Expresses 20140924

TEL: 057 357 1304

WEDNESDAY 24­26 SEPTEMBER 2014

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‘Patala!’

CRISIS: Mothusi Lepheana, acting manager, and Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, at the media briefing on the municipality’s critical financial situation.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Debt makes management difficult } Motlalepule Mokgosi SEBENZILE NGANGELIZWE, the mayor of the Matjhabeng Municipality, said the municipality was not acting illegally in response to allegations of an illegal electricity tariff structure.

He said last Tuesday at the media briefing in Welkom where he revealed the chaotic situation the municipality was facing trying to operate with debt.

Ngangelizwe blamed it all on a culture of non-payment of municipal services by community members, government and government officials who owe the municipality millions of rands.

Currently, the municipality is

collecting 55% of the envisaged 75% monthly.

Mothusi Lepheana, the municipal manager, said the step-up tariffs of 7, 39% had been approved in a council meeting with DA councillors and Nersa.

There was a dispute with the DA, but the matter was passed by a vote which was won by the ANC. “On the budget of R64 906 014 for 2014-’15, the step-up tariff increase of 7,39% was indicated,” said Lepheana.

Thabiso Tsoaeli also confirmed that the winter tariffs were more expensive than the summer tariffs.

He said buying electricity

from Eskom cost the Matjhabeng Municipality R35 million, which in winter increased to from R54 million to R62 million.

Operation Patala campaigns are in full swing using the office of the CFO and municipal manager to act upon defaulters stealing water and electricity from the municipality.

Residents are encouraged to settle their accounts.

Ngangelizwe said: “The municipality will be collecting in all areas.

“Areas from where we cannot collect will be reported to the council.

“Besides the main issues, there are also consumers who

can afford to pay for services but who hide behind pensioner tariffs.

“As we implement our credit control policy we might cut off services at your premises permanently if we discover you are doing this.”

As for residents who try to escape their arrears by installing pre-paid meters, this will also be reviewed.

“If there is any illegal bypassing, the meter will be blocked,” Ngangelizwe warned.

FREE

Help uplift little ones

EXPRESS GOLDFIELDS & NORTHERN FREE STATE is pleased to announce the unveiling of a charity drive to collect educational items to benefit two Early Childhood Centres in Welkom’s township Thabong.

The beneficiary centres are Thokoza Progressive Kids Daycare and the Kgotso E Ate Day-care Centre.

The Thokoza Centre currently has 43 children while the Kgotso E Ate Centre has 100 (44 boys and 56 girls).

To make the initiative a success, the Express Goldfields & NFS team is requesting the support of the public, individuals, organisations and companies in the form of voluntarily donating educational and developmental materials, old or new books and toys for children up to six years old.

This goodwill initiative is in line with community social responsibility programmes aimed at helping to meaningfully change the lives of children for the better.

The items needed should be user-friendly and improve learning of the children. Items that may pose a danger such as toy guns are not acceptable.

Interested parties can drop by at the Express Goldfields & NFS office, The Strip Building, Stateway, in Welkom during office hours to leave their donation (blankets are also welcome) from Mondays to Fridays (from 25 September to 31 October).

Items collected during this period will be presented to the two centres on 4 November.

For clarity regarding the initiative, call Teboho Setena on 057-357-1304 during office hours.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Bookworms do Thabong proud } Motlalepule Mokgosi

THE Dr Mngoma Primary School teachers and librarians of the Thabong Library 2 rejoice in the partnership success of the library winning a trophy at the Free State Reading Festival held in Bloemfontein. Displaying the trophy are from the left Jemina Mazinyo (librarian at the Dr Mngoma Primary School), Belinda Makume (librarian at the Thabong Library 2), Mokheseng Mokapela (the Dr Mngoma Primary School principal) and Thabiso Machitje (educator at Dr Mngoma Primary School).

Photos: Teboho Setena THESE three bright gr. 4 learners of the Dr Mngoma Primary School in Thabong are from the left Mpho Kabi, Nompumelelo Ceba and Simphiwe Mohlokoane.

They scooped the top prizes at the Free State Reading Festival held in Bloemfontein.

Nompumelelo was the biggest winner, taking home the champion’s prize for reading aloud, while Mpho and Simphiwe got reading quiz prizes. Each received a trophy and medal, as well as a certificate.

TWO learners of Thabong schools outshone their peers in the Free State Reading Festival final held in Bloemfontein recently.

The brightest of them all, Lerato Sesedinyana and Nompumelelo Ceba, scooped top prizes in the spelling bee and the read aloud category respectively.

Both are in gr. 4. Lerato is of the Hlolohelo Intermediary School and Nompumelelo of the Dr Mngoma Primary School in Thabong.

Other primary schools of Thabong that participated in the festival include Daluvuyo and Lenyora.

Nompumelelo and Lerato were among the numerous gr. 3 and gr. 4 learners who represented libraries at the provincial competition which is aimed at fostering and promoting a culture of reading at schools and at libraries.

Nompumelelo represented the Thabong Library 2, while Lerato represented the Thabong Library 1.

Each of them received prizes which include tablets, trophies and recognition certificates.

The two libraries they represented also received trophies for their contribution towards the programme.

The learners who came in second and third place in the final received consolation prizes that included trophies and certificates. They are Mpho Kabi and Simphiwe Mohlokoane, both of the Dr Mngoma School, and Reitumetse Medupe and Ntsikelelo Jada, gr. 3 learners of Lenyora and Daluvuyo respectively.

The delighted librarians Poppy Makume and Ntsoaki Moroka said they were happy with the performance of the contestants throughout the competition.

The librarians and the schools librarian in each case worked hand in hand to improve the ethos of the learners through learning programmes regarding comprehension, oral reading, spelling and the correct pronunciation of words.

The final was the culmination of work that had begun in August, attracting huge interest from schools in Thabong.

Students’ training worth its weight in gold } Teboho Setena A GROUP of 18 young jewellery designers having their craftsmanship perfected at the Harmony Jewellery School in Virginia, received accredited certificates at a graduation on Thursday.

They successfully completed level two of the intensive training programme on their way to be qualified goldsmiths.

These graduates have already began with level three through which they will further perfect their creativity and ability to produce sterling jewellery products, ranging from earrings and wedding rings to bracelets and necklaces.

Sandy Crewe, Harmony Jewellery School’s manager, said the certificates were accredited by the qualification authority, adding that the training offered has armed them with skills making them employable.

“Training offered also prepares them for when they want to venture into entrepreneurship,” said Crewe.

“Upon successful completion of level three, they will proceed to level four, after which they will be qualified goldsmiths.

“The students are offered extensive training in jewellery manufacturing and operation.”

She said the 18 graduates were selected from over 120 candidates through interviews

conducted.

Ready to storm the world, Mothibeli Nqoi, one of the students, believes the skills acquired thus far stood him in a good stead to venture into entrepreneurship.

“I am able to cut rings and polish various jewellery materials to perfection,” said Nqoi.

“I have no regret coming here daily, because it is worth it and offers lifelong benefits.”

Crewe said candidates interested in jewellery designing must possess, among others, exceptional interpersonal skills, as well as drawing and designing ability.

“Further training is being offered to enable the students to produce quality products,” she said.

THIS crew of students enrolled at the Harmony Jewellery School in Virginia received special awards recognising their progress and positive attitude. From the left are Moses Kutu (attendance),Thato Mokgobo (best student technique/manufacturing), David Mgina (behaviour), Ursula Moodley (most improved), Obakeng Selaledi (behaviour), Kgauhelo Thobatsi and Tshepo Mosina (both top students in drawing and design). Photos: Teboho Setena

‘I have no regret coming here dai­ ly, because it is worth it and offers lifelong benefits.’

– Mothibeli Nqoi, student of the Harmony Jewellery School JEWELLERY by Mothibeli Nqoi.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2014

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MEC fires sexual predators } Selloane Khalane THE Free State Department of Education has sacked numerous teachers found to have turned into sexual predators and started having relationships with the learners.

This was revealed by the MEC of Education, Herbert “Tate” Makgoe, during the social cluster media briefing at the Lebohang Building in Bloemfontein last Thursday.

Although Makgoe did not reveal the exact number of teachers that had been dismissed from the department following allegations of sexual harassment or consensual relationship with pupils, he said there was a significant number.

According to Makgoe, some of the culprits dismissed were caught sleeping with girls as young as 12 and 13 years old in primary schools.

“There are many teachers who have been fired for sleeping with the learners. What worries me even more is that some would sleep with children aged 12 and 13 years old,” Makgoe said.

He said his department did not hesitate to suspend a teacher who was accused of sexual harassing a pupil. “In some cases I felt like the pupil had lied about the incident but I suspended the teacher anyway because the teacher could also have lied,” he added further. The social cluster includes departments responsible for the well-being of the public like the Departments of Social Development, Education, Health, as well Sports, Arts and Culture.

Makgoe, who serves as the chairperson of the cluster, said the cluster was established with the main objective of improving the quality of education of all citizens of the Free State. The MEC for Social Development, Sisi Ntombela, has heaped praise on Makgoe, taking a hard stance against sexual predators at schools.

Meanwhile, Makgoe revealed that one of the teachers employed at a Bloemfontein school who was implicated in an alleged racism incident pleaded guilty to the offence.

However, the culprit’s name has been withheld.

“We will not tolerate racism because it plants a seed of hatred which will emerge in the later stages,” Makgoe explained.

Earlier last month, the department suspended two principals and a teacher following allegations of racism levelled against them. The principals were Francois Schoon of the Dr Viljoen Combined School in Bloemfontein and Charles Liversage of Christian de Wet in Dewetsdorp as well Trudy Erasmus, a Life Orientation teacher at the St Helena Primary School in Welkom.

Their suspension followed the findings by the Human Rights Commission. In an effort to root out racial incidents in schools, the department was recommended to develop system-wide procedures for monitoring and reporting on initiatives. The department was given a period of six months to develop such a strategy.

Five accused found guilty SENTENCE has been handed down recently in the following two cases: ) Two Nkoko cousins, Kleinbooi and Teboho, were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the murder of the 57-year-old Mapeisi Mpondo in November 2013.

Judge J. Naidoo sentenced them on their appearance in the Virginia High Court.

The two men were found guilty of murdering the deceased, hacking her to death with self-made swords on 13 November.

The two men had accused her of bewitching their mothers and causing their deaths with muti. They attacked the deceased on the Glen Ross Farm.

The pair handed themselves over to the police in Virginia. ) The Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Aaron Mbuti Tsoaedi (33), Abram Masilo Moronyane (25) and Mongezi Ndende Sinxezui (27) each to eight years in prison for housebreaking and robbery.

The trio, who are friends, were also declared unfit to possess a firearm, which belonged to one of them.

Achieve success THIS group of students received certificates after successful completion of First Level training at the Harmony Jewellery School in Virginia at a ceremony held a week ago. They are from the left, front: Mamojabeng Lekhole, Nelton Daniel and Julie-Ann van der Ross; back: Pule Moletsane, Adam Takadimane, Shawn Harmse, Mothibeli Nqoi, Bolokanang Ntholi and Neo Nthebe.

Photo: Teboho Setena

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Tsembeni a poet of note } Motlalepule Mokgosi

THE talented poet and writer Nomthandazo Tsembeni touches souls and brings ample delight to audiences when she delivers powerful renditions of poems.

The energetic Tsembeni is a soul who conveys her rhythmical poetic ability through melody and drums and the powerful weapon of her voice.

Recognised by her stage name, Lady Black Poet, she is the founder of the online poetry group called Poetic Design. Her vocal sound and pacifying words for the heart made her notable to her generation in the Goldfields and outside the Free State. Just 22 years old, Tsembeni already has made remarkable footprints in her journey in creative writing as a poet in the challenging arts industry. She boasts of significant prizes in her cabinet.

Tsembeni’s poem entitled The Hardest Part won the online poetry competition All Poetry, judged by Michael Thomas in 2012 – setting the tone in art by conveying emotions through words. She obtained first position at the 2012 Moduwana District Arts Festival. Tsembeni says she noticed her talent in poetry at a tender age.

“In 2006, while I was still at the Welkom Secondary School, I used to transcribe poems exclusively for occasions at school. At the beginning it didn’t make sense to me as I was still a novice.

Eventually in 2008 I felt it; the words of the ancestors that needed to be told, and in 2010 reality set in, my skills were widely spread and I used codes to complete my work,” said Tsembe-

ni. The young woman from Welkom’s township of Thabong, continues to perfect her craft.

Tsembeni featured at a few poetry events in 2012. These include the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) Word Festival and the 30th anniversary of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, performing alongside Tinah Mnumzana, Hector Kunene and Reabetsoe Matobeka. Supplementary she contributed some poems for the 2012 Via Grapevine Anthology Volume 1, a Brigitte Poirson’s initiative. Last year she performed at the O.R. Tambo Games.

Tsembeni’s creativity has attracted interest in the music industry. She has featured as a vocalist in the a cappella music genre and also in a compilation production of DJs. She was part of a local three-member a cappella group, Golden Mystique, which was one of the five finalists for the 2014 Welkom’s Got Talent competition.

Tsembeni’s rendition saw her perform recently at the World Population Day TVET launch in Welkom and Bloemfontein. She wowed the audience by delivering a rendition of one of her poems, entitled Mmabotle, at the recent launch of the Mining Authority Qualification at the Goldfields FET Tosa Campus in Welkom.

Recognition for Tsembeni has come through invitations and performances, sharing the stage with a woman of the soil in Ntsiki Mazwai at a poetry event at the CUT. She was invited to perform at the Nights of the Poets at the State Theatre in Pretoria where

Tsembeni already has made remarkable foot­ prints in her journey in creative writing as a poet in the challenging arts industry. she shared a stage with Croc e Moses and Carlos Djedje.

Tsembeni told Express Goldfields & NFS part of her ambitions was to take poetry to greater heights by setting up her own poetry centre to develop new talent and help in how to make a living through poetry. She is currently studying Forensic Biology, the well-spoken poet is also on the verge of completing her second book of poetry. Born and bred in Welkom; she is the tenth child of Boniwe and Thamsanqa Tsembeni. She has taken after her father’s artistic talent who was a guitarist of note in his prime.

She also drew inspiration from two motivational speakers and poet writers Andrea Grabson from Canada and Ngcina Mhlophe, well-known South African guru.

Tsembeni is a former member of the Drum Ensemble and magazine Verbal Stream.

She is among the 25 finalists for the cover girl for online magazine Carob and still requires votes to go through to the next round of ten. Tsembeni is the only candidate from Welkom. To vote for her readers and fans can visit http://caroblive.com/COVER-GIRL, scroll down to the poll and click on the button next to her name. ) Video of Tsembeni’s live performance at www.expressnews.co.za.

NOMTHANDAZO TSEMBENI drumming up a storm.

Photo: Teboho Setena

Drink responsibly, please IN the mid-1980s I spent 20% of my salary to purchase a bottle of Johnny Walker Black and White 750 ml whisky for a friend who visited me from Bloemfontein.

Although I was not a teacher by profession, I rented a room at the teachers’ cottage facility specifically meant for bachelors, both male and female teachers.

When he arrived, he excitedly hugged me and in the process, the bottle slipped and as it fell, I dived, trying to save it from falling. It is often said that a drunkard would rather hurt himself than see his prized asset breaking, and that is what I attempted doing. I laid down there with my heart bleeding, not with pain, but regretting the aroma of one of the finest makes of Scotland going to waste. I did not buy the expensive stuff because I had nothing else to do with the money.

I bought it because I had developed “food poisoning” for beer and brandy. I used to vomit my lungs out after taking the stuff.

There are people who, instead of refraining from drinking when their bodies reject alcohol, vomit and use laxatives, saying they are cleaning their stomach. My advice is that if your body develops resistance to any alcohol, stop drinking it.

The common habit of one for the road common in people taking an extra glass of beer, could cause

My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer more harm than expected. Alcohol abuse leads to anxiety, epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Alcohol abuse is classified as a psychiatric condition. It has a direct impact on the brain, the same as a mental health condition. Alcohol is chemically a natural depressant that could cause disruptions in the functioning of the brain.

Alcohol can also reveal our underlying feelings. If our underlying feelings are of anxiety, anger and unhappiness, alcohol has the potential to boost such elements.

People who commit suicide, often do so while under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol affects women differently, due to biological factors.

Women need to be more careful than men, however, I’m not justifying that it’s right for me to drink alcohol. Pregnant women abusing liquor are at the risk of bearing mentally retarded children. Women’s tolerance for alcohol is lower than what it is for men. Alcohol beverages mostly liked by women are sweet. This

“Alcohol can also reveal our underlying feelings. If our underlying feelings are of anxiety, anger and unhappi­ ness, alcohol has the poten­ tial to boost such elements.”

leads to women thinking that it is mild while the alcohol content of these drinks is the same or higher than the bitter ones. Girls think drinking is cool when they see their mothers celebrating with alcohol. ) 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.

WANTED rape suspect.

WANTED rape suspect.

THE police in the Goldfields town of Odendaalsrus need help finding three suspects (two of them shown in these identikits) regarding the gang rape of a 19-year-old woman in Kutlwanong on 21 June this year.

Molebogeng Lechesa, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the victim had been attacked during the night at about 21:45 near the Icoseng Primary School in the Odendaalsrus township of Kutlwanong. She said the suspects beat and threatened the victim with knives and thereafter took her to a vendor shack where they took turns raping the victim.

The first suspect is dark in complexion, slender, 1,5 metres tall

with a scar on the right shoulder and ribs, and black brushed hair.

The second suspect is dark in complexion, medium built, 1,5 metres tall, has a scar under the right eye and black brushed hair.

The third suspect is also dark in complexion, slender, 1,7 metres tall, has scars on the neck and face and black brushed hair.

The police said two men known as Bongani and Max could assist in their investigation. Anyone with information about the three suspects’ whereabouts can contact the investigative officer, WO Juan Jansen, at the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Crimes Unit on 057-391-6189 (office hours) or on 084-538-5909.

Suspects on the loose

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Blood levels alarmingly low THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) appeals to the public to support its campaign of blood collection by donating blood at various centres countrywide. The call comes in the wake of alarmingly low blood stock levels.

Vanessa Raju, SANBS communications manager, said they were experiencing a difficult time during September owing to preliminary exams and preparation towards the final quarter of the year.

“As a result blood drives at schools and universities are generally not possible at this time of year. This, together with poor turnouts at company and organisational blood drives, has placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels. The SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival.

However, at the moment we have only 1,6 days of blood stock available, and we are concerned that should this continue, we are looking at a major crisis as we head towards the festive season,” said Raju.

“It is only with the help of the selfless blood donors that we are able to handle this situation. We have implement-

ed a cut-back approach where we are not able to meet the request by doctors. What this means, is, should a doctor request four units of blood, the SANBS may only be able to offer two units and this approach will continue until the blood stocks recover,” she added.

Considering the situation, the SANBS is encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of “saving lives” not to miss out on their next donation date.

This is also a reminder to all donors who selflessly donated blood on Mandela Day, and to remember that they are due to donate again and continue making every day a Mandela Day. Members of the public who meet the minimum requirements to give the gift of life by becoming regular donors are urged to visit the SANBS as soon as they possibly can.

Minimum blood donor requirements: ages between 16 and 65 years, weigh 50 kg or more, good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.

To find out where your nearest donor centre is, visit www.sanbs.org.za, call toll free 080-011-9031 or SMS your name and post code of the area you live in to 31454 and they will SMS you details of your nearest blood donor centre.

Attend launch of project LECTURERS and nursing students in their final year at the Free State Nursing School’s Northern Campus at the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom graced the launch of a community vegetable project at the Bophelong Clinic in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus, a week ago. From the left are, front: Jabulani Khumalo (lecturer), Thandi Ngamalani and Marica Bezuidenhout (head of department), middle: Sanah Mokgoetsi, Dipolelo Lebusa, Nontozakhe Constable, Shanine Louw and Joyce Radebe, back: Mpho Nogabe, Mathews Nyatse, Motlere Sehaule and Jappie Pheko.

Photo: Teboho Setena

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Lead in next term THE Khampepe family society at a recent meeting elected new leaders for the next term. From the left are, front: Pitso, Sati, Moeketsi, Medupi, Mmamotho, Mokhele and Buti; back: Teboho, Lesawana, Dimakatso and Dikeledi. The society’s meeting was held in Wesselsbron.

PERSONAL SEVICES

FINANCIAL 1420

BIRTHDAY: Little Oageng Kompi (seated centre) celebrated turning two years with his friends Bokang Mokhathi, Happiness Zwane and Khanya Diutlwileng at a fun-filled birthday party held at Reitz Park in Welkom recently.

Photo: Teboho Setena Entrepreneurial seminar held The Elite Entrepreneurs Seminar, organised by Strategic Marketing jointly with the Wisdom Cup Media Centre, will be held from 25 to 27 September at the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre in Welkom, starting at 09:00.

Those interested in attending the event can contact Mmusa Moleli on 057-353-1097 during office hours.

Day-care centre celebrates heritage The Thokoza Progressive Day-care Centre, together with Ziyaduma Promotions, will host a one-day cultural fundraising event to celebrate Heritage Day on 24 September.

The event will be held at the community hall in Sunrise View in the far-east of Thabong near the Nanabolela Secondary School.

What’s on teboho.setena@volksblad.com Local crèches and pre-schools are invited to participate in the event. Activities set to start at 11:00 include drama, poetry, dance, music, comedy and visual arts.

Admission is R10 per person for adults and R5 for children.

Each member of the participating or performing group is requested to donate R3 towards the initiative. Proceeds raised will be in aid of the Thokoza Centre.

For information, call Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528 or Thembisile Ngcobo on 083-3463018. ) The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesdays at 13:00.

Send information to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Onkgopotse Kgoare, a gr. R-learner at the Kingdom Academy School in Welkom, dressed up in her Basotho costume during the school’s Heritage Day event. The occasion at which the learners were to dress up in their different cultural outfits was part of educating them about the various cultures in South Africa.

DRESSED UP to the nines these women attended the Christian Revival Church’s Women’s Day occasion held in Welkom a week ago.

From the left are Selloane Moloi, Heidi Kgothule, Mpho Motheo, Annelize Wolmarans, Veronica Seekoei and Vela Bacela.

Photo: Teboho Setena

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Story in paper brings help EMELY KHAMPEPE: THE Kgotso E Ate Day-care Centre management committee, staff and the parents express many thanks to Express Goldfields & NFS for publishing a story about the plight of the centre, its needs and problems in the edition of the paper of 30 July.

This is a true people’s paper, because following publication, good Samaritans in the form of donors and sponsors have showed interest in helping the centre. Student nurses enrolled for a bridging nursing programme at the Bongani Regional Hospital answered by visiting the centre to identify problems and needs with the view to help. An auditing firm also donated toys, blankets and bread and kitchen utensils.

We thank all the donors and Express for their good work and generosity.

Fighting fit to face the competition THE players of the Avalon FC team are from the left, front: Sekwai Chere, Modupi Mokone, Fekile Tshekela, Boda Lekekela and Thabiso Mokotedi; back: Tlale Makgonanyane, Seun Mahloane, William Ramokhoase, Justice Xaba, Elliot Likhethe and Jeremia Maleke. This Kroonstad-based team represents one of the 16 amateur clubs that campaign in the South African Football Association (Safa) Castle League in the Fezile Dabi region.

Photo: Teboho Setena

SA still waiting for leaders who can bring liberation from poverty SIMON DIMANE, Welkom: SOUTH AFRICANS do not have integrity when it comes to their very own. In order for you to respect and love your father, he must show that he is a father. He has to take care of his family in every respect.

South Africa has approximately 19 million black people who are homeless because they do not have land to build houses on and are jobless. This number includes almost half of the population of this country. The other 14 million is made up of whites, coloureds,

Indians and Chinese who are better off compared to their black counterparts.

Housing the homeless through the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) will never solve the problem. The RDP was given a chance from 1994 until now to address the backlog of housing and change the old picture. However, millions of people are still without houses.

Do you think that the ANC government will make the people of South Africa happy through the RDP? If you say black South Africa must love the ANC, then know it is

wrong. The ANC goes to the side of sinners.

God gave South Africa to black South Africans. Those who want to change God’s gift – they will not succeed.

If you go around South Africa, you see in black locations or townships shacks, dwellings and RDP houses – defying black people.

It is shocking. The ANC is very oppressive when it comes to black people.

This model of locations with notable shacks and RDP houses kill black people’s dignity in every aspect. People are being severely attacked in the early hours of the

morning when they go to their places of work and on return to their homes. The ANC has failed dismally to govern, make South Africa safe and restore the dignity of black people. The way I see it, the ANC’s leadership is far away from God and does not care about people who are suffering because of the mentality of people within the ANC. South Africa is still waiting for leaders to liberate blacks from suffering in poverty.

Townships are generating billions of rands for Western countries through projects, yet the lives of black people remain unchanged.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2014

‘I had no option but to call off the tournament. I did this against my will, knowing that various Free State boxers have been eagerly awaiting this tournament . . .’

– Lebohang Mahoko

Cancelling a knock for boxing } Teboho Setena A HOST of Free State professional boxers have been dealt a devastating blow following the cancellation of a boxing tournament which should have been part of the programme for the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe).

This event has featured prominently in the programme of the multi-cultural festival over the past three years with local promoter Lebohang Mahoko pioneering it.

The showdown was planned for 4 October in Bloemfontein and was expected to feature talented fighters from the Free State and elsewhere in South Africa.

The cancellation of the tournament by Mahoko apparently followed the decision by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation to not fund the staging of the event due to a lack of funds.

“The department informed me on 9 September of its decision to exclude the tournament, citing budget constraints as the main reason.

“It is unfortunate and I am unable to look for an alternative sponsor for the event in such a short time. Bearing this in mind, I had no option but to call off the tournament. I did this against my will, knowing that various Free State boxers have been eagerly awaiting this tournament since it has become the only activity affording them the opportunity to showcase their talent. They put in a lot of work preparing for it,” said Mahoko.

Last month, the department under MEC Mathabo Leeto, former Matjhabeng and Lejweleputswa mayor, sponsored an all-women boxing tournament. It was organised by the Welkom-

based promoter Fezile Maboya.

The event would have seen scores of boxers end their lengthy drought in the ring. Now it is back to square one for the majority of the professional fighters who are starving for some action.

Since its inception in 2011, the tournament has had a good reputation as the only premier event enabling a host of Free State boxers to showcase their talent against opponents from outside the province.

It gradually grew in stature nationally, attracting interest from promoters outside the Free State and also following reputable championships. The highlights of the tournament have seen a gruelling championship battle between two of the Free State’s finest boxers, Motsoake Moselesele and Themba “Doctor” Ntsele, in 2012 and 2013 with the latter emerging victorious.

Ntsele successfully defended the South African flyweight title against his former hometown boy, Moselesele from Welkom’s township of Thabong.

Ntsele delivered a knockout in the 11th round of the 12-rounder bout in their first meeting and went on to win with a majority decision in their second meeting.

Both events were staged in Bloemfontein.

However, there were also sad incidents like the tragic death of Anele Makhwelo after a championship fight against Ntsele in 2011. Makhwelo died from subsequent head injuries sustained during his South African flyweight title challenge.

If the event materialised it would have seen Ntsele defend his continental World Boxing Federation title against Sipho Twani in the main bout.

THE boxing promoter Lebohang Mahoko (centre) with boxers Motsoake Moselesele and Themba "Doctor" Ntsele (left).

Photo: Sidwell Guduka

ATTENTION GRADUATES BREAKING NEW GROUND

Are you a talented and ambitious graduate looking for a head start?

Then consider a career in Senwes, an agricultural company that has been at the forefront of South African business for more than a century. Outstanding opportunities exist at our Head Office in Klerksdorp, North West Province.

Senwes Graduate Programme (1-year) offering market-related remuneration

If you are a young, talented graduate with good interpersonal and communication skills and an appropriate degree in one of the following: l Finance l Retail l Information Technology l Marketing (Communications and Sales and Marketing) l Economics l Human Resources l Risk Management you could well be developed into a senior manager of the future.

Remember that only applicants who are completing their studies in 2014 or are in possession of a completed degree in the mentioned fields should apply.

Interested?

Visit the Senwes website at www.senwes.co.za and click on "Graduate Programme".

You may also contact Ayanda Vani at (018) 464-7513, should you have any queries.

Don’t hesitate! The closing date for the Graduate Programme Applications is 3 October 2014.

Successful applicants must be available in February 2015 for the Graduate Programme.

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Human Communications 112658