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IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
What happens when you live in a cemetery? A resident shares chilling experiences
Residents have spent thousands of rands building houses inside Azalea Graveyard in Pietermaritzburg. Image: Bongani Hans Imagine you wake up in the still of the night to check a strange noise outside your house, only to see something that looks like a human being wearing white clothes standing in your yard, but you cannot see the head. This is a hair-raising vision that Nombifikile Mncwabe*, who lives in Azalea Cemetery in Pietermaritzburg, claimed to have seen two years ago. Mncwabe, is among hundreds of residents who, many years ago, invaded the Msunduzi Municipality's graveyard to build large houses. Most of the residents have finished building their homes and are now occupying them, while some half-built houses look abandoned. Mncwabe said she bought a plot of land in 2017 from a resident of nearby Willowfontein who claimed to be the land's owner. She and her neighbours claimed to have spent between R30 000 and R150 000 buying the land, which had graves with some of them visible through heaps of soil with crosses and tombstones. 'One midnight, I was awakened by a strange noise, and when I went outside, I saw something that looked like a man wearing white clothes, but I could not see the head. As I was looking, it vanished. 'Another night I saw a huge white horse, which grew larger as it walked away until it disappeared. 'I am sure that this place is haunted by the spirits of the dead people,' said Mncwabe. Pietermaritzburg residents building home inside graveyards Image: Bongani Hans Mncwabe said she relocated to the area from a low-cost housing settlement in France outside Imbali Township, after her daughter was brutally killed during a house invasion. 'After the incident, I decided to buy this land because France is too dangerous,' said Mncwabe. The cemetery has also become a dump site, and some of the tombstones have been damaged. Delivering the budget speech at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on May 28, city Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla expressed concern about invasion at the cemetery, which he said was disturbing the spirits of deceased from resting in peace. He said the municipality had established a unit that would prevent the escalation of invasion. He said the invasion was preventing the municipality from keeping the graveyard in good condition. When this reporter visited the cemetery on Tuesday, it found two security guards posted to prevent further construction of houses. Zwelakhe Mbanjwa from Willowfontein area said he stopped the construction of a house on top of his grandmother's grave. 'I discovered the construction when a rondavel was already halfway up on top of two graves, of which one of them was my grandmother's. 'The owner of the house agreed to demolish it to the foundation, which we have now turned into the tombstone,' said Mbanjwa. Other residents denied that their houses have been built on top of the graves, saying that they selected vacant spaces. They said that if the municipality decides to force them to vacate the cemetery, they should be relocated to another area and be compensated. 'Since the municipality did not stop us when we started the construction, it should consider that we have spent hundreds of thousands of rands, and these are loans that we are still paying back to the banks,' said another resident who also asked not to be identified. Ward 14 councillor Sibusiso Mkhize said, although the homeowners have committed an offence, it should be considered that most of them spend their pension payouts to build homes. He said although the invaders have built inside the cemetery, only about 10 have built on top of the graves. 'We had resolved a possible conflict, as there were people who were demanding the demolition of the houses that had been built on top of the loved ones. 'We are now waiting for the municipality to come up with a solution to the problem,' said Mkhize. Residents of Seaview Cemetery navigate their daily lives amidst tombstones. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers In Durban, concern over the construction of informal structures on graves at Seaview Cemetery on Coedmore Road has been reignited. Construction is believed to have begun in 1990, and today, over 400 people live there, with some building on graves. When you enter the cemetery where people were supposedly buried many years ago, you are drawn to the tombstones. Sometimes you find a tombstone staring at you from the entrance of a shack, while other times you find it inside a shack, being walked on or slept on. Young children play and chase each other on the graves. Young children chase each other on the sacred grounds of Seaview Cemetery. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Resident Doris Zeka, 50, said she moved from Kokstad to the cemetery about 30 years ago. She said many residents were from the Eastern Cape. Zeka acknowledged that living in a cemetery was not okay, but they were desperate. 'We don't have the means to leave and rent elsewhere,' Zeka said. She said her informal structure is built around a grave, and they placed a table on it. 'We want to leave because of the heat. It's too hot here,' Zeka said. On service delivery, she said they have illegally connected electricity, which officials disconnect. Zeka said the last time officials visited the area was last year, and they took photographs. Tombstones form the backdrop to the daily lives of Seaview Cemetery residents. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Another resident, Buyelwa Ncedo from Tsolo, Eastern Cape, said she arrived in the area in 1995. She said that relatives of those buried in the graves they built on top of, came until they gave up. 'They got tired because they realised there was no way they could see their relatives' graves,' Ncedo said. She said they had never attacked them or taken any action against them because they realised the place had become their home. Informal structures built around graves in Seaview Cemetery. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma asked department head, Max Mbili, working with the eThekwini Municipality, to accelerate the profiling of families living in the cemetery. 'It should be remembered that shortly after 1994, the democratic government under Nelson Mandela prioritised the construction of houses for communities in the area. The priority was given to the families who had lived in the area since 1981,' Duma said. He said that in early 2000, the late Housing MEC Dumisani Makhaye, former Housing MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, former eThekwini Municipality mayor Obed Mlaba and former Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee chairperson Nigel Gumede presided over the relocation of families from the area to newly built homes in Welbedacht, in Chatsworth. Duma called on communities to respect the dead. 'Cemeteries are sacred places where the dead must be allowed to rest in peace,' Duma said. (*Not her real name)
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
The Roy Moodley Legacy Cup: A new initiative for young football stars in KwaZulu-Natal
Durban businessman Roy Moodley is funding a football tournament that will be played in Durban later this month. Image: Supplied IN A move to empower the youth of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban businessman Roy Moodley has committed to nurturing budding football stars, believing that engagement in sports can deter young people from destructive paths. Moodley will provide funding for a local Safa football tournament, which begins later this month, with a prize purse of around R60 000. Speaking to Daily News, Moodley expressed his heartfelt conviction that sports played a crucial role in keeping young individuals fit, healthy, and focused. 'Sports keeps the kids out of the street and occupies them to stay clear from drugs and gangsterism. My aim is to encourage them to participate in sports and not engage in illegal activities,' he affirmed. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Despite his recent attempt to acquire the status of the Royal AM football club, a pursuit that did not materialise, Moodley has redirected his focus towards community empowerment through sports. Previously, he had invested substantial resources, and was poised to to spend R50 million to secure the club's status, as reported by Sportswire. However, negotiations with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) faltered, leading him to abandon his attempt. 'I have abandoned that quest; I am now going to concentrate on empowering young people through sports,' he remarked. Moodley also attempted to purchase the SuperSport United franchise that was up for sale more recently but the Minister of Sport's (Gayton McKenzie) son, Calvin Le John, was the successful bidder. Unperturbed, the businessman shared his ambitious vision for the upcoming Roy Moodley Legacy Cup, aimed at fostering young leaders both on and off the football pitch. 'This tournament will not only showcase talent but will also aid in developing responsible, future leaders,' he outlined. The inaugural Roy Moodley Legacy Cup is slated to take place later this month at Hoy Park, and promises to reward participants generously. The winning team will receive R30,000 as prizemoney, while the runners-up will take home R15,000. Additionally, the two semi-finalists will earn R5,000 and R1,200, respectively. Moodley, a well-established entrepreneur at the age of 71, is the founder of Royal Security, which has grown to become one of the largest private-sector safety and security companies in KwaZulu-Natal. Apart from his sports contributions, he has also made a name for himself as a racehorse owner and breeder, which underscored his diverse business interests and commitment to community development. DAILY NEWS
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
2025 competition to reward SA's top social entrepreneurs
Social entrepreneurs in Gauteng have an exciting opportunity to gain recognition and support for the positive impact they are making in their communities. The Iwisa No.1 Community Champions Competition is back for its third year, celebrating township, rural, and peri-urban small businesses that are tackling some of South Africa's biggest challenges. The 2025 edition of the competition launched online on June 15 during Youth Month, which is fitting, as many inspiring entrants in previous years have been young people leading change in their communities. ALSO READ: Locals invited to enter potjiekos competition fundraiser on March 29 Sibongile Mooko, premier executive, said that addressing issues such as youth unemployment, education inequality, or environmental sustainability, these community heroes are being given a chance to be recognised and rewarded. 'The belief that each of us can do good and bring about change inspired the competition, and that this becomes more powerful when we do it together,' said Mooko. The competition is open to social enterprises operating for more than two years in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, and Gauteng. Eligible businesses must address a clear social or environmental need and be financially active. Ten finalists will be selected from each region to attend expert-led pitch workshops before competing in regional finals. Winners could receive funding prizes of R30 000 (first place), R20 000 (second place), and R10 000 (third place) per region. ALSO READ: Applications open for the 2025 Samsung Solve for tomorrow STEM competition Beyond cash prizes, finalists will also benefit from a business bootcamp and three months of dedicated mentorship to help them grow and scale their impact. This year's competition aligns with national development goals and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It targets SMMEs working in sectors including • Food security and nutrition • Education and skills development • Health and well-being • Clean and affordable energy • Circular economy and recycling • Digital and tech innovation. 'Our theme this year is about building stronger communities by enabling those who serve them. We want to spotlight entrepreneurs working in these critical areas and help them grow,' said Mooko. ALSO READ: Local swimmers need support for competition in Italy Applications close on July 31. They must be submitted online via the Iwisa No.1 website When on the page, click the arrow on the right to find the Community Champions competition details. In a world often filled with challenges, this competition brings a wave of hope as it celebrates the unsung champions of our communities – the entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, and doers. If you or someone you know is making a difference, now is the time to be seen, supported, and celebrated. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power meter checks begin: Avoid R14k fine by allowing access
City Power has announced that it will be commencing with meter audits across the Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre (SDC) supply areas from Monday, July 14. According to the entity's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, the programme, which will run until August 31, is part of their ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline operations. 'Its primary objective is to enhance the accuracy of electricity billing while promoting greater transparency and operational efficiency in the delivery of our services.' Mangena adds that it is crucial that all customers are properly metered, ensuring that they are paying for the electricity they use daily. 'Customers who refuse meter audits and normalisation, particularly where meters are faulty or have been tampered with, leave us with no option but to disconnect them, with a fine of over R14 000 imposed for single-phase connections, along with additional reconnection fees. Three-phase connections may incur penalties exceeding R30 000. 'We urge customers to allow our metering technicians to complete their work efficiently. 'If residents are unavailable, our technicians will leave a 'No Access' letter by the customer's premises with the company name and contact details. In addition, we will provide the SDC name and the team leader's contact details. 'Customers are urged to immediately make arrangements for the audit.' Mangena adds that the entity is aware of safety concerns during this process, as criminals could attempt to disguise themselves as entity employees to gain access to properties. 'We urge customers to verify the credentials of City Power employees and contractors by contacting our Security Risk Management Control Room, their SDC, or by checking with their ward councillor to confirm if any work is scheduled in their area,' he says. 'All City Power employees and contractors are required to carry and produce their official ID cards while on duty.' These ID cards are colour-coded according to the different sections within City Power and display important identifying information, including: • The photo and personal details of the employee or contractor • The contractor's verification number (badge number) and expiry date • A firefly hologram for added security • Contact details for our Security Risk Management Control Room At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Dutch outfit eye Rele Mofokeng in potential record-breaking R120 Million transfer
Orlando Pirates want R30 million for Relebohile Mofokeng. Image: @orlando[irates/X Home » Dutch outfit eye Rele Mofokeng in potential record-breaking R120 Million transfer Orlando Pirates want R30 million for Relebohile Mofokeng. Image: @orlando[irates/X Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven are reportedly looking to bring in Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofoeng for R120 million. The talented winger has been linked to several clubs in Israel and Unites States. On Wednesday, Soccer Laduma revealed that PSV were looking to buy the Bafana Bafana attacker for €5.7 million. The Eredivisie powerhouse initially showing interest in Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners but decided to go for Mofokeng instead. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that! The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million. You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that,' the insider told Soccer Laduma . If PSV sign Mofokeng for R120 million from Orlando Pirates, the 20-year-old could be the most expensive player bought in the PSL. 'There are different scouts from Holland who are believed to be working with recruiters for PSV. They enquired about Iqraam Rayners but it is believed that they are looking at a long-term investment now, and that's why they have opened up negotiations with Orlando Pirates for Rele Mofokeng,' the second insider revealed to Soccer Laduma. The 20-year-old is currently in Spain for pre-season. From the look of things, 'President Ya Ma 2000' could stay behind in Europe when Orlando Pirates return home from pre-season training. The Soweto giants have already sold Mohau Nkota to Saudi club. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
