Northern Cape
TEL: 053 8312331
FREE
WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013 WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
Youth must lead SA
ANC leader urges ‘born frees’ to appreciate democracy ZWELI MKHIZE, the ANC treasurer general, encouraged the youth to use the power they have to change the country for the better. He urged them to become serious about getting an education and training in order for them to become future leaders. Mkhize addressed “born frees” on Sunday afternoon at the Mitah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley. Born frees are children who were born after 1994. “You are very lucky to have been born in such a democratic country and to not have to face the many challenges that we had to face at your age. You are also fortunate that you don’t have to use separate toilets, buy from a different window, sit on a chair for blacks and be expected to carry around a dompass to prove yourself to be South African. During those years people had to fight for the opportunity to vote,” said Mkhize. Mkhize, who is also the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, explained the importance of voting in the 2014 elections to the youth, and how important it was to know their history. Mkhize highlighted the high electricity rate in the Sol Plaatje Municipality as one of the challenges that was currently facing the community of Kimberley and had to be rectified. He pointed out that indigents, unemployment and substance abuse were also amongst the challenges that needed government’s attention. “You young people must be the ones to seek and find a solution for all these challenges facing the country by ending the gaps of scarce skills. You have to be able to take over and lead the country without going into exile,” he said. The treasurer general, who was accompanied by the Northern Cape ANC chairperson, John Block, and other dignitaries, said that the party was currently in a healthy state. In response to the threat by opposition parties, the DA and Cope, that they would be taking over the Northern Cape province come 2014, Mkhize dared them and said they were welcome to dream.
Northern Cape
MANTSHO NANA, Mildred Tsinyane and Masego Mojanaga from Greenpoint just received their IDs. They are excited to cast their vote next year. Photo: Boipelo Mere “We are in the process of dealing with our challenges and correcting some of the things in certain areas. The ANC government is open to criticism and gives anyone the right to speak their honest opinion. We will not take away your grants or punish you for raising your voice. We have also
Tel. Fax
053 831 2331 053 831 2330
given anyone the right to form as many parties as they wish.” In relation to the corruption charges against the provincial ANC leadership Mkhize said that in South Africa anyone was innocent until proven guilty. “We are against any form of corruption
PO Box 1583 Kimberley 8300
in the ANC. Being charged does not mean you are automatically corrupt. “We’ll wait and allow the prosecution and the SAPS investigation to take its course. But in the meantime, we’ll continue to discuss our situation amongst ourselves,” he concluded.
Editor
Boipelo Mere
Sales Manager Johan Rossouw
2
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
NEWS
‘Government should do more’ } Boipelo Mere
FARZANA SONDAY of the NCDRC and MEC Pauline Williams sign the memorandum during the march. Photos: Boipelo Mere
THE NCDRC was joined by local youths and clinics and marched to the premier’s office to ask for co-operation between themselves and government in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
THE Department of Social Development, Northern Cape, admitted that there was currently no government in-patient facility for drug addicts in the province. The department revealed that it had therefore entered into an agreement with the Resilia Clinic in Upington to provide bed space for 15 people in terms of in-patient treatment. According to the department, that was their way of intervention to fight the scourge against substance abuse. First intake Conrad Fortune, the communications manager at the department, said that to date 45 people had been referred and treated at the facility with the first intake that commenced on 1 April. Those were the patients who were addicted to alcohol and drugs and needed to be referred to drug rehabilitation centres. “This demonstrates our commitment to fight the scourge of substance abuse in the province. If there is no bed space at the
Resilia Clinic the department refers the people who want treatment to centres outside of the Northern Cape, for which we pay. Under no circumstances will we deprive anybody who wants to receive treatment,” added Fortune. That followed after the Northern Cape Drug Rehabilitation Centre (NCDRC) had raised concerns about the visibility of the rehabilitation centre that the department had launched last year. Concern The NCDRC is concerned that the increase in substance abuse could lead to an increase in the spread of HIV and Aids and TB. Their concern is that when taking drugs, the addicts usually use the same needles to inject and run the risk of contracting the disease. Farzana Sonday of the NCDRC said addicts also tended to engage in sexual activities, without a condom, when they were intoxicated and high on drugs. Youths and clinics Thus the NGO,
which was registered in 2012, joined by local youths and clinics, joined the nation and marched to the premier’s office to ask for co-operation between themselves and government in the fight against illicit drug trafficking. They claimed that the Northern Cape government pretended to understand their plight but did not do enough. They further complained that government ignored the gravity of the situation caused by the enlarged scope of illicit drug production and smuggling in the province. The okka pipe was again in the limelight as the marchers demanded it be banned. They claimed it was used as a disguise for abusing drugs and that some parents were also manipulated into believing that it was harmless. According to the NCDRC, one of their
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Invitation to Participate in the Internship Programme The Office of the Public Service Commission would like to invite suitable graduates who have completed their studies at institutions of higher learning to participate in an Internship Programme. The duration of the Internship Programme is twelve (12) months. Interested and qualifying graduates who are currently unemployed and have never participated in an Internship Programme are invited to apply for the following Internship Programmes:
Component: Northern Cape Provincial Office
Area of Utilisation: Investigations and Complaints Management (1 Post) Stipend: R4 166.49 per month Requirements: • A Senior Certificate • A National Diploma or degree in Law or Labour Relations Management from an accredited tertiary institution • Unemployed youth aged between 18 and 35 • Good interpersonal relations, organising, problem-solving and communication (written and verbal) skills • A clean credit record • No criminal record. Successful Interns will be expected to sign an internship contract. Enquiries: Ms C du Plessis at (053) 832-6222. Applications must be submitted on form Z.83, obtainable from any Public Service department, and should be accompanied by a recent updated comprehensive CV, certified copies of qualifications and Identity Document. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification(s), it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The successful candidate will be required to obtain a top secret clearance issued by the State Security Agency. The OPSC will verify the qualifications and conduct reference checking on short-listed candidates. Please take note that faxed, e-mailed and late applications will not be accepted. Note: Preference will be given to candidates from the Northern Cape Province. This is a re-advertisement. Those who applied previously are requested to re-apply. Forward your application, stating reference INTERN/NC/2013 to: The Director-General, Office of the Public Service Commission, Private Bag X121, Pretoria 0001 or hand deliver to the 1st Floor, Woolworths Building, cnr Lennox and Chapel Streets, Kimberley 8301. Closing date: 24 July 2013 www.humanjobs.co.za
Custodian of Good Governance Human Communications 100397
main concerns was that children as young as ten years old were already using drugs as they were easily accessible in communities. During a tour of the city, Northern Cape Express was shown a group of primary school boys who were high on drugs during school hours. The NCDRC revealed that it was costly for Northern Cape addicts and patients to be referred to rehabilitation centres. “In order to show how serious we are about establishing our own institution, we voluntarily approached Aurora to give us in-service training. Although we do not have premises yet and operate from a friend’s backyard, we are a registered rehabilitation centre that aims to fight drug trafficking. “There is a need for intervention in almost all townships where we are hoping to set up sister branches when we get funding. Education and awareness campaigns need to be conducted out there,” said Sonday. Join the fight During the march, Thapelo Mookwa said it was time for government to come on board and join the NGO’s in the journey to fight trafficking. “This problem begins with an individual, then it affects the whole community,” he said when they handed over the memorandum to MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture, Pauline Williams. Williams responded that she understood the government’s need to commit to such NGO’s in order to assist parents in their attempts to fight drug abuse. “Parents need our help as government. Drug addicts are the most vulnerable in society.” she added. She promised to work around the proposals on the memorandum with the relevant stakeholders and commit to the protester’s demands. ) What do you as a reader think: Is there progress in fighting substance abuse in the Northern Cape, do you think drug addicts get enough support? If you have an experience to share, call Northern Cape Express on 053-8312331.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
3
NEWS
Ex-cons make a living } Boipelo Mere A group of local ex-prisoners shared their views of how difficult it is for them to find a job in Kimberley. Especially for them as ex-prisoners who have every intention of staying away from bad things and prison. Last week a local Kimberley newspaper carried an article about a group of former prisoners in Ritchie who had complained that they had been overlooked for job opportunities by the Sol Plaatje Municipality because of their criminal records. Although the Sol Plaatje Municipality refuted the claims, they seem intent on keeping the downtrodden down as it is sometimes witnessed in the vicinity of the city library when the Sol Plaatje traffic officers engage in a game of cat and mouse with car washers often confiscating their water drums. They fetch the water they use to wash the cars from the premises of the municipal offices. Glen Katz (32) is part of the group which calls itself the Entrepreneurs – a group which has discovered an honest way of earning a living after spending time in prison. After his release for murder in 2010, he promised himself never to return to prison, but rather to earn an honest living. He joined a group of his peers to wash cars at the parking lot between the library and Pick n Pay in the CBD, and the money they are making has kept the wolf from the door and has kept their minds occupied. “I am proud of myself because at least I get up and come to work in town like normal people, and return home to put food on the table. I do not sit around, steal and rob people of their hardearned belongings. I wish for this to become my permanent job as I am good at it,” he said. Hendrick Masinga (26), who works with his elder brother, Peter, admitted that they were not registered and had no permits. “The problem is that we do not have ID books and cannot get employment anywhere. These traffic officials just come and chase us around, take our buckets and bags and tell us to go and speak to Mangena at the municipality. Whenever we go to see this Mangena guy, he is never available. Twice we’ve made an appointment and were told he was on a tea break.” Unfortunately for these entrepreneurs they are doing their business on private property, but take heart, because the property owners are not treating them badly. A nearby car-wash owner complained that the guys stole their customers by charging them cheaper. “It is unfair because we operate legally and pay rent, whilst they operate next to us without a permit,” said Resa van der Merwe. “Of course we know that the real complainants are our neighbouring car wash. They complain that we steal their customers, and we don’t. The drivers are the ones that decide to support black empowerment as they see the good work that we do,” explained Masinga to Express Northern Cape. According to the entrepreneurs, they feel important because they also serve as security guards and sometimes chase after criminals and car thieves. Express Northern Cape spoke to the Pick n Pay caretaker, Kobus Kruger, who complained that the men were conducting their business on private premises. “It is municipal property and we monthly pay R2 500 for it. I tried to report it to the police and the municipality, but I gave up after seeing a police van being washed there,” he added. Kruger, however, admitted that they had not received any complaints of theft or break-ins concerning the car washers. On the day of the interview, one of the cars that was washed was a branded SAPS vehicle. “As you can see the police understand the importance of supporting us. They know we are entrepreneurs who have to be given a chance. We are willing to negotiate as we want to know the procedures to follow in order for us to get a permit. Or are we not good enough to get a permit? Why are they side-lining us? Maybe we are not good enough to sit in a meeting with them as they are officials,” added Tsholo Patric. The irony in all of this, according to these guys, is that most of their regular customers are of the Sol Plaatje Municipality. “Some of them just come and leave their cars here in the morning, with laptops inside and their car keys and collect them later in the day, and they never complain.” ) Sello Matsie, spokesperson for the Sol Plaatje Municipality, said after a media enquiry that the entrepreneurs should meet him at his office.
KAYLEEN ROBERTSON (left) and Lennette Nodia (28) on duty.
Photo: Boipelo Mere
4
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
NEWS
FROM the left are Thabang Mohutsana (18), Lebo Nkadimang and Armans Mogohung (15).
Photo: Annerie Louw
Clothes, toys, gifts needed Annerie Louw LEBO NKADIMANG of the project Be Something out of Nothing intends to host their third annual event on 18 July in Kuruman. Be Something out of Nothing is a project intending to empower all women, children, the disadvantaged, people in prison, the disabled and orphans through community programmes and recreational activities within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Nkadimang says with this event they are targeting about 200 vulnerable, disabled, orpha-
ned and street kids. The aim is to celebrate Mandela Day under the theme We Care. The project is therefore requesting donations and assistance of the following contributions to make it a success: ) catering for lunch (250 people); ) transport for the children; ) gifts and toys for 200 children; ) clothes and toiletries; and ) blankets. Contact Lebo on 071-385-8936 for donations or bring it to the office of the Kalahari Bulletin in Main Street, Kuruman.
Young child dies in fire THE police in Kuruman opened a case of inquest following the death of a four-monthold baby at Bankhara on Sunday, 7 July. It is alleged that the family of the deceased was asleep when they were woken up by flames engulfing their shack at approximately 01:00. The police suspect that the fire may have been caused by a candle. The mother (22), with the assistance of her neighbours, tried to rescue her two children. The mother and her five-year-old were taken to hospital with serious burns. The five-year-old died Monday morning. Investigations are continuing. ) A woman (32) from Bankhara was alleg-
edly raped shortly after she arrived at her home on Sunday morning. The victim was stabbed by the perpetrator who is still at large. ) A teenager (19) was allegedly raped on Sunday, 7 July, at the Tsineng Village. According to the complainant she was with her friend at a tavern when she was attacked. The suspect has not been arrested. ) A woman (58) reported a case of alleged rape which took place on Saturday, 6 July, at about 19:00 at Seven Miles. The victim said that she had been attacked and raped while walking home. The suspect is still at large.
FROM the left are Matlhogonolo Olepeng from Kagung, Joseph Jacob (head of department at Galaletsang) and Gopolang Thekiso from Magojaneng. Photo: Annerie Louw
Prepared for national quiz Annerie Louw TWO learners from the Galaletsang High School in Mothibistad, Gopolang Thekiso and Matlhogonolo Olepeng, are on their way to Randburg to compete in the national competition of Mintek’s Minquiz against the other provinces. “Last week they attended the top achiever’s classes in Upington and are now well prepared for the competition,” says their teacher for Mathematics and Physical Science, Joseph Jacob.
It will be the third year that they ended under the top three. In 2011 they were first, in 2012 second and this year first and second in the province. Jacob says to take part in the Minquiz competition the learners must have knowledge in Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography and general knowledge. The two students received certificates and a cash prize. It will be the first time that both of them travel by aeroplane.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
Winners of Spontaan CHRISTIAAN VAN ZYL (middle), a Vrystaat and Maluti finalist, walked away with the crown of the 2013 Spontaan winner after beating off tough competition from seven other finalists. The competition, which is presented by Volksblad’s local newspapers across South Africa’s central region, also saw Vista finalist Eben von Gericke (left) and Bloemnuus finalist Chris Pretorius (right) achieve third and second place respectively. Photo: Marguerite Vermeulen
SEE the Spontaan finalists’ performances in videos on Express’s website at www.express-news.co.za
EXPRESS’S Spontaan finalist, Riette van der Watt (left), poses with Charlize Berg, Spontaan finals master of ceremonies at the Vryfestival’s Blêrkas on Saturday. Photo: Jens Friis
New ID cards here
THE new smart ID card to be introduced tomorrow on Mandela Day will first be issued to all first-time ID recipients and re-issue applicants. Pres. Jacob Zuma, the deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Winnie Madikizela Mandela are among the recipients. According to Home Affairs, all it takes is about 15 minutes which include finger print verification, a picture and an electronic signature. Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor said that it would take between six and eight years for all South Africans to get smart identification document (ID) cards, which would replace the green ID books. She also said that Home Affairs was trying to ensure that businesses, banks, the insurance industry and other partners had the necessary equipment to verify smart ID cards. Pandor announced the cost of the smart ID would be the same as the amount paid for the green bar-coded ID, which currently costs R140 but it would be free for first-time recipients. She further said that the new cards would take five to ten days to produce and deliver, compared with the current 47 days for paper documents. “I’ve just done my own smart ID now and I must thank Home Affairs for this development. “We thought the ID we had after 1994 was the final one, but now we are moving to the smart cards, which are secure and easy to carry,” said Zuma after processing his smart card ID at the Department of Home Affairs.
5
6
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
NEWS
Ivy’s dream realised Two bodies Ilse Watson ANGLO ZIMELE has empowered Ivy Molema to own a restaurant called the Africa’s Pride Restaurant, which is situated in Kuruman. Ivy is also the owner of a guest house in Mothibi-stad. She says that she was introduced to Sishen’s Small Business Hub by her daughter in 2012. “My daughter suggested that I approach the Small Business Hub to help me purchase a restaurant that was struggling,” she said. Ivy says that after seeing the opportunity and the potential that the business had, she wasted no time in applying for a business loan from Anglo Zimele in 2013. She named the restaurant the Africa’s Pride Restaurant because of its unique African menu. Some of the dishes included on the menu are dumplings, samp, porridge, diretlo (tripe) and
beef stew. “I want to thank Anglo Zimele for empowering me, and I want people to be aware that when they visit the Africa’s Pride Restaurant they are going to be served a great meal in a relaxed atmosphere,” she proudly explained. Sishen mine LED practitioner, Sydney Ntili, says that Ivy, through her entrepreneurial spirit and pro-activeness, has managed to attract a large number of customers to the business. She has also managed to market her business to the public and private sectors effectively, and now receives many catering orders from businesses in these sectors.
IVY MOLEMA, owner of the Africa’s Pride Restaurant, serving a meal. Photo: Supplied
found in Kby
THE police in Kagisho in the Northern Cape are investigating two cases of murder that happened in Kimberley over the weekend. A 31-year-old male was allegedly murdered on Saturday night and his body was found in Mogoda Street in Kagisho. The victim had a stab wound. No arrests have been made yet. In another incident, in Hector Peterson Street, Galeshewe, a 35-year-old Somalian was also allegedly murdered on Saturday at about 22:30.
It is alleged that the victim had a bullet wound. One person is being taken in for questioning. No arrests have yet been made. The SAPS calls on anyone with information that can assist the police regarding the two murders to contact Detective Warrant Officer Anthony Shuping on 078-1947402 or contact Crime Stop on 08600-10111. The investigation still continues.
For more news and photos go to the website at www.express-news.co.za
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
7
NEWS
Meeting held THE Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) will be holding its second meeting of the National Council from 25 to 28 July at the Jimmy Summers Hall, Kimberley, under the theme Youth for Socialism; Work, Health and Education. The National Council, which is the highest decision-making body of the YCLSA between congresses, is expected to assess the work of the organisation since December 2010 and map a way forward to December 2014.
OPREGTE PLAASHONDE -MODDERRIVIER. Boerbul x Rifrug hondjies (3 Tefies en 3 Reuntjies). Beskikbaar vanaf 21 Julie 2013. Ontwurm en ingeënt, R800 elk. Kontak besonderhede: E - pos: kiepnel@gmail.com Susan Nel: 083 452 4055 Johann Nel: 076 780 2000
KUNSKLASSE: OLIE- en akrielverf, houtsny, lapverf. Tel. 053 833 1338. 082 491 2466 SKAKEL MY VIR al u tuin besproeiings benodighede. 084 475 0603
KONTANT VIR: KARRE en bakkies. R15 000 tot R30 000. 053 963 1409.071 967 0285
BACHELOR FLAT FOR RENT. R2 300 p.m from 1 August.
KLEUTERSKOOL VERLANG DIENSTE van n persoon wat kan werk as Kok en babaversorger voldag. E- pos cv na: almarie1@vodamail.co.za. Aansoek sluit Maandag, 29 Julie 2013. PROMPT SALES REPRESENTATIVE (AA/EE) BLOEMFONTEIN. Global Company seeks driven Sales Reps with FMCG sector experience. Matric, valid drivers license and own car is required. Email CV to robynj@mpc.co.za or fax to 086 760 5513
‘A momento to be read’ } Boipelo Mere TANNIE BIANCA SYPERS (71) was still touched by Terri’s letter that she picked up in Florianville. “I still find it hard to believe that in this age of advanced technology, where ink and paper seems to be gradually taking the backseat as enacting paperless communications are ruling, someone can still receive and intentionally dismiss such a letter,” said the affected Sypers, who came knocking at the Express Northen Cape’s office with the letter in her hand.
THE original letter to Terri.
She announced that she had found the letter next to the Floors High School. She pleaded with the reporter to publish it for the owner to re-unite with it. “After picking up and reading this letter, I realised that no one in his/her right mind can throw away what is possibly a momento to be read in nostalgia from time to time,” she said convincingly After reading the letter, Express Northern Cape’s reporter decided to scan it so that it can appear as original as it can. Anyone who can recognise this letter as being written by or to them can collect it at Express Northen Cape’s offices in Dalham Road.
8
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 17 JULY 2013
Rietvale a hot contender } Boipelo Mere
FOR the third time in a row, hot contender Rietvale High School from Ritchie will be seen seriously contesting the upcoming Sanlam Kay Motsepe National finals that will be held later in September. Rietvale will be battling it out in the Pabalelo Stadium on 27 July with the four other regional winners: the Orion High School from De Aar; Okiep High School; Wrenchville High from Kuruman and the Kakamas High School. The two top schools will be amongst each of the nine provinces that get to the national finals and will be playing for a fabulous first prize of R1 million to be used to finance projects the school needs, not to forget the R100 000 on offer for the provincial champions. The school (Rietvale) won the provincial title in 2011 and 2012 and used their first R100 000 winnings to build a perimeter fence around the school and to install an intercom and air-conditioners. The 2012 money was used to buy a sprinter and trainer and a mini-bus and trailor to transport the school’s sports teams to tournaments. The team coach, Kasper Spandiel, has plenty of experience in the field of coaching, and he was also selected to coach the SASFA u.16 team at the Safa u.17 tournament in 2010. He is assisted by manager, Brendon Kammies, who has plenty of expertise and experience in the field of management. A number of players of the school has been noticed by scouts from different soccer academies. One of them is the team captain, Angelo van Rooi. He was selected for trials at Ajax FC, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, as well as Supersport United FC. He was also selected to represent his province on numerous occasions. The team believe they have a good chance to win the R100 000 again this year and are hoping to take their success a step further and come in the
top 4 in the national finals and win that extra money to make a bigger difference at the school. According to Kammies, success in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup has done a lot for the children at the school. “More kids are interested in playing for the school’s soccer team now. Even the girls have become interested in soccer and we have started a girls’ soccer team. The tournam ent has uplifted the team’s spirits because they know that this tournament can do a lot, not just for the school, but also for the players as there are always scouts from PSL Clubs attending the provincial and national finals,” he added. He said it would, however, not be easy because they regarded one of their opponents, Okiep High School, as a very strong team. “I think they will give us a tough time when we have to play against them. But my team will do their best,” concluded Kammies.
“I think they will give us a tough time when we have to play against them. But my team will do their best.” – Bren don Kammies DEFENDERS tackle each other during the 2012 Kay Motsepe Cup. Photo: Supplied
Hungry Lions promoted to Vodacom League } Hendrè Jacobs THE local soccer club in Postmasburg, the Hungry Lions, has made their supporters very proud when they were promoted to the Vodacom Promotional League. Facebook was buzzing with congratulations from happy fans and soccer enthusiasts alike.
The Hungry Lions have won a series of playoffs in the SAB Regional League and their promotion is a giant step forward in realising their long-term goal to be promoted to the Premier Soccer League. Henry (Shabba) Basie, the team manager, described the Vodacom League as the third tier of South African Football, two levels behind the Premier Soccer League.
THE Hungry LIons have been promoted to the Vodacom League.
Photo: Supplied
“We are back with a bang,” Shabba proudly said. When asked to explain, he conceded that the Hungry Lions were in the Vodacom League in 2008, but were relegated after a series of challenges. Lack of team transport, lack of facilities and lack of funding were the three main reasons cited by Shabba for the team’s earlier inabili-
ty to remain in the Vodacom League. Another local soccer legend, Stefaans ‘Tau” Basie, lamented the lack of parental interest in sport. “It is so sad that parents do no support their children who participate in sport,” said Tau, who is the chairperson of the Hungry Lions Soccer Club and has been instrumental in the success of the Hungry Lions.