Marvel Malotana: A lifelong journey in ICT – Kouga Local Municipality

Marvel Malotana: A lifelong journey in ICT – Kouga Local Municipality

Kouga – At just 34 years old, Marvel Malotana has already carved out a remarkable path in the world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), turning it into a lifelong journey in ICT

Born and raised in KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage, Malotana matriculated from Marymount Roman Catholic Secondary School in 2006 before pursuing his studies at CTI Education Group (now Eduvos) in 2007, at the age of just 15.

While ICT may not have been his initial career ambition, his childhood fascination with “how things work” naturally led him to a field that merges problem-solving with service.

“ICT found me,” he reflects, describing his career as a continuous learning journey centred on helping people.

Private Sector Experience

Malotana first joined Kouga Local Municipality in 2013, working there until 2016 before gaining private sector experience. In 2023, he found his way back to the municipality, where he now serves as a Network, Server, and Storage Technician. His role is vital in maintaining the security, stability, and efficiency of the municipality’s digital infrastructure – an often unseen but critical function in delivering services to the public.

“In my opinion, the ICT department is the best place to be at the municipality,” Malotana states.

“We may work behind the scenes, but knowing that our contributions support the municipality’s success makes my work truly fulfilling. Coming to an office environment that is peaceful and healthy is something that may be easily taken lightly, but this is one thing that I look forward to, coming here to do my work and have a team that takes pride in their work and best of all, being under strong leadership,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Malotana is keen to continue expanding his expertise.

“I intend to keep growing – never stop growing. I am planning to start studying the latest technology trends, starting with Cloud services and Cyber Security.”

His passion for learning extends beyond his professional duties, he is also an experienced sound engineer and self-taught photographer.

“So, when I am not at work, I am either working at an event, at church, out with family or just buried in bed, tired.”

Further reading: St Francis Animal Rescue Ultimate Father’s Day Raffle – 3 Chances To Win Over R21k Worth of Giveaways.

Roaring Success for the “Save Our Dunes” Pentathlon presented by The Kromme Enviro-Trust

Roaring Success for the “Save Our Dunes” Pentathlon presented by The Kromme Enviro-Trust

BySandra Galer

The inaugural Kromme Enviro Trust Save Our Dunes Pentathlon took place on Saturday under sunny skies and high spirits—and what a day it was!

Hosted at the beautiful Dune Ridge Country House, the event brought together a wonderfully eclectic mix of teams: from finely tuned athletes to those embracing fancy dress and team colours. Despite the range of fitness levels, every team finished, and everyone gave it their all with heads held high.

The cycling route proved a little breezy but was no match for our determined cyclists. The walk, which turned out to be 7km rather than the advertised 5 (sorry, walkers!), was met with good humour. Our runners tackled a tough 10km through sand and fynbos, while the quizzers showed off their knowledge of the local environment (clearly many had been swotting!). As for the cold water bobbers – we suspect they enjoyed themselves a little too much. Next year, we might need more ice!

A fantastic crowd of spectators enjoyed the food, drinks, and festive atmosphere. Thanks to Jacks Bagels for keeping everyone well fed, and to Calibre and the NSRI for providing top-notch first aid cover.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to St Francis Sport and their incredible team of marshals for ensuring everything ran smoothly, as well as all our sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making the day so special.

Congratulations to our top 3 teams in the Save Our Dunes Pentathlon

1 Ukuthula
2 Bushbuck Farm Eco Retreat
3 The Soccer Guys

Save Our Dunes Pentathlon

The winning team. Ukuthula

But more than just a great day out, the Pentathlon raised awareness of an important cause. The Oyster Bay Headland Bypass Dune System—known locally as the Sand River—is under threat from commercial mining. This is South Africa’s last functioning headland bypass dune system, a national treasure of archaeological and ecological importance. The Kromme Enviro Trust is working tirelessly to have the area declared a nature reserve.

If you’d like to support our work, please visit our website at www.stfranciskrommetrust.co.za and consider becoming a member—every member gives us a louder voice in protecting the future of our natural heritage.

See you at next year’s event—bigger, better, and just as joyful!

St Francis Animal Rescue Ultimate Father’s Day Raffle – 3 Chances To Win Over R21k Worth of Giveaways.

St Francis Animal Rescue Ultimate Father’s Day Raffle – 3 Chances To Win Over R21k Worth of Giveaways.

Enter the St Francis Animal Rescue  Father’s Day Raffle –

 – 3 Chances To Win Over R21k Worth of Giveaways.

 – 3 Bucket List Hampers.

We’ve selected the ultimate experiences and incredible gifts and spoils for the man in your life!

Only R50 per ticket!

Buy your raffle tickets at Pop-In, Kouga Print, Toffee or Stationery Butler. Or WhatsApp Jenny 0798784487

A huge thanks to all our amazing sponsors!

The Details:

Hamper 1

Aerobatic aeroplane flip with Captain Paul Frost

Cape St Francis Biltong

Mooks Chopping Board

Berghoff 2 piece Carving set from In-House

Giorgio Dalla Cia 2018 red wine

Pop-In Massage

Cash R500 (Donated by Adrift)

Hamper 2

Microlight flip with Barry Culligan

Beach Hotel PE 1 night Bed & Breakfast

Musi Ozi Wireless Sport Headband

St Francis Brewing Company meal voucher

Andy Cartwright pen & pewter bottle opener from Veranda

Large Jar of Squirrels candy-coated nuts

Father’s Day chocolate bars from Katie Miekles

Cash R500 (Donated by Adrift)

Hamper 3

St Francis Links 4 ball  

Bushbuck Eco Retreat half-price voucher

PeriPeri meal voucher

Brewhaha beers

➡We will draw the prize on Saturday 14th June in time for Father’s Day on Sunday 15th June

 

Thanks, Kim from Uncorked Marketing, for designing our ad.

All funds raised go towards caring for the cats and dogs of Sea Vista.

 

About St Francis Animal Rescue

It’s no secret the Eastern Cape is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa, and Sea Vista, like so many townships in our country, is a place where residents face a daily struggle to survive. Families trapped in poverty struggle to feed themselves, let alone their animals. Within Sea Vista and on the verges of busy roads skirting this settlement, not only hungry dogs but cows, pigs, chickens, and goats roam for food.

This desperate situation motivated the establishment of St Francis Animal Rescue – a charity run by a small group of volunteers, all of whom are passionate animal lovers.

Our focus is on working with people who live in Sea Vista – adults and children – and teaching them the value of loving, respecting and caring for their animals.

Read More: St Francis Animal Rescue

Further reading: The Pam Golding St Francis Bay Ladies Golf Open – Such a Fab Weekend

Staying Disciplined in a World That Won’t Switch Off – The Human Side Of Money Presented By Client Care

Staying Disciplined in a World That Won’t Switch Off – The Human Side Of Money Presented By Client Care

It’s hard to ignore the noise these days. News, opinions, and alerts are everywhere—on your phone, on your laptop, even in the queue at the supermarket. The pace of information is relentless, and for investors, that can be exhausting.

Staying Disciplined

There was a time—not so long ago—when the only update on your investments came in a printed statement at the end of the quarter. You didn’t know, and more importantly, you didn’t need to know what the market did today or yesterday. That distance gave investors space to focus on the big picture.

But that world is gone.

The Attention Economy and Your Portfolio

In today’s digital environment, the battle for your attention is fierce. Financial news outlets know that anxiety keeps people engaged, and they lean into it. Headlines flash warnings over routine market moves. Every little dip is dressed up as drama.

Staying Disciplined

But more information doesn’t lead to better outcomes. In fact, the opposite is often true. When investors get caught up in the minute-by-minute movements, it becomes harder to distinguish noise from signal. And when you start reacting instead of thinking, mistakes happen.

Studies consistently show that investors who make fewer decisions—and stick to a plan—tend to do better than those who constantly adjust based on headlines.

So, How Do You Stay Focused?

Here are three simple ways we help clients keep their heads when the world gets loud:

  1. Set Boundaries Around Information
    Check your portfolio less often. That’s not avoidance—that’s strategy. For most long-term investors, a quarterly or annual review is enough unless your circumstances change. Daily checking invites unnecessary stress. The best results often come to those who are patient, not those who are plugged in.

Staying Disciplined

  1. Remember What You Own
    You’re not just holding tickers on a screen—you own real businesses. Those businesses generate earnings, employ people, create value. Market prices may fluctuate, but ask yourself: Has the business itself changed, or is it just the share price reacting to headlines?

Staying Disciplined

  1. Reconnect With Your Goals
    Your portfolio isn’t about outperforming someone on the internet. It’s about creating freedom for your family. Whether that means retiring securely, funding your children’s education, or supporting a cause you care about—those are the goals that matter. Let them guide your decisions.

Staying Disciplined

Take the Power Back

You don’t have to be at the mercy of the news cycle. Turn off notifications. Designate “no-news” days. Unfollow the loudest voices. These are small steps, but they help create the space to think clearly.

As advisers, our job isn’t just to manage money—it’s to help you stay anchored. We filter the noise, so you don’t have to. Because in the end, what drives real financial success isn’t reacting quickly—it’s staying calm, sticking to the plan, and making thoughtful decisions.

If the headlines are feeling overwhelming, reach out. We’re here to bring perspective, not panic.

 

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