July 11, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	A first for essential oils uThungulu Mayor Stan Larkan turns the sod with uMlalazi Municipality Mayor MET Magwaza at the Essential Oils project, along with uMlalazi Deputy Municipal Manager Simon Mashabane, Cllr EM Ngema and Chief Whip Mrs QT Xulu STRONG market demand for essential oils has led to an innovative project being launched at Zikotshi, spearheaded by the uThungulu District Municipality. With the sod being turned on Saturday at the official opening, uThungulu District Mayor Stan Larkan confirmed that R100 000 had been ploughed into the project, which is the first of its kind in the community. Larkan added that the initiative indicated the district's drive to improve the quality for life for the Zikotshi community, just outside uMlalazi Municipality. The focus of the project is to boost economic development in the poverty-stricken region. The start-up farmers involved in the new initiative will also be taken on a study tour of a similar project being run in Nkandla and the District's SMME and Tourism LED Facilitator, Gugu Sibisi confirmed that the new farmers would be trained as Co-operatives to help them manage their business. Urging them to work as a team, Sibisi also explained to the community that while essential oils did not need a lot of water, the eradication of weeds should be regularly carried out to ensure that the plants grew well.

 

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	A first for essential oils uThungulu Mayor Stan Larkan turns the sod with uMlalazi Municipality Mayor MET Magwaza at the Essential Oils project, along with uMlalazi Deputy Municipal Manager Simon Mashabane, Cllr EM Ngema and Chief Whip Mrs QT Xulu STRONG market demand for essential oils has led to an innovative project being launched at Zikotshi, spearheaded by the uThungulu District Municipality. With the sod being turned on Saturday at the official opening, uThungulu District Mayor Stan Larkan confirmed that R100 000 had been ploughed into the project, which is the first of its kind in the community. Larkan added that the initiative indicated the district's drive to improve the quality for life for the Zikotshi community, just outside uMlalazi Municipality. The focus of the project is to boost economic development in the poverty-stricken region. The start-up farmers involved in the new initiative will also be taken on a study tour of a similar project being run in Nkandla and the District's SMME and Tourism LED Facilitator, Gugu Sibisi confirmed that the new farmers would be trained as Co-operatives to help them manage their business. Urging them to work as a team, Sibisi also explained to the community that while essential oils did not need a lot of water, the eradication of weeds should be regularly carried out to ensure that the plants grew well.

 

Leopard jeopardy

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Leopard jeopardy Ronelle Ramsamy RESIDENTS of the Mvutshini area near Hluhluwe have been warned to remain cautious and refrain from hunting down a prowling leopard that reportedly killed livestock over the weekend. While no human fatalities have been reported, several people allegedly spotted the leopard attacking a herd of grazing goats on Friday. Owner of the livestock, Mr Shoyiza, told the Zululand Observer that leopard attacks on their livestock in Mvutshini were now becoming a common occurrence. 'My sister saw the leopard crawling slowly and saw the high grass move. She then ran into the room to call us. By the time, we got out, the leopard had attacked the goats, killing four and injuring several others. 'Leopards often attack our livestock, but we cannot do anything because we are afraid to chase the animal. We have no other place for the animals to graze,' said Shoyiza. It is unknown whether the animal escaped from the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park as leopards breed inside and out of the park's jurisdiction. Capture Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Maureen Zimu confirmed that section rangers had already combed the area and had set traps with bait in an attempt to capture the animal. 'We never introduced leopards to the area because they live within and on the outskirts of the park's parameters. Leopards are often sighted in the Mvutshini area and many awareness campaigns have been done to educate residents and Inkosi on how to react when spotting the animal. 'Traps have been permanently set up from previous incidents in the area, so this is not a new occurance,' Zimu said. She warned residents, however, to avoid hunting the predator. 'Leopards are shy animals and wait for their victims. But if a group of people confront the animal with knobkieries and spears, the leopard is likely to become more aggressive and attack humans. 'So, we urge residents to leave it to the experts who are trying to capture the leopard responsible for these attacks. In 2006 a woman was attacked by the river in the same vicinity.' Owners of livestock have also been cautioned to let their livestock graze on vacant plots of land, where they are clearly visible.

 

HORROR BEACH SLAYING

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	HORROR BEACH SLAYING Clive Hunter Following the Alkantstrand beach tragedy, Clive Hunter's brother Deon with Clinton Woodley, Chairman of the Zululand Shore Angling Association, want more safety for Zululanders on our beaches Tanya Waterworth THE brutal and senseless murder of one of Zululand's top anglers, Clive Hunter (35) on Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay on Tuesday afternoon has sent shock waves throughout the Zululand community. It was a perfect winter's afternoon and with the shad running, Clive and his wife Zelda joined a number of fishermen on the main beach and were fishing towards the left bank near the dredger pipe. According to the victim's brother Deon, four black males approached the couple. 'Zelda said the group asked them what the fishing was like and if they had caught anything. 'The next thing, Clive told her to run into the sea, as we believe he spotted a knife being held by one of the attackers. 'As Zelda escaped into the water, a scuffle ensued between Clive and the four men and he was shot in the side. 'As the killers fled with Clive's fishing bag, one of the children on the beach ran up to him and held Clive's hand as he died,' said Deon. One of the witnesses said Zelda ran up the beach shouting for help as the gun was fired and horrified fishermen nearby immediately ran to assist. 'It was not even dark and we were all enjoying the evening with our families on the beach. There were children running around. 'This is shocking beyond words that gunmen can just walk onto our main beach and shoot someone dead,' said the witness. The SAPS Flying Squad immediately responded to the scene and a search was launched for the fleeing killers. Beach safety While the Zululand Observer received dozens of calls on Wednesday morning from an outraged public, Deon Hunter told the Zululand Observer that the tragedy on Tuesday evening highlighted the desperate need to get crime under control in Zululand. 'As Zululanders, we should not have to live in fear and let these wanton criminals run around just shooting whoever they please. 'The men who shot my brother are callous killers and I would like to ask our mayor what the city is going to do about this incident. 'Can families no longer go to our city's main beach without being at risk of being murdered?'. Chairman of the Zululand Shore Angling Association, Clinton Woodley paid tribute to Clive's outstanding reputation, among not only the fishing community, but also the business community. 'Clive was one of the most easy-going and friendly guys I have ever known. 'He was dedicated to his family and his work and his passing is a great loss to this community,' said Woodley, who also backed Deon Hunter's call for more safety measures on the beaches. 'This incident has already gone to the international media and it is time to take back our beaches,' he said. SAPS Richards Bay confirmed that a murder investigation has been opened, but that no suspects have yet been arrested. Hunter is survived by his wife Zelda and children, Brandon (12) and Megan (6). A memorial service will be held on Sunday 13 July at 11.30am at Alkanstrand Beach.