24 April 2015Volume 3 Week 17 www.lesedingnews.co.za - lesedingnews.mobi

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XENOPHOBIAXenophobia can never be justified and it needs

to be stopped now. Let's unite and

fight Xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Play your part!Photo by AFP

stern wArning todefAulting MuniCipAlities Sussana Dantjie – who is the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature – has issued a stern warning to inefficient local municipalities, pointing out that their lack of good judgement is having a negative impact on residents. The North West Speaker raised these concerns during an address at Reagile community hall recently during a crucial meeting with various other speakers of municipalities and senior employees employed within local government circles. The meeting was held as part of “The Speaker’s Forum” which seeks to provide a platform for all municipal Speakers in the North West province to engage amongst each other on intricate matters that may assist on issues related to daily operations, financial viability as well as other challenges being faced by municipalities.The forum also assists in enhancing the role of Speakers of municipalities by clearly outlining their mandate. Dantjie expressed disappointment at the slow pace of some local municipalities in submitting their annual reports. She said: “Most municipalities do not submit their reports one time while a number wait for the last minute before submitting. This must change as it impacts negatively on the efficiency of the municipalities,” Dantjie noted.

“The financial state of a number of municipalities in the province makes very sad reading. We are actually doing a disservice to the communities that we operate in because a huge debt will affect service delivery issues. “The legislature is the custodian of the law, and it is worrying that municipalities continue to show very small improvements with financial statements even though the law clearly guides them thoroughly,” she added. The Speaker also acknowledged that the establishment of the forum had helped to develop close working relations between her office and the various Speakers of local municipalities in the North West. However, she pointed out that there was a need for a workshop that would guide and educate all MPACs about their roles and responsibilities. The deputy business executive at the provincial office of the Auditor General (AG) – Schalla van Schalk Wyk – also offered advice on how municipalities can become more efficient in the area of handling their finances.Van Schalk noted that while the AG continues to advise and warn municipalities to improve on matters that have been repeatedly raised, no action had been taken by such municipalities. At the conclusion of the meeting, municipalities were instructed to give a written report on how and when all issues raised by the AG would be corrected.

CRACKING THE WHIP: Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Susana Dantjie

farirai@lesedingnews.co.za Farirayi Kahwemba

Leseding News02 Leseding News - Brits24 April 2015

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AT WORK: Municipal workers carry out repair work on a burst underground water pipe (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

GrANdfAther iN court for rApeA 68-year-old Mogwase man accused of rape of a 9-year-old minor is expected to appear in court soon, said North West police in a statement.The crime was committed on Tuesday, 14 April 2015 at Monakato.It is reported that the girl went to her grandmother’s place to play with another child when the incident happened.It is allegedly the suspect who was there at the time called her inside the house, dragged her to the bedroom where he raped her. “The minor allegedly went home where she disclosed the incident to her mother. She was taken to the clinic where raped was confirmed,” said police in a statement.The incident was reported to the police and the suspect was traced and arrested.

trAditioNAL heALer’s house set ALiGhtA house belonging to a traditional healer was set alight in Bethanie near Brits in North West, residents said. The healer was accused of abducting a month-old baby last week and using it for witchcraft. Bethanie resident Boikie Mafoko said members of the community threw a petrol bomb into the man’s house on Sunday night. He said they were trying to find out what had

happened to the child and to chase the man out of the area. “It was not the intention to burn the house, we wanted to speak to the healer and his girlfriend. We wanted to question them about the baby, but they locked themselves inside the house. We have no option but to force them out,” Mafoko said. “We wanted the pair to tell us whether the

baby they had used for their evil deed was not hurt. We wanted an explanation.” North West police confirmed that the house was torched but said they could give no further details. According to Mafoko, the police rescued the healer and his girlfriend from angry neighbours who assaulted them. The mother of the child, Sharlot Nagel, said she was warned by the healer’s niece on

Thursday that they had abducted the baby and placed a teddy bear in its cot. She said a woman brought the baby to her in the early hours of the morning and she later noticed that it was bleeding. “The niece told me they wanted to turn the baby into a zombie but they could not as the baby kept on crying. They ultimately returned it at 3 am,” she said.

The Disability Unit at the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) touched the hearts of learners when they embarked on a health awareness campaign as part of Health Awareness Month.The aim of the campaign is to promote awareness of the capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities and to combat relating stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices. They visited schools and shared information with those who have limited resources to access information on health awareness and especially with regard to disability.

One of the schools visited included the Buhrmannsdrif Primary School in Buhrmannsdrif which has a number of learners living with various disabilities.According to the student academic advisor of the Disability Unit, Vida Mutlaneng, the significance of the visits to communities in this health awareness month was to make people with disabilities aware of the importance of looking after their health. “They were encouraged to check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels on a regular basis, to eat healthy and do exercises. Good health is our greatest asset; without it, we cannot do anything,” said Vida.

NWu disABiLity uNit mAkes A differeNce

three provincial departments under administrationThree departments in North West have been placed under the administration, the provincial government said recently. Spokesman Sam Mokaila said the department of health, public works and roads, as well as education and sports development would for the next 18 months have their financial affairs co-managed by provincial treasury.“This follows years of financial instabilities and general mismanagement of budgets leading to, amongst others, the inability by these departments to pay creditors and accumulation of unmanageable accruals which have negatively affected the financial positions of the departments,” he said. He said North West premier Supra Mahumapelo announced the decision to place these departments under administration following a special meeting held in Matlosana over the weekend.

“This means that the provincial treasury will in line with ExCo [executive committee] decision ensure that the financial position of the three departments is stabilised, and that capacity is deployed to ensure that day to day financial management and decisions are done within provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. Mahumapelo said the intervention also entailed undertaking a thorough audit of the financial skills and qualifications of all personnel appointed to run finances of the affected departments.“It is the provincial government’s considered view that this decision was well timed, noting that the new financial year has just started,” he said in a statement.The premier said there would be no interruption of services to the public as a result of the intervention.

0324 April 2015Leseding News - Brits

Avengers: Age of Ultron

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.

Director: Joss Whedon Writers: Joss Whedon, Stan Lee (comic book)stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo

releAse dAte:

24 April 2015

Mr. XAfter gaining the power of invisibility; a man becomes a vigilante, in order to take revenge on those who have wronged him.

DirecteD BY: Vikram BhattProDUceD BY: Mukesh Bhatt

2015 SAMA’S Live up to expectAtioNSrock group Beatenberg, and rappers AKA, Casper nyovest all won big at the 2015 south African Music Awards (sAMA’s). The SAMA’s took place at Sun City 19 April 19. Host Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) kicked off the festivities and the race was on as all the winners walked away with their Sama trophy.Boy band Beatenberg were the biggest winners of the night, scooping up the ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Best Pop Album’, ‘Duo of Group of the Year’, ‘Best Selling Mobile Music Download’ ‘Best Selling Ring-Back Tone’, ‘Best Selling Full-Track Download’. Hip hop representative AKA won the ‘Male Artiste of the Year’ while Cassper Nyovest took home the prize for ‘Newcomer of the Year’.Below are some of the winners: Album of the Year: Beatenberg - The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg, Duo or Group of the Year: Beatenberg - The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg, Female Artist of the Year: Bucie - Princess of House (Easy to Love), Male Artist of the Year: AKA – Levels, Newcomer of the Year: Beatenberg - The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg, Cassper Nyovest – Tsholofelo, Best Rock Album: aKING – Morning After, Best Pop Album: Beatenberg – Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg.

Winner: AKA won the Male Artiste of the

Year award

LAw StudeNt eyeS MiSS coMMoNweALth titLeInnocencia Mandindi, a second year law student is one of North-West brightest rising stars, is driven by a combination of talent, hard work and enthusiastic that’s certain to take her on stratospheric heights .She has recently made it to the top 30 semi-finalists of Miss Commonwealth South Africa Pageants.The pageant is annually in search of contestants of Miss Teen Commonwealth SA, Miss Commonwealth SA & Mrs Commonwealth SA. The title holders then get an opportunity to compete at Miss Commonwealth International in London, every year. The winners are expected to use their titles to help communities in need.As a semi-finalist, Innocencia is now a brand ambassador and is equally her responsibility to promote the Miss Commonwealth brand; charity organistaion associated with it and take it to the next level by being a notable role model.There is seemingly no end to her talents in her lifestyle and she’s backing it all up with some good academic background. She was thrust into the spotlight in December 2013 when her name was the buzzword in the Dr Ruth Mompati, in the North-West province. This comes after she was announced amongst provincial top achievers and was awarded with the district bursary. In 2014, during her first year in the University in Mafikeng Campus she was also recognished and honoured with Merit Bursary for her outstanding marks to pursue her studies.This Taung born law student is a Cheerleader Coach, Aerobics, motivational speaker and she was an Ambassador of Cell Samsung, First National Bank and Debonairs Pizza, during the University football Cup 2014.Innocencia continues to set goals for herself.In a same year, she was among the top five finalists of Miss NWU Mafikeng Campus beauty pageant. She hails her achievements to her mom whom she found out about her passing a day before the burial, in a taxi, on her way back home from a boarding school. She says, she could not believe what she heard, until she arrived at home and find neighbors singing hymnal songs and family preparing for her mom’s funeral to be held the

next day.While she was still morning and grieving for her mom, her dad who was working at Marikana lost his job. As a result they lost their home, by the time she was in grade 11. She and little sister, age 10, had to be separated, change schools and her sister had to go and move in with relatives because their dad lost the house tittle deeds. Nevertheless, she managed to be among those in the province who passed grade 11 and 12 with the highest marks in the province. Thanks to her dad who she describe as her hero and best dad in the world. She says, her dad became so close to her and her sister more than ever. She says one day she wants to do something big for her hero.

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Leseding News04 Leseding News - Brits24 April 2015

Kgosi PiLANe to oPeN cuLturAL PreciNct

His Royal Highness Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla –Ba- Kgafela will officially open the Moruleng Cultural Precinct.The precinct will be officially opened to the public on Friday this week. An event to mark this historic occasion will be held at the newly refurbished Moruleng museum – a mere 20 minutes drive from world renowned Sun-city and in close periphery to Mogwase town and Pilanesberg National Park. Kgosi Pilane and the CEO of National lotteries, Charlotte Mampane will address the event. Housed in an old school building on the slopes of the Pilanesburg Mountain, the building constructed in 1937 by a Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela initiate regiment is today a hub of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela history and culture. The precinct houses a 250 seater amphitheatre, landscaping that is reminiscent of Bakgatla settlement dating back to 1900, a refurbished 150 years old building of the Dutch Reformed Church which was established in 1889 as well as the building of the United Reformed Church of South Africa established in 1864. Some of the products on offer at the precinct includes: Vibrant dance and songs,

Village and heritage site tours, Exhibition on history of the Bakgatla tribe, Indigenous games and Hand crafting. The Moruleng Cultural Precinct is expected to become a hub for cultural activities and will integrate the development of other heritage sites throughout BBK’s 32 villages. A brand new digital archive and library will be developed where the Bakgatla Primary School stands, here the community and visitors will

explore Bakgatla’s proud heritage and also discover the tribe’s historical story. The breadth and depth of the project is unusual for a traditional community and may serve as a model for others. One of the key intentions of the Moruleng Cultural Precinct is to allow visitors, both local and from afar, to explore the way in which our Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela traditions helped us to see the world before Christianity and capitalism arrived.

LEADER: His Royal Highness Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla-Ba- Kgafela

INSIDE: The Moruleng Cultural Precinct is expected to attract tourists

levy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

MAMA ruth LAid A soLid fouNdAtioN – MAhuMAPeLoWhile somewhere in the affluent city of Cape Town, the statue of Cecil John Rhodes fell down to cheers of UCT students, a structure of struggle icon Mama Ruth Mompati stood up amid songs of victory in the small farm town of Vryburg in the North West province. It was on Friday, 10 April 2014 at the now renovated Hayes community Park in Vryburg town, when North West premier Supra Mahumapelo unveiled the struggle icon’s sculpture.Mahumapelo said honouring Mama Ruth when she is still alive, is the decent and right thing to do. “Recognizing and celebrating the exceptional role Mama Ruth played in the liberation struggle could not be any better than this, as this will help us never to forget our past. We thank you Mama Ruth for having laid a solid foundation for us,” said Premier Mahumapelo.In her acceptance speech, Mama Ruth expressed her gratitude to all for sharing this honour with her. “This statue symbolizes the struggle of all races because it is the struggle I was involved in. I dedicate it to all South Africans, especially the people of Vryburg and women of this country,” said Mama Ruth Mompati, who further said the sculpture must always be seen as a mark of unity, which all must embrace.Mama Ruth as she is affectionately known was born in 1925 at Tlapeng village in Ganyesa outside Vryburg, and was one of the first women to go on exile to pursue the struggle of women liberation. She will be

turning 90yrs in September this year. She received the highest honour of Isithwalandwe – Seaparankwe from President Jacob Zuma in January last year, in recognition of the enormous contribution and sacrifice she made to the struggle for liberation.The Hayes community Park where the sculpture is located was recently renovated to the tune of R2.6 million by the national Department of Public Works, and was officially handed over to the Naledi Local Municipality as part of the day’s programme which was themed “Celebrating our living heritage and legend”. Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati was born in Tlapeng Village, few kilometres from Ganyesa in Kagisano-Molopo area within the district of Bophirima, now called Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality after it (the district) being named after her. Born on the 14 September 1925, she grew up in a thoroughly rural environment. Between 1933 and 1940 she attended Vryburg United Primary Schools, where she completed Standard six (6). Two years later, she continued her schooling at Tigerkloof Institution of Education where she received her Native Lower Primary Certificate. In 1944 she started her teaching career at the age of nineteen in Dithakwaneng Primary School near Vryburg.“She is passionately known as “Mama Ruta” within her community”She got married in 1952 and lost her job due to apartheid laws regulated that black

female teachers were not supposed to get married. Immediately after, she moved to Johannesburg and became an active member of the ANC Orlando branch. In the same year, she studied short-hand typing.In 1953 she was employed by Mandela and Tambo Attorneys as a short-hand typist. She became a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC Women’s League and become one of the founder members of the Federation of South African Women the following year.

She was one of the organisers and leaders of the Anti Pass Law march in Pretoria on the 9th August 1956.In 1996, Mama Ruth was awarded an Honorary Masters Degree in Education by the University of the North West in Mahikeng. The scholarship was named after her by Huston-Tillotson University, in Austin, Texas, USA. In 1998, the Medical University of South Africa awarded her an Honorary Doctorate. She has been the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality from June 2000 until May 2010.

levy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

HISTORIC: Premier Supra Mahumapelo shaking hands with Mama Ruth Mompati after the unveiling of the sculpture (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

24 April 2015 05

FundAmentAls oF the FeAr oF theForeigner

Xenophobia manifests itself in persons who believe that if they do not act against the pariah, they will lose their identity, commodities and liberties to those who are “less deserving”, thus by eliminating the problem they will in turn secure their purity and land. It is this narcissistic, ignorant, selfish being that is not equipped with empathy for their fellow man that senselessly massacres and destroys lives of migrant minorities in order to ascertain control over what he believes belongs to him and him alone.The attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa will never be justified or condoned. It is however pertinent to understand the lack of African unity prevalent today in this country begins with many of the perpetrators attacking Africans due to not have equal opportunities with regard to education, employment, business opportunities, or access to justice and to government services. There are also lacunae’s in our legislation and policies that have allowed for the killings to take place with little to no reprimand being executed against those who have undertaken to take the implementation of cross border migration into their own hands. We have to acknowledge that it is the culmination of the lack of solutions to their socio-economic problems on a national and provincial level, the lack of understanding of cross border control, education and information that has led persons to believe that all people of colour from outside South Africa are here illegally and exacerbating their problems.This has created an assumption that all Africans that are not South Africans are not only here illegally but are classified as rapists, thieves and criminals whom have crept across borders to arrive in this country. This is evidence of a deteriorating society slithering down a slippery slope of madness due to a lack of solutions for incessant issues that have been failed to be resolved since the end of the Apartheid era.Immediate measures have to be implemented in order to stifle the uprising of Xenophobia in our cities and streets. Effective and efficient cross border migration and control mechanism, which monitor the influx of persons who enter the country and how long they stay are effective measures that can be used and need to be reviewed. In refugee and asylum seekers cases, the decisions are always more precarious but once made, then more should be done to assimilate refugees, asylum seekers and migrants socially and culturally into the community. A legal framework which works together with foreigners and nationals that focuses on changing policies of cross border migration will be able to provide for a humane and manageable approach to determining whether or not people are here legally and on the correct permit/VISA thus alleviating some of the outrage. In the event that a person is in the country illegally,

independent mechanisms such as security officials, courts and personnel should be notified and used to determine whether or not the person/family should be deported – instead of their lives being left to the mercy of opportunistic looters.The government needs to stress the seriousness of racist and xenophobic manifestations not only once the attacks occur but on a routine basis. This should occur at places of entries such as airports and bus terminals where there should be meticulous amounts of information available to signify the importance of upholding human rights, accompanied with the presence of human rights organizations to explain what it truly means to all be equal in a rainbow nation.Ethically, we need to engage in discussions that highlight the deep-rooted problems that many people in the communities possess. Many people are under the misconception that foreigners are taking away their jobs and owning their stores yet they are failing to observe that this work ethic contributes to economic growth and addresses rural development. These are some of the topics that need to be discussed in the community that should be led by independent personnel who will provide the platform to allow persons to disseminate their views from both parties so that we can understand the root causes for Xenophobia and address them directly.Although in our technological era these discussions are had on social media, and I am strong a supporter for social media advocacy and the positive effects that social media may have in circulating news and views; we often find that social media is a platform for the privileged and marginalizes the poor and those who truly effected due to not having access to the resources (e.g. computers, Wi-Fi, data charges, smart-phones). It is important that those who are in townships, both foreign and national, and who have to live through these ordeals everyday are given the chance to voice their concerns and are educated on the possible solutions and strategies that will be put in place to assist them going forward. It is also important that we promote combating Xenophobia by constructing egalitarian multiculturalism that upholds cultural diversity and use this as a tool to fight the misnomers surrounding Xenophobia as well as racism.Nonetheless it is still pivotal that the media engages with society on an autonomous level and eliminates prejudices by discouraging the promulgation of stereotypes regarding migrants and minorities in the community. It is the stereotypes of Nigerians being drug lords and Pakistanis owning all convenience stores which have permeated through society and desensitized people to the fact that they are people and not everyone can be categorized in the same box based purely on where they come from.

Xenophobia should be abhorrent to us all

GOING BACK: A Zimbabwean woman prepares to depart South Africa in the wake of the xenophobic attacks (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

unisA unveils r57m rustenburg hub “Enhanced service delivery and improved access to critical educational facilities for Unisa students in the Rustenburg area.”That is the primary focus of the university’s new multi-million rand state of the art facilities in the region, says Prof Mandla Makhanya, the institution’s principal and vice-chancellor.On 16 April, the university opened a new, revamped regional hub that will serve as one-stop centre where Unisa students in the areas in Rustenburg and its vicinity, such as Koster, Swartruggens, Mogwase, Madikwe and Brits, amongst others; will receive all services offered to Unisa students elsewhere in the country.The new building is the result of the renovation and refurbishment after its purchase by the university in 2010, with the intention to turn it into a fully-fledged regional hub. Unisa invested a total of R57 million rand towards the project.It is equipped with high technology facilities such as computer laboratories, video conferencing rooms, a high tech library, lecture rooms as well as an assessment centre. All these are geared to ensure that students are assured of all the academic support needed to succeed in their studies.“With Unisa moving towards an e-learning environment, we are certain that the new building with its high tech facilities will assist to enable our students to do their academic work efficiently and effectively; and with the necessary convenience; thus giving true meaning to our slogan ‘ Learn Without Limits. “Furthermore, it will contribute greatly towards infrastructure and economic development in the region,” said Prof Makhanya.The University of South Africa is the largest university on the African continent and attracts a third of all higher education students in South Africa. The university has a student headcount of over 300,000 students, including African and international students in 130 countries worldwide, making it one of the world’s mega universities.Unisa is a dedicated open distance education institution. Open distance learning (ODL) entails a student-centred approach that gives students flexibility and choice over what, when, where, and how they learn, and provides them with extensive student support.As a comprehensive university, Unisa offers both vocational and academic programmes, many of which have received international accreditation, as well as an extensive geographical footprint, giving their students recognition and employability in many countries the world over.As an Open Distance Learning (ODL) institution, and one of the world’s mega universities, Unisa presents academic offerings associated with both technological and traditional universities. These include, but are not limited to, a combination of career-orientated courses usually associated with a university of technology, and formative academic programmes typically linked to a traditional university.

Farirayi Kahwembanews@lesedingnews.co.za

HIGH HOPES: Professor Mandla Makhanya (PHOTO: UNISA)

Leseding News06 Leseding News - Brits24 April 2015

The far vast majority of us who deeply rooted in values of humanity, solidarity and brotherhood, are wondering what kind of treatment Orlando Pirates would receive from neighbouring African countries should they proceed to the final stages of CAF Confederation Cup.What happened in Durban and KZN is shameful and totally unacceptable. Xenophobia should be condemned in the strongest term and its perpetrators should be brought to book. Xenophobia, particularly the killing and torturing of other Africans is inhuman barbaric and very backward.As a nation we were forced to bury our heads in the sand like elephants in the face of misguided and misplaced assaults against foreign nationals. Surely that barbaric and backward tendency will certainly hurt our relations with African people and our business prospects in the continent. It will also negatively affect inward and outward tourism in the content, our largest visitor’s base.The underlying challenges faced by the South African people of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment cannot be blamed on people of foreign nationality. Attacking our African compatriots will not resolve the problem. Long before the influx of people from other parts of Africa into South Africa, our country has battled with an unequal society as a legacy of our exclusionary and racist past. Immigrants are not the enemy. Their suffering too is as a result of our continent`s shared legacy of a colonial and apartheid past. The ANC led government is aware of the concerns raised by small business owners in particular as it relates to what they perceive to be the negative consequences of the presence of immigrants in communities. This is one of the reasons the ANC government established the Department of Small Business Development amongst other interventions to ensure focused

attention on the pressing challenges facing this sector. Our point of departure should be guided by King Zwelithini clarifying his statement to avert any obscurity and misinterpretation on his side. South Africa undeniable is the only country in the world where a black person and or black people can make it. We are an oasis to many. I think government should speedily give impetus the creation of the Border Agency to drive migration policy formulation and to ensure that our porous borders are properly secured and managed. We should also increase and speed up service delivery, not just to curb xenophobia but also to proactively deal with the prospects of the poor turning on the rich. This is the competition for small resources. We should expand the pool. To address xenophobia beyond rhetoric and lip condemnation, perhaps it is time we consider processing, recording and formalizing all immigrants that are already in the country to naturalize them and to also ensure that they meaningfully contribute to the economy - its building and strengthening. After all, South Africa belongs to all who live in it and the wealth of the country shall be shared by all who work it. There must be community gatherings, not the march. There is a need to engage this issue head on and marches are not meant to address such serious issues. The speeches may be great in condemning this barbaric act. But this should be accompanied by action. All leaders of society should be instructed to directly engage and tackle these xenophobic attacks. They should convene community and constituency meetings to allow communities to vent out and to engage perpetrators on the streets where they are looting and killing other people. A lot is at stake for the country and the economy.Oupa Matla works for the North West Provincial Legislature. He writes in his own personal capacity.

ALL set for HeritAge PArk WALk

Outdoor adventure enthusiast Oupa “Mokutu” Modise is preparing to take part in the province’s oldest and largest walk – the Heritage Park Walk. The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality’s Tourism Manager told Leseding News that he is ready to complete the 135 kilometers walk.Modise is not a first time walker. The Tlhabane resident is one of the first walkers to complete the inaugural walk in 2003. The walk started in Pilanesburg Game Reserve and ended in Madikwe Game Reserve. It has continued since then every year with the direction alternating each year between the two parks. “You need to be physically and mentally prepared to complete the walk,” Modise told Leseding News in an interview.“Although there are no winners and losers, it feels so good to reach that finishing line,” said Modise, who will be looking forward to complete his 13th Heritage Park Walk.In preparing for this year walk, Modise said he has completed several short distance weekend hikes in Kgaswane reserve outside Rustenburg. He emphasized that the choice of correct hiking boots is important. “You need the right hiking boots, not new and not too old.”He also said this will help you avoid blisters which are one of the reasons why many walkers don’t finish the walk.Last year walk attracted 130 participants. According to the organizers, the North West Parks and Tourism Board, they are expecting almost 300 walkers this year.This year the walk will start at Legkraal outside the Pilanesberg on the morning of the 5th of June and head northward to Madikwe Game Reserve ending on 8 June.“The event started as a bit of fun, a bit of exercise, a bit of adventure while making communities aware of the planned Heritage Park in the early twenties. “Over the years it has graduated into one of the prominent events in the calendar of the North West Province. In the recent years

it has attracted participants from Lesotho, Botswana and India,” said Ephraim Morei, walk coordinator.The aim of the 135km-walk is to connect people with nature and their heritage. It is aimed at sustaining awareness and interest among local communities about the Heritage Park, enhancing relationships created within the Heritage Park corridor and instilling awareness and appreciation for nature conservation. The Heritage Walk aims to increase interest among local communities and other role-players in hiking, camping and other outdoor adventure activities and increase publicity for and media coverage of the Heritage Park project. Furthermore, North West must be marketed as an affordable eco-adventure destination in South Africa.The itinerary for the walk is as follows: 4 June 2015 – Walkers meet at Bakgatla gate in Pilanesberg at 12:00. They will then be transported to the overnight camp at Legkraal.Day 1 (5 June 2015) – Legkraal to Kameelboom (25km), Day 2 (6 June 2015) – Kameelboom to Dwarsberg (34km), Day 3 (7 June 2015) – Dwarsberg to Molatedi Dam (29km) and Day 5 (8 June 2015) – Molatedi Dam to Vleichfontein (18km).Walkers have to provide their own tent, sleeping bag and mattress, chair, rain gear, hiking boots, day-backpack, torch or headlamp, eating utensils, toiletries and medicine.Registration for participation opened on April 1 and closes on 22 May 2015. Registration fee is R400.00. Forms are available at Visitor Information Centres throughout the province.For more information, call Christina Matha on 082 675 8524 or 014 555 1637, Valerie Elk on 083 267 9728 or 014 555 1621, Obakeng Seemise on 073 209 8710 or Joseph Ochikwane on 082 958 0424 or visit www.tourismnorthwest.co.za.

If you are in Grade 12, have you thought about applying for an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship? The deadline to apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is looming and closes on 30 April for all Grade 12 learners.By applying for the Fellowship, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation offers applicants that show potential in entrepreneurial talent an opportunity to develop as responsible entrepreneurs.“Applicants who pass the initial screening phase of selection are required to write the National Benchmark Test.“All applicants who meet the Foundation’s requirements in the application phase will be invited for an interview and if successful thereafter invited to attend a Selection Camp. Candidate Allan Gray Fellows are announced after the Selection Camps,” a spokesperson of the foundation said. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation exists to identify, support and develop talented young Southern Africans whom have the potential to become entrepreneurial leaders and make a valuable difference to the social and

economic fabric of South Africa. Developing high-impact leaders is, however, only the means to an end: the ultimate purpose of the Foundation is to make a real and enduring difference not only to the lives of those that they have invested in, but also to the country and the region at large. This is the core purpose and the vision of the Foundation: to make a long-term positive impact that liberates the possibility of a great South Africa. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is the social responsibility initiative of Allan Gray Limited and the Orbis Groups in South Africa. It is funded annually by a donation of a minimum of 7% of the taxed profits of the Allan Gray Limited and Orbis Group, which has committed to making this donation to the Foundation in perpetuity. As profits may fluctuate, this commitment is backed up by a capital endowment of over R1 billion donated by Allan WB Gray, the founder of Allan Gray Limited and Orbis Groups. Further information is available online at www.allangrayorbis.org

levy@lesedingnews.co.zaLevy Mokwele

FOR THE BRAVE: Participants take a breather during last year’s Heritage Park Walk

oPPortuNity for grAde 12 LeArNersgreAt

XeNoPHoBic AttAcks BArBAric ANd BAckWArdnews@lesedingnews.co.za Oupa Matla

24 April 2015Leseding News - Brits 07

08 Leseding News - Brits24 April 2015

TrAiL ruN eveNT iNches cLoserWith the FNB Magalies Monster inching closer with each passing day, leading logistics company, DHL Express has teamed up with one of South Africa’s most revered one day mountain bike (MTB) races. “As a national business active across South Africa, we rely heavily on our logistics partner when it comes to organising an event of this magnitude in the North West Province,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “With DHL Express on-board we have a partner on whom we depend heavily to create a fantastic event. We are excited to build on this partnership and look forward to hosting the most memorable FNB Magalies Monster yet”.Hennie Heymans, Managing Director for DHL Express South Africa comments: “With the considerable amount of rider equipment needing to be safely and securely delivered to, around and from Magalies, among many other complex logistics requirements, this partnership is a great platform to demonstrate our logistics capabilities. “DHL Express is delighted to be on-board as the Official Logistics Partner for this event and look forward to growing this relationship even more moving forward”.The action packed FNB Platinum Trail Run will celebrate its third anniversary at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Sunday, 24 May 2015. Defined by its exclusivity and terrain, trail runners can look forward to experiencing some of the best trails on offer in the area.

Featuring a 24km, 12km and 8km route, runners are spoilt for choice. Each entrant will receive an awesome goody bag that will include an event t-shirt, while medals will be awarded to all finishers. With the action-packed FNB Magalies Monster Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic presented by ISUZU taking place the day before, why not make it a fun filled weekend away with family and friends?Entries are still open for both events. Special entry rates will apply to individuals taking part in both the Mountain Bike and Trail Run event.For more information or to enter the FNB Platinum Trail Run and/or the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic presented by ISUZU contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.comFNB Business and FNB Private Wealth have made a joint commitment to sponsor the annual Platinum Trail Run and Magalies Monster Mountain Bike Classic.FNB’s ongoing strategy is to support local and community events that show the potential to grow. This sponsorship affirms our dedication to providing an experience that is beyond expectation, through sporting disciplines that continue to grow in popularity as two of the key activities in the South African sporting calendar.The Platinum Trail Run and Magalies Monster Mountain Bike Classic are aligned to our belief that adventure is the heart of innovation and these are two of many platforms on which we seek to make a lasting connection with new and existing clients.

GOOD DAYS: Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson wants his players to remain grounded (PHOTO: FARIRAYI KAHWEMBA)

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: One rider in action at the 2014 FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic presented by ISUZU. (PHOTO: VOLUME PHOTOGRAPHY)

i’m NoT A mAgiciAN – JohNsoNAt the start of his duties back at Platinum Stars Football Club (Dikwena), Cavin Johnson promised to be there for the players and assist the team with all he had. Johnson is no stranger to Dikwena as he has returned after almost 2 seasons. On his return, the North West side was sitting at 14th spot on the log, and immediately moved to the 11th spot after beating Ajax Cape Town 2-1 at home, just few days after his re-appointment. “I am not a magician but I know the players needed me. I missed this place so much and coming back I was so happy to see familiar faces that welcomed me into the family once again,” the coach said. “I just want everyone to understand that this team has potential, and my duties are to make sure they play with passion. I am a Dad and I know what role I need to play, hence I have this Daddy-Son relationship to all of them. “I do not have a favourite player, I just have a

team. We will take a day at a time and when all is said and done, the results will show,” Johnson elaborated. Dikwena must concentrate on winning their last remaining encounters to make sure they sit comfortably well at the end. The game played at Orlando Stadium with Orlando Pirates inspired many to start looking at Dikwena in a different way. Platinum Stars played a game that put every soccer lover on the edges of their seats, with a final score of 3 all, goals that came from Mogakolodi Ngele. “When you start playing games like the Pirates game, you have hope and you work harder in the next game,” Johnson said.Next week on Wednesday, Platinum Stars will play AmaZulu in a match that will be crucial for both teams. AmaZulu are likely to prove tough opponents as they will not only be playing in front of their home supporters, but will also be looking to avoid being relegated from the topflight League.