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GUESTS at the launch of the Higher Education and Training HIV/Aids Programme at the Goldfields FET College on Monday are from the left Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia (project director: HIV/Aids, higher education institutions), Mojabeng Radebe (Matjhabeng Municipality’s executive officer), Mduduzi Manana (deputy minister of Higher Education) and Dr Lynette Fourie (Goldfields FET director).
Pandemic targeted Students challenged
} Teboho Setena WITH the aim of fighting the spread of the HIV/Aids pandemic in higher learning institutions, Mduduzi Manana, the deputy minister of Education, launched the national HIV/Aids counselling programme at the Goldfields FET College in Welkom on Monday. Themed First Things First, the programme continues the battle against the disease which is reportedly prevalent in academic institutions. Manana has challenged students in higher institutions to heed the call to use the available methods of protection in the fight against the pandemic. “The statistics show we should intensify the campaign. We are reminding the students of the injection in the fight against the pandemic and its impact on society. “With this kind of initiative we will turn the tide and hopefully the students, who
are the current generation of the work force, will heed the call to prevent further spread of the illness. We encourage all the students and the country at large to really review their habits,” Manana said. Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, the project director of HIV/Aids in higher education institutions, said the statistics of the spreading at higher institutions is alarming. He said the programme was not focusing only on testing, but also provided treatment for those who tested positive. “Research conducted shows that there is a high prevalence and the young people are at high risk of infection. The initial phase of First Things First ensured that 23 higher education institutions in South Africa are providing on-site HIV counselling and testing. “The survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) revealed there is a reduction in the use of condoms – hence the spread of the disease,” said Ahluwalia.
STUDENTS of the Goldfields FET College attending the Higher Education and Training HIV/Aids Programme. Photos: Teboho Setena
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
NEWS
YOUTH arts and culture acts that participate in development programmes.
Photos: Teboho Setena
ARTS AND CULTURE LOVER SADUMA MIYA.
Thabong kids enjoy busy holidays } Teboho Setena
THE enthusiasm to make it into the hall of fame drives scores of budding future acts in the Thabong township to the multi-purpose Thabong Arts and Culture Centre. More than ten groups comprising school children flock to the centre which is situated on the premises of the Thabong Community Centre in Welkom. The multi-purpose venue is a core of arts and culture development and this is where rare talent in the field of arts is discovered, developed and nurtured to be unleashed on the big stage. Basic training is provided by tutors to the participants with the main goal to enable them to
realise their talents. The crafts of acting, dance, music, theatre, drama and poetry rendition, drawing and painting are all on exhibition. For many of the people that are passionate about arts and wanting to see the abundance of talent, the school holidays are the perfect time when the participants, aged between 7 and 16 descend, on the venue in numbers. Talent is displayed through stage acting and poetry renditions with the actors telling entertaining and educational stories of life. From what is displayed, one clearly sees that non-participants miss out a lot because the different programmes of leisure are ideal to keep many safe from temptation of crime and
drugs. Interesting is that the participants, through the different programmes, spread the gospel of the negative impact of crime and drugs as well as the significance to live a clean life. “We try to make evenst fun-filled and teach children to be as creative as possible in their performances,” said Saduma Miya, a member of the working committee. Passionate about arts and culture, Miya volunteers as the publicist. The significance of living a healthy style was highlighted through the creativity drama Thibila TB, meaning stop tuberculosis performed by the Success Cultural Group. The play was part of a
series of events organised during this Easter holiday. The jam-packed event afforded scores of budding acts the opportunity to showcase their talent during live performances that include music, poetry rendition and drama. “Live performances during school holiday’s attract a huge number of participants. We work as a team in organising programmes, share the responsibility to ensure we achieve the common goal to nurture future stars and help them realise their full potential,” says Miya, adding they were encouraged by the support of the schools that have introduced the idea of promoting arts and culture.
Price hikes affect low income families CONSUMERS are reeling from price pressures and will have to start spending strictly according to a budget while treading cautiously to cover their key financial risks, says Karin Muller, head of Sanlam Growth Market Solutions following the release of the latest Consumer Price Index figures in March. While consumer inflation edged up from 5,8% in January to 5,9% in February (just under the SARB target ceiling of 6%) this might not be the experience of most consumers, given that people’s inflation experience is based on their own budget and how they spend their income. The reality of price increases is felt across the board, says Muller. “Not only are consumers still trying to absorb the 50 basis point interest rate increase announced in February, but we are also having to manage our budgets to deal with a monthly consumer inflation increase of 1,1% – with food, petrol and health insurance as the main contributors to the upward pressure.” Muller says the CPI shows food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation increased to 5,4% from 3,5% a mere two months ago. Bread and cereal products increased by 1,8% month on month on average, with super maize meal up by 4,0% month on month and white bread increasing by 2,6% month on month.
Beyond this, the petrol price increased by 39c/F in February resulting in a 2,9% monthly increase in the petrol index. This takes annual petrol inflation to 14,0% for the past year – mainly as a result of the 20,4% increase in the oil price and a 23,7% depreciation in the Rand over the period. Muller says health insurance fees, surveyed in February each year, carry a weight of 7,9% in the consumer basket and showed an average increase of 8,3%. She says tough economic times call for a disciplined approach to personal financial management, ensuring that families are not placed at unnecessary risk. “Striking a balance to make ends meet, can easily take us down a road of multiple choices and the key is to protect what you have while managing your needs.” Muller says families are highly dependent on breadwinners for survival and it is essential that people prioritise their commitments to their families through life cover and disability cover. “It is certainly no easy task to make ends meet and it is often easier to sacrifice the intangible benefits in favour of other needs. “However, the risks and family trauma can be devastating should a breadwinner pass away without life cover, or if a breadwinner should become physically incapacitated.”
DIRKIE KOTZE of the Department of Correctional Services (second from left) with members of the Tshireletso Victim Empowerment Group in Hoopstad during a recent monitoring programme of probationers and parolees in Hoopstad. Photo: Supplied
Department builds trust THE Department of Correctional Services in Hoopstad continues to foster a culture of trust among probationers, parolees and the Hoopstad community. This is being done through the flagship programme of Hoopstad Social Reintegration, ensuring that probationers and parolees adhere to their conditions and unite with the community they live in. “We invite different stakeholders and community members to be part of our special monitoring action during which we supervise probationers and parolees,” Dirkie Kotze,
the project spokesperson said. They aim to ensure they achieve the objective of the programme. Recently a group of ten probationers and parolees were taken through a monitoring programme in the township of Tikwana in Hoopstad. Kotze said during the monitoring process they had discovered that some of the proba- tioners and parolees have failed to adhere to the conditions by being absent from their place of residence. “The probationers that violated the conditions will receive written warnings from our office. They have
to explain to the supervision committee why they have violated the conditions and house arrest on the day of monitoring,” he said. Kotze said the conditions and house arrest of all probationers and parolees were not the same, but emphasized the importance of adherence. “They must be at their homes 24 hours a day except for their free time. The Department of Correctional Services wants to build on the relationship with the public and also with other departments,” said Kotze.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
NEWS
The 16 finalists
WGT14
THE Welkom’s Got Talent competition is hotting up with the 16 finalists announced. Two rounds are left to find this year’s winner who will go home with R20 000 in prize money as well as a professional talent video and photo shoot by Black Media Promotions Incorporated to the value of R10 000. There are only two rounds left in this year’s Welkom’s Got Talent hosted by the Goldfields Mall, Vista and Express Goldfields and Northern Free State. The panel of judges selected 16 acts deserving to proceed to the semi-finals taking place this Saturday at 15:00. From this week you can also vote for your favourite Welkom’s Got Talent
contestant. Lines open on 19 April at 16:00 and closes on 29 April at 17:00. Your votes count for 60% and the judges’ votes for the balance. SMS WGT and their number to 45527. For example: To vote for contestant 1 SMS: WGT01. SMSs are charged at R1,50 per SMS. Keep a close eye on Express Goldfields and NFS as it will provide you with detailed information on a weekly basis or go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goldfields-Mall to stay up to date with the latest Welkom’s Got Talent news. ) For the other six finalists check out www.express-news.co.za
WGT13
WGT05
WGT02
WGT03 WGT11
WGT10
WGT06
WGT07
WGT01
Discrimination in workplace addressed DISCRIMINATION practices in the workplace have led to the under-utilization of the greater portion of the productive population of South Africa, says Mildred Oliphant, labour minister. She addressed a Transformation Indaba held in Johannesburg last Wednesday. Oliphant said this was happening while the country requires skills in certain critical areas in the economy. Many graduates are nonetheless either underemployed or unemployed; among these the majority are black females and people with disabilities. The minister was addressing the Department of Labour’s (DoL) second annual Employment Equity (EE) and Transformation Indaba. It was held under the theme Turning the new leaf against all odds. The EE and Transformation Indaba coincided with the release of the 14th Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) Annual Report. The report showed that South Africa’s skewed racial make-up of
the workplace remained relatively constant. The Annual Report of the Commission for Employment Equity showed that there was still an over-representation of whites with 62,7%, which is nearly five times their economically active population (EAP) and nearly double the sum of all blacks at top management level. According to the CEE report, this is followed by Africans with 19,8% representation, while Indians make up 8,3%, which is more than double their EAP when compared to Africans and coloureds within the black group. Coloureds make up 5,1% of the representation at the top management level. People with disabilities accounted for 50 867 or 0,9% (total disability/total workforce) of the total number of employees (5 593 326) reported by all employers in 2013. The 2013-’14 Annual Report of the Commission for Employment Equity was presented to Oliphant at a time of great introspection and debate about issues of
transformation, Employment Equity and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment. The release of this year’s CEE report on transformation is significant in that it comes in a year in which the new EE Act was signed into law by President Jacob Zuma in January. This was followed last month by the release by the Department of Labour of draft regulations public comment, taking the act closer to implementation of the law. The regulations deal with guidelines for dealing with the elimination of discrimination with regards to equal pay for work of equal value, among others. The report further showed that the situation at senior management, the white group at 57,0% is more than the EAP and almost double when compared to the black group. The representation of the Indian group at 10% is the most over-represented in the black group as their representation is around three times their EAP at this level. Male represen-
tation at 70% are almost double the representation of women and nearly one-and-a-half-times their EAP at this level. People with disabilities accounted for 1,2% of the workforce at this level. While population distribution trends for the professionally qualified level from 2003 to 2013 by population group shows fluctuations in the representation of blacks at the professionally qualified level over the ten-year period albeit at varying degrees. Africans’ representation decreased by 0,6% from 39,0% in 2003 to 38,4% in 2013, although the decrease they experienced between 2003 and 2005 by 17,5% was the worst. Coloured representation increased by 3,5% from 6,1% to 9,6% over the same period and has been gradually declining from 2009. Indian representation increased by 3,9% from 5,5% in 2003 to 9,4% in 2013, with a slight decline of 0,6% between 2007 and 2009 before increasing again from 2011. While the representation of whites increased by 12,1%
between 2003 and 2005, it has been gradually from 2007 with a decrease of 8,6% between from 49,2% to 40,6%. The representation of foreign nationals has been on a steady increase from 2007. Oliphant said it was the priority of government to deal with the inequalities left behind by the apartheid legacy in order to bring about socio-economic freedom. “The Employment Equity Act, Skills Development Act, Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act are some of the pieces of transformation legislation enacted to accomplish this task,” she said. According to Oliphant, the passing of the Employment Equity Act marked a turning point in South Africa’s history as it is the first equality legislation to be passed by a democratically elected parliament in 1998 to give effect to the constitutional provisions relating to equality in South Africa.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
Four to pursue studies in Turkey } Teboho Setena
bade farewell to Lehlohonolo Maleke, Unathi Socishe, Simtembile THE value of education to positiveSoginga and Bongane Dhladhla. ly influence people’s personality The four will pursue their studies traits was emphasised at a recent at the Gediz University in Turkey. farewell function of former learners The four teenage boys are part of a of the Mamello Secondary School group of students funded by the in Virginia. Organised by the Free State government to pursue school’s management, the event different fields of study abroad with the ultimate goal to improve the state of the province and the country after completion of their studies. The candidates’ good results in last year’s gr. 12 examination earned them bursaries and the ticket to study abroad. Soginga and Dhladhla each got two distinctions, in Mathematics and Physical Sciences and Life Sciences and Physical Sciences respectively, while Socishe and Maleke each obtained a distinction in Mathematics. Soginga, Dhladhla and Socishe will study Mechanical Engineering while Maleke will study BROTHERHOOD: Lehlohonolo Maleke (right) with Computer Engihis guardian brother, Khanyisa Gwe. neering.
BID FAREWELL: The Mamello High School’s farewell function for students going to study in Turkey. From the left are, front: Nobuntu Socishe (parent of Unathi Socishe), Nontetho Maphasa (chairperson of the Mamello School governing body) and Nkileng Makhele (guardian of Dhladhla); back: Unathi Socishe, Simtembile Soginga, Sehlabo Raboroko (Mamello High School principal) and Bongane Dhladhla. Photos: Teboho Setena Proud of the four boys’ success, Sehlabo Raboroko, principal of the Mamello Secondary School, said: “It was fitting for the school to host a farewell for the four boys with the sole purpose to inspire their fellow-peers to also work hard in their studies and show them the value of education in changing their own lives and society.” Knowing the value of education in the long term and getting an opportunity to get an all-expenses paid bursary, their parents were
equally delighted – especially given the challenge to get funding. “It’s a blessing to have a child that still obeys and listens to parents. I’m happy with what my son Unathi is doing. I wish he treasures the opportunity, because not many desperate children were lucky to get it,” said Nobuntu Socishe. Maleke drew the courage from his elder brother Khanyisa Gwe, who has been playing the role of mentor in the absence of their
mother and father, a mine worker. “Lehlohonolo’s success is about respect. We were raised to respect ourselves and others. I don’t recall encountering trouble with him over his studies,” said Gwe. Soginga stays with his unemployed father, one of the hundreds of retrenched mine workers. “I’m happy for the chance to study abroad. It’s going to positively impact my live and realise my dream to help those that have supported me,” said Soginga.
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Vote and hold parties accountable IF you worry about the weather and you don’t plant seeds, you won’t harvest a crop, according to Ecclesiastes 11: 4. Who knows, your vote might pay off, your seeds might yield a desired crop. Indications among local residents around the social circles are that most citizens intend boycotting the coming elections on 7 May. And to me, it’s like shooting yourself in the foot. Our leaders, including Nelson Mandela, have laid down their lives over the years to make sure that there is freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, among others. Firstly, many people complain that government and political leadership positions are being held by friends and people from outside the region, particularly from the Eastern Cape. Our people have the leadership qualities, but they are shying away from the challenge, confrontation. For them to transform the society they need to be integrated so that they can have an impact. People must come out of the closet and be confrontational, influential, be the changes they want to see. There is also talk by some that they won’t vote come 7 May. Other people have poured water on the false and empty promises by the contesting parties. A number of political parties have already launched their manifestos. These parties have tabled impressive lists of things they promise they will do, knowing fully well that no one is going to hold them responsible post-elections.
My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) promise things that sounds too good to be true, impractical. Voting is everyone’s right. Those who will be boycotting will not be like the salt of the earth, they will not be like the light. Voting is actually one’s voice and it is one’s right to raise your voice through a cross on the ballot paper. The ruling party, the ANC, is promising six million jobs, the Democratic Alliance is promising to get rid of government’s corruption. It would be wise for the electorate to vote for their favourites on election day and hold their candidates accountable and answerable to their promises. Some of these complainants by profession are financial managers, engineers and accountants. There are people who are pregnant with potential, but are hiding in the clandestine, unrevealed. ) Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes members of the public interested in contributing to the weekly column as public observers or citizen journalists. There is no payment for writers. Send your opinion piece (not exceeding 450 words) to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
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MANDISA MAKHESINI, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) premier candidate for the Free State. Photo: Teboho Setena
Mandisa full of passion } Jabulani Dlamini MANDISA MAKHESINI, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) premier candidate for the Free State, is no stranger to the political landscape. Express spoke to this former ANC Youth League Free State deputy chairperson to gain an insight into who she is. Who is Mandisa? I am someone who is very passionate about our people and who wants to see a change in the lives of ordinary South Africans. Where are you from? I come from Welkom in the Free State, although my parents
originally came from Herschel in the Eastern Cape. What will be your focus areas if you become premier? A. Fighting corruption. B. Addressing unemployment. C. Dealing with the land issue; we have to take ownership of the land. D. Free education, housing and health care. How do you plan to handle the economy? We have to fight against the economic imbalances created by our past. We are a rich country, but the majority of our citizens does not benefit from these riches.
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What does it mean for you as a woman to be given this opportunity? I am particularly happy that the organisation has assigned me as a woman for this important task as it provides an opportunity for a woman to prove we are also capable. What is it you want to be your legacy? I want my children to one day have a piece of land that they can point at and say this belongs to us. This must be a reality for all our children. Makhesini is also a member of the EFF’s Central Command Team (CTT) nationally serving in the gender portfolio.
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Express Goldfields and Northern Free State welcomes suggestions and comments. Please send information regarding the correction of mistakes to George Claassen, ombud of Media24 local papers, at george.claassen@media24.com, or phone him on 021-851-3232/083-543-2471. Complaints can also be directed to the SA Pressombud, tel 011-484-3612/8, fax 011-484-3619, email khanyim@ombudsman.org.za, or johanr@ombudsman.org.za. Express Goldfields and Northern Free, Tomorrow's Paper Today with Vision, was established in 2013 and is distributed in Welkom and various towns in the Goldfields and Northern Free State. The newspaper is published by the owner, Media24, and printed by Paarl Coldset, 79 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Bloemfontein.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
5
NEWS
Officer retires after 42 years A PROMINENT high-ranking police officer stationed at the Thabong Police Station in Welkom, Robert Smart, has retired from the police service. He retired last month – handing over the baton to his successors in the police force. Smart had an illustrious career spanning over four decades – 42 years. His worthwhile experience has had him work from during the era of apartheid to democracy rendering loyal service as a peace officer. Smart began his policing career in 1972 as a 17-year-old constable in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. At the time of retirement he held the top position of colonel at the Thabong Police Station where he served at management level as a core manager of note. Smart is respected by former colleagues for his leadership that took the support component to a high level on the performance chart. “It was like a fantasy to leave on a high note. There were times when you felt like you were going nowhere and achieved nothing. But through the grace of God it became possible,” said Smart. All members and personnel of the Thabong Police Station wished him an enjoyable retirement. “I thank Brig. Muller for what he did for you and me with his leadership. The Thabong support component personnel have made me what I am today. “Do not forget the role you play when I’m gone. Keep supporting the person who will be in my position. I thank you all for the support you have given me. I really appreciate it,” said Smart.
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LONG-SERVING POLICE OFFICER ROBERT SMART surrounded by colleagues in the police force at a recent function held to bid him farewell. Photo: Supplied
EXPRESS GOLDFIELDS & NFS is looking for volunteer citizen journalists to write about events happening in and around their area of residence. The paper also wants to know about the kind of issues that the community is faced with, as well as the good news in your community. You may have a story you want to share, or you may want to write reviews of any kind for the Express Goldfields & NFS website. Maybe you want to offer other drivers traffic reports on your way to work via the mobi-site, or maybe you want to start a blog and become a famous blogger. The paper’s website can help you with that. You may even be a keen gardener and want to offer tips on gardening via the website, or you could have a fascinating local story to tell. As long as it is local and original, Express Goldfields & NFS is interested. Register at www.expressnews.co.za and join the team as a citizen journalist.
Dr Segalo has earned his title
Acknowledged by FET College for contribution RECOGNITION: Riaan van Eck, the co-director of Kaltron Electrical Engineering (third from the left), received a certificate presented by the Welkom’s Goldfields FET College. This was to recognise the company’s contribution to the Experiential Skills Training Internship Programme of students of the institution at the Free State FET Colleges Placement Programme launch held a week ago in Sasolburg. Representatives of the Goldfields College are from the left Sakkie Peters, Tshepo Radebe and David Kareli. Photo: Supplied
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THE devotion to education of the academic and lecturer Dr Jacob Segalo’s has earned him a Philosophiae Doctoral degree (Education Law and Management), adding another feather to his illustrious cap in the field of education. The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, conferred this honour to Segalo at its recent graduation ceremony held in Welkom. Segalo holds BA Ed and B Ed (Honours) obtained at the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) in 1998 and 1999 respectively. In 2002 he completed his masters degree in Education at the then Vista University. Segalo’s doctoral thesis titled The role of the school governing bodies with special reference to the provision of quality education interrogated the legal role that should be played by the school governing bodies in the Free State using a mixed methods research approach. During the course of his study, Segalo read more than ten research papers at national and international conferences, presented one poster at national level and published two articles in the Interim journal 2014. He was supervised by Dr Chopo Teleki and Dr Awelani Rambuda. Segalo currently works as a lecturer at the CUT Welkom Campus teaching Education and Law of Education modules to undergraduate and post-graduate students. The honorary degree crowns Segalo’s illustrious journey from the humble beginnings, starting his
RECOGNISED: Dr Jacob Segalo. education at the Emang Primary School and Middle School at Ikaelelo both in Thaba Nchu. He proceeded to the Thota-Gauta Secondary School in Thabong, Welkom, where he completed his secondary education. Segalo’s passion in the field of education saw him also supervising research at both masters and doctoral levels. Segalo started his work as an adult teacher at an adult centre in Thabong and he went on to work at the Oziel Selele Comprehensive School in Bothaville. His work ambition saw him joined the North West Parks & Tourism Board (Hotel Schools Division) as an academic manager. Segalo’s ability has attracted interest to serve in sport. He is currently the Secretary General of University Sport South Africa Athletics, an organisation responsible for the development of athletics at institutions of higher learning in South Africa.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
SOCIAL PHOTOS
Attend launch in Sasolburg THE Goldfields FET College women’s crew attended the Free State Further Education Training Placement Programme student’s launch held recently in Sasolburg. They are from the left Lindiwe Mens, Kekeletso Mafeto, Lerato Ramoshoana, Pulane Ntseki, Mpai Makhubo and Litshewana Thibakhoane. Photo Supplied
THE members of the Thabong Police Station communication division attended the SAPS employee wellness and health programme held in Welkom last Thursday. They are from the left Cethekile Kunene, Malebo Khosana and Mamello Mokhuoane. Photo: Teboho Setena
TASTE OF FASHION: In trendy fashion attire the pair of Khuthula Ntshinga (left) and Maureen Baaitjies gave a taste of fashion to the church ministers’ function held last Wednesday in Welkom. Photo: Teboho Setena
Attended function THE police in Welkom last Thursday held its one-day Employee Wellness and Health Programme in which members participated. In attendance were from the left Djamila Ramsigh, Wilma Owen, Adri Smith, Lily Strydom and Boirabelo Makhoere.
GEORGE NYAMANE and Jeannette Pereko of the Tokologo Municipality attended the church ministers’ function held last Wednesday in Welkom. Photo: Teboho Setena
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
7
NEWS
What’s on?
Win a luxurious holiday for a family of four THE luxurious chalets at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park imitate the style of an 18th century Basotho village. Express and SANParks are running a competition in which one lucky reader who enters before the end of April stands a chance to win a weekend stay for a family of four at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. All you need to do, is to visit the Express mobi-site (www.expresspaper.mobi), login and enter by answering an easy question. If you have not registered before, now is your chance. To register, go to the mobi-site by opening your phone’s internet browser, type www.expresspaper.mobi and enter. Follow the instructions to register. Directions on how to enter the competition will be on the site. The winners will be announced in the Express edition of 7 May. Photo: Christo van Staden
S Arts and culture group meeting:
on 061-369-5528 or Mamodula Khatweli on 071-076-8930.
Ziyaduma Promotions, Sentebale Children’s Palace and the Lejweleputswa Arts and Culture Centre invite members of the community interested in arts and culture to an important meeting to be held on 23 April at Thabong Library 2 in Sunrise, Thabong east. The meeting is scheduled to start at 10:00. The aim is to find input regarding the challenges facing arts and culture groups, and to promote the development of arts and culture. The possibility of establishing a task team for the promotion of arts and culture programmes within Thabong will be discussed. For more information interested parties and members of the community can contact Saduma Miya
S Mr & Ms Quito crèche pageant plenary meeting The management committee of the Success Quito Crèche in Thabong invites the committee members and interested community members to a plenary meeting for this year’s Mr and Ms Success Quito Crèche pageant. The pageant will be held on 31 May. The meeting will be held at the Shuping Crèche on Sunday, 6 April,at 14:00. For more information phone Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528. ) The deadline for the What’s On community diary is Wednesday’s at 13:00. Send the entries to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
Police need public’s help Police are looking for the family of “Pepe” The Welkom police are appealing to public to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of the family or next of kin Moshemanegape Petrus Tau (21) whose body was found at the vicinity of Mario Taxi Rank in Welkom on 11 January this year. According to investigation, the deceased who was known as Pepe was beaten till he died. His body is being kept at the state mortuary in Welkom. The police are searching for his unknown assailants that are on the run. The deceased was mostly seen loitering on the streets of the Welkom Central Business District. Anyone with helpful information
about the whereabouts of the deceased relatives and his assailants can contact the investigating officer Riaan De Lange at 057 391 6271 during office hours. Man gets 35 years in jail The Bothaville Regional Court has sentenced Jacob Kgobe (40) to 35 years prison for the assault and murder of Neo Molefi (31) as well as for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The accused was found guilty on three accounts of the ill-fated incident that occurred on 13 February in 2011. Kgobe received 5 years for assault to causegrievous bodily harm, 15 years each for murder and possession of unlicensed firearm.
The police spokesperson Kethabile Mofokeng said the deceased was murdered after a heated argument over a stolen gun involving Kgobe and his accomplice Thabiso Nanyane (35). The firearm was reportedly stolen by the deceased Molefi. In the event of the argument, Kgobe and Nanyane attacked the victim who was found dead with his neck cut open and with gunshot wound in his head. An arrest warrant has been issued to arrest the second accused Nanyane, who is on the run. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Nanyane can phone the investigating officer Lehlohonolo Fonya at 056 514 9401 during office hours or at 074 739 8775.
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KEEPING FIT: The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) employees’ football team participated in a wellness game held recently in Welkom. The team players are from the left, front: Tate Papier, Itumeleng Likotsi, Mojalefa Khiba, Itumeleng Monne, Lefa Pheko and Teboho Mokhobo; back: Peter Milela, Mojalefa Mafika, Mthenjwa Labase, Shaun Sethato, Thato Sam and Folly Gqhiba. Photo: Supplied
Title in 2nd division anybody’s race } Teboho Setena THE Free State title for the South African Football Association’s second division remains anybody’s race. Few points separate the top-seeded clubs with the potential to win the championship. The difference in two points separating the clubs means anyone could steal the show and be crowned champions. The same scenario applies to teams fighting to avoid the dreaded relegation at the end of the current season. The title challengers in terms of their standings on the log provincial-
ly are Super Eagles (39 points), Bubchu United (37 points), Sibanye Golden Stars (35 points), Bloemfontein Young Tigers (33 points), Central University of Technology, Free State (32 points), Mangaung United (30 points) and Celtic Colts (29 points). The seven clubs are like vultures waiting for the kill to capitalise as soon as one of them slips up in the title race. With the championship title in the second round the race for the title among the top-seeded seven clubs has intensified further. Also, with only a few points separating them on
the standings table, it promises to be one of the best title races in recent history provincially. The winner will qualify for the national promotional play-offs later this year at a venue the football association is yet to announce. Welkom-based Golden Stars are the only side of the seven teams in the mix of the fiercely contested championship. Their progress raises the prospect of the region to have a team at this year’s promotional play-offs which will determine the two clubs to be promoted to the National First Division.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014
Celtic’s defeat came as no surprise, as they played below par and this was no different from during the four league fixtures. They showed no ambition to win.
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Middendorp under pressure } Sidwell Guduka and Teboho Setena WITH their dream to win silverware over after their elimination from this year’s Nedbank Cup, Bloemfontein Celtic’s coach Ernst Middendorp is under pressure to ensure the team qualifies for the top eight. The Mangaung giants suffered a 2-1 loss to gutsy Bidvest Wits in the quarterfinal of the tournament played last Sunday in Botshabelo – ending their fairy tale run in the competition. Celtic’s defeat came as no surprise as they performed below par and no different from during the four league fixtures showing no ambition to win. They were too casual and lacked the firepower to impose themselves against their opponents who were able to fight back. Their Nedbank Cup result means it is make or break for Middendorp to ensure Celtic qualifies for next season’s MTN 8 Cup 2014-’15. In previous seasons, under former coach Clinton Larsen, the club established itself as a top-eight contender – a goal that Celtic’s management expects the German-born Middendorp to achieve to prove his worth as coach. Middendorp’s big task sees him facing two tough opponents this week – Lamontville Golden Arrows
in today’s Absa Premiership fixture (kick-off 19:30) at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban while on Monday they face steadily improving Orlando Pirates in the Free State Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00. Celtic are the favourites to register a win over a battle-scarred Arrows whose morale is at its lowest. The Bloemfontein-side are determined to save face after they were brushed off 1-2 by Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals in Botshabelo on Sunday. The Free Staters, who occupy the eighth spot on the log after collecting 36 points from 26 outings, should win this game at all costs to increase their chances of achieving a top-eight finish. With only four fixtures left before the end of the season, Middendorp’s men know they cannot afford to drop more points after going down 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in a league match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium seven days ago. Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, must win this encounter by hook or by crook to ease their relegation worries. To them, this match is a matter of life and death as they need maximum points in all their remaining five league matches, if they still entertain any thoughts of surviving the dreaded axe. Arrows are sitting at the
bottom of the log with 14 points after 25 matches. They are facing the danger of being automatically relegated from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at the end of the current campaign. “It is going to be a difficult affair because Arrows are fighting for their lives. We are going to give them the respect they deserve. But we must beat them,” Joel Mogorosi, Celtic striker, told Express. “It was disappointing to lose our previous two games, so we need to redeem ourselves at the expense of Arrows. It is important for us to collect full points to try and cement our place in the top eight,” he said. Celtic defeated Pirates 3-2 in a corresponding fixture in Soweto on 30 November last year. Siwelele’s goals were netted by Vuyani Ntanga, Thabo Nthethe and Musa Nyatama, while Bucs scored through Lennox Bacela and Andile Jali. The visitors, Pirates, are fired up after their moraleboosting 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup last Saturday. The Buccaneers may not be in contention for the league championship, however, giving away a spot in the top-eight berth to Celtic will be something they will not allow. For now the league championship is likely to be won by either Kaizer Chiefs or Sundowns.
UNDER FIRE: Bloemfontein Celtic’s coach, Ernst Middendorp, is under pressure to turn around the team’s fortunes. Photo: Teboho Setena
Success motivates Letsibolo to tackle future head-on } Teboho Setena
THE Letsibolo Primary School u.12 boys team and their technical team received certificates for reaching the Free State final of this year’s Free State Danone tournament. Photo: Teboho Setena
REACHING this year’s Free State Danone u.12 boys tournament final and winning at regional level is inspiring the budding stars of the Letsibolo Primary School to live the dream to achieve bigger things. The boys from the small town of Wesselsbron made history in their town, becoming the first school from the town to progress to the final of the prestigious schools football competition played countrywide. Letsibolo’s team was one of the six u.12 boys’ teams which competed at this year’s provincial championship final staged in Bloemfontein last Saturday. The school qualified for the Free State final for the first time ever by virtue of being the winner of the Lejweleputswa region. The regional finals were held last month in the Wesselsbron township of Monyakeng. The regional finals featured schools that won in the different zones which form Lejweleputswa. This is the first time ever Letsibolo enjoyed a fairy-tale run in this tournament since their participation. The Wesselsbron-based
school team was crowned the champions of Lejweleputswa after a 4-3 win over the 2013 Free State winners and national finalists, Monamodi Primary School from Brandfort. “The good feeling is still there among the players. It is the first time the school won the championship at regional level and reaching the provincial final is memorable. “The significance of this is that it has shown them, their peers and us at the school that we can achieve. “We have to plan and work harder to assemble a competitive team for future competitions,’’ said Molefi Velembo, the coach. At the provincial final staged last Saturday it was a different story as the team found the going too tough. The school fell by the wayside, managing to draw just one of the three round robin matches played. The Free State final featured six schools from the five regions of the province. Credo Primary School from Sasolburg was crowned this year’s Free State Danone u.12 boys champions after a 1-0 win over Meqeleng from Ficksburg in the final.