Expresses 20141105

HET U KONTANT NODIG? MOTOR FINANSIERING

BENODIG VOERTUIG? FAX VOLGENDE:

*PAY SLIPS *INDENTITEITSDOKUMENT *BEWYS VAN ADRES * 3 MAANDE BANKSTATE *RYBEWYS INDIEN NODIG

Artist inspired by Africa Page 4 TEL: 057 357 1304

Skakel: Hanlie 082 356 4343 of Zelda 079 133 1188 Faks: 086 226 3285 E-mail: hanlielombard.motor@gmail.com X1PA0G35-ES051114

WEDNESDAY 5­7 NOVEMBER 2014

FREE

WWW.EXPRESS­NEWS.CO.ZA

Eskom cracks down on theft

TWO Eskom technicians at a house to attend to a case of illegal connection in Las Vegas, Thabong, in Welkom during an audit last week Thursday. } Teboho Setena SEVERAL cases of electricity theft were investigated in Welkom and Thabong during Eskom’s operation Khanyisa last week. Eskom embarked on a campaign to conduct an audit, and disconnect illegal electricity connections from poles to the homes of the culprits in the wake of the crisis in Free Sate municipalities to pay bills of millions of rands.

The Maluti-A-Phofung, Ngwathe and Dihlabeng Municipalities were reported to owe Eskom R736 million for the supply of power with the supplier threatening to suspend supply until the municipalities came up with a suitable payment plan with the power utility.

Eskom reportedly extended the deadline to the municipalities in question giving them sufficient time to settle their arrears.

This followed intervention by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

In Thabong, culprits were found to have made illegal connections from poles in order to have an uninterrupted power supply – costing the Matjhabeng Local Municipality millions in illegal connections.

Illegal connections were found to have been made at houses with prepaid meters.

Upon uncovering illegal connections, the Eskom team immediately disconnected the power supply and issued the perpetrators with fines ranging from R2 000 to R3 000 – depending on what the investigative team had found.

Re-connections were only done after the perpetrators had provided proof of payment for fines imposed. The results of electricity theft through illegal connections in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality are yet to

be released.

The initiative to catch defaulters and curb electricity theft is a national behaviour-change campaign led by Eskom in partnership with Crime Line, Business against Crime South Africa, Business Unity South Africa and the South African Local Government Association, aimed at promoting the legal, safe and efficient use of electricity in South Africa.

According to Eskom, enforcement actions over the three years (2010 – 2014) have yielded success with more than 60 convictions against culprits and more than 130 arrests relating to illegal connections.

Furthermore, Eskom stated that in excess of R292 million in revenue was recovered and R76 million in revenue from illegal connections. Approximately 80 000 cases of illegal connections and meter tampering were reported.

MORRIS PHIRI, Eskom’s technician, attends to an illegal connection in Las Vegas, Thabong.

Photos: Teboho Setena

ADCOL DEBT ADVISORS NCR Debt Counselling now available

Do you battle to pay your accounts?? Are there deductions against your salary for debt???

COME AND VISIT US TODAY.

We can help you with your debt - just bring your payslip, ID and all the statements of your debt.

One installment for all your debt!!!

Na o nale mathata a ho patala dikoloto tsa hao?? Ho nale batho hulang ho tswa mogolong wa hao??

O sala o se na letho ha kgewdi e fedile??

Re ka o thusa ka tsietsi ena.

Re etele kapa o re letsetse. Re hloka payslip, ID le mangolo ohle a dikoloto tsahao.

NOW OPEN ON SATURDAYS

Odendaalsrus: Bloemfontein: Welkom: Botshabelo: Thaba Nchu:

057 051 057 051 051

354 447 352 534 873

3892 7864 7360 2004 2992

Lydia: Disebo: Thabo: Phenyo:

074 637 6557 071 987 3986 074 382 5725 078 773 1818

O patala ka Moo o kgonang ka teng.

X1PDMLDW-ES051114

2

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

Complex boosts farming } Teboho Setena A NEW agricultural retail complex situated in Wesselsbron is set to boost farming in the region. Providing everything needed by farmers under one roof, the complex is known as the Wesselsbron Hinterland Complex.

The agricultural complex is an expansion that followed the historic merger of the retail businesses Afgri and Senwes, which resulted in a new trademark branded in 60 branches across South Africa. Its centrality makes it accessible to farmers in the region from towns such as Bothaville, Hoopstad, Wesselsbron, Odendaalsrus, Welkom and Hennenman.

Frans du Plessis, managing director of Hinterland, said a whopping R25 million was invested in the construction of the complex in Wesselsbron, which has created employment for no less than 60 people in the region.

He said the complex was the culmination of discussions started in 2011 by trustworthy stakeholders in agriculture sharing the vision to sustain agriculture as a key driver in economic growth and employment.

Du Plessis said the construction work of the Wesselsbron branch had stretched over 15 months after a contract had been signed with the company that had received the tender. The Wesselsbron Complex would go a long way in consolidating achievements gained in the agriculture industry.

“It is very important to leave behind something better than that left by our forefathers. Through

FROM the left are Frans du Plessis (managing director of Hinterland), Johnny Bezuidenhout (Wesselsbron Hinterland Complex) and Francois Strydom (chairperson of Hinterland) officially opening the all-in-one agricultural products complex in Wesselsbron last Wednesday.

Photo: Teboho Setena

the Hinterland Complex we are doing just that. I’m confident this investment will grow and sustain itself as envisaged,” he said.

Du Plessis’s optimism about the success of the Wesselsbron Complex venture is based on a good track record which he said was evident in the financial turnover and management since the merging businesses’ inception in 1944. He attributed the growth and sustainability of the now

transformed Wesselsbron branch to its solid foundation and good management by former managers.

Du Plessis said they hoped to continue building on the centuryold reputation of the two shareholders.

This first all-under-one-roof complex from Hinterland (Senwes and Afgri’s combined retail business) brings a new standard of accessibility to customers and agricultural producers.

Job loss in province ‘critical’ THE DA in the Free State laments the province’s continuous job loss.

The outcry followed reports released last week Thursday by Stats South Africa, which showed the province was lacking behind in maximising employment prospects.

According to the recent Stats South Africa Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), the official unemployment rate in the Free State is 34,5%.

Unemployment, according to the expanded definition, currently stands at 40,9%.

Agriculture shed 8 000 jobs, utility services shed 1 000 jobs, mining lost 1 000 jobs and employment in private households lost 9 000 jobs.

Roy Jankielsohn, the DA’s leader in the Free State, said: “Over the last two years we have seen the Free State deteriorate

rapidly on almost all socio-economic indicators.

“The province is now officially the second-worst governed province in South Africa teetering on the brink of a total financial collapse.

“The delivery of basic services such as water is becoming sporadic and local municipalities are unable to pay their Eskom bills to keep the lights on.”

The breakdown of the economically inactive population in the Free State is: ) 399 000 people are unemployed; ) 705 000 people are not economically active in any way; and ) 78 000 people have given up looking for employment altogether.

Although the 10 000 employment opportunities were created during the period in question, Jankiel-

sohn said: “There is an encouraging show of marginal employment growth during the third quarter.

“But significant job losses have been recorded in labour intensive sectors.

“Our hospitals and clinics are dilapidated, poorly stocked with medicine and unable to perform surgeries.”

In a statement released, Jankielsohn challenged Ace Magashule, the Free State premier, and his administration to come up with innovations to turn around the economy of the province.

“Magashule and his administration lack the vision and political will to implement sound policies that would attract investment and spur economic growth, which would result in the creation of thousands of new jobs,” Jankielsohn said.

THE percentage of females employed in the community and social services sector (which includes government services) has shown the largest increase between 2001 and 2014, at just over 10%. This is according to a report released by Statistics South Africa on 30 October.

The trade industry has shown the greatest decrease in the percentage of women employed (-9,8%), followed by the manufacturing (-3,5%) and agriculture (-2,2%) industries.

The report uses data from Statistics South Africa and other government departments to examine gender disparities in economic empowerment.

Some of the other findings in the report are that the presence of a minor child in the household impacts more upon female participation in the labour market than on males. Female participation rates are also higher when a minor child attends formal day-care facilities. The study also found that the higher the level of

education, the more likely it is that females will participate in the labour market, irrespective of the presence of a minor child in the household. Females who gave birth for the first time when they were 25 years or older also showed increased levels of participation.

This type of in-depth analysis provides a useful tool for policymakers and planners to ensure that conditions conducive to the participation of women in the economy are created.

Report studies female employment

Like Express Goldfields on Facebook at express.goldfields.nfs Follow Express Goldfields on Twitter @Express_News03

KGOTHATSO MOKOENA, African and Free State human rights activist (right) with Graça Machel, African ambassador and chairman of the United Nations Foundation.

Photo: Supplied

Call for peace made

KGOTHATSO MOKOENA, African and Free State human rights activist, maintains the world should be a better place than it is at present and that leaders with sober minds are needed.

She aired these sentiments delivering a speech at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York, America.

As part of her role in Africa, advocating for women and girls, Mokoena represented the region on the Women Peace Symposium where she strongly highlighted the significance of world peace.

Her strong emphasis on leaders needing to be agents of change to achieve world peace was on the side line of the current state in Africa today.

“So much is said about peace and its fruits, but can the world really be at peace when human beings always want what someone else have?” asked Mokoena.

“Whether it is land, materials, or natural resources that you have, someone out there wants it, and they are willing to take it from you.

“This can even occur when one of the resources that are lacking are people, or a low number of a certain sex of a population.

“Secondly, how can we find peace when we keep imposing people’s beliefs or ideologies upon another group of people who believe differently?

“We do not have to look far, either historically or geographically, to find a war of ideology.

The war of ideology has moved through history from before the crusades, to present day.

“Just look at the Middle East.

People are willing to kill their own family members, should they stray from the ideals of their religion. For many humans, the War of Ideals is the single, best reason to kill or die.

“Thirdly, and this makes the least amount of sense to me, power and domination is the single reason why large-scale war has occurred.

“When a country, or many times a single individual, covets power and domination, war is usually the only resolution made and history has shown this to be true.

“What does not make sense to me, is why people choose to follow such leaders when they will obviously lead to war, destruction and death?

“It is every girl’s dream to engage with leaders who not only give statistics, but actually listen in her engagement,” she said.

Mokoena did presentations with ambassadors who include Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, former South African deputy president and now UN Women executive director, Mary Robbins, first woman president of Ireland and African ambassador for girls and Graça Machel, African ambassador and chairwoman of the United Nations Foundation.

Originally from Virginia, Mokoena was part of a group of nine youth nominated to be members of the Africa Youth Task Force to Permanent Missions in New York that advocated for the full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights as a standalone goal in the post 2015 agenda.

‘So much is said about peace and its fruits, but can the world really be at peace when human beings always want what someone else has?’ – Kgothatso Mokoena

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

3

NEWS

Police crack down on criminals } Teboho Setena THE Welkom police said the arrest of two Lesotho nationals in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition was a breakthrough in the fight against violent crimes.

Rethabile Chabeli (30) and Sello Ramokoatsi (27) re-appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said during the arrest on 26 October the two had been caught redhanded. Each had a firearm and a third gun was found at the scene.

They were arrested by a joint task team, comprising members of the Welkom and Wesselsbron Visible Policing Clusters.

The three were apprehended in the vicinity of Theronia, a suburb in Welkom regarded as a breeding ground for crime.

It is believed they could be part of a syndicate that has been terrorising residents.

Thakeng said a syndicate had been responsible for a spate of burglaries, robberies and fatal shootings.

“This is a major breakthrough since the area at Theronia has been declared a hot spot for violent crimes. The three men from Lesotho could not provide documents that they had permission to be in South Africa.

We are conducting investigations to determine if the firearms can be linked to other crimes,” Thakeng said.

He said numerous cases of violent crimes had been reported regarding unidentified men brutally attacking people.

These included the fatal shooting of a police warrant officer stationed at the Thabong Police Station and a woman who had accompanied the officer.

Thakeng said the woman had sustained severe injuries.

Another incident was the attack of two security officers: one was shot at and the other assaulted with a hammer. During the

‘This is a major breakthrough since the area at Theronia has been declared a hot spot for violent crimes.’

– Capt. Stephen Thakeng WO SPADALA MPEMBE, sector commander in the farming community, with illegal firearms and ammunition found during the arrest of Lesotho nationals. Photo: Supplied

14 First Street Industria, Welkom PO Box 66528 Riebeeckstad, 9469

Tel: 057 353 1242/3 * Cell: 084 773 5874 * Fax: 088 057 353 1242 * grantsautosolutions@gmail.com

FREE HOLIDAY CHECKS!!!

Are you looking for a service station where your vehicle can be efciently and honestly serviced by a well-equipped, reputable workshop? Look no further.

We offer personalised quality workmanship and personally guarantee our work.

MOTORING SOLUTIONS IS OUR MOTTO!!!!!

attack the armed perpetrators robbed the victims of their cell phones.

“There was a house robbery at a house in Ariel Street in Bedelia, Welkom, where three unknown armed men instructed people to lie on the floor and robbed them of their cell phones,” he said.

DIESEL-ELECTRIC 226 Jan Hofmeyr, Welkom Tel. 057 355 3304, Fax: 057 396 4145

Repairs on all Gr Grand Specials and Prix Battery Specials (ONE OLD BATTERY TO BE HANDED IN) Automotive Aircons 610 GP R 578.00

Auto Electrical Repairs: Starters, Wiring & Alternators

R 636.00 622 GP 628 / 629 GP R 617.00

Spring Specials Brake disc Skimming – incl.

R150

Diagnostic Test –

R300incl.

638 GP R 733.00 652 GP R 845.00

ABOVE MENTIONED BATTERIES ALSO AVAILABLE IN WILLARD

* FREE INSTALLATION * FREE BATTERY CHECK * FREE ALTERNATOR CHECK

2 year guarantee on Willard Batteries X1PDM28M-ES051114

Thakeng said intensive investigations were underway into violent crimes.

“This includes the theft of a green Fiat sedan which was seized after it had been found abandoned in the Goldfields.”

He said investigations would determine if the suspects were part of a syndicate or not.

Phone Grant (Size 1) today or visit our workshop.

Bring us any motoring problem, large or small.

We are so close by-probably no more than 10 minutes from your home or ofce.

We hope to see you here soon at Grant's Auto Solutions.

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES OF CARS. X1PCRY8W-ES291014 X1PDM1FM-ES051114

HARRY'S HOUT & KOLE

18de 8ste Straat, Industriel Welkom

VERSKAFFERS VAN:

057 355 2710

SAND, KLIP, CRUSHER, SEMENT, STENE, PLAVEISTENE, HOUT, KOLE & ANTRASIET.

KONTAK ONSTERIALE GERUS VIR BOUMA

BESTELLINGS, AFLEWERING EN PROFESSIONELE DIENS. 32 Jaar diens in Goudveld OOP OP SATERDAE

X1PDPJHD-ES051114

4

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

Africa inspires artist } Motlalepule Mokgosi AS an artist with an extraordinary talent for painting, Iosvandra Pinto interprets and speaks of the historic African lifestyle and nature through her collection of paintings sold abroad.

Her work is colourful, powerful and exciting. Australia, London and Brazil are the destination for the cream of the crop of Pinto’s intriguing work.

She markets and sells these works with the help of her sisters.

She takes pride in her work which is admired by international tourists.

Pinto says marketing her products is a challenge in South Africa as opposed to countries abroad.

Pinto has showcased her work in Mozambique’s capital of Maputo and also at the 2007 Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) in Bloemfontein. She has also exhibited at expos in Soweto and at Soccer City (the FNB Stadium affectionately known as The Calabash) in Johannesburg.

Her paintings are often exhibited at arts and crafts events staged by Zaduma Promotions, led by well-known arts lover Saduma Miya.

“In Maputo the arts and crafts market is a large section of the souvenir and art object market.

Some of my paintings were sold for up to R10 000 there,” she says.

Pinto says one of her best-sellers is the portrait titled Dikokonyana Tsa Afrika – meaning African ants. She says the name for the popular painting came to mind after observing how ants go about building nests.

Pinto, affectionately known as Vandra, started painting in 2006.

She has never been to an institution to perfect her artistic talents.

‘I find painting a method of meditation and concentration where you discover your true p o t e n t i a l .’

– Iosvandra Pinto

POLICE seek deceased man’s relatives, suspect The Welkom police are asking for help in finding the next of kin of an unknown man whose remains were found in a shallow grave next to the R30 Road connecting Welkom and Odendaalsrus just before entering the Jabulane Village, a mining residence.

The man’s remains were spotted by a cattle herdsman on 24 September 2013 at about 14:30.

Const. Kethabile Mofokeng, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said a postmortem revealed the victim had been shot in the head once. The deceased was wearing a blue round-neck T-shirt branded Adidas, Samsung and Chelsea Football Club, a green and white striped golf shirt and a yellow and

My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer

It takes a lot to testify

IOSVANDRA PINTO displays some of her best-selling paintings that include the popular Dikokonyana Tsa Afrika (right).

Photo: Teboho Setena Art talent runs in her family.

“My father, Domingo Pinto, was a water-colourist and my grandfather Domingeon also painted.

“There was no way I could escape. Therefore, I took over when my father decided to stop painting, though I wasn’t phenomenal at painting. At first, I drew prophecy art until a friend of mine advised me to do African paintings,” she says.

The friendly advice helped unlock Pinto’s full potential.

The talented woman says she is influenced by the African lifestyle, hence the strong emphasis on aspects of African life in her work to tell beautiful stories about Africa to the world.

Pinto’s work portrays various aspects of Malawian life, which she finds inspiring. Her strong interest in portraying the Malawian lifestyle came during her stay in that country where she attended high school in a

green sweater branded Mamelodi Sundowns FC, black trousers, belt and Converse white canvas shoes.

Anyone with information in tracing the relatives and the killer(s) should call the investigative officer, WO Riaan de Lange of the Welkom Detective Services, on 057-391-6271.

Police seek family of deceased The police in Ventersburg are asking the public to help with information in tracing the family of John Sibeko (60) whose body was found on 23 July this year at approximately 14:30 at a landfill

village where she completed her matric. She had no choice but to attend a village school as all city schools were already full when she relocated. However, her stay in Malawi turned out to be an enriching experience.

Pinto attended the St Helena Primary School before moving to Malawi to complete her matric.

She left her native country of Mozambique in 1997 to settle in South Africa – Welkom being their destination after her father was employed as an assessor at a local mine.

Pinto expresses what she sees through her painting.

“I find painting a method of meditation and concentration where you discover your true potential. I love working with colours. If the colour of the painting is not to my satisfaction, I keep adjusting it until I am happy with the intensity of the colours,” she says.

She uses acrylic water paint for drawing to attain a consist-

site by on-duty police members. He was dressed in a blue pair of jeans, three T-shirts, red, green and a white and blue one respectively with black boots.

According to the police, the cause of death was natural as the results of the forensic investigation were negative showing no injuries.

The deceased’s body is being kept at an undertaker in Ventersburg. According to the police, he used different names including Fotile John Luleki, Sibeko Sitela, Sithela Sithelo, Luleku Mloleki Mlolweki and Mluleki Mtuleki Zulu.

Anyone with information regarding the deceased’s relatives and family should please call WO James Moeketsi on 076-190-4733 or the Ventersburg Police Station.

ency of colour.

Pinto also paints T-shirts, mostly for herself.

She has teamed up with Saduma Miya, managing director of Ziyaduma Promotions, to offer classes for youths and adults interested in painting and drawing and the arts in general.

Miya also displayed some of Pinto’s paintings at different arts and culture events to promote her work.

“When I see paint and brushes, I start shaking. I tell my students that I can draw accurate circles, triangles and rectangles without using a ruler or compasses.

“Painting has influenced me emotionally and I fell in love with it.

“My bedroom serves as my studio. When I’m exhausted at midnight, I just throw myself onto the bed. If the studio were elsewhere in the house, I would have had trouble walking to my bedroom,” says Pinto.

Police hunt Seetane’s killers The Welkom police are on the trail of two murder suspects in connection with the killing of 28-year-old Retshidisitswe Seetane from Lesotho. The assailants attacked the deceased, stabbed him several times and fled the scene.

This happened on 16 October at about 10:50 near the Reyols Sewerage Plant. The paramedics certified the deceased dead on arrival. The police are appealing to the public to assist with information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts to bring them to book.

Anyone with information can call the investigating officer, WO Mokgejane Khutsoane of the Welkom Detective Services, on 057-391-6259 during office hours or 083-940-1743.

THE much-publicised Oscar Pistorious murder trial is over and people have started asking themselves whether giving evidence in court is worth courting justice or the costs of testifying.

The marathon case held in the Pretoria North High Court lasted over two months with 49 appearances. It became the first in the country to be broadcast live.

Coverage was in both print and electronic media with media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook live also utilised.

One thing ordinary men in the street have discovered was that giving evidence often involved many wasted hours. Witnesses find themselves waiting patiently outside the courtroom all morning alongside associates waiting to be called in to give their version of events. When your turn finally comes, the leading attorney of the defense’s legal team often asks for an adjournment and a new date for the postponement is granted.

I was personally a victim of a prolonged court case and I am unable to describe the frustration which comes from delaying tactics and to board a taxi from my house to the Welkom Regional Court and back home for a case that was delayed. I was a witness in a case that involved a police van which collided with a Hyundai SUV. The police vehicle overtook a car that was waiting at the stop sign for the Hyundai. The driver of the police van drove over the four-way stop intersection and crashed into the Hyundai. Instead of waiting at the accident scene, the driver of the police van tried to flee. I then registered myself as a witness for the complainant.

Two years later, I had to wait for the case to be concluded. There have been several postponements with the policeman absent at court.

Ultimately, after having travelled four times to the court, the state sent a lawyer and the matter was settled out of court. At that time, the victim’s car had been replaced and the insurance company had been reimbursed. Nobody was responsible for my loss of time and income. I started wondering whether it was worth it or not. You can’t blame people for refusing to testify with this kind of treatment.

According to the Department of Justice, the criminal justice system deals with thousands of witnesses and victims, most of them never make it to court. Some wait the whole day and are never called.

Some of the witnesses are intimidated by the perpetrators and some by vicious cross-questioning by the likes of State Prosecutor Gerrie Nel. In some cases all the witnesses are present and there is a shortage of interpretors for cases to continue – hence the question is: Is giving evidence in court worth courting justice or not and the costs of testifying?

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

5

NEWS

Alternative loans grow businesses

Falling in line for exam A GR. 12 LEARNER (top right-hand corner) of the Welkom High School places his bag in the colourful row of different bags of his peers outside the examination centre at the school.

Photo: Teboho Setena

THE World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness report released recently revealed that South Africa has fallen to 32nd place when it comes to the ease of obtaining a loan, down from 22nd last year.

“This is due to the tighter lending regulations which have been implemented by the banks as a result of growing economic stress and increased compliance requirements by the banks,” says Gary Palmer of Paragon Lending Solutions.

Palmer says that business owners are being negatively affected by the tighter lending criteria.

“A major complaint from many clients is that regardless of having a good track record with the banks, banks are not approving their loans, which in turn is hampering business growth. As banks become more selective with regards to financing, business owners are turning to alternative sources of funding for loans which will allow them to achieve their growth potential.”

He adds that Paragon has seen a noticeable upward trend in enquiries from clients with strong balance sheets and a lot of assets, many with unbonded properties, and because the banks’ turnaround times are increasing further there is greater propensity for businesses to use alternative sources of funding.

“Because of the banks’ tougher lending criteria and protracted processing times, it makes sense for businesses to make use of alternative lenders to obtain short-term liquidity for commercial purposes, while waiting for the bank to finalise their application further down the line.”

According to Palmer, alternative lenders tend to be forward-looking in terms of assessing the loan criteria. “While many traditional banks will decline a loan to a business, other lenders – such as asset-

backed lenders – will focus on the future prospects of the business. This decision is often substantiated by a strong order book of the business, as well as the value of unbonded property owned by the business or business owner. If the business is deemed to have good future prospects and can use an asset as security for the loan the probability of being able to secure a loan is relatively high,” says Palmer.

He says that alternative lenders can play a crucial role in the growth of businesses and property developments in South Africa.

“Alternative lenders tend to have more flexibility in lending compared with commercial banks.

“This flexibility coupled with fast deal turnaround times, has resulted in a greater demand by borrowers for alternative lenders in South Africa that are not restricted by the major banks when it comes to finance as the lender, and should they have a valuable asset, they can utilise these alternative sources to acquire shortterm finance in order to be able to take advantage of investment opportunities,” Palmer says.

“A major complaint from many clients is that regardless of having a good t r a ck r e c o r d w i t h t h e banks, banks are not approving their loans, which in turn is hampering business growth.”

Police urge homeowners to be vigilant, beef up security THE police in Kroonstad are encouraging residents in Kroonstad to keep safe to develop a safety register and mark their valuables.

This follows an escalation in house burglaries by syndicates searching for valuables items like jewellery and firearms.

“Several cases of burglary were reported at police stations within Kroonstad, prompting the police to involve the community to intensify safety and security measures to curb the spate of burglaries,” said Const. Kethabile Mofokeng.

“Expensive jewellery, safes and firearms are the most targeted items. We are appealing to residents to trust their instinct.

“If a suspicious person or vehicle is noticed, the police must be contacted with immediate effect as this can save the lives and the property of law-abiding citizens,” she said.

Following reported incidents, burglaries were committed between 18:00 and 06:00.

Mofokeng said by marking valuable items and keeping information like serial numbers residents could help the police

during investigations.

“The purpose of this is for the police to easily identify stolen items when inspections and visits are conducted at pawn shops in the station precinct of Kroonstad.

“Make it difficult for criminals to access your premises by increasing security measures.

“Never allow anyone to look through your house, especially those who say they want to buy your property.

“Make thorough arrangements by knowing exactly who is coming to your home.

“Domestic workers must be told not to open the doors of their employer’s residence without the permission of their employer, seeing as criminals enter homes under the pretence that they are there to fix the property or household items and then rob the homes.

“Working together in this regard will be highly appreciated by the Kroonstad police,” said Mofokeng.

Residents are requested to call the Police Emergency numbers 086-001-0111 or 10111 for a quick response from the Kroonstad police.

THE Ventersburg and Hennenman police team scooped first prize at a multi-cultural event for its impressive presentation of the Indian culture.

This event, held annually, saw six police clusters in the Goldfields compete against each other, displaying the diverse cultures of South Africa’s people. This year’s occasion was held at the Phakisa Raceway in Odendaalsrus recently.

The Ventersburg and Hennenman cluster’s presentation of the Indian culture impressed the adjudicators who chose it as the best of all the presentations given by the different

teams.

The English cultural presentation by the Thabong police cluster comprising members from Bronville and Thabong received second prize while the Welkom 10111 squad received the third prize with their grand display of the Venda culture. The winning groups received trophies and certificates for stunning performances.

The participating clusters comprised police officers from Welkom, Virginia, Allanridge, Hennenman, Ventersburg and Wesselsbron.

According to Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale, commander of the Thabong cluster, the

multi-cultural occasion was useful in policing and outlined the significance of the country’s cultures.

“To steal and rape is not culture. Our cultures do not promote crime. We have to protect our culture and heritage while enhancing creativity,” said Molale.

Mathabo Leeto, the MEC for Sport, Arts,

Culture and Recreation, echoed the sentiment and said: “Being multi-cultural is one way of building a united nation that does not discriminate against each other in terms of culture, dance and sport.

“We must promote this initiative beyond Matjhabeng by including members from the community.”

SAPS members cherish, celebrate culture

MEMBERS of the Odendaalsrus and Wesselsbron police team who won second prize portraying a Swati cultural dance at the multi-cultural event held recently at the Phakisa Raceway.

Photos Supplied

THE members of the Ventersburg and Hennenman team that scooped first prize are from the left Mamokete Mthimkhulu, Const. Phakiso Molotsoane, Const. Betty Majoro, Const.

Panka Morake, Nthabiseng Moeti, Sgt Tseleng Ngaka, Mapaseka Nkhatho, Sesi Lepele, Naledi Modukanele and seated is WO Daniel Kareli.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

In and around the Goldfields

JOE MASWANGANYI (left), general manager of Senwes, and Israel Motlhabane, 2012 award-winning Grain South Africa Farmer of the Year, graced the recent opening of the Hinterland Complex, an agriculture retail complex in Wesselsbron.

NEWS

Talking about creativity

6

MAMONNE CAYO, a resident of the Edenville township of Ngwathe, showcased her creativity using a mobile phone to give meaning to a song she performed during the Itekeng Luncheon Club’s Heritage event held in Kroonstad recently.

LAST Thursday, a joint initiative organised by House of Hope in partnership with Absa, was held at the Deo Doxa Church in Welkom. It orientated the participants on how to draft a proper curriculum vitae as well as develop their job interview and business skills needed in the job market. This group attended the development programme. From the left are, front: Naledi Gaarekwe, Agnes Meko and Nthabiseng Matshediso; back: Tlaleng Selikane, Bonolo Matolong, Teboho Lebitsa, Lerato Letaba and Joyce Vinger.

Lucky winner EMPLOYEES of the Hinterland Complex who were among the scores of people attending the opening of the agriculture retail complex in Wesselsbron recently. From the left are Thale Botipe, Felicity Peters, Japie Fransman, Anna Busakwe and Johannes Mpatsia.

Photos: Teboho Setena

CHIPS BOTHA, a resident of Wesselsbron, was all smiles after he had won himself valuable equipment in the lucky draw at the official opening of the Hinterland Complex in Wesselsbron recently.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

7

NEWS

Father is Springbok’s inspiration } Teboho Setena INSPIRATION from her late father and hopes to follow in his footsteps in the game of rugby, have seen Nombulelo Mayongo achieve the unthinkable.

The example her late father, Tsana Mayongo, had set, has propelled the talented woman to play a traditionally male sport at the top level.

She represented South Africa in the Rugby World Cup for women and played internationally – stages her father could only dream of during his playing days for mine teams in the Goldfields’ town of Welkom.

One of the finest women rugby players and the pride and joy of the Free State, Mayongo recently returned home from Norway, where she had a nine-month stint as player and coach.

She even managed to scoop some silverware.

Born in the Eastern Cape, the utility rugby player spoke to Express Goldfields about her rugby journey.

How many teams were you involved in as a coach and player in Norway as part of your exchange programme?

Four, Tonsberg, Sandvike Old Start, East Coast Valkyries and

Horten.

What were the tournaments you were involved in?

I featured in the Oslo Tournament, Tonsberg Tournament, Norwegian Championship and Swedish Championship.

Which of these championships did you win and what was the prize?

The team won a gold medal and trophy in the Oslo Championship.

How do you rate the standard of rugby in Norway compared to South Africa? Is women’s rugby more professional there than in South Africa?

Rugby in Norway is at a developing stage, especially women’s rugby. They are playing the rugby seven’s aside game.

But I can tell you that people in Norway are very supportive and when it comes to facilities they are well-organised.

Schools in Norway take rugby as one of their subjects and I think that is a good thing for developing rugby.

I think South Africa must improve when it comes to developing rugby, especially in the township and rural areas.

The need for good facilities to develop the game and attract more youths is important.

‘In five years, I want to be running a women’s rugby academy, coaching future players.’

What were the highlights of your stay in Norway and do you think you have achieved something?

I achieved a lot in Norway in terms of coaching skills, team work in a different cultural context and my confidence has grown a lot.

I was invited to help the Norwegian national women’s team and that in itself was a great honour.

I loved the snow and the weather. I had a good life experience. I enjoyed the mountain views, the snow scenery, skating and skiing.

I also enjoyed the food and playing with European teams during my stay.

What did you find challenging in Norway?

The language barrier and the Norwegian culture.

It is a closed culture and reserved compared to the African culture.

It was difficult to find someone to talk to and share challenges and successes because they are very shy.

They hardly approach strangers. I used to feel like a foreigner in their presence.

They only spoke their language during training and did not try to speak English.

However, they did accommodate me eventually.

You have returned to Welkom. Which club do you play for to keep fit?

I’m playing for the Griffons and Thabong Rugby Club.

I’m a player and currently working as development officer coaching women’s rugby.

Any other sport you participated in other than rugby?

Before I started playing rugby, I played netball and I was running short distances, 100 m and 200 m.

Who inspired you and how did you come to play rugby, a male-dominated sport?

I was inspired by my father, Tsana Mayongo, who played for the mines until the early 1990s.

It all started while I was at school.

How did it happen that you found yourself playing for the Griffons and got selected for the South African women’s rugby team, the Springboks?

I joined the Griffons team and got selected for the national team due to my performance and endurance.

What are the highlights of your sporting career thus far and what did you achieve provincially and nationally?

I have both Free State provincial and national colours in rugby. I have 25 caps for playing for the Springboks.

Against which country did you make your debut in the Springbok colours?

It was against Uganda when we played in the Confederation of African Rugby’s women’s tournament in 2007.

What are your highlights both provincially and nationally?

Representing the Free State at the interprovincial games from 2005 till 2006. Being part of the Griffons team from 2004 till present. My national highlights are to have been selected for the Springboks and featuring in the

NOMBULELO MAYONGO, star player of the Griffons and national women’s rugby side. team in tournaments played in 2009 to 2010 and also being part of the team from 2007 till 2012.

My other international highlight is to have been nominated for the sport exchange programme that afforded me the once-in-alife-time opportunity to go to Norway.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

In five years, I want to be running a women’s rugby academy, coaching future players.

What’s on Fax information to: 086-676-3805 Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com

Before 10:00 on Fridays

S SAIOSH EXHIBITION The South African Association for Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) is hosting an exhibition and conference on 14 November.

The event will be held at the President Hotel, Bloemfontein, and is set to start at 08:00. Exhibitors in the industry are invited to book stalls at R995 for Saiosh members and R1 895 for non-members. This fee includes entrance for two delegates.

During the conference experts will discuss topics like the Department of Labour’s new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy, OHS and hygiene, environmental policy and strategies, compensation for injuries and illness in the workplace and fire and technology. Registered Saiosh members will earn two CPD points.

For bookings and more information call Gillian Nortjé on 010-001-7455 or info@saiosh.co.za.

S Class of 2005 Leseding Technical School Reunion meeting: The 2005 class of the Leseding Technical Secondary School in Welkom are invited to a consultative meeting to be held on 29 November at the Leseding School, starting at 10:30.

The meeting is aimed at discussing plans to host a reunion in 2015, marking their ten-year reunion. For more information call Themba Dhlamini on 072-605-1028.

REST IN PEACE: The photos of the deceased sports heroes of South Africa are from the left Senzo Meyiwa, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Phindile Mvelase, boxer, and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, a middle-distance runner and the 2009 world champion in the men’s 800 m.

Photo: Denzil Maregele

SA mourns passing of 3 heroes SOUTH AFRICAN sports fraternities are starting life without athletes of note, Senzo Meyiwa, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Phindile Mvelase, a women’s boxer, and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, the 2004 Athens Olympics silver medallist.

These sports personalities died

just days apart in separate incidents last week.

Meyiwa and Mulaudzi were buried on Saturday, 1 November, at their homes, Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal and Muduluni in Limpopo respectively Mulaudzi, the 2009 world champion in the men’s 800 m,

died in the early hours of 24 October when his car overturned in Mpumalanga.

Mwelase died on 25 October after she had fallen into a coma after a fight earlier last month.

Following this, Pirates goalkeeper Meyiwa was shot and killed in Vosloorus in Gauteng on

Sunday, 26 October.

South Africa is mourning the death of these athletes and their sporting fraternities are devastated.

These athletes boasted achievements in their respective sporting fields and showcased their talent.

They did the country proud.

8

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014

To read previous issues of Express, go to www.express-news.co.za

Star rugby player dreams big p7

‘We are expecting those districts to come with their best boxers, because that will help us to select the best team.’ – Platjie Mokoena

BOXERS will battle it out for a place in the 20 male and female squad to represent the Free State in the amateur national championships.

Photo: Tladi Moloi

Boxers ready to take the punch } Tladi Moloi

PHUTHADITJHABA. – There will be blood and sweat when boxers battle it out for a place in the 20 male and female squad to represent the Free State at this year’s amateur national championship set for next month in Bloemfontein.

The boxers will trade leather in different divisions. The team will be selected next Saturday at the Phuthaditjhaba Hall in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, where the provincial senior championships will take place. The fight is expected to start at 12:00.

Thabo Mofutsanyana was granted permission to stage a Free State championship/preparation tournament as the “Last-Push Tournament” with the Free State Boxing Association for boxers who are going to represent the province at the championships.

Platjie Mokoena, president of the Thabo Mofutsanyana Boxing Association, says they are ready to host it. He says they would not have any problem to host a tournament of that magnitude as they have had some experience before.

“We are ready. The important thing is to select the best team that will represent us in the championships,” he says.

The teams from Lejweleputswa, Mangaung Metro, Fezile Dabi and Thabo Mofutsanyana, the host, are expected to take part in the squad selection.

“We are expecting those districts to come with their best boxers, because that will help us to select the best team. Remember, we have never won the national championships before and we want to make sure that we win them this year as the hosts,” Mokoena says.

He says they are committed as federation to put the Free State were it belongs when it comes to sport and boxing in particular.

Top team in table tennis THE table tennis team of the Mangaung Metro, consisting of boys and girls, reigned supreme at this year’s OR Tambo Games staged in Welkom. From the left are, front: Refilwe Phekonyane and Letshego Seleke (coach); back: Ranthako Ramofana (team manager), Vicky Pasiwe, Mnikelo Dry, Rebone Lepheane, Lerato Mabaso and David Kgabale (coordinator). The team beat all four regions – Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep and Thabo Mofutsanyana – to win gold medals and trophies. Photo: Teboho Setena

Cardoso, teammates fit and ready for action BETHLEHEM. – The Free State Stars defender Daniel Cardoso has been cleared for action after a lengthy spell out with a stress fracture.

Cardoso is yet to play this season, having also missed a sizeable chunk of the last campaign with the injury.

However, he is fit again, as are his teammates Robert Sankara, Andrea Fileccia and Danny Venter.

Defender Sankara had a hamstring complaint, while Belgian striker Fileccia was nursing a bruised thigh.

Rudolf Bester (hamstring), Sibusiso Mthethwa (shoulder) and Hendrik Somaeb (foot) remain on the sidelines with their respective knocks.

Stars coach, Tom Saintfiet, told his club’s website: “Rudolf is still out.

“Together with Sibusiso Mthethwa, who is also still out. Then also Hendrik is out. But Andrea is back fit, Robert Sankara is fit and Daniel Cardoso is fit.

Danny is also fit. The group is bigger and bigger, so we have much more players to choose from for the coming matches.”

Garankuwa woos Lechesa DUNCAN LECHESA is on the verge of joining the National First Division (NFD) side Garankuwa United.

Lechesa, who parted ways with Royal Eagles recently, is negotiating with the Pretoria-based outfit.

“We are negotiating with Duncan Lechesa, but it is not final yet,” George Mogomotsi, the club’s general manager, told KickOff.com.

“As for the coach who was with us (Lesley Notsi), he has resigned and we are also finalising that,” he added.

Garankuwa United, previously known as United FC, are 15th on the log, with six points after nine matches.

– KickOff.com

We love hearing from you, go to Facebook and like the Express-news page.

CS

DEBT COUNSELLING

PERSONAL SEVICES

NCR DC 764

Struggling to meet your Monthly Payments?

You do not have to go through financial stress.

We can help you!

-

Pay only one affordable monthly instalment.

National Credit Act protects you from becoming Black listed & protects your assets.

We can reduce your monthly instalments and extend your repayment period.

We do the negotiations with all your Credit Providers.

Free Consultations, Free Budget starter package at First Consultation (Inc. copy of ITC Credit Report) Our Services: Debt Counselling, Administration, Sequestration, Budget Counselling, and Credit Protection.

Like us on T: 057 352 4115, E: bernidene@csdebtcounselling.co.za, Face Book 149 Constantia Road, Dagbreek, Welkom.

X1PDRWLH-ES051114

FINANCIAL 1420