the Boks in 2002. He’s a “utility back” player (he can play at fullback, flyhalf or wing) and currently plays in the French Top 14 for Clermont. Before playing in France, he moved to Western Province after getting little game for the Sharks during the 2005/2006 season. During the 2007/2008 season he played for Saracens in England before making the trip across the English Channel to pursue his career at Clermont.

Memorable Matches

Rugby in Port Elizabeth is marked by unforgettable matches that have become part of the city’s folklore. One such match occurred in 2016 when the Southern Kings faced the British and Irish Lions in a historic encounter. Despite losing, the Kings demonstrated resilience and skill, capturing the hearts of fans and solidifying rugby’s status in the region.

Another highlight was the local derby between the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs. These matches are characterized by intense competition and fierce rivalries, drawing large crowds and fostering local pride. The atmosphere at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium during these clashes is electric, showcasing the community’s passion for the sport.

70,000 Join Bible Seminar in Busan, ahead of Shincheonji’s upcoming global 110 000 Graduation.

About 3,000 students graduated from South Africa in 2023

On September 29, 2024, 70,000 people gathered for the Bible Seminar in Busan, South Korea, that was organised by Shincheonji Church of Jesus, New Heaven New Earth (NHNE), whose message of biblical prophecy and fulfillment continues to inspire attendees from different Christian backgrounds. The consistently large crowd included pastors from various denominations with many more participants joining from many countries including South Africa via YouTube.

Thousands of attendees surround the Bible seminar venue (Photos by NHNE Church, Busan Branch

Chairman Lee Man-hee, leader of NHNE Church, delivered the keynote address, calling for unity among churches through the revealed word of God. He emphasised the importance of aligning faith with biblical teachings, stating,

“We must understand the true meaning of the word and be created according to it.”

His message resonated with many of the pastors present, who expressed a renewed desire to study and share the revealed word with their congregations.

Pastors who attended the seminar shared their experiences of enlightenment. Pastor Hwang from an independent denomination said, “For the Korean church to grow, the truth of God’s word must come alive,” while Pastor Choi from a Presbyterian church noted how the seminar helped him find clarity on many questions about biblical prophecy.

The seminar was part of Shincheonji’s ongoing efforts to engage churches and pastors in discussions on the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. To date, Shincheonji has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 727 churches in South Korea, and its reach continues to grow internationally, with 13,053 churches in 84 countries engaging in similar exchanges. In Southern Africa, NHNE has established churches in major South African cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, as well as in surrounding countries including Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

Public interest in the event was heightened by parades featuring traditional drumming groups and military bands in Busan, creating an atmosphere of excitement throughout the city. Similar promotional efforts were conducted internationally, including in the streets of Cape Town, South Africa, where the event was also well-received by the public, drawing attention to the upcoming seminars.

Those unable to attend the seminar in person could follow via a live stream on YouTube, which garnered over 73,300 views.

Peace Projects in 170 Countries : Cape Town Celebrates a Decade of Global Commitment to Peace

On September 21, 2024, Cape Town joined over 122 countries in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit. The event, attended by 200 participants, was part of a global initiative to promote peace and address regional challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

Held at the Civic Centre’s Council Chambers, the event was organized in partnership with the City of Cape Town, Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO), Volunteer Hub, Africa Unite, Rob Youth Foundation, JCI Beau Bassin Rose Hill, Peacepod the National Interfaith Council of South Africa, and several schools, including Morifi High School, Zinniaville High School and Ribaneng High School.

The summit opened with a group session focusing on collective efforts for peace. It then moved into breakout rooms tailored to women, youth, religious leaders, government personnel, and educators, allowing for focused discussions on regional issues.

The event began with a welcome address by Hon. Khalid Sayed, followed by various plenary sessions. Nancy Richards from WomenZone and Fredalene Booysen of Sonke Gender Justice led insightful discussions on women’s empowerment. Monique Hansen, representing GunFreeSA, contributed her views on important issues from a youth perspective. Educational leaders such as Keamogetswe Mokopakgosi from Crescent Primary School in Botswana and Dawood Goeiman from Scottsdale High School underscored the pivotal role of education in fostering peace. In his speech, Former Vice President of Malawi, Hon. Khumbo Hastings Khachali, highlighted the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, stating that

“collaborative efforts are more effective when diverse stakeholders are involved.”

At the event, two religious leaders, Moulana Nolan from Westridge Mosque and His Holiness Swami Vedanand Saraswati Singh from the Sannyasa Spiritual Council of South Africa, delivered impactful speeches.

Moulana Nolan emphasized the importance of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a significant initiative from HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light). He highlighted that the DPCW is a legal framework promoting conflict prevention and peaceful resolution through dialogue, offering a foundation for sustainable peace. Moulana Nolan also expressed his deep connection to interfaith dialogue, particularly through his involvement with the WARP (World Alliance of Religions’ Peace) Office. “The HWPL interfaith dialogue,” he said, “unites religious leaders to resolve misunderstandings and foster harmony among faiths, creating a platform for collaboration in peace.” Reflecting on his nearly nine years with the WARP Office, he shared how much he has cherished being part of it.

His Holiness Swami Vedanand Saraswati Singh, in his speech, emphasized unity in diversity, stating:

“Let us never allow our beautiful diversity to turn into division.”

His words underscored the importance of maintaining harmony among different faiths and cultures in the pursuit of peace.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL pointed out that division of religion caused tremendous loss of life, emphasizing that religions must take the lead in dialogue and understanding. “We must work together to create a world of peace and leave it as a legacy for future generations. This is to fulfill our mission as a light that brings life to the global village. Only through love and peace can the world become one,” he said.

In line with the event keyword of regional cooperation, HWPL formed a partnership with the intergovernmental organization Group of 7+(G7+) and high-level political forum organization The Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) to develop peace initiatives. G7+ was established to unite conflict-affected countries by a vision of peace, stability, and development, with 20 member states, and the Parlatino was founded to promote development and integration within a framework of full democracy, having 23 member states.

Long Weekend Events Guide

Not only is Fathers’ Day weekend approaching, but it also coincides with Youth Day this year, creating an extended weekend since the public holiday falls on a Sunday. We have compiled an event guide to help you explore new activities or find great deals that will keep both you and your budget happy.

Sugar Rush Market

  • Hosted by: What’s Good In The Hood PE
  • Venue: Fairview Sport Centre
  • Time: 10:00 – 13:00
  • Entry: Free

For all the sugar lovers out there, this unique market promises to live up to its name. You can look forward to a delightful assortment of sweet treats, including macarons, chocolate croissants, gourmet sweet samosas, pancakes, mini donuts, and much more. If you prefer a balance of flavors, a wide array of food trucks will offer savory brunch options. The event is wheelchair-friendly, and leashed four-legged friends are welcome.

Family Breakfast Sunday

  • Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel
  • Time: 08:00 – 12:00
  • Date: 16 June
  • Cost: Family of four (2 adults & 2 kids) / R450
  • Bookings: Essential via info.port-elizabeth@radissonblu.com or +27 41 509 5000

If you’re looking to spoil your dad or husband this Fathers’ Day morning, consider a relaxing family breakfast with a stunning view of the pristine PE beaches at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Women Empowered Fitness Session

  • Hosted by: Unique Fitness Taste
  • Venue: Lonwabo Primary School (NU5)
  • Time: 09:00
  • Entry Fee: R50

Join the Women Empowered Fitness Session, designed to unite women in a movement of empowerment, education, and celebration. Enjoy aerobics, engaging games, and inspiring discussions.

Youth Day Pizza & Milkshake

  • Venue: The Beach Hotel
  • Date: 17 June 2024
  • Cost: R155 per person
  • Bookings: Essential via 041 583 2161 or info@thebeachhotel.co.za

Celebrate Youth Day with a treat! Enjoy a solo date or gather friends to indulge in the delicious Milkshake & Pizza special at The Beach Hotel, conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the beach.

A Winter Symphony

  • Date: Sunday, 16 June
  • Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
  • Venue: Feather Market Centre, Plein Huis, Castle Hill

Get ready to be mesmerized as The Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (ECPO) proudly presents A Winter Symphony, a breathtaking musical experience that will leave you spellbound!

The ECPO’s talented musicians will perform a selection of timeless classics and contemporary pieces, showcasing their exceptional skill and artistry. This concert, conducted by South African conductor, Chad Hendricks, winner of the 2016 SA National Conducting competition, promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages! https://allevents.in/port%20elizabeth/a-winter-symphony-ecpo/200026579978944

SA commemorates 65th anniversary of the Freedom Charter

South African flag

Photo credit: Unsplash.

The celebration to mark the 65th anniversary of the Freedom Charter this year were held virtually with President Ramaphosa the keynote speaker. The president commended those who were at the forefront of the Freedom Charter as it paved a way for the current democratic country.

On Sunday 26 June 1955, the Congress of the People gathered in Kliptown, Soweto and adopted the Freedom Charter. 

In 1955, the ANC sent out 50,000 volunteers into townships and the countryside to collect “freedom demands” from the people of South Africa. This system was designed to give all South Africans equal rights. 

Demands such as “land to be given to all landless people, living wages and shorter hours of work, free and compulsory education, irrespective of colour, race or nationality,” were synthesized into the final document by ANC leaders. 

The document is notable for its demand for and commitment to a non-racial South Africa.

COVID-19 field hospital opens – thank you Volkswagen Group SA

Covid 19 field hospital

Photo credit: algoafm.co.za

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) constructed a field hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay and handed it over to the Eastern Cape Health Department on Tuesday 23 June. The hospital will be operated and staffed by the Provincial Health Department. 

The collaboration between VWSA, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the German development agency GIZ, the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Nelson Mandela Bay and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, is a R100-million project. The hospital will provide 1 485 beds during the first phase, including 202 beds for patients needing high care and five isolation beds. The hospital could facilitate up to 3 000 beds at completion.

VWSA will not only hand-over the facility but will help source the necessary equipment to improve the process flow of testing, with the goal of increasing the current laboratory daily average output of 1 500 tests to more than 3 000 tests.

“This pandemic requires us to act decisively and with speed. VWSA has answered this call by completing and delivering phase 1 of the medical facility at a time when it is desperately needed by our Metro which is currently experiencing an alarming increase in infections,” said VWSA chairperson and MD Thomas Schaefer.

Image credit: Volkswagen Newsroom

The field hospital has been named the Rev. Dr Elizabeth Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni Field Hospital, after a health community activist that played an important and successful role in reducing the deaths of initiates. Chabula-Nxiweni said she was honoured by the gesture. Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said that the name was fitting as Chabula-Nxiweni had left a legacy of excellence and compassion.

The new hospital may attend to COVID-19 positive patients, but it remains the responsibility of South Africans to continue to adhere to the regulations put in place by the government. In his address Minister Mkhize called on South Africans to take responsibility and wear masks in public, practice social distancing and good hygiene.

Afrika Umoja and Black Farmers Association of South Africa (BFASA) Collaborate to Help Tackle COVID-19

Afrika Umoja announces a partnership with the Black Farmers Association of South Africa (BFASA); BFASA is an Association that has the best interests of the farming community at its core; The partnership will enable BFASA to set up and distribute disinfecting products throughout the country.

Afrika Umoja, an initiative started by Cape Town temporary architecture specialists HOTT3D, the African Energy Chamber – Africa’s leading chamber of successful networks and partnerships – together with pan-African energy event organizer Africa Oil & Power, is proud to announce a partnership with the Black Farmers Association of South Africa (BFASA).

BFASA is an Association that has the best interests of the farming community at its core and has a membership of 50,000 black subsistence farmers including farmers on small pieces of land, farmers with a small turnover and smallholder farmers in all nine provinces.

The partnership will enable BFASA to set up operational deep-cleaning and sanitizing teams and build hand operated stations that spray mist onto surfaces and sites throughout the country, as well as supply the market with their unique product, Santab. Santab is produced in South Africa and is sold as effervescent tabs that can be dissolved in five liters of water. The tablets are compact and easy to transport.

Afrika Umoja and BFASA will use their networks to distribute the Santabs and disinfecting products across South Africa, and also intend to educate people on how to sanitize, especially in rural areas.

BFASA has also partnered with the House of Monarch and King Mthimkhulu III, whereby BFASA will manage agricultural activities on the land owned by the King. The King will authorize the agricultural activities of BFASA, including the cultivation of land for the local market as well as for the export market. Other activities and sources of employment and income such as the alignment with Afrika Umoja will benefit communities greatly.

“BFASA is a vision I have held for some time and the joint activities with Afrika Umoja, supported by our close association with King Mthimkhulu III and House of Monarch, will enable us to achieve many of our objectives. Our Members, small farmers, tenant farmers, will now have an additional, credible, sustainable career path and source of income for themselves and their families,” notes Dr. Lennox Xolile Mtshagi, President of BFASA.

“I admire the work of BFASA and support their joint activity with Afrika Umoja. This arrangement will ensure commercial opportunities for our People,” says King Mthimkhulu III.

“We are very excited to be able to work with BFASA on this initiative, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact globally and we at Afrika Umoja are happy to provide businesses and national and provincial governments with solutions for the challenge of distributing products to help sanitize their work places and homes,” says Katie Brock, Director for Afrika Umoja.

#WomensLivesMatter – hashtag trends on social media

During President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, he highlighted that there is “another pandemic that is raging in our country,” as 21 women and children have been murdered in recent weeks. 

The country has among the highest levels of intimate partner violence in the world.

According to the latest statistics from the South African Police Service, an average of nearly 58 people are murdered every day, of these one woman is murdered every three hours. The death of 27-year-old Altecia Kortjie and her 7-year-old daughter in Cape Town on 12 June; and the horrific incident of 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule and her unborn baby, who was stabbed and hung from a tree, has gripped South Africa. 

Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the youth of Port Elizabeth, and other cities, have taken to the streets to make known their stance on gender-based violence. #FillUpStandford, has made waves on social media, getting the city of Port Elizabeth to stand together against gender-based violence in the city’s main road. Many men and women from around the city turned up for the event. The initiative now takes place every Saturday between 10am and 12pm, and they are urging more men to take to the streets.

Distell to supply hand sanitisers to vulnerable communities

Stellenbosch – Distell, Africa’s leading producer and marketer of spirits, fine wines, ciders and ready-to-drinks (RTDs), today announced that it will begin producing hand sanitisers and other hygienic products at its production facilities as part of its efforts to help curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Our priority as Distell – right now and always – is the safety and well-being of our employees, our stakeholders and society at large. We are determined to support our government in its bid to halt the current rapid spread of COVID-19 and in the absence of a vaccine, good hygiene remains one of the most effective options to do so,” says Richard Rushton, Distell Group CEO.

As a result, the company has committed 100 000 litres of alcohol, which will be used to produce sanitisers as well as a variety of other hygienic and sanitising products.

The sanitisers will be distributed free to vulnerable communities across South Africa as a way to encourage good hygiene practices. The company will work closely with Government to identify these communities, and support the roll-out of the sanitisers.

The company said it recognised there was an acute shortage of pure alcohol to produce hand and surface sanitisers, which are desperately needed in hospitals and households.

“We fully understand that our position as a leading player in the alcoholic beverages industry comes with a societal obligation. We want communities to benefit from our presence and we are determined to rise to the challenge,” said Rushton.

The company has taken further measures to ensure it supports the government-sanctioned lock-down by cancelling all events,  closing all its experiential and product tasting facilities until further notice and ensuring that all employees who are not involved in the production of alcohol work from home. All company-sponsored travel has been halted.

Additionally, Distell is empowering its employees with relevant information on personal hygiene and has made sanitisers available to all employees at its sites across the world.

“This pandemic is perhaps the greatest challenge our country has faced since democracy and calls on business, the private sector and communities to work together to overcome the virus. We hope everyone will heed the President’s call to remain united and adhere to the lockdown, for all our sakes, but especially to protect the most vulnerable,” said Rushton.

Port Elizabeth Waterfront Development Project

In his State of the Province address in February 2020, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, spoke of some big projects in the pipeline to boost the economy in Nelson Mandela Bay. One project is the much anticipated Port Elizabeth Waterfront Development project. 

Mabuyane spoke of the many possibilities that a waterfront development could do for the economy based upon the favourable results that the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development delivered for Cape Town.

 “Cape Town became a better city whereby the gravity of the City Central Business District (CBD) Development shifted towards the V&A.”  

This also opened doors to the establishment of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, developed at the entrance to the V&A, as well as major hotel developments around the perimeter of the V&A. The V&A Waterfront area became a ‘financial district’ which revived the CBD and connected with the V&A. The development of upper-end residential developments followed around the V&A which created a major increase in the rates bill of the city because of the high value of the development.

Talking on the possibilities of waterfront development for the port of Port Elizabeth, Derick van der Merwe, former CEO of the V&A Waterfront, highlighted the many challenges the Cape Town Harbour was faced with before the development of the V&A Waterfront could commence. He offered several approaches Port Elizabeth could take into consideration to follow the same route of a possible waterfront development that would benefit the people of Port Elizabeth.

Van der Merwe said the construction of the waterfront together with the possibilities of shops, restaurants, and residential premises could lead to more jobs being created. This will have a ripple effect on the economy, creating sustainability as this will lead to an upward spiral with more people having money to spend.

Residents in Nelson Mandela Bay have been demanding that the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) remove the manganese ore dump and fuel tank farm to make way for this waterfront development. 

In his address, Mabuyane said they had concluded a significant land deal with Transnet for the Ngqura Manganese Export Terminal, which will pave the way for this development.  According to him, they are moving ahead with speed now.  How much the COVID-19 pandemic will put the brakes on this speed remains to be seen. 

The removal of the tank farm was non-negotiable, as it posed a major obstacle through the production of high levels of methane gas.

In response Transnet port manager, Rajesh Dana, offered that the ambitious waterfront development in Port Elizabeth will be a long-term development, taking at least 28 years to be fully operational.  “Transnet has committed to co-operate with the public and private sectors on this LNG gas project.”

The relocation of the two mentioned Transnet operations to the Port of Ngqura is key to the establishment of Port-Elizabeth waterfront development in the harbour, and is viewed as critical to the growth of the Port-Elizabeth economy and tourism.

The focus of the Port-Elizabeth Waterfront Development marina project, which would be developed and owned by the port authority, would be on making it a people’s port with massive potential for commercial development.

Dana said it was envisaged that the Port-Elizabeth Waterfront Development would include a maritime museum, retail stores, restaurants, offices, a statue or feature honouring former president Nelson Mandela, a passenger terminal, canal waterway, bunkering for small vessels, maritime education and training, as well as an international convention centre.  It was also hoped to have public art displays and other events, starting with the revival of the ports festival in February.

The transformation will include the expansion of the cargo handling services and capitalising on the growth in the ship repair industry.

Tapping into the ship repair industry could also see the city become a catalyst for the establishment of a marine engineering hub in Nelson Mandela Bay.  “That would introduce a host of new capabilities to this region and a much-needed economic revival of that sector in the Port-Elizabeth Waterfront Development,” Dana said.

Transnet also wanted to make better use of its existing infrastructure, particularly the rail linkages to Gauteng.  “Volkswagen and GMSA rail cargo up to Gauteng, but coming back the train returns empty,” he said.  “We’re in engagements with Gauteng-based companies to utilise the return leg to export their cargo through the Port-Elizabeth Waterfront Development.  “With more ships choosing to use the Port-Elizabeth Waterfront Development for international crew changes, there is huge potential to position the city as a service port.

“Exciting to us is the establishment of a ship repair precinct within the Port of PE – and that is spearheaded by the fact that we will soon be constructing a yacht-building factory.”

Throughout the project, Transnet will seek to complete the integration and linkage with the city’s plans for the CBD rejuvenation.

“We will also link with the Baakens River, King’s Beach and Bayworld developments, the exciting developments for Happy Valley and those of Telkom Park. We would like to fully integrate with Route 67 as well,” Dana said.

The parastatal’s vision for the Port Elizabeth Waterfront Development marina is for a vibrant busy port that attracts domestic and international tourists.  The Port Elizabeth Waterfront Development will still operate as a service-driven harbour but with added arts and recreational landmarks and attractions.

Bay economic development, tourism and agriculture committee chairman Andrew Whitfield said the city’s new coalition government had held a meeting with Transnet officials to discuss its vision for the metro.  He said the Port Elizabeth waterfront development would position the Bay as a globally competitive city.

“We know that the dates have been moved in the past.  We hope that, as Transnet, you will meet your dates and commitments,” Whitfield told Dana.

Although a residential development was envisaged, it was still not certain what form this would take.

Dana urged the municipality to expedite any municipal approvals that would be required.

Requests for proposals will be put out in December 2020.