eMapepeza Vol.8 Issue 12 - October 2021

MTN supports communty media Izikhathi zokuvakasha sandisiwe kwizibhedlele

OCTOBER 2021 (VOL.8 ISSUE #12)

Engaging, Educating and Empowering

SPECIAL SECTION FOR LOCAL CANDIDATES

Your Vote, Your Councillor

Joburg Women in Sports Awards!

MAHALA! IT’S FRE

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Mzansi teens ready to get the vaccine!

Photo by Monstera from Pexels

News from Dipaleseng

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Editor reserves the right to determine whether material submitted for publication shall be printed and reserves the right to edit as needed, for space, libellous statements and personal unwarranted attacks. All material submitted must signed (name withheld upon request).

Opinions expressed by the writers of the articles in the newspaper are those of the individual and not necessarily those of the editor or the publication workforce. Articles submitted for publication must deal with issues, not personalities.

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Mapepeza Newspaper subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code please contact the Press Ombudsman at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619 Website: www.presscouncil.org.za

City Of Ekurhuleni

©2013-2021 Mapepeza Community Newspaper (Pty)Ltd

News Briefs The police in Kliprivier, Vereeniging seized counterfeit cigarettes worth R6.6 million and arrested nine suspects.

According to a statement released by the police, Kliprivier officers received information on suspicious activities occurring at a certain plot in the area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared November 1 as a public holiday to give all those going to cast their ballots an opportunity to do so.

The date is the day of Local Government Elections, where eligible voters will cast their vote for councillors who will represent them at local level.

South Africans can now download their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said the certificate could be used for travel and tourism, sport and recreation events, music festivals, shops that are providing discounts and prizes for people who are vaccinated.

The certificate can be found at https://vaccine.certificate. health.gov.za.

Mapepeza

Izikhathi zokuvakasha sandisiwe kwizibhedlele zaseGoli UMnyango Wezempilo waseGoli uguqule izikhathi zawo zokuvakasha ezibhedlela ukuvumela izihlobo nabangane ukuba bachithe isikhathi esithe xaxa nabathandekayo babo.

Iziguli manje sezizovunyelwa ukuba nesivakashi esisodwa ngosuku imizuzu engu15 ngezikhathi ezibekiwe.

Lokhu kuza ngemuva kokuthi iKhabinethi isuse izwe lisuka kwi-Adjusted Alert Level 2 laya ku-Adjusted Alert Level 1, evumela ukuthi kutholakale kakhudlwana

imithethonqubo yokuvalelwa kwe-COVID-19 ngezifo kanye nokulaliswa esibhedlela.

“Isichibiyelo sizovumela izihlobo nabangane beziguli ukuthi zichithe isikhathi nabathandekayo bazo ngenkathi zilandela izindlela zokuphepha ze-COVID-19 njengokuphambana nomphakathi, ukunciphisa ukuminyana kanye nokuminyana esibhedlela.

"Lokhu kuzoqinisekisa nokukhuthazwa kanye nokulandelwa kwezinyathelo zokuphepha emsebenzini, ngen-

kathi kugqugquzelwa izindlela zokuvikela ukutheleleka kanye nezindlela zokulawula kuzo zonke izikhungo zezempilo zikahulumeni eGoli," kusho uMnyango esitatimendeni.

Umnyango uphinde wanxusa izihlobo zeziguli ukuthi zithole imininingwane yokuxhumana yewadi lapho kulaliswa khona amalungu emindeni yazo ukuze zikwazi ukushayela noma yinini ngaphandle kokuya esibhedlela.

Zonke izivakashi zizohlolwa izinga lokushisa nezimpawu ze-COVID-19.

R200 million invested in Vaal waste-water treatment!

Gauteng Premier David Makhura - who accompanied the Minister along with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Lebogang Maile said the Gauteng Provincial Government has invested R200 million towards the Sebokeng Bulk Waste Water Treatment Project

“The cleaning and reinvestment into the Vaal River is central to everything that is geared towards the regeneration of the economy in the Vaal.

“The Vaal Dam is the source of

water for the Gauteng. However, the damage of infrastructure in the Vaal is a source of great concern,” Makhura said.

The provincial leaders were visited by Water and Sanitation minister Senzo Mchunu Together with his two deputies, David Mahlobo and Dikeledi Magadzi.

The delegation visited several waste water treatment plants in Emfuleni, with the aim of finding a permanent solution to the sewage spillage in the Vaal River. They also engaged with various stakeholders and NGOs

on Tuesday (October 12).

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) chairperson in the Sedibeng Region, Mlungisi Hlongwane, said the lack of proper consultation with local stakeholders in the Vaal has not helped to bring awareness on the sewage spillage.”We would like to see continuous consultation with other provinces that are also responsible for the pollution of the Vaal River. Emfuleni Municipality is not solely responsible for the pollution of the river,” Hlongwane.

Thabang Lehobye wins top prize at fine arts awards!

Joburg-based artist, Thabang Lehobye, was named the Overall Winner of the annual Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards 2021 for his animated video titled Fragments of Memories.

He took home R100 000 first prize and received his prize from Dorothy Mnyele.

The 33rd anniversary of the national fine arts awards ceremony was held virtually from the Dumisani Masilela Theatre in Germiston on Friday, October 8.

The Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards was named after Ekurhuleni resident Thami Mnyele (10 December 1948 – 14 June 1985), a struggle hero who was himself an artist.

With over 400 entries from across the country, judges had their hands full.

“The Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards embarked on an adventurous journey this year by going digital in response to the limitation of lockdown regulation to continue to serve the artist of South Africa. It was also a learning curve for the adjudicators as well as the artists,” said senior adjudicator, Gordon Froud.

He added that panel of judges

agreed there are a lot of positives that emerged from this year’s digital fine arts entry.

“It clearly demonstrated how the fourth industrial revolution is taking sway even in old tradition of arts competition adjudication. It was evident that the pandemic affected the artist in different ways that can be traced through their work.

Some work showed substantial use of household material or less time spent in studios amid ongoing concerns of digital access and the cost of data,” said Froud.

He explained that it was a difficult process to judge over 400 artworks online. Adjudicators selected the top 100 and then top 20.

Froud indicated that adjudicators debated in detail on content, technical aspects of the work giving each artist a chance, and in the end, the three winners emerged from the top 20.

August House Emerging Artist Residency Award Jessica Frohlich from Randburg for Metamorphosis artwork.

She will also spend three month doing a mentorship programme at August House. Nono Mohloki also won R10 000 for her multimedia artwork titled Lenyalo.

The total prize money for the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards amounted to R190 000, including the Lizamore & Associates Mentorship & Exhibition Programme and META Foundation mentorship for six months that includes visual art exhibitions.

-Mapepeza Reporter

Ekurhuleni Prize Sthembiso Zulu from Vosloorus won for a series of photographs titled Ngithunywe YiS’thunywa.

Honourable Mention Award Feneard Fletcher from Boksburg received R10 000 for installation work titled Disassociation.

Artist Thabang Lehobye

Mapepeza

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

Advertorial

MTN supports SANEF and AIP towards efforts in supporting community media and safety training of journalists!

MTN has once more raised its hand as it decided to support the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) towards both organisations’ critical programmes.

SANEF and the AIP once more encouraged with the telecommunications group’s efforts in supporting the work being done by the media.

Last year MTN was one of the founding companies that supported the establishment of the Media Relief Fund, which has so far assisted hundreds of journalists who lost their income due to Covid-19.

This time around, MTN will be supporting the AIP as it intends to assist community media entities, largely affected by the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. SANEF will be supported towards the safety training of journalists, a growing concern as media workers have been under criminal attacks, with the latest incident happening in Cape Town this week.

MTN pledges an amount of

R800 000,00 to be equally shared between both organisations in support of their work and members’ needs.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, says: “The safety training of journalists is an issue we take seriously as an organisation. Recent incidents have necessitated that we pay closer attention to this and assist journalists across community and mainstream media to be well equipped when they go out to cover stories. We are grateful for this much-needed assistance by MTN.”

MTN SA’s Executive for Corporate Affairs, Jacqui O’Sullivan says: “Community media have such a critical role to play in the day-to-day issues on the doorsteps of so many South Africans. These critical role players have continued their good work in the face of adversity during the pandemic and recent looting and riots. We salute them and hope that this funding will assist them in carrying on their good work.”

The funds are intended to help grassroots publishers pay for printing and distribution costs and assist them to get back on their feet again after the damages and loss of advertising revenue caused by the unrest and looting.

The AIP is immensely grateful for the support that has been offered by MTN to its memberpublishers as it will give them a much-needed boost and fillin the unexpected financial gap that was caused by the unrest and looting.

It must be noted that MTN is the founding funder of the Media Relief Fund, managed by SANEF.

Community print media remain a critical voice in their communities, as their widespread coverage spans across the country’s provinces, and the publications are available in nine (9) South African official languages.

The fund’s sole intent was to assist financially constrained journalists affected by Covid-19.

The fund is now in its fifth and last round, which will see ninety-nine media workers getting financial help.

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

Mzansi children next in line for vaccines!

The Department of Health has announced that children aged 12 to 17 years old are next in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are now ready to start vaccinations for this group of young people from the age of 12 to 17 years,” said Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, during a media briefing on the national vaccination roll-out.

He told journalists that this follows a recommendation received from the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on COVID-19 Vaccines.

“This recommendation was also supported

by Health MECs when we met on Tuesday (October 12) afternoon during our statutory National Health Council,” he explained, adding that the decision was also backed

by Cabinet.

The department said it will distribute the jabs from October 20, this to allow necessary preparation on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) registration system and other logistical preparations.

“We believe that this will come in handy as schools start their examinations, while some of them already advanced towards concluding the academic year and studying to prepare for the next academic year of 2022.”

A single jab for the kids

However, according to the Minister, MAC has advised that a single dose of the Pfizer jab should be administered for now, as approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

The MAC recommended the delay of administering the second dose due to concerns about rare cases of myocarditis – heart muscle inflammation, with a few cases reported across the globe after a second dose.

“The MAC has advised that while this is being monitored all over the world at this stage, there has been no indication that the first dose has any serious side effects.

So for now, it will be just one dose while the studies are continuing,” he said.

“We believe that it will still offer significant protection, and once more information comes, we can space the second dose for the young people.”

In South Africa, adults receive two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The Minister has assured parents and teenagers that even when these cases have been reported, they had no permanent risk.

“So we’re just taking precaution in this case,” he stressed.

Targeting 3 million teens before holiday season According to the Department of Health’s Acting Director-General, Dr Nicholas Crisp, there are about six million youngsters in the secondary school cohort.

“It would be good to get hold of at least half of those children before the school holidays.”

While the department said it was ready to go ahead with the rolling out of the vaccine to this age group, he said the EVDS still needs to be tweaked to allow children’s consent and the notification of any different side effects that may be available.

“It’s our intention for children to be vaccinated from Wednesday next week. That should give a few days for those that are writing [exams] to be vaccinated and have a couple of days to get over any mild sideeffects that they may experience.”

According to Dr Crisp, the system will be tested, while registration is expected to be opened on the same day of rolling out of the vaccine soon He said children will be vaccinated at all public and private vaccination sites, the same as everybody else.

-Mapepeza Reporter

All systems go for matric exams! Chief Justice Mogoeng retires!

The quality assurance examination board, Umalusi, says plans are in place and the system is ready to administer the November 2021 final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Umalusi said strict measures are in place ahead of the examinations, which will commence officially on Wednesday, 27 October 2021 and conclude on Tuesday, 7 December 2021.

The examinations will be written at approximately 11 308 examination centres across the country and marking will be conducted at about 193 marking centres.

Addressing a recent media briefing, Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi said the council has granted approval to private and public assessment bodies to administer the 2021 endof-year national examinations.

The CEO said that despite identified shortcomings, the Council is generally satisfied that all assessment bodies are ready to undertake this massive task despite COVID-19.

He said in the past few months, public and independent assessment bodies have worked hard to ensure their examination systems comply with Umalusi’s policy and directives regarding the administration, management and conduct of NSC examinations.

“As a Quality Council, Umalusi has fulfilled its role in monitoring and

verifying the work of the following assessment bodies - Department of Basic Education (DBE), Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI),” he said.

This year, Umalusi said it has continued to implement a Risk Management Based (RMB) approach as its strategy to evaluate the level of preparedness of assessment bodies to conduct the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Umalusi has appreciated the effort made by all assessment bodies in putting systems in place to ensure that the integrity of the exams is not compromised, despite limitations imposed by COVID-19.

Umalusi has issued a stern warning to all stakeholders regarding incidents of cheating that were reported last year.

“Once again, as we have done in the past, and in light of what transpired in 2020, Umalusi wishes to issue a stern warning to all learners and teachers to refrain from all forms of cheating, including paper leakages.

“We berate and condemn this criminal practice with the contempt it deserves. Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system, which we are mandated to jealously protect as a Quality Council,” the CEO said.

-Mapepeza Reporter

The Presiding Officers of Parliament have paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, as he served his last day on Monday, October 11.

Justice Mogoeng, the fourth Chief Justice of South Africa since the advent of democracy, served the country and its people outstandingly and remarkably since taking over from Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo in 2011.

The Presiding Officers, led by National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo, commended the Chief Justice for his exceptional contribution made to the country’s constitutional democracy by strengthening the role of the Constitutional Court during his tenure.

“He worked very hard to ensure that the administration of justice was bolstered through the Apex Court (Constitutional Court). He worked tirelessly to ensure that the independence of the judiciary is not compromised and that the doctrine of separation of powers is strengthened. We salute him for remaining faithful to this country - both in word and in deed, even under trying circumstances in the evolution of our constitutional democracy and for upholding and protecting the Constitution and the human rights entrenched in it, and for fulfilling his responsibilities without fear, favour or prejudice,” the Presiding Officers said in a statement.

The Presiding Officers said this moment calls on everyone to remind themselves about the critical role of the judiciary, as a pillar of the country’s constitutional order.

“Justice Mogoeng embodies exemplary leadership and we are convinced that he leaves behind a stronger Constitutional Court,” Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo said.

Mapepeza

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

VOICE of DIPALISENG

Making everything transparent!

CAll/Whatsapp us: 079 753 5990 email: diphaphangproducer@gmail.com

The voice of dipaliseng

Striving in the midst of the pandemic!

By: Khotso Link

Gert Sibande TVET College (Balfour Campus) has become the pride and joy of the Dipaleseng Local Municipality in the field of academics, and the school’s management prides itself in the standard of learning that they have set for themselves as an institution as well as the interpersonal learner support that the college is offering their students.

He said that we should learn to be selfreliant and not focus on corporations and private institutions only for employment opportunities but to also be entrepreneurs who will create jobs for other graduates.

His speech was followed by a keynote address by Thando Love Collins Nhlapo,

who mentioned that since the college’s inception in2014, the campus has maintained an average pass percentage of above 85% and they are yet to fall below that average.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic posing a serious challenge for students and learning institutions all over South Afri-

ca, the 2019 and 2020 groups have both achieved the 90% pass rate.

We at The Voice of Dipaliseng wish all graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Tuesday, October 5, marked another significant milestone in the history of the college.

The college held a prestigious ceremony in honor of the 2019/20 Office Admin and Civil Engineering NCV Graduates.

More than 80% of graduates from the civil engineering class are female students; which is another remarkable achievement of the campus.

The current SRC Chairperson of the Balfour Campus delivered a heartfelt speech to bid farewell to the class of 2019/20.

In the climax of his speech, he also shed some light on the high unemployment rate of graduates all across South Africa.

Kato helps to solve unresolved issues!

By: Khotso Link

On October 14, Kato Moloi an independent councilor candidate for Ward 1 called a meeting with the residence of extension 5 to discuss some of the issues affecting our community.

Some of the issues include: Why most RDP beneficiaries don’t have title deeds of their houses, the outage of High Mast lights (Apollo Lights) all over Siyathemba, poor road infrastructure in ward 1, people having received RDP houses without registering or applying for one.

With regards to why most beneficiaries of RDP houses don’t have title deeds to their homes, Kato Moloi said its because the Dipaleseng Local Municipality owes Mr. Kgomo money for services rendered.

Mr. Kgomo is a conveyancing attorney that Dipaleseng Local Municipality used to register title deeds for occupants.

“The Local Municipality owes Eskom money so as a result, the lights got disconnected until the local municipality can settle the matter with Eskom,” said Moloi in regards to the outage of street lights.

Concerning the issue of to people having received RDP houses unduly, Kato said the community has had to endure the slow roll-out of RDP houses due to the backlog of RDP applicants.

He also explained how the community has to endure unjust processes as to regarding the allocation of RDP houses when its gets conducted.

EFF Road tour comes to Siyathemba community!

By: Diphapang Bigdeal Mokhomatha

The Dipaleseng Community was recently visited by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) officials to listen to local issues that are affecting the community and get support ahead of the elections Members of the community were given a chance to voice out their crisis, they were also given a chance to speak about the houses that are in Ridge View.

They say the home issued to outsiders and there is no help coming from the local municipality.

They even spoke about the LED high mast lights that are not working all over Dipaleseng.

One of the most talked about is the issue of demarcation (proGauteng) the community is still affected by it.

“The issue of CWP workers and the tendering system must end in Dipaleseng because it causes slow development in Dipaleseng and tendering system also causes unemployment,” a resident spoke out.

The community has also mentioned the issue of sports facilities that are not available in Dipaleseng and they demand the appointed councilors to be available 24 hours to assist them.

The EFF heard about the lack of assistance that the Burnstone mine is providing in Dipaleseng, which they are not very pleased with.

They are also voiced concerns about the interference of the municipality officials and councilors in terms of job recruitment and

placement. The fighters got a chance introduced their councillor candidates to residents.

Commissioner Omphile Mantwe, Member of Parliament and treasure General of EFF, spoke about the available land by in the area stretching towards the Nigel road and the lack of housing in Dipaleseng yet we have mines and Eskom.

She also mentioned local farmers that should benefit by encouraging black farmers to emerge and drive their economy. Mantwe stated that the ANC government is greed-driven and they are about maximizing profit.

She also mentioned the corruption that is coming with the tendering system as the main cause of unemployment. She also mentioned that they will assist to keep the Dipaleseng local clinic open for 24 hours.

DO YOU WANT MORE NEWS FROM THE DIPALESENG COMMUNITY? GOT A STORY TO SHARE?

CONTACT US TODAY! 079 753 5990

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Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

Mapepeza

Apostle Kutoane promises to revolutionize Sedibeng

Activist Moses Gama looking to lead his community

Sipho Thabethe for Lesedi Ward 10 Councillor

Mapule Motsepe looking to continue leading Lesedi Ward 11

Representing the Black First, Land First Party (BLF) in the Sedibeng District Municipality, Apostle Neo Kutoane is contesting for the executive mayoral seat in the southern-Gauteng region.

Running as an Independent Candidate contesting for the Ward 51 in the City of Ekurhuleni, Moses Gama is no stranger in his community. Known as a community activist and leader, Gama is now running for office and is looking to make a positive change in his ward.

The Socialist Economic Freedom Movement (SEFM) has picked Sipho Thabethe to represent the party in Lesedi Ward 10 in the upcoming local government elections.

The current ward 11 councillor and Speaker of the Lesedi Local Municipality, Mapule Motsepe, representing the African National Congress (ANC) is looking to extend her position and continue her term of service in government.

Apostle Kutoane has been very active in local politics. From joining Sharpeville Phase 4 under SACP, he went to Rustenburg North West Boitekong became active member of ANC, Sanco and then joined the EFF in Ratanda. He has since joined the BLF and has risen the ranks to lead as the party’s District Coordinator.

The BLF has been holding an active political campaign. Apostle Kutoane is one of the three mayoral candidates representing the party in the district, along with Happy Nyawuza (Lesedi) and Veli Mcira (Emfuleni).

Through meetings and interactions with communities, the party has introduced its manifesto, called a ‘battle-plan’ made to aggressively implement is promises.

“We need change and now as a matter of urgency.

We as BLF are very clear on that. We have a 15 point Battle Plan,” said Kutoane.

Known as a pan-African party, BLF has ambitious plans to help the most disadvantaged members of the community. In the Battle Plan, the organization wants cut unemployment by employing all graduates; provide land to the landless; food security by having gardens in every household; save the township economy; establish a municipality bank, and; end corruption through punishing the corrupt and rewarding good governance.

According to the Apostle, the main priories for the BLF in Sedibeng are land, township economy to benefit the township and employ all graduates.

Kutoane is known for his work as a pastor, voiceover artist and Professional MC. He is also an actor and appeared in the SABC 1 drama, Skeem Sam.

He is the Chairperson of Kathorus Local Drug Action Commitee, Bishop-Elect of Holy Betsider Apostolic Church Of SA, mentor of National Clap-N-Tap Arts Council, Mmino Wa Clap-NTap Awards, spokesperson and founder (2005), SA Apostolic Council spokesperson and director of Tsohang Youth Project.

Gama has been hard at work preparing for his first contest in the upcoming Local Government Elections. He held sector meetings, door-to-door visits, engaged potential voters on Facebook and Whatsapp. He has also been hard at work doing what he does best, attending to the issues of his fellow residents. Gama recently led a campaign to fix the homes of two residents in Tshongweni section which were damaged by cross-fire during a cash-in-transit heist.

“I am a devoted, humble and empathetic leader who is willing to listen and serve with great ideas to unite and rally community behind them while being izindlebe, Amehlo and Izwi lo mphakati,” he said.

He is an award-winning anti-alcohol and drug abuse activist for over 15 years.

Under his leadership, he plans to set in motion plans for adequately resourced in-patient treatment centres, halfway houses and aftercare programs among other programs.

A resident of Jameson Park near Heidelberg, Thabethe aims to change the conditions for the residents in his community and improve service delivery.

Thabethe has been into politics from a young age, starting out in high school and has held several student positions. He has joined the newly-formed party to bring some changes to positively impact the most vulnerable, especially young people.

The SEFM has been on a daily campaign trail, doing door-to-door interactions, ward-based meetings, engagement online and actively using social media to bring potential voters to their side.

“We engaged with the churches, sports club and other organizations within the community. With the COVID-19 regulations, we respect not to call large number for our gatherings,” he said.

The party has candidates for all 13 wards in the Lesedi Local Municipality.

For Thabethe, the priorities in his ward are safety of the community by creating more visibility of SAPS, and, creating the skills center that will provide different skills to the community.

Sipho believes that when given the vote, employing young people would be top of the list.

She is a respected and experienced political figure in her community. She started active school politics during secondary education in Ratanda Secondary School in mid-1980s as a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS).

“This later translated into active and committed participation in ANC Youth League and later into ANC and SACP (SA Communist Party),” she said.

Under the ANC and SACP, Motsepe has served as Branch deputy-secretary and Branch Secretary respectively. Her work in the party earned her the ward councillor seat in 2016 and was appointed as a member of the Mayoral Committee, responsible for the Infrastructure department. She was then elected as Speaker of Council in 2021.

Apart from door-to-door visits, the party has also embarked on voter education campaigns to teach first time voters the importance of participating in the elections. Besides political participation, the Speaker plans to continue personally having meetings with community members in need.

“We can recognize the talent in the area through sport and skills programs that will eliminate poverty and unemployment,” he explained.

She has a special focus on the growth young women so they know their worth and stand their ground. According to Motsepe, the ANC has been running a healthy and successful government, however, more can be done. “There is always room for progress to be even better,” she said.

After the elections, Thabethe aspires to create a mobile office within the area which will be easily accessible by the community at all times.

Motsepe’s priorities as ward councillor are service delivery, youth employment and having safer comminities.

The ANC relies on Phindi to lead Lesedi Ward 6

Moiketsi Tladi represents COPE in Emfuleni Ward 6

Happy Nyawuza is running for Mayor of Lesedi

Nelly Dube is ready to serve as Ward 8 Councillor

Phindi Rachel Mpemvu is the Lesedi Ward 6 councillor candidate for the African National Congress contesting in the upcoming municipal elections.

Contesting on behalf of the Congress of the People party (Cope), Abram Moeketsi Tladi is the councillor candidate for Emfuleni ward 6.

Tladi has been elected chairperson of Cope Sedibeng Region since from 2018. He is responsible for overseeing that the work of the party around Vaal is done and Cope is well known.

The Black First Land First (BLF) party has picked community activist and leader, Happy Nyawuza, to stand and contest for the mayoral seat in the Lesedi Local Municipality.

His political journey started when the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) was born back in 2013.

He served as a Secretary for Ward 4. After relocating, he then was elected Chairperson of Ward 1, where he led for for two years. He later resigned from the EFF to join the BLF in the Lesedi region.

The African National Congress (ANC) has elected Nelly Dube to contest for the Ward 8 councillor seat. Nelly is Branch Secretary and Secretary of the Women's League.

With over two decades of active political participation and experience, Mpemvu now looks to serve in government.

“I joined ANC in 1999. I then started to participate in Youth League as a full member. In 2003, I became a Deputy-Secretary of ANC in ward 10. By 2014, I did relocated to ward 7 and continued to serve the interest of the people in ANC,” she said.

Two years later, in 2016, she became a Branch Deputy chairperson to date.

Contesting in the elections for the first time, she has joined her comrades in Lesedi in their various events and platforms gathering support for the party. The ANC has a lead on most wards in the municipality.

In her opinion, the current administration is doing extremely well.

“Service delivery and job creation is on point, even though the rate of unemployment is still high, they doing everything possibly to achieve better results,” said Mpemvu.

This is not the first time he is contesting in the municipal elections.His previous election campaign did not perform well due to the party’s internal struggles.

“By that time, Cope was coming from the internal battles that crippled our party and that led to people not trusting us anymore,” he explained.

The party’s election manifesto was launched on Heritage Day last month, which outlines the promises when they get into power.

Since then, Cope has been hard at work to restore their reputation and gather support ahead of November 1. Tladi has been out and about with his members doing door-to-door visits, sharing Tshirts among other activities.

“I work hand in hand with the community. I assist them with all they need like grant application, employment information etc.,” she explained.

According to Tladi, the community of Emfuleni ward 6 need better representation in government.

Many issues cripple this area. These include crime, inactive youth, lack of access to basic services etc.

Post the elections, he plans to hold meetings with the community consistently to hear their grievances and ideas.

“The people are the one to choose what they want.

Remember, we are following the freedom charter as it says ‘the people shall govern’,” he said.

Top of her agenda with the ANC is service delivery and providing more job opportunities, especially for young people.

His three top priorities are to reduce crime, restructuring of infrastructure, and skill development for the unemployed.

As a hard working community member, Phindi is a Community Development Worker.

Nyawuza is very active in engaging with community members in finding out their issues and finding ways to help out. “At the moment I’m running a care-giver organization that helps poor families with clothes, food and any other basic needs. We also help employees that needs representation or being mistreated by their employers,” he explained.

With a heavy voice on social media, especially on Facebook, Nyawuza has been gathering support and is not shy to speak his mind to his over 5000 followers. He believes in such tools for engagement as many people are using their phones to communicate online on a daily basis. “Each and every ward needs to create a social media platform and also have ward meetings quarterly, so we can quickly resolve matters that needs urgent attention,” he said.

Looking to lead Lesedi from within, Nyawuza is not satisfied with the way things are running with the current administration. “Surely there’s is a lot that must change, especially the way our municipality is hiring and the poor state of service delivery,” said Nyawuza.

The BLF has their 15 point battle plan for municipalities, and Nyawuza wants to put it into action.

His top priorities are job creations (recruiting locals only), revive art and culture sector and end drugs and crime.

The ANC’s manifesto has highlighted that although the party has done a lot of work in the past two decades since the dawn of Democracy, a lot has to be done to ensure that communities live better lives.

According to the party, to improve the quality of leadership in local government, the ANC has done things differently and better this time, by improving consultation and oversight by involving communities in the selection of their ward candidates.

From that promise, Dube says that by having meetings with residents constantly, and keeping them updated with issues that at hand or will be coming.

If she is successful in her campaign, Dube has plans to improve lives in her community.

“I would develop projects for the youth, prioritize healthcare for elders and assist lower-income families with food parcels,” she explained.

In preparation towards the local government elections, Dube has done a lot to promote her campaign alongside other councillor candidates in Lesedi.

They have done door-to-door visits, loud-hailing in the streets, fundraising car-wash and seeking donations for food parcels to be given to the poor.

The party has also used social media and word of mouth to extend their support to potential voters.

Apart from her political activism, Dube is planning with project to promote unity in the community.

Mapepeza

Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

9

Mpumalanga MEC hands himself over!

The South African Police Service (SAPS) have confirmed the arrest of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) in Mpumalanga, Mandla Msibi.

Msibi and his co-accused, Njabulo Mkhonto and Anele Sonke Mnisi, are currently facing two counts of murder and one of attempted murder relating to the fatal shooting of Dingaan Ngwenya and Sindela Lubisi and the wounding of a third person at the Cayotes Shisa Nyama in Nelspruit onAugust 22.

In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the suspect, accompanied by his attorney, on Monday (October 11) handed himself over to police in Nelspruit in connection with at least two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

least twice before being granted bail of R20 000 each on Friday, 8 October 2021,” said Naidoo.

Following the arrest, the Premier of the province Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, addressed the media. She has relieved Msibi from his position as Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs MEC. The premier added that Busisiwe Shiba will continue to act in place of Msibi. He remains as an ordinary member in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.

Msibi and co-accused have appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court and have applied for bail. On the day of the hearing, a bomb threat caused the trial to postpone proceedings to October 19.

He said the 45-year-old MEC was alleged to have been involved in a shooting, where two people were fatally shot and a third person wounded on 22 August 2021 in Nelspruit.

“His arrest brings to three the total number of people arrested in connection with this case. On 17 September 2021, police arrested Joseph Charlie Ngwenya (35) and Tshepo Matsane (30).

They both appeared in court at

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Commission investigates company for recalled apple juice scandal!

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched an investigation into the conduct of Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD, following a recent recall of 100% apple juice by CocaCola Beverages, Pioneer Foods and Woolworths.

Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza said that based on information provided to the NCC, the Commission has reasonable grounds to believe that Elgin Fruit Juice, the supplier of 100% Apple Juice Concentrate, supplied goods that are unsafe or pose a potential risk to the public.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mabuza said the investigation will help the NCC understand the nature, causes, extent and degree of the risk to the public.

“The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) emphasises that every consumer has a right to receive goods that are safe and of good quality. If the investigation reveals that Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD contravened the provisions of the CPA, the Commission will refer the matter to the National Consumer Tribunal where we will be praying for an administrative fine of 10% of their total annual turnover or R1 000 000, whichever is the greater.

“The purpose and policy of the CPA amongst others, is to promote fair business practices while protecting consumers and ensuring that consumers enjoy their right to safe and good quality goods.

"We will not allow a situation where the health of consumers is compromised,” Mabuza said.

Mapepeza

Sports 10

Vol8 Issue 12: October 2021

WINNER OF 2019 GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS: Community Media of The Year

Joburg Women in sport celebrated Finalists for 2020/21 Gauteng On Thursday, October 7, the communities.”

Futballing Girls non-profit or- Each winner received a glass Sports Awards announced! ganization held another awards trophy, a certificate and prizes

It has been the toughest year for all sports across the world due to the pandemic and lockdowns.

Major and local sports competitions had to be canceled, including the barring of spectators in stadiums.

Despite all that, many athletes and organizations persisted through it all to continue doing what comes best to them, the love of the game.

On Friday, October 15, the Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation department hosted the nominees announcement for the Gauteng Sports Awards at the Emerald Casino in Sedibeng.

In honour of the residents who showed up between 2020 and 2021, the department is yet again hosting the prestigious Gauteng Sports Awards.

Member of Executive Committee for the department, Mbali Hlophe delivered a short keynote and congratulated everyone who got nominated.

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“The pandemic caused us to put a halt to sport for more than a year, and we have had to find unique ways in which to bring back sport to our communities.

Sport is such a vital part of our lives and more often than not unites us as communities. So it was really difficult for us to have to cancel the 2020 edition of the Gauteng Sports Awards and gives us immense pleasure

to be able to once again honour and reward Gauteng’s best athletes, administrators, coaches and media personalities who have been able to keep us entertained and who have overcome so much in the past 18 months,” she said.

Each of the 19 categories has three finalists, each selected by an independent board of judges from the local sporting community. The Lifetime Achiever Award will be personally selected by the MEC. A new category, Online Virtual Sport & Recreation Programme Of The Year, was added to recognize those who have adapted their sport and recreational talents to the conditions under the pandemic.

The Sports Personality of the Year Award will be chosen by public votes which opened from Friday, October 15, and will close on November 14 at 12 PM. People can vote by SMS for their favourite star.

Mapepeza Community Newspaper got its third nomination in the Community Media of the Year Award. The publication is nominated along with Soweto TV and Thetha FM.

ceremony to recognize and reward local sporting athletes, administrators and organizers from the City of Johannesburg.

The ceremony has awarded sports women in Sedibeng, West Rand and Ekurhuleni.

Soon, the organizers will be honoring those from the City of Tshwane.

According to the NPO, women in sports awards will be introduced in other provinces across the country as part of the organisation’s women empowerment initiative.

Moonira Ramathula the founder of the Women in Sports Awards had this to say, “ Its really such an honour and pleasure to be back for the second edition of the Johannesburg Women in Sports Awards, celebrating, honouring and celebrating women and young girls in sport. We need to continue encouraging the growth and development of the women in sport brand. Lastly I would like to congratulate all the nominees and finalists for all their hard work in keeping girls and women in sport brand alive in

from the organizers and sponsor Essence Cosmetics.

Here is the full list of winners at the Joburg Women in Sports Awards 2021: Tamzin Mary Rowe - Coach Of The year Youth Alive - Sports Project Community Project Of The Year Lindokuhle Yolenda Jiyane Community Sports Journalist Of The Year Nthabiseng Mamabolo - Community Sports Radio Presenter Of The Year Zonica Lindeque - School Sports Athlete Of The Year Standard Chartered Bank Sponsor Of The Year Mila Ben David - Sports Achiever Of The Year Vinolia Nolene Austin - Administrator Of the Year Piwokuhle Nyanda - Sportswoman Of The Year Yane van der Merwe - Sportswoman Of The Year With Disability Mastercard Golden Lions - Womens Team Team Of The Year Kelello Tswai - Technical Official Of The Year Precious Hlaka - Volunteer Of The Year

In the previous ceremony in 2019, Mapepeza won the award which was received by the founders Stephen Seakgwe and the late Anatola ‘Lolliepop’ Mofoka.

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