Mandela Funeral Funds Scandal: Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs confirms arrest of Buffalo City Mayor Zukiswa Ncita

The Eastern Cape Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has just confirmed the arrest of three top officials at the Buffalo City Local Municipality, including the Mayor, in connection with the Mandela funeral funds scandal that rocked the province early this year.

"The Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (DLGTA) wishes to confirm the arrests this morning of the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Zukiswa Ncita, her deputy Mr Themba Tinta and Speaker Councillor Luleka Simon-Ndzele," the department said in a statement.

"The arrests are in relation to the Nelson Mandela Memorial saga which is currently under investigation by the Office of the MEC for DLGTA as well as the Hawks.

"The department cannot comment beyond this point as the case is still in the hands of the Hawks. The accused remain innocent until proven guilty."

Rugby News: Wales vs EP Kings - Welsh South Africans torn as international friendly approaches

JUNE 6, 2014: AS the EP Kings prepare to face-off against a formidable Welsh side in an international friendly that will set the tone for months of world-class rugby at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, some fans face a dilemma of national proportion.

FAMILY FACE-OFF: Welsh descent, Roberta Jones (56) and son James (25) are at loggerheads when it comes to supporting their favourite rugby team this Tuesday

Well – at least that’s what the Jones’ feel as the family prepare to have their loyalties tested ahead of next Tuesday’s game. Mother and son duo are completely split down the middle as to who they will be supporting.

Roberta Jones falls squarely on the side of her home country, Wales, and her son James, who has lived in South Africa from the age of one, is fully supportive of the EP Kings, representing his adopted home country and the local side.

“I’ve been living in South Africa for 22 years, and even though I’m Welsh at heart, if South Africa plays any other country, I am one hundred percent behind them. But I’m a passionate Welsh supporter and South Africa – and the EP Kings – is no match for my loyalties. I am positive that Wales will absolutely trounce the Kings,” said Roberta.

James on the other hand says he can’t resolve not supporting the home side: “Although I was born in Swansea, I was formed in South Africa, PE in particular, the EP Kings might be the underdogs in this match, but they fully have my support.”

The rugby alliances are causing some friendly competition in the household, Roberta added, clinging to her good luck emblem, a daffodil – the official Welsh flower, while James sports his Kings jersey around the house to rile his mother up.

The Jones household is not the only one to be divided over the coming game. Katherine Liebenberg was brought up as a “thorough-bred” Wales supporter by her late Welsh father, David Turner, a staunch devotee of the ‘Dragons’. 

“My dad was Welsh and we were brought up supporting Wales through thick and thin, even when they played South Africa. We always promised him that we would continue the tradition and keep the Welsh flag flying in the family,” she said.

“We are definitely going to watch the game and although I don’t know much about the Welsh side playing on Tuesday, but I have my Welsh jersey on proudly in memory of my dad. My husband, however, will not be joining me – as an Afrikaner he has an obligation to support the South African side. But at least he and my father always had a shared love of rugby. No matter the side they supported and they never missed a game.”

Wales take on the EP Kings on Tuesday June 10 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 7pm. Tickets are available at the stadium or from Computicket and prices range from R50 to R110. For queries contact 041 408 8900.

Meanwhile the Get the Ticket campaign for a package of top-flight rugby matches, which includes the Wales game, the International Test Match between South Africa and Scotland and all the EP Kings Currie Cup Premier Division home matches is still on sale for just R500.

How to minimise your bank charges

When it comes to bank changes, don't we all think banks over charge us - and most of the time feel there is nothing we can ever do. Well, there is actually a lot that you can do to save on changes. See below.

To avoid fees you should follow these easy guidelines:

•               There are many different bank accounts out there, select the most cost-effective account for your needs. Make sure you know what your account fees are and what you are getting for them.

•               Make purchases using a cheque or debit card. It is safer, more convenient and free of charge. Most stores offer a Point-of-Sale device which will allow you to swipe your card when you purchase goods in the store instead of paying with cash. You can also draw cash at these Point-of-Sale machines in stores such as Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer and Pick n Pay stores.

•               Find out what rewards come with your bank account. Many banks will often reward or give value added services to customers to incentivise them to continue banking with them and to bank in a cost effective way.

•               Don’t withdraw at an ATM that belongs to another bank. These fees are very high and can quickly add up.

•               Avoid going into a branch where possible. Check to see what electronic or digital services your bank account allows you to do. Most transactions are far cheaper and it’s more convenient. Deposit money at an Automatic Deposit Teller (ADT) instead of inside the branch.

Ensure there are sufficient funds in your account to cover all transactions and avoid unnecessary fees.

Eveready launches Make Your Like Count in Port Elizabeth

Throughout June, Eveready will be making its likes count by donating R1 per Facebook like and Twitter follow to Animal Welfare and Isithembiso Baby home in Port Elizabeth.

As part of its Positively South African campaign, Eveready is focused on making a positive difference and highlighting all that is great about our nation. Liza Kingston, Eveready brand manager comments saying: “In February we asked our followers for their positive story, a favourite positive saying or quote and they stood the chance to win R1 000. This is another way for us to use social media to share our ethos and make a difference.”

Isithembiso Baby Home was part of the company’s Random Act of Kindness earlier in 2014 where its employees donated items the home needed as well as light bulbs and batteries. Kingston added “We were really touched by their work at Sithembele and Animal Welfare does fantastic work in Nelson Mandela Bay and wanted to assist them also.”

So in June go and Like the Eveready Facebook page or follow them on Twitter and make a positive difference.