EASTERN FREE STATE
TEL: 058 3035411
WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
FREE
‘Enough is enough!’
Women’s League members march to hand over memorandum } Tladi Moloi A PRAYER MEETING for non-violence against women and children, which left many women in tears, was held in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, on Saturday morning. People who attended the ceremony, especially women, could not hold back their tears when the victims of rape narrated their stories. About five victims that included an innocent girl of five, were in attendance. One of the victims, let’s call her Roo, said she was approached by a group of men in her house at night. She said they demanded money and raped her in front of her seven-yearold daughter. “It is not all men who rape, but please, let those who don’t advise others,” she said. Another victim said on 30 January at night she heard a window breaking. She said two men instructed her to lie on the bed. “They took me to another room since I was in the room with my younger brother. They started raping me and they told me that I should not scream. My younger brother escaped through the window and called the neighbours,” she said. A ceremony which was aimed at praying for violence against women and children to stop and also to hand over the memorandum of grievances to the office of the Minister of Justice saw hundreds of women and men attend. Extension 1 in Bohlokong was covered with green and black attire of the ANC Women’s League marching in the street towards the sports ground where the event was hosted. The Women’s League gave a memorandum to the deputy minister of Justice, Andries Nel. Sesi Ntombela, the MEC for Social Development and ANC Women’s League chairperson, said: “We want all people who rape and kill to get a life sentence. They should not get parole, because they do the same thing when they get out. “The women are saying enough is enough. They have caused damage. We know that
ANC WOMEN’S LEAGUE MEMBERS marching in Bohlokong with some of the residents to hand over the memorundum to the deputy minister of Justice, Andries Nel. they have rights, but we don’t want them to get lawyers anymore.” Nel said he wanted to thank the Women’s League for organising the event and bringing the community together. He said for the side of the criminal justice system they were working very hard to make the system more effective and more efficient. He said the police have already reintroduced a special sexual offences unit. “From our side as the Justice Department we are reintroduc-
ing the sexual offences courts. We know that many of these crimes are committed at home and that is why we need a transformational attitude. We must all come together to fight this,” he said.
THE deputy minister of Justice, Andries Nel, signs a memorandum with Olli Mlam lelli, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settle ments, next to him. Photos: Tladi Moloi
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Time running out for learners to enter letter writing competition WITH only four days left the South African Post Office urges learners to get writing. The International Letter Writing Competition, which concludes on 31 March, highlights World Water Month this March. This year’s theme Write someone a letter explaining why water is a precious resource, ties in with the International Decade for Action, Water for Life 2005–2015. In celebrating World Water Day, the South Afri-
can Post Office in partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, have issued a limited-edition stamp set. The stamp collection captures the United Nation’s theme of the International Year of Water Cooperation. The purpose of the stamp series is to highlight and create awareness for the world’s most precious resource, water. The SA Post Office invites learners up to the age of 15 years to take part.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) runs the competition annually and the winning entry from each country competes for the title of best letter writer. Entries close on 31 March and entry forms are available from http://www.postoffice.co.za/Documents/letterwritingcompetition2013.pdf, as well as the Virtual Post Office www.virtualpostoffice.co.za and follow them on Facebook http:// www.facebook.com/#!/SouthAfricanPostOffice.
Big prizes to be won DO you know the answers? If yes, then it is your turn to win big prizes. Competition 1: What is the word we are looking for? H_P_Y E_ _t_r Competition 2: Look at the photo and give us the answer. Where is the ball? A, B or C. Fax the entry forms to 086-297-3829. Closing date: 3 April. The first five correct entries drawn will be notified telephonically. Prizes to be won: Three R300 shopping vouchers/hampers. A concrete wheelbarrow. Hamper from Autozone Bethlehem. Express Eastern Free State would like to thank the following sponsors: Qwa Qwa Market, Setsing Super Spar, TFS Hardware, Super Save – Bethlehem, Autozone Bethlehem.
Sentence welcomed THE Free State premier, Ace Magashule, has welcomed the sentencing of a man convicted of multiple counts of rape and robbery. Tiisetso Ephraim Spandeel Matabane (34) was slammed with five life sentences and 45 years in jail by the Bloemfontein High Court last week. Matabane was charged with 16 counts of rape and housebreaking with intent to commit rape and robbery. Justice Joseph Mhlambi found Matabane guilty on eight charges of rape, three charges of theft and two charges of housebreaking. The court heard how Matabane raped, maimed and stole from his victims from 2005 until his arrest in 2011. Matabane targeted women in and around Bloemspruit, Freedom Square and Botshabelo. Matabane will spend the rest of his life in prison after Justice Mhlambi ordered the five life sentences to run concurrently. Welcoming the stiff sentences, Magashule said he hoped they would deter other criminals and serve as consolation to the victims’ families. Magashule praised the police work which led to the successful prosecution of Matabane. “We call on the community to continue working with the police to root out criminals from our society. Members of the community must always report acts of criminality,” Magashule said. The MEC of Police, Roads and Transport, Butana Komphela, also welcomed the sentences and congratulated the police, prosecutor and witnesses for their role in putting Matabane behind bars.
EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
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NEWS
Tournament helps hospice in need } Tladi Moloi THE Dihlabeng Charity Sports Tournament committee members visited the Bohlokong Hospice on Thursday afternoon to hand over a washing machine that they have bought for them. The tournament committee was formed with the government departments in Dihlabeng. It was aimed at helping the needy and disadvantaged communities in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality. The South African Social Security
Agency (Sassa), Social Development, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), South African Police Services (SAPS), Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Department of Health and Department of Justice respectively formed a committee. All the departments contributed R500 each and some of the money was used to buy a washing machine for the hospice which is situated on the Vogelfontein Farm near Bethlehem. The departments first started by playing soccer and netball in the new tournament on Human Rights Day before
BIG BOOST: Some of the Dihlabeng Charity Sports Tournament committee members pose with the representatives of the Bohlokong Hospice during the handing over. They are from the left Victoria Khoza (Bohlokong Hospice financial manager), Teboho Ram ohlokwane, Ntombikayise Mdakane (manager for sports in the Dihlabeng Local Munici pality), Lefa Mashiloane (Dihlabeng Charity Sports Tournament coordinator), Melita Tsotetsi (Bohlokong Hospice coordinator) and Ngaka Kgarafu. Photo: Tladi Moloi
they went on to donate the following day. Lefa Mashiloane, Dihlabeng Charity Sports Tournament coordinator, said they were happy with what they had achieved. He said they were going to hold a meeting and planned to make the tournament a big thing. “We managed to help our people and this shows that if we are united and committed, we can change many lives. We want this to happen four times a year, but we will announce it officially once we have reached an agreement,” he said. Melita Tsotetsi, the Bohlokong Hospice coordinator, said they wish a long life for
the tournament. She added that they were hoping it would come back to them again to donate something. “The machine will help us to wash the patients’ clothes. “Our first machine had been broken and we had to wash them with our hands on a daily basis,” he said. Tsotetsi said she would love it if other businesses would come on board and help them. She said the biggest challenge is the food and transport for the patients. Anyone who would like to help, can contact them on 058-304-4946.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
NEWS
Gospel festival to address moral decay THE Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, through its Department of Local Economic Development and Tourism, will host the Maluti-a-Phofung Gospel Festival on 13 April at the Charles Mopeli Stadium. The objective of the festival is to address the moral decay affecting our society, as witnessed in the first three months of 2013, with so many immoral activities taking place. The municipality in partnership with the premier’s office established the moral regeneration forum which is led and chaired by the clergies (pastors) as a measure to bring back the moral values within society. This festival also seeks to minister the Word of God to the Maluti-a-Phofung community through music, also addressing the issues of local economic development and tourism. The most fundamental objective is to forge long-term partnerships with strategic companies. Upcoming local artist will be given a platform to express their talent on the same stage as known artists as part of artist development. The funds raised from this festival will be used to: ) support early childhood development programmes; ) combat and reduce the stigma around HIV/ Aids related issues; and ) assist the executive mayor’s educational programmes like learnerships and bursaries. The programme director for the festival will be Thuso Motaung and live performances from Rebecca Malope, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sfiso Dlamini, Teboho Moloi as well as upcoming local artists can be expected. Maluti-a-Phofung forms part of a scenic tapestry which changes dramatically with each season, the beauty and tranquillity of which is palpable and almost overwhelming, which has as its bedrock in the famous Maluti Mountains, which the municipality is named after. The majestic mountains with their sandstone cliffs, fertile valleys of crops that stretch as far as the eye can see, fields of cosmos and the golden yellow hues of sunflowers, are just a
TEBOHO MOLOI, a wellknow gospel art ist, will be featured in the upcoming gos pel festival. Photo: Tladi Moloi few of the enchanting sights that make this region unique. Battle sites and memorials left over from bygone wars, ancient fossil footprints from a prehistoric era, a wealth of art and craft and renowned resorts make the area a most suitable field to improve on economic development and introduce potential investors to the place. The communities and businesses within and around the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality are invited to come and enjoy the festival and the masses are advised to come early as to get their tickets in time. Tickets will be sold at Qwaqwa Municipal Cashiers and at the gate for R100 to avoid counterfeits from being distributed. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the premises.
Detainee escapes THE police are looking for Zwelithini Godwill Skhosana (18). Zwelithini was arrested for an armed robbery which was committed in Frankfort. He escaped from custody while he was being taken from the Frankfort Magistrate’s Court to the Sasol Correctional Services Centre where he was detained. It is alleged he overpowered a police official and fled. The police appeal to the community if they have any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Sehloho Motaung, on 079-014-1936 or 058-813-6935.
WANTED suspect Zwe lithini Godwill Skhosana.
Your blood is urgently needed AS we approach the holiday breaks, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) knows that traditionally this is a time when there are several road accidents, which adds to the daily demand for blood. It is also a time when blood collection is already difficult. This comes about with regular school, tertiary institutions and business blood drives being virtually impossible to assist in sustaining a safe blood stock level to meet the demand. In times like this we have to appeal to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drivers or donor centres. Unfortunately when the holidays arrive, the demand does not decrease, and approximately 3 000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily. For each day the SANBS is unable to make this
target, the total units of blood that is available depletes. “We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood. Easter is often a time for family and donating blood is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time with theirs,” said Vanessa Raju, national communications manager, SANBS. If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50 kg, and you lead a sexually safe lifestyle, make your way to your nearest donor centre. To find out where your nearest donor centre is visit www.sanbs.org.za, call. For more information, contact Rochelle van der Merwe at 058-303-5560.
Convention held THE House of Glory Global Church presents an Easter Convention in Qwaqwa from Friday at 09:00 until Sunday at 22:00. Meet the prophet of God (Samuel Raboteng) and his wife in these three days of power. Services will be as follows: On Friday and Sunday there will be two services: The first service is at 09:00. The second service is at 18:30. On Saturday there is only one service at 18:30. On Sunday there will be a prayer line. Registration starts at 07:00 to 09:00 on Sunday (If you are ill, your medical report will be needed). Registration is free.
Non-stop music
Kwaziya Lounge presents three days of non-stop music from Friday at 00:00 until 1 April at 18:00. On Friday Mel and KG will be warming you up for the main event. Saturday is the main event with the likes of DJ Stevonik, Soulfull Phex, Soldaat Ived, KG, TK, Glen Star, Lady FK and Crispy T. On Sunday they will be introducing the Sunday Mogudo Chillas that will be starting on 31 March. Divine Sounds invites all DJ’s who play vinyls to join them.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
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NEWS
Slight change in tournament this year } Tladi Moloi THE annual Nkosana Maseko Easter Soccer and Netball Tournament is here. The tournament, which has been running for three consecutive years, starts on Friday in the Bohlokong Stadium in Bethlehem. The three-day tournament, which features all the wards of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, will see a slight change as this year the soccer division will only allow the u.23 players top contest in the competition while netball remains open for all ages.
Ward 16 is the three-time champions of the soccer tournament with Ward 8 having won the netball trophy three times also. Surely the two wards would be looking forward to defend their trophies. According to the founder of the tournament, Nkosana Maseko, he had organised the tournament in conjunction with the Dihlabeng Local Municipality. He said they have decided to change the age in the soccer division because they wanted to give young stars exposure which they have been battling to dish out when playing in an open competition.
Furman is ‘fine’ DESPITE sustaining a nasty looking facial injury against the Central African Republic (CAR) on Saturday night, Bafana Bafana midfield Dean Furman is doing “fine”. The Doncaster Rovers player was substituted just before half-time after clashing heads with a CAR player in the box, and looked very wobbly as he made his way off the pitch. There were fears he had broken his facial bones, but an MRI scan revealed no major issues, and after his double vision had cleared he was released to celebrate Bafana’s 2-0 victory. – KickOff.com
The beautiful mountains MOEKETSI LEBESA, Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa:
I AM sitting on top of the mountains Qwaqwa, Pondering in a deep heart’s core, Surrendering to deep silence, Listening to the sound of silence Trying to reconcile the sight and sound, MOEKETSI LEBESA, the author, sitting on the mountain as Gazing eastward he writes the poem. across small land of mine, sounds of open land, My eyes sweeping a lush green carpet, Taking a break at the Basotho Cultural Rolled unbroken to the shore of Fika village, a village of heritage, Patso Dam, Watching molepe, lekodukothwana, Cows grazing on all sides, along the foot- thaha and serobele, hills, Travel down to Clarens for a truly revoHigher up I see tree trunks and branch- lutionary experience, es smouldering, Art town overflowing with South AfriI can only gaze in admiration, can heritage, I will arise and go now, go to Qwaqwa, Town of monuments and forested hikAnd I shall have some peace there, ing trails, First town declared proudly Peace dropping from the veils of the South African, morning, Surrounded by unique boutiques, exThe rock-crested mountain home, my hibits and parks, land of home Eclectic and often open-minded town Meandering through the Golden Gate, notorious for its parties and drinking, Deeply entrenched in the rocky mounWill Qwaqwa always stand firm in her tains of Qwaqwa, quest for truth? Enjoying the flora and the fauna, the Will Qwaqwa reclaim her legacy? sights and the sounds of nature, Will she ever reclaim her glory? Feeling the tranquillity of the area, Oh! The little Switzerland of South AfriThe feeling is awe, not to be found any- ca, where in South Africa, Come and see the beauty of nature, The scenery is stunning and spectacuFrom the mountain trails, bird watchlar, ing, golfing, World of gigantic peaks and sandstone Mountaineering, fish, snorkelling, cliffs, Rural countryside, plethora of historic Crystal-clear rivers, valleys, rolling sites, hills, hillocks, waterfalls and pools, The beautiful green and rugged paths of Breathing clean, crisp air, sights and the Drankensberg trail.
My heart goes cruel RADEBE MLANJANE JOHN, Harrismith:
For all tombstones and repairs to damaged tombstones, as well as epitaphs, etc. Please phone 058 303 4840.
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THERE my heart goes cruel, intelligent it was; Mentally brave to strategies molestation; O! She was kidnapped by my erotic charisma, Comfort she felt was dramatic chronicle to peruse; Fervently she was affection bizarre, euphoria stood by her; Conviction omitted was from her essence, why? Remember, I was there; that should just be me. Listen to her fairytale, so remarkable, transparent and melodious; Intelligent was my degree of notion, anxious to assist; Determined being so, to perform against her agony;
Revelation articulates massive through faith and transparent honesty. Remember, I was there; that should just be me. Artistic was my coziness to her brain through vision; She visualises my intelligence through her misery; Conviction she receives towards her qualms. Conscious I was then to clinch my thesis towards details I compiled. Psychiatrist I then became to antidote my patient; O! This must be phenomenal, shall it be for eternity? Indeed! Remember, I was there; that should just be me. Alleviated she will be for paradise had declared for eternity; Divine conclude devotional essay. I honour and testimony shall certainly not falsehood.
Let’s stand up and do things for ourselves GERTRUDE LETOOANE, Intabazwe, Harrismith: FEW words are more appealing to the human heart. People have fought and suffered, lived and died in pursuit of freedom. Sadly though, many have done so without seeing much real progress towards their goals. Is there any hope for freedom? People, we can think for ourselves, we can vote for ourselves. We do not belong to the parties, the parties belong to us. Let
Letters Express Letters, P.O. Box 21, Bethlehem, 9700 Tladi Moloi Tladi.Moloi@volksblad.com Tel: 058-303-5411. Fax: 058-303-2080
us stand up and do things for ourselves. Let us not wait for government, or for handouts. We can, and we can do it together. South Africa belongs to all of us.
We can overcome by standing together LEFU RICHARD MOKOENA, Bohlokong, Bethlehem: WE are confronted by the three challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. We must cross this river together by reminding ourselves as a nation that nothing can stop us. The triple challenges are our collective elephant and we all know that nobody can carry
an elephant alone; not the government nor the business community can do that alone. But all of us must unleash our skills to help those with no bread on the table, the homeless and orphans, because in Africa ubuntu is the supreme way of life. Let us all join hands, black and white, to return hope to our people for a better South Africa that can cross any river of difficulty ahead.
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EXPRESS EASTERN FREE STATE, WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2013
EASTERN FREE STATE
CHAMPIONS: The Bethlehem SAPS celebrate after they claimed the 2013 Dihlabeng Charity Sports Tournament.
Photo: Tladi Moloi
SAPS team winners of tournament } Tladi Moloi
THE Bethlehem SAPS soccer team beat the Dihlabeng Local Municipality soccer team 4-3 on penalties to became the champions of the inaugural Dihlabeng Charity Sports Tournament which took place in the Bohlokong Stadium on Human Rights Day. The two tired teams played to a goalless draw in the 90 minutes of the game. After full time, the game went straight to the penalties with the SAPS goal minder stopping two penalties to claim the victory for his side. The two teams advanced to the finals of the one competition after they had knocked out South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Department of Justice respectively. SAPS beat Social Development 4-0 before dishing out EMS by 5-3 on penalties after they played 3-3. Dihlabeng
hammered the Department of Justice 9-2 to play in the final. Six departments took part in the competition which was aimed at raising funds for the local communities. SASSA, SAPS, Social Development, Dihlabeng Municipality, EMS and the Department of Justice are the departments that took part in the competition. Ephraim Motaung, the SAPS coach, said he was happy that the team had managed to win the cup even though they looked exhausted in the finals. He said this was the first tournament that they took part in and added that winning it showed that they could still collect more cups. “The players were tired in the final as they played three games on the day. “However, they showed that they were the more experienced side on the day,” he said. Tumelo Motaung, the Dihlabeng head coach, said he was proud of his boys. He said he did not expect them
to reach the final as it took them a short period of time to assemble the team. “Some of the players had never showed up at the training sessions ahead of the tournament. They have fought their heart out and we are now going back to the drawing board to prepare for the next tournaments,” he said. Lefa Mashiloane of Social Development said: “It was a charity tournament. We had requested all the departments that took part in the competition to contribute R500 so that we could take all that money and donate it to one of the selected organisations in Bohlokong. “This time we have selected Hospice as a beneficiary.” Meanwhile, Dihlabeng won the netball category after beating Social Development in the final. They walked away with a floating trophy and gold medals while Social Development received silver medals as the runners-up.