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WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2013 WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
Owners clueless Commemoration held without their knowledge
} Boipelo Mere PART of the community of Sydney-on-Vaal and Delportshoop, including Wintersrush, was not impressed by the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s leg of the 1913 Land Act commemoration last month. The commemoration was held at the Sydneyon-Vaal farm in the Dikgatlong Municipality, about 80 km from Kimberley, and the communities affected by land restitution from Phokwane and Dikgatlong were reported to be invited. According to some of the attendants, they were quite disappointed because they could not see the use of travelling so far to listen to speeches. The rightful owners of the land, where the commemoration was held, were seen sitting outside the tent during the event, demanding to know what was happening. They claimed to have been excluded from the event. Although Norman Shushu, the MEC, said he had included the community by liaising with the CPA, they refuted that and said that the department had continued to communicate with the outvoted CPA members because they had been abusing funds. “We, the community of Sydney-on-Vaal, don’t know what is happening on our land anymore. We saw buses entering our land and thought that maybe it was for a meeting, only to realise on our arrival that it was actually a commemoration, said Maggie Makoloi, the new vice-chairperson of the CPA. “We are disappointed because we expected to come and find solutions to the many challenges that we face as land owners, otherwise we would not have boarded that bus. “The politicians who called us here are using us, they make us fight amongst ourselves then they blame the media for revealing the truth. “They give us the land, then allow others to mine the land. Then they use certain community members and bribe them to enrich themselves. “There is no transparency between government and the communities. We are not here to listen to how Helen Zille angered the ANC by visiting the Sol Plaatje Museum,” said Ernest Maribe (62). He added that illegal mining was the biggest
Northern Cape
THE community of SydneyonVaal did not even enter the tent and demanded answers as to why the event was hosted on their land without their knowledge. Photos: Boipelo Mere issue that needed to be solved. Mavis Poulus (79), who could barely walk, also said that she had only come to the event because she had thought it would benefit her community of Smitsdrift. “They do not take us seriously. They told us to come here to discuss the legacy of our land, now they do not even allow a single community member to speak, and they left out other communities like Sydney-on-Vaal, members who are the most vulnerable. Only the politicians benefit from the land that was given to us,” said Poulus angrily. Shushu, who said the department had done nothing wrong, requested communities and CPA members to unite in order to resolve the challenges in their areas. The community of Majeng were the most disappointed as they were late for the event. When they arrived at the event they could already hear the programme director announcing the closure of the event. They said they had been waiting for their bus since 06:00 on that cold winter’s morning.
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THE disappointed people from Majeng did not get an opportunity to even hear a single speaker.
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Boipelo Mere
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE, WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2013
NEWS
Little ones receive Tutu desks Ilse Watson
GR. R LEARNERS of the Mapoteng Primary School received Tutu desks from Oduetse Kolberg, community development practition er: Kumba Sishen Mine, and Thobega Mmasabata, head of the de partment at the school. Photo: Ilse Watson
MANY children in classrooms across the world do not have desks where they can sit and work. In South Africa alone there is an estimated shortage of about 3,6 million desks. A Tutu desk is a convenient tool a child can use to write on. A space to write on is important for a child’s literacy development and basic learning. Kumba, in partnership with Media 24, manufactured and donated 500 Tutu desks for use by primary school children across the Northern Cape. This kind of tool will make a big difference in the lives of the children. The desks were distributed to Relikile, Mapoteng, Vlakfontein, AB Kolwane, Maikaelelo, Lareng, March, Maipeing, Boitshireletso, Makolokomeng, Tsoe, Hotazel, Gamasego and Manyeding.
Alkantpan, a division of Armscor Research and Development (R&D) Department, is an all-purpose ballistic test range in the central part of South Africa and is involved with the testing of, for instance, gun systems. Alkantpan is located in the Northern Cape, 300km from Kimberley. Applications are invited from persons meeting the qualification and experience requirements to become part of Alkantpan Qualified Personnel, who form a multidisciplinary team, a factor that contributes to the success of the division.
Technical Officer: Weapons
Reform to right wrongs
(Ref. 9911907)
Paterson Grading: C2
The successful candidate will maintain, repair, prepare and operate weapon systems for test-related requirements according to client specifications and manufacture hardware according to the requirements and specifications of internal and external clients.
ON 19 June 1913, just three years after the Union of South Africa was formed, and a year after Sol Tshekiso Plaatje, Pixley ka Seme, John Dube, Montshiwa and Selope Thema formed the South African Natives National Congress, later renamed the African National Congress, a hideous act called 1913 Natives Land Act 27 was passed by parliament. The act saw 87% of the land dispossessed from the African people and had them confined to only 13% of the land in the country. This was the beginning of the systematic and cruel marginalisation of the natives of South Africa by the white minority. It is for this reason that 100 years later South Africans all over the country met in different provinces to commemorate the passing of that act and the effects it had on the majority of the people. In the Northern Cape, the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development held its leg of the commemoration at the Sydneyon-Vaal farm in the Dikgatlong Municipality, about 80 km from Kimberley. Sydney-on-Vaal is a product of the intention of the ANC to reverse the psychological and economic damage to the people who used to live there and were forcibly removed. Although the present government set itself a target of 30% of the land to be redistributed to the black people by 2014, it has only managed to redistribute only 8% of the target. According to the department of rural development and land reform, this can be attributed to the slow process to the willing buyer willing seller principle it adopted hoping to have cooperation from land owners. In the Northern Cape the government has transferred a total amount of 1,2 million hectares since the implementation of land reform in 1996. According to the department, the programme benefitted 6 310 beneficiaries, including those of Sydney-on-Vaal.
Responsibilities: • Ensure that the maintenance of weapon systems is carried out by weapon personnel to ensure reliable systems for conducting tests • Prepare and erect targets • Maintain tools and equipment • Safely operate weapons systems • Train Weapon Assistants and Weapon Operators in the safe handling of weapons and equipment • Conduct safety inspections • Assist clients during the import and export of weapons systems • Draft Balanced Scorecards for subordinates • Manufacture the hardware for projects. Requirements: • An N4 Technical in the field of Weapon Systems • 4-6 years’ experience in the maintenance and/or operation of infantry, armour or artillery weapon systems • Qualified as a Fitter and Turner • Good interpersonal, communication, planning and organising skills. To apply for this position, please e-mail a detailed CV to careers@armscor.co.za stating clearly the reference number and the position you are applying for in the subject heading. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to psychometric assessment, an appropriate reference check, verification of the applicant’s personal data and security clearance as part of the selection process. Should you not hear from us within a month of forwarding your CV, consider your application unsuccessful. Please note that appointment to this position is subject to obtaining/maintaining a positive security clearance. In line with Armscor’s commitment to compliance with the Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The closing date for applications is 10 July 2013. Late applications will not be considered. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. www.humanjobs.co.za
Human Communications 100418
Building a world-class diamond group Finsch Diamond Mine
Finsch Diamond Mine 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.
Mechanic (Underground Expansion) The successful candidate will be required to perform service maintenance and repairs on equipment/machinery according to sound engineering practices and equipment specifications. Tasks and responsibilities: • Investigate, diagnose and perform trade-related maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery according to the maintenance requirements • Perform inspections in accordance with the Mine Health and Safety Act regulations, manufacturing and company standards • Report all defects and breakdowns on equipment and machinery to the Foreman • Develop, modify, construct and install related equipment required for the safe operation of all engineering equipment • Identify spares requirements and order according to departmental procedure • Communicate with clients and supervisors to inform on maintenance activities performed and restart of equipment • Create and maintain job cards • Supervise Engineering Aides • Work overtime, be on standby and be available for callouts when required. Minimum requirements: • A Grade 12/N3 plus Diesel Mechanic Trade Certificate • A recognised apprenticeship • A Code EB driver’s licence • 2 years’ postapprenticeship experience • Earthmoving machinery experience • Good verbal and written communication skills in English. Other skills/competencies: • Independent, proactive thinker • The ability to do own job planning. (Ref. FINSCH079) Finsch Diamond Mine 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. Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a panel interview. Employment of the successful candidate is subject to the aforementioned criteria. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within our host labour sending area of Kgatelopele (proof of residence may be requested). 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 E2-Recruitment@petradiamonds.com or fax: 086 659 1334 before or on 10 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 100239
Career Opportunities Clicks requires the services of Pharmacist Managers, Pharmacists and Pharmacist Assistants (Qualified Post Basic) in Upington. Flexible Ccontracts available 25, 27, 30, 32.5, 40 and 45 hours per week. Retired pharmacists also welcome to apply: retirement age extendable to 67 on permanent contract. We offer • Competitive salaries • Professional working environment • Reporting to a Pharmacist Leadership Team • Career development opportunities: strong focus on internal promotion Required • Relevant B.Pharm Degree or Diploma • Registered with the SAPC • Excellent communication skills • A passion for customer care
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Contact: Willie Smal on Tel: (021) 460 1287 or Email: ws8@clicks.co.za, or go to www.careers.clicksgroup.co.za for more info.
• People
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)
• Opportunity
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EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2013
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NEWS
BRIG. FRANCIS HENDER (left), Galeshewe station commander, accepting the memoran dum from Irene Njovu of Gaasca. Photos: Boipelo Mere
THE elderly ask for protection.
Elderly fear for their lives } Boipelo Mere GAASCA elders fear for their lives as criminals have upped their game in destroying and damaging their centres in Galeshewe hostels. The elders teamed up with local NGOs and other centres for the elderly like Age in Action, Dr Mandela, Dibora, Legae la Bagolo and Sunshine to march to the Galeshewe Police Station to ask for their protection. There they handed over their memorandum of grievances to the Galeshewe station commander, Brig. Francis Hender. They held up placards displaying their plight for an end to the emotional and psychological abuse they went through on a daily basis. They called for an end to the trend of young people raping the elderly, because they believed it would cure HIV and Aids. “Even our own family members abuse us
Become a donor WHILE the country is gearing up towards doing something to make a difference in the lives of others this Mandela Day on 18 July, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) would like to encourage the public to get involved in blood donation. The current blood stocks are at a critical level and currently they are experiencing low collections due to schools and universities being on holiday as well as the cold weather. The collections have dropped drastically resulting in a daily average of about 1,7 days of blood being available. This is far less than the five-day stock required to ensure that the country’s demand for safe blood is met. The SANBS needs to collect 3 000 units a day to meet the demand and since the start of the winter holidays they have not achieved this. To find your nearest donor centre call them on 080-011-9031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
by taking our grants and houses away from us and sending us to old-age homes when they are supposed to care for us. This should stop,” shouted 70-year-old Maria Ntimang. According to the chairperson of the Gaasca Board, Maria Chwarisang, they saw the need to march after they had written several letters to the SAPS concerning the continuous vandalism that had been taking place at Gaasca without action taken. “We are starting to fear for the lives of the elderly because the criminals keep on increasing their means of gaining access to the centre. They gain access through sawing through the burglar bars to gain entry, damaging the property in the process. “They are not even afraid of stealing furniture or removing our doors and window frames,” she said. Chwarisang added that through funds raised, they had found two volunteers who patrolled and were paid a stipend.
“We’ll greatly appreciate it if members of the SAPS can come and assess the situation at all old-age centres and assist us only by patrolling, especially at night,” she said. Hender said the elderly, just like women and children, were most vulnerable in society and thus deserved protection. “We appreciate your efforts to take a
stand to get the protection that you deserve from the police. “We don’t want you to feel neglected, thus we’ll go and assess the situation before we sit down with the cluster to come up with a plan of action to stop you from becoming targets of criminals,” said Hender. He also promised regular visits and patrols to the centres.
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NEWS
Be extra vigilant THE South African Police Service (SAPS) in Kathu would once again like to make an urgent call on the community of Kathu to be more aware on the safety of their premises. Extra attention must be given to the securing of sliding doors. Install extra locks or security gates on or in front of sliding doors. Warn housekeepers to keep doors and windows locked, and not to give out any information to strangers. Tell your neighbours to keep an eye on your premises whenever you are going away and inform the SAPS that you are going on holiday. Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the SAPS.
Paper now also on your cellphone } Nico Gous VOLKSBLAD’S affiliated local media is rolling out mobi sites for your local newspaper. The mobi site, short for mobile site, is specially designed for your phone. If you read Express Northern Cape on your phone now, what do you see? The text is too big, isn’t it? Why? What you see is the website built
for your computer screen crammed into that small screen. The mobi site will adjust content to your phone’s screen, offering you the best reading experience. You will be carrying your community news in your back pocket. Now what? Accessing news remains the same: ) Open your phone’s internet browser. ) Enter www.expresspaper.mobi ) Voilà!
www.expresspaper.mobi
Water supply cleaned THE Sishen Mine’s water management team, led by Stephan Enslin, foreman: slime dams, has shown exceptional and consistent water management performance over the past few months. “Water plays a crucial role in our mining operations and, because it is such a scarce commodity, it is important that we continue to effectively and efficiently manage the water available to us,” says Enslin. Different factors contributed to a shortage in the water supply to the respective plants. These factors included the following: ) Weather (in summer the evaporation is much higher than in winter). ) Reeds and tamarisk trees withdrawing water from the dams. ) The density of the slime in the water being too high and therefore more slime than water is transferred into the dams. ) Both species of plants withdrew water from the return-waterdam at the same time. To ensure efficient water supply to both plants simultaneously, the following measures were put into place: ) A new line was connected to Kathu’s gardening water line to supply water to the return-waterdam once the water level is below 90%. ) Water supply to the respective plants is now alternating. If there is a need to draw water simultaneously, the DMS plant is fed from the pump house while the JIG plant is fed from the return-waterdam. “But our most important initiative to ensure sufficient water supply is to empower our people to think and take responsibility for their actions,” Enslin concludes. Water cycle at Sishen Mine To be cleansed, iron ore has to go through either the DMS or the JIG plants where it is washed and screened. During the screening process particles of ± -0,2 mm are deposited into the thickener dams. In the dams the slime descends to a skittle floor where it is constantly raked towards the middle of the dam; this is called the “pulling point”. At the pulling point, pumps are installed to transfer the slime to the booster pump house which in turn transfers it into the respective slime dams. Once the slime is deposited into the dams, the slime descends and the separation from the water takes place. The water is transferred to a pump house and from there it is channelled to a silt trap which deposits the clean water into the return-waterdam. The return-waterdam is the final source from where the clean water is recycled into the plants for re-use.
EXPRESS NORTHERN CAPE , WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2013
NEWS
Pageant gets makeover THE Miss South Africa pageant has received a dramatic and exciting makeover. Part of the extensive revamp is that the new Miss South Africa will be crowned in March 2014, instead of December, which means that unlike previous years, she will get to reign in the year of her appointment. Meanwhile, popular a former Miss South Africa, Melinda Bam, has been appointed to a new position as national executive of Miss South Africa joining the Miss South Africa team. Bam, who made the top 10 of Miss Universe last year after being crowned Miss South Africa 2011, was recently awarded the title of the Sexiest Woman in the World for 2013 by the local edition of the men’s magazine FHM. The changes are all part of a concerted drive by Sun International to grow the Miss South Africa brand and make it relevant for today’s young generation. Sue Klerck of Sun International, longtime licence holders of the annual competition, says: “It made sense to move the pageant from December to March. “It allows the title holder to compete internationally at the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants which are typically held during the last two months in the year of their reign. “Also, in previous years, our current title holder has been away competing internationally and was unable to attend the pageant to hand over the crown to the new Miss South Africa.” No Miss South Africa will be crowned in 2013 and the current Miss South Africa, Marilyn Ramos, who walked away with the title in December 2012, will reign until March next year. Ramos says: “I am delighted to be the holder of the Miss South Africa sash for an extra three months. I have learnt valuable lessons in such a short time thanks to the wonderful opportunities being Miss South Africa 2012 has afforded me and the kindness and generosity of spirit of the many South Africans that I have met during my reign.” As one of the most successful Miss South Africa title holders of recent years and with a considerable local and international following, Melinda Bam is expected to bring a fresh insight to Miss South Africa in her dynamic new role as national executive. Bam says: “I have been appointed to add and enhance new projects and initiatives for Miss South Africa with regards to her charity work, sponsorship associations, preparations for international competitions and what is expected of her during the year of her reign. “I truly had a passion for my year as Miss South Africa, the brand and the impact it has. “How can I not give back? I think that having gone through the experience, I have an edge and I understand the needs, the shortcomings and the opportunities to grow both the pageant and the brand in the future. “We’ll undertake new projects and rebrand Miss South Africa in a way that makes it relatable to the public again, engage the public to grow a new sentiment around the brand and take Miss South Africa back to the people.” What is her response to people who believe that beauty contests are past their sell-by date? “I think they underestimate the role and impact of Miss South Africa due to an uninformed opinion or a lack of interest. When looking at society, popular culture and mass media, beauty is perceived as something that is superficial, unattainable and unrealistic and sends a dangerous message influencing young women’s self-image. “Miss South Africa is a brand that embraces what it means to be feminine, but also places equal emphasis and exemplifies the deeper value of beauty with a purpose that empowers other women to have an enlightened self-image and self-worth.” The Miss South Africa message for a new generation is clear: The Miss South Africa pageant is a powerful platform for developing potential.
For more news and photos go to our website at www.express-news.co.za
It is a celebration of the country’s savvy, smart and beautiful young women who are determined to be the best they can be while being true to themselves. Bam says: “I was proud to be crowned Miss South Africa. I believe in what it stands for, that beauty only enhances the qualities that are of much greater importance like having the drive to make a success of your future, living a generous life that impacts on someone else’s and making a tangible change.” Entries for Miss South Africa 2014 opened on Monday and close on 31 August. Bam’s advice to those young women who
are planning to enter the pageant: “Enter when you believe you can bring more to the title than just wearing the crown and competing in the pageant. “Miss South Africa is not a means to an end; it is the starting point of a journey to enhance the qualities you should already have.” Entry forms are available online at www.misssa.co.za and www.facebook.com/ MsSouthAfrica.
FORMER Miss South Africa Melinda Bam.
Photo: Supplied
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Hlaselo to show talent in Kazan } Sidwell Guduka
AIMING FOR MEDAL: Dumisani Hlaselo. Photo: Sidwell Guduka
A MEDAL. This is what the renowned sprinter, Dumisani Hlaselo, will be targeting when he competes at the World Student Games in Kazan, Russia. The games start on Saturday and end on 17 July. Team South Africa left for Kazan yesterday, and Hlaselo said he wished he could win a medal in the 1 500 m race. He is one of four Kovsie sprinters who will be competing against athletes from around the world. “I have been training hard and everything is going according to plan. “The competition will be tough in Russia, but I’m confident I’ll bring home a medal. I’m looking forward to doing well over there,” Hlaselo told Express. “I’m really excited about the trip because the last time I represented my country was during the World Junior Championships in Poland in 2008. I have been struggling with injuries ever since. But I’m fully fit and raring to go at the moment,” he said. The 24-year-old, whose last race was in April, was selected to compete in the 1 500 m and 5 km events. “The 1 500 m is one of the events which I believe I can win. But you never know how things will pan out that side because sport is unpredictable.” Hlaselo said he did not think weather conditions in Russia would be much of a problem for
him. “It is winter in South Africa and they say it is summer in Russia. Even though it is summer there it might still be chilly. I checked the temperatures that side and the average is about 25 °C. Hlaselo will be joined in Kazan by other Kovsie sprinters Wayde van Niekerk, Gideon Trotter and Rynardt van Rensburg. Van Niekerk will battle it out in the 400 m and 4 x 400 m relay. Trotter competes in the 200 m and 4 x 100 m relay, while Van Rensburg will race in the 800 m.
CLAUDINE DIAMOND (13).
CLAUDINE DIAMOND (13), a pupil at Môreson Primary in the Northern Cape, was chosen as June’s SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month for Northern Cape Express. Claudine Diamond is a talented athlete and netball player. She began her athletics and netball journey in 2005 and has been competing at district level in athletics since 2011. This year she took part in the Northern Cape provincial athletics meeting and came third in the girls’ u.15 400 m race. She also played netball at district level in 2012. The passionate athlete, who dreams of representing her country one day, believes she will excel in her sporting career despite the socio-economic circumstances. Participating in sport gives her great pleasure, satisfaction and joy. She strives to be as great as her role model, Caster Semenya. Send your sports star nomination for school learners between the ages of 6 and 18 today (nominations received before the 20th of each month will be included in that month’s selection). You can email your nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or fax to 086-552-4922. For more information please contact Lynne or Juanré at Z PR on 051-430-3027.
Sports star loves athletics