There is a modest, unsung hero living in Port Edward. Thulani Dlezi (27) works as a car guard in the parking area at Silver Beach. Last Wednesday afternoon, two young friends from Mzamba (Eastern Cape) were swimming near the rocks at a spot notorious for dangerous rip currents.
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One youngster was dragged out to sea. Thulani watched events unfold and realised the boy could not swim. He grabbed a pink torpedo buoy from the NSRI station and rushed down to the beach. He reached the semi-conscious, flailing youngster, kept him afloat and eventually brought him to shore about a 100m from where he had entered.
In the meantime, the second boy had entered the surf to help his friend, but he was also swept out. A bystander contacted the NSRI who dispatched the rescue jet-ski and the second youngster was brought to shore in poor condition. The search and rescue division of the Port Shepstone Saps arrived to assist, as well as a Med-Evac ambulance, which took the two boys to Gamalakhe Clinic.
Pulling together
Thulani admitted this was his fourth rescue. When asked where he learned to swim he said, “I was born in Port Edward and as a child I loved to swim in the sea. I learned about the dangers of the sea and every day I swim to exercise.” Thulani is a real hero and deserves recognition for his impressive efforts. Sadly, the beach is manned by lifesavers only at weekends and holidays. The pink torpedo buoys installed recently by the NSRI for public use in emergencies has been an invaluable rescue aid.
Commodore John Nicholas of Port Edward NSRI commended Thulani and his volunteers, commenting that it often takes a community to affect a rescue when numerous members of the public and organisations pull together to make it a success.
Louis acts fast
Last Friday afternoon, Leisure Bay surfer Louis Bouwer noticed whales circling the shark buoys off TO Strand and suspected something was wrong. On Saturday morning he checked through binoculars and saw the still agitated whale pod.
Together with his brother Eugene, they paddled out to the whales and dived to check the drum lines. They found a baby whale entangled with the line through its mouth. The mother and other adults were frantically swimming around.
Louis tried cutting the line with a small knife, but was unsuccessful. He paddled ashore and contacted friend Ben Roberts, who had a bigger, sharper knife. Robbie Orsmond and the two surfers paddled back out to the floundering youngster and cut the line. At last, the baby was free. The pod then moved off and the rescuers were left with an amazing sense of joy knowing they saved this creature. Well done to Louis, Ben, Robbie and Eugene.
Sad news
Maria Stuart (73), who will be remembered as an icon in the hairdressing field, sadly died last Wednesday (24th). She had lived in the area for more than 30 years and cut thousands of women’s hair. She always had a story or two to share with customers as resident hairdresser at Banners Rest Village.
She gave her time and expertise freely for the Pro Deo charity organisation every month. Maria suffered an inoperable brain aneurism about a year ago and died peacefully in her sleep. She leaves four children, five grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Her memorial service takes place at the Pont Resort today (31st) at noon.
Fun morning
About forty women were entertained at a fashion show at MacBanana Lifestyle Centre. Four local schoolgirls modelled the new range of dresses at a boutique ‘grand redressing’.
Cheese, wine and pizzas were served while the young models ‘strutted their stuff’ – to much applause.
Club get-together
Trafalgar Garden Club held a lovely meeting at Sebenza Nursery in Margate recently. They enjoyed an interesting talk about some unusual plants – presented by nursery staff members.
Learn more
Attend a snake demonstration at Leisure View Caravan Park this Saturday (3rd) at 1pm. Terence Whittle from Pure Venom is the guest speaker and the cost is R20 per person. Booking is essential. Contact Miranda Strydom at 076 5937763.
Thank you
Port Edward Baptist Church held a very successful market last Saturday to raise funds for Thongazi School uniforms. Thank you to all helpers and locals for supporting the event.
Rustic ramble
Ramsgate Conservancy hosted a ‘Walking in Nature’ 5km ramble in the Red Desert last Sunday morning. Almost 100 people arrived at Cascade Estate hall and set off to see the varied spring-adorned grasslands, tranquil streams, secret waterfalls and bright red desert sand. Delicious chicken rolls and coffee awaited weary walkers.
All news to Philippa.
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