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Sandveld on the up New accommodation gives tourism at reserve a boost
} Teboho Setena TOURISM looks set to surge at the Sandveld Nature Reserve following an increase in available accommodation. Situated on the banks of the Bloemhof Dam on the Vaal River, 30 km from Hoopstad and 10 km from Bloemhof, the resort saw the addition of eight chalets, increasing accommodation for adventurous tourists. A much-needed economic boost for tourism, the chalets were officially handed over on Thursday by Barbara Thomson, deputy minister of Environmental Affairs. This increases the number of chalets available for use at this reserve to 18. A total of R125 million was invested to build the eight top-class chalets and fund the renovation of the existing facility on the state-owned resort. The increase in accommodation addresses the challenges experienced previously on the reserve covering 37 000 ha. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife such as springbok, kudu, gemsbok, buffalo, wildebeest and eland. The reserve will be able to accommodate water sports enthusiasts who either watch or participate in the F1-powerboat racing on the 25 000 ha Bloemhof Dam, which is also a source of water to towns within the Free State’s Tswelopele Local Municipality. Thomson said the investment in the project was motivated by the strong link between biodiversity preservation and tourism, coupled with the opportunity for job creation. She added that an amount of R248 500 000 would be allocated in the new financial term. According to Thomson, the projects have created a total of 930 work opportunities in line with the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP). “This means there will be revenue in the coffers of the Tswelopele Municipality and as for government they will be reaping the fruits of what we have sowed. The implementing agents have tried their best to meet the requirements in line with the plan to make the reserve world class and following correct procedures without taking shortcuts,” said Thomson. Coinciding with Tourism Month in South Africa, Thomson announced the handing over was also in line with the following
GOVERNMENT dignitaries contributing to the provincial resorts and reserves project at the Sandveld Nature Reserve on Thursday are from the left Thanduxolo Khalipha, executive member of the mayoral committee of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Barbara Thomson, deputy minister of Environmental Affairs, and Matshediso Mathibe, mayor of the Tswelopele Local Municipality. Photos: Teboho Setena
tourism initiatives: Sterkfontein in Gauteng, Seekoevlei in Cape Town in the Western Cape, the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve near Ventersburg, the Maria Moroka Resort in Thaba Nchu and Tussendie-Riviere situated between the Orange River and the Caledon River in the southern Free State with Bethulie as the nearest town. Matshidiso Mathibe, mayor of the Tswelopele Local Municipality, said a positive spin-off was that youth within the area had received lifelong skills for the labour market. “The Tswelopele Local Economic Development Department has to ensure that youth with employable skills from this project are not left out. Their skills are important in development,” said Mathibe.
JULIA RENS (left) and Refilwe Moerane from Bultfontein in front of some of the newly built chalets at the Sandveld Nature Reserve. It was their first visit to the reserve when they attended the official opening of the new chalets on Thursday.
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Stats SA starts survey
WINNING PROJECT: The Mamello Secondary School’s food garden project in Meloding, Virginia, scooped the first prize in the MEC Special Award for Young Women & for Women with Disabilities. Here are the project managers with some of the learners who are part of the initiative. From the left, front: Sithelo Baliswa, Malanga Seipati, Pogiso Maruping, Nyalleng Makgetha and Nombulelo Duda; back: Masheri Lekeka, Mahadi Soka, Isabela Mphosha, Esther Chambal, Reitumetsi Moepi, Puleng Motsima, Vuyelwa Silatsha, Nobantu Vilakazi and Dimpho Finger. Photo: Teboho Setena
Garden project reaps reward } Motlalepule Mokgosi THE effort of Masheri Lekeka to fight the plight of starving learners through a small-scale vegetable garden has earned her notable recognition. Lekeka, a teacher at the Mamello Secondary School in Meloding, Virginia, received the MEC Special Award for Young Women & for Women with Disability plus R50 000 in prize money, which she plans to spend on sustaining the vegetable garden. She was recognised together with other candidates at the Free State Female Entrepreneurship
awards ceremony held recently in Bloemfontein. Lekeka was also among the national finalists but did not win at the national final held at the Mafikeng Convention Centre a week ago. The garden project was nominated for its role in helping reduce the poverty level among learners attending the Mamello School. Lekeka says through the project they succeeded in alleviating the plight of about 50 starving learners from impoverished backgrounds. Lekeka runs the school-based project together with her colleague, Mahadi Soka. They
have involved 52 girls in this project. They produce vegetables like cabbage, beetroot, spinach and carrots. She says they provide food hampers to also alleviate the impoverished learners’ situation. When the harvest is good, they sell some of the vegetables to the community. “With proceeds we buy basic items for the girls. We teach them to know the value of getting involved in the project and to use their hands.” Lekeka says they plant vegetables according to seasons because of the effects of the climate. Numerous factors prompted
them to start the project. “The high rate of pregnancy triggered the school to start this initiative, targeting girls. The school’s management and staff saw it fit to intervene and improve the lives of the girls and help to guide them.” Lekeka says insufficient water supply was hampering them to expand the project. “We are desperate for funding or donors that can provide us with an ecological greenhouse tunnel to cover our vegetables.” Lekeka attributes the garden’s sustainability to support from the School Governing Body and educators at the school.
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Violent crimes increase sharply } Teboho Setena THE police in the Goldfields towns are warning people to be vigilant of their surroundings following an increase in violent crimes that include armed robberies. The spates of violent crimes have seen people robbed at gun- and knifepoint in the open, business places and their homes. The victims were robbed of money and valuable sellable items which include electrical appliances, mobile phones and jewellery as well as home entertainment systems. There have been incidents where vehicles were also hijacked at gunpoint. Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, says of the several armed robberies cases reported many were accompanied by attacks and threats. He says vulnerable people are usually the victims where the perpetrators use firearms and knives.
“Individuals are attacked during the day, especially when businesses are opened in the mornings or closed at night,” said Thakeng, who further strongly warns people not to carry large amounts of money. The hotspots where the perpetrators target people include the Central Business District (CBD) and the industrial area. Some of the robberies took place inside vehicles whereby the drivers or passengers were threatened with guns to stop the vehicles. Robbery cases at gunpoint which occurred in vehicles began surfacing in April and these saw at least three people robbed of undisclosed amounts of money, mobile phones and in one incident a victim’s clothes were also stolen. Teboho Moramang and Motlatsi Mafike were some of the victims of robbery which occurred in vehicles whose drivers had pretended to offer them a lift on 24 April and 19
May respectively. On 7 April, Ntombikayise Manyaneso was robbed of her mobile phone in broad daylight by two men who approached her on Jan Hofmeyr Road in Welkom. Also on 7 April at about 02:00, Isaac Lethebe was overpowered by four African men who forcefully accessed the house while he was sleeping with his family. Thakeng says the criminals used force to gain entry into the house, breaking the window of the lounge and thereafter threatening the occupants with a knife. On 26 July, at about 18:00, armed robbers overpowered a couple at the entrance of the premises of a flat in Riebeekstad, Welkom, robbing them of wedding rings, a flat screen television set, two mobile phones, cash of R2 800 and a Toyota Corolla with the registration number DLF 084 FS. In a separate incident on the
same day, a man was also robbed in broad daylight by four armed who were travelling in a white VW Golf. On 11 July, five armed suspects, including a woman, robbed a 61-year-old man of an undisclosed amount of cash at the traffic light near the Bongani Regional Hospital. The police say the victim was followed from the bank after making a transaction. On 20 July a man was robbed by six men armed with a firearm near the Intermine, Welkom. On 3 August at 08:30 a group of four to seven unknown men robbed a Bangladeshi shop owner at gun point. Thakeng says the victim was also shot in his right knee by the suspects who are still on the run. Thakeng says the police have vowed to bring the perpetrators to book. “Since July to date 45 people have been arrested for robberies. All of them are facing court cases.”
STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA (Stats SA) announced that its field-workers will from this month be visiting homes collecting information in line with the Living Conditions Survey (LCS). This followed Stats SA’s launch of the initiative a week ago. The LCS is a periodic survey which is conducted every five years. The survey aims to identify and profile poverty in South Africa, and gives policy-makers information on who is poor, where the poor are located and what it is that drives poverty in the country. Stats SA field-workers will be in the field from September 2014 to October 2015 collecting information from various households. All field-workers will carry a Stats SA identity card that contains the photograph, name and ID number of the staff member. In addition, all field staff will be wearing Stats SA-branded clothing (bibs), which will make them easily identifiable. Stats SA says the provincial field operations manager for each province can be contacted to verify if the person at your door is a Stats SA staff member. They will have the details of all staff members, vehicle registration numbers and also the areas in which the staff member is supposed to be working. Information will be collected from approximately 32 000 sampled dwellings across the country over a period of 12 months. Each sampled household will participate in the survey for four weeks and will be requested to complete a questionnaire consisting of four modules, as well as two weekly diaries which will capture household expenditure and acquisitions. To determine the nutritional status of household members, the survey includes an anthropometric section where household members will be requested to participate in a weighing and measuring exercise. The information collected is also used to update the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket of goods and services which is used to track inflation.
IDENTIKIT of woman wanted for the robbery of a man (61).
IDENTIKIT of a man wanted for the robbery of man (61).
The police are appealing to the public to assist in providing information to bring the other perpetrators to book. The following investigative officers can be contact: WO Petrus Sehloho on 057-391-6301 during office hours or 082-255-9682, WO Sephoko Sehloho on 057-391-6301 during office hours or 082-255-9682, WO Mokhejane Khutsoane on 057-391-6259 during office hours or 083-940-1743 and WO Riaan de Lange on 057-391-6271 during office hours.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
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Child killer back in court } Teboho Setena
Bringing health services to the people SCORES of people residing at the developing settlement of 2010 in Thabong, Welkom, are queuing to receive health services being rendered by the Department of Health through a mobile clinic. The mobile system has alleviated the residents’ problems of having to travel long distances to receive care at primary healthcare clinics situated in established places. Photo: Teboho Setena
ALLEGED child murder suspect Nompucuko Mavis Mahamo (23) is expected back in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on 8 September. The woman stands accused of allegedly murdering little Karabo Nale two months ago. The trial will be entering its second month since the gruesome murder of the little girl. The state had postponed the trial to allow the suspect to undergo mental observation for 30 days at a psychiatric institution in Bloemfontein. The state recommended Mahamo for mental observation during her appearance on 6 August. Mahamo has made three appearances, facing a charge of murder of the three-year-old Karabo Nale. A post-mortem report done by the Welkom police revealed that the de-
ceased had been stabbed 99 times all over her body. The police said when they busted Mahamo, they seized an okapi knife which had dry blood stains on it, two used white candles and clothes of the suspect with blood stains on them. The deceased’s body was discovered on 6 July in the open veld between the K9 and Block 2 residential settlement in the Kutlwanong’s township. The child’s body was spotted by a shepherd who alerted the police. The police said the victim’s face had been covered with a jersey and a packet of Nik Naks and sweets were found next to the deceased at the crime scene. The deceased, together with her 13-year-old sister, had been left by their mother Nomathemba Janki in the care of Mahamo.
Police looking for clues in grisly murder THE Welkom police are appealing to the public to help with significant information in their full-scale investigation into the gruesome murder of Mafu Mokokoane (51). The body of the deceased was found inside the boot of his burnt sedan on 21 August. Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the vehicle, which
was in flames, was spotted on the outskirts of Riebeeckstad, one of Welkom’s upmarket suburbs. He said Mokokoane’s body, which was found inside the boot, was burnt beyond recognition. The deceased resided in the Welkom suburb of Dagbreek. It is unclear if Mokokoane was killed elsewhere or forcefully put inside the vehicle’s boot alive by the
killer(s) who then set the car alight at the crime scene. Thakeng said positive identification of the deceased and the vehicle followed an investigation conducted by the police. “No arrest has been made yet, but we are leaving no stone unturned,” he said. Thakeng said apparently Mokokoane
received a phone call the previous day (20 August) at about 19:00 from an unknown man who asked they meet at a place the deceased was directed to go. Anyone with helpful information that can lead to the arrests of the suspect(s) must contact the investigative officer Lt Col. Buti Matlhoko on 082-372-0423.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
NEWS
My view Moeti Molelekoa
Social observer
SA has become a shame
Motivating learners at seminar CONNIE MALEHO (right) distributes information pamphlets to the Lephola Secondary School matric learners who were part of the nine schools that attended a motivational seminar at which Thato Taka, a clinical psychologist, was a guest speaker. Held at the Thabong Community Centre, the event was aimed at inspiring learners to believe in themselves and be serious about their education. Photo: Supplied
New car still up for grabs in competition THE For Our Children Project in aid of Engo Free State’s children in need is still continuing. A Chevrolet Spark Campus to the value of R112 400 is the prize in this year’s For Our Children Competition. By making a donation of only R20, you stand a chance of becoming the owner of the Spark. But more importantly, your contribution of R20 is one of the sparks that might kindle the flame of caring. This flame will make a big difference in the lives of thousands of children. Tickets at R20 per ticket are available at all Engo offices and centres in the Free State. The closing date for entries is 23 November. Five finalists will be announced on 9 January 2015 by PwC. The final draw will take place on 23 January 2015 in Bloemfontein and the winner will drive away with a brandnew Chevrolet Spark Campus. During the next seven months there will be several promotions across the Free State. People will be encouraged to buy tickets in aid of the For Our Children Project at these promotions. The Spark Campus will also be at the Kos-en-kunsmark of Volksblad, the Cherry Festival in Ficksburg and several
shopping centres across the Free State. The project would not have been possible without the support of loyal sponsors. This year’s sponsors are Imperial GM Bloemfontein, Radio Rosestad and the local papers of Volksblad. Engo Child and Youth Care (youth-care centres, formerly known as orphanages) is a non-profit organisation that takes care of children who were removed by the Children’s Court from their parental homes because they were in urgent need of care. These child- and youth-care centres create a homely atmosphere for the children and are located within the community. About 800 children from ages 0 to 18 years in 34 child- and youth-care centres across the Free State are being cared for. Additional support is provid-
ed to approximately 2 500 children in surrounding communities who live in risky conditions. The vision is to create hope in the lives of children. The goal is to provide protection and care for as many children in the Free State as possible. Engo Youth-Care Centres in the Free State are struggling financially. The government’s subsidies have increased very little over the past few years and the centres are still expected to provide food for the children with less than R12 per child per day. It has become essential for the community to become involved in projects such as the For our Children Project. ) For more information on the project and the availability of tickets in your area call 051-407-7222 or visit www.engo.co.za.
But more importantly, your contribution of R20 is one of the sparks that might kindle the flame of caring. This flame will make a big difference in the lives of thousands of children.
Facts about adoption ENGO FAMILY CARE has been rendering adoption services since 1964 and is accredited to render adoption services in the Free State. Adoption is when the adoptive parents get permanent authority and responsibility of parenthood in respect of a minor. There are different types of adoption: ) Disclosed adoption – when the identity of the natural parent and adoptive parent is known to each other. ) Non-disclosed adoption is when the adoptive parents and biological parents are not known to each other. Services from an accredited adoption agency to the biological parents include helping them make an informed decision regarding the future of their child. If the parents agreed to the adoption of their child, several forms need to be completed regarding the background of the parents. The unmarried biological father of the child must be involved in the whole adoption process and he has the first option to adopt his child. Services to the adoptive parents imply that they must go through a strict screening process to ensure the best placement of the child by the adoption social worker through amongst others office interviews and home visits. ) For further enquiries regarding adoption, contact Lorraine Botha at Engo Family Care, 051-522-6914/5/6 or email adoptionsl@engo.co.za or adoptionsm@engo.co.za.
“IT was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of disbelief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.” So starts the famous novel, A tale of two cities, by Charles Dickens, written in 1859. However, it is relevant in South Africa today as we are faced with the season of hunger and drought. Dickens wrote this book during the Great Depression in Europe. That period was worse than what we are experiencing right now in South Africa. But people never went into lawlessness, breaking into people’s houses, robbing people, pick-pocketing, raping in the name of famine. If I were to go abroad, I would be ashamed to tell people where I come from. The South Africa I grew up to know was not an angry, corrupt, violent and brutal country. I knew a South Africa that was powered by life of freedom of movement and freedom of speech, loving and compassionate. Every time you turn on the television and read newspapers, all you see and hear about is a story of another child murdered, another car hijacked, another child or old granny raped. We have lost our moral fibre as a nation. There are persistent reports of learners stabbing and shooting teachers and one another in schools. Drugs, liquor, rape, prostitution and satanism are dominant in our schools. Churches have turned into theatres with pastors filling acting roles and congregants the paying audiences. Clapping of hands and whistling show appreciation of the dramatising pastors. The Bible has been thrown out of our educational system and churches. Pastors and church leaders are silent because they want to be politically correct. We are looking for shortcuts and rushing things on the excuse of unemployment and hunger. We are in a mess. We find ourselves in it because we are impatient. God has a perfect time and correct time for everything. The Biblical Joseph emerged from the pit, thrown in by his own brothers to become the pharaoh of Egypt. It is time to take a leaf to change to be a better nation. ) To comment or express your views about the issue highlighted in the column, go to www.expressnews.co.za. Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes anyone 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.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
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Show mettle with business ideas THE five contestants – from the left Siphamandla Javu from Port Elizabeth, Willy Sibuyi from Mbombela (Nelspruit), Camagwini Litye from Welkom, Ayanda Ntsho from Soweto and Colleen Fernandes from Cape Town – did exceptional to reach this year’s Engen Pitch & Polish final. Their business ideas were chosen as potentially viable out of the more than 20 finalists selected to compete at the national event staged in Richard’s Bay a week ago. Fernandes and Ntsho have made it to the grand finale to win the ultimate prize. Photo: Supplied
Nominate your star teacher
Donate blankets to hospital PATIENTS at the Bongani Regional Hospital will experience the comfort of the facility thanks to the generous gesture by the Lejweleputswa District Municipality to donate 200 blankets to the hospital recently. At the presentation are from the left Dr Osmel Hechavarria (acting chief executive officer: Bongani Hospital), Peter Boshoff (manager: technical department: Bongani), Mlungisi Martins (chief officer: Lejweleputswa Executive Mayor’s Office), Valentia Teheli (managerial accountant: Bongani) and Mmaselepe Mohouo (laundry supervisor: Bongani). Photo: Teboho Setena
Have basic will drafted for free AS has become tradition the public will be able to have a basic will drafted by an attorney free of charge during National Wills Week from 15 to 19 September. Firms across South Africa are participating in the project. “By ensuring that you have a valid will, you as the testator can protect the interests of your loved ones and ensure that there is no delay in settling your estate after your death. “It also ensures that your executor will act according to your wishes. A valid will allows you to state who should inherit your assets and property, to appoint an executor of your choice for your estate and also a guardian for your minor children,” says Ettienne Barnard and Max Boqwana, co-chairpersons of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA). Barnard and Boqwana say people who have been recently divorced or widowed, or those who have been cohabitating with their partners for some time, should also consider having a will drafted. “If you have been cohabitating with your partner, it is advisable to have a will to ensure that there are not competing claims on your estate. “Similarly, unmarried persons, particularly those who have a number of people who depend on them financially, should ensure they have a will in place, as several people could make a claim on their estates,” says Boqwana. During Wills Week participating attorneys will display posters with their contact details so that the public can make appointments. The contact details of all participating attorneys can be accessed on the LSSA website at www.LSSA.org.za or by contacting the relevant provincial law society. A practising attorney has the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure that your will is valid by complying with all the legal requirements in the Wills Act and also that it complies with your wishes. An attorney can also advise you on any problem which may arise with your will and assist your executor. “Often a will is not valid, because the person who drafts it does not have the legal knowledge to ensure that all the legal
Problems that may arise if you die without leaving a will include that your assets may not be left to the person of your choice, it can take longer to have an executor appointed and the executor who is appointed may be somebody you may not have chosen yourself. requirements of the Wills Act are met. These include the fact that the will must be in writing, it must be signed by the testator in the presence of at least two competent witnesses and also signed by the witnesses,” says Barnard. “If you die without leaving a valid will, your assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act. These provisions are generally fair and ensure that your possessions are transferred to your spouse and children and where applicable, to siblings, parents, and if required, to the extended family in terms of degrees of relationships.” Problems that may arise if you die without leaving a will include that your assets may not be left to the person of your choice, it can take longer to have an executor appointed and the executor who is appointed may be somebody you may not have chosen yourself. Barnard says there could be extra and unnecessary costs as well as conflict among family members because there are no clear instructions on how to distribute your assets. For attorneys in the Free State call the Law Society of the Free State on 051-4473237 and for attorneys in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape call the Cape Law Society on 021-443-6700. The Law Society of South Africa can be reached on 012-366-8800.
THE Free State Department of Education announced that the 2014 national teaching awards nominations are open. The awards acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by the teachers, profile the teaching profession, recognise and promote excellence in teaching. This year’s is the 15th edition of the awards. Nomination forms are available on the website of
the Department of Basic Education at www.education.gov.za, and the Thutong Portal at www.thutong.org.za. The nomination forms will also be available at schools across the Free State. The awards aim to recognise winners from district level who will compete at a provincial level and then winners at the provincial level will compete against other provinces nationally in 2015.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
NEWS
Pageant winners
THE Miss Reitz Park Primary School 2014 pageant winners were crowned at an occasion held recently coinciding with events to mark Women’s Month. The winners are from the left Kamva Sam (first princess), Lesedi Motsoeneng (Miss Reitz Park Primary 2014) and Nthabeleng Thaele (second princess). Olga Maureen Ludek (left) (Mrs Commonwealth South Africa 2014 finalist) graced the event. Photos: Supplied
PAGEANT WINNERS: The trio of Bonolo Molema, Boitshoko Kodotsitse and Welberdino Lennon were chosen as the 2014 Mr Reitz Park Primary School pageant winners. Boitshoko walked away with the crown of Mr Reitz Park, Bonolo and Welberdino got the prize of second and first prince, respectively.
Chalets handed over THESE youth of Hoopstad’s township of Tikwana, from the left Goleboe Johannes, Lehlohonolo Polori, Bokang Motseki, Mosiga Seekoei and Vincent Tsabadira, were part of the official handover of the newly-built chalets at the Sandveld Nature Reserve. The reserve is wellknown for hosting F1 powerboat races and is also home to a variety of wildlife such as springbok, kudu, gemsbok, buffalo, wildebeest and eland. It is situated on the banks of the Bloemhof Dam on the Vaal River, 30 km from Hoopstad and 10 km Bloemhof. Photo: Teboho Setena
HOUSE OF HOPE received a donation of R33 000 towards the welfare of children in the care of the centre from the Griffons rugby team. Tertius Maarman, the representative of the Griffons, handed a cheque to Jackie Botes, project manager of House of Hope. The MyPlayers Benevolent Fund serves as the official charitable organisation of all professional rugby players in South Africa. All five Super Rugby teams in the nine provinces and the national team had an opportunity to donate towards causes in their regions. House of Hope was chosen as the benefitting organisation. Photo: Molly Green
BONDING: As part of marking Women’s Month this group of women held a special occasion recently at Reitz Park in Welkom to discuss measures to bond women and society and improve women’s health as well as their role in preventing crime which negatively affect families. In attendance were from the left, seated: Mpho Litabe, Kelello Peter, Lebohang Mabatla and Popie Mabatla; back: Mathembi Peter, Puseletso Makhetha, Anita Olivier, Masarati Motshuedi, Julia Monyake, Olga Maureen Ludek (Mrs Commonwealth South Africa 2014 finalist), Mamai Hlalele and Maneo Mabatla. Photo: Supplied
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
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NEWS
Police ask for assistance
Scoop first prize at tournament THE Dinonyana Ladies FC side scooped the first prize at the Women’s Day tournament held recently. The team’s players are from the left, front: Jemina Tau, Moleboheng Sejane, Ntswaki Mophiring, Keletso Seloma, Staal Ashley, Nthasing Tsopo and Lerato Maleka; back: Nthabiseng Mosia, Mmathato Mashenene, Refiloe Tsubane, Sindiswa White, Dimakatso Seitleko, Bonnie Rammore and Boniwe Thetho. Photo: Pepesa Motaung
THE police request the help of the community to assist in solving the following cases: ) The Welkom police request help to find the next of kin or family of a deceased man estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old. His decomposed body was found in the open veld opposite Mayan Place in Power Road, Reitz Park, on 9 April. The deceased wore a brown overall top, blue overall trousers and was barefoot. The body is being kept at the Welkom government mortuary. Anyone with information can call WO Sephoko Sehloho, the responsible officer,
Police looking for suspect
IDENTIKIT of suspect wanted for rape.
THE police in and around the Goldfields are searching for this man (shown in the identikit) regarding the rape of a woman (20) on 20 March. They are appealing to any member of the public with information to come forward to bring the perpetrator to book The incident was reported to the Thabong Police Cluster Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. Sgt Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson, said the woman had been repeatedly raped in a
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Performed well in tournament THE Sun Rise soccer team obtained the runner-up prize at the Women's Day tournament held recently and organised by Dinonyana FC. From the left are, front: Dithlare Mokoteli, Relebohile Saliwe, Moselantja Litabe, Mamohau Leboko, Lerato Ndebela and Lindiwe Sithonga; back: Maditaba Molelekoa, Tlalane Motaung, Mantshiteng Morake, Dieketseng Thaisi, Lerato Setlhabi, Sibongile Vas and Bricks Moroana (coach). Photo: Pepesa Motaung
Roads claim lives Letters
Send your letters to teboho.setana@volksblad.com LEONA KLEYNHANS, DA member of the legislature in the Free State: STRETCHES of the R70 and R30 roads in the Lejweleputswa and Matjhabeng Municipalities are roads of death, statistics reveal. For the period of July 2013 to the end of June 2014 this provincial roads network recorded 168 accidents involving 236 vehicles. Ten fatal incidents were recorded resulting in the death of 14 people while another 13 serious incidents resulted in causing serious injury to 40 persons. Contributing factors to the high accident rate are faded and illegible traffic signage, faded road markings and no cat’s eyes reflectors installed on the road surface. There is also a prevalence of poor law enforcement with a lack of permanently fixed speed control cameras. Approaching intersections along both
roads, especially connecting residential areas, are hardly visible. These need to be clearly marked and must be lit at night. The R30 is an extremely busy route from Theunissen to Bothaville, and serves as an arterial route to the North-West Province. On this stretch of road, road barriers have been removed and islands between oncoming lanes of traffic are ill kept. The state of poor repair and poor law enforcement on Free State roads not only contribute to the province’s economic decline, but it results in unnecessary loss of life and damage to property. The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, Butana Khompela, must table a rehabilitation programme for these roads before the legislature. He must also initiate the Roads Audit that would assess the state of all Free State main and secondary roads so that we can be best placed to identify urgent road rehabilitation interventions where necessary. A sound roads infrastructure, coupled with proper traffic law enforcement, will save lives.
ROAD WORKERS last week Thursday patching potholes on the R34 regional route connecting the Free State towns of Wesselsbron and Hoopstad via Bloemhof towards the N12 road. Photo: Teboho Setena
on 057-391-6301 during office hours or on 082-255-9682. ) The Welkom police are looking for suspects in the murder case of Jack Molahlehi Mosibi. He was found dead in Thabong, Welkom, on 20 July at about 00:20. Sgt Mamello Mokhuoane, spokesperson of the Thabong Police Cluster, says the deceased had a stab wound to the left side of his chest, adding that the motive for the killing was unknown. They are investigating the incident. Anyone with information can call WO Robert Weideman on 057-910-2300 during office hours.
teboho.setena@volksblad.com
shack in Phahameng, Virginia. She said three unknown men wearing balaclavas had allegedly threatened the victim with a knife upon which they took her to a shack where the suspect repeatedly raped her. She said the woman had been freed on the morning of 21 March after she (the victim) had pleaded with the suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts must call the investigating officer, Const. Moleboheng Molete, on 057-910-2395.
pepe, chairperson, on 083-355-7381 or Teboho “Buti” Khampepe, secretary, on 073-407-9720.
Meeting of youth in arts
The Khampepe clan of Bataung in and outside the Free State is invited to a meeting on 7 September at 09:00 in Wesselsbron. Call Moeketsi Butiki Kham-
Ziyaduma Promotions invites out-ofschool youth interested in drama, poetry, dance, music and the visual arts to a meeting at the Thabong Library 2 (Putswastene) tomorrow at 09:30. Call Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528 or 079-882-6992. ) The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesdays at 13:00. Send information to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
SUPERSPORT’S LET’S PLAY and Express Goldfields & NFS are looking for youths in the region who excel at sport. Are you good at sport or is someone in your school or place of education good at sport? We want to hear from you. SuperSport’s Let’s Play identified the need amongst the youth to become more active. With this in mind SuperSport and Let’s Play, in association with Express Goldfields & NFS, want to find and give recognition to learners at primary or high school level who excel in sport or who are helping others to be more active. SuperSport’s Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month is a competition for anyone aged 6 to 18. The winner is chosen from all the
nominations received for that month. The monthly winner will receive a Let’s Play hamper. From all the entries received each month, one athlete will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Month. At the end of the year one candidate from all the Star of the Month winners will be chosen as the SuperSport Let’s Play Sports Star of the Year. Send your nomination today. Nominations must include your name, age and a short paragraph (200 words or less) on what you have achieved and your contact details. Email the nomination to supersport@zpr.co.za or send a fax to 086-552-4922. For more information call Lynne on 051-522-9574.
Before 13:00 on Wednesdays
Khampepe clan meeting
Are you a sports star?
WIN win WIN win WIN
Win exciting hamper EXPRESS GOLDFIELDS & NFS, in conjunction with SuperSport, is giving away a fabulous hamper to one lucky reader who answers a question correctly regarding the Absa Currie Cup trivia. The Currie Cup competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions dating back to 1889 when the first games were played. The story of how the name came to be comes from the first overseas team to tour South Africa in 1891, the British Isles, who carried with them a precious bit of cargo. Among the bags, boots and balls was a golden cup given by Sir Donald Currie, British owner of Union-Castle Lines, the shipping company that transported them to the southern tip of Africa. Sir Donald was clear with his instructions – hand this trophy over to the team in South Africa that gives you the best game. Question: After whom was the Currie Cup named? To enter the competition, go to www.express-news.co.za before the closing date on 15 September. Provide your details as well as contact number.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
Avalon remain in third division } Teboho Setena THE success to reach the third division promotional play-offs this just-ended season will serve as an inspiration for the Kroonstad-based amateur side Avalon FC. The team fell by the wayside in their bid to gain promotion to the second division at the third division of the Free State’s South African Football Association (Safa) tournament staged recently at the Beatrix Mine. Avalon finished second from the bottom on four points of the five amateur clubs which were vying for two available spots in the Free State Safa Second Division stream. They failed to emulate the impressive form that saw them win the third division stream of the Fezile Dabi region and achieve glory and maintain their dominance in the three previous seasons – from 2011 to 2014. This they achieved under the current coach, Ishmael Nala, who is experienced having also coach the Free State team at different tournaments of Safa. Avalon only managed to win one out of four games played during the event and thus lost the battle for promotion to second division rivals Days FC of Odendaalsrus and Free State Development Academy from Bethlehem. Now the Kroonstad side looks to start all over again and rebuild for the new season to gain promotion to the Safa Second Division which is expected to commence early in October.
THE Avalon FC player William Ramokhoase controls an aerial ball as teammates Boda Lekekela and Jeremia Maleke watch. The club was unsuccessful in securing promotion to the South African Football Association Second Division. Photo: Teboho Setena Avalon, under Nala, will have to employ a more direct approach with pacey counterattacks and a patient approach in rebuilding a team to challenge for promotion in the Fezile Dabi region if they ultimately aim to go all the way to gain promotion to the second division.
Trying to rebuild a formidable team from scratch utilizing experience players will be key for Avalon’s coach. The players most likely to be considered, include William Ramokhoase, Boda Lekekela and Jeremia Maleke who led the team to play offensively during the recent promo-
tional play-offs. Their defence was however another factor to consider. The club’s defence was too sluggish and let them down under pressure of the opposition at the play-offs. Their strength, playing an offensive game, often left them exposed at the tournament.
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