Leseding news brits 18 july 2014

BRITS

18 July 2014Volume 2 Week 29

FREEwww.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

RUN THE RISK OF BEING NOTICED

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPOTCALL: RAYMOND

(014) 597 9980 ORTARRYN-LEE

072 441 4185

InsideNEWS

SPORT

www.fslgroup.co.za e-mail: [email protected] Cell: 083 267 5958 Tel: 014 592 0049 107 President Mbeki Drive, RUSTENBURG

We offer uncompromising service together with unbeatable quality • Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and operated by skilled professionalsWE MANUFACTURE AND INSTALL ANY SIZE WINDOW OR FRAME TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS

TAKING CHARGE: North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo walks into the Mmabatho Conventi on Centre to present the State of the Province Address (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KHWEMBA)

[email protected] Farirayi Kahwemba

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has given assurances that getting to the bottom of allegations of corruption within the Madibeng Local Municipality – particularly those that have a� ected the provision of water services to residents in the area – will form part of the core priorities of his administration.

A local councilor from the municipality was among those who were arrested by the police over allegations

of deliberately tampering with water valves as part of a wider corruption scam involving some owners of tankers that supply water to the municipality. � e arrest came shortly a� er residents in the area had embarked on violent protests, between February and April this year, over the failure by the municipality to supply water to areas such as Hebron and Majakaneng. � e Democratic Alliance (DA) and other opposition parties also criticized authorities at the municipality - then led by former Mayor Poppy Mogongwa - of extravagance and over expenditure with regard to trips and conferences. At the height of the protests and allegations, the provincial government (then led by North West premier � andi Modise) decided to place

Madibeng municipality under administration to pave way for a thorough investigation into the corruption claims with the view of eventually improving water provision and other service delivery issues that were negatively a� ecting residents. Responding to a question on how far the provincial government has gone in restoring the e� ectiveness of the municipality’s administration, Mahumapelo said he had briefed Cooperative Governance and Traditional A� airs minister Pravin Gordhan on the matter. “Section 154 is still in e� ect on Madibeng municipality and this has not changed,” Mahumapelo said recently.

Continued on page 2

Mahumapelo to clean up Madibeng Football legend advises Dikwena

– Page 8

Housing Scheme in Marikana

– Page 4

NEWSChristian initiative targets youth

– Page 3

02 18 July 2014 Leseding News - Brits

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

EditorLevy Mokwele

News EditorFarirayi Kahwemba

JournalistsKutlwano Motsepe

Production ManagerGillian Ryan

Advertising ExecutivesRaymond SelebogoTarryn-Lee GroblerAndre Dutoit

ClassifiedsPertunia Morekisi

PhotographerAndrew Mahlaba

Although reasonable efforts are made by the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all refered 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, advetorial 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 truth24 Heystek Street, Rustenburg, 0300

CITIZEN JOURNALIST STORY

Start submitting your stories on our website via the tell your story section and stand a chance to win!

WIN 1 of 2 Whimsical

Holidays

ATKV RESORTS

SO U T H AFRICA

2x Midweek holidays for 4 people at any ATKV resort.

*Terms and conditions apply. Competition closes 30 June 2014

“I have spoken to the minister about a number of the issues a� ecting Madibeng and he is waiting for a progress report on this,” he added. “� ere is an ongoing investigation regarding the water tinkering issues and we will be meeting with the councilors from Madibeng to map the way forward. � e issues must be resolved,” he said. During his state of the province address in Mahikeng, Mahumapelo emphasized that his administration will

implement a ra� of measures aimed at rooting out corruption and ensuring that residents receive better services from their municipalities. “Government will not tolerate corruption in any form,” he said.

“We have asked that all forensic investigation reports commissioned by Provincial Government in the past be made available to the O� ce of the Premier for processing and disclosure through the Legislature

subject to necessary legal processes, in relation to any party/person implicated or investigated by government,” he explained.

“We also intend establishing in the O� ce of the Premier a higher level forensic and fraud investigations unit to give teeth to government e� orts to eliminate corruption not only in the public service but in society in general.” Mahumapelo explained that the provincial

government will tighten up its systems to reign in more on those bent on corrupt activities. “We also reiterate the decision taken by national government that no public servant should be doing business with government,” he said. He called upon community members to play a more active role of assisting his administration to � ght fraud and corruption within provincial government and municipalities.

Continues from page 1


It is not quite clear how the strike by the Na-tional Union of Metalworkers of SA (Num-sa) – which started at the beginning of this month – will affect Rustenburg, Brits and other areas in the North West province.

What is certain, however, is that most ordinary people in these parts are not prepared to be dragged through the endless inconveniencies and uncertainties that are all part and parcel of such protests. Another wave of unpredictable instability – to people still adjusting to normal life following the end of a five-month long AM-CU-led protest in the mining sector – is just too ghastly to contemplate. Charlotte Moitse, who works at one of the clothing shops along Nel-son Mandela Drive in Rustenburg, told Lesed-ing News that business has been brisk since the end of the AMCU-led strike. “There has definitely been a huge difference, in terms of the number of people coming in to buy,” Moitse said. “During the strike, people were not com-ing in to buy. Some of the shops actually closed down. We did not close shop but we were af-fected in a very huge way. “Most of the people in this area work at the mines so I think they could not afford to buy. Things are back to normal now and we are

all happy with things as they are,” she added. Some businesses, however, have already be-come unsettled by the prospect of Rustenburg being sucked into the Numsa strike. Around 22 000 Numsa members are striking for a 12 percent wage increase, a one year agreement (instead of three years) and a ban on labour brokers. Employers, on the other hand, are of-fering a 7 percent rise for the lowest paid work-ers and 6 percent for the other categories. So far, marches have been held in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Cape Town and George. There have been no protests in the Rustenburg or Brits areas. If the demon-strations spread to other areas, however, there are fears that Rustenburg and Brits could be plunged into yet another period of uncertainty. “Already, some companies in Rustenburg have not been getting enough metal supplies from Johannesburg and this is because of the strike,” said a person who works in the heavy industry. He did not want to be named, nor provide the name of his company, as he fears victimisation. “It will become worse for us if the strikes get more concentrated in Rustenburg,” he added. Nonetheless, South African labour economists believe the Numsa strike is likely to be short-lived. They view it as a reaction brought about by the union’s desire to prove they are still able to sway and influence a number of workers in the metals and engineering industry.

BACK TO NORMAL: Will the NUMSA strike affect the lives of people in Brits and Rustenburg? (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

A woman found guilty of grievous bodily harm was recently sentenced to six months of correc-tional supervision by the Rustenburg Magistrate Court. Pronouncing the sentence, Magistrate Amanda Roos warned the woman against engag-ing in violent conduct following an incident in Rustenburg that saw her seriously injuring the complainant after the two were involved in a fight.

Roos - who went through the recommendations of the Correctional Services Department before read-ing out her judgement - advised the woman to set a good example to her child by refraining from fruit-less activities such as fights."It is the duty of the court to punish you to ensure that the community does not

commit these offences," Roos said."Other persons must be deterred from committing similar offences. In rehabilitation, the court must consider a sentence that will prevent you from repeating the offence," she added. As part of her sentence, the woman will be expected to complete sixteen hours of community service - to be supervised by correctional services of-ficers. She will also be expected to attend life skills and anger management sessions, which are expected to assist her not to resort to violent conduct when re-solving conflict. "Take this as a chance to re-organise your life so that you can be a better person. There is no reason for fighting. People can sit down and re-solve their difference in an amicable manner," Roos said. "You are young and deserve another chance. You must be in a position to teach your child that fighting does not help you achieve anything," the magistrate explained.

The police’s Operation platinum belt proved successful recently with the arrest of thir-teen suspects for arson and kidnapping at the Mmaditlhokwe informal settlement in Mari-kana.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of 9 July during a suspect raiding operation in Marikana. The suspects were being pursued by the police for allegedly setting alight a house belonging to a ward councilor and another be-

longing to the councilor's friend. During these events, one person was also kidnapped on 13 May. The suspects - among them four women – will be expected to appear before the Rusten-burg magistrate’s Court soon. All the suspects are aged between 29 and 43 years of age.Meanwhile, in a separate incident, three male suspects aged between 23 and 26 were arrested for possession of an illegal firearm in Marikana.

The arrest came after information was received that they were in possession of a firearm. They are expected to appear in Ga-rankuwa Magis-trates Court soon.

13 arrested for arson and [email protected]

Sta� Reporter

[email protected]� Reporter

03Leseding News - Brits 18 July 2014

Leseding Girl of the Week

Arts and culture activities in the North West received a boost re-cently when the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation received a R19,8 million grant sponsorship.

The cheque – from the National Lotteries Board (NLB) – was pre-sented to North West premier Supra Mahumapelo during the SABC TV2-The New Age Busi-ness Breakfast held at the Mma-batho Convention Centre in Ma-hikeng.“We are excited about the fund-ing and recognition of our strength because Arts, Culture and Tourism are the pillars of our economy and upon which of our rebranding, repositioning and renewal strategy should be an-chored,” the premier said.

Expressing confidence that the funding would benefit young people and people with disabili-ties through targeted projects, the chief executive officer of the NLB – Charlotte Mampane – said the

grant would go a long way in en-couraging young people to fight poverty through participating in arts activities. In her remarks at the presenta-tion, the MEC for Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs – Tebogo Modise – said projects to benefit from the grant sponsorship fund-ing include the Women’s Libera-tion Monument, Maftown Week Celebration, Sol Plaatjie Exhibi-tion, Taung Calabash, Pottery for the Disabled, Touring Art Exhi-bition, Children’s Art Competi-tion and Wheelchair Dancing.Mmabana chief executive of-ficer – Moatlhodi Dilotsotlhe – assured the MEC and all those present during the event that a monthly expenditure audit would be conducted on the al-located funds to ensure account-ability and transparency. MEC for Tourism, Desbo Moho-no, highlighted the importance of the donation – pointing out it would significantly contribute to the development of tourism in the North West.

R19, 8 million boost for Mmabana [email protected] Morekisi

Tebogo Makgoane – a 19-year-old woman from the Eland-srand area of Brits – is the founder of “The Chosen One”, a movement aimed at transforming lives through imparting and spreading Christian values to members of the commu-nity. “I am doing service year for Christ which is a gap year with Uniting Christ Student Association in Western Cape. I decided to take a year and give it to God,” explained Mak-goane.

“I always had a heavy heart towards the brokenness young peo-ple were experiencing and asked God to show me what I can do to change this. “One night I had a dream where God showed me a vision of me standing in church and our pastor was telling everyone about this movement which is changing young peo-ple’s lives all over the world,” she further explained. “The Chosen One” started off as a group of friends on Facebook before it transformed into a movement which was launched on 21 June this year. “Our dream is to see The Chosen One expanding and changing lives all over the world. We want to see young people drawing nearer to God and having a relationship with him. “We want it to turn into a ground shaking movement which

makes young people stand up and find their purpose in life, discussing all issues that are being ignored and are facing young people every day. “We want to change the way the world views what Jesus and life is really about. As our motto says ‘God please save one more soul’. Saving souls and changing lives is what The Chosen One is all about.” Qiniselo Khoza, the chairperson of the organization, explained the impact their activities are having on young people in and around Brits. “The launch was memorable. We started off with a parade around town in the morning. This was the highlight of the day. “It was very humbling to see many people joining the parade from the shops and leaving their important things there. The parade ended well, with everyone who took part at the fun walk receiving free refreshments,” Khoza said.

“The second part of the launch, held at Brits town hall, was well attended by people of all ages. We were blessed to have speakers such as Nkareng Matshelo-Aphane and Tshepo Ma-tabane as well as singers. “A poetry session by Thato Makgoane and drama performances by other groups also livened up the event. We would like to thank the Madibeng Mayor’s office, Madibeng Department of Traffic, Madibeng Fire Department, Brits EMRS, Brits SAPS, Brits Pick and Pay and Kuhns Butchery for making the event the success that it was,” Khoza concluded.

Christian project out to change lives


MARCHING: Participants march during a parade to mark the launch of Chosen One (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

TIMELY BOOST: National Lotteries Board CEO, Charlotte Mampane handing over the sponsorship grant funding cheque of over R19 million to North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo. They are flanked on the right by Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation CEO Moatlhodi Dilotsotse and on the right is MEC for Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs, Tebogo Modise. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Gloria Nkwe (21), who was born in the Tlokweng area of Moses Kotane, is our Leseding Girl of the Week.

She is staying in Wonderkop, Marikana and enjoys taking part in modeling events. Gloria – who completed her matric at St Annes School in Mmakau – would like to get in touch with any professional modeling agency to fulfill her dream of taking up the profession full time.

She is currently working part time at a clothing outlet in Marikana. She was recently crowned the Second Princess of the Face of Bapong ba Mogale modeling event held on 16 June in Wonderkop.

Models aged between 17 and 30, who are interested in appearing in this space, are requested to phone 014 597 9980 or visit Leseding News offices at number 6 Postma Street, Rustenburg.

04 Leseding News - Brits18 July 2014

While the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) agrees with the prin-ciples Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti regarding a recent-ly published policy proposal requiring com-mercial farmers to hand over to workers half their farms, the organisation is urging cau-tious approach in terms of implementation. “Yes, we agree that the South African rural economy should be deracialized. We also agree that the use and allocation of land should be democratised as well as ensuring food security and food sovereignty for the country,” said Aggrey Mahanjana,

AFASA General Secretary. However, Mahanjana said AFASA’s main

concern is on how this policy will be im-plemented. While the sharing of the land was necessary and can’t be argued with, the identification of beneficiaries is the main concern, Mahanjana said. “It will be point-less to put on the land, people without nec-essary skills. In the mining sector, a mine worker digging for minerals underground does not make him a miner, this also ap-plies with agriculture,” Mahanjana added. “A farm worker is not automatically a farm-er. Which means, for us to be able to achieve goals such as ensuring food security, ben-eficiaries should be carefully identified.” With regards to the the deracialising process, Mahanjana believes the state also needs to come out with a clear position.

“If this question is not answered, it will cre-ate uncertainty within the sector which might cause harm. AFASA is of the view that

whatever happens, agricultural productiv-ity must be protected at all times,” he said. Recently, Minister Nkwinti proposed that the commercial farmers, as historical owners, retain 50% of the farm while the remaining 50% should be assumed by the workers on the farm.

Nkwinti proposed that government should pay for the 50% which would be shared by the workers. However the money would not go to the farmer but to an investment and development fund to be jointly owned by the parties constituting the ownership regime. “AFASA appreciate the manner in which Min-ister Nkwinti has handled the land reform process by being inclusive and allowing the sector to provide inputs. “We, together with the rest of the sector, will ensure that we sub-mit our recommendations by April next year,” he said.

The Marikana Extension 2 Housing Project – an initiative being championed by mining giant Lonmin in partnership with the North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements – will result in the construction of around 2 658 houses and flats in a development set to alleviate housing challenges in the area. Explaining the concept behind the housing scheme, Lonmin chief executive officer Ben Magara said the houses are part of the company’s broad objectives of giving back to the community.

“This project is designed to cater for different income groups and will benefit local communities as well as Lonmin employees some of whom are migrants from labour sending areas

in and outside South Africa,” Magara said during the official launch of the project.“This is in line with our renewed social focus and recommitment to improving the lives of our employees and communities. “The construction of the houses will also create employment opportunities for the Greater Lonmin Community and for local entrepreneurs,” he added. The housing project, Magara said, is the fulfilment of a pledge to the government that the company made in August 2012 to meet the housing and development needs of employees.

“Our aim is to develop and implement an integrated and sustainable human settlement strategy which is compliant with our licence-to-operate requirements, and consistent with our commitment to adequate accommodation, safety and wellbeing of our employees,” Magara said. “When the Marikana Extension 2 project is completed, we anticipate that we would have helped eradicate some of the informal settlements, provided fully-subsidised housing, low income rental accommodation and making finance-linked subsidies available,” he explained. Collen Maine,

North West MEC in the Department of Local Government and Human Settlements, called upon those responsible for allocating the houses to employees conduct their duties in a transparent and fair manner. He alluded to instances where, in such housing projects, relatives and friends of mining bosses would be given preference over deserving members of the community. “We would like to see the beneficiaries of this projects being mineworkers who live in this area and not friends or relatives of influential people in the mining companies,” Maine said.

He also warned against corrupt practices on tenders and other activities related to the construction process of the houses. “At some point, the platinum that is being mined in this area will be finished. When this happens, we will look back and we want to make sure that our people would have befitted from mining activities in this area.“These projects are very important because we want to make sure that our platinum does not only benefit European countries. Leaders in the mining sector must also make sure that the people of Marikana also benefit from this wealth,” Maine added.

AFASA urges Nkwinti to be cautious on policy

IN THE FOREFRONT: Lonmin CEO Ben Magara (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

[email protected] Reporter


Housing scheme for Marikana community POLICY ISSUES: Rural Development and Land Reform Minister, Gugile Nkwinti (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)


Parents can teach their children to be safe cyclists by going out with them and leading by example.

South African roads are public spaces and cyclists have the right to ride their bicycles on them but riding a bicycle on public roads is a huge responsibility and it is vital that children are made aware of the rules of the road as well as how to handle a bicycle in a safe and responsible way.Learning to cycle is a rite of passage for many children and has the added bene� ts of health and � tness.

Cycling can be one way your child gets enough exercise during the winter school holidays and

it makes for a good day’s entertainment for the whole family. Cycling represents fun, freedom and fresh air, everything that’s good about being a kid. It’s also an easy way to burn calories and to learn co-ordination.Teaching children to travel e� ectively by bicycle as they get older develops patience, discipline, self-reliance and personal responsibility. Learning to cycle also teaches essential driving skills that will make them safer and more courteous motorists later in life. Like swimming and motoring, the safety of cycling is determined primarily by behaviour; education and skill development are key to success. An important consideration for cycling withchildren is matching route selection and adult supervision

to the developmental and skill levels of the child.“Riding with children a� ords a parent the opportunity to supervise their cycling, especially at edge locations such as street crossings.

“Parents should model consistent behaviour by stopping and looking both ways before proceeding, and invite the child to assist in assessment of tra� c conditions,” says Karin Pohl, general manager of the Pedal Power Association.Although many parents and children are tempted to think of sidewalks as safe places for children to ride, traveling any distance on a sidewalk inevitably results in crossing intersections and driveways or crossing roadways mid-block, this is illegal in South Africa unless there is a speci� c cycle path on the pavement. Such movements are associated with the most common collision types for child cyclists, in part because of

children’s errors, but also because motorists are less likely to notice bicyclists entering their path from sidewalk locations when they are focused on tra� c approaching in the roadway.

A leading contributor to car-bike crashes is cycling on the wrong side of the road, which is also illegal in South Africa. At intersections, where the vast majority of car-bike collisions happen, other drivers aren’t expecting or looking for tra� c approaching from the ‘wrong’ direction. When riding with a child to supervise their bicycling, an ideal riding position is slightly behind and to the right of the child, with the child setting the

pace. � is position allows the parent or instructor to watch and communicate with the child, while also diverting overtaking tra� c to pass at a larger distance from the child.Children between the ages of 7 and 10 can develop the necessary tra� c and handling skills to operate safely on low speed, low tra� c two-lane residential streets. By their early teens, they can develop the skills to handle multiple lane streets. “Although some cyclists may prefer more direct, larger roads depending on their travel objectives, low tra� c streets and dedicated cycle paths are o� en the most enjoyable places to ride for a wide variety of cyclists,” explains Pohl. � e Pedal Power Association of South Africa o� ers helpful information that parents should share with their children from an early age:

-You must always wear a helmet

-You must ride in single � le

-You may not hold onto any other vehicles

-You may not deliberately swerve from side to side

-You may not carry another person or object that prevents you from seeing where you are going, and from having complete control over your bi-cycle

-If you are riding on a public road where there is a bicycle lane, you must use that lane

-You may ride on any road, EXCEPT on a freeway or a road closed to cycling

-Obey all tra� c laws, including stopping at red tra� c lights and all stop streets. Proceed through intersections only when it is safe to do so.

BUCKLED UP: Always ensure that children adhere to safety requirements before they start cycling (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

31 JULY – 3 AUGUST31 JULY – 3 AUGUST31 JULY – 3 AUGUST

Moruleng Boulevard | Pilanesberg

Centre Management 014 556 1695

www.morulengmall.co.za

BAG IT AT THE SIDEWALK SALE

Get a free carry bag when you spend R150 or more on our great bargains

at the Winter Sidewalk Sale.Terms and conditions apply.

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits18 July 2014

PLATINUM PEOPLE

“My creations are mainly inspired by everyday life issues, people’s be-haviours and attitudes.” These are the words of popular Rustenburg playwright – Tshepo Makinita – who has made a niche for himself in the drama industry through some of his captivating productions such as The Horn, Amen and Meropa.

Makinita opened up to Leseding News about his upcoming work, experiences and some of the things you might not know about him. “Besides my academ-ic achievement as a professional Dram-atist, I got introduced to the Arts as a musician,” Makinita said. He revealed that he was introduced to the arts by his mother, who bought him a keyboard during his teenage years. “My mother bought me an electronic keyboard as a Christmas present when I was 15 years old. I then took private piano lessons until matric,” he said. Makinita point-ed out that it is music that ignited his love for theatre and drama.“Music in-troduced me to theatre. In the late 90’s

I formed part of the Performing Arts Council of Transvaal wherein formal introduction to the arts was done, I majored Music (Piano) and Drama,” he added.

Besides his latest works, Makinita has done a number of other professional plays such as Nongogo (by Athol Fugard) and The Island (written by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona). He is currently working on a play in conjunction with actors from one of the local colleges. “I am currently working with the Orbit FET College drama team in a play titled Mama’s Song. I wrote the script and I am also directing the piece. “The play talks about a girl-child who was born in prison. She grows to become a prominent musician,” he explained, giving insights into the plot. “I wish to pass my warmest gratitude to the management of Orbit FET College for afford-ing me an opportunity to work in training their students in Drama.

“The cast of Mama’s Song is composed of 16 beautiful young artists who have never been on stage in their lives. This is a great opportu-nity to unearth talents and expose them to the

world stage at Grahamstown Nationals Arts Festival,” he said. On the arts scene in Rusten-burg, Makinita said the city – like many he has worked in – has its unique, interesting aspects. “Every town and city has got its own dynamics, complexities and opportunities. Rustenburg has got its own rich history in the arts that promotes its own unique legacy,” he observed. “Besides the fact that this town does not have any training institution that offers arts cours-es, there is a life for an artist here. “Every weekend, there are small arenas where you would find Choirs, Poets, Jazz Bands, Hip-Hop MC’s, cultural dancers and many more artists doing their thing without any formal endowment or support from big business or government. “This, in a way, explains that there is an artist in every small town in South Africa.” And what sort of advice does he offer to upcoming actors and those who aspire to do well in the field?

“I have got more than ten people who have mentored me extensively in the arts. This has helped me to manage to perfect my skill in my craft, be it music, writing, directing or draw-ing. Our young ones must find mentors not just role models. “Secondly, it helps to school your thoughts. Thirdly, let all the artists do the arts because of the love for it, not just for fame,” he explained.

Tshepo Makinita

In the week of Nelson Mandela’s first birthday (18th July 2014) following his death LEAP Sci-ence and Maths Schools will be running a cam-paign to encourage every South African to hon-our the late legend’s dedication to education.

LEAP Science and Maths Schools is a network of schools providing free, high quality education to young people from some of the poorest communi-ties in South Africa.

South Africa’s education system has a long way to go to become the high quality and efficient system which Mandela envisioned. So LEAP is asking all members of the pubic to take a leap for education this Mandela Day.LEAP’s patron, Amy Kleinhans–Curd, and a num-ber of other keen LEAP supporters will join the 1,000 strong LEAP student body in becoming #LEAPIES in memory of Mandela and the impor-tance he placed on education. They will take photographs of themselves leaping and share it on social media: Facebook and Twit-ter, donate R30 to LEAP through the exclusive

SMS hotline (SMS LEAP to 42460) and nominate at least three other friends to take part. You can leap as an individual or a group, the point is to have fun and raise awareness of the need for a big LEAP forward in education for South Africa.You can win a two-night stay for two people, with breakfast, at any Tsogo Sun Hotel just for taking part.

With the help of organisations like LEAP Schools lack of access to high quality education for our young people can be a thing of the past. Amy Kleinhans-Curd who is helping to lead the cam-

paign and is a trained teacher herself said: “LEAP is an organisation achieving educational excel-lence for kids with no other opportunities. They are helping shine a light for these young people, so they can make positive life choices.”

John Gilmour, Executive Director of LEAP Science and Maths Schools said: “LEAP Schools are work-ing hard to change the face of education is South Africa, to prove that while we have a long way to go the challenge is not insurmountable, if we take a big LEAP forward together. We are hoping to raise awareness of this through this exciting campaign.”

Go to www.tametimes.co.za



The State of the Province Address – critical in shaping the policies of the North West government over the next five years – has been received with mixed feelings by the main political parties that make up the provincial legislature.Delivering the speech in Mahikeng recently, North West premier Supra Mahumapelo announced a raft of programmes that his administration will pursue in the health, education, agriculture and mining sectors – all aimed at improving the lives of ordinary residents as well as stimulating the growth of the provincial economy.

For housing, a total of R462 million has been set aside for projects in the Bojanala Platinum District. Most of these projects will be implemented in Marikana, outside Rustenburg. This area has been severely affected by a six month-long mine strike that only ended last month. Additionally, R453 million has been allocated to the Rustenburg, Madibeng, Moses Kotane, Kgetlengrivier and Moretele local municipalities – in various proportions – for local government authorities to facilitate housing projects. The ANC – which has the majority of seats in the legislature – welcomed the speech and expressed confidence in the ability

of the premier to chart the way forward. “The State of the Province Address provided concrete, unambiguous and decisive actions to move North West forward toward faster economic growth and the creation of decent work with the economy being at the centre of government programme of action,” ANC secretary in the North West, Dakota Legoete, said. “It is our conviction as the ANC that the State of the Province address practically takes forward the commitments made by the ANC arising from thorough and exhaustive consultation with the people of the North West from all walks of life during our Setsokotsane Election campaign trail. “The government has demonstrated to our people that we have heard them, we are humbled by their confidence in us

and that we shall move North West forward in the context of “Saamtrek Saamwerk” philosophy to improve the lives of the people of the province for the better,” he added. However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says while it agrees with a number of policies contained in the speech, more action should be taken to reign in on corruption. “We applauded the premier because some of his statements were moving towards our manifesto, especially regarding the land issue,” EFF’s North West provincial convenor, Alfred Motsi, said. “We believe that privately owned must be expropriated so that the youth will be able to make use of

this land,” he added. “However, we are aware that around R700 million is missing from the Rustenburg municipality and we would like to know where that money went to. “There are also a number of municipalities that owe money and they must also be accountable. The premier must ensure that this accountability is brought about,” Motsi added. The Democratic Alliance (DA) also agreed with some sections of the speech but pointed out that the premier failed to provide clarity and a number of the policies that his administration is going to pursue.

The party particularly welcomed the premier’s intolerance of corruption and fraud However, Chris Hatting – the DA leader in the North West –

said more clarity is required on some of the targets that the premier has set to achieve. “There are some elements of the speech that we do support as a party,” Hatting said. “We support the fight against fraud and corruption. Fraud and corruption are negatively affecting a number of municipalities in the province. The North West government has a backlog that stretches to around 20 years of cases that are yet to be resolved. “We appreciate the commitment to resolve the issues but whether this is done or not is another question,” he pointed out. Hatting also noted that the premier did not provide a precise time frame for a number of targets that he has set out to achieve. “In many

ways the opportunity was missed,” said. “There are no target dates, for example, with regard to the 6% growth of the economy that is being projected. We feel that there should have been more clarity on this,” he explained. The Congress Of the People (COPE) – on the other hand – believes that more financial resources must be allocated towards empowering young people with skills as a way of eradicating poverty. COPE provincial chairperson in the North West, Swapi Plaatjie, called for “a stronger will” to empower young people with educational skills. “The premier mentioned that he will be out to ensure that more young people get better jobs. It is a good idea but we do not think that encouraging young people to take up agriculture as a means of empowerment is the only

option. Some young people might be against this idea,” said Plaatjie. He advised the government to focus more on ensuring that more youths are educated. “Government must find more ways of eradicating poverty. This is urgent because there is a huge gap between the rich and the poor. We believe that unlocking the potential of the youth through making sure that they are educated will provide them with a better chance of escaping poverty and becoming self-sufficient. “There are some colleges that have been closed and these have to be reopened so that young people are able to learn,” he added.


READY FOR DUTY: North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo (right) and Speaker of the provincial legislature Susana Tsebe, during commemorations to mark that State of the Province Address (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

08 Leseding News - Brits

SPORTSPORT18 July 2014

Philemon Masinga – a former South Africa national football team striker – believes that a respectable start to the 2014/15 season for Platinum Stars will give the Rustenburg-based side a solid foundation upon which to work towards another successful campaign. Stars finished last season with two titles to their name – the Telkom Knockout and the MTN8 trophies.

This was arguably their most successful seasons since they joined topflight football in 2009 and was

sealed by a top 8 finish in their league campaign. Platinum Stars have lost a number of players who were part of that successful run and coach Allan Freese will have a tough task of maintaining the standard they set. Much will be expected from Platinum Stars by their fans, who were spoilt by some impressive football last season. However, the club will have to do with a number of key players who have since left to join other clubs around South Africa. Masinga believes achieving good results in their opening matches will be key for Dikwena to succeed this season. The team will play against former National First

Division side Chippa United in their first fixture of the 2014/15 Absa Premier League season, which will get underway on the second weekend of August. While stars have never lost an opening fixture since 2005, Chippa United will also be looking to make their intentions clear by winning the match. Before the league action gets underway, however, Platinum Stars will play against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 cup quarterfinals. “I believe the results that Platinum Stars will be able to get during their first few matches could decide how they perform during the season,” Masinga said. “They must aim to win the first four matches of the

season – this is very important. If they get a good start, it will help them,” he added. Masinga pointed out that while Platinum Stars won two trophies last season, the club must now aim to finish higher in the league title race. “A season is a marathon and I will be happy if Platinum Stars manage to finish the season higher than they did the last time,” Masinga said. Last season, Platinum Stars finished their season on eighth position. “They could have lost a number of key players but they can rectify this by blending young players into their team. This will also ensure that they have future player to rely on,” Masinga said.

Stars must aim for a good start – Masinga

[email protected] Sports Reporter

FLASHBACK: Platinum Stars captain Vuyo Mere (in blue) fights for the ball in one of the team’s matches last season. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Documents

Leseding news brits 18 july 2014