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Couple left destitute THE desperate Simon Mbimbi and his wife, Modiehi Nkabi, in front of their roofless house in Thabong, Welkom.
Photo: Teboho Setena
Wind blows off roof due to poor construction } Teboho Setena A STORM that wreaked havoc in the Free State and other parts of the country last week has left a couple of Thabong, Welkom, in a desperate situation. The roof of the couple’s home was blown off by the storm and now Simon Mbimbi and his wife, Modiehi Nkabi, have been left destitute. The couple lives in an RDP house in a formalised residence east of Thabong in Ward 15 of the Matjhabeng Municipality.
Mbimbi said the incident occurred in less than a minute while he was watching television with their two children. “The whole roof was blown off in the blink of an eye, and bricks tumbled into the house. Luckily no one was injured. Some of our possessions were damaged beyond repair,” said Mbimbi. His wife, Nkabi, was not present when the incident occurred and returned home to find that their roof had been blown off. The trusses on which the roof was mounted were also damaged.
‘The whole roof was blown off in the blink of an eye, and bricks tumbled into the house. Luckily no one was injured. Some of our possessions were damaged beyond repair.’ – Simon Mbimbi Mbimbi said thieves had already stolen some of their valuables that very same night. They built a temporary shelter from corrugated
iron with the help of their neighbours. Mbimbi said they had been living in their four-roomed RDP house since 2002. He said they were now storing some of their property with their neighbours while awaiting feedback from the Matjhabeng Municipality’s Housing Department regarding the matter. Kodu Ntlele, the ward councillor of Matjhabeng, said the incident had exposed poor workmanship. “The house was near collapse in any case, based on my assessment
of the poor construction. Whoever declared the house fit for occupation misled the Free State Department of Housing. Cracks in the walls and floor bear testimony to poor construction. “The Matjhabeng Housing Department will have to do its own analysis and inform the provincial department about the matter. My analysis is that the house has to be demolished and rebuilt as a permanent solution, otherwise it will be putting the family’s life at risk if they stay there,” said Ntlele.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
NEWS
Lebo knows her business } Motlalepule Mokgosi LEBO SELLOANE’S dream of getting her mobile X-ray business off the ground is on the verge of becoming a reality. She received R80 000 in prize money and an iPad after being announced the national winner of the 2014 Pitch & Polish Engen entrepreneurial competition. This competition was run over three months countrywide challenging the participants to pitch their outstanding business ideas. It culminated in the final held in Johannesburg recently. She was awarded the prize after her business idea of a mobile service had been voted the best among hundreds of participants. The prize money has given this young woman from Thabong, Welkom, the muchneeded edge to set up her business, Vision X-rays. Selloane said she already had prospective clients interested in her service. “I have a few letters of intent from potential clients who are interested in my business. I’m sorting out the logistics of equipment and hopefully in the new year I’ll get it on track,” Selloane said. Selloane told Express Goldfields & Northern Free State about her journey throughout the competition. “Honestly, every experience in the competition was a great learning experience. I’ll not trade it for anything. I have learnt a lot in the competition including the fact that one needs to understand your target market and traits of a successful business to avoid failure. “I have learnt to have confidence in my ideas and to clearly articulate my vision to potential investors,” said Selloane. Selloane said funding remained her main challenge and that she required approximately R1,2 million for the business to become operational. According to her it would create jobs for at least five people. “However, I’m not discouraged,” she said. She said she planned to establish her business in the Goldfields towns of Welkom and Odendaalsrus. “This will make the business more accessible to clients with us providing a prompt service,” Selloane said. Selloane has a BTech degree in Diagnostic Radiography which she obtained from the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, in 2008 and she expects her
THE Thabong Police Stationin Welkom prides itself in having two women in influential positions, Maj. Mmatladi Sello (left) and Lt. Col Senobia Solomon. Photo: Teboho Setena
Women an asset to Thabong police LEBO SELLOANE from Welkom is the 2014 Engen Pitch & Polish entrepreneurial winner. Photo: Supplied experience in private business and as an entrepreneur to come in handy in managing her own business. She is the co-founder of the Dream Girls Foundation which focuses on empowering young women by providing life skills to help them to become confident and independent. She is currently working for a company as key accounts manager. The company specialises in the distribution of medical equipment. Selloane is in the final year of her MBA studies at the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA). She was born and bred in Welkom and began her schooling at the Thusanong Primary School after which she attended the Welkom High School where she matriculated.
THE Thabong Police Station in Welkom boasts two women in influential ranks: Lt. Col Senobia Solomon and Maj. Mmatladi Sello. They were appointed to the respective ranks recently. These two women have gone through the various ranks and shifts in their careers. They have served for 23 and 19 years respectively. Solomon is the support component head and replaced Col Robert Smart who retired earlier this year. Solomon was the head of the finance component at the Thabong SAPS in the rank of Lt. Col and served for eight years, managing the finance, as well as the human and physical resources division. Her career in the police started in 1991 as a student constable after matriculating at the Welkom Secondary School in Bronville. In 1994 she was promoted to sergeant and worked in Maokeng, Kroonstad, as a section commander in the Area Crime Combatting Unit. In 1996 she was promoted to warrant officer and then transferred to the Kroonstad Police Stationto work as a chief financial officer. She was promoted to captain in 2002. Solomon’s ability in managing finance saw her transferred to the Thabong Police Stationin 2005. She is well equipped with qualifications obtained at various tertiary institutions and advanced training in financial management in the police service. Her qualifications include a certificate in Computer Literacy obtained at the Academy of Learning, a National Diploma in Police Administration from the Technikon SA and a BTech Policing degree. “I thank God for giving me the strength and ability to work with diverse people as
a service delivery oriented person. It is only through the mercy of our mighty God that I managed to be in this position as a woman in blue,” says Solomon. “I also thank my employer for the trust bestowed in me to carry forward the mission and vision of the SAPS.” Sello’s career in the police started in 1995 as a student at the Thabong police station. Born and bred in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus, she matriculated at the Phehello Secondary School. In 1996 she became constable and in 2001 she was promoted to the rank of sergeant at her current work station of the Thabong police station. Sello’s sterling work earned her promotion to warrant officer in 2005 and this was followed by the recognition of being promoted to captain in 2010. Upon this she was deployed at the Virginia Police Stationwhere she worked in the crime prevention division. In 2012 Sello became the sector commander at the Thabong Police Stationafter being transferred from Virginia. Sello’s dedication saw her entrusted to the influential position of acting station commander at the Ventersburg Police Stationand she served in the interim position until January this year when she returned home, to the Thabong Police Stationto serve her community. Sello holds a National Diploma in Policing obtained from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and is furthering her studies. “In the 19 years I have been working at the Thabong Police StationI have developed a lot in my policing. I have passion for my work and I have received recognition in the form of medals and awards. This is for my dedication to be of service to the community,” says Sello.
Express Goldfields and NFS cares
Help to uplift little ones
Enjoy mouth-watering treats HEART OF GOLD: About 98 learners of the Kalkvlakte Primary School in the Hennenman District received a generous gift – mouth-watering treats from Grace Thoso (second, left), a community patron. Teachers and learners showed their appreciation for the good gesture. From the left are Nthabiseng Tsoenyane, Zandile Daliwe, Mandla Ntlemeza (principal) and Keketso Marumo. Photo: Teboho Setena
EXPRESS GOLDFIELDS & NORTHERN FREE STATE is pleased to announce the launch of a charity drive to collect educational items. This will benefit two early childhood development centres in Welkom’s township of Thabong. These are the Thokoza Progressive Kids Day-care Centre and the Kgotso E Ate Day-care Centre. The Thokoza Centre accommodates 43 children, while the Kgotso E Ate Centre works with 100 children (44 boys and 56 girls). To make the initiative a success, the Express Goldfields & NFS team requests the support of the public, individuals, organisations and companies. Donations of educational and developmental materials, old or new books and toys for children up to six years old are needed.
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 should be user-friendly and improve the learning of the children. Blankets are also welcome. Items that may pose a danger, like toy guns, are not acceptable. Interested parties can drop by at the Express Goldfields & NFS office at The Strip Building, Stateway, Welkom, to drop off their donations. This can be done until 31 October from Mondays to Fridays during office hours. Items collected during this period will be presented to the two centres on 4 November. For more information regarding the initiative, call Teboho Setena on 057-357-1304 during office hours.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
NEWS
Suspects at large
REPRESENTATIVES of the mining sector are from the left Jabu Mabena (Harmony Mine) and Thabo Tau (Sibanye Gold Beatrix Mine) receiving a memorandum of grievances regarding employment being handed over by Sono Mokoena (spokesperson for the Matjhabeng Community Unemployment Forum) at the Free State Department of Mineral Resources in Welkom. Photo: Teboho Setena
Forum fights for locals } Teboho Setena
THE Matjhabeng Unemployed Forum (MUM) – a forum in the Goldfields fighting for the job reservation for locals – has given two mining companies 21 days to respond to a memorandum of demands. The forum acts as the voice of the unemployed youth in the Goldfields. It handed over a memorandum containing grievances about the implementation of skills development and job creation programmes for locals to the representatives of the Harmony and Sibanye Gold Mine a week ago. According to the timeline, the companies are expected to reply to the memorandum by 31 October.
The memorandum is a continuation of a series of events including mass mobilisation since January by MUM leaders in pursuit of their mission to make jobs for locals in the Goldfields region a priority. The forum said the purpose of their actions was to reduce the high level of unemployment in the Goldfields and to highlight to both the private and public sector the importance of empowering locals. Sono Mokoena, spokesperson for the forum, said the memorandum was a way of engaging stakeholders in the labour market, and added that consultative meetings with concerned parties would be held as part of the tough battle to reduce unemployment.
THE Welkom police are on the trail of two wanted suspects, Sibusiso Tyabule and Framino David Matola, a Mozambican-trained soldier. Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the two men were on the wanted list in connection with an alleged string of crimes like the hijackings of vehicles, theft of vehicles, house robberies and the attempted murder of a police officer in the Western Cape, farm attacks and business robberies. He said the suspects were wanted regarding crimes committed in George in the Western Cape, Meloding, Virginia, Welkom and Odendaalsrus in the Free State. Both suspects are still at large. Although the police managed to arrest Tyabule, he escaped mysteriously on the day of his appearance in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on 3 October. “Tyabule was supposed to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court for the
theft of a motor vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm and robbery. When his name was called for him to appear in the B Court, he was nowhere to be found. A case of escape from lawful custody and aiding escape has been registered for further investigation,” said Thakeng. He said the two men were dangerous. Thakeng said Matola stayed at Saaiplaas in Virginia and Orange Groove, Thabong, Welkom. “Residents are requested not to arrest them, but to inform the nearest police station of their whereabouts,” he said. Further descriptions of Tyabule are as follows: He has a bullet wound in his right hand; his right pinky finger is cut, on his stomach is written “Sorry mum”. Anyone with information about the two men which can be helpful in their arrest, as well prosecution, must contact the investigative officer, Lt Ogies Nel, on 073-404-5170.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
NEWS
Rutang bana ho baballa botjhaba A re bueng
MOKETE wa setso le nalane ya setjhaba sa Rantso enale sepheo le morero. Re lokela ho ruta bana ka setso le moetlo, e kentse nale ya bophela hoya ka merabe e fapaneng. Thuto ka botjhaba le setso ke letlotlo leo re tlamehang hole baballang mme ho ruta ho bohlokwa. Sengolwa sena ke kgothaletso e tsamaellanang le mekete ya bosetjhaba mohla 24 Loetse (September). Tsa botjhaba le setso re kentse dijo ka mefuta, moaparo, mekgwa ya boithabiso – mohobelo, ditolobonya, mokgibo, diletswa pele ho diwelese/seya lemoya (radio le television, krelefomo lesiba) sekebeke. Ho ruta bana ka setso le nalane re fa bana tsebo hore mefuta ya batho retswa kae, re phetse jwang mengwaha-kgolo eo ho leng thata ho e fumana matsatsing a kajeno. Heritage is what gives us our sense of identity and belonging. Everything that has survived from the past forms a part of the collective heritage of our society. Ho bohlokwa batswadi le bana ba bona hore emong le emong a apere botjhaba ba hae kapa ba bona. Batswadi ba bana, bane ba etsa dijo tsa setso ba bang bane batla, ba entse dipabi, mala mohodu, dikgobe, moroho wa Sesotho, setampo se kopaneng le dinawa, jwala ba setso (moqombothi), ditshifa, mqusho wa SiXhosa le Batswana ting le tshohlo. Mefura ya disebediswa, dijana ene ele mabekere le dinkgo tseo ho nwellang makgeu le moqombothi. Mabekeretsa a masenke le dikotlolo tse sa tlwahelang hone ho sebediswa mehope ya setso Sesotho sa habo rona, monate. Boithabisao, morethetho wa dipina, mehobelo bashemane; banana mokgibo le ditolobonya ka meaparo ya teng e
Kutwane Kareli Cultural practitioner
fapaneng ya setso. Lepetjo (theme) re re ha o sa tsebe moo tswang teng, ha o no tseba moo o yang teng, Ka hoo, ho bohlokwa hotseba nalane
Keeping the beat MAJOALANE JOJA beats the djembe African drum on the Heritage Day occasion held recently at the Angie PreSchool Centre in Sunrise, Thabong. Photo: Teboho Setena
ya setjhaba sa heno. If you know your history, then you would know where you are coming from. Setso se molemo haholo motho emong le e mong ho nka karolo ka botjhaba ba hae le ho kgaba ka setso sa hae. Letsatsing la mokete wa botjhaba emong le emong a iphihlelletse. Banang re roka dijo, rea o leboha lehlaka la poone o refile papa, setampo, dikgobe, bohobe, sebera, dipabi. Re leboha lehlaka la mabele le refile phofo e matla haholo, e phahamisa bafokod. Ba bang ha base ba thabile bare! – mabele dumela kgunwana ya ditlaku o panyapanya o tswa kae moroko ele kgale ke theosa le mangotswana ke o batla, mabele sethapisa diqoqotho, se thabisa ba hlonameng. Ke kgale reo hlomella diphako, reo tebella ditsie, re potipotisana le serobela hara tshimo bakeng sa ho a, wena mabele! Maphelo a setso horona ba bang ane ale monate, dikgoho ho ne ho jewa tse monate. Tse ruang tse neng di qotsiswa ka mahe eseng ka mabone kapa mechine. Letsatsi lena le nkgopoditse moo ke tswang teng, batswadi rutang bana diboko hoba ke botjhaba ba bona batswalo! Ke Motaung tswalo wa kgomo ya thulwane, sedibana setswedi sa tswala banana sa tswala dikgarejana. Ka nyalwa bohading Bafokeng ba mahowana Tlalane seka dinku di nyoloha Mokgwabong motho wa mahase o hasa dinku le dipudi thabeng! S Videos and more pictures on www.express-news.co.za
THE Angie Pre-School in Sunrise, Thabong, held a fun-filled Heritage Day, which saw boys and girls participate in activities teaching them about tradition and culture. From the left are, front: Bokang Setlaelo, Katleho Nthako, Junior Lidziya, Boitelo Khesa, Lesego Choma, Blessing Joja, Rethabile Soke, Teboho Machine, Mpho Lepotal, Matsebetsebe Lenong and Mbulelo Jonas; back: Swati Mlokoti, Tshepang Sefako, Kamohelo Thomas, Thabang Lenong, Thamsanqa Charly, Nkhosikhona Maseyimale, Reitumetse Moraladi, Tshimoloho Thomas, Kamohelo Lekokotoane, Sello Mokoena, Reamohetse Nkate and Angie Sithole (matron). Photo: Teboho Setena
PROUDLY in Venda attire these women, all employees of the Welkom Department of Justice, celebrated Heritage Month. From the left are, front: Tselane Moyo, Thabile Halati, Pearl Marumo and Malerato Mokoena; back: Esme Abrahams, Mampai Sompana, Mpoetse Motshwane, Mpho Sompana, Palesa Makoko, Sarah Motlhabane and Brenda Mokone.
DIKELEDI MOSHOAESI dressed in unique attire to celebrate her Sesotho culture and tradition on Heritage Day. Photo: Supplied
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
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NEWS
Doing their part to prevent cancer
YOUNG and old in Kroonstad supported the Cansa Walk organised to create awareness about cancer and in support of its survivors. The event started and ended at the Rotary Club. Among the participants were from the left, front: Ethan Javan, Selwyn Celewayo, Maxwell Pretorius, Justin Ngema, Jennifer van Wyk, Jazzlin Phooko and Jason Ngema; back: Anna van Wyk (volunteer: Northern Free State Caregivers), Javan Goliath, Dr Frances Phooko (co-ordinator: NFS/ Brent Park Caregivers) and Gino Blaauw. Photo: Herman Solomon
Organisation brings hope THE Disebo Cancer Foundation encourages everyone to be part of their journey of raising cancer awareness and improving the lives of those directly and indirectly affected by cancer. This month of October the foundations is running a campaign called No Bra Monday aimed at raising awareness about cancer and motivating women to be brave enough to go for frequent breast screenings to detect breast cancer at an early stage before discovering a lump. The foundation in question is a non-profitable organisation founded in 2011 by Mohau Thakeli, Teboho and Kamohelo Mahamane, two children of the late Disebo Mahamane. They established the organisation in 2011 in memory of the late Mahamane who died of cancer. Subsequently the foundation expanded its mission from simply bettering the lives of people to educating and raising awareness about cancer and how it can affect one’s life. “We focus on raising awareness through projects and in addition collect clothes, non-perishable food items and toys, which are then donated to those affected by cancer on
TEBOHO MAHAMANE (left) of the Disebo Cancer Foundation, and Nthabiseng Ramolahloane, patron. Photo Supplied
‘ We f o c u s o n r a i s i n g awareness through projects and in addition collect clothes, non-perishable food items and toys, which are then donated to those affected by cancer on Christmas.’ – Teboho Mahamane Christmas. “The organisation has been involved in community projects for the less fortunate in Welkom and raises funds which are utilised to purchase toys, gift bags and non-perishable foods for families in need,” Teboho Mahamane said. As part of its involvement in the community, these young activists spend Christmas with children affected by cancer admitted at the Bongani Regional Hospital and conduct community service together with members of the Thabong police station. Anyone who would like to be part of the Disebo Cancer Foundation and donate clothes and non-perishable food can contact Mahamane.
What’s on Send information to teboho.setena@volksblad.com Before Wednesdays at 13:00
Deo Doxa skills programme THE House of Hope jointly with Absa presents a one-day skills development programme at the Deo Doxa Church in Welkom, no. 220, on 23 October. The programme is open to youth between the ages of 18 and 35 and they will be expected to complete the programme. It is expected to commence at 09:00 and end at 13:00. The facilitator will focus on drafting a proper curriculum vitae, interviews and business-orientated skills. Only 50 candidates will be taken. For more information contact Jackie Botes on 057-3524512 or zoelifecentre@telkomsa.net. Ipopeng Centre fundraising Ziyaduma Promotions invite cultural groups, drama, poetry, dance, music, comedy and visual arts, to a fundraising concert to be held on 8 November. Proceeds raised will be in aid of the Ipopeng Development Centre for Disabled Children. The venue is yet to be announced. Admission is R10 for adults and R5 for children. Contact Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528. ) The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesdays at 13:00. Send information to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
SANBS has to follow cut-back approach THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing to the public to donate blood, owing to the alarmingly low blood stock levels being experienced in recent months. The poor turnout by donors is attributed 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 companies 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,” Vanessa Raju, communications manager of the SANBS, said.
’We have implemented a cut-back approach where we are not able to meet the demands of doctors . . . 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.’ – Vanessa Raju “It is only with the help of selfless blood donors that we are able to rectify this situation. “We have implemented a cut-back approach where we are not able to meet the demands of 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 said. The SANBS is encouraging all
regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of saving lives to not miss out on their next donation date. This is also a reminder to all donors who selflessly donated blood on Mandela Day 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 SABS. Minimum blood donor requirements: ) You must be between the ages of 16 and 65. ) You must weigh 50 kg or more. ) You must be in good health. ) You must lead a sexually safe lifestyle. People in the Goldfields Region can donate at The Strip, Shop 36, Stateway, Welkom (opposite the Goldfields Casino). Donation times: Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 09:00 to 17:00; Tuesdays from 09:00 to 18:00; Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
SAVE A LIFE: Verna van Daleo (right), blood donor, with Sr. Carine Pienaar of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Welkom branch, during a blood donation campaign. Photo: Teboho Setena
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
NEWS RITO MANDINGANA (centre) was crowned Vista Miss Goldfields 2014 at the beauty pageant event held at the Goldfields Casino in Welkom on 9 October with Aletta Mlambo (left) crowned first princess and Francisca Smith (right) second princess respectively. The trio was chosen out of the 20 contestants who vied for the prestigious crown. Photo: Teboho Setena
Beauties crowned
Enjoying birthday party BIRTHDAY VIBES: The Early Child Development class of the Reitumetse Day-care Centre in Thabong held a birthday event to treat six children who celebrated their birthday in September enabling them to indulge with their teachers. From the left are, front: Bonang Maphutsi (3), Naledi Sibi (4), Keamogetswe Lemena (5), Oarabile Seatlanyane, Lerato Malimabe (4) and Inam Xuba (5); back: Selloane Segampu, Martha Moopi, Malethola Phori and Motsidisi Garekwe, teachers.
Celebrate their heritage THE Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Thabong, Welkom, celebrated Heritage Day recently. Wellknown personalities were invited to participate on the day which was part of Heritage Month. From the left are Sello Moalosi, Martha Rancho, Khotso Nkhatho (actor and well-known drama writer of Lesedi FM), Maria DIthaba and Dr Matabane Tshabalala. Photo: Supplied
THESE educators of the Kalkvlakte Primary School in Hennenman are from the left Maletsatsi Ntlemza, Kedibone Selemogo and Kgatsane Molete. They were at the event where learners received treats from Grace Thoso, a community patron. Photo: Teboho Setena
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
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NEWS
Letters Send letters to Teboho Setena teboho.setena@volksblad.com
Tel: 057-357-1304 . Fax: 057-357-1300
Support colleges PATRICK MHOLO, DA member, Matjhabeng: THE Matjhabeng Municipality Mayoral Bursary Committee ought to support local FET Colleges. Applications for 2015 bursaries from the Matjhabeng Municipality have just opened. Gr. 12 learners are encouraged to apply and pursue scarce skills like a Bachelor’s degree in Water Management and Environmental Engineering. It is important to focus on scarce skills. But there is no guarantee that bursary recipients will eventually work for this
municipality. Unemployment is rife in Matjhabeng and many of our learners come from poor families, and as such ought to be assisted in order to promote social cohesion. Our argument is that the committee’s budget of R500 000 per annum for ten students year on year is not proportionate to other learners who endeavour to further their education through FET Colleges. We concede that the municipality is not a bursary institution but it must try to re-invest in as many deserving candidates as possible through FETs. In 2013, of the ten beneficiaries, six were from Welkom and none from towns like Ventersburg and Allanridge. The question remains: What criteria are used to assess prospective beneficiaries? Our view is that the R500 000 budgeted for 2015, if well allocated, could benefit over 80 deserving students to study towards their N6 level for much less at local FET Colleges at no additional costs such as transport and accommodation. Eventually they would be employable in Matjhabeng. Local FET Colleges must be
supported because they pay municipal rates and taxes as well. The least that can be done, is that 60% of the budget can be earmarked for local FET Colleges. More importantly, our view is that ward councillors must be empowered to identify “needy” candidates in their respective areas and make appropriate recommendations to the committee. As the DA we believe that the council has a duty to monitor unemployment, skills development and literacy levels in our designated wards as a tool to gauge human development. According to the 2011 Statistics South Africa report, the level of higher education for people aged 20 years and older in the Free State stood at 9,5% compared to 6,3% in 2001. In the Matjhabeng Municipality only a fraction of young people who are not registered under the Department of Education as primary or secondary students has dropped from 11,3% in 2001 to 4% in 2011. However, a thorough scrutiny of this report indicates that there has not been any considerable
progress towards tertiary education in Matjhabeng. For instance, gr. 12 learners with a diploma aggregate score dropped from 1,5% in 2001 to 1,1% in 2011. People with Bachelor’s degrees stood at 0,7% in 2011 compared to 0,5% in 2001 representing an increase of just 0,2% over a period of ten years. In 2012 and 2013 the Matjhabeng Municipality budgeted R400 000 and R450 000 per annum respectively for bursaries, awarded to ten students to study at prestigious tertiary institutions such as the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria inclusive of stationery, accommodation, food and other expenses.
Appreciate coverage SADUMA MIYA, Thabong, Welkom: AS arts promoter and managing director of the Ziyaduma Promotions, I wholeheartedly thank our
local newspaper Express Goldfields & Northern Free State for always making our concerts a success by publishing and covering different events. My recent Heritage Day Concert was a great success through the assistance of the local newspaper which I regard as true community builder. I thank all those who participated and performed during the Heritage Day Concert in aid of the Thokoza Progressive Kids Day Care Centre, not forgetting the audience. The behaviour was very good and impressing. Since it was my first time to stage a concert in a newly renovated Sunrise Hall, I was encouraged by the behaviour and talent showcased on stage. I also discovered that there is a need for entertainment in Thabong East. I’m appealing to sponsors to support us in order to stage more festive season events. Cultural groups and youth in Thabong East: Keep it up and may our community keep on supporting you.
SPORT
So close, but not quite for Louis Botha
THE team of HTS Louis Botha celebrates after winning the Free State COPA Coca-Cola u.15 Provincial Championships recently. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Eager to show their strength
Lucky winner LESTER WRIGHT is the lucky winner of Ex press Goldfields and NFS’s SuperSport readers give-away for September. He correctly answered the question about the Currie Cup trivia, which is South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious competition dating back to 1889 when the first games were played. The hamper includes a bag, hat and scarf. Photo: Jabulani Dlamini
THE Junior Chiefs u.15 boys’ football side, founded three months ago, is one of the clubs to watch in the grassroots league. It is working hard to establish itself in Thabong. From the left are, front: Reanetse Lawerlot, Ramonono Maloka, Teboho Makhatha, Bongani Zatwayo, Thabo Matrose and Mpho Ntoba; back: Sam Machabane (manager/owner), Thapelo Setlai, Makwanda Sisilana, Lebohang Malebo, Mojalefa Magomo, Dumisani Nhlapo, Thabiso Senogo and Zenzele Dlamini (coach). Photo: Teboho Setena
SO near, yet so far. This has become the case for the Louis Botha Technical High School in Bloemfontein following their narrow 3-2 loss to the Eastern Cape’s Silindokuhle Secondary School in the play-offs for a position in the COPA Coca-Cola u.15 National Championships. The weeklong competition that featured nine schools from the respective provinces was staged at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. It culminated in the final on Sunday with Gauteng’s Clapham High School crowned champions after they had defeated the Western Cape’s Robinvale Secondary School 4-0. The Bloemfontein-based school represented the Free State at the tournament. Reaching this year’s national final the young provincial lads were close to repeating the feat of 2012 when they won the national championships. However, fortune did not favour HTS Louis Botha as they finished in fourth place losing out on the whopping R60 000 in prize-money for their sports development programme.
Reaching this year ’s national final the young provincial lads were close to repeating the feat of 2012 when they won the national championships. Louis Botha qualified for the national leg of the competition by virtue of being the Free State champions. The Clapham team, which is an academy belonging to the Premier Soccer League side Mamelodi Sundowns, took the ultimate prize and a gold medal with Robinvale settling for silver. The winning side was led by former Sundowns stars like Isaac Shai and Godfrey Sapula. Clapham had a comfortable journey towards the finals, easily brushing aside Sikhulule 3-0, beating Silindokuhle 1-0, thrashing Sikhulule 4-0 once again and defeating the Benny Sports Academy 1-0.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014
Vilakazi back with FS Stars } Tladi Moloi BETHLEHEM. – Former African Warriors mentor David Vilakazi has been reunited with the Absa Premier League outfit Free State Stars. He joins Ea Lla Koto after he was fired by the National First Division (NFD) outfit African Warriors a few weeks ago. Rantsi Mokoena, the Stars general manager, confirmed that they had acquired the services of Vilakazi to work with Themba Sithole in their development team that will campaign in the Free State ABC Motsepe League. “Yes, Vilakazi is now with us. He will be working with Sithole in our development team,” he said. He said Vilakazi had worked in the team before and they were confident that they would produce good players for the first team. “He is also going to scout for players. “He has been in the game for a long time and with Sithole at his side, believe you me, we’ll produce quality players like before. “We have quality players like Edward Manqele, Mpho Makola and Sthembiso Ngcobo just to mention a few,” he said.
BRAVO, CHAMPIONS!: The Griffons players and technical team celebrate after being crowned the Currie Cup First Division champions following their nail-biting 23-21 win over the Valke in the final in the North-West Stadium in Welkom last Friday. Photo: Molly Green
Griffons take trophy THE Griffons have ended their trophyless era when they were crowned the 2014 Currie Cup First Division champions last Friday in Welkom. The success followed their emphatic 23-21 nail-biting win against the Valke in the final played in the North-West Stadium in Welkom. The hard-fought victory for the Griffons marked their second Currie Cup First Division title.
Thaba Nchu 450 event cancelled THE Thaba Nchu 450, the seventh and penultimate round of the Donaldson Cross-Country Championship, has been cancelled. The event was scheduled to be run in the Free State town of Thaba Nchu, in the shadow of the Lesotho mountains, for the third year on 24 and 25 October. Richard Schilling, CEO of Sanora, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the championship, said after the completion of the route for the race, a number of problems with landowners in the region had been encountered. “Under the circumstances and in view of time restraints, Sanora felt there was no other alternative but to cancel the race.” Schilling added that the decision to cancel the event had not been taken lightly. Donaldson Filtration Systems, the title sponsor of the series, and other stakeholders had been informed of the decision taken by Sanora. The final event of the Donaldson CrossCountry Championship will now be the Atlas Copco Gold 450 on the West Rand on 28 and 29 November.
They won the prestigious rugby championship in 2008 against the Leopards by 31-26 in the final. The win rewards the Griffons’ sterling performance throughout the tournament. They have been consistent and lived their dream, giving their supporters something to shout about. The local lads made up for their dismal form in this year’s Vodacom Cup. The
Valke were hoping to revenge the 41-17 defeat by the local warriors in this year’s Vodacom Cup. However, playing on their home turf, the Griffons had other ideas last Friday as they unleashed their best to win and thus repeat their emphatic bonus point 41-17 victory over the Valke in their Vodacom Cup game of the competition played in the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.
Grain Field Chickens has these opportunities at their Reitz Abattoir:
Senior Maintenance Fitter
Req: • Min N3/NQF4 or equiv • 3 yrs’ exp after obtaining qual in Mech Services • Min 3 yrs in FMCG in maintenance • Can work alone and in team, identify + solve problems • Comm skills + good people relations • Can work under pressure + extended hrs • Own reliable transport • Medical fitness • Prepared to relocate to Reitz. Knwl of poultry industry adv.
Senior Maintenance Electrician (2 Posts)
Req: • Min N3/NQF4 • Valid Sec 13 Trade Cert in Elec issued by accredited inst • Wireman’s Lic an adv • PLC + VSD exp and able to read elec plans • Computer skills (Windows 7 + PC and rel electronics programming) • Min 3 yrs in FMCG in maintenance • Familiar with high- + low-voltage conn • Can work alone and in team, identify + solve problems • Comm skills + good people relations • Can work under pressure + extended hrs • Own reliable transport • Medical fitness • Prepared to relocate to Reitz. Knwl of poultry industry adv. Market-related rem packages are offered + can be structured. Enq: Andre Botha - 087 358 8413. Full CV to cv@vkb.co.za or fax: 086 687 3948 (clearly quote post title) before 31 Oct 2014. Only cand’s that meet req’s will be considered. If no correspondence within 1 month of closing, please accept application as unsuccessful. Human Communications 113382
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