eMapepeza Vol.9 Issue 5 - May 2022

DISTRIBUTED IN COMUNNITIES OF : • SEDIBENG DISTRICT • CITY OF EKURHULENI • JOHANNESBURG • GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT (MPUMALANGA)

MAHALA! IT’S FRE

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TAKE ON E MAY 2022 VOL.9 ISSUE #5

Mayor Mluleki honours top students!

On Friday (May 13), Lesedi Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi (third from right), visited Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary school in Ratanda during their school award ceremony. These awards were for the matric class of 2019 to 2021. The mayor then gifted the three top learners from those Matric classes respectively-brand new laptops, to assist them in their future studies. Sourced from Facebook

Former City officials jailed for corruption, tender fraud!

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the sentencing of two former senior City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan officials as well as their accomplices after they were convicted of tender fraud, money laundering and corruption which cost the municipality at least R21.8 million.

The Pretoria Commercial Crimes

Court sentenced the convicts as follows: • Former Ekurhuleni IT executive Nilesh Singh – sentenced to 10 years for fraud; • Former Ekurhuleni IT senior manager Andrew Mphushomadi – was given a 10 year prison sentence with four years suspended for money laundering; • Businessman Velero David was

sentenced to 10 years for fraud and 15 years for corruption; • David’s business, Meropa Sechaba Technology, received a R600 000 fine wholly suspended; • Nanga Transport which was represented by Mphushomadi’s wife, Princes Dlongolo, also received a R600 000 fine wholly suspended.

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Baahi ba ile ba hwan- Action SA launches branch in Lesedi! tela masepaleng!

Arnold Classic Fest is back after 2 years!

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Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

News

News Briefs On Thursday, May 5, the department of Health reported a new milestone of reaching over 35 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered countrywide.

The Department of Health says it would like to bring to the public’s attention an error in a media statement issued on Wednesday, May 4, regarding the removal of face mask wearing by children at school.

“Children like other people are expected to continue complying with the provisions of Regulation 16A on face masks in the classrooms and general indoor gatherings, unlike outdoors in playgrounds and sports fields,” the department confirmed.

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, earlier announced a three-month extension for public comments on health regulations relating to the management of COVID-19.

These regulations mainly focus on wearing of face masks, gatherings and persons entering the country.

Deceased person found along the R23 road!

Heidelberg police were called to attend a scene where an unknown decomposed body of an African male aged between 25 to 35 was found earlier this month.

Duscovered at the R23 Road behind the Total filling Station, the unknown man remains unidentified thus far and has been taken to the Heidelberg Forensic pathology services.

Police have since opened an Inquest case and investigation is underway.

“We appeal to the members of the community to assist saps and come forward with any information that will help to find the family of the unkown person, you can contact heidelberg saps detectives on 016 3410 415 or visit MYSAPS App to send tip off,” said police spokesperson Constable Nkosi.

Consumers urged to return Knorr product for refund

The National Consumer Commission has called on consumers countrywide to return the Knorr Cup-A-Soup Beef & Vegetable Lite products to retailers immediately.

This was also announced by the food producers in a tweet as quoted: “A number of boxes were packed with another variant, which contains wheat & gluten. Do not use affected boxes with BB 22SEPT 23 2082 E: Return products to your nearest store. Call our Care line 0860 331 441 for more info. We sincerely apologise.”

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is the primary regulator of consumer-business interaction in the country.

The comments relate to the Surveillance and Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions; Public Measures in Points of Entry; Management of Human Remains and Environmental Health by three months.

The extension was with effect from Thursday, May 5. The new closing date for submission of comments is on July 5.

The final analogue switch-off date is shifted to 30 June 2022. Analogue TV transmitters will be switched off progressively in the remaining provinces.

Group arrested for impersonating police!

Citizens have been urged to switch by getting a satillite TV decoder, either by purchasing it or applying for the free one via the Post Office.

The 2022 May/June National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate (SC) Examinations commenced today on 9 May and will conclude on 23 June.

Mapepeza wishes good luck to all the matrics and learners during this exam period.

Motorists are urged to be aware of people impersonating police and traffic offiers on the major roads.

This is after a young female medical doctor was hijacked on May 3 on the N3 near Heidelberg. Her brand new Porsche Cayenne GTS was stolen, together with her family belongings.

According to information received, the hijackers were wearing police uniform.

Source: Vehicle Trackerz GET MORE NEWS AND UPDATES ONLINE. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON WWW.MAPEPEZA.ONLINE OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Mapepeza

FRONT PAGE STORY

SIU, City welcome sentencing of corrupt officials!

According to SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, they were found guilty following a probe, which revealed that David and his business were fraudulently awarded a tender for the supply and maintenance of computer equipment for the City.

“David…declared during the bidding process that he had no relationship with persons in the service of the State or who may be involved in the evaluation and adjudication of the bid. Unbeknown to [the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality] at the time, David was related through marriage to Singh [an]… influential person in the awarding of the tender. Singh resigned and joined Meropa shortly after the bid was awarded.

“Mphushomadi…was also involved in the allocation of the tender [and] it emerged during the investigation that, shortly after the tender was awarded, [his wife’s company] purchased a number of Mercedes Benz trucks close to R4 million, paid for

by Meropa from the money received from the [City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality]. Meropa also splashed out around R8 million cash from the…tender on 16 luxury vehicles,” Kganyago said.

He said the fleet of luxury cars and property has been forfeited to the state in a bid to recover the municipality’s losses.

“The outcome of the Specialised Commercial Crime Court is a continuation of implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions and hold those responsible to account for their actions through a justice process in accordance with the SIU Act 74 of 1996,” Kganyago said.

Mayor hails sentencing

Police in Johannesburg, working together with with Joburg Metro Police, arrested four suspects between the ages of 35 and 47 for impersonating police.

The group was nabbed near corner Bree and Twist Street in the inner-city on Monday, May 15.

Two of the suspects are females.

“Police were busy with their routine crime prevention duties when they saw suspicious people busy harrasing the community. They were targeting foreign nationals demanding passports from them.

Police intercepted them and found

them in possession of appointment certificate and handcuffs,” explained police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele.

Investigation is underway and suspects will be appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate Court on the Tuesday, May 17.

“Johannesburg Central Acting Station Commander Colonel Manyekoane commended swift response by the police in the apprehension of the suspects. He elaborated further that these are the people who tarnished the image of the police,” said Mbele.

NOTICE: SARS Nigel branch closed The SARS Nigel branch is closed for visits until further notice. All virtual appointments will still be honored. SARS apologies for the inconvenience.

City Executive Mayor, Alderwoman Tania Campbell also welcomed the sentencing.

“On behalf of the Multi-Party Coalition Government in the City of Ekurhuleni, we welcome the sentencing of two former City of Ekurhuleni officials who defrauded the Metro of R21.8million. We commend the sterling work of the Special Investigative Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority for taking a hard line against fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

Furthermore, we applaud the role of Councillors and our Section 79 Oversight Committees in unearthing corrupt activities in the City,” she said.

According to the mayor, the Coalition government is committed to governing in the people’s interests by eliminating corruption and adopting best practices in good governance.

-MAPEPEZA REPORTER

Mapepeza

Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

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Iposi liyayeka ukukhokha Sedibeng welcomes new MM! izibonelelo zika-R350!

Uhlelo olusha lokufaka izicelo zoxhaso luka-R350 lweSocial Relief of Distress (SRD) luvulwe ekuqaleni kwale nyanga.

Nokho, ngenxa yolayini abade abaphazamisa izinsiza ngezinye izikhathi, amagatsha ePosi ngeke esakhokha izibonelelo ze-SRD. Lesi simemezelo senziwe yiPosi ngoLwesibili, mhla ziyi-10 kuNhlaba.

Isizindalwazi sesicelo manje sihlanganisa inketho lapho abahlomulayo bengathola khona isibonelelo sikahulumeni kunoma yimuphi umthengisi wakwa-Pick n Pay, u-Boxer, u-Shoprite, u-Checkers noma umthengisi wase-USave. Ihhovisi Leposi laseNingizimu Afrika liyeluleka ngokuqinile abahlomuli ukuba basebenzise le nketho.

Uma ususifakile kabusha isicelo sakho sesibonelelo sikahulumeni se-SRD, usengakhetha ukukhetha ukuthi ulande isibonelelo sakho kunoma yimuphi u-Pick n Pay, uBoxer, u-Shoprite, u-Checkers noma i-USave.

Ngena ku-srd.sassa.gov.za bese uphendula i-SMS yezokuphepha oyithola ocingweni lwakho. Ungabe usufaka abathengisi esicelweni sakho bese uhambisa isicelo esibuyekeziwe.

Abahlomulayo kumele babe nezinombolo zabo zamaselula ukuze bakhiphe imali yesibonelelo sikahulumeni ezitolo ezinkulu.

Uma ungenayo inombolo yakho, kungcono uzitholele eyakho i-SIM khadi bese usebenzisa leyo nombolo ukuze ufake isicelo semali yakho yesibonelelo. Ungakwazi futhi ukushintsha inombolo yakho yeselula kuwebhusayithi engenhla.

Abahlomulayo bazosizwa ukusetha kabusha izikhonkwane zamakhadi ezindaweni zokukhokhela imali.

Ikhadi lingasetshenziswa kubathengisi kuma-ATM. Abahlomuli be-SASSA abathola izibonelelo zokuguga, zokukhubazeka noma zezingane basengalanda izibonelelo zabo kunoma yiliphi igatsha lasePosini.

Sedibeng District Council has appointed Mr Motsumi Mathe as the Municipal Manager of Sedibeng District Municipality with effect from May 1.

Mr Mathe (52) is a sought-after strategic leader and manager; a dedicated public servant with over 10 years' experience in the developmental sector.

The municipal manager is the accounting officer of the municipality and serves as the head of municipal administration.

The executive mayor, Councillor Lerator Maloka has welcomed the new municipal manager of the district and has wished him well in his new responsibilities.

Born and raised in Boipatong township, Mathe has worked with Sedibeng previously as a Director of Municipal Systems back in 2014.

Mr Mathe's skills and experience saw him being recruited to the struggling Metsimaholo Local Municipality (MLM) by the Free State Provincial Executive Council from February 2020 until January 2021 to set up good governance structures, systems, processes and performance driven municipality.

He was then called back to MLM the same year in August 2021 until end of April this year. Mathe served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at World Education Network, focusing

on youth development and matric Bridging programmes in Sedibeng region.

Apart from his work, he is an author of three books and has worked as lecturer at graduate and postgraduate level (Research and Statistics) at North West University/Vista. He is the former Head of Department, Research & Sector Planning at the ETDP SETA. Mathe holds a BSc degree, Honours and Masters in Social Sciences (Research) from the University of Zulu land. He completed an Advanced Management Programme (AMP) from Henley Management College (UK). His experience ranges from human capital, performance management, corporate governance and intergovernmental relations.

According to the district municipality, Mathe is set to be the driver of the District Developmental Model (DDM) in the region.

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Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

Mapepeza

Rest in Peace Deborah Fraser! Baahi ba ile ba hwantela masepaleng wa Emfuleni!

Government has extended their sincere condolences to the family friends, colleagues and fans of legendary gospel artist, Dr Deborah Fraser.

said Hlophe.

Fraser passed away on Sunday, May 15, due to an illness.

The provincial department is working together with the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture will meet the late singer’s family and ‘ensure she is given a befitting send off.’

She was an award-winning gospel artist who began her illustrious career in 1985 as a back-up vocalist for local and international artists such as the late greats: Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Lucky Dube and Brenda Fassie, to name a few.

As a renowned gospel artist, Dr Fraser went on to produce several award-winning albums throughout her career.

Recently she was honoured with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sacred Music by the Christian leadership Academy.

She released her first album titled Abanye Bayombona in 2000. The album has sold over one million copies.

Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mbali Hlophe said Dr Fraser was more than a singer, she was a worshipper who used her gift to minister and touch souls.

“Her music brought healing and comfort to many people and for that, we will always cherish her,"

Police called to boost protection for students, teachers

The Heidelberg campus of the Sedibeng college TVET held Gender-based Violence (GBV) awareness campaign, where they conducted a peaceful march across central Heidelberg.

The campaign was held on Friday, April 22, with the objective of handing over a memorandum to the Heidelberg station commander, Colonel Phiwe Ndwandwe.

The group akso shared some of their experiences as victims of abuse and crime on campus and around town.

The Sedibeng College group explained and read the memorandum to the station commander, stating their grievances regarding GBV experienced by students and teachers.

They further asked for police visibility in and around the campus as well on the student hostels and accommodations.

“Col Ndwandwe accepted the memorandum and promised the

student of the Sedibeng college that he will adhere to their plea and will deliver according assuring them if their safety and security,” explained police spokesperson Constable Doris Nkosi.

Heidelberg police also responded with advice or how to protect themselves from abuse and crime.

Among these are: • Break the cycle of violence, do not become a perpetrator • Act against abuse • Break the silence and speak up • Do not look away when witnessing crimes • Report any form of abuse or crime immediately.

They also received pamphlets with telephone numbers and important information for when victims of Gender-based Violence and trauma can use when in need.

“The students and teachers were told thag they can also apply for a Protection Order online and use my Saps-app to to report crime or live any tip-offs” Nkosi said.

By Lesego Mohlamme

Baahi bao e leng ba dudi ba dibakeng tsa baipehi tse fapaneng Kgutlo Tharo ya Lekoea, ba ile ba hwantela Masepaleng wa le hae wa Emfuleni ka Labobedi wa 10 Motsheanong.

Mohwanto ona, o ne o hlophisitswe ke baetapele ba Baahi ba ngwangwareileng ka maemo a Baahi ba motse wa Emfuleni ba dulang dibakeng tsa baipehi tse fapaneng, ba hlokang hore ba fuwe ditshebeletso kaho phethahetseng, ka hoo mohwanto o ile wa qala dihoreng tsa hoseng ho fihlela thapama.

Baahi bana ba ile ba kena letsholong la boipelaetso le senang merusu, se ile sa etsahala ke hore Baahi bana ba ile batla Majoro Phethahatso wa Masepala wa Emfuleni, le hoja ba saka ba kgona ho boisana le yena nakong eo kaha ho ilwe ha hlaloswa hore Majoro o ntse a le ho engwe ya dikopano mothating oo.

Sena se ile sa qobella Baahi ho leta nako e teletsane ho sena motho yaba tshetlehelang puo.

Thapameng eo ho ile ha qetella ho fihla ditho tse tharo tsa komiti ya ramotse tse ikarabella mafapheng a fapaneng.

Hara bona e bile Setho sa komiti ya Ramotse se ikarabella lefapheng la

ditshebeletso tsa Sechaba, Cllr Vincent Jones, le Setho se ikarabelleng Lefapheng la bodulo le matlo, Cllr Mapitso mmoho le Cllr Makgale ya ikarabelleng Lefapheng la bophelo botle, ba ileng ba hlalosa hore Majoro o ntse a le kopanong, ke ka hoo a rometseng bona hore ba utlwe ditletlebo tsa bona, nakong eo Baahi bane ba ntse ba tswelapele ho piketa leho bina ka mokgwa o le mong.

Moetapele wa Baahi e le Molefe ’Noise’ Masuelle o re ditletlebo tsa bona dingata ka hare ho metse le metsana ya bona.

Me' o re matwasong a selemo sena ka kgwedi ya Hlakubele bahlanka ba Masepala le MMC wa matlo Emfuleni Cllr Mapitso ba ile ba etela motse wa habo wa Sonderwater le Rakontereka ya neng a lokela ho qalella mosebetsing ka mora dibeke tse mmalwa, fela ba makaditswe ke hore Rakontereka le hajwale haho nko hotswa lemina. Me' ke tseding tsa dintho tse saletseng morao.

Le hoja nako ene e se ka lehlakoreng la bona ho ile hwa nkuwa qeta ya hore hobe le kopano engwe ka Labahlona wala 13, fela baetapele ba Baahi baile ba fumana melaetsa ka (SMS) e ba hlokomedisang ka hore kopano ha e sa tswelapele ka Labohlano kaha ho ena le kopano ya Lekgotla.

A suspected scammer is wanted by Heidelberg police after a victim opened a case of ATM fraud recently.

According to police, the middle aged, dark skin man (see CCTV picture) targets elderly people.

The suspect changes the ATM language setting to isiZulu, then pretends to assist an unsuspecting victim to change the settings back to English. While this is being done, he has already seen the victim’s PIN and takes their card and withdraw elsewhere.

“We appeal to the members of the community to come forward with any information that will assist the police to put the perpetrator behind bars,” said spokesperson Constable Doris Nkosi.

Anybody with information can contact Heidelberg SAPS on 016 3410 343 /0350 or visit MYSAPS App to send tip off.

ELLIOT PLUMBING & ENTERPRISES

084 726 0571 076 087 0946

Mapepeza

City lends helping hand towards KZN flood relief!

The recent flood disaster has left the KwaZulu Natal province in billions worth of damages and has displaced thousands of citizens, who some are yet to find their missing loved ones.

The City of Ekurhuleni has launched a fund to provide assistance to households affected by the floods.

“This initiative follows Cabinet’s decision to declare a National State of Disaster in response to the floods, which have left families homeless and destitute,” explained City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

Ekurhuleni has appealed to residents and city staff to donate any non-perishable food, clothing and blankets by dropping them off at the marked bins at the OR Tambo Civic Centre or at the OR Tambo Government Administration building (both in Germiston).

A register will be there for good samaritans to indicate what they’ve donated and note their contributions.

After the two week campaign ends, the city will transport the items to a non-profit organization in the KZN to distribute donations to deserving families.

“We therefore appeal to members of the public to answer this clarion call to assist those who have been left destitute by the floods in KZN,” Dlamini concluded.

Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

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GERT SIBANDE TVET COLLEGE DATABASE REGISTRATION Gert Sibande TVET College hereby invites all prospective providers of goods and services to register as supplier on the supplier database of Gert Sibande TVET College.

Application forms are obtainable from the office of the Supply Chain Management Unit alternatively; the application form may be downloaded from our website www.gscollege.edu.za.

Service providers/suppliers must submit their applications on the prescribed forms with the following documentation attached: • Company Registration Document (CIPC Document) • Valid Certified ID Copies of all members/directors of company • Valid compliant Tax Pin/ Tax Clearance Certificate • Proof of Banking Details (Stamped Bank Letter) • Valid B-BBEE certificate or original Affidavit Status level verification certificate • accreditation certificates (if applicable) • CIDB certificate (if applicable) • Proof of Address/Latest Municipal Account /lease agreement • Or any other company certificates available.

All current suppliers are also required to ensure that they update their details by submitting an updated database form with company documents.

Suppliers are responsible to inform the College of any change in their company information, including banking details and address.

NB: All service providers/suppliers must indicate a maximum of Five (5) Commodities for their respective services/goods for consideration and inclusion into the database.

Closing Date for submission is 15 June 2022 at 11:00am Database forms received after closing date will not be considered. Enquires may be addressed to Procurement Department Tel: 017 712 9040/ 0177121548 Email: scm@gscollege.edu.za (only for enquires) Completed application forms and the required attachments can be delivered to the Supply Chain Management Office at any of the Campuses of GERT TVET College.

Central Office, Standerton Campus, Skills Academy, Evander Campus, Sibaneseftu Campus, Balfour Campus, Perdekop Campus or CFE. (addresses available on the website with advert).

These containers will be used for accepting donations towards families affected by the floods in KZN.

NB: ALL DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE HAND DELIVERED/COURIERED

Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

Action SA launches local structure in Lesedi

By NToKoZo MNCUBe The newest political brand that has taken South Africa by storm during the 2021 Local Government Elections, Action SA, has reached the communities of Lesedi Local Municipality by launching a local structure at the Ratanda extension 7 Hall.

The party’s provincial leader and former member the Gauteng legislature, John Moodey, came to officiate the launch of the Lesedi-based branch on Saturday April 23 and engaged the members attending the event.

Filled with words of encouragement, Moodey said its time for the party to make a change in Lesedi.

“We are the only hope for South Africa. We say that because we want to take the country forward,” said Moodey.

Moodey said in under a year, the party has become the sixth biggest political party. Action SA contested elections in six metros and two local municipalities. They got a 2% share of the vote nationwide, a great achievement as the party did not contest in all provinces.

In Gauteng, the new ‘green party’ managed to have secured coalition in all three metros: Ekurhuleni, Joburg and Tshwane; securing a total of eight Mayoral Committee positions.

The Lesedi-based structure of Ac-

tion SA has been in existence since the formation of the party two years ago. Moodey admits that due to their focus on securing votes in the metros, the local municipal structures have been neglected.

As Gauteng’s leadership he has been going around the province’s far-flung communities to relaunch their constituencies.

“It is now about reviving and getting our local structures ready towards 2024,” said Moodey in an interview with Mapepeza.

The chairperson was also impressed by the calibre of the local leadership. Former Black First, Land First mayoral candidate in Lesedi Neo Kutoane, is the chairperson of the Action SA in the area.

The party believes that the work of fixing the country starts at home with local governments. According to Action SA, the work begins by fixing the basics of service delivery at municipal level.

Locally, the party is targeting a hundred new members per ward, every two weeks.

“That is quite an objective they have set for themselves. Looking here at their enthusiasm and the calibre of people that we have here plus their passion for South Africa, I think they can double their targets. People of Lesedi, change is here. We are patriots and we want to save this beautiful land of ours,” said Moodey.

ActionSA was formed by businessperson and former Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, to unite patriotic South Africans that are committed to professional and ethical public service behind the project to fix our beloved country.

“We believe in decisive action that will improve the quality of life for all South Africans. We believe that the needs of the residents of our municipalities must be central to everything we do as a government. We believe that through an unwavering dedication to ethical leadership, we will build municipalities that enable our proud, resilient, and enterprising people to prosper,” the party’s manifesto reads.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY Action SA’s John Moodey speaks at the Lesedi branch launch in Ratanda.

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Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

A call to safeguard the future of our Mario Vee overcomes odds to become a make-up success! nation through protecting our children

By ThaPelo Magola Mario Visagie from Johannesburg has overcome drug addiction to run a successful fashion and make-up brand.

He shares his story with Mapepeza‘s Thapelo Magola, spilling the beans on his inspiration behind fashion design as well as overcoming the entire journey of addiction.

Many people may not be familiar with the name Mario Vee, but that’s about to change.

That’s because Mario is a force to be reckoned with and has made his mark in the fashion and makeup industry in South Africa.

He is a renowned fashion stylist, LGBTIAQ+ activist, entrepreneur and professional make-up artist.

The 37 year old Jozi native is in midst of what should be described as a stratospheric rise.

All that he has achieved is purely on the basis of his talent, skills and pro knowledge of his field. His patience and hard work paid off amazingly.

Today he owns a brand called Unblemished. The company offers professional make-up services and trains people across South Africa in professional make-up and nail artistry, with SETA accredited courses.

rative associated with addiction people needed to understand that there is life after addiction,” Vee explains.

The motive behind his strength to beat the addiction was to change not just his life, but to change the lives of other people.

“Since I has been clean from the drugs, life has been full of surprises, and I have been blessed with opportunities that allowed me to mentor boys and girls from disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa,” Visagie said.

Mario Vee’s passion is to make both men and women look and feel good about themselves.

The legacy he wants to leave behind is one of courage, strength, compassion, and love. He wants to be remembered for his tenacity and bold character. His story is from ashes to glory, he never gave up on his desire for success and is continuing to soar the heights in the South African Beauty.

“I want to grow empires and restore business and work opportunities within our beloved country,” he explained.

His make-up work, which appear simple upon first glance, reveal themselves as surprisingly nuanced when examined up close.

“I almost lost my life through overdosing but because I knew that I wanted to turn my story into victory and change the nar-

T

he South African children live in a country that has a constitution with the highest regard for their rights and the equality and dignity for everyone.

However, sadly despite government and civil society efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, they remain vulnerable. They still get exposed to so much violence at home.

Children are still faced with numerous challenges of being killed, bullied at school, or being kidnapped on the street mostly by people who are supposed to protect them.

Even though the country has excellent laws and a national action plan to prevent, and respond to, violence against children. This has not stopped the abuse of children.

At reminds us that laws and policies on their own are not enough without enforcement, they are meaningless. This is where South Africa, like many other countries, falls short.

Our country’s children are still exposed to horrific levels of violence and protecting them should be everyone’s business.

It is with this reason that as we mark 2022 Child Protection Week (CPW), we should all remind ourselves that children are our treasure, let us all aspire to create a decent environment that is conducive for them to grow freely from any form of distress and violence. Protecting our children is a responsibility for all of us to share. Children have the same human rights as adults included in those rights are those that recognize their special needs.

Children are neither the property of their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and have legal standing as articulated in the Children’s Act. The rising number of perpetual heinous crimes against children in the country is appalling. If the recent reports are anything to go by, they demonstrated it was gradually spiralling out of control, and it has to be stopped. There is no amount of justification for the barbaric acts and the violation of children’s rights.

According to the Optimus National Prevalence Study, it is estimated that 42% of South Africa’s children have experienced some form of illtreatment and 82% have either experienced or witness some form of victimisation.

Regrettably, this shows that violence against children remains the greatest threat and a critical challenge for the country, despite tremendous efforts to curb this scourge.

The latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) shows confirm the re-

Writes Lawrence Mashabela port from various studies that children are not safe in this country.

The report indicates that 31.7% of children, were murdered in the last financial year. This astonishing increase in violent crimes against children is a call to action, as society we need to act with speed in defence of the lives of our children, who are faced with gruesome death each day.

Over the years government adopted a 365 Child Protection programme as the week is not enough to address, highlight challenges and plight of our children. Ongoing campaigns continue to focus on making communities safer, tackling societal problems like drug and alcohol abuse which contribute to child abuse and violence.

Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation set out in article 28 of the South African Constitution.

Our children rely on us to look out for their wellbeing and protection.

And during and beyond this time, it is imperative that we do all we can to keep them safe and prevent any form of abuse and neglect they faces every day.

As a government, we are doing everything in our power to fight against all these violations of children’s rights including neglect, abuse and exploitation, however, it is important to note it is not only our fight, but that of society at large. It for this reason, that we call on every citizen to be part of the collective efforts to look out for each other’s children. Like in the words of an old African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”.

Let us be reminded by the words of Nelson Mandela, in his speech at the dedication of Qunu and Nkalane Schools in June 1995 when he said; “Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people”.

Let us all move South Africa forward by protecting the rights of all children, including children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Lawrence works at the Gauteng Department of Social Development

DISTRIBUTED IN TOWNSHIPS/COMUNNITIES OF : • SEDIBENG DISTRICT • CITY OF EKURHULENI • JOHANNESBURG • GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT (MPUMALANGA)

MAHALA!

IT’S FRE

EVERY M O

E!

NTH

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Sports 8

Vol. 9 Issue 5: May 2022

Mapepeza

GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS: Community Media of The Year 2018-2021

Arnold Classic Africa returns after COVID break!

The international festival showcase of various art and sporting codes, all under one roof, has returned to the Gauteng province.

“Wayne and Michelle Price – supported by the City of Johannesburg – are bringing back the much-loved Arnold Classic Africa Multi Sport and Art Festival 2022 in Johannesburg after a two-year absence due to Covid-19, which had brought the world to a standstill,” explained hosts in a statement.

The weekend festival from 3 to 5 June, will feature over 55 arts and sporting codes, with all the extravaganza held at the Gentle Giant City in Ruimsig.

“The ‘City’ will be laid out as a town, with street names and a carnival feel. The idea is to get everyone back out and participate in a healthy sporting event after the Covid-19 lockdowns,” the organizers confirmed.

The event also will feature new activities including the “Come and try” Programme, which will encourage people to dare to participate in

the sports that they like.

The push is to encourage families to love sport, and that will include physical sport as well as mentally challenging sports such as chess, speed cube and Legos!

Tickets for the event will be sold on the Webtickets site – everything is electronic; therefore, tickets will be sent straight to your phone after purchasing.

The Arnold Classic Africa Multi Sport and Art Festival 2022 is a Fun-filled festival for all members of the family.

Over thirty years ago, the popular actor, film-maker, former bodybuilder and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced a series of events around the world to promote a healthy lifestyle through sport and nutrition.

Today the Arnold Classic is one of the biggest multi-sports events globally, reaching countries across four continents.

The highly anticipated event will be hosted in conjunction with the City of Johannesburg, Tent City, Sunfest and Gentle Giant Promoters.

Bafana to face Morocco, Liberia and Zimbabwe at AFCON qualifiers!

South Africa’s national football squad will go up against Liberia, Morocco and neighbors Zimbabwe in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The draw was conducted by African football legends, former South Africa defender Lucas Radebe and ex Côte d’Ivoire forward Solomon Kalou.

In a draw held in Johannesburg on Tuesday, April 19, Bafana Bafana were put in Group K and will battle the three countries for a place in the continental showcase set to take place next year in Côte d’Ivoire.

Most recently, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has selected a strong squad to do duty in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Morocco and Zimbabwe next month.

The national team begins the quali-

fying programme with back-to-back matches against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on June 9, and Zimbabwe at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, four days later.

The AFCON qualifies will begin in June and Bafana have used their friendlies against France and Guinea to prepare for the upcoming matches.

prise packages at the delayed 2021 showpiece in Cameroon are seeking for a second consecutive qualification.

There will be several derbies as well with East African rivals Uganda and Tanzania drawn together again,

and they will face off in Group F together with 2019 champions Algeria and Niger.

Losing finalists from the 2021 showpiece Egypt have meanwhile been drawn in Pool D and are set to face Guinea, Malawi and Ethiopia.

Interesting Group Clashes More exciting clashes at AFCON qualifiers include defending champions Senegal have been pooled in Group L where they will battle out with Benin, Mozambique and Rwanda.

Hosts Côte d’Ivoire (formely Ivory Coast) are in Group H with Zambia, Comoros and Lesotho. Only one team will qualify from this group, alongside the hosts.

Comoros who were one of the sur-

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