PROTESTERS LEAVE TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION

13 February 2015Volume 3 Week 7 www.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

BRITS

FREE

BE SEEN!ADVERTISE IN THIS SPOT

CALL: Kathy014 597 9980 /

072 149 9017

ENGINEERING

MACHINERY

REG NO: 2012/158014/07

Tel:014 592 955559 boom street,rustenburg cbd

MINING BOILERMAKER DIESIL MACH ELECTRICIAN FITTER RIGGER ARTISAN

SAFETYFIRST AID LEVEL 1.2FIRE FIGHTINGSAFETY REP LEVEL 1SAFETY OFFICERCOMSOC 1

LHD (SCOOP)DRILL RIGUTILITY VICLEDUMP TRUCK (777)EXCAVATOR GRADER MOBILE CRANETOWER CRANE FRONT END LOADER TRACTOR LOAD BACKHOE

ROCKY DRILL OPERATORPIPE TRACK VERTILATIONMINER ASSITANCEMINE OVERSEERBELT ATTENDENDCOMPETENT A & BWIND ENGINE DRIVER ONSETTERWINCH DRIVER

tenburg cbdtenburg cbdtenburg cbdtenburg cbd

WEBSITE:greenwayminingtraining.co.za

EMAIL:miningrecruitment155@executivemail.co.za

Cell:078 830 8746

Early this week, contractors who were working to restore the water supplies in Majakaneng were attacked by community members – a sign of the tension that still exists in the area following the violent protests over service delivery. The incident resulted in two of the contracted workers being injured. This disturbing attack happened hours after Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s visit to the area, where he had

a fruitful interaction with the community about practical ways of resolving the community’s service delivery concerns.It was during that community meeting that Mahumapelo confirmed amongst others, the appointment of the contractor who was already on site.“This development is certainly going against the peaceful mood that prevailed yesterday in Majakaneng. We are however content about the arrest of one of the suspects who are linked to this displeasing incident, and we call for the law to take its course”, said

Premier Mahumapelo.The premier pleased with the community of Majakaneng to allow the contractor the space to deliver on the urgent task at hand and warned criminal elements who are using the plight of the community for their own criminal interests.The incident follows recent protests that saw the community barricading the N4 road from Mooinooi bridge to Bapong bridge towards Pretoria and also N4 road from Brits to Mooinooi with gates, stones, trees and burnt tyres.

During the protests, at least four trucks and two motor vehicles were burnt by protestors while a driver was injured during one of the incidents. At least seven people were arrested, and the police have been working very hard to maintain peace and order around the area. “We all know that it is a constitutional right of citizens to protest, lawfully and peacefully, but any act of criminality will lead to arrest and prosecution of individuals, people cannot hide behind protest action and service delivery needs,” the police in the North West said in a statement.

BURNT TO ASHES: The remains of a vehicle that was torched during the protests

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Leseding News02 Leseding News - Brits13 February 2015

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerStephen Davey

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 Ukhahlamba Newspapers

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

MOTHIBE PLEADS PATIENCEThe executive mayor of the Madibeng Local Municipality Jostina Mothide is pleading with residents to give her administration time to deal with the water crisis that has been affecting Majakaneng and other areas in Brits. People living in Majakaneng recently erupted into violent protests after the municipality failed to supply water to most areas in the village.As peace returned to the volatile town, the mayor has urged residents to remain calm and patient and to give the municipality a chance to rectify the service delivery issues that are making the people angry and restless. “The Executive Mayor wishes to appeal for calm as the municipality commits to service delivery in the area of Majakaneng,” Lebogang Tsogang, the spokesperson of the municipality, said. “The Executive Mayor further wishes to call upon community members to refrain from violent demonstrations and allow the repairs work to take place,” she added. “The Madibeng Local Municipality wishes to acknowledge the water supply challenges facing this municipality and assures residents that such is being addressed with the urgency it deserves.

The Majakaneng water challenge is no exception as it has been receiving attention since last year when the municipality in conjunction with the IFM mine put in place interim measures by drilling and equipping 5 boreholes to supply the Majakaneng reservoir.“The reservoir was not receiving adequate supply from the Brits Purification Plant.The long term solution to the problem will be addressed by the current ongoing refurbishment of the Brits Water Purification Plant from the capacity of 60 to 80 megalitres,” Tsogang explained. She said the efforts of the municipality were being made difficult by people who are not allowing contractors to do their jobs. “The borehole system is fully functional however water cannot be released to the communities as damaged infrastructure as a program to repair leakages, replace damaged meters, install new meters is to be implemented.“Regrettably a contractor was chased away by community members on Monday while on site to start with the repairs.“As and when access is gained to enter Majakaneng the works are to continue in repairing and refurbishing the infrastructure and completion will be determined after exposing the underground infrastructure given its conditions,” she said. The North West Provincial Government through the Premier’s Office has made a commitment to assist the Madibeng municipality by the appointing Sedibeng Water to address all the water challenges the municipality is facing.“At this stage, we are establishing contacts with Sedibeng Water to outline the program of action for Majakaneng and all other affected areas and hope to commence as soon as when the situation normalizes and access can be gained.“The National Department Water and Sanitation has also pledged to assist the municipality in any kind to resolve the water supply issue,” Tsogang said.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Madibeng Mayor, Jostina Mothibe

A MOTHER’S AGONY Almost 2 years since sangoma promised her son would return

“I admit that my son and his friends always terrorized our neighbors and stealing from them, but I need to know his whereabouts”These were the touching words of Christina Shabalala (68) of Checkers section in Maboloka near Brits in North West, who is desperately looking for her son, Jabulane. The 32-year-old Jabulane Shabalala went missing since October 2013 and his

disappearance has brought sadness and anxiety to his family. Jabulane’s mother, Christina told Leseding News that her son grew up living a healthy life but his life was messed up after he mixed with friends that corrupted his character. “He dropped out of school in grade 10 when he started robbing and stealing from us. He is still my son and I need to know his whereabouts.

He was now mentally ill and our neighbours would tell us that they saw him running down the streets of Brits,” Shabalala said.Christina explained to Leseding News that after Jabulane’s disappearance she consulted sangomas and prophets who all confirmed that he will return home healthy and alive. “I paid sangomas and prophets to return my son but it seems like I am wasting my

money. It is almost two years now since his disappearance and there is no sign of him coming back to us,” she added. According to Shabalala, they checked in hospitals and government mortuaries but failed to locate Jabulane. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Jabulane is asked to contact his family on 0767636940 or 06113426783.

MEC launches SGB elections

These are the words of Dr TumelontleThiba who is the Provincial Head of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), at the launch of the 2015 North West School Governing Body (SGB) elections held in Mmabatho recently. The North West Department of Education and Sports Development has dedicated itself to provide for fairness, efficiency and freeness in facilitating the upcoming electionsHonourable MEC Wendy Matsemela successfully launched the elections which will commence on the 6th to the 28th of March 2015. In her key note delivery she acknowledged all previous SGB members and expressed her gratitude for the hard work that they have reflected during their period and for their contribution towards the provision of quality learning and teaching in the province. SGB elections are a sign of the seriousness of how the will and interests of the learners are taken into account by communities together with the department. A School Governing Body is a structure that governs a school. It is made up of the most important school stakeholders mainly; parents but also educators, non- teaching staff members and community members.

“Elections are the hallmark of any democracy and must be taken very seriously.”

MOMENTOUS: MEC Wendy Matsemela recently launched the SGB elections

0313 February 2015Leseding News - Brits

Moruleng Boulevard | Pilanesberg

Centre Management 014 556 1695

www.morulengmall.co.za

Moruleng Boulevard | Pilanesberg

Centre Management 014 556 1695

www.morulengmall.co.za

SA FILMS HOG THE LIMELIGHT

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has announced that three of its films – Four Corners, Hear me Move and Cold Harbour – have been selected to screen and compete at the 23rd Annual Pan African Film Festival (PAFF). Four Corners has been nominated for Best Narrative Feature, while Cold Harbour has been selected for Best First Feature Narrative. On the 12 February, the NFVF, in partnership with Thina Sobabili producer Ernest Nkosi, hosted a South African reception which was followed by the screening of the films. NFVF Council member Advocate Roshan Dehal – who attended the reception on behalf of the NFVF – congratulated all South African films competing and screening at the

festival.The Pan African Film Festival will take place in Los Angeles from 5 to 16 February 2015.The Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has been particularly impressed by Hear Me Move. The movie is shot in local languages and captures the lingo of urban South African youth. “The use of indigenous languages and township patois in the film imbues the flavour of popular culture and contributes towards the promotion and preservation of our languages,” said Mthethwa.Hear Me Move has already been premiered to critical acclaim at prestigious international festivals such as Toronto in Canada, Cannes in France, as well as in the United Kingdom.

MUSIC AND DANCE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Fioundation will be hosting a special show to celebrate and mark this year’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow. The “Lovers’ Corner” music and dance show that will be held at the Mmabana head office in Mahikeng, promises be an exciting occasion for you and your loved one.Would you like to spend your Valentine’s Day in a romantic setup with some of the best music and dance that the North West province has to offer? Then perhaps you should attend this unique show, which is themed around the most celebrated day in the world for lovers. “The concept, which has been in existence for some time now, is a platform to showcase the artistic talent and prowess from the performing arts of Mmabana,” Mmabana’s Trinity Bogosi said.

“The show will also provide quality entertainment for both music and dance enthusiasts at the same time,” he added. Entertainment will be provided by Jazz/Afro Soul while bassist Lucas Senyatso and Bonolo Molosiwa supported by Mmabana Foundation dance and dance sports performers will also keep the audience on their feet. “This is a laid back set up that caters for the fun loving individuals and couples under the evening lights with serenading music that fits Valentine’s Day,” Bogosi noted. Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is not a holiday in most of them.

Leseding News04 Leseding News - Brits13 February 2015

SaNderS murder SuSpectS deNied appeaL

The High Court in Pretoria on Thursday dismissed applications to appeal by the three Zimbabweans convicted and sentenced for the murder of former world heavyweight boxing champion Corrie Sanders. Judge Ferdi Preller said the circumstances in the case against Paida Fish, Chris Moyo and Samuel Mabena, all in their 20s, did not warrant a further hearing on appeal. All three applied for leave to appeal against their convictions, claiming the court should have accepted their evidence that they were elsewhere that night and had nothing to do with the robbery. Moyo and Mabena also wanted to appeal against their sentences of 30 years effective imprisonment. Naas de Jager, for Fish, argued that the evidence about his client’s arrest and the robbed items found in his possession had not been credible. Leana Augustyn, for Moyo, argued that the court had erred in finding that Moyo’s girlfriend did not support his claim that he had been at home that fateful night.

She argued that Moyo’s evidence that he had bought one of the robbed cellphones from one of his fellow accused was reasonably possibly true. Charles Mabaso, for Mabena, attacked the veracity of the identity parade at which his client was identified as one of the robbers. Preller on Wednesday sentenced the three to 18 years imprisonment for murdering Sanders. They were sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for armed robbery and a further six years for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Preller ordered that some of the sentences run concurrently, giving an effective sentence of 30 years imprisonment for the three men, who are all first offenders. The 46-year-old Sanders was shot during an armed robbery at the Thatch Haven Country Lodge outside Brits while attending his nephew’s 21st birthday party on September 22, 2012. He died the next day in the Kalafong hospital. Sanders was talking to his daughter Marinique and a cousin near the entrance to the boma when three armed men stormed in and started shooting. He was shot when he moved in front of his daughter to protect her. He was already bleeding from wounds to his arm and stomach when he pulled her to the ground and told her to pretend that she was dead. The robbers ordered guests to lie down and demanded their handbags, cellphones and cash. Two of the guests later identified Fish and Moyo at a police identity parade as two of the robbers. The Zimbabweans were arrested a few days later at the Oukasie informal settlement near Brits after a tip-off. All were found in possession of some of the robbed items. Preller found that the three had decided to “go big” by attacking a large group of people. He said they had carefully planned the robbery and had carried it out with military precision. However, he found that Sanders had been shot in the course of a random shooting, and that his murder had not been deliberate, although the accused had foreseen his death.

IN THE DOCK: The three suspects in the Corries Sanders murder case (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Kruger NatioNaL parK moNKeyS

couLd Be KiLLed

Problem monkeys who continue to disturb tourists in the kruger national

Park risk being killed.Park authorities confirmed that scientific studies were being carried out on how best to resolve monkey attacks on humans, with the euthanasia of aggressive animals being touted as the best solution.“There are normally only one or two problem animals in a group, so we are investigating the possibility of capturing these monkeys in cages and euthanising them,” said Kruger media specialist Isaac Phaahla this week.In the most recent incident, a German tourist was bitten by a vervet monkey at the Tshokwane Picnic Site between the Skukuza and Satara camps in the Kruger at the end of January.Kruger visitor Jan van Es witnessed the January monkey attack.“While I was there, the tourist was bitten by a monkey on his waist and was bleeding quite badly. The tour guide told me that this was the second time in a few weeks that one of her guests had been bitten,” said Van Es.Phaahla confirmed the incident and said that monkeys were a huge problem in public areas throughout the park, stealing food from tables and out of tourists’ hands.“It is an ongoing problem and stems from the fact that people feed the monkeys, even though the Kruger makes it very clear that feeding of animals is prohibited. The monkeys become accustomed to getting food and when they don’t they become aggressive. The most important thing however is to stop getting the public to feed these animals,” said Phaahla this week.However, Rosaline Grobler, owner of Monkey Town Primate Center in Cape Town, said that the problem was so entrenched that euthanasia would probably not solve it.“I do not believe in euthanasia, particular considering that this is the human’s fault, not the animal’s. If visitors continue feeding them then future generations of monkeys will pick up the same behaviour,” said Grobler. “To be honest, I cannot really see a fool-proof solution to this.”

13 February 2015Leseding News - Brits 05

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits13 February 2015

PLATINUM PEOPLE

ISHAMAEL KGOKONG

From just spending a few minutes with Ishamel Kgokong, the acting chief director in the North West Department of Tourism, one gets a distinct conviction that the man is very

knowledgeable and passionate about his job.

As one of the key players in the department, Kgokong is responsible for coming up with the polices that influence the tourism sector in the province as well mapping the way forward and making the department function to its maximum potential. For a person who started working as a top official in the industry in 2002, Kgogong has gathered enough experience to enable him to make a meaningful contribution in his line of work. “I have been leading the tourism since 2002 and my responsibilities have a lot to do with the strategy that we take and the policies that we implement as a department,” he said in an interview with Leseding News.

“I need to constantly look at how the industry is performing so that I am better able to implement the correct interventions to make it better,” he added. “My job also entails making sure that we allocate enough financial resources to our projects.” He said that throughout his work, making sure that the tourism industry

benefits the communities within the North West is something this is very close to his heart. He said: “The beneficiation of tourism to the ordinary people is something that I pursue with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. “We must make sure that the industry benefits the people on the North West because their resources, heritage sites and facilities are the ones that are bringing the money into this industry. The people in all our 19 townships and 56 villages that make up the North West must feel that they are a part of the sector so all our programmes are geared to achieve this objective.”

“We have to work out a model in which we geographically spread the benefits that we get from this industry to all the communities. In other words, everyone must benefit from our tourism resources,” he said. Originally from Gauteng, Kgokong went to Boputhatswana University in 1983 and studied public administration. “In 1988 I entered the tourism sector. I worked for Sun International as a Human Resources Manager. I was based at Taung Hotel and Casino. “The company took me to the Institute of Hotel and Management and I managed to study tourism. In 1997 I was recruited by SanParks and I became one of the first black managers,” he said. In 2001, he went back to government and rose through the ranks until becoming one of the top officials in the North West province. Commenting on the state of tourism in the North West, Kgokong said a lot of ground still needs to be covered. He said: “Tourism is skewed because the concentration is in the Bojanala district. This is because of the proximity the area has to Gauteng. It is critical for us as the role players to change this complexion.” He said the strength of the province lies in its strong cultural and traditional practices. “I think that as a province, we are very strong when it comes to our culture and heritage and this should be one of our strong points when

we are marketing the North West.” He said Mafikeng has a critical role to play in preserving the history of the country. “The Ango-Boer war was fought in Mahikeng and this means that thearea is very important when it comes to the history of this country. We must therefore focus on ways in which we can create tourism out of this rich history. “It is all about how the tour operators in this area can package the place as an attractive destination. We can do it if we put our heads together,” he said.

Moruleng Mall boosts young scholars

In a development that will go a long way in supporting the educational aspirations of students in the area, the Moruleng Mall recently rewarded five students with R1 000 shopping vouchers each after they emerged as the winners of a recent competition. The initiative was part of the drive by the management at the mall and their partners to encourage students to do well in their studies this year. Martha Khoza, who is the Moruleng Mall marketing coordinator, explained to Leseding News that the competition was very popular among scholars in the area. “Basically, we held a facebook competition from January until the end of the month. We asked students to go through the Moruleng facebook pageto take part in the competition,” Khoza explained. “We had over 200 entries from which we had five winners. The winners were presented with shopping vouchers worth R1000. The rules are that the money must all be used to but school stationary that they will use for this year,” she added. Obakeng Bonnetsoe – one of the winners – was grateful

for the competition. She said: “I am happy that I am able to buy exercise books and some of the things that I will be using for school this year. The stationary will inspire me to work very hard so that I realise my dream of going to university when I complete my matric.” Tshireletso Khunou (21) who goes to Gaopatlake High School was equally ecstatic when he was named the winner. “I want to go to university and study towards a degree,” he said. “I would like to thank the mall and everyone involved in this competition because they have inspired us greatly. I have never won anything before but now things have changed,” he added. The mall’s manager – Bafana Radebe – explained that more exciting developments are in store for the community. “Throughout our operations and work, we always strive to give back to the community because they are the ones who make us what we are. We have a lot of other exciting initiatives for the year and our clients must just brace themselves for a thrilling year,” Radebe said.

EXCITED: Tshireletso Khunou (extreme left), Bafana Radebe, Obakeng Bonnetsoe and Martha Khoza pose for a picture (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

CWP restore dignity of communities At least 15 908 previously unemployed people from 15 local municipalities in Bokone-Bophirima are involved various projects that are intended to address community needs and priorities in theirrespective wards, through the Community Work Programme (CWP) which is a non-stare sector component within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).Such projects include vegetable gardens, building of public amenities such as old age homes, , clearing of illegal dumping sites, home-based care, community house building, cleaning of illegal dumping sites etc.Through the programme, 25 CWP participants have enrolled (2015-2018) for a Grade R Diploma through the University of North West (Potchefstroom campus), through distance learning.CWP is a programme of the national Department of Cooperative Governance and it targets unemployed and underemployed people within communities at ward level to accelerate job creation and enhance service delivery through ‘useful work’. The main purpose of the programme is to provide an employment safety net, to contribute to the development of public assets and services in poor communities, to strengthen community development approaches and to improve the quality of life for people in marginalised economic areas by providing work experience, enhancing dignity and promoting social and economic inclusion.Participants have been contracted for a period of three years (2014-2017), work eight days a month and receive a stipend of R608.Their main role is to identify ‘useful work’ in their wards that address community needs and priorities. The “useful work’’ is planned in partnership with ward councillors and traditional councils and institutions identified through the support of implementing agents and municipalities.MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Collen Maine said the programme has immensely changed the lives of benefitting communities. “People will acquire different skills and the much needed experience in the job market something which will go a long way in changing their lives. They must embrace the opportunity and make full use of it”, he said.The Department has partnered with other stakeholders such as Departments of Social Development, Public Works and NGOs in order to ensure that the programme achieve its intended objective.Local municipalities that have benefited from CWP are: Mahikeng, Ratlou, Tswaing, Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane, Madibeng, Moretele, Rustenburg, Ventersdorp, Maquassi Hills, Greater Taung, Naledi, Kagisano-Molopo, Mamusa and Kgetleng Rivier.

13 February 2015Leseding News - Brits 07BRITS HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 52 YEARS AMIDST CRITICISMMonday, 2 February 2015 marked 52 years of existence since Brits District Hospital was officially opened in 1963 by the then government. According to the current hospital’s chief executive officer, Babe Mosuwe, the hospital has a rich history. From serving only white people to a remarkable transformation that happened 21 years ago when it opened its doors for multicultural families and created a new identity as a non-racial hospital. Currently, the hospital is serving a population of almost 480 000 across the Madibeng Local Municipality. It also receives referrals from all clinics within the Madibeng catchments areas.The newly built hospital cost close to R419 million of tax payers money to be completed. It was officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Aron Motswaledi last year in April.Apart from the beautiful and spacious building of the hospital, residents of Madibeng are still not happy with the service they get from the hospital’s staff especially at night.This comes after Leseding News received complaints from community members after the poor service they got from the hospital on the 26/01/2015.A caregiver at an old aged home in Jericho told Leseding News that they had to wait for 13 hours before their stroke patient was admitted. “We arrived at the hospital around 2pm on Monday 26 Jan with an ambulance from Jericho clinic, we were in the casualty ward till 2:30am on Tuesday when a 94 year old

granny was admitted,” the caregiver said. A 9-year-old school boy from Maboloka had to spend the night in the casualty ward with a bleeding and painful hand on the same 26 January. His mother Lizzy told Leseding News that if she had money she could have sent her son to a private hospital.“The service was very bad, I even cried with my son. We arrived at the hospital around 12 noon on Monday from Maboloka clinic after my son’s left middle finger was cut off accidentally at school. We spent the rest of

the day and night in the casualty ward, we only got help on Tuesday afternoon when we were referred to Dr George Mukhari hospital in Ga-rankuwa,” said Lizzy.Walking down the streets of Brits town in the North West, one may expect good services, especially for a hospital that has been in existence for so many years. Despite the state of the art building and facilities, many people in the area decry of poor services.Brits hospital’s spokesperson Mr Tshepo Mokono said that Brits hospital strongly believe that improving the quality of the health

of their communities is their priority. According to Mokono, since they moved from the makeshift hospital near Platinum mall to a beautiful building, they have seen a significant decline in mortality rate of all the patients admitted. “There is no waiting time allocated for a patient to be admitted, this is a general practice. Throughout the world a patient must first be stabilized before admission. Therefore admission is governed by the finality of stabilizing a patient, which rationally cannot be given a specified time,” said Mokono.

Walking down the streets of

Brits town in the North West, one may expect good

services, especially for a hospital

that has been in existence for so

many years

news@lesedingnews.co.za Dimakatso Genkoe

08 Leseding News - Brits13 February 2015

Proteas gear up for World Cup test

The South Africa national cricket team – the Proteas – will be looking for victory when they play Zimbabwe on Sunday in their opening match of the international Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup. South Africa, who arrived in New Zealand last week, has played a few warm up matches to get them ready for the prestigious tournament. “We have played quite a lot of cricket in the last month or so, we are ready to play now,” Faf du Plessis said at the squad’s training session. “It’s difficult to get yourself motivated with these warm-up games as you would do in a normal one-day international. The nice thing is that we haven’t really tried to be intense about it because we do understand that it’s quite a long tournament, mentally you need to be fresh throughout the competition.

He says the squad is anxious to get their campaign started after months of ODI cricket and preparation.“It’s taken so long,” Du Plessis admitted. “The build-up to the World Cup especially has almost been a year. \We are very excited as a team, we are ready, we have played a lot of cricket and we just want to get going now. The important thing that we are doing really well at the moment is that we are not looking too much into these warm-up games. All our focus is geared up towards that first game against Zimbabwe.”The top-order batsman says New Zealand’s big-hitters will pose another good challenge for South Africa’s bowlers who are in search of some competitive death-over practice, an area they have worked hard on over the last few months.

“Hopefully we get an opportunity to get some match intensity going,” he said of the expectations from Wednesday’s match. “Whether it’s bowling at the death, or we get another situation where we are chasing. It’s difficult to get match intensity, but if we can get a match situation where we can learn something, that will be good. “Hopefully New Zealand can put us in a position where we can learn something from the game and take it into our first opener.” South Africa have never won the ICC Cricket World Cup despite being one of the most established cricketing nations in the world. They will need to win at least two of their matches to be assured of a place in the next stage of the competition.

PIVOTAL: AB De Villiers (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

STARS BRACE FOR PIRATES TEST

Platinum Stars will face Orlando Pirates tomorrow at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex in what will be a massive test of their ability to avoid being relegated to the less fashionable world of division one football. Platinum Stars coach, Allan Freese, said the match is very important as a victory is essential for his team, who have not performed as well as they would have wanted to so far this season. Freese predicted a tough, fast-paced encounter but tipped his players to rise to the occasion by collecting maximum points. “It will be a difficult game. We all know that Pirates are a big team so this is a very big match for us,” Freese said. “We are playing at home so we will use this to our strength. We have to win the match because we need the maximum points. The players are ready. “They are motivated because this is one of the biggest matches this weekend. We have to be competitive because the PSL is all about being competitive. The advantage we have is that the conditions will be on our side,” he added. “A number of teams that have travelled to Rustenburg have struggled to cope with the heat. The temperatures can be very high in Rustenburg but this is something that our players have necome used to. “We will use this to our advantage against Pirates,” Freese explained. The match may also see the likes of Tlou Segolela coming up against his former team. Ironically, Tshepo Gumede who left Platinum Stars for Pirates last month, could also feature against his former team mates. A victory will also be important for Pirates, who are not doing very well in the League title chase. The buccaneers, are far behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and will be looking for maximum points to breathe life into their campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Allan Freese (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)