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‘Madiba played his part’ League comes together to pray for ailing former president
} Boipelo Mere EVELYN LUBIDLA of the ANC Veterans League said that God had heard all the prayers of the nation, but that Madiba had played his part. She encouraged the youth to follow in Madiba’s footsteps and to do good by carrying on with his legacy. She was speaking during the Francis Baard District prayer session for Former President Nelson Mandela who is currently in a critical condition in hospital. Like the rest of the world, the Northern Cape also heeded the call from the ruling party to join them and hold similar prayer sessions in all districts. The service was held on Thursday where local churches and the community at large were also invited. Members of the local Methodist Church were spotted in their full regalia in the Mayibuye Centre. Whilst encouraging the congregation to unite in prayer for Madiba and his family, the Northern Cape premier, Sylvia Lucas, said that the prayer session was also to celebrate the life of Madiba as nothing was about himself, but for the nation. “As we sincerely thank everyone who has kept Madiba, his family and his medical team in their prayers, we are all encouraged to continue praying for them that God Almighty may be near to them during this difficult time,” said Lucas. During her speech, the emotional Lubidla continued to express how proud she was to serve under the democratic leadership of Mandela. “I served as a senator under Mandela since 1994 and have learned a lot from him. I was amongst the first two groups of his trainees. “Those two groups were the ones who did the spade work. I was even part of the team that did the preparation work on the Constitution,” she said. According to Lubidla, she used to travel from coast to coast, explaining to the people how the constitution worked, including their rights and opinions. “He (Madiba) had many teachers, but prison was the one that moulded him more. “The 27 years that he spent in prison hardened him more as it taught him self-control and discipline.
Northern Cape
THE Manifest Presence Choir also revived the spirits of the attendants with their mu sic. Photos: Boipelo Mere “He is a smiling symbol of a living saint, a dimensional image. Although he would tell me he is no saint. “He is thick-skinned, but easily wounded. Easily pleased, but not afraid to say no as he radiates calm,” concluded Lubidla. The congregation was also requested to dedicate some time between 06:00 and 07:00 in prayer for Madiba’s recovery. ) Go to Express’s website to view more pictures of the event. Also listen to the moving and reviving sermon of Past. Koketso Phoko on the day.
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THE prayer ceremony turned into a celebration when ANC members sang slogans.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
NEWS
Teachers attend summit
ABOUT 320 Life Sciences and Business Studies teachers from around the province attended a two-day teaching summit that was attended by the Northern Cape Department of Education. The summit, where new ideas on learning, teaching and assessment of both subjects were explored, was held at the Elizabeth Conradie High School. Experts in both these subjects facilitated the sessions throughout the summit. According to the department, the summit was in line with the changes in the curriculum for gr. 12, and presented after a trend that showed a decline in the pass rate in these subjects had been experienced in recent years. Newspaper in your pocket: YOU can now carry your community news in your back pocket. The Express Northern Cape mobi site is available on your cell phone. The mobi site is specially designed with adjusted content to your phone’s screen with just the perfect text size. To get the best reading experience go to www.expresspaper.mobi on your internet browser.
SIVA CHETTY, a Life Sciences expert, during an evolution session.
ANDIA PHAKEDI of Old Mutual performing a routine high blood pressure test on one of the teachers, Mongezi Gongota, who also attended the summit. Photos: Boipelo Mere
‘Not just a man . . . he is my loving dad’ } Dimakatso Lechwenyo
tails in the absence of our mothers. Fathers who provide hugs and ALLOW me to give honour to speak about their feelings even if kings who build their homes on they know that it would make them stone so that no wind or rain will a bit more human in the eyes of their wash them away. offspring. In an era where men father chilThese are the giants who buy low dren they will never raise fat yoghurt when we undergo our Ntetlelele ke ise tlhompo to fanever-ending diets . . . thers who change diapers, tie Daddies who make hot bottles shoe-laces and prepare breakfast. when it’s that time of the month. Tlotlo le tlhompo e ye go boAnd fathers who promise to break ntate ba sebele baba godisang bathe bones of every boy who breaks na ka lorato, ba re kaetsa ditsela DIMAKATSO their daughter’s heart. LECHWENYO tsa botshelo. Allow me to salute my soldiers, faTsena ke dikakata tse di thers who attend parents meetings tshwarang phaga ka mangana, ba ruta basetsa- and have teachers know him by name. na go tlhompa bo-ntate, and they are fathers These are the fathers who spend their Saturwho teach their sons to protect and provide for days in libraries and internet cafés because their families. school assignments deem to be submitted on Allow me to honour fathers who single-hand- Monday. edly raise dignified young woman with pride. Fathers whose daughters know the difference These are the men who know the difference between an off-side and a penalty. between a pad with wings and those without it… Fathers who know the fundamentality of Fathers who know the difference between keeping Panado in their kitchen. hair-food and conditioner. Allow me to give honour to these fallen anThese are the fathers who take nothing for gels. granted. Daddies who sit in hair salons for These are the words from the mouths of their hours in order to see the smiles on the faces of daughters. their children. “Thanks, Dad. Hope one day I marry a man These are the fathers who learn to tie pony- just like you . . .”
URSHULA BROWN, a safety volunteer, Const. Matseleng Mocumi, Const. Susan Mapitse, Mangi Bacon, Department of Safety, and Celeste Mackay, Sector B manager, during the Galeshewe sports day event in Lang Street Park. Photo: Boipelo Mere
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
NEWS
Nation united As the father of the South African nation, Nelson Mandela, completes a month in a critical condition at the Mediclinic’s heart hospital in Pretoria, the whole country has united in prayer for the ailing statesman. The Express Group joins the planet in wishing him comfort and peace as he fights for his life.
THE Springboks and these soccer supporters took Protea flowers to the Houghton Johannesburgbased Nelson Mandela Foundation in support of the ailing 94yearold statesman last week.Photo: Lucky
Maibi
THE Northern Cape premier, Sylvia Lu cas, is draped in an ANC flag bearing the image of Nelson Mandela during a re cent prayer service in Galeshewe, Kim berley. Photo: Emile Hendricks
ROSE SONTO, who drove the Toyota Cressida that took Nelson Mandela to freedom in Cape Town in 1990, stands next to Madiba’s statue at the entrance to the grounds of the Victor Ver ster Prison. Photo: Jaco Marais
GEORGE CHAUKE of Johannesburg decorated his car with no less than 160 stickers and flags as his way of showing respect for the ailing statesman at Mandela’s Houghton home. Photo: Nelius Rademan
AN exhibition of Madiba at the Look & Listen at the Bloemfontein Water front. Photo: Maradine Whitehorn
Calling on all sports stars ARE you good at sport, or is someone Let’s Play is an initiative to enin your school or place of education hance recreation and developgood at sport? Are you a young coach ment at schools through play and working with future stars? Are you sport. Send us your nomination getting people active at your school, today (nominations received becommunity or gym? fore the 20th of every month will The SuperSport Let’s Play Star of be included in that month’s selecthe Month is a competition for anytion. Nominations received after one aged 6 to 18. You can nominate the 20th of every month will be yourself or be nominated by a friend, carried over to the next month’s teacher, lecturer or coach at your selection). Your nomination FOR more informa must include your name, age and school or place of education. The winner is chosen from all the tion call Lynne at a short paragraph (less than 200 nominations received for that Z PR on 051430 words) on what you have month. The monthly winner will re- 3027. achieved, as well as your contact ceive a Let’s Play hamper filled with details. You can email your nomigoodies. From all the entries we receive each nation to supersport@zpr.co.za or SMS 072-311month one player will be chosen as the Super- 7716 (no phone calls will be accepted; normal cell Sport Let’s Play Star of the Month. At the end phone rates apply) or fax 086-552-4922 or deliver of the year one player from all the Star of the your entry to Z PR at 22A Reid Street, WestMonth winners will be chosen as the SuperSport dene, Bloemfontein. For more information call Let’s Play Star of the Year. Lynne at Z PR on 051-430-3027.
Take extra care of children – RAF THE Road Accident Fund (RAF) urges parents to take extra care of their children when using South African roads, particularly during school holidays, as more young people continue to die needlessly in road accidents. Drivers are asked to exercise extra caution as more children play in the streets over the holidays, possibly without proper supervision. According to the RAF a few incidents have happened in the past month wherein children were either killed or injured. A total of 13 people, including children, died during road accidents last month. Seven more people were injured and ended up in different hospitals throughout the country. They reported to have provided assistance to some of the families of the deceased to allevi-
XOLANI WILLIAM MAYA, tans woonagtig in die Wes-Kaap, oorspronklik van die Oos-Kaap, is op soek na die Teledimo-familie van Belastraat 147, Galeshewe. Enige een met inligting kan my asb. skakel by 076 885 6129/ 041 977 4276 (Uitenhage)
KONTANT VIR: MOTORS, bakkies, 4x4's, lorries, kombi's, busse, trekkers en karavane. 072 472 8686/053 963 1409.
ate the financial burden the affected families experience during this difficult time. “We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery to the injured. The death of children is particularly traumatic and we strongly urge parents to prevent this needless carnage by securing the safety of their young ones on the road,” said Nozipho Jafta, RAF chief marketing officer. One of the most effective measures to protect vehicle occupants from injury or death in the event of a crash is the fitment and use of seatbelts and child restraints, such as baby seats. In addition, an unrestrained rear-seat passenger poses a serious threat to any restrained person seated directly ahead of them.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
NEWS
Petra Diamonds Limited is one of the world’s leading suppliers of rough diamonds and one of the largest independent diamond groups by resource. It’s polished diamonds we’re after for these roles - individuals that clearly outshine their peers
Petra Diamonds SA (Pty) Ltd
Petra Diamonds Limited is an important supplier of rough diamonds to the international market, with a major resource base of 309 million carats. The company offers an exceptional growth profile within the diamond sector, with a core objective to grow annual production to around 4 million carats by FY 2014 and further increase output to over 5 million carats by FY 2019.
Social Compliance and Sustainability Practitioner (South) Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants who will be required to ensure compliance with all Mining Charter and Social and Labour Plans (SLP) for the PDSA Southern Regional operations. The position is based in Kimberley. Tasks and responsibilities: • Ensure coordinated compliance with all Mining Charter and Social and Labour Plan issues • Work in close liaison with the DMR and other relevant stakeholders • Work closely with various responsible persons in the areas of Mining Charter, SLP, Community Development as well as operational personnel. Minimum requirements: • Grade 12 • B degree in any of the following: Social Science, Human Behaviour, Human & Social Science (Development Studies or Community Development), Social Dynamics, Humanities • Computer literacy • 3 years’ related working experience • Code 08 driver’s licence. Other skills/competencies: • Good communication skills, particularly in English • Excellent quality academic writing skills • Willingness to travel extensively • Excellent coordinating skills • Flair for working with external stakeholders and local municipalities • Sensitive to the needs of the local communities. (Ref. PDSA022) Applications: E-mail: E2-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 659 1334
Group Senior Training and Development Practitioner (Engineering and SHE) Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants who will be required to implement and maintain Engineering and SHE training interventions according to the organisational needs of the Company and oversee training planning, implementation and reporting on the total scope of training at the Koffiefontein and Kimberley operations. The position reports to PDSA Group HRD, based in Kimberley. Tasks and responsibilities: • Design and implement training plans, calendars and schedules for relevant operations • Plan and control the training budget of relevant operations • Coordinate and allocate training resources in relevant operations • Provide direction and advice on skills development planning and reporting in relevant operations • Be responsible for quality assurance of training and development in relevant operations and Company • Assist relevant operations to collate quarterly, annual and ad hoc reports • Be responsible for the moderation of technical assessments in relevant operations • Design and develop engineering-related training curricula and material and assessment tools • Conduct audits regarding engineering training and development in the Company • Conduct interviews with employees or potential employees • Monitor and ensure SHE adherence and alignment • Review training and development-related policies and procedures • Interpret and analyse technical training materials and methods. Minimum requirements: • Grade 12 • Occupational-directed ETDP Certificate Level 5 or relevant skills programmes (Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator) • Trade Certificate • Code 08 driver’s licence • Supervisory experience • Skills Development Facilitator training or experience will be advantageous • At least 2 years’ experience in engineering training in the mining industry. Other skills/competencies: • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Working knowledge of the Skills Development Act and related processes • Good computer skills with particular proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel • Excellent administrative and record-keeping skills • Ability to work as part of a team • Ability to plan and coordinate resources • Ability to identify and solve problems. (Ref. PDSA021) Applications: E-mail: E1-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 692 2442 Petra Diamonds is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups in line with the Company’s Employment Equity Policy and Plan. Pre-screening, profile testing, on-mine assessments, medical and security clearance form part of the recruitment and selection process. Short-listed candidates will be required to attend a panel interview. Employment of the successful candidates is subject to the aforementioned criteria. Please complete an application form (available on http://www.petradiamonds.com/ careers/current-vacancies) and forward, together with your résumé, qualifications and ID, to the e-mail address and fax number indicated at each post on or before 17 July 2013. Please note that incomplete application forms and documentation will not be considered. If you have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. http://www.petradiamonds.com/careers/current-vacancies www.humanjobs.co.za
Human Communications 100463
Photos: Vincent Ward
For more news and photos go to our website at www.express-news.co.za
BRAND NEW ambulances not in use since last year.
AMBULANCES not in use parked at the back of the Kuruman Hospital.
Help at standstill Annerie Louw TEN brand-new ambulances that were donated to the Kuruman Hospital have been parked at the back of the hospital since December last year. The vehicles’ batteries are flat, because they are still not in use. A concerned Vincent Ward told the Kalahari Bulletin that the people who received training to operate the vehicles struggle to pass the course. The ambulances also had to be registered on the name of the Department of Health and that did not happen. “Daily people need transport to Kimberley or urgent casualties in our area need the assistance of ambulances and well-trained staff. There are no ambulances available and many lives are at stake due to the unskilled management at the hospital,” says Ward. Lulu Mxekezo, media officer of the Northern Cape Health Department, comments on the matter: “The ambulances in question were indeed donated by the John Taolo Development (JTG) Trust. On delivery they had incomplete equipment, including main equipment like stretchers. The plan to utilise them was then delayed due to incomplete documentation, as well as equipment, which affected the registration of these vehicles for road use. “Indeed, these are specialized vehicles for obstetric services and require personnel with such skills to be utilised optimally in this field. These vehicles are now registered and as indicated earlier, they are spe- cialised vehicles, therefore they may not replace ordinary ambulances, but should be utilised for obstetric cases by qualified emergency practitioners.” Modiri Gabaatlhole, the media officer of the JTG Trust, confirmed that the ten required equipped obstetric ambulances were official-
ly handed over to the department in December 2012. He says in October 2011 the Northern Cape Health Department requested the trust to purchase ten obstetric ambulances to improve the quality of health services rendered to the community with a particular focus on the JTG District due to the high rate of maternal and infant mortality there, especially in remote areas. The minister of Health also declared every hospital must have an obstetric ambulance. According to Gabaatlhole’s comment an amount of R11,3 million was set aside for the procurement of the ambulances, including training for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to operate the ambulances. Of the total budget R1 000 000 was for the training of personnel originally from the JTG District. The training is taking place in Cape Town at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and five of the 23 identified EMS personnel have successfully completed the Intermediate Life Support course and are competent to manage the obstetric ambulances with the rest set to finish within three months. The department indicated that it had only two personnel who could operate the said ambulances and that the rest of the staff needed training. “Upon arrival, only five ambulances were without stretchers and those stretchers were delivered and fitted in the ambulances shortly after the handover. Vehicles’ registration documents were also due on arrival on five obstetric ambulances, but these documents were delivered shortly afterwards. To date, all documentation has been submitted to the department for registration of vehicles on its name,” says Gabaatlhole. Obstetric ambulances carry equipment that can be used in case a mother gives birth in transit or at home. The vehicles are slightly bigger to allow for better patient access.
Seda making positive strides
Williams further SEDA (Small Entermentioned the drama prise Development) series competition announced 22% of clithat they held with a ents that they asview to unearth ecosessed since the benomic opportunities ginning of the 2013-’14 available to young financial year contipeople particularly in nued to comprise of the industrial theatre youth, who also restream. Williams said ceived up to 90% subthe competition sucsidies on intervenceeded with the parttions that would furnership of the Northther grow and sustain ern Cape Department their businesses. That was highlight- THE Seda Youth Assembly that was recent of Economic Developed by Seda provincial ly held at the Van der Kloof Dam in Pixley ment and Tourism. Photo: Supplied The competition manager, Kedisaletse ka Seme. Williams, who also affirmed that the agency is was won by theatre practitioners from the indeed making positive strides in developing John Taolo Gaetsewe district, “One paramount objective of the drama seyoung people in the province. Williams was addressing about 123 SMME ries initiative is to reiterate Seda’s products youths and those already in business during and services to the target market, and to highan assembly at the Van der Kloof Dam aimed light how other offerings such as export develat intermingling and sharing challenges in the opment, co-operatives and incubation are enterprise development environment. The as- linked to the broader economic value chain,” sembly, which was attended by youth from all added Williams. Seda and the said department are working five districts of the province, was Seda’s targeted events designed to create a platform for as- together towards bringing enterprise and ecopiring business owners. Seda hosted the event nomic development to people in the far-flung areas through a cadet programme. in collaboration with NYDA and IDC.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
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NEWS
THE committee with representatives of the Education Department are from the left Maphorte Mrubarta, Kunene Fumela, Ruth Mokgeledi, Vuyani Teise, Penelope McEniry, Cornelia Kamole, Poppy Molefi, Diana Patterson, Michael Matlahare, Johann van Vuuren (project manager) and Nelly Papier.
Sun rising for Laxey orphans Annerie Louw A NEW weekly boarding house for impoverished orphans and learners in Laxey, a small village in the Moshaweng Valley, is currently under construction. Named Bosele House, the principal of the local Bojelakgomo Primary School, Ruth Mokgeledi, explained that the name had been chosen to reflect the opportunity provided to the orphans, that the sun shines on them after the darker days in their life, “so the children will see that people care and will look after them, but that they must work hard to make the most of what has been given to them”. The project is a joint partnership between the local Laxey community and the international group Kalahari Education Experience Trust who has been working with schools to improve education in the valley for over two decades. The idea of building a weekly boarding house took hold in 2009 when Mokgeledi shared her dream to assist the orphaned learners in her school with Australians Penelope McEniry and Diana Patterson. “We were then assisting her with maintenance work in the classrooms,” said Patterson. Over the past four years the two women have focused on fundraising efforts and have received ongoing support for the Australian Alice
O’Brien Foundation from the learners and educators of the United World College, Singapore, and from their own families and friends. In early 2012 the project received a donation from its first South African company, Johannesburgbased Scorpion Mineral Processing (SMP). This began another partnership and SMP assisted by providing a water purification plant at the weekly boarding house which is due to be installed by mid July. McEniry said the provision of the plant would be a major benefit due to the scarcity of water in this dry area. The boarding house is being built by a team of builders from Kuruman together with six local workers from Laxey
Consumer and Corporate regulation division (CCrd) stakeholder management unit
administrative officer: Community development Fieldworkers (4 posts) (12-month contract) (Ref. CCRD/SM 002) Positions will be based in the Northern Cape Region Commencing salary (excluding benefits): R170 799 per annum
BOSELE HOUSE, the new hostel for orphans in the Moshaweng Valley near Laxey. Photos: Supplied under the direction of Johann van Vuuren, the project manager. “All materials are being sourced locally and the support from local businesses is greatly appreciated,” said Van Vuuren. The next challenge for the Australians is to raise funds to complete the building and to furnish it ready for
occupation by the learners at the start of the 2014 school year. The first priority is funds for a security fence and then for furniture, kitchen appliances and general items to operate the house. The Bosele management committee is currently completing all the necessary
protocols to ensure the house operates effectively. The two women from Australia, McEniry and Patterson, who put their hearts and time into fundraising and supporting the project, can be contacted at diana.patterson@bigpond.com or pmceniry@bigpond.com.
Requirements: • Matric (Grade 12 Certificate) • Three-year tertiary qualification in Public Relations, Business Administration or Social Science will be an added advantage • Experience in the field of Public Relations, Business Administration or Social Science • Computer literacy (MS package) • Understanding of project management • Knowledge of Regulatory Framework • A Code EB driver’s licence. Duties: • Ensure effective client relations and customer satisfaction services • Support the dti and its COTII Institutions’ community engagements and public outreach campaigns • Distribute the dti and its COTII Institutions’ information to Government Information Centres (GIC), Thusong Service Centres, Information Resource Centre and other distribution outlets • Promote the dti and its COTII Institutions’ products and service offerings • Ensure facilitation of meetings between the dti and its COTII Institutions and stakeholders • Attend Provincial and Local Government Imbizo, public outreach campaigns and public participation programmes. Note: Background verification, including criminal record and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment, will form part of the selection process. the dti is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress. Candidates whose appointment will promote representivity in terms of race, disability and gender will receive preference. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who have extensive relevant experience will also be considered. No late applications will be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
To apply or view full details for the above positions please go to:
http://www.thedti.gov.za Click on the ‘Careers’ link Note: Applications must be submitted on a signed Z83 form, which can be obtained from the dti website (http://www.thedti.gov.za), and must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV. Copies of qualifications should not be included in the application, as these will only be requested from shortlisted candidates. Applications can also be submitted by post to the Registry Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Private Bag X84, Pretoria or hand delivered to the dti Campus, corner of Meintjies and Robert Sobukwe Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria. For enquiries regarding applications, contact the Recruitment Office at tel. (012) 394-1809.
Closing date: 19 July 2013 the dti welcomes applications from people with disabilities. www.ayandambanga.co.za
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
NEWS
Finalists to battle it out at Vryfestival COME and chase away the winter chill by attending the final of the Spontaan singing competition on Saturday, 13 July, at the Vryfestival Blêrkas in Bloemfontein. The eight talented finalists of Volksblad’s central local newspapers will compete for a first place as the winner of Spontaan. It will take place from 12:00 to 14:00. Entrance is free and Charlize Berg is the master of ceremonies. Big prizes are up for grabs for the finalists and winner. The prizes are: ) SpecSavers: Eight pairs of Infinity sunglasses and eight vouchers worth R250 each. The total value is R5 200. ) Z PR Communications and Public Relations Consultants: A publicity and marketing contract valued at R5 000 for each finalist, including a consultation session with the Z PR team, a professional CV, the design of a CD cover and business cards, the design and writing of a professional profile, a Facebook profile and five press releases. Total value for all of the finalists is R40 000. ) PwC: For the winner R1 000 in cash, runner-up R700 and third place winner R300 in cash. A total of R2 000. ) Atlantis Guest House: Accommodation to the value of R4 100. The winner, runner-up and third-place winner will each receive three nights’ accommodation for two people including breakfast. ) PCB Productions: A photo shoot for the winner, runner-up and third-place winner valued at R2 100. ) Absa: A R500 hamper for each finalist. ) Music Inc: A TT1-microphone for every finalist, a cordless microphone with a stand for the winner and a microphone stand for the runner-up as well as a vocal training book for the winner and the runners-up. The total value of the prize is R6 600. ) Windmill Casino and Entertainment
Grateful to the father of nation } Dr Thapelo Thipe
RIËTTE VAN DER WATT is the Express Group‘s finalist. Centre sponsors two nights’ stay, breakfast included, for the winner and a partner. The finalists are Riëtte van der Watt from Bloemfontein, Suné van der Merwe from Kroonstad, Suanne Venter from Bloemfontein, Werner Louw from Kuruman, Eben von Gericke from Welkom, Chris Pretorius from Bloemfontein, Thabang Molale from Kimberley and Christiaan van Zyl from Bethlehem.
SPEAKING about Nelson Mandela brings spontaneous eloquence to one’s lips because of the nature and stature of the man. Eloquence occurs effortlessly in extolling the vast virtues of humanity and excellent leadership embedded in Madiba’s spirit. He is the contemporary star of integrity and humility hovering over the Southern Hemisphere of Africa illuminating the entire universe. On touching the African shores last week, US leader Barack Obama lauded him a hero whose legacy would endure. South Africans are truly blessed to have a statesman and a father of the nation of the calibre of former president and international icon Nelson Mandela. We owe God our deepest gratitude for having raised within our ranks an outstanding leader of such credible integrity credentials onto the world stage in this era and epoch. It is unheard of that a freedom fighter after languishing in prison for 27 years on his release and ascension to political power and leadership, hands over a green leaf of forgiveness and reconciliation to his incarcerators and oppressors. It is most befitting and appropriate that the nation should be concerned about the health of Mandela in particular when he has to battle with critical illness in his ripe old age. There is no better concern the nation can show than coming together to raise our supplications to God the Almighty asking for his healing and well-being. His love knows no colour Madiba has a rare anointing. His anointing brings friend and foe together. His love and leadership style knows no colour. He brought an end to apartheid bringing together the racially polarised groupings into the formidable rainbow nation of Mzanzi South Africa. This type of glue can only be found in the factory of Madiba’s heart. He is God’s amazing gift from Africa to the world. He makes us proud to be South Africans, we love him dearly. When he is ill, we are ill. When he is in pain, we suffer pain with him. We love him, therefore, we’ll pray for him. The Word of God says healing is bread for God’s children. Madiba is the father of the nation, but he is also a child of God. He deserves godly health in his old age. He is entitled to heaven’s bread of healing because Christ was wounded for Madiba’s transgressions, he was bruised for Madiba’s iniquity, and the chastisement for Madiba’s peace was upon Christ and by the stripes of Jesus Christ Madiba is healed. Therefore, in the name of Jesus, I command the lungs of Nelson Mandela to operate normally the way God has created them. I command them to inhale and exhale without life support. I command all the vital organs to function at optimal levels without the support of machines in the mighty name of Jesus. I speak restoration and healing to the body of Tata Madiba in Jesus’ Name. Amen. The life of former president Mandela is a glowing testimony of victory upon victory against all odds. He overcame every battle in his political life with bravery, never wavering from his deep-rooted ideals and convictions of freedom, liberty and democracy. No ordinary 94 years During that time, his greatest advantage was youthfulness and a sound mind. While in prison he suffered health setbacks, but by God’s grace recovered in order to lead the first democratic Republic of South Africa as president. He emerged from health setbacks unscathed. Such resilience dissipated as he gracefully entered old age. Today he is very old and frail, 94 years is not child’s play – and it has been no ordinary 94 years. It was 94 years of persecution at the callous hands of the brutal apartheid regime law enforcement agencies. It was 94 years characterised by incessant harassment and arrests. It was 94 years with the agony of the Rivonia trial. It was 94 years of banishment, isolation and imprisonment at Robben Island, Pollsmoor and Victor Verster respectfully. It was 94 years of separation from his wife and children. It was 94 years of political struggle, tears and loneliness. It was 94 years of toil and labour for the liberation of the masses in South Africa. Madiba gave all of his life for South Africa. What more can we ask of him? In the words of Ignatius Loyola, the Spanish educator, preacher and founder of the Jesuits: He gave and did not count the cost, He fought and did not heed the wounds,
He toiled and did not ask for rest, He laboured and did not ask for any reward, save that of knowing he did God’s will. Instead of asking for more of him, we should be thanking God for having given us Madiba. Madiba has left us a rich legacy – a legacy of true liberation and democracy.
Africa’s champion of democracy True liberation and democracy is tested and must pass the test of time. True democracy is tested when those who are in leadership willingly relinquish power to hand over to the next line of leaders. In this regard Madiba has made us proud. He is Africa’s champion of democracy. Madiba stands tall in the international hall of liberation and democracy. He knows no individual nor political entity is omnipotent. He has carved us a respectable, unique position in the hallowed hall of world icons. Madiba knows only God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. In this critical hour in the life of Madiba we are grateful to notice the church of Jesus Christ our Lord being afforded the space to minister to him. It is indeed most gratifying that the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Bryanston is ministering the sacrament of the Holy Communion to Madiba. During the celebration of the Holy Communion confession of sin unto repentance is made and confession of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over one’s life is pronounced. By virtue of having received the Holy Communion we can now celebrate that Madiba is saved and is guaranteed eternity in the presence of God. Also we know that Madiba grew up in the Methodist Church, attending a Methodist missionary school thanks to the influence of his mother. Glory to God, his childhood was anchored in Christ the rock. One’s personality is formed during childhood. Christianity played a significant part and formed the gist of his personality. The traits or attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ of forgiveness and reconciliation were truly visible in his spirit hence the creation of the rainbow nation. The blessing and anointing of God was so strong during his presidency hence the Madiba magic. Everything in the country was blessed. Brought up in the fear of God Thanks to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ in his life during his childhood. The Word of God says: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” His mother was a wise woman who brought him up in the fear of the Lord. If the Christian teaching could produce a leader of the stature of Mandela then there is something remarkable about the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If this teaching was good and could produce in Madiba an international icon putting South Africa on the world map, then we have a proven model to implement for the education of our children. We have such tremendous testimony and weighty evidence about the efficacy of Christian teaching, yet we choose to ignore it. This evidence is before all and sundry to accept. We must emulate Madiba. His heart was or is filled with compassion. Matthew 9: 35-36: “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages. Teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” He is a true Christian Madiba did what Jesus did; he served all South Africans with compassion and integrity of heart. He is a true Christian. He was brought up that way. Madiba’s life is a reflection of the principles of the Christian faith. He speaks like a Christian too. He once said that when he arrives in heaven, the first thing he will do is to look for the ANC. Whether there is an ANC in heaven or not is not important. The point Madiba made was that he had a home in heaven. He speaks like the apostle Paul. He declares his faith by speaking the Word of God. The Word of God 2 Corinthians 5:1 says: “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” There is heaven for all of us to embrace. That’s our home when our life on earth comes to an end.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
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NEWS
School produced learners of note } Boipelo Mere A NUMBER of former learners and teachers visited their old school, the St Francis Xavier Primary School, in Kimberley. One of the former learners revealed that the school had been forced to close in December 1975 due to the Group Areas Act. The school community was given only three weeks to vacate the buildings, with no time to even organise a farewell. In a media release compiled and sent by Don Jacobs, who was a former student and also part of an organising committee for the reunion, it was stated that it was wonderful to know that there were hundreds of sterling former learners spread over the country and abroad who would never forget their great alma mater, SFX. According to the release, in 1882 the St Francis Xavier Primary School had a very humble beginning in an unpretentious building in the new town area of Kimberley. The school was re-housed in a more suitable building in Posno Street, adjacent to Long Street. The building was once a dairy and it is now a business area. According to the press release, the school had Sr M. Columba as the principal and she was assisted by Sr Philomena and they were both of the Holy Family of the Order of Catholic Nuns. “As a disciplinarian Columba had no par, this disciplinarian left a legacy for all of us who had the honour to be her learners. Her memory will always be in our heart and mind,” said Jacobs. He further said that during the existence of the school, famous individuals such as the heroine of the blind and deaf, Hellen Keller, world-famous cricketer Basil D’ Oliveira, and many celebrities all over the world visited them.
FORMER learners of the St Francis Xavier Primary School are from the left Don Jacobs, Ivan Poulten (former teacher), Joyce Daniels, Zac Jacobs, Puleng Letele, David Petersen (former teacher), Luis Mallet (former principal), Howard Palm, Jasmine Mohammed, Gamsa Gool, Lorraine Redpath, Stephanie Bruce and Billy Samuels. Several people associated with the school became world players in different fields. Louis Mallet became a celebrated historian and an author of the book, Malay Camp. Fraan Thuynsma became a keen 100 yard athletic champion and rugby player, Albert Francis was the best centre forward for the Standard Soccer Club and the Griquas, while Schoolboy Sekgoro became a profes-
sional boxer. A top learner to emerge from St Francis was Xavier Carelse who emigrated to Canada and who was a famous nuclear scientist there. Howard Lawrence and Les Abrahams were celebrated journalists. Puleng Letele and Sharon Lewis are but a few of the products of the school.
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
Day fun for local kids } Boipelo Mere
KHOKHO – played by both sexes with nine people per site owning ground. Locally it might be called “cat and mouse” or “die touch”. It is reported to be common in the Indian commu nity. Photos: Boipelo Mere
MORULA – it is played mostly in rural areas with 812 holes on different boards where opponents eliminate each other.
For more news and photos go to www.express-news.co.za
MORULA, Kgati, Khokho, Morabaraba and Drie-stokkies were amongst the indigenous games that were played by police members and Galeshewe children at Lang Street Park in Galeshewe. This was during the closure of Youth Month when the Galeshewe Police Station hosted a sports day for local children. The station invited local youth organisations including lovelife, Youth Against Crime and teams of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture who also assisted in entertaining the children on the day. According to Constable Susan Mapitse of partnership policing, the event was aimed at the children celebrating themselves as youth. “We have had different programmes throughout the month with different NGOs, the SAPS and Safety Department in order to keep them busy during their holidays,” said Mapitse. Ronnie Seshuane, the co-ordinator of the indigenous games, said that they would soon be hosting a similar indigenous games activity on 27 July. He gave Northern Cape Express a brief overview on the background of the different games. He added that all the games gave a team-building spirit to the children.
Drie stokkies – called Reggy locally. Accord ing to Ronnie it was introduced as an indige nous game for the Northern Cape only. The other provinces started to participate in it this year. Five genderbalanced participants, including a team manager, take part. A measuring stick is used to measure the dis tance that is extended every time.