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MEMBERS of Youth in Unity are from the left Precious Botsane, Makhoana Motati, Thandoxolo Binda, Nono Botsane and Zandile Khu wayo. Photos: Teboho Setena
BISHOP MAMOSALA LEOKAOKE of the House of Mercy.
Call for continued prayer Residents of Kutlwanong urged to unite against crime } Teboho Setena RESIDENTS and organisations of Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus’s township, are being urged to continue seeking divine intervention to address the grave situation of a sharp increase in crime. The clarion call was made at last Wednesday’s Power Hour Prayer Service, organised by Youth in Unity in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Odendaalsrus and the Community Policing Forum. Disappointingly, the community of Kutlwanong failed to turn out in great numbers to reflect the grave concern they have regarding the rampant crime committed
by a breed of gangster groupings. They fear for a reign of terror. The attendees included representatives of the SAPS, adults and children of school-going age belonging to organised bodies. The event by the newly founded youth organisation sought divine intervention from God to restore humanity and set ablaze the bad spirit bringing about brutal crimes, sexual assaults, as well as senseless killings which involve gangster groupings. “We have had enough of violence which has painted a sad story about us, the people of Kutlwanong, and the town itself,” said Nono Botsane of Youth in Unity. “We are appealing to members of the community, families and parents to continue
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to pray that God help to reclaim humanity and restore respect for human life. “It is very saddening to see the majority of our peers as youth involved in crime. It is our wish that the youth of Odendaalsrus and Kutlwanong will be famous for doing well.” Botsane’s clarion call for youth in the town to aspire to good things was placed parallel to a story in the Bible depicting the prejudice against Nazareth in John 1:46: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. Lt Col William Mokoena of the Odendaalsrus Police Station said although the turnout was in sharp contrast to the purpose and the significance of the prayer service, the event was commendable, galvanising the society to
stand together against crime. “It is intolerable that so many youth should be violated in this way, subjected to killings. It is saddening that those involved in gangsterism, carrying out the heartless act of revenge killings, see no wrong. Instead, they boast about the number of graves of their victims,” said Mokoena. As for gang members not showing interest in unifying events, Mokoena explained the situation. “We face the problem that gang members want the police to escort them to attend such functions for fear of attack and victimisation by rival gangs. It is not feasible for us to do so, because we understand the purpose of the event, which is to unite the community.”
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
NEWS
Teachers honoured for dedication HARD work and dedication have earned teaching professionals Percival Motseki, Jenni Harrison and Pateng Rakatsinyane high honours. The trio received recognition in the form of the National Teachers’ Awards in Excellence. The three teachers from Welkom were named this year’s Free State winners at a function held by the Free State Department of Education in Bloemfontein recently. The awards are but one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education acknowledges and encourages dedicated and caring teachers in their efforts to develop each learner as a citizen and a prospective future leader. Harrison of the Bedelia Primary School, and Motseki and Rakatsinyane, both of the Lekgarietse Secondary School, will represent the Free State nationally. The national leg of the awards takes place early in 2015. Harrison received the Excellence in Special Needs and Inclusive Education award, while Motseki and Rakatsinyane (principal) got the Excellence in Teaching Physical Science and Excellence in Secondary School Leadership Award respectively. The judges chose them as deserving recipients based on individual performance and bringing the desired change at their respective schools. Motseki’s arrival at Lekgarietse saw an astounding 68% improvement in Physical Science results. “This vast improvement is brought about by the intervention strategies that I’m putting in place, such as home visits, attending Physical Science content workshops, forming various groups in which teachers gather and share information with one another and giving learners exciting incentives to achieve level 7 in the subject.”
PATENG RAKATSINYANE, principal, and Percival Motseki, teacher, at the Lekgarietse Secondary School in Thabong, Welkom, were named this year’s Free State winners of the National Teachers’ Awards. Rakatsinyane received an award in the category Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, while Motseki received an award for Excellence in Teaching Physical Science. Photo: Teboho Setena Motseki wants other teachers in Physical Science to know that though the subject is challenging, it is not too difficult. “Let us find ways together and share our skills and knowledge. That way every teacher will be confident enough when standing in front of and interacting with learners,” Motseki said. Harrison is influential in ensuring that learners with learning barriers receive the attention and help they need.
Harsh judgement for employer THE Welkom Magistrate’s Court has found businessman Jacque de Klerk, owner of Consec Security and Construction, guilty of contravening section 92 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Judgement against De Klerk was handed down last Monday. The court convicted and sentenced the employer to six-months in prison or a fine of R4 000. De Klerk was further slapped with another six month sentence suspended for six years during which he must not be found guilty of contravening labour-related rules and regulations. The punishment came after the Free State Department of Labour instituted charges against the employer. The charges against De Klerk included the following: failure to appear before the labour inspector, failure to declare all his employees to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and noncompliance to Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act regulations. The department instituted the charges following its findings of the employer’s failure to adhere to labour laws. “The Department of Labour continues to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the rights of employees in any workplace are not trampled upon by their employers,” said Marsha Bronkhorst, the Free State’s chief director of operations. “To give further expression to this hard stance taken by the department, a variety of employers who continue to subvert labour laws are taken to task and many
‘We hope this court case will serve as a deterrent to other employers who continue or contem plate disobeying and disregarding labour laws.’ – Marsha Bronkhorst of them, if not all, are convicted and harshly punished by our courts for their misdemeanours.” As part of the sentence imposed, De Klerk was also instructed to return to the Department of Labour and resolve all outstanding issues. These include declaring all employees with, as well as paying all the outstanding contributions, to the UIF. “We hope this court case will serve as a deterrent to other employers who continue or contemplate disobeying and disregarding labour laws. “It is incumbent on all of us to build a workplace conducive for high levels of productivity whilst ensuring that employees are also cared for. “We are therefore thankful to our labour inspectors, the Welkom Labour Centre inspectors in particular, who continue to give their all in ensuring that employees are protected at all times,” Bronkhorst said.
“The children in my remedial classes who have passed through my hands, have not been phased out of those classes due to their vast progress. The children can now cope in normal mainstream classes and now believe in themselves. It is fantastic,” Harrison said. “Just be the best you can be, focus on the positive aspects of teaching and embrace the challenges with a smile on your face. Believe in yourself and your
abilities. Believe in yourself and you can change the world.” Rakatsinyane, as the principal of Lekgarietse, has transformed the school with his managerial skills. Among many of the great things he has done for his school is helping to raise funds for the construction of two additional classrooms to address the shortage thereof and offices at Kagisano. The ablution facilities were also improved. A minibus was also purchased
to minimize transport costs for learners. “I did all this as a way of ensuring safety and security and the human dignity of the learners,” Rakatsinyane said. Throughout his career, he was earmarked by the department to assist at struggling schools and he never disappointed. “To all educators, we must continue to do well at our different deployment points and God will reward us one day,” he said.
THE police in the Goldfields are looking for 42-year-old Busisiwe Florence Twala who has gone missing along with her two children, seven-year-old Bokang and one-year-old Dimpho. The police said the woman had last been seen on 23 November with her two children in Block 1 in the Odendaalsrus township of Kutlwanong at 13:00. Molebogeng Lechesa, spokesperson of the Welkom police, said the woman had not returned to her place of residence and had been reported missing last week Thursday, adding that an investigation was underway. Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Twala and her two children must contact WO Jolanda Hulme of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit at 057-391-6186 during office hours or 071-482-1670.
FLORENCE TWALA
BOKANG TWALA
Woman and two children missing
Worth of community radio recognised with awards COMMUNITY radio stations will be recognised for their role at the Free State’s Community Radio Awards that will be held in February 2015. A first for the province, the awards initiative was launched in Parys last Tuesday. As voted for by the public, the prizes for the radio stations of the year will be awarded in platinum, gold, silver and bronze. The awards ceremony is set to be held at a venue yet to be determined on 21 February. “The purpose of the awards is to motivate community radio stations and recognise the good they are doing as a source of information to their community. Despite challenges, which
included lack of funding, they have done well thus far, hence the concept to recognise them,” said Shadrack Maboea, provincial spokesperson of the organisers, the VIP Vacations Club. “Community radio stations are doing a sterling job in arming the community with the most valuable weapon, which is information. You can only reach quality decisions if you have the right information. Community radio stations are in the forefront of supplying people with information so that they can decide better for themselves,” he said. The participating radio stations will compete and receive prizes in the following categories for programmes: best morning drive,
best afternoon drive, best magazine, best gospel, best current affairs and best sports programme. Speaking at the launch, George Salamane, chairperson of the board of Qwaqwa Radio, expressed his excitement. “We are happy to be part of the awards. In fact, this initiative is long overdue. We support it whole-heartedly and thank the organisers for having realised the good work we are doing despite all the challenges,” said Salamane. “The awards will make people realise what a tough job we have and that we love what we do because it is to the benefit of the community,” said Reverend Neo Kabi of Mosupatsela FM.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
? MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITy
Human Rights Lawyer Heading Administration Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s Council has appointed Adv Mothusi Lepheana as Municipal Manager during its 14 November 2014 sitting. AdvMothusiLepheana,aformerheadof South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in Bloemfontein has been acting as Municipal Manager since the departure of Mr. German Ramathebane in July 2014. Before his acting, he served as Executive Director Corporate Support Services since May 2013. He joined Matjhabeng after declining a lucrative job offer at Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela’s office. He is a renowned human rights lawyer having handled several high profile cases in the province. He represented the widow of the late Andries Tatane in Ficksburg following his death during a service delivery protest; successfully represented abused cleaners in a racist video made by students from University of Free State Rietz hostel and the open toilets scandal in Moqhaka amongst others. He was also named ‘Community Champion’ by Mangaung Metro Municipality in 2013. Lepheana who has established himself as a disciplinarian has also travelled abroad extensively representing SAHRC in New Delhi, India amongst other countries. He was born in Matatiele, KwaZulu Natal and matriculated at Maraziel Secondary School in 1989. He joined the University of Transkei (Walter Sisulu University) and obtained B Juris and LLB degrees. He is married to Me Nondumiso (nee Baza) Lepheana and they are blessed with 3 Children.
Human Rights Lawyer: Adv Mothusi ‘Disciplinarian’ Lepheana is a new Municipal Administration Head. He was quoted in the media after joining Matjhabeng saying: “I couldn’t resist the challenge of helping turn Matjhabeng
around because I believe the institution has potential to be the best in the country. I know for a fact that many have lost hope
but there is nothing insurmountable under the sun and Matjhabeng will change for the better.” His famous quote to date was: “We seem to tolerate incompetence in a shocking way. There is a very high political will and wish to turn Matjhabeng around to be an excellent service point for human rights and service delivery but when you go down to our officials, it’s a different ball game all together. The tolerance of incompetence is just glaring both in the state of our buildings and our service to communities.” He believes that Matjhabeng poses a very interesting challenge in his career as a human rights practitioner and administrator. “My first challenge is to inculcate a culture of human rights to our employees because we seem to treat local government separately from the whole institution of human rights, whereas local government is the service point of human rights. I intend to put emphasis on excellence and the delivering of human rights as a priority.” “As a personal challenge, I want to leave a legacy of caring, excellence and pride amongst our employees. This is an effort that can be achieved jointly with other colleagues”, said Adv. Lepheana. Executive Mayor Councillor Sebenzile Ngangelizwe said they are honoured to have the person of Mr. Lepheana’s caliber. “We wish him well and believe he will assist us to turn the Municipality around. He made a good impression since joining the Municipality and we hope he will continue with the same vigour”, said Executive Mayor.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
NEWS
PRIZEWINNERS of the Widows and Orphans Fund charity fun run and walk event organised by the Thabong police precinct last week Wednesday. From the left are Motsamai Lebona, Mongezi Dada, Samuel Ramokhoase, Cebisile Gushana, Nthabiseng Tsoeli (grandprize winner), Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale (Thabong Police Cluster commander), Sonette van den Berg, Moratuwa Nhlapo, Madikotsi Mamaseli and Seipati Bosiu. Photo: Supplied
Police reach out to widows, orphans POLICE OFFICERS, both men and women, of different precincts within and outside the Goldfields towns have thrown their full weight behind the Widows and Orphans Fund. This is a national charity initiative to aid families of deceased members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Thabong Police Cluster staged its own event in the form of a fun run and walk in Welkom last week Wednesday, raising R12 000 towards the fund.
The event was supported by members of the community and SAPS members doing duty in various units in Welkom and the town of Bultfontein. “We must support our widows and orphans. We must not drive our widows and orphans to live the life of a beggar. “Our widows and orphans should not live without hope. By assembling in this fashion we are bringing hope into their lives,” said Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale, Thabong Cluster commander.
Life sentence for 5 accused LIFE prison sentences for murder were imposed on five members of the Makaota gangster group, one of the rival gangs feared for their reign of terror in the Virginia township of Meloding. The accused are Mpho Mkhumbeni (27), Kobijana Lucas Malgas (19), Sabata Mofokeng (22), Thabo Lucas Nthuba (23) and Moeketsi Lemphane (24). The Bloemfontein High Court judge Jake Moloi convicted and sentenced the five men recently upon finding them guilty following prosecution by Adv. Moipone Maroka. They were found guilty of murdering Tshidiso Jacob Nyelimane (25), who was a member of a rival gang, the Portuguese. The deceased was brutally attacked on 27 November last year, hacked with pangas, stabbed with knives, clobbered with knobkieries and stoned until he died at the scene. Nyelimane’s murder followed an outbreak of fierce fighting between the two rival gangster groups on Makoko Drive, Eureka Park, in Meloding. The five sentenced rival gang members caught the deceased as he fell on the ground when attempting to run for cover with his Portuguese companion. The deceased sustained multiple stab injuries during the attack.
He discouraged discrimination against orphans and widows, citing countries such as India where people dislike seeing a widow crossing the path ahead of them because of certain beliefs. “Unfortunately, most Indian cultures consider widows as a sign of misfortune. A widow is blamed for everything, even for her husband’s death,” said Molale. He encouraged both police and members of the community to strive to do good, quoting from
Esaiah 1:17. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” The highlight of the event was the six participants that crossed the finishing line receiving their prizes. A.C. Nthabiseng Tsoeli won an exciting prize of a holiday voucher for a week at the Weesgerus Family Holiday Resort in Modimolle, Limpopo, in a raffle competition.
‘We must support our widows and or phans. We must not dri ve our widows and orphans to live the life of a beggar.’ – Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale
African time or bad discipline? ARRIVING late for class at the Lebogang High School in gr. 10 in 1972, aged 16, caused me to pay, and led to my schoolmate Victor’s unfair punishment. Victor had a legitimate reason for being locked out, while I pretended to have accompanied him to the cafe, knowing I was late. The principal complained and wanted to know why both of us went to buy a packet of cigarettes. My deed led to Victor being unfairly punished and sjambokked for the offence. I deserved the punishment. In South Africa there is a tendency of bad timekeeping, which we refer to as “African time.” Politicians have ascribed to bad timekeeping, always arriving late at events which they are invited to as guest speakers. Politicians and members of the public have accepted bad timing. I’m raising the issue because of the ongoing failure by politicians to arrive on time at their very own important engagements to which they invite the media for coverage. At these occasions I often hear members of the media (journalists) murmuring about politicians’ bad timekeeping taking into consideration that they (journalists) have deadlines to file their stories for news bulletins both in print and electronically. Politicians expect coverage of these
My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer events on all media platforms. Ironically they forget they were very late and thus automatically negatively influence the flow of news. Imagine inviting the media and the public, indicating that the event starts at 10:00 for 10:30, yet the very same leaders who sent the invitations fail dismally to arrive and start at the time indicated. If radio news editors assign a journalist to file two stories for the 11:00 and 12:00 news bulletins about an event meant to start at 10:30, there will be no updated stories. Bad timekeeping by politicians is the main reason. In most cases, stories about events which start late go to briefs sections at the various media houses or do not see the light of day. Bad timekeeping by politicians has caused the media to strongly disregard covering government events – it is not sabotage. Starting later than at the scheduled time is a norm even at funerals. People do not know when to start and leave. The master of ceremonies will
remark about every speech. An eulogy rendered by more than one person, takes over an hour. Making matters worse, some MCs even acknowledge individuals calling them to the podium to say something – despite that person not being scheduled to speak according to the programme. Then, the man of God will also give a lengthy sermon. Undertakers always run behind schedule. This year, Express Goldfields & NFS exposed several learners locked out for late arrival. They missed their first lessons as a form of punishment. But they were not perturbed. They basked in the sun. Corporal punishment has been banned at schools. However, the Department of Education is yet to provide an alternative to this. Numerous teachers are quitting the profession because they are distressed by ill-discipline in public schools. Is “African time” regarding ill-discipline in time-keeping doing us any good? ) To comment or express your views about the issue highlighted in the column, go to www.express-news.co.za. Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes anyone interested in contributing to the weekly column as public observers or citizen journalists. There is no payment for writers. Send your opinion piece (not exceeding 450 words) to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
WORLD
AIDS
01 December
GETTING TO
ZERO DAY 2014
“Quest For Zero HIV Infections.”
Executive Mayor: Cllr. S Ngangelizwe
Facing HIV AIDS In South Africa
1st December marks International World Aids Day. Because we acknowledge that this pandemic continues to affect members of our community, i.e. those that get infected and families that get affected. We have just launched Matjhabeng Aids Council following the re-launch of Lejweleputswa District Aids Council and preparations are underway to hold our World Aids Day event in Bronville on December 1. Matjhabeng, as a mining area with decades of migrant labour, has borne the brunt of the scourge of HIV/Aids and it is for this reason that we have always made sure that we go the extra mile to fight this problem. Fortunately, the ANC-led government has come up with concrete programmes that are aimed at fighting the spread of HIV/Aids. It is important for us, as the community to take note of this important Day in our national calendar. Since 2009, our government has taken various initiatives that are meant to fight the scourge. Government initiated campaigns such as ‘Know your status’, which means every member of our community is encouraged to test for HIV. Also, government now issues free anti retroviral medicine to those who are infected.
The proportion of South Africans infected with HIV has increased from 10.6% in 2008 to 12.2% in 2012, according to the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey that was released in April. The total number of infected South Africans now stands at 6.4-million; 1.2-million more than in 2008. Women aged between 30 and 34 and males aged 35 to 39 had the highest infection rates: 36% of females and 28.8% of males in these respective age groups contracted HIV. Provincially, KwaZulu-Natal has the highest HIV prevalence(16.9%)andtheWesternCape the lowest (5%). HIV incidence rate a concern But the rate at which new HIV infections are acquired, or the HIV incidence rate, is a concern, with the HIV incidence rate among females aged 15 to 24 being more than four times higher than the incidence rate found in males in this group. Among the teenage population, the difference between the HIV prevalence between girls and boys is even higher: girls have eight times the infection rate of their male counterparts. “Unfortunately, with over 400 000 new HIV infections occurring in 2012, South Africa ranks first in HIV incidence in the world,” said the HSRC’s Thomas Rehle and one of the principal investigators of the survey. Black African females aged 20 to 34 recorded the highest incidence of HIV among all the analysed population groups. Highest HIV infection rate Disaggregation of the survey data by race showed that “black Africans had the highest HIV infection rate compared to all other race groups [15%]”, followed by coloured people (3.1%), Indians or Asians (0.8%) and whites (0.3%). Female teenagers aged 15 to 19 years were more likely than their male counterparts to have sex – not with their peers, but with older sex partners. In 2012, 19.9% of all respondents were involved in age-disparate relationships involving a sexual partner more than five years older than they were – but there was a significant sex difference, with one third of girls reporting having done so and only 4.1% of boys. Analysis of the surveys done in 2005, 2008 and 2012 shows “there was a steady increase in age-disparate relationships”. Condom use decreased significantly from 2008 among men and women of all age groups, except for women aged 50 years and older. More than half of
all respondents indicated that they had never used a condom. People living together, who were not married, aged 15 to 49 years, had the lowest rate of condom use (33.8%). South Africa planned to spend $2.2 billion(R24bn)overtwoyearstobuyHIV/ Aids drugs for public hospitals, Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Rob Davies said recently Aspen has been one of the companies to be awarded a tender to produce antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the Health Department. Its site has the capacity of producing 12 billion oral dosage forms annually. South Africa has the biggest and most high profile HIV epidemic in the world, according to statistics. In 2012, an estimated 6.1 million people were living with HIV, with 240,000 South Africans dying from AIDS-related illnesses. Consequently, South Africa also has the largest antiretroviral treatment rollout programme in the world. Life expectancy has also increased by 5 years since the height of the epidemic. Moreover, these efforts have been largely financed from its own domestic resources. The country now invests more than $1 billion annually to run its HIV and AIDS. In an effort to improve the HIV scenario, South Africa plans to spend $2.2 billion over two years to buy HIV/AIDS drugs for public hospitals, according to recent reports. R1-billion will be added to the conditional grant for HIV/Aids prevention and treatment to sustain the roll-out of the state’s free antiretroviral treatment programme. A total of 2.5-million South Africans are currently under treatment, and 500 000 new patients are expected to join the programme each year. R77-billion will be spent on primary healthcare services and a further R240billion on public hospitals. HIV-positive people with a CD4 count of 500, likely to be still relatively healthy, will for the first time qualify for government-supplied antiretroviral medication from next year. Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi announced yesterday that an additional 2million people with HIV will be put on treatment in the next three years. About 2.5million South Africans are already being treated with antiretrovirals. An extra R1-billion would be needed to extend ARV treatment, bringing the total HIV/Aids budget to R13-billion, Motsoaledi said.
Taking an HIV test is stressful. While waiting for your results, your heart starts to race, your hands sweat and your mind weighs up the two very different outcomes. During the launch of HIV Counselling and Testing (HTC) campaign in 2010 President Jacob Zuma acknowledged that taking HIV test is “not easy”. He added: “it is a difficult decision to take. But it is a decision that must be taken by people from all walks of life, of all races, all social classes, and all positions in society. HIV does not discriminate.” I therefore, wish to advise members of the Matjhabeng community to embrace and support all initiatives that are meant to fight the scourge. In this light, the community need also to stop stigmatising those infected, but rather support and motivate victims of the pandemic going forward. Let’s ensure that we avoid new infections of the disease, as our National Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has said. Conscious of the fact that the disease has negative impact on the economy let us ensure that we increase awareness about it and make sure that we pursue healthy lifestyles.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
NEWS
Enjoy exercising EXERCISING on a crosstrainer at the Green Outdoor Gym in Kut lwanong in Block 5 are from the left Keketso Rakometsi, Teboho Radebe and Zakhele Nchodu. Scores of children in the township flock to the park with the sole purpose of participating in fitness exercises.
What’s on
THE youthful duo of Tefo Maedwa and Teboho Moketsi are among the numerous youths who enjoy exercising at the Green Outdoor Gym precinct set up at a park adjacent to the Kutlwanong and Sipho Mutsi Sports Precinct. The outdoor gym’s sole objective is to take health and fitness to communities to benefit people who cannot afford to go to commercial gyms. Photos: Teboho Setena
Come hone your art skills
Fax information to: 086-676-3805 Email: teboho.setena@volksblad.com
Before 10:00 on Fridays
Thabong Pirates supporters’ party The greater Thabong Orlando Pirates Supporters’ branch in Welkom will host a year-end party on Saturday. It will take place at a park in Sunrise (Smarties residential area) along Nkoane Road, starting at 13:00 and continuing until 19:00. All branch members and Pirates supporters are invited to be part of the event, which will take the form of a braai after a briefing of supporters by the branch leaders. People interested in being part of the year-end function are requested to bring their own braai stands, food, that include drinks and meat to braai, as well as camping chairs. For more information call Sammy Baaitjies on 071-498-3362. ) The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesday at 13:00. Send information to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.
To read previous issues of Express, go to www.express-news.co.za
AN arts festival aimed at developing the skills of school-going children and youth interested to perfect their craft will be staged in Thabong and Welkom during the festive holiday. The first leg of the workshop will be held on 15 December at 465 Long Road, Doorn, one of Welkom’s suburbs. Other art development workshops will be staged at the AME Ebenezer Church in Moshoeshoe Street in Thabong. This is a partnership development initiative organised jointly by the community art body Ziyaduma Promotions and the Vandra African Arts Gallery owned by the highly talented artist Osvandra Pinto. The event will afford candidates to participate in various programmes which include drawing and painting, live performances such as drama and poetry. Daily workshops are from 10:00 till 13:00. Pinto will conduct drawing and painting programmes for those interested. Candidates interested in drawing and painting programmes must bring material such as brushes, A4 and A3 papers. For booking call Saduma Miya on 061-369-5528.
THE talented artist Osvandra Pinto dis plays some of her eyecatching paint ings. Photo: Teboho Setena
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Attending prayer event ANGELS. These children were among the scores of people who attended the Hour of Power prayer event against crime held in the Kutlwanong Community Hall last Wednesday.
CLICK, CLICK. Constable Nomthandazo Pule’s ability to aim properly to find her tar get came in handy when taking photos of attendees of the Hour of Power prayer occa sion against crime held in Kutlwanong last Wednesday. Photos: Teboho Setena
EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITy Executive Mayor: Cllr. S Ngangelizwe
16 Days Of Activism “Count Me In”, together moving a Non-Violent South Africa forward”. President Jacob Zuma has just launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children and we are inviting all our people to support this campaign in order to make our towns safe for all the vulnerable groups. Although officially this campaign starts from November 25 to December 10, we encourage our people to make this programme a year-long initiative. We will be holding a special event for this campaign in Meloding. As we embark on this campaign, we want to make it clear to our people that the time has come for our people to have zero tolerance on the abuse of women and children. This year, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign will be celebrated under the theme: “Count Me In”, together moving a Non-Violent South Africa forward”. This year’s theme hopes to encourage a greater participation of men in the effort to prevent violence against women and children. In this regard men will be engaged in various institutional settings and be requested to voice their support for social change. Young men and boys will be inspired to take action and commit themselves to become activists against gender based violence. The start of the campaign coincides with United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and its conclusion coincides with the International Human Rights Day. While the international campaign is marked for 16 days, South Africa has chosen the time frame of 365 days to ensure that it becomes an everyday practice. This year’s campaign is important because we commemorate many milestones. The year 2014 marks 60 years since the signing of the Women’s Charter on 17 April 1954 in Johhanesburg, 20 years of freedom in South Africa and 16 years of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Let it not be a campaign for the sake of the
Reported crime figures pertaining to crimes against women and children indicate: •
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In 2009/10 there were 197 877 crimes committed against women in comparison to 175 880 in2012/13, a decrease of 11.1%. (SAPS national crime statistics report 2013) 52% of women have been victim to either emotional or physical abuse by men 70% of violence against women and children happens in the home. (SABC)
Gender Based Violence Is A Societal Responsibility • Every South African and every sector has a contribution to make to ensure that the ethos of the16 Days of Activism
campaign but also for each of us to resolve to do something meaningful. So be counted and become involved where you are. Liaise with your local police, Municipality; NGO’s and reach out to your neighbours, local stores, foodsellers on the corner of your street, filling stations, local cinemas, barbers, schools, libraries and post offices to find out what is happening in your areas and how you can participate in stopping violence against women and children. We cannot just look the other way when some people are being abused. It will be a strong word but some people could say one becomes an ‘accomplice’ to the abuse if one looks away. You should, as the slogan say, shout count me in! The shout will make a difference in the lives of people being abused.
for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign becomes a lived reality in our communities. • Government remains committed to strengthening partnerships and collaboration with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), faithbased organizations, traditional leadership and healers as well as the business sector in making everyday a safe and violence free day. • SouthAfrica’scommitmenttotheglobal effort to stop gender based violence is being demonstrated in this campaign. • Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children. • Call the Stop Gender Based Violence helpline: 0800 150 150.
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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2014
‘According to the training programme, I’m certain he will make us proud and bring home something to shout about.’ – German Dit shoane
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Young athlete has glory in his sights } Teboho Setena XABA MAVUSO’S impressive form in the track championship has him in a big race for glory in Saturday’s African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The long- and middle-distance runner is in the 179-athlete squad representing South Africa at this year’s edition. The South African team will compete in athletics, swimming, basketball, netball, judo, boxing, netball and soccer. The competing countries include the host, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mauritius. Xaba jetted off to Zimbabwe on Monday and will compete in the 10 000 m track event. This will be his second international competition with the first being the Southern Region Championships in May this year at Potchefstroom where he scooped a gold medal in the 10 000 m. Xaba left for the international showdown with a winning reputation following an impressive individual performances that earned him silverware at national and international athletics meetings during this year. During March he competed at the
Nedbank National Championships in Stellenbosch and Sourthern Region Championships in Potchefstroom where he won gold in the 10 000 m track events. The learner of the Letsete Secondary School and member athlete of Real Lions in Welkom also put on a sterling show at the South African Crosscountry Championships staged in September at the University of the Free State where he claimed gold in the 8 km race. His stunning performance earned him this year’s South African Open Championships title in the 3 000 m, beating the seniors to claim the gold medal. Xaba’s impressive performance saw him go beyond his personal best, setting a record of 8:34 in the 3 000 m, breaking the old 8:36 record. German Ditshoane, Xaba’s mentor, is oozing confidence that the versatile runner will claim his stake at Saturday’s championships. “The athlete has gone through vigorous training with the help of the Soke brothers, Boy and Jonas. According to the training programme, I’m certain he will make us proud and bring home something to shout about. He trains at the Lejweleputswa High-performance Centre to prepare and look sharper,” said Ditshoane.
XABA MAVUSO (left) with German Ditshoane, his coach.
Photo: Teboho Setena