Limpopo: Polokwane; Mokopane; Lebowakgomo; Steelpoort; Burgersfort; Haenertsburg; Modjadjiskloof; Tzaneen; Phalaborwa; HoedspruitMpumalanga: Nelspruit; Lydenburg; White River; Hazyview; Marite; Bushbuckridge; Acomhoek

R3.00 16 - 22 January 2014 facebook.com/newitness Twitter: @northeasternwit

Boy goes missing in Sabie river - mother’s pain

Pharmwell breaks boundaries

Tondi takes the Vhembe crown

Page 5 Page 8 Page 11

Full story PAGE 3

Prison Break

Collen Mokoena Rodney Nyakane Eugene Ryding

Have you seen these people?

Mpumalanga has seen a spate of mass escapes of awaiting trial prisoners from custody in recent months. The latest escapes have taken the adventurous yearning

for freedom to new levels. Police manhunt started in earnest to recapture these fugitives from justice.

Thabiso Malope

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THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 2014

POLOKWANE – The Ngoepe family did it again. First it was Tsakane who scooped Limpopo’s Best Learner

accolade in 2010 and is now studying Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town. Last Tuesday when Education MEC Dikeledi Magadzi called upon the best three performing matriculants of 2013 during the Provincial Government Matric announcement ceremony at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, very few people felt a sense of déjà vu.

Nsundeni Ndou from Tshivhase High School, Mamoloko Sekoaila from Motse Maria Secondary and Pheidah Ngoepe from Dendron Secondary scooped first, second and third place respectively. Tsakane was there to share in the moment as her sibling repeated the family tradition she has started.

North Eastern Witness met up with the siblings after the ceremony and was intrigued by the culture of academic excellence the pair’s parents have instilled. “I knew she will make us proud,” Tsakane said about Pheidah’s

achievement.Pheidah, who is only 17-years of

age and plans to study medicine with University of Witwatersrand, said she was not surprised when her name was called upon as one of the best performing learners. “I wasn’t surprised because it was always my target to be in the top three of the province and go to national,” said the self-confessed bookworm.

The siblings’ mother and father are both teachers and have always emphasised the importance of academic excellence whilst also supporting them

in their respective endeavours.According to their mother, Florinah

Ngoepe, Pheidah, the second of four siblings in the family, has always showed signs of achieving great academic feats. “I remember she was so excellent even in grade eight that the school made her skip grade nine and go straight to grade 10 when she passed,” she told North Eastern Witness in a telephonic interview.

For her feat, Pheidah Ngoepe walked away with R50 000 bursary and R10 000 in cash for her academics heroics.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Luke 10: 19

‘Rapist’ finally nabbed

BUSHBUCKRIDGE – Rape victims are preparing to face their alleged assailant in the Mapulaneng Magistrate’s Court

once he is healed of his community inflicted wounds. The 21-years old, who is accused of terrorising women living at the Shatale RDP settlement was caught by the community and beaten to pulp before being rescued by the police.

Sources say he used a ‘fong-kong’ home-made knife to threaten his victims who he then raped without using a condom.

One of his victims, a 38-years- old woman told North Eastern Witness she would have fought him if she knew his weapon was not genuine. “I would have taught him a good lesson. Nevertheless he is arrested and I am happy. I will keep this fake gun until the date of court,” she said.

Another victim who was dragged from the river and raped by the same victim said, “The young man is cruel, I

told him that he is supposed to propose love to girls of his age but he didn’t want. I am glad that he was beaten; it’s good he learnt his lesson the hard way as he used to do to other people. God is great,” she said.

All his victims say they are prepared to face him in court and ask him about his deeds. “I wish I could talk to him before court and ask him all his threatening words,” a third victim said.

Chairperson of Bushbuckridge

Policing Forum, Obed Madisa said justice should take its course. “Justice is failing us. Even police are not safe because these suspects when they come back attack the police who arrested them.”

“The suspect is in Mapulaneng Hospital nursing wounds, but he is under police guard. We would like to advise the community not to take the law in their hands.” Lieutenant Ndlovukazi Mashele said.

16 January 1990Paedophile Gert Van Rooyen and his mistress, Joey Haarhoff, com-mit suicide in Pretoria while being pursued by the police.

17 January 1988Percy Qoboza, a highly respected South African anti-apartheid jour-nalist and former editor of The World newspaper, dies on his 50th birthday in Johannesburg after a short illness.

18 January 1963South African Parliament opens with a debate of ‘no confidence’ in the government, introduced by then leader of opposition United Party, Sir de Villiers Graaf.

19 January 1990Police in Johannesburg use force to break up demonstrations against a ‘rebel tour’ of South Af-rica by the English Cricket team. Angry anti-apartheid demonstra-tors demonstrated against this visit to South Africa by the British cricketers.

20 January 1977Spinner Paul Adams, who became South Africa’s cricket sensation, is born at Grassy Park, Cape Town. Adams later became South Af-rica’s youngest Test Cricket Player when he featured in his first test at the age of 18 in 1995.

21 January 1931Joseph Engenas Lekganyane, founder of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church, is born at Thabakgone Mamabolo.

22 January 1879The British Army suffered it great-est defeat in Africa at the hands of King Centshwayo’s warriors at the Isandlwana Mountains.

Source: SAHistory.org

MPUMALANGA & LIMPOPO - A total of 305 babies were born on New Year’s Day in both

Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including triplets at Mankweng Hospital. Mpumalanga registered 130 while Limpopo clocked 175.

POLOKWANE – Congress of the People (COPE) in the province recently held its provincial congress and

elected former acting Provincial Chairperson Patrick Sikhutshi as its leader. He further pledged support for the election of Mosioua Lekota as the party’s president.

Party Spokesperson Motlatjo Thetjeng said the province also resolved to support the party’s recent decision to join forces with other opposition parties in a Collective for Democracy coalition agreement. The party is set to hold its provincial conference over the weekend.

PHALABORWA – There was a stalemate on 9 January 2014 when discussions between Foskor and National Union

of Mineworkers on the looming retrenchments of more than 350 employees could not find common ground.

North Eastern Witness spoke to National Union of Mine Workers branch chairperson Loius Ramokgano last weekend where he confirmed the current discussions.

“We were in talks with management on Thursday, but we did not reach an agreement and negotiations will resume again on 24 January. We are hopeful that management will eventually listen to our demands and respond accordingly,” he said.

Round Up NEWS

SCRIPTURE QUOTE

“IN CONTEXT”

“I remember she was so excellent even in grade eight that the school made her skip grade nine and go straight to grade 10 when she passed.”Florina Ngoepe, the mother of Pheidah Ngoepe, a Limpopo matriculant who walked away with R50 000 bursary for academic achievement.

“I was told not to cry so that I will find my son. He is my first born and I don’t know what to do now.”Leya Shabalala, a tearful mother on the events of her son drowning in the Sabie River.

“We remain very local instead of expanding to other provinces and because of this, once our local partners get into trouble, we lose all we have invested as well.”HRH Princess Tsakani Nkambule, talking to North Eastern Witness recently.

POLOKWANE TZANEEN HOEDSPRUIT PHALABORWA HAZYVIEW NELSPRUIT LYDENBURGTODAY 17°C - 29°C 18°C - 32°C 17°C - 31°C 18°C - 31°C 17°C - 29°C 18°C - 30°C 15°C - 29°C

FRIDAY 16°C - 29°C 16°C - 31°C 17°C - 31°C 18°C - 31°C 16°C - 30°C 15°C - 31°C 12°C - 29°C

SATURDAY 15°C - 29°C 16°C - 31°C 17°C - 31°C 18°C - 31°C 16°C - 29°C 15°C - 30°C 12°C - 28°C

SUNDAY 17°C - 28°C 18°C - 31°C 19°C - 31°C 20°C - 32°C 18°C - 29°C 19°C - 31°C 15°C - 28°C

MONDAY 19°C - 26 °C 19°C - 30°C 19°C - 30°C 18°C - 29°C 18°C - 28°C 19°C - 29°C 16°C - 25°C

TUESDAY 18°C - 25°C 16°C - 27°C 16°C - 26°C 16°C - 28°C 15°C - 25°C 15°C - 24°C 13°C - 23°C

WEDNESDAY 18°C - 26°C 17°C - 28°C 17°C - 27°C 18°C - 28°C 16°C - 26°C 17°C - 27°C 13°C - 25°C

Weekly Weather

www.weather24.com

The fake gun used by the suspected rapist to threaten his victimsPhoto – Brian Kajengo

Limpopo’s third best matriculant, Pheidah Ngoepe and her sister, Tsakane who was also the best learner in the province in 2010.Photo: Lesetja Malope

BRIAN KAJENGO

PHALABORWA - A wetland and poorly constructed tar road in Namakgale Zone E are gradually damaging a

resident’s six room house while an RDP and other two-roomed houses have been evacuated.

Ella Masha (55), a resident of ward 6 in Mandela Village, is furious with the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for failing to fix the tar road which was constructed twice in 2008. “As you

can see, we were forced to dig holes in the yard to reduce the excessive water from penetrating into the house. When it rains, the whole yard is full of water; and the kids do not have a place to play let alone planting vegetables for the family. Buses, taxis and private vehicles cannot pass on this road thus making our lives difficult,” remarked Masha.

She says she went to the municipality many times when Matome Malatji was still their councilor, but they kept on telling her they would only install a drainage system if there is a proper tar

road. “I do not remember when was the last time they came to inspect this road,” fumed Masha.

Current ward councilor Thomas Mukansi previously said he is aware about the damaged tar road and the inconvenience it is causing to motorists, pedestrians and Masha’s family. “The municipality through Ward One will be constructing a pavement which will join our damaged tar road, but I do not have the full details and as to when the project will commence as I was not invited to the handover,” remarked Mukansi.

Municipality fails residentMATOME SEBELEMETSA

‘Lightning’ strikes twice for the Ngoepe sistersLESETJA MALOPE

3NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 2014

Prison breaks warrant inter-nal probe

ANC awaits Madonsela’s Report

NEWS

Collen Mokoena Rodney Nyakane

Eugene Ryding Thabiso Malope

Have you seen these men?

BUSHBUCKRIDGE - There has recently been mass escapes of awaiting trial prisoners from custody in Mpumalanga. At

least seven notorious suspects escaped from police cells within two months.

It’s alleged that two suspects, Thabiso Malope and Collen Mokoena alighted from a police van last year when they were taken to Nelspruit prison following a court appearance. Then early last December, five suspects escaped from Mhala Police holding cells. The prison break reportedly took place at around 16h00 while the rest of the day staff was still at work.

The five suspects were also awaiting-trial prisoners. They made their getaway before their court date which was scheduled for 7 December 2013. Police say they fear for the safety of the community and witnesses to some of the cases.

Mhala Police are on a manhunt for another batch of five awaiting trial prisoners who escaped from lawful custody at their holding cells on Sunday 5 January 2014.

France Jacky Sekgobela (35) charged with murder, Eugene Riding (27), also murder, Rodney Nyakane (26), murder, Tumelo Theko (20), rape and Ishmael Randingoana (28), also murder, were supposed to appear on the 7th of January for allegedly killing Evans Hlatshwayo of Madjembeni last August.

Six other escapees cut through the security window of the exercise cell and escaped. Police managed to re-arrest one prisoner, Trevor Khosa (24), but that wasn’t until he was fingered in a robbery during his escape lull. Pieces of hack saw blades believed to be the ones used by the fugitives were found in the cells.

It is suspected that some of the suspects might be hiding in Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province.

Bushbuckridge Policing Forum chairperson, Obed Madisha said, “The Cluster Commander Brigadier Chritina Bencher, and Mhala station commissioner must deal with the cops that were on duty that day. It’s unbelievable that dangerous suspects escaped from lawful custody in the afternoon. Police must explain where they were when the suspects cut the cell and escaped.”

Police spokesperson Brigadier Selby Mohlala confirmed that police are hunting for the escapee suspects and urged anyone with information to inform the police. “An internal probe is underway to determine the circumstances which led to the getaway.” Mohlala said.

NELSPRUIT – There is bated anticipation for the Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela’s report into

the security upgrades at President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead. The anticipation and expectation has seen African National Congress heavyweights weighing in on the fascination with wrongdoing; something which political analysts have said might come back to bite the party during the next national elections.

Party chairperson Baleka Mbethe spent a chunk of her speech at Thulamahashe old stadium justifying the expenditure, which has rattled a lot of political feathers. The defense was not limited to Mbethe as the party’s Secretary General Gwede Mantashe equally zones in on the issue in the

sidelines of their Manifesto launch over the weekend.

He said anybody found guilty of having received monies wrongfully during the security upgrade must be pursued criminally and all monies

misappropriated be recouped from both civil servants and contractors.

Mantashe added that all those who believed that they are scapegoats and will want to say they acted on the

directive of certain political principals have a responsibility to disclose who those political principals are. “This report further provides us with the information required in order for the ANC to deal with the matter. The NEC appreciates the important distinction that has been established between what has been spent on government infrastructure to boost rural development in the area and what was spent on the personal homestead of the President”, he declared.

The Secretary General added that the NEC remains concerned about the amount of money that has been spent during the Nkandla Security Upgrade and that they have called for the recommendations to be implemented.”

He said they are equally awaiting the release of the Public Protector’s Report on the same issue.

BRIAN KAJENGO

ELVIS MASHELE

“It’s unbelievable that dangerous

suspects escaped from lawful

custody in the afternoon”

“This report further provides us with the information

required in order for the ANC to deal with the matter.”

REPORT READY? Public Protector Thuli Madonsela ANTICIPATION ANC General Secretary Gwede Mantashe

IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE WHEREABOUTS

OF THESE PEOPLE PLEASE CONTACT THE

POLICE ON 10111

NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 20144

NEWS

Nothing irregular about car purchases

Excellence at Limpopo’s FET college

Meet Limpopo’s Brightest Teenager

NELSPRUIT - Democratic Alliance leader Anthony Benadie has zoned in on the issue of three vehicles

bought for Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza in the previous year. He says the procurement goes against recommendations from Finance Minister Pravin Gordham that there needs to be frugality in government spending.

Delivering his mid-term budget speech last year Gordham warned against government ministers and provincial MECs spending public funds on procuring expensive cars.

Reports indicate that in 2011 Mabuza’s office purchased a Lexus sedan. He later procured a Range Rover SUV which he used for approximately

six month before purchasing an Audi A8 and BMW X5 last year.

Benadie says the procurement of the vehicles is scandalous, waste of state funds and abuse of funds. He says the premier must explain to the legislature and the public why he bought the expensive cars. “According to his ministerial hand book he should not

procure an official vehicle exceeding the amount of R1.3 million but DD Mabuza bought a Range Rover worth R1.9 million and he spent R5 million on vehicles last year. The premier is acting on his individual benefit” said the DA leader.

Spokesperson for Mabuza, Zibonele Mncwango responded, “We would like to put it clear that Premier Mabuza used the vehicle that was being utilised by the former Premier Mr Thabang Makwetla up until the same vehicle started giving problems.” He says that’s when it was recommended that for security and convenience reasons the purchases be made to facilitate Mabuza’s work in mostly rural Mpumalanga.

The DA says it will launch its own investigation into the matter.

PHALABORWA - In a ceremony demonstrating the hard work put in by some students of Mopani South East FET College, the

2013 best exam performance awards last week Friday became a showcase for one particular student.

19 year old Morongwe Pilusa, a level two student from Phalaborwa walked away with the Overall Top Performer award for scoring five distinctions with between 83% and 84% in Engineering & Related Design, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Engineering Fundamentals and English.

Pilusa attributed her success to her study method, lectures and family support. Pilusa whose father is retired said her younger brother is also working hard at a local school.

The awards, which were held at the College’s main campus in Phalaborwa, were led by the College CEO Mrs.

S.C. Sehlake, accompanied by the Deputy Principal for Academic Mr. M.L. Baloyi, and members of the College Council.

Mrs Sehlake encouraged all recipients to continue excelling and to become a change they want to see in their communities.

“All successful people have had some form of education and it is imperative of you (sic) to also follow suit and be responsible citizens of this country, continent and world as we continue to bring about a better tomorrow for our communities.” she said.

The CEO raised concerned that none of the campuses managed to get the Best Campus award, with both falling short of the targeted 42% certification rate. She encouraged both campus managers to work harder in 2014. The ceremony took place against the backdrop of huge numbers of new students in long queues for a place in the college.

POLOKWANE – Limpopo’s Best Matric Learner of 2013, Ntsundeni Ndou could’ve have walked into any semi-

professional team as a central midfielder and be hailed as a future Pele but he chose books over a soccer ball and it’s a decision he might never regret. The 18-year-old matriculant from Tshivhase Secondary School near Thohoyandou, Ndou walked away with a brand new Toyota Etios car, R50 000 bursary and R10 000 in cash for being the province’s number one with a total aggregate mark of 1 750 including delivering carbon copy answer sheets in two of the subjects.

Following a moving standing ovation by dignitaries such as Premier Stan Mathabatha, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane and almost all provincial cabinet MECs during the matric announcement ceremony at the Protea Hotel Ranch Resort recently during which he was evidently almost

moved to tears, North Eastern Witness interviewed the achiever, his father Mr Johannes Ndou and his younger brother Humbulani on his life before fame.

Ntsundeni is the sixth of seven siblings and his father says it was only through God’s grace that he achieved such an excellent milestone. “He is a good child and loves going to church and he is disciplined,” he added. Ntsundeni’s mother is a hawker while his father is a retired public servant.

“My brother is good, humble and

churchgoing. He’s cool, he’s just normal but very good at soccer and loves Kaizer Chiefs with all his heart,” said Humbulani also adding that several soccer academies in the

district have also formally approached the family to recruit him.

According to Humbulani, his brother is good enough to play in the professional ranks of the country but

he was just not interested at all. Ndou is however modest about his hyped soccer talent but admits the offers were tempting. “I love soccer but my books are more important. I am 18-years-old, if it was meant to be I should have been in the Premier Soccer League by now,” he said with a naughty laugh.

He plans to study chemical engineering at University of Witwatersrand. “I initially wanted to be a medical doctor like everyone else; then a civil engineer; now I want to become a chemical engineer,” he said. He credits his family and God with his academic success and said determination, discipline and dedication led him to where he is today.

Ndou hopes to take up soccer at varsity as a sport. Asked if he would resist the temptation if his favourite soccer, Kaizer Chiefs approached him, his response was doubtful. “I am not sure about that because that is Kaizer Chiefs,” he said with another naughty smile.

ELVIS MASHELE

MATOME SEBELEMETSA

LESETJA MALOPE

“It was recommended that for security and convenience reasons

the purchases be made to facilitate Mabuza’s work in mostly rural

Mpumalanga”

“I love soccer but my books are more

important. I am 18-years-old, if it was meant to be I should

have been in the Premier Soccer League

by now”

Limpopo’s best matric learner for 2013, Ntsundeni Ndou in a brand new Toyota Etios car he won for the achievement.Photo – Lesetja Malope

Mopani South East FET College CEO Mrs. S.C Sehlake, handing over award to the top student Morongwe Pilusa.

5NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 2014

NEWS

Boy Goes missing at Sabie River

THULAMAHASHE – President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead will be one of the minefields the

ANC will have to overcome in its door to door election campaigning in the next few months. This became too apparent recently when the party’s national chairperson Baleka Mbete felt the need to zone in on the issue during a mini-rally held at Old Thulamahashe Stadium prior to the party’s manifesto

launch. “No leader in the African National

Congress (ANC) is corrupt and our president is not corrupt. President Jacob Zuma did not take state money to build his house in Nkandla”, Mbethe said during the build-up to the weekend’s Mbombela Manifesto launch and January 8 conference.

Political analysts have warned that the party must find a diplomatic way to deal with Nkandlagate in the event that the electorate raises it in their election trail.

Nkandlagate a non-issue – MbeteELVIS MASHELE

HAZYVIEW – There are mixed feelings about the mystery surrounding the New Year’s Eve drowning of a 13-years old Shabalala youth. On 31 December 2013 Siyabonga Shabalala went to the river with other boys and drowned without a trace.

The family says they have searched for the boy dead or alive without success. Elvis Shabalala (47), the father of Siyabonga told North Eastern Witness that he has performed all the necessary rituals to appease his family’s ancestors to no avail.

“I real don’t know what the problem is, because I thought if he was dead he would be floating by now. There is not

even a sign of his clothes in the dam,” the father said.

The community searched about 10 kilometres of Sabie River but they still have to see a sign. “If his body was taken away from this area the people would have discovered the body. The divers told us the water is too deep since the river is still full. There is nothing that they could do”, Shabalala continued.

Siyabonga’s mother, Leya Shabalala (34) believes her son is safe. “I was told not to cry so that I will find my

son. He is my first born and I don’t know what to do now,” the tearful mother commented.

Calcutta SAPS’ Warrant Officer, Moses Ntuli said, “The family reported the case of a child who drowned in the Sabie River and we have been with the family trying to get the body of the child but without success. We would like to warn the community to take care of the children not to play next to the river banks because sometimes the flowing rivers might have much force.”

BRIAN KAJENGO

“I was told not to cry so that I will find my son.”

DISTRAUGHT PARENTS: Elvis and Leya Shabalala wonder where their son went Photo: Brian Kajengo

ANC Chairperson Baleka MbetePhoto: http://afrikangoddessmag.com/

Chief leaves more questions than answers

COTTONDALE – On Friday a chief of the Mnisi Tribal Authority was found hanging under the tree with a chain on

his neck at his home in Cottondale, Acornhoek near Bushbuckridge.

Family spokesperson Oris Mnisi told North Eastern Witness that Chief Phillip Mnisi was found half naked under the tree. At this stage they cannot confirm whether foul play is suspected. Mnisi said “The chief was married with two wives. He was 71-years-old when he came to his shock death and he was a chief of Mnisi Tribal Authority in Esselington since 1975 until his death.”

Spokesperson, Mnisi says that the chief’s death came as a surprise and the family, royal family and community

are in shock. It has not yet been decided when he will be laid to rest.

Members of Mnisi Tribal Authority Dr. Humelton Mnisi (65) and Dyke Mnisi (75) told the media that the day before his death they had a plenary meeting of the re-opening of one of his council court.

“Chief was very happy without any sign of discomfort or signs of showing that was having a problem that might led him (sic) to commit suicide, his death has left us with lots of questions” said Dyke Mnisi.

The provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selby Mohlala confirmed that an inquest docket was opened in Acornhoek police station. Brigadier Mohlala said police are still investigationg his real cause of death.

ELVIS MASHELE

Tel. 015 793 0358E-mail: guests@rivlodge.co.za

www.rivlodge.co.za

Send letters to letters@newitness.co.za by 16h00 on Friday. Letters should include the name and address of the writer and not exceed 300 words. Pseudonyms may be used but all letters must include the writer’s full name, address, and telephone number. Preference will be given to letters sent exclusively to North Eastern Witness. The editor reserves the right to edit letters. North Eastern Witness cannot guarantee publication of letters.

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NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 20146

Send letters to letters@newitness.co.za by 16h00 on Friday. Letters should include the name and address of the writer and not exceed 300 words. Pseudonyms may be used but all letters must include the writer’s full name, address, and telephone number. Preference will be given to letters sent exclusively to North Eastern Witness. The editor reserves the right to edit letters. North Eastern Witness cannot guarantee publication of letters.

The New York Times has named Cape Town as the number one spot to visit in the year 2014 our of 52 destinations, ahead of Los Angeles

and the Seychelles.

With South African destinations finally getting this much recognition, what are your thoughts on the tourism attractions in Mpumalanga and

Limpopo?

Send us your comments on:facebook.com/newitness

Does God Exist?

It might sound a little discomforting to self-confessed or confused atheists and might result in them rejecting, rationalizing and ignoring this new belief. I battle to understand what people stand for when they declare themselves atheists!

I want rational reasoning to convince me more about the atheists belief since all I get from discussions with my self-confessed atheists friends lacks intellectual coherence. I’m dying to know what atheists believe in really. Are they believing in something or just not believing in what a large fraction of the world believes in? Is it a reactionary belief of protest?

In my quest to unravel this quagmire I have come across those who claim there’s no God while others of the same school of thought proclaim their ‘lack’ of belief in God. In my books that might be a tacit acknowledgement of His existence until proven contrary or a denial until evidence is provided.

My private inquiry has drawn me to a conclusion that atheism is about disputing the existence of God.

What is it exactly that they don’t believe? Which God’s existence are they disputing? The God of all religions? A-Theist? Are they against the concept of God, be it a monotheistic God, polytheistic gods, or an eternal cosmic animating force? Gods and not God like Deism asserts? Is that why they call themselves a Theist and not a Deist?

I understand their point of view and philosophical posture with regards to religion’s (dis) qualification but certainly no one is dogmatic enough to deny the existence of some intelligence at the source of life. Let’s debate.

Adorn Keketso MashigoVia email

Dear Editor

Your newspaper carried an article about plans to suspend the CFO of the municipality in Phalaborwa. The events surrounding this planned suspension says a lot of things that are unsaid.

This municipality is one of those that are suffering from serious lack of political vision. I pray that the fortunes of this beautiful area change soon for the better lest we go the route of other failed municipalities such as Thaba Chweu that s constantly under administration.

This lack of stability saw a lot of senior managers leaving their positions at this municipality in the recent past. How can a sustainable and efficient service be delivered when there is constant interruption on the very resource that is supposed to be delivering services.

Infrastructure in Phalaborwa is not being maintained to the standard that is required for a well functioning town. If it is not electricity, it is roads, then sewerage (as reported in one of your previous edition), then storm water.

It does not take a rocket scientist to determine that if you do not have a solid team of knowledgeable people to steer the ship, you might head toward icebergs without even realizing.

Thandi ShongwePhalaborwa

COMMENTS & ANALYSIS

Election fever is gripping the country as the first battle salvos are being fired way before President Jacob Zuma has even

proclaimed the 2014 election date. It is safe to speculate that balloting will take place any calendar day between now and May. Actually Zuma will announce it during his State of the National address.

But that won’t be before the ruling African National Congress has milked the suspense for what it’s worth. It wouldn’t be surprising if the ANC will have ads on television and radio the following morning. The weekend launch of the 2014 Election Manifesto which coincided with the party’s historic January 8 statement served as the sprint the ANC might need to beat the rest of the pack.

With days prior to the extravaganza Zuma handed over a billion rand game reserve in Bushbuckridge to a community that has waited all their lives for their land. The Mala-Mala game reserve sits a few kilometres from the Kruger National Park with vast deposits of game and heritage.

While some might have construed such a gesture as electioneering it is surprising how other political parties like to tow the ANC line which has already launched its outdoor marketing campaign.

An example of this trailing is seen on how the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania has one Member of Parliament; which should mean most of its leadership are available to do party work throughout the five years between elections. But you don’t see selling the party; they rather wait for the ANC to launch its election manifesto and then they follow suit. Why can’t we have a PAC manifesto that gets launched before the ANC one? How will they beat the ANC when they allow it to set the rules and regulations to elections?

This is not uniquely a PAC shortcoming. The DA, COPE, IFP, NFP, APC, EFF, UDM etc all take their time until Big Brother has promised the nation six million jobs and they promise seven. They take their jolly time criticizing ANC policies as they appear in its manifesto not realising that in that way they are helping the ANC refine its strategy.

There is a lesson to be learnt from how current US President Barack Obama ran for his first White House term. Obama started positioning himself years before pretender to the throne Senator John McCain thought of running. Obama’s bruising primary contest with Hillary Clinton; which some analysts said risked eroding his capital actually helped sharpen him and his message. When he came with his ‘WE CAN’ mantra McCain was way behind in both Gallup and exit polls.

The question we ask is why can’t other political parties start running while ANC heavyweights are bogged down in governance politics in both National Assembly and NCOP?

One remembers how the DA played first-man-on-the-ball during the 2010 local elections with their ‘OR Tambo’ television ad. It caught the ANC off-guard and profited the party tremendously. That’s how the ANC can be contested; but it seems nobody’s listening but towing.

ARTICLE 16

LETTERS

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7NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 2014

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“Our teachers in township schools feed poor kids with poor education while they send their own children to better schools.”

- Is this a mere misconception or truth about township and rural teachers?

Lots of kids will be starting their schooling very soon. Where? The World Economic Forum recently ranked the quality of South Africa’s education system number 133 in the world; out of 142 countries surveyed – far below some of the poorest states. Irrespective of equal access to education as enshrined in the country’s Constitution, post-liberation South Africa continues to have a two tier education systems, one for the rich (former model C and private schools) and the other for the poor (township and rural schools without resources found in the former).

There is a multitude of pressing educational challenges in townships than in the so called ‘better’ schools: – lack of classrooms; shortage of skilled teachers; insufficient resources; lack of proper teacher support from respective districts; lack of motivated and inspired teachers which emanates from the fact that most teachers went

to teaching as their last resort; lack of classroom discipline; government’s failure to lower teacher pupil ratios; exodus of experienced teachers from the system; changing of curriculum without proper consultation and many other glaring challenges that can fill more than ten pages.

Is there any truth that township schools’ teachers don’t care and feed poor kids with poor education and take theirs to ‘better schools’ outside ekasi? I spoke to a number of people ekasi in order to get to the crux of the matter.

Musa Zitha who is a deputy principal said, “We take our kids to private schools not because we are bad educators. We do it like any other parent who has finances for the best education money can buy. Resources are the most important factor in

influencing best education and your government isn’t providing us with any. In public schools we are forced to admit a lot of learners and that results in overcrowding. In private schools you hardly get more than 30 learners in a class. The teacher is able to know each learner. In ‘model C’ schools they avoid overcrowding by employing more SGB teachers and we are not allowed to do that as non-fee-paying schools. I taught in rural and township schools, did my best and earned my position for that BUT I’ll take my kids to private schools without feeling guilt.”

“We care a lot mphintshi yam’. If we have cash there is no wrong sending our kids to former model C or private schools! We are just like other folks!” – says Osama Motebele who is also a teacher ekasi.

Justice Baloyi believes that if teachers can take their kids to the public schools they work at it will make them do their best, “If teachers could bring their kids where they work. I think the standard could improve because their own kids will be in their hands as well.”

Meneer Mokgalaka is the principal at Highlands Boys Secondary, “For me it’s immaterial where my kids attend. But one thing I can state with absolute certainty is that I’ll never take my kids to a school where teachers have to be begged to go to classes. I don’t care whether it is a township school, former model C school or fully resourced private school. For me I need a school that can teach them to think, care and do.”

“It must start from the highest office. Teachers are at the bottom of the pyramid. The Ministers’ kids are not attending public schools. The poor will always receive poor education and the elite will always receive quality one, “David Maluleke said.

Phuti Seanego, “I received the best education from ekasi. Yes, there are always thorns amongst roses. To generalize and say ekasi teachers do not deliver is wrong. But I would not enroll my children at a public school. Not at the moment”

Katlego Makgata: “I’m very happy

with the standard of education in our townships. The good standard is evident when we get to varsity; most students who come from posh schools are only good in communications classes. My mother is a township teacher, and I went to ekasi primary and high schools. And I am now in varsity with kids from posh schools and I do better than most of them.”

Education stabilization ekasi can only be realized if parents support their children’s education; teachers and learners get inspiration and motivation to teach and learn; and the government delivers; it’s a package! We must always remember that it’s only education that can deliver us from economic slumber – so we must demand the education that sharpens the minds, hearts and hands of our kids so that they will become the builders of a competitive economy in our country.

COMMENTS & ANALYSIS

Where lies the Rub?

Is kasi education cause for alarm?

I grew up in a society that values morality as an important element of life. A society where killing as a hobby is strictly forbidden. However recently that same society has taken another turn. The old ‘kill only if you intend to eat’ maxim has faded with time. We think we now know better.

A dark cloud of sadness shrouded my village of Madjembeni when death recently came knocking. Two young presumed innocent men and a thug were brutally slaughtered. December 25 and 31, 2013 and the January 1, 2014 will always go down in alchemy as three rapid losses of life only reminiscent of warzones like Syria engulfed our community.

One young man was shot dead on Christmas Day for reasons only

known to his killers. As the village was still mourning his death another blood was shed as another young man was stabbed on the 30th of the same month. The suspect was a delinquent thug with a rap sheet the size of my forearm.

The community was tired and took it upon themselves to avenge the New Year’s eve murder. The search began in earnest on New Year’s day at 04h00. The ‘vigilante’ community braved hear and darkness searching for their foe until midday.

The mob, bloodthirsty for vengeance found an unlikely source in an old man herding his cattle. “I know where he is hiding”, the old man disclosed.

A minute later the suspect was brought hoisted on the shoulders of angry men as a wounded community waited to ‘pinch’ him. They cheered as he was stripped off his clothes.

Then out of the blue a flying brick tore through his forehead, spluttering blood. He tumbled and fell. The mob advanced with anger and a ‘demolition job’ got underway.

A call was made for him to be dosed in petrol and set alight. Before that could suffice the suspect was subjected to fifteen minutes of being stoned. Only a pool of blood appeased the crowd’s fury.

The absence of a trusted justice system was exposed by the mob’s feeling of public justice. Poor blacks have been deprived of the ‘right of access’ to a functioning justice system and thus resort to retribution. The conclusion I reached after witnessing this community wrath is that parties to conflicts are frustrated by lack of fundamental mechanisms to resolve conflicts; vigilantism is therefore seen as a legitimate outlet for community

recourse. I was appalled by children flocking

to take a look at the mutilated corpse. One wonders what future are we advocating if we let our children witness such atrocities. We are breeding psychopaths. My other concern is the mental damage all these brutal killings are causing our children.

The necklacing episodes during apartheid are responsible for the numbed society that later came to accept brutality as a way of life. My Facebook friends argue, ‘the horrible the death of a criminal, the better it deters the rest. most of the time mobs prefers to be thought of as an anonymous horde rather than a collection of individuals, those lending deadlier blows don’t wish to be identified’.

Mob rule; or Ochlocracy is not (as so often said) a single-minded act; they all

share a mentality. It takes few seconds for the mob to decide whether to take a life. Its hallmark is the rapidness with which it gets committed.

I spoke to one vigilante who claims to be a distant relative of the lynched, “we will pick up his body and take it home for burial, proper rituals will be carried out, you don’t kill a human like that, so we want the spirit to avenge those who killed him”, he testified.

It is now upon religious, political and community leaders to initiate dialogue on the effectiveness of the justice system and interrogate why police so often drop the ball.

ADORN KEKETSO MASHIGO

ENOCK DLAYANI SHISHENGE

Adorn Keketso Mashigo is a poet, writer and International Communication student at TUT.

CONSCIOUS PEN

Enock Dlayani Shishenge is a Limpopo born published poet and educationist based in Orange Farm, Tembisa

“We take our kids to private schools not because we are bad

educators. We do it like any other parent who has finances for the

best education money can buy”.

“I received the best education from ekasi. Yes, there are always

thorns amongst roses. To generalize and say ekasi teachers do not

deliver is wrong”.

Are you a social activist?Are you a business analyst?

Are you a political observer or analyst?

Do you have an opinion on social justice?Do you have an opinion on economic justice?

Do you have an opinion on socio political discourse?

Have you got something to say in matters of education?Have you got something to say in matters of environment?

Have you got something to say in matters of land restitution?

Have you got anything to say at all?

Engage with North Eastern Witness on your comments and opinions. North Eastern Witness provides a platform

for you to engage with our readers. It is time for an alternative and transformational discourse.

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NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 20148

BUSINESS

Mall Promises Employment Prospects

Pharmwell breaks boundaries

PHALABORWA - With unemployment soaring, hundreds of young people have been queuing for jobs as

labourers at the still to be completed Phalaborwa Game Mall.

One of the desperate job seekers is former security guard Calvin Rahlano (34) from Benfarm. “I came to Phalaborwa in 1994 to look for a job and worked as a security guard for a couple of years, but I never held on to the jobs as the contracts kept on being terminated for no apparent reason. I have been jobless for three years and six months and it is tough as I have children and siblings to take care off. I have been coming here since Monday hoping a Good Samaritan will give me a job, but for now there is no luck,” remarked a frustrated Rahlano.

Rahlano called on the African National Congress to reintroduce industries and manufacturing companies. He believes the BRICS partnership only benefits elites and politicians. “My friend, before China, India and the other countries our ANC-led government made business dealings with, we had a Proudly South African theme going on and local companies were making business and people buying their goods; but of late blacks are no longer doing business

and everywhere you go there is an influx of foreigners. I do not know of anywhere in the world where there is an influx of black South Africans”, Rahlano quipped.

However, Anastasia Malatji (25) from Tlapeng is enthusiastic about the future though she is also jobless. “I only went to as far as grade 10 and last year worked as a labourer, but we only worked for seven months as our sub-contractor was dismissed for failing to pay us after it later (sic) emerged that the main contractor did not pay him. I have been coming here since November last year and am quite certain that our ward councilor will think about us when they start deploying per wards so that I can get some money to take care of my three year old boy,” said Malatji.

POLOKWANE - When his father retired from the pharmacist business in 1994, Polokwane pharmacist Andre Visser (55)

was left in the driver’s seat of his rich legacy. Driven by passion and admiration for medicine after spending so much time at his family’s pharmacy he followed into his late father’s footprints.

There was a foundation to how his life would later develop. In 1984 Visser had a stint at South African Military Services working at the medical division where he distributed medicine to hospitals across South Africa. He then proceeded to University of Potchefstroom where he graduated with a degree in pharmacy; he also holds a post graduate master’s degree in Business leadership.

In 2010 he propelled and succeeded in re-branding Jappie Visser pharmacy into Pharmwell, which is a group of independent retail pharmacies in the city. The group offers services which range from retail pharmacist services, prime medi-care clinic services, dietician, natupath, reflexologist and doctors’ service to prescriptions of

medicine which Visser describes as the most integral part of a pharmacist.

Visser’s is the only pharmacy in Polokwane which offers services of a natupath and a reflexologist. In year 2012 a new opportunity presented itself when he sold the whole business leading to a possibility of re-grouping into a franchise and a change of name to Leading Pharmacies by the end of year 2014.

With three branches in Polokwane and a total number of 37 employees, Visser describes the Pharmwell brand as being fresh, clean and neat. They use the 40 seats auditorium at the

pharmacy in Polokwane as a platform for experts in the various fields to educate the public about chronic diseases and how they (public) should live a healthy lifestyle.

Giving back to the community, Pharmwell is involved in cancer association projects where they take part in National Cancer Days, also supply food parcels and toys for Abraham Kriel children’s home and Ingwana baby centre.

When asked about what motivates him Visser replies, “Assisting customers, helping with patients, getting positive results and the challenges of medium business”.

This altruistic pharmacist is a family man with two children. He enjoys exercising, being outdoors with his camera, doing landscape wildlife photography and spending time with his family.

MATOME SEBELEMETSA

META MPHAHLELE

“we had a Proudly South African theme going on

and local companies were making business

and people buying their goods”

“a new opportunity will lead to a possibility of re-grouping into a

franchise by the end of year 2014”

“It is assisting customers, helping with

patients, and getting positive results that

motivates me”

“The company was rebranded into

Pharmwell, which is a group of independent

retail pharmacies in the city.”

Anastatia Malatji and her friend with other job seekers at the Phalaborwa Game Mall Photo: Matome Sebelemetsa

UPBEAT: Andre Visser positive about the prospects of the growing empire Photo: Meta Mphahlele

9NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 2014

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NORTH EASTERN LIFESTYLE

Nuts and seeds are the foods of the future. Humans would not be able to foster new generations without

the procreative benefits found in the mineral elements, enzymes, vitamins and magnetic qualities of nuts and seeds. Seeds carry the universal life force. They contain all the nutrients required for health and strength of the body. Yet it wasn’t long ago that we believed that seeds were merely food for animals and the birds. It is comforting to know that our ancestors used seeds instead of meat for centuries.

The nutritional content of seeds, nuts and grains is altered when they are heated, but the flavour is enhanced. Balance the raw and heated seeds and nuts in your diet. Seeds and nuts are easier to digest and more nutritious raw than toasted, but you can occasionally lightly

toast them to enhance the flavour. You will be best advised to only consume unsalted seeds and nuts.

All seeds and nuts should be fresh, stored in the fridge or freezer and they must not taste bitter. A bitter taste in seeds and nuts is an indication of rancidity, meaning that the oils have oxidised and are detrimental to human health. Since nuts and seeds can become rancid and loose their nutrients, it is best to buy them in the shell.

Nature has put a protective coating on most nuts and seeds that cannot be penetrated. Even with strong digestive systems and strong hydrochloric acid in our stomachs, our bodies cannot break down the covering on almonds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds and many other nuts and seeds. It is therefore necessary to either soak them overnight, or to grind or sprout them in order to make digestion easier. Enjoy the nutty snack.

Natures’ way through nuts and seeds

Trail Mix

1 cup (250 ml) pecans, raw or toasted1 cup (250 ml) cashews, raw or toasted 1 cup (250 ml) chopped sulphur-free dried cranberries, apricots, apples, pears or pineapple 1 cup (250 ml) raisins and/or chopped dates1 cup (250 ml) dried shredded coconut 1 cup (250 ml) carob or raw cacao nibs (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Variations:Use any combination of nuts like almonds, macadamia or Brazil nuts.Add 1 cup seeds like sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds.Soaked or sprouted nuts and seeds can be placed in a dehydrator to dry.

This recipe appears in Naturally Nutritious Wholefood Cookbook by Heidi du Preez and Karen Werge Tilney, published by Natural Nutrition.

KAREN WERGE TILNEY

Beating the January blues

Avoiding a matric surprise in 2014

Now that the season of over-indulgence is behind us, reality has quickly kicked in. January is here and festive fun

is now a distant memory. For many of us, this will prove to be the gloomiest month of the year. Overspending over the holiday period has left us with non-existent bank balances and now the bills are piling up.

Excessive eating and drinking has left us feeling sluggish and overweight. Getting back into the routine of work, school, and daily life in general proves to be a source of distress, disorientation and discomfort. Struggling between optimism and the memory of past failed resolutions leaves us somewhat deflated.

While it may be unpleasant right now, and some of the things we want and need look difficult to achieve, January can also be a great time for

self-reflection and to pull ourselves back onto the straight and narrow.

Remember, the festive season gave us the time and space to do the things that makes us happy. And at this time, feeling guilty about what we have done or what we did not do is futile.

Instead of barraging yourself with negativity, replace the debt anxiety and guilt with a good plan of action. If it is weight you want to lose, do not make too many changes at once because chances are you will get frustrated and throw in the towel. Give yourself a break. No one says you have to reach your goal without making mistakes along the way. Tell yourself you can succeed in losing weight by taking things one step at a time and starting fresh whenever you slip up.

Do not let post-festive credit card bills keep you down but do not ignore them either. It might seem like the easiest way to deal with the debt is to pretend like it does not exist. The

truth is, it does exist and ignoring it will only make it worse. Remember that each month a payment is missed, a late fee charge is added.

Give it all you’ve got by paying more than the minimum and putting any extra money towards your debt. The more you do, the faster you will pay the debt off and the less you will pay in interest.

The point, of course, being that the next festive season, you will create a spending budget beforehand that will make it easier for you to resist the temptation to overspend.

Most importantly, perhaps, is to remember that we all occasionally lapse in our best intentions and that to err is human. And that if we respond to minor set-backs with inappropriate despondency, we may well be inclined to give up. And that cannot be the plan for 2014.

It’s been a week since the publication of the 2013 Matric Results. Some students have certificates from the Department of Education to show for the past year, while some have long sleepless nights of diaper changing. Although young high school girls are not too quick to advocate for the latter, it is a reality that sneaks up on most of them.

2014 matric students will be best advised to broaden their horizons in taking advise on how best to make a success of their journey of study this year. This peer advice is meant to empower matric students to obtain that certificate that opens brighter doors to your future.

Beware of distractionsOn the way to success, a lot of things

have the potential to distract you. As

much as there are good distractions there are also bad distractions. Friends, food, television, the internet etc., can either be good or bad. Depending on what type of friends you keep, they can be a good source for mind picking about that Physics question your favourite teacher always asks in class. If you are the TV fanatic and a day goes by without you learning something, then I suggest you trade your TV set for a radio.

Know Your BoundariesLet us get one thing straight, weekends

are not for partying. You will not die, if a weekend goes past without going to your favorite Shisa Nyama. Your turn will come when you’ve finally passed your matric top of the Province like Bhavika Sureshkumar Mistry from Hoerskool Hoogenhout in Bethal, who was awarded with a brand new car. Until then, let your books be your 6 to 6 private party.

Remember the 7 B’sBooks Before Boys. It’s all dandy and

cute when you stand in street corners with that tall and handsome brother, but remember, dating will always be there. Our grandmothers found it here, they passed on and left it here. Nothing has changed. You’re probably thinking “Well our grandmothers found books here too”. True, but did they really have access to books and information as much as we do? No. You have books as one of multiple options on how to spend the rest of your day.

Choose wisely. Use some of these elements of advise

from a peer and enable them to be your ticket into the circle of students jumping for joy at the end of 2014. No diaper changing, no sleepless nights unless you’re studying and most importantly, the party will then begin.

The North Eastern Lifestyle section is devoted to help you to enjoy your life more.

Every week we bring you the latest and greatest information on fashion and beauty, health, travel, relationships, food, arts and culture.

This is to enlighten our readers about all the fantastic things going on in the region, whether it is a hidden holiday destination, a fine restaurant or commemorating our local talent.

We celebrate YOU while seeking national and international inspiration to extend your relationship with the world and to gain a global perspective.

We appreciate your comments on any subject you feel we should feature or an amazing discovery you would like to share with us, feel free to drop us a line at: style@newitness.co.za

C’est la vie!

Charli Bedet

CHARLI BEDET

TLOU TLOLANE

ENGAGE WITH US

NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 201410

NORTH EASTERN LIFESTYLE

North Eastern Achievers

This month, we interview HRH Princess Beatrice Tsakani Nkambule, Group CEO of Endoni Holdings, Chairperson

of the Limpopo Businesswomen Association of South Africa (BWASA) and founder of the Princess Tsakani Foundation.

North Eastern Witness: Where were you born?

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice Tsakani Nkambule: I was born in Tzaneen where I also attended my primary and high school before moving to Gauteng for my tertiary

education.NEWs: What sort of child were

you? BTN: I was a very inquisitive child

and I always wanted to know how things worked. The technique of selling fascinated me from a young age. At the age of 12, I started selling paw-paws from our home orchard at the bus stop. And during the harvest season I would wake up at three in the morning to collect rejected oranges from the farms to sell too. I didn’t have to do that but the action of enticing others to buy from me excited me deeply even then.

NEWs: Who do you most admire?

BTN: My mother most definitely. She is my role model and I have learned the art of resilience and

tenacity from her. My dad died when I was seventeen years old and my mother worked as an inspector in the then Department of Education in Gazankulu. Not only did she manage to take all of us to university but she also took many of the local children to school too. I have inherited the spirit of philanthropy from her.

NEWs: What has been your biggest achievement?

BTN: My biggest achievement without a doubt is raising four grounded, healthy and intelligent children. In all

what I do, I am a mother first. I am also very proud of Princess Tsakani Foundation, a non-profit organisation I started two years ago whose mission is to transform lives of rural Limpopo families for the better. So far, we have raised R80 000 for charity through a golf tournament and managed to buy school uniforms for 80 disadvantaged children and tended to the needs of 300 more.

NEWs: … and your biggest disappointment?

BTN: My biggest disappointment

has to be not finishing my Master of Science degree in 1988. I completed the course work with flying colours and then had a baby and started working and I kept on postponing to go back and life kept on happening and here we are.

NEWs: What are you best at? BTN: I am very good organiser. I

always tell those who wish to know how I manage to keep so many balls in the air that the secret is organising. I plan my day, my week and even my year ahead.

NEWs: What would you like to be better at?

BTN: To master switching off and sleeping better. I am a true workaholic and I have to constantly monitor myself not to overdo things. And because I know this about myself, twice a year I retreat to unwind and recharge.

NEWs: What is your best character trait?

BTN: I have been blessed with the ability to change and adapt to any situation. Whether I am communicating with a CEO of a multinational corporation, a rural woman or young person, I can adapt to their environment and connect on their level without much effort.

NEWs: How do you define success?

BTN: Success for me is defined by finally overcoming yourself and knowing who you truly are.

NEWs: What is your biggest fear?

BTN: My biggest fear is of derailing from one of the components of my life plan and the legacy I aim to leave behind. Being a good mother, a loving wife, a great entrepreneur, helping those in need and living my life to the fullest.

NEWs: What is your motto? BTN: Don’t get by, get great and dare

to be different. You achieve nothing in life by just getting by and being like everyone else.

NEWs: What factors do you believe are critical to Mpumalanga and Limpopo’s development?

BTN: The most critical factors threatening the development of these two provinces are incompetence, tenderpreneurship, inability to learn new skills and being creative enough to sustain our businesses once tenders are acquired. We remain very local instead of expanding to other provinces and because of this, once our local partners get into trouble, we lose all we have invested as well. The inability to plan ahead, refusing to learn how the world works and not offering jobs to those with the right skills are also the biggest setbacks.

NEWs: A word of advice to those striving for success?

BTN: Let your passion guide you and seize the moment. If lack of skills hinders your plans, go get those required skills. Don’t leave planning only for organising your weekend but use the same passion to plan your business or career. Become extremely selfish with your dream, make it clear to those around you that is not for sale and keep working hard on it. My favourite quote from T. Harv Eker says ‘If you are willing to do only what’s easy, life will be hard. But if you are willing to do what’s hard, life will be easy’. And that sums it all.

CHARLI BEDET

“My biggest achievement

without a doubt is raising four

grounded, healthy and intelligent

children”

“We remain very local instead of

expanding to other provinces and

because of this, once our local

partners get into trouble, we lose all we have invested

as well”

HRH Princess Beatrice Tsakani Nkambule, Group CEO of Endoni Holdings, Chairperson of the Limpopo Businesswomen Association of South Africa (BWASA) and founder of the Princess Tsakani Foundation.Photo: North Eastern Witness

Contact: Advertising Department:” ad@newitness.co.za or call 015 297 5470

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11NORTH EASTERN WITNESS 16 - 22 JANUARY 2014

NORTH EASTERN LIFESTYLE

The only time the past is useful to the present and the future is when we learn from it. Holding on to the past can be

both distractive and destructive. As we welcome the New Year, we must accept change because whether we see it or not, the New Year comes with change. Jesus taught the concept of change in Mark 2:21-22: “No one sews a patch of unshrunken (new) cloth on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and the rent (tear) becomes bigger and worse [than it was before]. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the bottles destroyed; but new wine is to be put in new wineskins.” Basically Jesus was teaching the dangers of holding on to old ways of doing things by trying to incorporate the new with the old. The tragedy of doing so as He pointed out doesn’t improve the situation, but spoils what could be gained from both the old and the new.

While the past is comfortable because of its familiarity and while we can benefit a lot from it, there are certain things and certain ways we need to completely raze before we can build anew - because as Justin Chen put it, “we cannot really erect new structure of thought on an old and faulty foundation.” Most of us welcome the New Year with the goal of improving certain areas of our lives and the thing that can stand between us and accomplishing that goal is continuing doing things the old way way. It’s sometimes not possible to make a clean.

Change of mindset is the first step to making a clean start. With the quote above, Jesus highlighted the following: “FIRST there was a problem of a torn garment. SECONDLY someone noticed that the torn garment needed fixing. Jesus was however focusing on the METHOD of fixing the torn garment. By using a new cloth to patch the old garment, one looses both. It is therefore not enough for us to want to change and improve our lives. We need to employ correct methods. Before you can raise anything new, you have to raze the old way of thinking.

For us to improve those areas of our lives that need improvement, we must be prepared to break free from certain people, certain places and certain ways. Eckhart Tolle said: “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” Jesus’ lesson to the Pharisees who were respected for their knowledge and interpretation of Scripture was that if they wanted to benefit from Him, they needed to turn away from the way they did things and embrace the new.

To make the best of the New Year, we need to; yes, raze the old and raise the new.

To raise the new, raze the oldJOSIE SITHOLE

The brightest star of all

Onse Artist in District SixBOOK REVIEW

MAKHADO - Mbofholowo Rotondwa Musitha (19) was recently crowned Miss Vhembe and already has

ideas about the kind of society she wants her achievement to create. This second-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at Regenesys Business School, affectionately known as Tondi says she will always remain proud of her country and contribute towards building it socially and economically.

“The fact that in most areas of our country we have been and still are continuing to treat one another equally even with our diverse cultures is what pleases my heart,” she says. Tondi walked away with the prestigious title on 19 December 2013 during a ceremony held at Thohoyandou Town Hall.

Regardless of carrying a title defined by beauty she challenges society’s definition of beauty, saying it should come from the heart. Outspoken and opinionated, her business savviness rears its head when she opines about South Africa being an immensely wealthy country in terms of natural and labour resources, but these resources being poorly marketed. She’s a former Miss Makhado (2010), Miss Louis Trichardt (2012) and Miss Triegie (2012).

Tondi’s duty is to continue being an ambassador of the district and to help implement the Integrated Development Plan of the municipality. “I intend to initiate the ‘One Way Change’ back to school campaign which will be distributing school shoes and other school necessities to the less privileged primary school learners within the district,” she reveals.

She believes that modeling is vastly continuing to receive reasonable recognition in South Africa. “The industry itself is empowering both the male and female audience to partake in such a prestigious and fun activity which doesn’t only lead one to Mr and Miss SA but to greater pageants, such as Miss World, Miss Earth and so on,” she tells.

Miss Vhembe says with finality, “I am the fun-loving, God-fearing girl from next door. I allow my moral values to define me at all times.”

Outlaw artist Sandra McGregor understood the vast vistas of storytelling outside of the then much-hyped oral

literature and the glam offered by DRUM magazine and its genius writers such as Can Themba and Blake Modisane. Afrikans have over the years succeeded in having their knowledge transferred from one generation to the next through campfire tales – that was before someone exposed the pen and paper to them. Folk tales have survived various assaults since nobody had the power to burn – literally every Black person with a story embedded in their mind. And when they started using various mediums such as photography (Alf Khumalo), sculpting, painting etc the apartheid wheels came off.

Thus, when Sandra McGregor saw District Six – a mixed residential area that had defied any attempt by the apartheid government to divide by race – and not rule the majority population of South Africa she saw a canvas hungry for her oil and brush. Over many years she recorded life in this ‘controversial’ part of the Cape, including the day the bulldozers came with instructions to bring to an end a social experiment gone gory.

It was 1962 when she settled there as an artist – almost an outsider in a community that was MADE IN PRETORIA. Dolores Fleischer, who authored Onse Artist in District Six made it her mission to trace the route that Sandra took, her muses, her rags to riches story, her inspiration, her uncelebrated talent and the probable reasons she felt at home at District Six.

When I have to review work as disarming as Onse Artist in District Six I am confronted with the reality that the best story of South Afrika’s artistic excellence, including its place in the world has not yet been told. The Van Goghs, Picassos and friends don’t have nothing on our artists. What with the robbery that took place during apartheid years – some through curators who took in their own possession classic works by South

Afrikan exiled artists such as Gerald Sekoto and the raping of works by sculptors Noria Mabasa and Jackson Hlungwani to the point where they adorn majestic buildings outside of this country – bought at a pittance.

Paraphrasing what Steve Biko said about a people with two versions of history, Fleischer not only makes this poignant point to stick out throughout her biography of McGregor but she also uses it as a political tool to interrogate the past. “The individual spirit and its artistic expression can never be destroyed”, a blurb on the back cover makes that point very clear.

The destruction of District Six aimed at discouraging, through action human disregarding of the social engineering that was taking place in their mist, mirrors that of Sophiatown. The architects of poverty’s attempt to render history a lie by destroying the inspiration that ended up on McGregor’s canvass is not lost to Fleischer’s narrative which accompanies the paintings and the profile of biography artist.

Like The Artist in the Garden – the Quest for Moses Tladi by Angela Read Lloyd, the sting in the tail of these works is the fact that they are bios written to celebrate triumph of the human spirit – against odds larger than physical and legislative hurdles.

This is a beautiful book that will be useful more the day South Afrika answers back to critics of the modernity (contemporary claim) of its artistic landscape.

GIVEN MUKWEVHO

GAKWI MASHEGO

“I intend to initiate the ‘One Way Change’

back to school campaign which will

be distributing school shoes and other school necessities to the less

privileged”

CROWN JEWELS: Tondi Musitha crowned Miss VhembePhoto Given Mukwevho

Tel. 015 793 0358E-mail: guests@rivlodge.co.za

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The Orange Africa Nations Championship (Chan) tournament finally kicked off over the weekend and

regardless of massive criticisms, it did not disappoint. With an opening fixture that saw Bafana-Bafana as hosts taking on neighbours Mozambique, a victory was never going to be a foregone conclusion, despite Bafana beating world champions Spain in their most recent controversial friendly game.

Despite going down one nil in the tenth minute of the game, Bafana went on to beat the Mambas by an impressive margin of 3 – 1, setting the tone for the continental underdog tournament. However, questions have been asked on how important this tournament is and whether it should be prioritised at all; after all the South African Football Association has always fielded a Bafana-Bafana B-team, jokingly referred to as Ama-binneplaas since they are mainly made up of first division players and talented PSL benchwarmers. SAFA seems to equally not value the showpiece.

The tournament is fairly well-organised and government’s grant to the three host cities seems to have gone a

long way in ensuring a smooth running of affairs. There has also been unfair criticism levelled against the premier league’s decision to continue while the tournament is also underway. The tournament is for only those players playing in their domestic leagues in their native countries, meaning that big name African players in the PSL such as Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat are not eligible.

This makes it one of the most difficult showpieces to sell to fans especially on matches featuring Francophone-African countries. This renders CHAN a commercial exercise not worthy of much attention.

January Transfer Window

The local league on the other hand also has its own housekeeping to take care of. The current PSL transfer period has proven to be one of the most exciting in recent years with most clubs seemingly keeping their purse strings very tight.

With an initial total of approximately 200 players, mostly veterans, available for new contract negotiations because either their contracts are coming to an end in June or their loan periods are ending, the future does not look too good for most and many career backup plans might have to be activated come end of season.

At least 40 of the players facing an unfortunate future before the first days of the transfer window are from PSL rookies, Mpumalanga Black Aces (21 players) and Polokwane City (19 players) and in both clubs the players constitute the core of the regular starting line ups.

The long list also raises more questions on the lack of new blood in the PSL. Development talk in domestic soccer is a formal tradition but its results have only attained mythical status. With the lack of enough youth in the league and the declining number of local exports to overseas leagues, professional soccer ranks in its current state is not one of the most attractive of employees in the country.

Touchline ReviewLESETJA MALOPE

Does Big Money buy soccer success?For some time there was a belief

that big money in soccer can buy success. That the team with the most bloated purse stood a

better chance of sweeping accolades in one season. This myth was inspired by the success of outfits such as Manchester United, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, Kaizer Chiefs, Asante Kotoko, Zamalek, etc.

Years later that assertion is failing to stand the test of time. When one studies the most performing teams in the world there is now a new trend; what a team needs is a regular goal poacher like Christiano Ronaldo, a point man who is always on-side but reasonable far off the defence like Suarez and a shrewd coach like Bayern Munich’s Pepe Gordiola.

Both Ronaldo and Suarez are the cream of not only their teams but their respective leagues. They score week in and week out but what stands out from both of them is that their respective teams are not really the wealthiest in both Spain and England. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea United FC is not performing like its owner, the same can be said for petrodollared Manchester City.

Back home Mamelodi Sundowns FC set the ball rolling when billionaire mining magnate Patrice Motsepe took over and set a trend of throwing

millions into soccer. There was a time that Downs had the most expensively assembled squad in the country. To top it all it had and still does a dodgy policy whereby if they loan a player out that player cannot play in a derby against them.

Irrespective of such protectionist tendencies the team still needs some silverware to show. Motsepe, one understands is fuming at the expenditure the team has become. He wants to play in continental competition but his technical team and players are not singing from the same hymn book. Then the question is; does money really buy success? Why did it fail to bring a Real Madrid side with David Beckham, Luis Figo, Ronaldo (Brazilian) and every conceivable star success? Could such expenditure been the trigger that gave birth to the qualitative approach Barcelona United

FC took towards its success?The best soccer players today can be

found in the Bundesliga; which means Germany has a chance of kicking butt at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brasil. Both German teams made it to Euro finals last season regardless of money not being the determining factor in assembling teams in that country.

The most successful South African team is undoubtedly Orlando Pirates FC, which in 1995 won a continental contest and went all the way to the final this year. This is in the back of successive league successes and multiple silverware. Everybody knows the Buccaneers are not known for big cheques and expensive squads but just discipline.

Chiefs won the league last season regardless of not being Downs. And the current contest between the two means we might have a two horse race for the league; with Chiefs having reinforced and Downs once again flaunting its big cheque. Teams to watch in La Liga, EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga and PSL seem to be those with big balls and sizeable wallets.

STAFF REPORTER

“The most successful South African team is undoubtedly Orlando Pirates FC, which in

1995 won a continental contest and went all

the way to the final this year”

Is ‘big money buys success’ really a myth?

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