Department of Sport and Recreation KZN Creates Crucial Partnership

In keeping with its incisive approach towards achieving its strategic goals, the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) is proud to announce its formalization of the partnership with three core entities central to the delivery of its programmes, viz with the Lovelife Trust, Age-in-Action and the KZN Department of Correctional Services.

These partnerships form the strategic basis on which the Sport and Recreation Pogramme is unfolded throughout the KZN province. Whilst these entities have worked with the DSR in the past, this formalization process was essential to facilitate the process. The signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with each of these entities holds major positive implications for the beneficiaries because of the synergies that exist. The programmes of the Department of Sport and Recreation offer these entities a medium through which they could maximize the effectiveness of their own programmes. Conversely, the programmes of these entities add value to the programmes of the DSR as these entities are active organs of social change, each with their unique mandate.

Mrs S. Khan, the Head of Department for Sport and Recreation, elaborated on the manner in which these partnerships would help deliver on the Department's goals. She stated, "The MEC for Sport and Recreation, Mr A. Rajbansi, believes that to reach the maximum number of people within this province, our Department has got to create strategic partnerships with other entities with similar objectives so that our communities gain maximum access and benefit in the shortest possible time."

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It's Show Time! - Miss India Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal

Once again, Culture India in association with Miss India World Wide and the Ladysmith Herald brings you Miss India Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Three young women will represent our region at the Miss India pageant, which takes place at the Durban City Hall on 9 August 2008. The Miss India Worldwide pageant will be held in Durban, bringing girls from 20 different countries to our beautiful South Africa.

However, our regional pageant takes place on 12 July 2008 at the Ladysmith Town Hall attracting young women between the ages of 17-25 from Escourt, Colenso, Ladysmith, Wasbank, Glenco, Dundee and Newcastle.

Remember, this is not just a beauty pageant; this is a pageant putting our ladies on a platform and allowing our small towns to be placed on the map.

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Raging Inferno Along N3

Local Fire Department and emergency personnel had to rush to the scene, after a light motor vehicle had burst into flames, instantly killing its driver.

It is believed that the accident occured after a truck smashed into the vehicle from behind thus crashing into another truck, travelling South Bound, along the N3, near the Tugela Plaza last week.

According to police it is alleged that a trailer was burning on the emergency lane of the North bound carriage way, slowing down traffic on the north bound.

The light motor vehicle slowed down due to the slow moving traffic, when the truck travelling behind, crashed into the light motor vehicle. "The light vehicle was then knocked over the centre median colliding with another truck on the South bound lane. The vehicle then spun out of control and landed in the centre median and burst into flames, killing the driver," said spokesperson for the Ladysmith Police, Captain Mey.

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Festival Of Chariots In Ladysmith

Ladysmith ISKCON (Hare Krishna Movement) will be commencing its annual Ratha-Yathra festival and Sri Ram Naumi celebrations from Saturday, 12th April to Monday, 14th April 2008.

They will do so with renewed zest and enthusiasm and are going all out to ensure that the entire community of Ladysmith becomes part of this beautiful festival.

The festival brings people together to celebrate the victory of God and the Brotherhood of man. The climax of the festival is when everyone pulls the chariot together with one intention as the servants of Jagannatha, the Lord of the universe.

Lord Jagannatha is the abstract deity of Lord Krishna. Jagat means' world' and Natha means 'Lord'.Jagannatha is the Lord of the Universe, the Lord of everyone and therefore can be related to by everyone. The form of Lord Jagannatha is identical with the eternal, blissful and youthful form of Lord Krishna.

Lord Jagannatha in his deity form is abstract which shows us that his form is beyond our mental conception of how he should appear.

His eyes are huge so that he can always be looking after the welfare of the world; his arms are projecting outwards because the Lord wants to embrace his children.

The highlight of the festival will be the chariot parade on Saturday 12 April, beginning at 2:30 from Dakita Fashions.

The chariot will be pulled through the streets of Ladysmith by vibrant and ecstatic kirtans. An appeal is made to everyone to join in the pulling of the chariot, as this is a community initiative.

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Commemorative Motorcycle Trail

The DJ is one of the oldest motorized sporting events in South Africa. First held in 1913, it was a motorcycle race from Johannesburg to Durban. Ladysmith Caltex garage became abuzz with activities as classic motorcyclists rolled in for a pit stop, during the two days of the Annual Durban to Johannesburg Commemorative Motorcycle Trail.

According to Gavin Allians, riders will do over 750 kilometers over the two-day event. "It is tough, but hell, it is the love for old bikes and the love for motorcycling that keeps us going," added Gavin. Gavin also added that his 1926 AJS is 82 years-old and has competed in the Commemorative Motorcycle Trial before."Nothing like the wind in your hair, the open road and the sound of your bike as you roar along," smiled Gavin. In the early days, the DJ was a major event on the National and International calendar and was recognized as possibly the most grueling motorcycle race in the world. Unfortunately, by 1936, because of the increase in vehicle traffic, the authorities considered it too dangerous to race and it was therefore stopped.

In 1970, however, a Mr. Dick Osborn, who was an enthusiast of early historical motoring, decided to re-enact the race in the form of a commemorative "regularity rally". This commemorative rally is now in its 35th year and is popular than ever. Amongst the 120 entrants will be five overseas riders and nine female riders. Only motorcycles manufactured before 31st December 1936 are eligible to enter. This year, the oldest entry is Hans Coertse's 1909 "The Humber". Hans who hails from Pietermaritzburg will be riding this early pedal operated bike without gears or clutch - it was made that way. The more popular makes entered are: AJS 12; Ariel 10; BSA 15; Norton 11; Sunbeam 12. John Allisons 1919 Indian will be on its maiden run and will be a very popular entry. This very special machine was recently awarded second place in a concourse held in Kenya.

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