Mapepeza Vol.10 Issue 2 (Jan 27-Feb 3)

BY STEPHEN SEAKGWE

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has welcomed 6,000 new crime prevention wardens in an effort to strengthen the fight against crime in the province.

The young recruits, who are set to undergo more than three months of intensive training, will be deployed to 361 wards in the province including townships, informal settlements and hostels.

In a speech addressed to the wardens at a stadium in Cullinan (Tshwane), Lesufi emphasized the need for action to be taken against lawlessness in the country. “We can’t live in a country where

people do crime easily. We have to stop it and you have the capability to go and stop it," he said.

The wardens will be responsible for various tasks such as ensuring police visibility and quick response to incidents, gathering community intelligence, preventing incidents of damage to public infrastructure and working with schools to provide necessary support and response.

Lesufi also emphasized that the Gauteng Government is placing its trust in the young recruits and that their training was a significant investment.

Successful recruit, Thabang Mojafa, shared his excitement about joining the fight against crime. “I am

happy, I made it following the first assessment, and I can now undergo full training. I am not intimidated by physical activity,” he said.

The recruitment of the 6,000 wardens is part of the provincial government's effort to intensify the fight against crime and integrate the concept of ward-based policing.

It also aligns with Premier Lesufi's plan to tackle crime in the province, which includes installing face recognition cameras on every street, deploying a dedicated police vehicle to every ward, and acquiring over 500 drones.

The Premier together with the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazi-

buko, joined the component fitness tests undergone by the candidates as part of the recruitment criteria.

The wardens will be deployed in Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) areas which include 361 wards across the province.

The wardens will be deployed in TISH areas across the province and will work with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Metropolitan Police Departments (MPDs) to prevent crime.

Mapepeza has dubbed them the ‘Panyaza Police’ as the recruits are the Premier’s answer to fighting crime in communities.

Police officer raping child arrested!

The country is in shock after a video went viral on social media showing a police constable having sex with her then 10-year-old son.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed her shock and strongly condemned the incident.

As soon as the video came to light, the Provincial Commissioner ordered the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident with the goal of apprehending the policewoman and removing the child to a place of safety.

On Friday, January 20, a case of rape of a minor child, as well as additional charges of creating and distributing child pornographic material and sexual grooming of a child, was opened. The suspect, a 40-year-old woman, was arrested on the same day.

“The actions of this woman are deplorable and deserve harsh con-

demnation,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

“Even though the suspect allegedly committed this crime when she was still a Public Service Act employee of the SAPS, she should have known better that such unbecoming behavior deserved harsh consequences. The South African Police Service does not have the space for such people who tarnish its image.”

The Provincial Commissioner has already ordered that the suspect be subjected to immediate internal processes in terms of the South African Police Service Disciplinary Regulations.

The child has been removed to a place of safety where he will receive psychological treatment and assistance. The identity of the woman cannot be revealed to protect the child.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has appealed to members of the public to refrain from sharing a video depicting child pornography. She made her second court appearance on Monday, January 30.

Boksburg cops arrested for beating foreigner!

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken action against four officers of the Boksburg North Visible Policing unit for the alleged assault and torture of a foreign national. The incident took place on January 9, around Boksburg North in the City of Ekurhuleni.

According to IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping, the victim and his friends were stopped by the officers who demanded to see their identification documents.

When the victim was unable to provide an original copy, he was taken to the police station where he was allegedly subjected to assault and torture.

“The victim was taken to the hospital for medical

attention and was in a coma for nine days,” Suping said.

The four officers, including a Sargeant and three Constables, face charges of assault causing grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.

They were arrested while on duty on Wednesday, February 1 and will be detained at the Boksburg Police Station.

Suping stated, “They will appear before the Boksburg Magistrate Court soon”

The arrest of these officers sends a clear message that police brutality and abuse of power will not be tolerated. The IPID is committed to ensuring justice is served in this case.

According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, said the case has been postponed to Monday, February 6 at the Siyabuswa Magistrate Court.

“IPID will oppose the bail application which will be heard in court,” Suping said.

Commission spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, said CGE is saddened by all forms of sexual violence against children and called for harsher sentences against the perpetrators.

“Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa stipulates that every child has the right to be protected from neglect, abuse, or degradation.”

Baloyi said the commission will be monitoring the case, as per its legal mandate to ensure that the matter is treated with urgency.

“We are calling upon the citizenry to report gender-based violence cases to our nearest offices in all provinces or alternatively call our toll-free number 0800 007 709,” Baloyi said

Ten caught before robbing factory!

In a major bust, 10 suspects were arrested on Friday (January 27) for attempting to rob the Golden Fry Factory in Eikenhof, South of Johannesburg.

The suspects were charged with multiple offenses including attempted murder, impersonating Department of Labor officials, and possession of illegal firearms. The arrest was made possible due to a coordinated effort between the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and crime prevention operations. Xolani Fihla, a spokesperson for the JMPD, stated that they received information about the planned robbery and that a team of officers was deployed to the scene.

“We received reports that a group would be traveling in four vehicles and they would be armed,” said Fihla.

The operational team was strategically placed and monitored the suspects. As the suspects approached the factory, they were met by the officers who intercepted them.

The suspects, who were driving two Volkswagen Polos with branding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Department of Labor on the doors, were caught in the act.

EMPD catch wanted murderer suspect!

On Monday afternoon, January 30, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s Community Liaison Unit (EMPD-CLU) successfully apprehended a 53-year-old man wanted for the murder of his wife.

The suspect, who allegedly committed the crime in front of his nephew in Langaville, Tsakani on January 28, was tracked down to an address on Vukuzenzele Street, where he was hiding.

During a search, the CLU officers discovered the cellphone of the deceased in the suspect’s possession.

He also voluntarily revealed the clothing he wore during the crime, which was found under the bed.

The suspect was then transported to the Tsakani SAPS police station and charged with murder. All evidence collected at the scene was booked for further investigation. The

suspect is expected to appear in the Tsakani Magistrate’s Court soon.

The Ekurhuleni Metro force praised the commitment of the CLU officers and issued a warning to potential criminals.

“We will stop at nothing to assist the justice system in prosecuting law breakers,” EMPD spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa said.

“We are determined to bring justice to the families of victims and keep our communities safe,” Thepa continued.

A shootout broke out between the officers and suspects, fortunately, no one was injured. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

“This bust shows the commitment of our officers to protect the citizens of Johannesburg and bring those who break the law to justice,” Fihla added.

The metro police have committed to continue to work tirelessly to prevent crime and keep communities safe.

February brings fuel increases!

South Africans are in for a fuel price hike as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced an increase in petrol and diesel prices, effective from Wednesday, February 1.

According to the department, the main factors contributing to the increases include higher prices for Brent crude oil and the strengthening of the Rand against the US Dollar.

“The movement in international refined petroleum product prices, diesel, petrol and illuminating paraffin in particular followed the increasing trend in crude oil prices,” said the department in a statement.

Petrol prices will rise with both 93 and 95 petrol increasing by 28c, diesel 0.05% sulphur will increase marginally by 9c, while diesel 0.005% sulphur will decrease slightly by 0.84c. The price of wholesale illuminating paraffin is expected to increase by 58c and the single maximum national retail price for illuminating paraffin will cost a further 78c. On the other hand, the maximum retail price for LP Gas is expected to decrease by R1.40.

The Rand appreciated slightly, on average, against the US Dollar during the period under review, leading to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices.

“The stronger Rand led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin,” said the department.

South Africans will have to brace themselves for the increases, with the department stating that the prices of fuel, gas, and paraffin have been adjusted to reflect the current market conditions.

Gauteng fi nally places all learners!

Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that all learners who applied during the 2023 online admissions application period have been placed.

The department said it has been working to increase capacity in high-pressure areas to ensure all learners are placed.

Only 176 grade 8 learners from Tshwane West District still await their placement at a new satellite school in Pretoria North.

“As of Monday, 30th January 2023, only 176 grade 8 learners in Tshwane West [are still] to be placed. This remnant emanates from an initial 223 unplaced learners within our district, [with] 47 learners having since been placed at Amandasig Secondary and are currently attending class on a rotational basis,” said the GDE.

“These 176 unplaced learners will

be placed at a new satellite school registered as North Park Secondary School. These learners will start attending class from Monday, 6th February 2023.”

In Ekurhuleni North District, the initial 232 unplaced grade 1 learners in Olifantsfontein were placed in Olifantsfontein Primary School after capacity was increased. The school received 11 additional mobile classrooms, 8 of which are currently being installed.

In Kempton Park, of the initial 501 unplaced grade 8 applicants, 106 were placed at schools with available space.

The remaining 395 learners were placed at a satellite school, New Kempton Park Secondary School. However, parents of unplaced learners in Kempton Park raised safety concerns about the school’s vicinity and are refusing this placement. The department said they

will continue engagements with the parents in a meeting with the MEC scheduled for today at 5pm.

In Johannesburg West District, of the initial 434 grade 8 applicants unplaced in Roodepoort, 38 learners were accommodated at schools where capacity was increased.

The remaining 396 learners were accommodated at a satellite school, Robinhood College in Maraisburg, where teaching is expected to commence on Wednesday, February 1.

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane said, “The efforts we have undertaken to ensure that all learners are placed are proving [successful], and we will continue with these efforts to place the remaining learners in Tshwane West. We appeal with parents in Kempton Park to accept the placement measures we have developed for their children”

Dukathole shack fire victims get relief!

At least 20 families were left homeless and in distress after a fire broke out in Dukathole, an informal settlement in Germiston, Ekurhuleni.

The cause of the blaze in late January is still unknown.

The families lost their belongings, including identity documents, certificates, clothes, furniture, food, and more, and are currently staying with friends, family, and neighbors.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development in Ekurhuleni quickly responded to the disaster, visiting the affected families and conducting assessments to determine the services needed.

The Community Development Practitioner, Phindile Sibuyi, reported that the

Ward Councillors and Disaster Management teams have also visited the area and provided household utilities, such as pots, plates, cups, and more, to the families.

“The Department provided social relief in the form of 20 food parcels and 20 blankets,” said Sibuyi. She added that the department will assist the families further by providing full sets of school uniforms and dignity packs, and helping replace lost ID documents and birth certificates.

“Officials from the Directorate Sustainable Livelihood in Ekurhuleni Region will follow up with the beneficiaries to ensure that they are linked to other sustainable livelihood services and graduate from their challenges,” Sibuyi concluded.

Joburg’s new mayor appoints new MMCs

Councillor Thapelo Amad has made history by being elected as the first Muslim mayor of South Africa’s economic hub.

Amad from Al Jama-ah party won the vote with 138 votes, while Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Mpho Phalatse received 81 votes and Funzi Ngobeni from Action SA got 46 votes during a council sitting on January 28.

A few days later, the City of Johannesburg’s new Executive Mayor, appointed his new members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs). The new MMCs were selected after extensive consultations with other political parties, with the aim of solidifying the Government of Local Unity (GLU) partnership in the City. Below is the list of Councillors of the City of Johannesburg appointed as MMCs:

1. Finance: Cllr. Dada Morero

2. Group Corporate & Shared Services: Cllr. Loyiso Masuku

3. Environment & Infrastructure Services: Cllr. Jack Sekwaila

4. Public Safety: Cllr. Sepetlele Raseruthe

5. Development Planning: Cllr. Eunice Mgcina

6. Economic Development: Cllr. Nomoya Daphney Mnisi

7. Human Settlements: Cllr. Anthea Natasha Leitch

8. Community Development: Cllr. Lubabalo

Magwentshu

9. Transport: Cllr. Kenny Kunene

10. Health & Social Development: Cllr. Ennie Makhafola

The new mayoral committee is tasked with ensuring the acceleration of service delivery in the City of Johannesburg.

“We are reaching out to the City's senior management team, urging them to work with the Government of Local Unity (GLU) in a cohesive and integrated manner. We must work together for and with our residents. We further urge senior management to instill professionalism and increase productivity that is performance driven,” said the Executive Mayor.

Have your say on the upcoming budget speech!

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana (pictured) has called on citizens and organizations to make inputs on what they would like to see reflected in the upcoming National Budget Speech.

In a recent statement, the Ministry of Finance said Godongwana would deliver the National Budget Speech on Wednesday February 22.

“As usual, the budget allocation always aims to strike a balance between competing national spending priorities and limited resources. It is in this context that Minister Godongwana invites South Africans to share their suggestions on the Budget,” it said.

State of the Economy

Tambo Hospital reopens after explosion!

The Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg has been reopened on Monday, January 30, after it was partially destroyed in a deadly tanker explosion that killed at least 41 people and injured dozens others on Christmas Eve.

The hospital has been closed since December following the explosion caused by the gas leak from the tanker after being compressed under a low-lying bridge before it went ablaze, engulfing bystanders and damaging private and public infrastructure within an estimated 500 metres radius from the scene.

The impact of the explosion affected the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E), Radiology Department and other sections of the hospital, resulting in damages to the ceiling and some windows in the Antenatal Care Department, Operating Theatre and various other sections of the hospital.

Speaking during the reopening of the facility, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, stated that the building has been structurally reviewed from top to bottom and the entire complex has been uplifted following the testing and quality checks of the clinical machines and the subsequent lifting of the prohibition notice by the Department of Labour.

The impact of the explosion affected the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E), Radiology Department and other sections. Other damages include the ceiling and some windows in the Antenatal Care Department, Operating Theatre and various other sections

of the facility.

“As a result of the above, the hospital was placed on ambulance diversion since 24 December 2022 to 27 January 2023 at 8pm. Patients coming-in with private vehicle and walk-inns were either admitted or stabilised and transferred to neighbouring facilities based on the assessment of doctors.”

“All staff members who were allocated to neighbouring facilities have also been recalled. All services have now been restored and the hospital will embark on a catch-up process to reschedule patients who would have missed their scheduled appointments for surgery and radiology services.

We still want to advice the public of our referral pathways which requires for patients to receive the right level of care at the appropriate facility,” said the MEC speaking to the media.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko added that investigators have concluded their investigation and have already handed over the docket to the National Prosecution Agency.

Recently, Godongwana says international and local challenges continue to pose as obstacles in the growth of the economy. This as real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by some 1.6% in the third quarter of 2022. Coupled with these international challenges, economic growth is also facing challenges closer to home, these include the increased loadshedding that has bought significant loss in economic activity across the country.

It is expected that over the next year, Treasury will work closely with provincial and local governments in order to address “dysfunctional” service delivery. Over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, at least R523 billion is expected to be transferred to local government to address municipal challenges, including service delivery, stabilising municipalities in immediate distress, and developing longer-run plans to improve capability.

“Over the next three years, we propose allocating 48.4% of available non-interest spending to national departments; 41.4% to provinces, and 10.1% to local government. This will allow provinces to support basic education and health services, roads, housing, social development and agriculture,” said the minister during last year’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in October.

People may submit their views on:

• municipal finances

• government spending priorities and what these should be

• addressing a large budget deficit

• stabilising State-Owned Entity finances

• managing the energy crisis

• tax revenues

• debt sustainability

Contributions can be sent through this link: https://bit.ly/3ruszsi on the National Treasury website. Contributions can also be made on Treasury’s Twitter handle @TreasuryRSA and Facebook: National Treasury RSA with the hashtag #TipsForMinFin and #Budget2023.

Swine Fever outbreak confirmed!

A new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been found on a farm in Gauteng recently.

The farm has been put under quarantine and the Provincial Veterinary Services are trying to find out if any other farms were in contact with the infected farm.

They are still trying to figure out where the infection came from, but they think it might have been on the farm since December. Other farms in Gauteng, North West, and Free State have also been quarantined as a precaution. This is because outbreaks of swine fever have been happening in South Africa since 2019 and have affected many areas of the country.

The department says that the spread of the disease has slowed down, but they are still warning pig farmers and pig keepers to only buy pigs from healthy herds and to prevent contact between their pigs and other pigs or wildlife.

They also advise people to wash their hands before and after handling pigs and to shower and wear clean clothes and shoes before moving to other farms.

If you see any increased pig deaths or

unusual symptoms, you should report it to the local State veterinary office. The department is reminding everyone that it is important to be careful and not spread the disease to other farms and animals.

The department also said, “Farms in Gauteng, North West and Free State have been placed under precautionary quarantine as a result of this. The ASF status of these farms will be confirmed before precautionary quarantine can be lifted.”

The department also advised, “Anyone who has contact with pigs should wash their hands before and after handling the pigs.

Before moving to other farms, one should ensure that they have thoroughly showered and to only use clean clothes, shoes, and equipment.”

Finally, the department emphasized, “The importance of biosecurity is again emphasised, both to protect your own animals, and to prevent the inadvertent spread to other pigs.

Veterinarians are urged to rule out ASF whenever there is increased mortality on a farm.”

ADVERTORIAL

Skills are better than Grades

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This quote is my advice to young people that have been chasing that matric certificate or qualification in hopes of creating a better future through employment. For many years, children have been instructed to do their best in school so that they can guarantee their chances for work in their adult life. Although this still hold truth to some extent, the assurance behind it has long gone. South Africa has a majority of young people, in the working ages between 15-35, that are falling under the 63% unemployment rate (over 3.5 million). Did you know there is a worse 1.6 million youth that are not in education, employment or training - also referred to as NEET.

My main proposal to the millions of young people in South Africa, including our class of 2022, is that we must entirely focus your energy and time toward having skills. Just skills, no qualifications or any other form of academic achievement. I propose we go online and search what we want to learn and do, become very skilled and do our part in this world. Explore new ideas that exist outside our country and bring them home. Explore the TVET Colleges near you and see what new skills you can acquire. Take lessons from the experts and retired in your community, ask them about the world of work or business if you’re going to venture on your own.

You might not have the experience, the qualifications or the resources to get the job. However, you do have the time, energy and focus to get skilled and become a positive force in our society. Skills are permanent and you will have them for a lifetime.

STEPHEN SEAKGWE PUBLISHING EDITOR & CO-FOUNDER

Gauteng legislature’s OCPOL responds to youth unemployment!

BY FANELO MASEKO

e Oversight Committee on the Premier’s O ce & the Legislature (OCPOL) met with the Gauteng youth on 19 January 2023, in a bid to report back on issues and commitments made during the January 2022 Youth Workshop that addressed unemployment and poverty issues among the youth.

e event happened at Johannesburg City Hall, anked by youths from di erent regions of Gauteng such as Ekurhuleni, West Rand, Sedibeng and Tshwane. OCPOL Chairperson, Honourable Bonginkosi Dhlamini, opened the event by welcoming youth delegates including his committee members and then highlighted the main reasons for the workshop.

Dhlamini said the workshop will see the youth being presented with comprehensive feedbacks on the following issues, Gauteng Integrated Youth Development Strategy, e Youth War Room on its contribution in reducing youth unemployment, Youth Advisory Panel on the progress made in empowering the youth and also in addressing their unemployment challenges. e workshop was graced by the presence of Gauteng Premier, Honourable Panyaza Lesu who started by congratulating Gauteng matriculants for scooping the second highest percentage nationally. “We want to commit ourselves as Gauteng government to o er four-year bursaries to all top-three students from each township based schools. We want to take the payment burden o their parent’s shoulders because these are top preforming individuals” He added.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

However, Lesu warned communities to take a leading role in eliminating drugs such as Nyaope in communities, because these drugs are the main reason for the demise of youth future. Lesu added that alcohol abuse among youth is another monster that needs to be fought by communities. “We must accept that the abuse of alcohol especially in Gauteng has reached alarming levels. So the ght against drugs and alcohol abuse should be at the forefront of the things we ght in this current administration,” He said.

He added that under his leadership, there will be no more liquor licences issued because there is a serious problem of alcohol abuse among the youth. He also ensured rst time university students that the NAFSA’s is now fully armed to tackle their nancial issues.

OCPOL Committee member, Fasiha Hassan gave some highlights on last years Youth Unemployment Workshop. She said last year’s workshop was aimed at gathering issues young people are faced with on daily basis including their suggested solutions to these challenges.

She said they as the OCPOL committee made sure that, the report received from last year’s unemployment workshop was tabled at the Gauteng Legislature, so that it is not only the Premiers o ce that is bound by the resolutions of the report but also all relevant government departments.

Unemployment Crisis

“It is a well-known fact that we have a crisis of unemployment that a ects mainly the youth in this country. Six or Seven out of Ten youths in this country particularly in Gauteng are not in any form of education, they’re not in jobs or any form of training,” Said Hassan. During last year’s workshop young people de ned their resolutions from short, medium to long term solutions and actually wanted the youths to be on the forefront of any developmental programs. “Some of the recommendations were community based projects run by young people and funded by government. ese projects must involve unemployed youths living in the same communities rather than bring people from outside these communities,” She said.

Open Job Opportunities

e workshop also discussed job opportunities on many unpopular sectors such as Pick it Up, Soup Kitchens, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, EPWP and Solar Power including Skills Development Opportunities. “Young people wanted to be prioritised for opportunities available in these sectors.”

Accessibility of Information

e youth also discussed how government departments needed to make necessary information available for the youths via online and also via their outreach programs so that they can be able to utilise information for their own bene t. ey also urged the Premiers o ce to ensure that Tshepo Youth Plug is accessible to all the youths including those who stay in rural parts of Gauteng. ey also highlighted the lack of opportunities for young people living with di erent disabilities who are struggling to gain access to TVET Colleges.

Feedback from Premiers o ce

e Director General from the Premiers O ce, Mosley Lefatola said due to last year’s workshop, the premiers o ce has been able to appoint a civil society led Youth Advisory Panel (GYP). e panel’s responsibility is to lead the Gauteng

Youth Integrated Development Strategy 2030 (GYIDS) and also provide oversight and advocacy including advise and recommendations to the Gauteng Premier on relevant developmental projects for the youth.

He said the Gauteng Executive Council has so far managed to sign delivery agreements with relevant departments in a bid to prioritise the youth with regards to unemployment and other related youth challenges. ey have also set targets with departments so that they can speed up their focus on townships and informal settlements in a bid to improve the quality of life for youths.

e Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Panel (GYP), Oagile Louw said the panel was appointed last year on June 16 consisting of 16 youths from all Gauteng regions. He introduced GYP panel members, Dimpho Dikgeu who was going to do a presentation on Education & Skills Development and Ndumiso Hadebe who would deal with unemployment, entrepreneurship and other issues.

Quality Education Skills & Training

GYP panel member, Dimpho Likgeu said the issue of youth unemployment does not begin when young people are looking for jobs, but it begins at the access of quality education from primary school level. “We need to nd out how easy or di cult it is for the youth to access quality education from primary, secondary and tertiary levels.” e education system is there to prepare the youth for employment and when the youth is not adequately educated, obviously there will be issues when it comes to employment,” She said. Also the provincial education need to align itself with the current economic opportunities available in the province. “TVET colleges and other institutions of higher education needs to align with these opportunities so that they youth is employable a er leaving these institutions.” She also stressed the important of ensuring that young people living with disabilities also have adequate access to quality education from primary level up to tertiary. “ e number of learners with disabilities who are still able to access education until matric is very low and we need to focus on that and ensure that these youths are also allowed access to quality education,” She concluded.

Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Job Creation

Another GYP panel member, Ndumiso Hadebe said what they have observed is that Gauteng province has a developmental challenge among the youth with regards to access to information, communication, infrastructure and technology gap between youths in rural Gauteng and those in urban parts of the province. “We have identi ed that most are not in employment, education and training due to the lack of access to relevant information. erefore, government departments need to ensure that youths from rural parts of Gauteng also have access to relevant information especially about learnerships, jobs and entrepreneurship. He added that the issue of 30% set aside for youths in businesses need to be revisited and strengthened so that those that are in business may be able to ourish and also be able to create employment opportunities for other youth. “ e issue of trading must also be encouraged among the youth to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) so that they can run businesses that are ready to export goods to other countries.”

e youth must also be equipped to deal issues of mental health and well-being to ensure that as young entrepreneurs, they are able to implement projects accurately and deliver on time so that their businesses can grow. “With these regard, we have established Youth Units in all departments and municipalities where the youth will be advised on whatever issues they encounter on their way to success.”

He said they will develop a report on the ‘State of Youth’ in Gauteng and also develop the ‘Gauteng Youth Charter’ that will list the non-negotiables of young people towards Gauteng government. “We have also managed to deploy members of the panel to di erent departments for monitoring and evaluation purpose, to ensure that government departments do not overlook the youth needs.”

Tshepo Youth Plug

Speaking with regards to Tshepo Youth Plug, the Director General, Mosley Lefatola said the GYP has criticised some of their programs and suggested a change to the ‘Tshepo 1Million’ name into ‘Tshepo Youth Plug’ in which the premiers o ce listened.

He added that they have so far been able to train 98 young people in ICT including the Ninety Six thousand, six hundred youths who were trained on various set of skills development program. “We are also planning to initiate a Youth Department that will operate inside the Gauteng Department of Education. “We also provide bursaries for leaners to study at universities and also have a work experience program that equip youths with necessary workplace skills,” He said. He added that they have noted that Gauteng youths are very entrepreneurial and techno savvy and due to this, they will focus on supporting youth owned business through the Central Supplier Database so that youth businesses can also be prioritised.

In addition, a total of 11 thousand jobs were created by di erent departments of Gauteng. We also focusing on Tshwane Special Economic Zone with a special focus on the Automotive Sector ensuring that small automotive businesses from around Tshwane townships are supported.

Youth Discussions

During discussions from the youth, Charmaine Daniels from Esteerous in Pretoria said most of the youth from his area who applied for the NEFSA’s did not get any nancial support. She said they stay in an informal settlement where there are no government services but with drug problems rife in the area. She also urged the government to support None pro t Organisations (NPO’s) so that they can be able to deal with drug problems in communities.

Another youth, Annie Ramokhoase from Sedibeng Youth Sector Parliament, complained about the exclusion of the Z83 application form as one of the issues that prevents young people from accessing government jobs. “Z83 is one documents halting young people from getting employed so it needs to be scrapped,” She said.

“ ere must be a collaboration between Tshepo Youth Plug and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) because their activities are similar while the NYDA is readily accessible in all Gauteng townships. “Young people must be able to access Tshepo Youth Plug services from their local NYDA o ces,” She added.

Another young person, Chief Zheiven Pearce who greeted the crowds with his indigenous Khoi Khoi language said, he was here last year and nothing has changed so far because the youth is still hooked on drugs. He said government must focus on decolonising South Africa because that’s where all youth problems start. “I personally cannot ll a NEFSA’s, NEF, or Z83 form because my Khoi Khoi race is not listed on these forms. is country does not recognise the indigenous youths like myself”.

Kopano Polisa said he appreciates the e orts made by government and the GYP in ensuring that the youth is equipped with knowledge because information is power that will enable the youth to move forward. However, he urged the government to also put its focus on catering for other regions of Gauteng so that more youths get to bene t.

Sinethemba Jikijela who is a graduate of Public Administration and Management said would like the 35 year age limit to qualify as a youth to be scrapped because she will soon turn 30 and still unemployed. “It’s very di cult for older people to get jobs in this country, So I am worried that should I turn 35 before getting employed, I will struggle even harder to be employed,” She added.

Mandla Maqwazima said there seems of a repetition of promises and just promises by the government to the youth. He said government o cials need to do inspections of youth projects initiated in townships because there are many corrupt middle men who are greedy operating on these youth projects. “Whenever a budget has been allocated for a particular project, there needs to be an oversight and monitoring happening on that same project, because in most cases, resources meant for the youth, actually never reach their intended bene ciaries,” He said.

A er the deliberations from the youths, the OCPOL Chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini and committee members were adamant that the next feedback session should not be all talk, but actual quanti able results of how jobs and funding was created for the youth in the di erent regions of Gauteng. e committee will keep monitoring and evaluating progress through their scheduled committee meetings.

GYP Points of Action GYP Chairperson, Oagile Louw said in addition to that they have pointed out their points of action that includes launching the ‘Second Chance Program’, ‘War Room for Youth Unemployment’, and Quarterly Advisory Notes’ in order to advice government departments on areas of improvement.

Breaking barriers with body positivity!

Mapepeza News recently spoke with Nodaltini Ngwane, a 33-year-old mother, sister, influencer, and activist for plussize people from Ratanda Heidelberg.

Nodaltini is currently competing in a pageant that is breaking down the traditional beauty standards and promoting body positivity.

“Modelling has always been associated with slim and well-built people,” Nodaltini said.

“This led other body types to lose confidence in themselves and end up spending their lives trying to change themselves, forgetting to love and accept themselves as they are. Being a great model should not lie in the size of your body, but on what change you bring within your community and ultimately the world at large.”

For Nodaltini, winning the pageant would be a significant milestone in her journey to promote body positivity and break down the negative stereotypes surrounding larger bodies.

“Winning would show people that where one comes from and what they’ve been through does not define or shape their future,” she said.

Nodaltini has received support from her family, friends, brands, and most importantly, her daughter.

“Her level of confidence in everything she does, and the faith she has in me, is what drives me,” she said.

Nodaltini has big plans for the future and sees herself breaking down barriers and inspiring others to live a positive and confident life.

“I see myself on billboards and TV, promoting body positivity. I see myself being an inspiration to people, allowing them to live, be positive, and take pride in their bodies. Not succumbing to society’s negativity.”

Voting for Nodaltini in the pageant would not only be a vote for her, but also a vote for body positivity and inclusiveness.

“Voting for me would mean a lot, and I intend to bring change with-

Follow and Share

in our community. Have sessions about body positivity, visit schools with my crown encouraging teens to go out there and make it no matter how big they are.”

The voting lines for the pageant are open until March 1st, and the pageant will take place on March 4th.

To vote for Nodaltini, follow the link: http://pageantvoteafrica.com/ pageants/999/contestants/8821.

“You can vote as many times as you can, but only one cast is allowed daily, and please share,” she said.

“It would be an exciting and joyful experience, and I won’t stop being a proud Sdudla even for the following generation,” Nodaltini said.

You can follow her journey on her Facebook account, Intombi Yakwa Ngwane and her Tiktok account deezo80.

Nodaltini Ngwane, Ratanda-based model poses for a picture

Recruitment of 4000 unemployed youth needed for the digitization of Department of Home Affairs records.

The Department of Home Affairs, (DHA) has started the digitization process of converting over 350 million paper records into electronic format for improved service delivery.

The DHA, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour & Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator as part of the National Pathway Management Network seek to contribute to the employment creation goals and strategic priorities of the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme by hiring unemployed youth on a fixed term contracts to assist.

Requirements include: · South African Citizens aged between 18-35 · No criminal record; and a clear credit history

· Your qualification must match the minimum requirement of the role

Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment - General Workers: EPWP Program 6000 Posts

Requirements:

• No experience.

• Applicant must be a South African citizen with no criminal record.

• Applicant must be fit and agile. Applicant must apply only in their residing corridor.

Duties include: Provide support in establishing food gardens in different communities. Assist project members in erecting fence and gates, installation of irrigation systems, erection of shade net structures. Participate in Bontle Ke Botho (BKB) clean-up campaigns in Municipalities. Assist schools to establish environmental projects. Perform any other general work and administrative duties as in when required.

West Rand ref: 2023/01, Ekurhuleni ref:2023/02, Tshwane ref:/2023/03, Sedibeng ref:/2023/04, City of Joburg Municipalities ref:/2023/05.

Notes: Unemployed youth, Women, People with disabilities and military veterans are encouraged to apply. The application must include a completed and signed NEW Z83 form obtainable from any public service department and a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a Cer-

you are applying for

· All positions are based in Pretoria (Gauteng) and Brits (North West) Please only apply if you live in these areas or are able to re-locate at your own cost.

Visit www.sayouth.org.za to register then con the links for the full role description and requirements and to apply. Look for the relevant role on the site if you are already part of the SA Youth network.

If you haven't joined the SA Youth network yet you will need to register first, the process will take 4 minutes. Click on the link register then apply.

Applications are open from 1 February – 2 March 2023.

Call our toll-free support line on 0800 727272, Mon-Fri, 9am4:30pm if you have any questions or email support@sayouth.org.za.

Remember to log in on sayouth. mobi regularly to check for more opportunities.

tified Copy of Identity Document. Applications submitted on an old Z83 form will not be considered. Failure to do so will result in the disqualification of your application.

Closing date: 13 February 2023

Applications can be submitted at the following offices:

• GDARDE - Germiston Office (247 President Street)

GDARDE-Randfontein Office (Golden guest house mainreef road)

GDARDE - Pretoria Office (Fedsure building, Nana Sita street)

GDARDE-Abe Bailey Nature Reserve (Farm Stinkhoutboom IQ101, Oberholzer district Carletonville)

GDARDE - Roodeplaat Nature Reserve (Plot 296, JR, Dwarsweg Kamelfontein road, Pretoria) GDARDE-Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Farm No.1 R550 Kliprivier Road

GDARDE - Temba Office Jubilee road, Hamanskraal)

GDARDE - Vereeniging Office(36 Merriman str)

GDARDE - Marievale Nature Reserve (R42 Delmas road, Holgatfontein Nigel) GDARDE -Alice Clockner Nature Reserve (L1-103 Lagerspoort, Heidelberg) GDARDEHead Office (no 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho house, Johannesburg)

Enquiries: Ms Iris Thanjekwayo Tel: 011 240 3085 or Ms Thilvhali Mashau Tel: 011 240 3096 or Ms Margaret Digoro Tel: 011 240 3097

Mapepeza Community Newspaper publishes 5 000 copies fortnightly with average monthly reach to about 35000 people in the southern region of the southern Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces (highveld region). The free newspaper can be accessed at qualified retailers, government/municipal offices, libraries, community centres, shools etc. Street agents in taxi ranks, malls, CBDs and townships, Door-to-door delivery at clients/ stakeholders’ offices and events etc. The digital copy is distributed through the following platforms: Email database, Issuu, Whatsapp, Facebook and Daily News website (www.mapepeza.online)

To advertise on the next edition of the publication, contact us on 078 221 8002 or send an email to newspaper@mapepeza.online

Engaging, Educating and Empowering Communities

Sports Sports

Gauteng Sports Awards to be held in Tshwane!

The 11th edition of the prestigious Gauteng Sports Awards will be hosted in the capital city, Tshwane soon.

The ceremony, organized by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Soshanguve Campus on Saturday, February 18.

“The Gauteng Sports Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate and recognize the achievements of our local sports stars,” said the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the awards to Tshwane for the first time.”

The awards ceremony will feature 19 categories, with some of the best-performing Gauteng-based sports stars up for top honors.

The public is encouraged to vote for their favorites in the “Sport Personality of the Year” category.

The contenders include blind cricketer Asanda Bidla, cyclist Pieter Du Preez, Banyana Banyana star Andile Dlamini, and swim-

Sevens Challenger Series in SA!

ming champion Lara van Niekerk. Members of the public can vote via SMS at the cost of R1.50 per message by the closing date of January 28, 2023.

“Gauteng is the breeding ground for the identification, nurturing, and development of raw talent,” said the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. “Our main aim with the awards is to recognize and honor individuals, teams, and organizations in the sports sector who have excelled both on and off the field on an annual basis.”

The annual awards align with the key priority of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation: to promote Gauteng as the home of champions, where major sporting, arts, and culture events contribute to the growth of the Gauteng economy and promote sustainable livelihoods for sportsmen and women, as well as artists within the province.

“We are proud to be a part of this exciting event and look forward to recognizing the achievements of our local sports stars,” said the department.

‘Who-Am-I’ Riddles

1. I am a button every human has. I come in different sizes and shapes but I can never be taken off. What am I?

2. I am a five-letter word. I become greater when you add "er" to me. What am I?

3. I am something you can catch but can never throw me. What am I?

4. I am a bank with no money in me. What bank am I?

5. We are called a pride when we form a group together. What are we?

TAKE

6. I am something. I go up every year but I can never go down. What am I?

7. I am something, you have to break me to use me. What am I?

8. I am a six-letter word. I am found in most places and no man can survive without me. What am I?

9. I am something, I can make two people from one person. What am I?

10. I am an animal. I never forget a face. What am I?

Spot da Difference

The World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series 2023 has been announced with a pair of three-day combined men’s and women’s events taking place at Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch on 20-22 and 28-30 April, 2023.

The teams that win the men and women’s tournaments will have a chance to play in the Sevens World Series 2024, which is the biggest international rugby sevens tournament. The tournament copies the Olympic Games competition format, with the 12 teams drawn into three pools of four.

The top two from each as well as the two best third-placed finishers will qualify for the knockout stages with quarter-finals and semi-finals leading to the bronze and gold medal matches. The World Rugby Chief Competitions and Performance Officer, Nigel Cass, said “The World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series is a vital competi-

tion for the continued development of international rugby sevens around the globe.”

He also added “The Challenger Series provides a clear pathway to reach the Sevens World Series, and teams from all six World Rugby regions have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and reach the pinnacle level of international rugby sevens through their efforts in the Challenger Series.”

SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux, also said “We are very grateful to have the opportunity to host the two Challenger Series tournaments next year.

With Rugby Sevens part of the Olympic Games, it will be a big occasion for all the teams involved and we would love nothing more than to see our own Springbok Women’s Sevens team play in Paris in 2024 – this could be the first step to achieving that dream.”

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