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HUNDREDS of residents of the Phomolong township in Hennenman gathered to witness the opening of the taxi rank last week Wednesday.
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New taxi rank opens
Photos: Teboho Setena
Project changes the lives of Phomolong residents } Teboho Setena THE situation of commuters and taxi owners in the Phomolong Township in Hennenman has seen a positive turnaround with the opening of a decent multi-million rand taxi rank last Wednesday. Officially handed over by Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality mayor, for use by the local taxi entity and the public, the rank was constructed to the tune of R21 million. It is one of the life-changing development projects of the municipality. The new covered taxi rank is situated adjacent to the Phomolong Stadium, which is being revamped. The rank will provide direct access for passengers to and from the township and will be fully accessible by visitors. The rank has facilities, a waiting area for commuters, a toilet facility and an area catering for entrepreneurial businesses. The taxi rank has ended the days when passengers and taxi operators alike waited in extreme weather conditions. In the past both the passengers and operators faced the challenge to respond when Mother Nature called, as there were no toilet facilities with running water. The majority relied on the mercy of the inhabitants that resided close to where the rank was being built. The effort has received the thumbs up from the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco). Philip Taaibosch, the national chairperson of the taxi body, said the rank would be significant, ensuring the sustainably of the taxi industry as one of the reliable transport
modes in the country. “This brings decency to the passengers and the business of taxis. The rank is welcomed and we hope it will also bring professionalism to the drivers to know and respect their duties and their passengers. The passengers are our main clients and they deserve good treatment and humanity,” said Taaibosch. The joy of the Phomolong residents to have a fully-fledged facility was made visible by them attending in their hundreds to witness the taxi rank’s opening by the mayor. Young and old left their homes just to witness the opening of the rank. They danced, whistled and ululated. It turned out to be not only a day for celebration, but also a campaign as Taaibosch revealed he would vote for the ruling party – the ANC – and then received a standing ovation for disclosing this. Taaibosch is well-travelled, having been a prominent figure of the United Democratic Movement upon its formation by Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer, former leader of the National Party. The Matjhabeng mayor unveiled a number of development projects last week ahead of the 7 May general election. These include: the Ventersburg intersection project: R294 million; construction of 1 km paved road in Phomolong: R4 million; construction of the Meloding Taxi Rank: R24 million; the construction of the 2,56 km paved road in Bronville: R10 million; the construction of the Bronville Taxi Rank: R14 million; storm water channel ward 26: R14 million; Kopano Indoor Sports Centre: R8 million and the T12 Project costs R6 million. ) Go to www.express-news.co.za to watch a video of the unveiling and for more photos.
SEBENZILE NGANGELIZWE (left), the Matjhabeng Local Municipality mayor, with Philip Taaibosch, the chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), at the official opening of the Phomolong Taxi Rank in Hennenman last week Wednesday.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
NEWS
Churches, government take hands WITH the aim to strengthen relationships between the different spheres within the Free State Government and the various church- and faith-based organisations in the Lejweleputswa Region, a dedicated forum has been established. This body,comprising different church ministries, was elected and inaugurated at a function held in Welkom recently. The representatives are from the municipalities of Masilonyana, Matjhabeng, Nala, Tokologo and Tswelopele. “The functions of the forum will be to coordinate all the pastors in the district and to deal directly with municipalities in the district on matters affecting church-based organisations. “They will also negotiate on behalf of all pastors on issues of land availability,” said Khaya Mqeke, spokesperson of the Lejweleputswa District Municipality. He said the forum would also be extended to all towns and municipalities in Lejweleputswa. “There will be a forum in each town representing different churches. The forum has the power to speak directly with the provincial and local government even on issues affecting communities. “One of the key mandates of the forum is to restore moral values in our regions,” said Mqeke. “The newly formed body is not intended to replace the existing structures and instead wants to support them in whatever they need holistically between government and churches. “The people of South Africa should always be reminded of the role played by churches and pastors during the liberation struggle. “The role of pastors is bigger than ever before,” said Mqeke.
A MINISTERS FORUM made up of representatives of the different churches in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality was elected at a function held in Welkom a week ago. From the left are, front: Matso Mathibe (mayor of the Tswelopele Municipality), Georgina Makhetha, Mathabo Leeto (mayor of Lejweleputswa), Puseletso Sehahabane and Boitumelo Seakge (mayor of the Tokologo Municipality); middle: Kgosi Monnakgotla, Mojao Tladi, Mamodupe Ledimo, Meshack Seodi, Nkone Ranthako and Tankiso Sebotsa; back: Andrew Mohloli, Joseph Mphukhe, Vincent Diphoto, Dick Sekgabo, Samuel Segoba and James Radebe. The function of the forum includes to coordinate all the pastors and reverends in the Lejweleputswa Region including the three local municipalities, Tokologo, Masilonyana and Tswelopele.Photo:
Teboho Setena
Consumers offered more protection THE Debt Counselling Industry has applauded the clampdown on the credit industry by Dr Rob Davies, the minister of Trade and Industry, following the several radical and far-reaching provisions of the National Credit Amendment Bill announced recently. Deborah Solomon, founder of the Debt Counselling Industry Portal, DCI.co.za, an online information platform for debt counsellors and consumers, said the provisions of the bill “desperately needed good news” for consumers and the economy. She said the provisions would go a long way to ensure the long-term sustainability of the credit industry and the economy, while prohibiting widespread abuse by criminalising certain contraventions of the new regulations, such as overcharging and selling prescribed debt, which has caused severe financial stress for consumers. “We applaud the minister and the government for taking a strong stand and for understanding the plight of consumers who have suffered the brunt of the many loopholes in the National Credit Act (NCA) over the past six years. “Self-regulation by the banks and other credit providers has failed dismally and the minister has come to the rescue to forever change the landscape of this vital financial sector,” Solomon said. “These radical changes will empower debt counsellors and consumers by breathing new life into the debt review process, which until now has been hampered by severe legal challenges.” Solomon has lobbied the government on behalf of debt counsellors to take the plight of consumers seriously, after it became evident that the wellintentioned NCA has failed to protect consumers in certain aspects of the credit granting and debt review process. “We are absolutely delighted that the minister took our submissions on the
bill as debt counsellors very seriously as he has implemented many of our recommendations in the final provisions.” Solomon added the move to develop a statutory industry code and affordability assessment regulations were “huge steps” that would “sweep clean” the credit industry. “These regulations will give the regulator and the courts more teeth when it comes to assessing cases of reckless lending and will leave no wriggle room for credit providers to blame debt-stressed consumers for lying about their financial positions.” Solomon added that the decision was taken to cap the cost of credit life insurance and to include a provision that credit providers would no longer be able to terminate a credit agreement when a debt review application is before the court. She also added that the decision offers consumers “protection and predictability”. “The provisions will ensure that the credit market works efficiently for consumers, the banks and the economy as a whole. “The way the credit market has been operating was not sustainable, given the high levels of household debt, consumers with impaired credit records and the continual granting of additional credit to the already over-indebted.” The household debt to income ratio rose to 75,8% in the second quarter of 2013 – the highest level in a year, while 9,53 million consumers have impaired credit records. Solomon said more good news for consumers was the ban on buying, selling and collecting prescribed debts by third parties. “South African consumers have been plagued for many years by companies that seek to profit from chasing consumers for payments of prescribed debts. “Finally, these companies can now be brought to book, along with their bullying tactics.”
New book provokes thought about the challenges of life BOOKS are, more often than not, thought provoking. Even the mildest of mystery stories can provoke thought. The latest of such is the intriguing book by Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, Choices. This is not for high schools and universities, but is a must-read for those interested in writing and good literature. The book contains ten short stories about ordinary people who contend with various challenges. Makhakhe covers a wide spectrum of though-provoking issues in his collection of modern African tales. He reflects on the history of this country from the past to the present, educational and entertaining. He demonstrates skilful and progressive insight with regard to some of the daily challenges experienced by many Africans. This includes challenges of the socio-economy, love, jealousy, crime and the DR LEHLOHONOLO MAKHAKHE with a copy his intriguing book impact of the lack titled Choices. of self-worth. Makhakhe ordeal of families who live without finding highlights the significance of decision-makclosure not knowing what happened to ing pertaining to choices, both big and their loved ones who died in the struggle small. for freedom. How is it thought provoking? In the While it may evoke the sad emotions of story Remnants of Apartheid, he reflects on how many lives have been unaccounted for the past, the book also has something poetic to ease the mind of the reader. during the transition and highlights the
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
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NEWS
THE N1 Freeway Corridor in Ventersburg is available for use by the public after its official opening last week Tuesday by Sindisiwe Chikunga (second from left), deputy minister of Transport, who cut the ribbon to mark the opening. In attendance were, from the left: Butana Khompela (Free State MEC for Police, Roads and Transport), Nazir Alli (chief executive officer of the South African National Roads Agency) and Mathabo Leeto (Lejweleputswa District mayor). ............................................................................................................................ Photo: Tom de Wet
N1 corridor now makes town safer BUSINESSES in Ventersburg operating under dangerous conditions due to high traffic volumes on the N1 is a thing of the past. This followed the opening of the multimillion rand N1 Freeway Corridor in Ventersburg. Sindisiwe Chikunga, the deputy minister of Transport, officially opened the corridor last week Tuesday and said it would profit businesses and residents of Ventersburg in addressing traffic congestion, which had been a risk factor for many years. The N1 Freeway Corridor was previously a two-lane single carriageway and has now been upgraded to a four-lane divided carriageway to make traffic flow manageable. The traffic volume, estimated at 6 000 vehicles daily, of which 20% are heavy cargo vehicles, affected the smooth operation of business and the lives of residents who had to cross this busy road. Almost 4 300 pedestrians reportedly cross the N1 on a daily basis between the Mmamahabane Township and Ventersburg. Of this number, 80% are learners who reside in Mmamahabane and attend schools located in Ventersburg. Chikunga said the National Department of Transport put R295 million into the project, which would now ensure the smooth operation of business. She said the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), through its incident management system, had identified the area of Ventersburg as a high-incident zone, hence there was a need to upgrade the freeway corridor.
“The high volume of pedestrian movement and heavy vehicles across the N1 yield a high number of both vehicular and pedestrian accidents. “As a result, the community and learners living in the Mmamahabane Township had to negotiate the dangerous crossing of the busy N1 at road level in order to access Ventersburg and its schools. “This resulted in further unsafe conditions. “As a caring government, we were prompted to act and act swiftly hence the opening of this project,” said Chikunga. “The Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Provincial Departments of Police, Roads and Transport and our world-class performing agency, Sanral, continues to work together to make sure that similar projects like this N1 Ventersburg upgrade are developed to assist and bring about positive socio-economic change for our people.” Chikunga said more young people were going to be absorbed into the employment sector and skills-development programmes across the country in order to address their plight. She said the Ventersburg N1 Freeway Corridor project had created job opportunities for the communities during its construction process. “The number of local small, micro- and macro-enterprises that were employed on the contract is 42, at a cost of R64,7 million and 309 jobs were created for the local community at a cost of R31,6 million. “The number of people employed on the contract were 387 at a cost of R40,4 million,” said Chikunga.
‘We continue to work together to make sure that similar projects like this N1 Venters burg upgrade are de veloped to assist and bring about positive socioeconomic change for our people.’ – Sindisiwe Chikunga
REGISTRATION - MAY 2014 ENGINEERING STUDIES TRIMESTER 2 NATIONAL CERTIFICATE N1- N6
TOSA CAMPUS REGISTRATION DATES: 08 – 09 MAY 2014
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED DURING REGISTRATION: · · · · ·
ID Document Academic History (Previously Registered Students) Latest Results of Highest School Qualification (Passed Maths and Science Grade 9 New Students) A valid certified copy of Study Permit (Non-RSA Citizen)
A Minimum Deposit of R500.00 is required during registration. N.B. If a student registers 1 or 2 subjects, a full amount of tuition is required. No New N1 students will be registered, unless if they come from the Technical Schools.
Classes will be presented on daily basis i.e. from Monday – Friday Classes will only continue if a minimum number of 18 students enrolled per subject. NSFAS Bursary application forms available for learners enrolled for 3 or 4 subjects. COMMENCEMENT OF CLASSES: 14 MAY 2014
ENQUIRESE-MAIL ADDRESSES Ms Refiloe Radebe : 057 910 6700refiloe@gfc.edu.za Mrs. Rahab Maqelepo : 057 910 1600selloane@gfc.edu.za
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
NEWS
My view
Moeti Molelekoa Social observer
A fresh start takes maturity EDITOR TEBOHO SETENA and I were shuttling between the political party rallies of the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held in Welkom recently. Both parties were out to woo prospective voters to vote for them in the 7 May elections. Setena’s assignment was to cover the events, while mine was to look for juicy material for this column. Arriving at the EFF rally on our way back from the ANC’s, we found one of the finest gospel singers in the country, Setjhaba Pali, on stage. Pali was born and raised in Thabong by a Christian family. His father is a pastor. Undoubtedly, his father prayed for the Lord to bless him abundantly. His son was gifted with a powerful, velvety voice. But Pali is always attracting screaming headlines for his wayward ways. He has in the past been accused of drug and alcohol abuse, and lately, rape. He was found guilty of the rape of a 17-year-old teenager from Reitz Park in Welkom and is serving a five-year suspended sentence. Pali abandoned his family while he was still wet behind the ears and subjected himself to becoming a so-called street kid in Johannesburg. After years of homelessness, he was discovered by William Mthethwa, born in Allanridge – now based in Johannesburg. Willie is one of the pioneers of Sesotho gospel in the country. He took Pali to the recording studio and the rest is history. While other people have been given a second chance in life, Pali has been given a second chance six times. He messed up many a time. He was given a lifeline each time he fell off the rails, only to derail again. What matters today is that Pali, husband and father, is not in denial. I have a collection of his CDs and DVDs. He is a role-model to my children. I am praying that God will give him (Pali) the strength so that he can pick himself up and start afresh. He should accept his family’s Christian values and be born again. ) 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.
Write stories for newspaper 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.express-news.co.za and join the team as a citizen journalist.
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BENFORD MOKOATLE, general manager of the De Beers Voorspoed Mine, and Stanley Malope, head of the Free State Department of Education, cutting the ribbon at the handover of the revamped block of 24 classrooms and toilet facilities of the Rehauhetswe Secondary School in Viljoenskroon. Photos: Supplied
School gets an upgrade THE Rehauhetswe Secondary School in Viljoenskroon has received a breath of fresh air ensuring learning and teaching is worthwhile. This follows the upgrading of a block of 24 classrooms and toilet facilities at the school through the De Beers Consolidated Proprietary Mines Limited (DBCM) Voorspoed Operation in Kroonstad. The conditions at the school left much to be desired due to the bad culture of vandalism that is taking the development progress in the country backwards. The Rehauhetswe Project is part of the mining company’s partnership with the Free State Department of Education aimed at supporting the province’s school infrastructure-based development which is directed towards long-term improvement of the quality of education in the province. This initiative is also part of the mining company’s community development project and forms part of the company’s approved Social and Labour Plan. The Rehauhetswe Secondary School was identified out of the four schools following an evaluation of the lack of
infrastructure which was an impediment to teaching and learning. The mining company reportedly invested more than R900 000 for the renovation of the Rehauhetswe School situated in the Viljoenskroon’s township of Rammulotsi. The mining company officially handed over the revamped facility for utilisation at a function held in Viljoenskroon a week ago. Lydia Radebe, public affairs manager at the De Beers Voorspoed Mine, said decent infrastructure would have a positive impact in motivating the learners to learn, boost their morale and enable them to compete within the market place. “The De Beers Voorspoed Mine believes that effective investment in education requires strategic investment in the facilities in which teaching and learning occurs as part of supporting the changing needs and demands of the knowledge economy,” said Radebe. In attendance at the handover function were representatives of the Free State Department of Education and the mining company.
ONE of the vandalised toilets at the Rehauhetswe Secondary School.
Principals cannot expel learners without ID’s THE separate incidents of learners’ expulsion from school because they do not have identity document (ID) books or birth certificates have come under the spotlight. Incidents of this nature were reported at schools in towns in the Lejweleputswa District and towns bordering Lesotho. The Free State Department of
Education’s chief director, Stanley Malope, ordered all principals in the province to refrain from expelling learners facing problems relating to the unavailability of ID books or birth certificates. In a media statement Malope said they had received reports that learners were being turned away by principals of certain schools if
they did not have ID books or birth certificates. “Even though learners without ID numbers will not be registered with the South African School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS) until they submit the necessary documents within three months, principals, parents and the entire commu-
nity are expected to work together to ensure that no learner is denied basic education because of these documents. The department therefore calls on parents to assist the schools by urgently applying for their children’s birth certificates and identity documents at the Department of Home Affairs,” said Malope.
Editor: TEBOHO SETENA
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www www.express-news.co.za
Tel: 057-357-1304 Fax: 057-353-1300 Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com
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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 23 APRIL 2014
NEWS Arts dialogue event held The Lejweleputswa Arts and Culture Centre has organised an arts dialogue event to be held at the Thabong Library 2 today at 10:00. Interested parties can call Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528. Crèche committee meets The Amohelang Crèche invites management committee members to a meeting to be held at the crèche tomorrow at 15:00. The meeting aims at finalising preparations for a fundraising cultural festival in aid of crèches to be held in May. For details call 073-204-9681 or 061-369-5528. Mother’s Day celebration The Reabetswe Youth Training Centre invites mothers to a Mother’s Day event on 25 April to be held at the centre near the Momentum Shopping Complex. The event will start at 09:00. For details call Matobako on 079-072-6243. Fundraiser held The Reahola Educare Centre’s fundraising concert will be held at house no. 24815 in Collin Street on Saturday. The event will feature poetry, drama, dance
Promoting a healthy sexual lifestyle THIS trio of students of the Goldfields Further Education and Training (FET) College in Welkom is from the left Pertunia Maruping, Sipho Tshabalala and Binelang Choseco. They participated in the Higher Education and Training HIV/Aids Testing Programme. Launched last week Monday in Welkom, the initiative’s theme is First Things First and is aimed at encouraging students to practise safe sex. Photo: Teboho Setena
Showing up in style FASHION TAILORED: Wearing a trendy hat, Phaello Zonke, deputy director of the Goldfields FET College in Welkom, attended the launch of the Higher Education and Training HIV/ Aids Programme held last Monday in Welkom. Photo: Teboho Setena
Sharing an excited smile DINEO MAHANE, an employee of the Goldfields Casino, was excited about meeting comedy legend Barry Hilton at his recent show in Welkom. Photo: Supplied
What’s on Fax information to: 086-676-3805 Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com
Before 13:00 on Wednesdays
and musical numbers. It is set to start at 10:00. The entry fee is R5 per person. For details call 072-2938941. Music classes offered The Music Art Development will from 1 May offer music lessons for aspiring youth in Thabong at the Lejweleputswa Arts and Culture Centre situated at the Thabong Community Centre. The lessons will cover theory aspects as well as practical. Candidates who have instruments like a guitar, keyboard, recorder or flute are requested to bring their instruments with them. For details call Lefa Moshounyane on 078-361-4930. ) The deadline for the What’s On community diary is Wednesdays at 13:00. Send your entries to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
For more photos and news visit www.expressnews.co.za
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
NEWS
Vote for your favourite act THE Welkom’s Got Talent competition countdown to find the ultimate winner has reached its peak 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
TAYDO – WGT01
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 NFS. The panel of judges had selected 16 acts deserving to proceed to the semifinals held last Saturday at the Goldfields Mall.
The public can still vote for their favourite Welkom’s Got Talent contestant. Lines opened on 19 April at 16:00 and close 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 number 1, SMS: WGT01. Each
JAY SKILZZZ – WGT02
SMS costs R1,50. Keep a close eye on Express Goldfields and NFS as it will provide you with detailed information on a weekly basis, or go to www.facebook.com/ pages/Goldfields-Mall to stay up to date with the latest Welkom’s Got Talent news. ) For the other 16 finalists visit www.express-news.co.za.
DAISY – WGT03
THE GOLDEN MYSTIQUE – WGT04
PULENG – WGT05
MCSCENE – WGT06
UNDEFEATED – WGT08
OSCAR – WGT09
RYAN – WGT10
THABO – WGT07
IMAGINE ART – WGT13 WAXY AND SULPHUR – WGT11
RETHABILE – WGT12
DIMAKATSO – WGT14
MATRIX PANTSULAS – WGT15
BRAVURA –WGT16
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
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NEWS
Thabong gets star detective
Win a luxurious holiday for a family of four THE view from the luxurious chalets at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with the veld teeming with wild animals, including blesbok, eland and zebra. 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 to win, is to visit the Express mobi-site (www.expresspaper.mobi), login and enter by answering an easy question. If you have not yet registered, now is your chance. To register, go to the mobi-site by opening your phone’s internet browser, type in 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. Photos: Christo van Staden
Housebreaker to do time A RESIDENT of Theunissen, the 23-year-old Tshidiso John Motsamai, has been sentenced to an effective three years in prison for housebreaking and theft. He was found guilty by the Welkom Magistrate’s Court. The accused, affectionately known as Ponda, was found guilty of stealing items worth R13 748.
This includes a computer system, clothing and cutlery which were stolen last year in October. Mamello Mokhuoane, the Thabong Police Station’s spokesperson, says Motsamai was nabbed after positive identification of his finger prints. She says the accused had broken into the complainant’s apartment on the premises of a local church.
THE Thabong Police Station has acquired the service of one of the vastly experienced and highly rated detectives in South Africa, Col Nthako Jackson Mkhaulesi. He will serve as the detective coordinator at the cluster following his recent appointment. Mkhaulesi’s experience spans from 1992 when he joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) as a constable. He has moved through all the ranks from constable up to his current rank. Mkhaulesi’s dedication and commitment has seen him move from one station to the next, providing service delivery to the best of his ability. He worked at Boithuso in Botshabelo and Park Road, Batho, Mangaung, Kopanong and Kagisanong in Bloemfontein and Ficksburg. During his command as a detective commander in Botshabelo, he assisted the station to maintain its four-star rating in the performance chart. In 2011 he was enlisted as the cluster coordinator in Selosesha in Thaba Nchu where he assisted other stations such as those in Thaba Nchu and Boithuso to also obtain four stars. Mkhaulesi’s good work has earned him the detective employee of the year level 8 to level 12 accolade at this year’s National Excellence Awards held in Pretoria. The national police commissioner, Riah Phiyega, praised Mkhaulesi for his excellent service in the police force. His other accolades include the second provincial best improved detective in Ficksburg and runner-up for best detective commander in 2009. In 2012 he was voted the best detective commander and detective employee of the year and in 2013 he again received the best detective commander award. A family man and father of four children, Mkhaulesi grew up in the dusty location of Botshabelo.
“There is nothing impossible for a willing heart,” says Mkhaulesi. “If you are committed and have a passion for what you are doing, you can move mountains.” He says his mission for the Thabong Cluster is to improve relations between detectives and communities. “I strongly believe in embracing Batho Pele principles as it guides us on how to satisfy the people,” says Mkhaulesi.
THE murderer 28-year-old Mxolisi “Mandoza” Madodo will spend 12 years in prison for murdering his girlfriend, 30-year-old Zukelwa Mace. The Welkom Magistrate’s Court sentenced him to prison after he had recently appeared in this court and was found guilty of the murder. Madodo murdered his victim on 29 March 2013 at G Hostel in Thabong.
He has been on trial since last year. The victim was found dead with two stab wounds. Madodo was arrested a few hours later at the Moeletsi Hostel where he had tried to hide after the murder. The Thabong Police Station’s spokesperson Mamello Mokhuoane said the arrest followed a tip-off by a family member of the deceased.
THE Thabong Police Station’s newly appointed detective coordinator, Col Nthako Jackson Mkhaulesi. Photo: Supplied
Madodo gets 12 years
SPORTS NEWS
PERSONAL SEVICES
FINANCIAL 1420
Having a ball with fitness KEEPING FIT: The men’s football team of the Free State Department of Education’s Lejweleputswa Region participated in the Wellness Games. This was aimed at encouraging employees’ participation in sport. The team’s players are from the left, front: Thamsanqa Kantini, Wiseman Mokhua, Els Maneka, Buti Ramathe and Victor Kaojela; back: Stan Nkopane, Jafta Mohono, Teboho Sekoboto, Velile Ndayi, Thabo Nomandla and Thabo Tsasane. Photo: Teboho Setena
SEEK, BUY, SELL
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
The gutsy Credo team, l e d b y f e m a l e c o a ch Dikeledi Sothoane, beat their counterparts in the round robin matches to earn their first title in the Danone Nations Cup.
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CHAMPIONS: The Credo Primary School’s players and technical team rejoice after winning this year’s Free State Danone Nations Cup u.12 boys football tournament. From the left are, front: Taola Machobane, Tokollo Mothamaha, Itumeleng Taute and Pelaelo Ndlovu; middle: Chamlambo Vuyo, Maphala Moloi, Tshepang Mathikga and Thabang Stuurman; back: Moloantoa Moeketsi (assistant coach), Thabang Qhoai, Zolile Mnyantsa, Mpho Makume, Mosala Mofokeng and Dikeledi Sothoane (head coach). Photos: Teboho Setena
Credo fired up for national final } Teboho Setena
AFTER being crowned this year’s Free State Danone Nations Cup u.12 boys champions, the Credo Primary School’s football team has set its sights on the national crown. This team from the Fezile Dabi Region will be one of the nine u.12 teams that will compete for the prestigious trophy at this year’s national final scheduled for 28 June at Reiger Park in Gauteng.
The victorious Credo boys booked their place in the national final after a narrow 1-0 win over the Meqheleng Primary School from Ficksburg during the provincial finals. This was at the Clive Solomon Stadium in Bloemfontein a week ago. There are more at stake for the Credo boys, with a once in a lifetime opportunity for the national winner to represent South Africa at the Danone Nations Cup World Final in Brazil. The date of the world final is yet to be announced. The tournament is the world’s biggest football tournament for children aged 10 to 12 years and it features 32 countries. The Free State final featured six schools from the five regions of Xhariep, Mangaung, Lejweleputswa, Thabo Mofutsanyana and Fezile Dabi. The gutsy Credo team, led by female coach Dikeledi Sothoane, beat their counterparts in the round robin matches to earn their first title in the Danone Nations Cup. This was the school’s first appearance in the provincial final since they had first participated in the schools tournament in 2000. The hard-fought 1-0 win over the determined Meqheleng team was sweet revenge after a 2-0 defeat against their counterparts in the opening match played on the day. However, the motivation of Sothoane and her assistant coach, Moloantoa Moeketsi, saw the boys rise to the occasion. The school celebrated two achievements: Firstly winning their first Danone Nations Cup silverware and, secondly, re-writing history by having the first female coach to lead a team to victory in the championship provincially. Sothoane will be the first female coach to lead a team at a national final at this year’s final in June and aspires to be the first to lead a team to Brazil. She attributed her team’s win to a good
preparation programme ahead of the provincial final. Their preparation included an intensive training programme: training five times a week and playing a friendly game against the school’s u.14 soccer team every Wednesday. “These friendly games improved their level of fitness.
“I wanted the boys to get used to playing against taller opponents of different strengths. We’ll continue to apply the same method as we build up to the national final.” “I am a proud coach. Coaching is not just about physical training and skills, it’s also about developing players mentally and psychologically, which helps build confidence,” said Sothoane.
TOUGH BATTLE: The pair of the Credo Primary School, Mosala Mofokeng and Maphale Moloi (both in red), battle for the ball with their opponent, Thato Thabana, of the Meqheleng Primary School during the Free State Danone Nations Cup u.12 boys final.