12 September 2014Volume 2 Week 37 www.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

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JOB WELL DONE: Receiving the trophy at the MineSafe conference last week was, from left : Andre Fourie, Mine Overseer, William Kgasi, Mine Manager, Johan Kemp, Mine Overseer, Jan Thirion, Vice President Karee Mining Operati ons and Fanie Smith, Chief Safety Offi cer.In a development that goes a long way to confi rm that Lonmin attaches great value to the safety of its employees, the mine’s Karee 4B/1B was recently awarded the prestigious JT Ryan Trophy.

Karee 4B/1B has now scooped this award three times in a row – becoming the fi rst mine nationally to achieve this

milestone. “We matched the previous record of 8 000 000 FFS, to clinch this award and national recognition,” William Kgasi, Mine Manager for Karee 4B/1B, said. Karee 4B/1B is now well on its way to 9 000 000 FFS, which will be a new South African mining industry record. “The credit most certainly goes to the entire 4B/1B team. This includes shaft management, union

associations and employees. Without their commitment and dedication to achieving Zero Harm, this achievement would not have been possible,” Kgasi added.The criteria for winning the JT Ryan award is based on Million Fatality Free Shifts as well as risk exposure, employing at least 3600 employees and remaining Fatal Free for at least 10 years. The JT Ryan award is awarded in four different categories: Gold, Platinum, Collieries and “other mines” that include base metals and diamondiferous mines. Winners in each of these categories are awarded a plaque in recognition for their performance. The national winner is awarded with both a plaque and the J.T Ryan trophy.The internationally recognised JT Ryan Trophy was presented to Lonmin at the annual MineSafe conference

last week last month. This conference sees mining houses coming together to celebrate and reward ʻZero Harm’ and to bring about meaningful change in the industry. This year, Lonmin employees Jacques Erasmus, Johan van Wijk, Jaco Smit, Eddie Aggenbach, Heidi du Plessis, Philip Scholtz, Michael du Plessis and Christiaan van Rooyen all presented technical papers on their various disciplines. Several other Lonmin teams were also recognised for improvements in their total injury frequency rate, as measured against their peers in the mining sector. The Rowland Shaft team – led by Charl Viljoen – was awarded seventh place in the platinum sector, followed by the opencast team led by Arthur Kgatlane, which came out tops in their category.

Leseding News02 Leseding News - Brits12 September 2014

Traffic officers from the North West played a vital role in reducing road fatalities in August and making sure that motorists adhere to the rule of law, according to statistics made available by the Community Safety and Transport Management department.

The statistics, which were made available to Leseding News, reveal that special traffic operations involving women officers saw more than 317 traffic fines with a value of R265 800 being issued to defaulting motorists for various offences. The offences range from use of cell phones while driving, driving without a license, use of unroadworthy vehicles and not wearing safety belts.Around 1 397 vehicles were stopped and checked by women traffic officers who demonstrated a commendable commitment to make the roads safe.

Acknowledging the efforts of the women officers, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Gaoage Molapisi, called upon all road users to continue cooperating with law enforcement efforts. Molapisi pointed out that the adherence of road users to traffic laws goes a long way in reducing fatalities. “We only had one unfortunate incident where the Pastor allegedly insulted our traffic officer but throughout the month everything went very smooth,” Molapisi said. “The

fight against these high rates of fatalities and incidents on our roads can be won through the cooperation and support of road users.“Working together we can save the lives of our beloved ones. Let us all be road safety ambassadors,” Molapisi pointed out.

Meanwhile, the department hosted a successful event to commemorate women’s month at Majakaneng in Moretele where hundreds of women from different walks of life discussed ways of combatting corruption in the public service.In his address during the event, Molapisi said the newly elected government is confronted with challenges regarding corruption and that such a challenge requires brave women. “We are faced with a monster that is eating our government from within.

Corruption is taking away from the poor, it is denying our children to have a decent meal, attend decent schools and it is denying government its fight against the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty,” he said. “Our success in the fight against corruption will speed-up service delivery and thus make the people of Bokone Bophirima live in a developed, safe and secure environment,” he said. Women who attended the event discussed the challenges that they are facing and the best ways to defeat corruption at the workplace.

Boy dies after assault Police in Letlhabile near Brits are investigating a case of murder after a 17-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted and later died in hospital.

According to information obtained by the police so far, the boy was as-saulted by a councillor in the Madibeng local municipality on 24 August 2014. The son of the councillor and a neighbour are also being implicat-ed in the assault. After being alerted to an alleged attempted rape, the councillor and the two other suspects went to a nearby house where they kicked the boy all over his body and shoved him to the ground. The boy was taken to the hospital where he later died. A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm was registered and later changed to murder after the victim died.

Ammunition under a mattressTwo men were recently arrested after the police discovered eight round of live ammunition inside a shack in Boitekong, near Rustenburg. The discovery was made after police followed up on information that firearms and ammunition had been hidden in the area. After conducting a search, police discovered live ammunition underneath a mattress – leading to the arrest of Mare Moiloa (28) and his accomplice Molise Maswetsa (19). The two have since made a brief appearance at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for possession of ammunition.

Police chase down murderer Police members of the flying squad and tracking team successfully chased down a 28-year-old man who is a suspect in the murder of his wife. The man allegedly strangled his wife to death killed his wife by strangling her on 30 August 2014 at their rented room in Bokamoso near Rustenburg. This was after the two had been embroiled in a heated argument. The man then fled to Eastern Cape to evade arrest. The police were alerted after the wife was found lying dead on the floor. A thorough investigation cut short the suspect’s freedom as he was successfully tracked down and apprehended by the police three days after the murder incident.The case is now before the courts.

Daughter stabs fatherThe police in Lichtenburg are investigating a case of murder following the death of a 46-year-old man.

According to information at hand, a 17-year-old girl stabbed her father in the neck at Skierlik informal settlement in Lichtenburg.

The incident occurred shortly after an argument between the two. Appar-ently, the argument started after the father instructed the girl to leave a house belonging to her boyfriend. The girl allegedly went into the house, took a knife and stabbed her father. The man died on the scene from stab wounds in his neck. The girl was arrested and taken to a place of safety.

10 500 to: Rustenburg. 10 500 to Brits, Marikana and Derby

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerGillian Ryan

Advertising ExecutivesRaymond SelebogoCathy Bezuidenhout

ClassifiedsPertunia Morekisi

PhotographerAndrew Mahlaba

Although reasonable efforts are made by the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all referred to as “Leseding News”), no responsibility is taken by Leseding News for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including editorial, advertorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies Leseding News against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against Leseding News by whoever

PO BOX 2335, Rustenburg, 0300. Tel: 014 597 9980. Published by

Leseding News, 360 degree truth 6 Postma Street, Rustenburg, 0300.

One of the major aims of the Bakwena Ba Mogopa administration is to strive to create a prosperous community in which all residents are able to prosper through employment opportunities while also providing support and care to those who are less privileged.

It is against such a background of events that the Office of Mmakgosi recently spent a whole day visiting three centres that give care and support to elderly people as part of their initiative of giving back to the community. Mmakgosi Kelebogile Mamogale and her team donated food parcels, linen packs and other goodies to A Re Batsholeng, Ipeleng Bagodi and Tlotlang Moilwa – three care centres that are located in the Jericho and Bethanie areas of Brits. Tlotlalang Moilwa is a home for 26 elderly people while Re Batsholeng and Ipeleng Bagodi take care of 30 and 15 people respectively. At all three centres, the Office of Mmakgosi donated grocery hampers consisting of staple food, toiletry and linen (which included bathing towels), sheets and pillow cases. During her interactions with the caregivers, Mamogale was alerted to some of the challenges the homes are facing in the area of infrastructure and equipment. The caregivers also explained their activities to their visitors. “Care facilities aren’t just homes for the elderly but they are a refuge for many that need special care and attention. “Alzheimer’s is a common thread amongst many of our elderly people and security and safety precautions are adhered to by the staff,” explained one of the caregivers at Ipeleng Bagodi.Mamogale emphasised the need to take care of the elderly. She said elderly people play very important roles in society and pointed out that old age homes are necessary institutions that must be supported.“We should work together with other organisations to weave a web of love and compassion to shelter our dear parents who have shed their light of guidance and have been a refuge to most of us,” she said.

HELPING HAND: Mmakgosi Mamogale poses for a photo with Vincent Mononyane (PHOTO: ODIRILE NTSHOLE)

ON DUTY: North West traffic officers conducted many operations last month (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

03Leseding News - Brits 12 September 2014

Moses & Friends Live Band – a predominantly jazz group that is based in Rustenburg – is eager to broaden its horizons by holding performances in Brits and surrounding areas.

The seven member band, which plays afro jazz and related fusions, has been performing

mainly in Rustenburg, Luka, Moruleng and other surrounding areas. “Generally, we have been well received by local music fans here in the areas that we have played in. We have regular gigs in Luka and most parts of Rustenburg,” Moses Galetshitse, the founder and lead vocalist of the band, told Leseding News. “The winter is over now and we are very excited about the upcoming months which are likely to be very busy for us,” he added. Galetshitse said while it is the intention of the group to perform in areas such as Brits and others outside Rustenburg, he cited a lack of fi nances as a hindering factor. “We would like to perform in areas such as Brits as I believe that this will broaden our infl uence and experience as a group.“However, at times we

face a number of challenges especially in the area of fi nancing some of our activities. “If we could get sponsorship maybe our situation would change,” he added. Moses – who has been performing with his band since 1996 – said he is considering enlisting the services of a promoter. “At the moment, we do not have a promoter and I think this is one area that we have to seriously have a look at. “Again, everything comes back to the issue of fi nances.” Galetshitse also revealed that his band will consider taking part in the auditions for the Taung Cultural Calabash, to be held in September. “We are always eager to take part in new initiatives, especially if they are able to help us develop our music,” he said.

Keabetswe Rantao – who is aged 21 – is our Leseding Girl of the Week.

Keabetswe, who is currently living in the Mogwase area just outside Rustenburg, is hoping that her success in a modelling agency held last year will be a springboard for her to achieve greater success in the industry.

In 2013, she was crowned the second princess in the Miss Mankwe beauty pageant.

Originally from Zeerust, Keabetswe is eager to join a modelling agency so that she can fulfi l her dream of becoming a professional.

Models aged between the ages of 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space are requested to phone 073 970 9671 or 014 597 9980.

IN ACTION: Moses and Friends

As a divorced mother of two kids, for 5 years I went through a lot of problems fi nancially & worse after my divorce several men kept breaking my heart. I nearly committed suicide but thought of my kids. I visited many healers & priests but got no results. Luckily a granny took me to ASAF. I paid R100 consultation fee and without me speaking a word, he showed me all my problems in a mirror & water, plus real-faces of people who were pulling me down.

He performed a special-prayer for me, cleansed me from bad-luck & gave me powerful love crystals plus a special ring (to fi x fi nancial problems)

UN-BELIEVABLE! After 3-days, my ex-husband called me to apologise & later we re-married. I also recently got a senior job promotion.

Leseding News04 Leseding News - Brits12 September 2014

“Although many succeed investing in real estate, it isn’t for everyone. You need to take into account your investment preferences and even personality. Do you have the time to devote? Are you comfortable troubleshooting problems or prefer to hire a property manager?” Paul Stevens, Just Property Group COO, uncovers some key principals of success.

Are you fi nancially fi t?Pay attention to your budget, successful real estate investors build their portfolio through saving money and gradually buying properties over the years. And, check your credit score, it determines the rate and conditions you receive on a bond. If your credit score is high, meaning you pay bills on time and haven’t “maxed out” your credit cards, you’re a good bet for lenders and will be offered a low rate with good conditions.

Can you place a deposit?Putting at least 20 to 25 per cent down opens you to the best terms. Focus on residential properties (initially) Residential property is an attractive investment and is easier to understand, purchase, and manage than most other types of property. And, if you’re a homeowner, you have already

navigated the process and understand residential property maintenance. When it comes to your residential property options, start small: sectional title town houses homes are a good start and work well for investors who don’t want to deal with building maintenance and security issues.

Seek out developmentAreas where there’s new development or redevelopment is are where you want to be. The best investment properties are well located and physically sound but ‘cosmetically challenged’.

Location, location, valueLocation is important, but so is fi nding value for your money. Owning real estate in up and coming areas with new development or renovated properties enhances fi nding and keeping good tenants and leads to greater returns.

Invest close byBuy within a two-hour drive. Venture further afi eld when you really understand another property market and regularly fi nd yourself there for other reasons or you’ve found an excellent property partner to manage your investment.

Have a killer team in placeLine up a real estate agent, fi nancial advisor and lawyer

etc. early, the investor with the best resources can identify properties to ignore and makes an agile buyer. The pace you can close a transaction is an advantage in any market.

Bottom lineProject the Net Operating Income (NOI) preferably for next few years. Projecting the NOI is time consuming and requires experience, especially if you plan property changes to increase income and/or reduce expenses. Which where your killer team earns their weight in gold.

As a divorced mother of two kids, for 5 years I went through a lot of problems fi nancially & worse after my divorce several men kept breaking my heart. I nearly committed suicide but thought of my kids. I visited many healers & priests but got no results. Luckily a granny took me to ASAF. I paid R100 consultation fee and without me speaking a word, he showed me all my problems in a mirror & water, plus real-faces of people who were pulling me down.

He performed a special-prayer for me, cleansed me from bad-luck & gave me powerful love crystals plus a special ring (to fi x fi nancial problems)

UN-BELIEVABLE! After 3-days, my ex-husband called me to apologise & later we re-married. I also recently got a senior job promotion.

0404 12 September 201404 12 September 2014

The story of Nick Vujicic

– No legs, No arms

WHEN Nick Vujicic was eight years old, he started to contemplate suicide. At the age of 10, he tried to drown himself in water, but did not go through with it out of the love he had for his parents.

The fi rst born of a Serbian family, Nick was born with a rare condition known as Tetra-Amelia disorder – meaning he has no arms and no legs. His parents – Dushka and Boris – were devastated after his birth.

Today, Nick is one of the most sought after inspirational speakers in the world. While he was in Surat, India, in 2008 for a fi ve day visit, 350 000 people came to hear Nick Vujicic speaking.

You and I have arms and legs, our stories and suffering are not the same as Nick’s challenges. Nick continues to be an inspiration to the world. Nick continues to live a “Life Without Limits”.

We all have at times seen our vision for our lives crash into a cruel reality like a speeding car into a brick wall. The particulars of your experience may be unique, but situations of despair are all the same and too humane.

You are not alone, and I promise you will never walk alone. He is there by your side, always.

Living a life with hope

I was deeply touched, when Andrew Seome (Coordinator in the offi ce of the executive mayor at the Rustenburg Local Municipality) came to me in January 2013 and said that he was looking forward to reading his article in the Bojanala bulletin of March.

That is when I realized that this magazine is read by many people. I thought about his words. He said I must continue to give hope to the hopeless.

It is important for all of us to ensure that 24 hours a day, there is a need being met, a problem being solved, a skill being developed, a situation receiving immediate attention and a life being transformed. As you read this column, I encourage you to join us to feed the hungry, bring relief to the poor, support the weak and bless the needy, thereby building your life around your con-tribution to others.

In the words of Prophet T.B. Joshua, “We make a huge living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”

About the author: Innocent Sirovha is the Municipal Manager of the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. He is the author of two motivational books – Forging Ahead and Moments of Truth. For any feedback regarding this column, please e-mail his at sirovhainnocent@gmail.com

Real estate is a proven wealth-building tool. Investing in rental properties can generate income and significant tax benefits as well as build equity over the life of the property ownership. But, as with everything, before you dive in head first, what do you need, what

should you look for, expect and most importantly: is investing in property right for you and your finances.

Heritage Cuisine Experience with

Mrs UNSA - Bojanala

VENUE: Divine Boutique (Geelhout Park)DATE: 04 October 2014TIME: 13h00 till lateADMISSION: R200.00

For bookings, call Given: 079 067 7100Email: given.mmane@gmail.com

news@lesedingnews.co.zaPaul Stevens

05Leseding News - Brits 12 September 2014

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits12 September 2014

PLATINUM PEOPLEThe 2014 editi on of the North West Female Enterpreneur Awards – held recently in Klerksdorp – saw Uhuru Zikalala achieving what she describes as a signifi cant milestone since establishing Baena Cooperati ve.

The awards, which have become a permanent feature on the calendar of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, are aimed at rewarding women businesspersons for their efforts in succeeding in their various fi elds – a number of which are in male dominated industries.

This year’s theme – “Recognising the role of women and showcasing their contribution of Africa agriculture and food security” – was aimed at encouraging women business persons to excel in their activities. During this year’s event, Zikalala walked away with R125 000 after coming out tops in the Top Producer Small Holder Market Category. However, it is not the monetary value of her prize that brought a smile to Zikalala’s face.

To her, the status and opportunity that comes with being recognized as the brains behind one of the top cooperatives in the province is priceless. “I am very happy with the achievement”, she said, in an interview with Leseding News soon after receiving her award. “Such recognition encourages you to continue striving for excellence and aiming high,” she added. Located in the Brits area of the North West, Baena Cooperative was established in 2012 by Uhuru and four of her siblings. The

enterprise – located on a leased 50 hectare piece of land – focuses on vegetable production, with the emphasis being on tomatoes. A major project being undertaken by the cooperative is the farming of 200 citrus trees. “We have also recently ventured into the production and processing of Moringa trees. This has added value to the growth of the enterprise,” Zikalala pointed out. The cooperative goes far beyond encouraging women to take up poverty alleviating projects.“Because we transfer skills, these women of value also train other co-workers at the end of every cycle of production.

“This kind of empowerment goes beyond employment as these women are able to start their own projects if they want to,” Zikalala pointed out. However, Zikalala explained that it is the passion of what she does – more than anything else – that gives her the energy to wake up every morning.“I love what I do and this is very important to me. You get up, go to work and enjoy yourself. I cannot trade my work for anything else,” she explained. On her future plans and objectives, Zikalala said: “I am going to be a commercial farmer who is going to employ more people than I do at the moment. “This is my goal and I will be aiming towards achieving this.”She also aims to export some of her produce to the international market. “You have to explore how you can penetrate the export market if you want to make it. These are some of the things that I plan to do in the long run, as the cooperative gets bigger and employs more people,” she added.

07Leseding News - Brits 12 September 2014

INTERVENTION: MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Collen Maine. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

FULL PLATE: North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo is concerned by the challenges facing municipalities (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

Overfl owing sewerage that has been spilling into houses belonging to the residents of Mothotlung in the Madibeng local municipality is set to be a thing of the past.

The challenge facing this area has come to the att enti on of North West MEC for Local Government and Human Sett lements, Collen Maine, who has intervened to recti fy this anomaly. Maine recently met with aff ected ward councillors, the executi ve mayor of Madibeng, Josti na Mothibe, the leadership of the Mothotlung, Switch and Thetele communiti es to get to root of the sewwearge problems. The main objecti ve of the meeti ng was to establish the cause of the spilling sewerage that had created an unbearable sti nk in the area. The residents of Switch admitt ed that – in act of desperati on – they deliberately blocked the sewer pipes in an att empt to get att enti on of municipality to respond to their pleas, which among others, include the constructi on of an internal road. Addressing the problem, Maine, requested Madibeng local municipality

to deploy the necessary machinery to the area to unblock the system. He also pledged that within the coming weeks, he would introduce a contractor to build a 2km road going through the Switch sett lement. “The municipality will have to move swift ly to make sure that the road constructi on is prioriti sed. Work will also commence to repair the damaged sewage pipe and the sewerage dam will be empti ed,” Maine explained.

Barely four months into his duties as premier of the North West, Supra Mahumapelo is assuming the role of a fi refi ghter as he battles to extinguish the fl ames that have erupted from various municipalities.

When Mahumapelo took offi ce on May 20, the Madibeng Local Municipality was already under administration. This was after the ANC had removed former executive mayor Poppy Magongwa and other top offi cials from their positions, in the wake of fraud and corruption allegations.Recently, Jostina Mothibe was appointed Madibeng’s new executive mayor as part of wide ranging moves the ANC hopes will result in a more effi ciently-run administration. While keeping an eye on how Mothibe and her team will go about changing the negative perceptions that the public has towards the municipality, Mahumapelo was soon presented with additional challenges. A damning report by the auditor general last month painted a grim picture about serious anomalies regarding how virtually all municipalities in the North West are handling their fi nances. According to that report, none of the 23 municipalities in the province achieved a clean audit for the 2012/13 fi nancial year – revelations that have attracted the wrath of Local Government and Human Settlements MEC, Collen Maine. However, it is at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality – where the mayor, speaker, and two other offi cials recently appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court over a R300 000 fraud accusation – that has worsened Mahumapelo’s headaches. The mayor, Phaladi Audrey Saku (49), speaker Vincent Smanga Dila (39), ward councillor Keboneng Peddy Mokotong, (55) and a manager in Saku’s offi ce Kgotlaetsile Piet Ramoabi (46) appeared in court last week. The four were arrested for fraud after they handed themselves over to the Hawks. According to allegations, Saku – who was appointed executive mayor of the municipality in June 2011 – continued to receive a salary of R117 232 from June to December 2011 from her previous employer, the education department.It is further alleged that Dila received R78 489 in salaries from June to December 2011 from the agriculture department, where he was employed before being appointed speaker. Mokotong worked as a teacher and received R71 707 from June to August 2011, after she was also appointed as a full-time councillor at the same municipality in June 2011, according to the allegations. Ramoabi is said to receive R40 038 from the education department. The case of the four will be heard on 21 November and the provincial government has since placed the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality under administration.

Mahumapelo has admitted that the performance of municipalities in the North West, at both local and district level, has become a cause of concern – not only for ordinary residents but also for the ANC. “If we go to other provinces, there is a negative perception that people have about the North West. We have to change this mind set,” Mahumapelo said recently, during a live programme on North West FM. “We must transform this negativity into positivity,” he added. Asked to comment about the state of affairs within the administration of municipalities in the province, the premier admitted that much needed to be done to rectify the anomalies. “It is true that our municipalities are not performing well, this has been highlighted by the auditor general,” he added. “We have had a meeting with the auditor general and Pravin Gordhan and the aim is to put in place a committee that will help us to transform these municipalities in a positive way.” Mahumapelo said the law must be allowed to take its course on the four

Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality offi cials who have been implicated in fraud. “The law is the law and it will have to take its course, even when ANC councillors and other cadres are involved. Ngaka Modiri Molema has a debt of R250 million. “They were borrowing money from banks and this was highlighted by the auditor general. We are putting in place measures to make sure that the situation is addressed,” he explained.

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

GETTING READY: North West Shining Stars are preparing for the upcoming season

NORTH WEST STAR: Simom Magakwe was part of the South African team that competed in the recently held Commonwealth Games (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

SAFA National First Division side North West Shining Stars – who held their preseason trials recently – are confident they will be a competitive outfit during the 2014/15 season.

From August 16 to 17, the team assessed new players with a view of identifying

talent that can add value to their performance during the upcoming season. The club’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Sello Ramabya, told Leseding News that around 80 enthusiastic football players turned up for the trials at Letlhabile Stadium in Brits, where the club is based. “After two days of identifying players who are able to help us to achieve the success that we are aiming for this season, we were happy with the talent that we attracted,” Ramabya said. “From the 80 players that came in for trials, we managed to identify 14 players who are now busy training with our team. “We are confident that the club will be able to achieve success, in line with our slogan of ‘Reclaiming The Glory’,” he added. Ramabya added that the club would continue to scout for more players from areas such as Maboloka, Madidi, Jericho, Oukasie, Mothutlung, Rabokala, Kgabalatsane, Kilipgat, Segwailane and others. Meanwhile, the club has ceded 30% of its shares to a new partner.

“The Ntsoko family has 70% shares of the club and the remaining shares are with a new partner,” Ramabya said. In our previous Rustenburg edition of Leseding News, we reported that the Ntsoko family were considering selling part of the club to the best bidders.

Athletics North West North (AWN) has expressed concern at the increasing number of athletes from the North West who are relocating to Gauteng in search of better opportunities.

Aubrey Moitlobo, who is an administrator at ANWN, told

Leseding News that while the athletics body is making commendable strides in identifying and grooming young athletes, some of that talent was being lost to Gauteng and other parts of the country. “We have a lot of talent here in the North West. However, one of the major concerns we have to deal with is that many of our star competitors usually decide to relocate to Gauteng province,” said Moitlobo in an interview with Leseding News. “In a way, this actually means that we are grooming talent which then benefits other areas,”

he added. Moitlobo explained that many athletes are attracted to relocating to Gauteng because of the better training facilities they will be exposed to there. “In Gauteng, they have better facilities and universities and colleges that offer better training than some of our institutions here,” Moitlobo said. “It is difficult for us to compete with some of these provinces when it comes to facilities but we will continue with our developmental efforts so that we discover future talented athletes, especially from the rural areas within the North West,” he said. “The major challenge that we are having at the moment is in the area of sponsorship. However, this could change very soon as we are talking to a number of sponsors,” he added. At least two athletes that were part of the South African team for this year’s Commonwealth Games have links with the North West province. South Africa’s javelin queen Sunette Viljoen – who claimed her third consecutive Commonwealth medal in her event – was

born in Rustenburg. Simon Magakwe – who finished seventh in his final 100m race – is currently based in Phokeng where he conducts his training. During the Commonwealth Games – held last month – South Africa managed to claim a total of 40 medals in all sporting codes. A total of 13 of these medals were gold, 10 silver and 17 bronze – a result which placed them seventh on the medal table. The achievement is an improvement from the country’s showing in the 2010 edition of the event in Delhi. (South Africa claimed 33 medals in that event). It is our hope that in the future, we will have more athletes from the North West being selected to take part in these prestigious world events.

“We are laying the groundwork for this. We plan to carry out talent identification programmes in areas such as Maboloka in Brits, Nyetse in Zeerust and a number of rural areas in Mahikeng. There is a lot of talent in these areas,” he said.

08 Leseding News - Brits

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba