Mapepeza Vol.11 Issue 3 (February 9-23)

Initiative to Reclaim Local Economy

BY NQOBILE kHUMALO

In response to recent incidents of looting targeting foreign-owned shops, business people and local traders in Ratanda, under the new organisation called the Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops, met today at the Ratanda New Hall.

The aim of the group is to reclaim the retail economy of Ratanda and Heidelberg, which suffered significant damage with over 50 spaza shops left unusable.

The meeting was made to introduce the new logo and executive structure of the organisation. The executive structure of Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops: Happy Nyawuza (chair), Tshepo Mazibuko (DP), Bayanda Radebe (secretary), Yvonne Lehodi (DS), Mandla Ncoco(treasurer), Manqoba Ntombela (business advisor), Junction Ramalema (additional members), Lebo Xoli (checkpoint).

The initiative, driven by local economic development goals, seeks to empower local entrepreneurs and rebuild the community's retail infrastructure. Forms were distributed to business owners for data capturing to assess the capacity of local spaza shops in Ratanda. Mr. Tshepo Mazibuko, deputy chairperson of the initiative, emphasized the importance of security for the spaza shops: "Security is a priority for us, and by pooling our resources through monthly contributions, we can ensure the safety of our businesses and the prosperity of our community."

The monthly contributions from registered shops will sustain the organization, which will monitor compliance and provide security services. Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops plans to brand all affiliated shops with their emblem for easy identification.

"We are also working closely with stakeholders like Unilever to establish a local warehouse, reducing the distance for stockists and improving supply chain efficiency," added Manqoba Ntombela.

The initiative's database will help keep track of members and attendance at meetings.

"We urge all locals to sign the attendance register as we move forward with our vision for the community," urged Bayanda Radebe.

Despite the progress, there are still vacant spaza shops, and some operating businesses are not affiliated with the initiative.

"We encourage all locals and street vendors to join us in this initiative for the betterment of our community," concluded Radebe.

The launch of Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops marks a significant step towards economic resilience and community empowerment in Ratanda.

If you're interested in joining or supporting the organisation, please contact Chairperson Happy Nyawuza on 079 313 5334 or Secretary Bayanda Radebe on 079 170 7842.

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi

News News

‘Tintswalo’ represents progress of the nation

As the country marks 30 years of democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to outline how government has impacted the lives of ordinary people over the past three decades.

Painting a picture of a child born in 1994, the President told a story of Tintswalo who grew up in a society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

President extends the R350 special grant

“The story of the first 30 years of our democracy can be best told through the life of a child called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994.

She grew up in a society governed by a constitution rooted in equality, the rule of law, and affirmation of the inherent dignity of every citizen.

“Tintswalo, and many others born at the same time as her, were beneficiaries of the first policies of the democratic state to provide free health care for pregnant women and children under the age of six.

Tintswalo’s formative years were spent in a house provided by the state, one of millions of houses built to shelter the poor,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday, February 15.

He described her upbringing as being in a household provided with basic water and electricity, in a house where her parents were likely to have lived without electricity before 1994.

“Tintswalo was enrolled in a school in which her parents did not have to pay school fees, and each school day she received a nutritious meal as part of a programme that today supports nine million learners from poor families.

CONVICTED RAPIST ESCAPES FROM MAMELODI HOSPITAL News

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that government will extend and improve the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant as the next step towards income support for the unemployed.

Delivering the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the sixth administration at the Cape Town City Hall, the President said government introduced the special grant during the pandemic, which currently reaches some 9 million unemployed people every month.

“We have seen the benefits of this grant and will extend it and improve it as the next step towards income support for the unemployed.

“These grants and subsidies do much more than give people what they need to live. They are an investment in the future.

“Social assistance has been shown to increase school enrolment and attendance, lower dropout rates, and improve the pass rate,” the President said.

An inmate has escaped while receiving medical care at the Mamelodi Hospital in Tswane.

Clatter Gumbo, was serving a life sentence for rape, kidnapping and assault at the Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre in Tswane.

According to the department of Correctional services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, Clatter was escorted to the hospital for his appointment with the dietician when he attacked the guard official, disarm him and escapes from the hospital premises.

"An immediate action has been taken to initiate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. That investigation will bring to the fore what else transpired on the day,” said Nxumalo.

Gumbo was admitted as an offender on August 28 2018.

"We are appealing to anyone with infor-

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“The democratic state provided a child support grant to meet her basic needs. This grant, together with other forms of social assistance, continues to be a lifeline for more than 26 million South Africans every month.

“With this support, Tintswalo – democracy’s child – was able to complete high school. Through the assistance of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, Tintswalo attended one of our Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and obtained a qualification,” the President said.

When Tintswalo entered the world of work, she was able to progress and thrive with the support of the state’s employment equity and black economic empowerment policies.

“With the income she earned, she was able to save, to start a family, to move into a better house, and to live a better life. This is the story of millions of people who have been born since the dawn of our democracy,” President Ramaphosa said.

Are you like ‘Tintshwalo’ ? Does your story resonate wit the one told by President Ramaphosa in his SONA? Share your views

mation regarding the whereabouts of the escapee to contact the nearest correctional facility or police station. Crucially, we encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities," concluded Nxumalo.

Child dies from allegedly eating Spaza shop snacks

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed devastation at the death of a Grade 1 girl learner who passed away after allegedly consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop.

In an incident that took place on Tuesday (February 6), it is alleged that the learner from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, began experiencing health complications in class just before break at 11am and started vomiting a few minutes later.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the learner’s parents were contacted immediately to come to the school, while emergency services were also alerted to provide the necessary medical assistance.

“Unfortunately, the learner was certified dead by paramedics upon arrival. According to information at our disposal, the parents confirmed that the child had consumed biscuits which were bought from a local spaza shop owned by foreign nationals,” the GDE said.

Police are investigating circumstances surrounding this incident, while the department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit has been deployed to provide trauma support and counselling to all affected individuals.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident.

The MEC pleaded with adults to be vigilant concerning the edible goods that their children consume. We call upon law enforcement agencies and municipalities to be more stringent on compliance matters related to spaza shop products. Indeed, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community at large,” Chiloane said.

Community responds in violence

The day after the tragic incident, reports of Spaza shops owned by foreign nationals being looted in Tsakani circulated on social media.

“Foreign owned shops are being looted in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, following the death of a primary school learner,” the post by Yusuf Abramjee read.

No official word from the City of Ekurhuleni or local authorities regarding the matter.

Spike in STI infections in Gauteng

The Gauteng Health Department (GDoH) has noted a significant rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the province.

In the nine-month period from April to December 2023, 167,109 males visited public health facilities, with 40% (67,400) seeking treatment for Male Urethritis Syndrome (MUS), a sign of newly acquired STIs. According to the data, the most common causes are Gonorrhoeae and chlamydia. The department reported an increase in MUS incidence from 12% in 2020 to 15% in 2023, with notable spikes in specific sub-districts like E and F in Johannesburg, Merafong in the West Rand,

Ekurhuleni South, Lesedi in Sedibeng, and Region 7 in Tshwane.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized the urgency of addressing these trends, highlighting the availability of free condoms and preventive services at health clinics. She also emphasized the risks of untreated STIs, which can hinder the province's efforts to reduce new HIV infections. Additionally, the MEC stressed the importance of early antenatal care for pregnant women, as untreated syphilis can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. The emphasized the need for increased awareness and early treatment to combat the rising STI rates in Gauteng.

PICk N PAY E k OPA k HOTLISETSO E MERARO YA MATSHWAHO A DI BOTORO

Pick n Pay e kopa batho hore ba khutlisetss mefuta e meraro ya di Botoro eo ba e rekiseditsweng. E bitswang No Name Smooth Peanut Butter, Eden Smooth Peanut Butter, le Eden Crunch Peanut Butter. Dinkho tsena tsa Dibotoro di tlositswe dishelefong hobane di kanna tsa se bolokehe ho jewa. Ba fumane ntho e bitswang Aflatoxin ka hara Botoro, e ka kulisang batho. Haeba o rekile enngwe ya dinkho tsena tsa Botoro ka letsatsi la ho fellwa ke nako dipakeng tsa hajwale le Phupu 2025, u ka di khutlisetsa lebenkeleng bakeng sa puseletso e felletseng. Leha Botoro oe o se o e butsoe kapa ha o so e buli, o ntse o ka e khutlisetsa. Haeba o na le dipotso, o ka letsetsa Customer Care Line ya bona.

Gauteng government opens 32nd School of Specialization

Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) MEC, Matome Chiloane, officially launched the Mpilisweni Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation, with a focus on Manufacturing and Logistics in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday.

This public secondary school specialises in Manufacturing and Logistics because of the Economic Development Corridor in which it is located.

The GDE said it intentionally streamlines its schools to match the focuses of each of the schools' Economic Development Corridors, thus responding to the skills gap of each corridor.

Katlehong is a large township in the Gauteng province of South Africa. It is located 28km south-east of Johannesburg, between two other townships, Thokoza and Vosloorus, which are all next to the N3 highway.

According to the department, learners from the school demonstrated a wide array of advanced skills during the official launch.

“These include a smart truck that they built, which is meant to use solar power instead of petrol. Learners proceeded to show extensive knowledge in DNA profiling, using biotechnology and gel electrophoresis to analyse DNA.

“The school also features a driving simulator, which is able to simulate other real-world environments. Other inventions included a solar tracking panel which detects light sources similar to a sunflower, as well as a Li-Fi connected sound system,” the GDE said. Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is a high speed, bidirectional and fully networked wireless communication of data using light.

The GDE said the crown jewel of the learners' creation is a smart factory that uses smart automation to operate and produce bread from scratch.

Girl learners first exhibited a model of the factory, which includes automation and mechatronics that they envision using in the future.

The MEC had the opportunity of viewing the actual factory and getting a taste of the bread. The school sells the loaves of bread to schools in surrounding areas at only R9.90 a loaf.

The factory is a result of the partnership between the Gauteng Department of Education and Sifiso Edtech,

which is invested in providing real-world applications of innovative technology in education.

Albany is also a partner, with their baking expertise, fusing learner knowledge with practical resources that do not only result in mere loaves of bread, but essentially nurtures the minds and bodies of learners, and ultimately the community.

Mpilisweni is a no-fee school that relies entirely on Section 21 allocation for financial upkeep.

The school has maintained a 90%+ matric pass rate for the past three years. A survey done by the department indicates that most parents prefer to enrol their children at Mpilisweni due to the quality of teaching and the improved performance.

“It is through this backdrop of consistent performance and in this developing community that we launch an innovative School of Specialisation to produce the province’s model citizens. Learners at Mpilisweni will benefit from a wide array of skills within the manufacturing and logistics industry that reach beyond the standard curriculum,” Chiloane said.

Four Mzansi Entrepreneurs To Enhance The Visibility Of Local brands

BY TITOS MAKONDO

In the golden city of Johannesburg where people never slumber, there emerge four gems with a scent for rands who dare sleep sweating to put local brands on high.

Dr Khulani Skhosana, Itumeleng Bopape, Tlotlo Dube and Blessing Murauro (pictured above) have teamed up to lead South Africa into local business revolution, where some local entrepreneurs will start taking their first nibble at the cake .

The four seem to have taken the baton from the late Richard Maponya (first black man to become a big magnate in South Africa). They have established an online home of local brands called Mzansi Lifestyle Markert, which was offi-

cially launched on 26 January, this year.

In an epic conversation with Mapepeza News, Executive Director of the movement Itumeleng Bopape, said Mzansi Lifestyle Market is a game changer for small businesses and brands in the country.

"lt's a futuristic hub seeking to bring local businesses and intrepreneurs under one roof and allowing them to exhibit and enhance the visibility of their brands and thereby increasing sales," Bopape explained.

Asked how the idea of the movement was born, he said it was sparked by the noise of the myth that inventors are only from the west if not east, and lack of pro-

moters of local brands.

"Frankly, we have lots of locals with creative versatility running in their veins, who are capable of inventing anything and even turn trash to treasure, however, their big dreams end up as smoke due to lack of support.

"As the country is about to attain local business revolution, l beg you fellow South Africans to learn to support and believe in local brands,"he said.

"The power is ours to bump up local brands and make them compete with foreign ones on global market."

In addition, he said the government must start casting their nets in Mzansi Lifestyle Market to catch

Tamanna For Change is a required book for Youth

BY TITOS MAKONDO

All the things people want to know are in books, these words serve as a call for youth and book worms to have their eyes on Siyabulela Mokebe's invigorating book titled 'Tamanna (Desire) For Change'.

The flamboyant author Mr Mokebe, bred but not born in Alexandra township, who is a maths and science educator by profession, spoke about his brain child saying it is a 228-page book published by Creative Book SA, priced at R250.

He said the flesh of the book was drawn from his experiences, seeking to help youth discover the power of not giving up and remind them to continue making new discoveries regardless of life's blows.

"Tamanna For Change' gives an understanding of hurdles that may be encountered in life by those from child headed-families and outlines the importance of education and the struggles l had to endure in pursuit of education," Mr Mokebo explained.

About the author's writing voyage, writing is a calling which he came to discover at tender age.

During his school days, he used to write pieces to add to his talent, up until a tide of influence from his lecturers, Dr Thokozani Mathebula

and nurture the Richard Maponyas of today.

The endeavour of this nature doesn't only put South Africa on the continental map in business, but it boost the country's economy.

Also, it creates jobs, thus curbing the alarming rate of unemployment plaguing the country.

“All local entrepreneurs across the country who are willing to be part of the market just need to register their brand and secure their space. So far over 100 local brands have showed up,” Bopape confirmed.

For more details about the Mzansi Lifestyle Market, contact ltumeleng Bopape on 078 430 6215.

and Dr Amos Wilson, greatly fueled him to kick the doors of publishing houses.

ln what sounds like taking a peck on his background, Mr Mokebe divulged that he grew up in a block.

He said his parents passed on while he was still young, however, as he was burning for a new lease of life, he followed the word path of education in thick and thin and bagged an honors from University of Wits, which marked the turning point of his life.

He added that only grit and determination catapulted him high, nothing else. This is a bold message he is intenting to preach through his book, hence he urges people of all ages to keep chasing dreams and making new discoveries no matter what, as the saying goes "there is light after the tunnel."

Mr Mokebe, a beacon of hope for his community, ended with a promise of writing more books and continue teaching maths and science to change lives.

Anyone can access rehabilitation for free at state-run drug rehabilitation centres and those run by Non-Profit Organisations subsidised by the government.

The Gauteng Provincial Government still invites young people who are struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction to come forward and get help.

The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, MEC Mbali Hlophe launched a initiative to rehabilitate Gauteng youth addicted to the notorious street drug nyaope at Dr Florence & Fabian Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Tshwane late last year.

The initiative forms part of the province’s 2030 vision to put the youth at the centre of policy-making decisions as well as the economy.

In a build-up to the launch, the Gauteng Provincial Government launched a substance abuse helpline after several calls for help with teenage substance abuse. The helpline is a bid to intensify the fight against substance abuse across the province.

The 24 hours anti-substance abuse call centre service is a platform for parents and caregivers to apply for rehabilitation for their children or adults addicted to drugs. Applicants, if successful will be enrolled at a state rehabilitation centre.

The helpline can be accessed at 0800 228 827 or by email: GPAntiSubstanceAbuse@gauteng.gov. za or USSD

Metro employee among the arrested for cable theft

Three people were arrested and a truck carrying stolen electrical cable worth about R1.2 million was confiscated in Alberton on Tuesday, February 13.

The City’s Anti-Cable Theft Task Team and private security company intercepted a truck just before it left with the cable from the city’s stores in Alberton.

“Among the three suspects is an employee who works as a clerk at Alberton stores. This makes the situation even worse because we expect our employees to protect municipal infrastructure at all times. Preliminary investigations show that the employee issued fraudulent documents for the release of the cable from the stores,” the city’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini said.

“Cable theft is a major problem for the city and we spend millions on security companies to patrol and monitor our infrastructure”, Dlamini explains, adding that a lot of money also goes towards replacing stolen cables.

The City of Ekurhuleni is losing more than R90 million per year due to cable theft. The official will undergo disciplinary process while the trio faces the Magistrate.

Batho ba batlang mosebetsi ba lemositswe hore ba se ke ba wela lerabeng la baqhekanyetsi!

Lefapha la Khiro le Mesebetsi le lemositse batho ba batlang mosebetsi ho se lefelle menyetla ya mesebetsi.

Lefapha la khiro le hlokometse ka matshwenyeho a maqheka a mmaloa a dulang a hlaha nako le nako, moo batho ba sa sebetseng ba tshepiswang mesebetsi ka ho lefa Pele ba hirwa.

Bomenemene bo satswa ho etsahala morao-rao moo ba sebedisang lebitso la lefapha la khiro bakeng sa ditshepiso tsa seo ho thweng ke mesebetsi wa basebetsi ba tsamaiso, moo boramaqheka ba kopang sechaba se sa lebellang ho lefa tefo eka khutlisetsoang ekabang R250 mabenkeleng a Kang PEP bakeng sa ho etsa dipatlisiso tsa morao tjena.

"Batho ba batlang mosebetsi ba eletswa hore ba se ke ba etsa ditefo leha e le dife mme ba se arolelane mabitso a bona le dintlha tsa bona tsa botho ho mang ka Kapa mang, ka hobane seo se beha tshireletso ya bona kotsing.

“Ha ho motho a ka lefisang motho a batlang mosebetsi bakeng sa ho fana ka ditshebeletso ho motho a batlang mosebetsi. Sena ke ho latela Molao wa Employment Services (ES).

“Molao wa ditshebeletso tsa Khiro o tswela pele ka ho bolela hore setsi sa khiro sa Poraefete ha se a tlameha ho hula chelete efe kapa efe moputsong wa mohiruoa kapa ho batla kapa ho dumella mosebeletsi ho lefa chelete efe kapa efe mabapi le ho beha mosebeletsi e o ho mohiri,” lefapha le boletse%.

Mzansi called to participate in the 2024 SGB Elections

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has called on eligible stakeholders, parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, learners in high schools, and community members to participate and have their say in the upcoming 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) Elections.

Motshekga, pictured, was speaking during the launch of the 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) Elections Campaign in Pretoria on Monday, February 12.

The actual SGB elections will be held from 1 – 31 March 2024 in all ordinary public schools. By law, the department is required to conduct elections for SGBs every three years.

“As we launch this campaign, I call upon each of you, parents, teachers, learners, and community members to join us in this crucial endeavour.

“Engage with the process, educate yourselves and others and most importantly, exercise your right to vote. Your involvement is not just a contribution but a testament to your commitment to the future of our nation’s children.

“My call to action today is simple yet powerful: get involved. Whether you choose to stand for election or cast your vote, your contribution holds immense significance. It will not only impact the lives of our children but also shape the future of our nation,” Motshekga said.

She said that research has consistently shown that schools with active SGBs excel across various metrics, including academic performance, learner wellbeing, and community engagement.

She said the correlation between engaged SGBs and school success is undeniable. Schools with high SGB participation report an average 20%

higher pass rate than those with lower engagement.

Additionally, the Minister said that incidents of vandalism and truancy decrease significantly in schools with active governing bodies.

“These are not just numbers; they are compelling evidence of the power of active participation. Our vision is for every school to harness this potential, translating active governance into tangible outcomes for our children.

“Therefore, our campaign, ‘Empower, Engage, Educate’, aims to catalyse a shift. With a multifaceted strategy leveraging both digital and traditional media, we intend to reach every corner of our society. From rural townships to bustling urban centres, our message is clear: your voice shapes the future,” she said.

Victims of unethical lawyers called to come forward

BY THAPELO MAGOLA

Following numerous cases lodged by the members of the public with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) about legal practitioners who defrauded them of millions of their Road Accident Fund claims, the Council urged people to never seize to report any unethical behaviour towards them.

According to LPC spokesperson, Kabelo Letebele, the Legal Practice Council (LPC) has approached the high court in a bid to have the licence of a lawyer who allegedly misappropriated millions of Road Accident Fund payouts struck off the list of practitioners.

The LPC had received 51 complaints against the Joburg lawyer Arnold Mkhabela, with 21 of those being misappropriation of funds totalling R8m.

"The LPC is also calling people who were clients and got defrauded by the Eastern Cape attorney, Mr Zuko Nonxuba to come forward as the organisation wants to disseminate the funds recovered from his Trust Account to the victims.

Mr Nonxuba, through his firm targeted vulnerable, illiterate people whom he would pretend to be assisting through his legal services, only to misappropriate hundreds of millions of rands paid into his trust account and was due to his former

clients after successfully litigating against the Department of Health in matters relating to medical malpractice."

Letebele added that the LPC has retained the last remaining amount of 100 million in attorney Zuko Nonxuba’s trust account.

However, the council is struggling to locate creditors (victims) who were defrauded by the attorney.

“We hope to pay creditors (victims)sooner, but we are struggling to locate them thus far as Mr Nonxuba is not. cooperating in disclosing his files. Our investigations showed that the trust balance should have been substantially more, so hence we hope to release the funds that we have so far”, added Letebele

Letebele further indicated that Nonxuba was ordered by the courts in all cases where minors were involved to set up trusts on behalf of the claimants in the medical malpractice suits, and to ensure that they received compensation as beneficiaries of the trusts.

However, Nonxuba failed to adhere to the court orders and is alleged to have retained and misappropriated these funds.

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Mall becomes breeding ground for criminals

BY OAGENG MATRASE

Diepkloof Square has apparently become a hotspot for fraud and criminal activities this January, raising concerns among residents in Soweto and the surrounding areas.

Mapepeza is urging people to exercise extreme caution when using ATMs with their bank cards or sending children on errands to local stores.

In a recent incident, a young mother of two, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent her 13-year-old daughter to purchase a few items at a trusted retailer.

To her shock, the mother received bank notifications on her phone, revealing unauthorized transactions.

Frantically leaving her house, she discovered her daughter missing from Diepkloof Square.

Security personnel reviewed surveillance foot-

age, exposing an older woman, possibly aged between 50 and 60, taking the child's card.

The perpetrator then instructed the child to travel approximately 5 km, promising a white tent where she would receive R1000.

However, upon reaching the designated location, there was no tent, and the woman had vanished.

This alarming incident has sparked concerns about potential cases of kidnapping, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance.

Authorities are advising residents to be wary of scammers, emphasizing the risk of sending children to malls or distant shops alone.

The community is urged to prioritize safety measures and collective awareness to stop the growing criminal trends in the area.

Partnership utilizes CCTV to fight crime in Gauteng

Efforts to fight crime in Gauteng have received a much-needed boost through a partnership with Vuma Cam, which will allow the province to have access to an additional 6 000 CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the province’s streets.

CCTV cameras are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategy to utilise technology in the fight against crime. The CCTV cameras are being placed in townships, business districts, areas with high crime, roads, schools and other public places.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi said at the launch event held on Tuesday, February 13, that this was a big milestone for the campaign and that the cameras will go a long way to realising a crime-free Gauteng.

“I am excited that this partnership finally took place. It has been a long time coming. I am tired of crime. We cannot be held hostage by criminals. We cannot be scared and be scared even of our own shadows because of criminals.

“Crime is a big problem and it is even halting investment interests in our province. We are signing this agreement to protect our people,” he said.

The campaign to fight crime using technology is an intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

The collaboration is meant to boost all other available crime-fighting initiatives, through providing CCTV cameras, high-quality drones for surveillance, issuing of panic buttons to improve access to help from law enforcement officers during distress, and installation of tracking devises on cars.

The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo, said government collaboration with the policing, security and technol-

ogy sectors resulted in this agreement coming to fruition.

“Today’s occasion also marks the coming to fruition of a partnership with Vuma Cam to building safer communities. This partnership strengthens the collaboration between the private and public sector, using technology to fight crime and build safer communities. The signing of this agreement is a demonstration of commitment by Vuma Cam,” he said.

Vuma Cam have committed to extending camera coverage to underserved areas, particularly within the TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) areas.

Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock said through the agreement, Vuma Cam is also offering an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which would ensure that any known vehicle, involved in a criminal activity in another province, would trigger an immediate alert if seen by the cameras within Gauteng.

“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network, delivered through our worldclass software platform and verified by expertly trained operators, will result in a 'new

normal' in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Crook said.

“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vuma Cam’s partnerships with public entities, as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer,” he said.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, said that this programme is a step closer to the realisation of e-policing, and it is important to also look after this infrastructure.

“We are collaborating with the Department of Community Safety on several initiatives, one of which includes the involvement of our communities. They will also be critical in this campaign as they will ensure that these cameras are safe,” Mthombeni said.”

In continuing with its mission of combatting crime using technology, the Gauteng Government committed to launching 6 000 additional CCTV cameras in due course.

Sports Sports

Well done Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana, has returned home to a rapturous reception at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning (February 14). The team arrived back after an impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire, where they clinched the bronze medal.

In the third-place playoff match, South Africa emerged victorious over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout. Ronwen Williams, the team's captain and goalkeeper, stood out as he made two crucial saves during the tense shootout, helping secure the bronze medal for his side.

CAF B License Coaching Course hosted SAFA Ekurhuleni

The South African Football Association will be conducting a CAF B Coaching Course hosted by SAFA Ekurhuleni on the following dates:

Phase 1: 29 April – 05 May 2024

Phase 2: 01 June – 07 June 2024

Phase 3: 06 July – 12 July 2024

Although all coaches are invited, first preference will be given to the following:

• National Team Coaches (Current and Former Coaches).

• National First Division Coaches (Active).

• Premier Soccer League Coaches (Active).

• Hollywoodbets Super League Coaches (Active).

Application requirements:

- CV including all contact details –mobile numbers and e-mail addresses (maximum 2 pages).

- Coaching Activity report with proof of last team/ club/ school coached (maximum 2 pages.)

- ID Copy/ Passport (Colour).

- CAF C Certificate Copy (Colour). - Application/Motivation letter (maximum 1 page).

- Letter of reference signed from Region/ Club/ School (maximum 1 page).

Additional Information:

This is the first time in 20 years that the nation has reached the last four in the continental tournament. Their campaign has left a positive impact on the sport and the country's pride. As the players landed at OR Tambo International Airport, they were greeted by cheering fans, government officials, and dignitaries, all eager to express their appreciation for the team's efforts.

Williams was crowned the Best Goalkeeper as he kept his fifth clean sheet in a single AFCON and in the process broke former goalkeeper Andre Arendse’s record.

Bafana Bafana also received the AFCON Air Côte d’Ivoire Fair-Play Team award. They now rank 58th in the FIFA rankings.

• Course fee of R 15 000 for Coaches is payable if the applicant is accepted.

• SAFA will be responsible for meals (breakfast and lunch) for the duration of the course.

• Participants should make their own travelling and accommodation arrangements.

• The course will cater for 25 candidates.

• Any other logistics will be communicated directly to the accepted applicants before the commencement of the course.

Important: All Prospective candidates should send their applications by email to the below email addresses by the 22 March 2024, Close of business at 17:00 pm.

Email to: Attention – Ms. Joy Moloi (Technical Directors Administrator) and Ms. Keneilwe Mathibela (Manager Coaching Education) joy.moloi@ safa.net or Keneilwe.Mathibela@safa.net

Late and incomplete applications as well as applications exceeding 12 pages will not be considered. The SAFA Coaching Education Department will not enter discussions relating to applications for the course.

Chauke crowned champion

BY STEPHEN SEAKGWE

Congratulations to the 39 year old boxing Jackson ‘van Tonder’ Chauke won the vacant IBO flyweight title at the York Hall in London on Saturday (January 27), when he beat Quaise Khademi on points over 12 rounds.

An experienced fighter from Thembisa in Ekurhuleni, has previously won a silver medal in the men’s flyweight boxing event at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, Chauke has had a stellar career which has culminated in his IBO flyweight title victory.

Sports Minister Kodwa congratulated Chauke for his excellent

and inspirational achievement. “He has raised the country’s flag sky high,” he said.

“Chauke is an inspiration not only to South African boxers, but to all athletes for his dedication and commitment to the sport. These qualities have driven Chauke to the IBO flyweight title at 38 years of age.”

“I once again express my desire to see South African boxing being revived and to return to the heights it has scaled before. May Chauke’s success and the recent presence of South African boxers competing on the sport’s global stages further invigorate South African boxing,” Minister Kodwa added.