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DA wants list expanded Block, Botes, Botha must be included } Boipelo Mere THE DA in the province continues to raise concerns about the presence of the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, John Block, and the new MEC for Coghsta, Alvin Botes, in the provincial cabinet. The DA has applauded the action taken by the minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe, to name and shame corrupt people. Radebe has released the names of 42 people convicted of fraud and corruption – and promised to release many more – as a sign of the government’s intent to clamp down on corrupt officials. He said more names from a long list of over 3 000 convicted individuals would be released later. Radebe said the list of convicted fraudsters would be posted on government websites to ensure that they were not reemployed in any government department. “They will be blacklisted to ensure that they do not move from one government department to another,” said the minister. The DA has then written a letter to Radebe requesting him to include Block, Botes and Yolanda Botha on the corruption list of those to be shamed. The letter written by Andrew Louw as the provincial leader of the DA states that the National Prosecuting Authority has just confirmed that the Asset Forfeiture Unit was attaching John Block’s R3 million Upington guesthouse. Two weeks ago the DA and Cope boycotted the legislature sitting and accused Premier Sylvia Lucas of being weak after she failed to axe Block
Northern Cape
TWO WEEKS ago the opposition parties again boycotted the housesitting when Premier Sylvia Lucas announced the reshuffling.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
and Botes, and instead shifted Botes to another department. The house-sitting proceeded without any questions or comments from any of the opposition parties since they were all absent. Zamani Saul said that they were disaffected by the opposition parties’
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constant behaviour of walk-outs and absenteeism during house-sittings. “They are not disrupting any government programmes. This is an attention-seeking act that we do not have time for. We do not have time to massage their egos. We did not behave like this when Pakes Dikgetsi
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was accused of corruption,” added Zamani. Alvin Botes said that they would take the responsibility of educating people so that all misrepresentations were corrected. “We will fix the damage caused by the opposition within our communi-
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ties,” Botes was heard saying during the sitting. The opposition, made up of Cope and the DA, said in a statement that Block and Botes had brought the provincial government into disrepute as they both faced serious criminal charges.
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Boipelo Mere
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2013
NEWS
Rotavirus responsible for gastro outbreak } Boipelo Mere THE results of the stool samples following the outbreak of gastro-enteritis in the Siyanda District in May tested positive for rotavirus. This was revealed by the Northern Cape Department of Health after 43% of the stools tested positive with at least six other cases of identified viruses. According to the MEC for Health, Mxolisi Sokatsha, samples were taken after an increase in the number of gastro-enteritis was noted in Siyanda. Sokatsha confirmed that the virus, that had
reported over 400 cases, has claimed the lives of at least 6 children under the age of 1 year. “The patients were presented from either the local clinic, general practitioner or home with very loose watery stools and vomiting. They were treated according to our protocols with fluids and were discharged as soon as the gastroenteritis had resolved. “Most who were seen in hospital were there because of severe dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, mostly high sodium,” Sokatsha said. Sokatsha highlighted that rotavirus is more common in communities during cooler months
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 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. Finsch Diamond Mine, a subsidiary of Petra Diamonds SA (Pty) Ltd, is located in the town of Lime Acres, which is situated 160km north west of Kimberley and 109km south of Kuruman in the Northern Cape. Koffiefontein Mine JV, also a subsidiary, is located 100km from Kimberley and 136km from Bloemfontein, Free State. Finsch and Koffiefontein Mines both have vacancies for the following:
Automated Drill Rig Technician • Finsch Mine • Koffiefontein Mine The successful candidate will maintain equipment used in SLC mining according to sound engineering practice and equipment specifications. Tasks and responsibilities: • Detect, diagnose and attend to machinery, parts and breakdowns • Dismantle and remove engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components and parts • Inspect materials, products or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions • Perform faultfinding on maintenance and underground SLC machinery • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on equipment • Ensure compliance with pollution regulations • Produce a daily checklist for the Foreman • Repair and replace engines, worn and defective parts and reassemble mechanical components • Service underground SLC machinery • Meet expectations of external and internal customers • Ensure adherence to legislation, Company policies and procedures • Ensure asset application is according to OEM specifications • Execute the business plan for the section and implement and achieve strategic objectives • Perform budgeting activities and evaluate actual performance against budget figures. Minimum requirements: • Grade 12 • N2 in the field of Engineering Studies • Trade Certificate: Fitting and Machining/Diesel Mechanic/Mechanician • 5 years’ experience in a trackless mining environment • Computer literacy (MS Office) • Code 08 driver’s licence • The candidate must be willing to work FULCO/CONTOPS shifts. Skills and competencies: • Analytical thinking • Attention to detail and accuracy • Supervisory experience • Technical knowledge of mining operations • Planning, coordinating and prioritising • Analysing and interpreting information • Applicable legal knowledge and understanding • Decision-making ability in a fast-changing environment. (Finsch Ref. DBFIN024) (Koffiefontein Ref. DBKOF025) Applications: E-mail: E2-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 659 1334
Automated Drill Specialist • Finsch Mine • Koffiefontein Mine This position reports to the Drill and Blast Engineer and will control the ore extraction process in sub-level caves to ensure optimal utilisation of people and equipment to obtain production targets. Tasks and responsibilities: • Conduct general mining, drilling and blasting responsibilities during SLC operations • Control the utilisation of allocated and other resources • Identify deviations or non-conformances, and then plan and implement corrective actions to ensure attainment of the production plan • Install, maintain, support and remove temporary support in mining excavations • Monitor and maintain a safe and healthy working environment in the workplace • Collect, handle, transport and store explosives • Examine and declare the workplaces safe and healthy for work • Be responsible for planning, controlling, leading, organising and participating in first-line repairs, scheduled maintenance and breakdowns • Be responsible for testing, monitoring and controlling gases • Supervise or execute tasks related to SLC mining • Perform risk assessments • Perform asset maintenance according to OEM specifications • Ensure adherence to related legislation and Company policies and procedures. Minimum requirements: • Grade 12 • Trade Certificate (Fitter) with exposure to a mining trackless environment and/or a Blasting Certificate • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a production and/or trackless production environment • Code 08 driver’s licence • Competency in Microsoft Office • Working knowledge of Specialist Drill and Blast design software will be an advantage • The candidate must be willing to work FULCO/CONTOPS shifts. Other skills/competencies: • Analytical thinking • Attention to detail and accuracy • Supervisory experience • Technical knowledge of mining operations • Planning, coordinating and prioritising • Analysing and interpreting information • Applicable legal knowledge and understanding • Decision-making ability in a fast-changing environment. (Finsch Ref. DBFIN022) (Koffiefontein Ref. DBKOF023) Applications: E-mail: E1-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 692 2442 Petra Diamonds Limited is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to appoint. Preference will be given to EE applicants. Pre-screening, profile testing, on-mine assessments, medical and security clearances form part of the minimum requirement and selection process. Short-listed candidates will be required to attend a panel interview. Employment of the successful candidates is subject to passing on-mine induction and the aforementioned criteria. Please complete an application form (available on http://www.petradiamonds.com/ careers/current-vacancies) and forward this, together with your résumé, qualifications and ID, to the e-mail address and fax number indicated at each post on or before 21 June 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. www.humanjobs.co.za
Human Communications 99679
between April and August, however, the numbers of patients seen have been in excess. Sokatsha was adamant that the virus had not been contracted from the water as tests were done on the water as well. “It must be stated that the rotavirus vaccine is not designed to prevent the disease entirely, but to prevent severe forms of the disease and its complications,” he stated. “Hygiene plays a huge role in the spreading of the rotavirus, thus community members have to practise their hygiene on a regular basis like to wash their hands whenever they come from the toilet or prepare food.”
THE MEC for Health, Mxolisi Sokatsha, re vealed the results of the outbreak of gastro enteritis in Siyanda last week. Pictured with him is Gugu Matlaopane, the HOD of the Health Department. Photo: Boipelo Mere
Your singing can win you big prizes THE following prizes can be won in this year’s Spontaan: ) 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 co-
ver and business cards, the design and writing of a professional profile, a Facebook profile and five press releases. The total value for all of the finalists is R40 000. ) PwC: For the winner R1 000 in cash, runner- up: R700 in cash and third place: 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 will each receive three nights’ accom-
modation for two people including breakfast. ) PCB Productions: A photo shoot for the winner, runner-up and third place 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. The total value of the prize is R6 600.
SPONTAAN, Central South Africa’s favourite and biggest singing competition, is back. Come and pit your singing talents against the best in Central South Africa at the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall on Friday, 21 June. The auditions start at 14:00. The exact venue in the mall will be confirmed this week. Once again amazing prizes are up for grabs, so warm up those vocal chords in the meantime. Rules to compete in the competition: ) You must be 16 years or older on 1 July. ) For the regional competitions you can sing any song. However, the song has to be contemporary music (no rappers or hip hop artists). ) You are allowed to accompany yourself or use a backtrack. ) The competition is for soloists only. ) You must supply your own soundtracks and other equipment for the regional auditions yourself. ) Spontaan will supply the sound equipment for the final.
) The winner of each regional audition will be announced immediately after the audition. ) Judges reserve the right not to choose a regional winner. ) Should you be chosen as a regional finalist, you must prepare five songs for the final held in Bloemfontein at the Vryfestival. ) Finalists must supply their own backtracks or accompaniment for the final. ) The final is on Saturday, 13 July in Bloemfontein and if you are a finalist you must organise your own transport. ) No pre-registration is required. Simply arrive, pay R20 and register.
14:00 at Round Table 42’s club house. Bethlehem: Thursday, 6 June at 14:00 at the Frontier Inn and Casino (Coachman’s Saloon).
Spontaan seeking talent
Auditions Kuruman: Thursday, 20 June. Time and place announced soon. Bloemfontein: Thursday, 13 June at 17:00; Saturday, 15 June at 09:00 and Saturday, 22 June at 09:00. All at the Volksblad office. Welkom: Thursday, 13 June, at 13:00 at the Metro theatres in Stateway. Kroonstad: Tuesday, 18 June, at
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NEWS ONE of the elderly wom en showing her solidari ty. Photos: Mere
Boipelo
GATHERED at Gaasca to commemorate a candlelight ceremony.
FAITH NYATHI and Rev. Karel Diutlwileng during the ceremony.
‘It’s time to put end to labelling’ } Boipelo Mere
MME GLADYS TSELANE called for an end to the labelling of families infected and affected by HIV and Aids. She urged parents and communities, especially mothers, to stop criticising and judging those who were sick. “Women, mothers, let us cut our tongues and stop gossipping about one another. It is time that we accept that HIV and Aids have intruded all households and all sexes and all ages. Let us all mature and love and accept those who are ill as they are part of us,” she emphasised. Tselane was addressing a group of elderly people who attended the annual candle-light ceremony that was hosted by the Lesedi NGO at the Galeshewe Association for the Care of the Aged and Disabled (GAASCA). She told the elders that they should always remember that one could not be affected by making contact with an infected person as the virus was in the blood. “Let us pray for our homes and always remember that you cannot detect or point out as to who is infected or not. HIV and Aids are not witchcraft. Thus we have gathered here to pray together because you are part of the caregivers. “Let us not destroy our families more by being ignorant. It is very important and helpful to find some-
body who you can talk to during difficult times,” said Tselane. According to Faith Nyathi, the project coordinator of Lesedi, the ceremony that was held under the theme All we need is love was aimed at praying for and sharing the pain of the ill and affected.
“The highlight of the ceremony was extinguishing the candle with our two fingers in an effort of sharing the daily pain and suffering of others for that moment,” said Nyathi whilst putting the candle out in the specified manner. Rev. Karel Diutl-
wileng, who delivered a heartfelt sermon, also encouraged love amongst one another in order to protect one another against abuse of the elderly. He urged the younger generation to always remember the hard work and efforts their parents put into raising them.
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NEWS
Van Wyk gives last budget talk } Boipelo Mere
Attended department’s budget vote DR E.P. LEKHELA HIGH SCHOOL LEARNER NOSIPHO TSHICELO had the opportunity of attending the Department of Education’s budget vote. Here she is with Frances Baard direc tor at the Department of Education, Esley Kistoo, and the departmental spokesperson, Sydney Stander. Photo: Supplied
Can miracles happen in the apostasy movement? will cause us to overcome all challenges and not the counterfeit holy water and anointed oil paraphernalia, et cetera.
} Dr Thapelo Thipe CAN miracles happen in the apostasy movement? The answer is yes. When Moses’ rod turned into a snake in the palace, the pharaoh called Egyptian magicians who performed the same miracle. The stark difference was the miracle of God prevailed upon the counterfeit when the rod of Moses swallowed the rest. In the wilderness Satan wanted Jesus to worship him. Jesus categorically denied the temptation citing the Word that categorically states that God is the only deity worthy of worship and honour. In contrast to the Lord Jesus’ resistance of the temptation of the devil, leaders in the apostasy have bowed their knee to the devil and he has given them ephemeral powers to perform his signs and wonders. In addition he gives them the riches of this world as a reward. This reward is earthly and temporal and shall not withstand the test of eternity before the throne of God. Leaders of the apostasy and their followers will regrettably all perish in the lake of fire which has been prepared for the devil. Due to the tragic end of the movement of apostasy it is critical that the eyes
DR THAPELO THIPE of the masses are open to see the deception of the devil and repent. The faith of believers was never to be on individuals, but on the living God. It was never to be on material things and tangibles like the holy water and the anointed oil, nor on any other paraphernalia. The focal point of our faith is the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. We are to endure hardships and persecution practising the principles of faith until we prevail. Applying only the Word of God in faith
The end-time Church The Lord Jesus Christ is currently raising a triumphant church among those who are not given to greed for instant money and overnight fame, a church that will do greater works than what He did and not what the movement of apostasy is doing. What we see now among the apostasy is meant to discredit the Christian faith among those not yet born again. The good news is that what is happening is the fake rehearsals of the devil before the real revival hits the church. Regardless of the shame and circus currently going on many will receive salvation in the revival yet to hit our shores. The devil is a liar and a loser. The Apostle Peter at the gate of the temple Beautiful said to the lame man: “Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6. The apostle Peter never said: “Silver and gold have I none therefore before I heal you give me money. No! He ministered healing with compassion and love not seeking any financial gain.
For more news and photos go to our website at www.express-news.co.za
THE former speaker of the Northern Cape Legislature, Boeboe van Wyk, revealed the budget of R138,785 million for 2013-’14, which he said had increased by 2,5% from the previous year. That was only a day before he resigned to become the mayor of Nama-khoi. Administration was allocated R41,799 million and R38,836 million was allocated for facilities and benefits for members as well as for political parties for the 2013-’14 financial year. Parliamentary services was allocated an amount of R37,574 million, whereby statutory expenditure stands at R20,576 million. Van Wyk lauded the Northern Cape Legislature as the only legislature in the country which has regional offices. Each of the five districts of the province has such an office and these were established to bring the legislature closer to the people. “In the past we committed ourselves to expanding the office’s staff component by adding an administrative assistant for each. That commitment is still standing,” he said. Van Wyk said that the legislature was anticipating to pass the provincial language legislation during the current legislative year. He announced that in June the legislature would embark on physical oversight visits, focussing on government priority areas. He further revealed that there was a vacancy rate of approximately 36,6% in the organisational structure due to inadequate funding during the 2012-’13 financial year.
BOEBOE VAN WYK delivering his last budget speech as the speaker of the Northern Cape Legislature. Photo: Boipelo Mere According to van Wyk, parliament will pass a new finance management act that will govern financial management in parliament and in provincial legislatures towards the end of this year. “The members capacity building programme initiated by the national speakers forum, in collaboration with the legislative sector, the Public Administration Leadership and management Academy and the UNISA and WITS Universities, encompasses a curriculum that is tailor made for
the legislative sector. “The content outline seeks to build competence in, amongst others, the ability to lead discussion, collect information, analyse problems, make judgements, communicate in a more effective manner within the terrain of legislative work, conceptualise alternatives and use appropriate oversight strategies and tools to monitor and evaluate the implementation of government’s priorities, plans and programmes,” concluded van Wyk.
Acting MEC does not hide dissatisfaction with budget } Boipelo Mere THE acting MEC for Environment and Nature Conservation, Pauline Williams, who is in charge of Sport, Art and Culture, read the lowest budget allocation of all the provincial departments. That is after the MEC for this department, Sylvia Lucas, was elevated to the position of the premier of the province two weeks ago. Her position was later filled by Patric Mabilo, who used to be the MEC for Safety and Liaison. But the acting position did not stop Williams from highlighting her dissatisfaction with the low budget. For the 2013-’14 financial year the department was only allocated R104,683 million. This amount includes transfers, compensation of employees, goods and services as well as capital payments. However, this low allocation has at least been increased by 1,88% or R1,935 million while audit fees
amount to 2% of the budget. The budget breakdown for this financial year is as follows: Administration has been given R47,899 million, Environmental Policy, Planning and Coordination R8, 690 million, Compliance and Enforcement was allocated R9,417 million, Environmental Quality Management was given R11,017 million, Biodiversity Management R17,673 million while Environmental Empowerment Services were allocated R9,987 million. The MEC pointed out that despite the low budget the department remained committed to both the good cause of delivering better and quality service to the people and to the policy goals and the department would not lose sight of the fact that the over-riding objective was to create a better life for all. “Together with the National Department of Environmental Affairs the five provincial nature reserves have received a major up-
grade to the tune of R174 million. “Work is drawing to an end and there is an urgent need to properly staff and equip these world-class facilities, but we cannot do so with the funds at hand. It is estimated that the department will need an additional R10 million per annum to maintain and manage these facilities and urgent intervention from treasury will have to be sought so that they can be optimally utilized for the benefit of the province and its people,” said the MEC. The MEC said that this year 15 youth would be trained at these reserves as part of the youth environmental services programme. All in all 100 Northern Cape youth will be trained as part of this Department of Environmental Affairssponsored training intervention, which will run over three years at a cost of R15 million and implemented throughout the province.
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Champions do battle THE SAFA Frances Baard branch, in conjunction with the Frances Baard District Municipality, will be hosting the Annual Khadi Moloi Regional Youth Games 2013 at the Phokwane LFA, Pampierstad, on Sunday, 16 June. All four LFA League Champions will battle it out for the two vacant promotional positions at the SAB Safa FB Regional League. The draw will be conducted today at the Hartswater Police Station at 17:00.
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For more news and photos go to our website at www.express-news.co.za
THE Bush Bucks emerged victoriously at the Keenan Thomas Community Soccer Tournament.
Thomas gives back with tournament } Boipelo Mere
THE Bush Bucks’ Romario Thomas was awarded the trophy for best goal scorer by Keenan Thomas.
OF the six professional soccer players to come from Kimberley, Keenan Thomas has been known for coming back to his soccer roots in Bloemanda and Homevale to stage a soccer tournament as a way of giving back to his community. As a rule, this past weekend Thomas, the Orlando Pirates player who is on loan to the Milano Athletico United Football Club, hosted a soccer tournament known as the Keenan Thomas Community Soccer Tournament for u.15s. The four teams that participated were from Homevale and Bloemanda, which are the areas where he learned his soccer craftsmanship. The four clubs are the Bush Bucks, Hope United, Junior Aces and World XI. According to Thomas, the tournament, which was run for the second year, was a success and it has helped to uplift the spirit of up and coming players. “I worked with local coaches to conduct soccer clinics before the tournament and by the look of things Kimberley has great potential to produce more soccer players
for the PSL or even to have her own PSL team if things could be planned well,’’ said the soft-spoken Thomas, who is on recess following the end of the 2012-’13 soccer season. The tournament itself, played on Homevale’s grounds, had a pleasing number of spectators and soccer lovers alike. The four teams played a round robin format and it was Bush Bucks who emerged victorious after brushing aside the other three teams. The skills and discipline displayed by the young boys showed that the local coaches do not just make the numbers at the practising sessions, but they instil a sense of worth and character building. The top goal scorer from Bush Bucks, Romario Thomas, proved lethal when facing the goal posts and if groomed and given a chance at his age, he could be moulded into a top striker that South Africa can only dream of. The top coach of the tournament was Jerome Doyle. ) Read Keenan Thomas’s profile in next week’s edition.