Expresses 20141217

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SHARING SOMETHING PERFECT: The Goldfields Casino’s employees are already sharing in the happiness of the Christmas spirit and the joyful festive season which is upon us.

They are from the left Surika du Plessis, Rita Opperman, Yvonne Lenong, Tshepo Jackson and Amanda Ntseo.

Photo: Teboho Setena

A merry Christmas to all!

Heartfelt wishes to all readers and advertisers

THE Express Goldfields & NFS team embraces the Christmas spirit that is upon us by wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in 2015.

Not everybody celebrates Christmas in the same way, though.

However, in the true spirit we at Express Goldfields & NFS are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a peaceful festive holiday, and a new year filled with peace and happiness.

We wish all our valued clients and

readers as well as the public a merry Christmas and happy, prosperous 2015.

This we do because remembering special people fills our heart with joy.

We also would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the continued important contribution towards growing the publication as a community information medium.

This serves to inform you that this week’s edition is the last for the year 2014.

The next edition will be published in the new year on 14 January. – Editor

Members’ trial postponed } Teboho Setena THE public violence and arson trial involving members of the ANC and EFF has been postponed to 26 and 27 January 2015 while the police continue with further investigations.

Both parties’ members appeared in the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court on 8 and 9 December.

They face charges ranging from public violence, arson and malicious damage to property.

The charges followed their arrest in October after the mayhem that followed the community protest over the Nala Local Municipality’s increase in rates and taxes, which the members of the community queried and described as a rip-off by the authorities of the embattled municipality.

The protest escalated into violence which saw the police called to restore order, ending up in the arrest of 29 suspects who are members of the rival parties, the EFF and ANC. The members of the EFF standing accused are the following: Mojaki Tsoai (ex-mayor of the Nala Municipality),

Phaki Mafojane, Moses Malebatso, Elias Molale, Johannes Ntaopane, Mabanda Ndinisa, Esau Seilamashi, Augustin Chaana, Ace Khumalo, Jona Mabunda, Carlos Machava, Silo Malefane, Andries Memani, Nehemiah Mahlaba, Koos Motsili, Israel Namola, Sam Ndlovu, David Schalkwyk and Butinyana Xaba.

The members of the ANC standing accused are Theko Mogoje, current mayor of the Nala Municipality, Thabiso Nteso, Tteboho Tlhole, Tlale Kokoma, Samuel Mokhoane, Sekhonkwana Dassie, Papi Moreki, David Dassie, Samuel Marametse, Esaiah Ramateme, Isaac Louw, Aupa Motaung and Thabo Mohlalisi.

The members of the ANC are out on bail of R1 000 each and the EFF members on bail of R500 each.

They were all granted bail under strict conditions – they must not participate in any illegal gathering until the case is finished, they must report three times a week at the nearest police station and they must never be in touch with witnesses of this case.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

NEWS

Theft leads to fines

A CLAMPDOWN on electricity theft by Eskom in Free State towns over three months has resulted in the power supplier issuing fines worth R700 000.

The penalties were imposed following the findings through Operation Khanyisa’s customer compliance programme, which saw disconnections and criminal investigations instituted.

The amount indicated was for fines issued to electricity theft culprits in Thabong and Welkom, as well as Thaba Nchu, which falls under the Mangaung Metro, made up of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.

The power supplier company conducted audits to trace electricity theft, discovering more than 14 000 illegal prepaid electricity unit connections from customer meters in the audited towns.

Theft was also conducted through tampering with meters.

The meter audits in the Free State towns of Thabong and Welkom started in September with the Eskom audit teams accompanied by investigators acting immediately against customers who were found to have engaged in electricity theft. Customers in the wrong were fined, their supply disconnected and they had to pay a reconnection fee ranging from R1 000 to R2 500 pending on the findings of the audit. Those in the wrong were compelled to repay the revenue the utility had lost, calculated for the period of illegal power consumption.

Final warnings were issued to illegal customers, and the information uncovered was followed up to identify, arrest and prosecute those who render the illegal electricity

services. Operation Khanyisa’s programme includes meter auditing, detection, investigation and customer awareness through education programmes in integrated roll-outs targeting hot spot areas with high energy and revenue losses. The programme is aimed at tightening the belt against electricity theft across the country and across all customer sectors.

The programme is ongoing in the targeted towns in the Free State.

According to Maboe Maphaka, Eskom’s senior manager for energy trading and sales forecasting, the initiative yielded remarkable results during its pilot implementation in Limpopo, seeing 137 000 customers in the province now buying electricity legally, resulting in R34 million per month in revenue being unlocked.

In addition to this, some R8 million’s worth of tamper fines and reconnection fees were secured, and around a million illegal prepaid units were cleared off customers’ meters.

Maphaka confirmed that the customer compliance roll-out in Thabong and Selosesha would continue while preparations were underway to commence interventions in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Eastern Free State. He emphasised the importance of the public’s assistance in the fight against electricity theft, a crime that costs the country approximately R7,5 billion every year.

Maphaka called on South Africans to continue reporting electricity theft anonymously to Crime Line by sending tip-offs via SMS to 32211 (R1/SMS).

FROM the left are Neo Sephoti (SAB's Corporate Affairs manager), Shadrack Litabe (Litabe Technologies in Kroonstad), Carol Kgomo (Maqheleng Waste Management in Ficksburg), Solomon Tohlang (Stokvel Business Connect in Bloemfontein) and Patience Selesho (SAB).

Photo Supplied

Winners get a kickstart THIS year’s KickStart entrepreneurship competition’s top three winners in the central region, were announced recently at a function held in Bloemfontein.

They are Shadrack Litabe (Litabe Technologies in Kroonstad), Solomon Tohlang (Stokvel Business Connect in Bloemfontein) and Carol Kgomo (Maqheleng Waste Management in Ficksburg).

They were chosen from ten finalists who made it through to the regional leg.

More than 1 000 aspiring entrepreneurs from the central region, including the Free State, Northern Cape and North West, entered the competition.

The entrants came from the Northern Cape town of Kuruman, Free State towns such as Ficksburg, Bloemfontein and Kroonstad, as well as the North-West town of Mafikeng.

Funded by the South African Breweries (SAB), the competition is aimed at helping aspiring entrepre-

neurs realise the dream of establishing their own business through a mentorship programme and funding.

A knowledgeable team from the breweries will further conduct an on-site assessment to determine the needs of the three winners, after which the winners will be taught the skills to enable them to sustain their businesses.

Through this initiative, more than R64 million has been injected into developing youth-owned businesses, benefiting more than 22 900 young entrepreneurs and helping start 3 200 businesses.

The 2013 winner, Tsholofelo Majeng, owner of Maiktronic CC, won R100 000 as the regional winner and made it into the top 18 of the national final. Majeng, from Kuruman, managed to obtain a third place nationally and received a further R300 000 grant and six months of business development mentorship.

Her company was established in

2011 and specialises in the manufacture of structural metal products and the supply and installation of electronic and security systems.

“The SAB KickStart has helped me develop clear goals to work towards in my business and to identify problem areas which were neglected in the past,” Majeng said.

This year, the business has moved from home-based production to a spacious industrial work site and DIY tools have been exchanged for industrial machinery.

The KickStart competition is open to previously economically marginalised black South African youth, aged between 18 and 35 years.

The selection criteria include the entrepreneur’s business must be 50% black-owned, be in operation for less than five-years and generate less than R5 million in revenue.

Entrants must also show that they employ less than 15 individuals, have high growth potential and a sustainable competitive advantage.

Lesotho nationals sentenced THE Virginia High Court recently sentenced three Lesotho nationals to life in prison for murder relating to rampant illicit gold mining in the Goldfields.

The three accused are Thato Ratolo (41), Boitumelo Elias Thokoa (25) and Thabang Baptista Mareka (28).

They were found guilty on charges ranging from four murders, three attempted murders and the Illegal Immigration Act. The three men were each convicted and sentenced to four life sentences after the court had found them guilty on four counts of murder, 30 years for three counts of attempted murder and three months in jail or a R500 fine for being in South Africa illegally.

They were all declared unfit to possess a firearm. The state further insisted the murder accused serve their prison terms before being repatriated to their native country of Lesotho.

The trio’s sentencing relates to the bloodshed on 1 September 2011 after different illegal gold miners (known as zama-zamas) clashed underground at the dysfunctional No.4 shaft of the St Helena Mine in Welkom.

The ill-fated incident followed a

‘These illegal min­ ers are risk­takers and people actively partake in the illicit mining trade. The fight for rich gold­ bearing turf and dif­ ferent factions from Lesotho are the root cause of the mur­ d e r s .’

– Capt. Stephen Thakeng bitter argument over gold dug illegally underground.

“The other faction made a human circle while attacking the others and the victims were fatally shot and others sustained wounds.

“The deceased were then thrown

inside the unused No. 4 shaft of the St Helena Mine in Welkom.

“A number of the victims who were thrown into the unused mine shaft could not be taken out as it was declared too dangerous by the mine rescue team.

“The deceased did not receive a proper burial as the shaft was closed to avoid further disasters,” Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson of Welkom police, says.

Thakeng says illicit mining is a grave concern in the Goldfields and thus from 2011 until 2014, 1 394 joint operations were conducted targeting illegal miners.

He says from 2007 until 2014, 6 002 illegal miners were arrested, adding that from 2007 until 2014, 545 illegal miners were injured while during the same period 252 were killed due to illegal gold mining.

According to the Harmony Mine, R539 million was spend over five years just to deal with illegal mining.

“These illegal miners are risktakers and people actively partake in the illicit mining trade. The fight for rich gold-bearing turf and different factions from Lesotho are the root cause of the murders,” Thakeng says.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

NEWS

Handing over donation from charity drive THE charity drive of Express Goldfields & Northern Free State to collect toys, educational and user-friendly items in aid of early childhood development centres in Welkom’s township of Thabong culminated in a donation to the first beneficiary, the Kgotso E Ate Day-care Centre, last Monday. From the left are Emily Khampepe (matron of the Kgotso E Ate Day-care Centre), Andre de la Rey (donor), Elrina de Beer (Express Goldfields & NFS sales manager) and Saduma Miya (patron of the crèche and community art promoter).

Photo: Teboho Setena

Birthday bash offers a lot

FABULOUS prizes are up for grabs in the Goldfields Casino’s holiday festive programme dubbed 10K A Day. Prizes include a car giveaway. Coinciding with the Goldfields Casino’s 11th birthday celebration, the programme started running earlier in December and will come to an end on 31 January 2015.

The jam-packed programme saw a performance by DJ Fresh (Thato Sikwane), who took the Goldfields town of Welkom by storm last Friday.

Sharika Betts, the Goldfields Casino marketing manager, says exciting things are in store for guests during the programme.

“We’ll be giving away a massive R10 000 each day until 31 January 2015. To get in on the winning action, cardholders can earn tickets through membership card plays on slots and tables games,” Betts says.

Adding a little laughter to the mix, popular South African comedians are billed to join in on the festivities.

“We’ll be hosting some of our favourite jokesters for two consecutive nights in the

comedy show David Kau presents Skhumba and Thapelo Tipps on 29 and 30 December,” Betts says.

These comics are set to start their show at 20:00.

Tickets are available at Computicket for R120 to R150 per person.

The popular singer Nianell is set to be heading to Welkom on 30 January 2015.

“This multi-platinum singer and songwriter is bound to blow guests away when she performs at the Goldfields Conference Centre.

“In the true festive spirit, our black and platinum cardholders will receive a massive discount of up to 25% off tickets,” Betts says.

Nianell’s show is scheduled to start at 20:00. ) As one of 14 Tsogo Sun gaming properties in South Africa, the Goldfields Casino supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop. Only persons over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble. The National Problem Gambling Counselling toll-free helpline is 0800-006-008.

THE Goldfields police are seeking the next of kin of Petrus Goliat, who died in May this year in the Bongani Regional Hospital following a brutal assault by attackers who are still at large.

The deceased was admitted to the hospital in April with severe head injuries, which resulted in his death.

The deceased’s body is still being kept at the Welkom Government Mortuary as the police await contact by the family or next

of kin for identification.

The police are also appealing for help from members of the community to provide information helpful in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of his attackers.

Anyone with information about the deceased’s family and his attackers must contact the investigative officer, Sgt. Eswin Carls of the Welkom Detective Services, on 057-391-6238 during office hours, on 072-2949306 or 084-999-9217.

Police looking for next of kin

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

NEWS

Training to improve ARV adherence TO improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment among those on the programme, the Free State Department of Health in Lejweleputswa has kickstarted the intensive training of candidates serving in both government and community-based organisations that operate in the form of clubs.

A two-day training session aimed at capacitating ARV clubs within the Matjhabeng Local Municipality was held recently in Welkom, increasing the number of trained clubs to 218 thus far in the Free State. Training paves the way for the adherence programme expected to be rolled out in February 2015.

Conducted by the Mosamaria Aids Ministry, training included professional nurses, pharmacists and social workers as well as facilitators of ARV clubs, which are expected to continue with the ground work of intensifying ARV treatment in their respective communities. Training is an ongoing partnership between the Department of Health and Care and Support to Improve Patient Outcomes (CaSIPO), a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Training aims are two-fold: ) Intensifying assistance to the South African government, partners and community-based organisations to support and strengthen the integration of care and support services within the

REPRESENTATIVES of the Free State Department of Health’s Lejweputswa District, Care and Support to Improve Patient Outcomes (CaSIPO) and the Mosamaria Aids Ministry held a training session for professional nurses, club facilitators, social workers and pharmacists on ARV adherence. From the left are Sophie Molelekoa (Department of Health), Boitumelo Tlhapuletsa, Lehlohonolo Mafabatho (Mosamaria Aids Ministry), Millie Hugo (CaSIPO) and Nomathemba Nkabi (Mosamaria Aids Ministry). Photo: Teboho Setena broader health system; and ) Strengthen community systems and organisations to ensure a

continuous flow of comprehensive care and support services.

The ARV adherence clubs are

Fake qualifications a rot

THE rot of fake qualifications is nothing new in South Africa. Its increase is simply because it was left unchecked for too long without verifying with academic institutions. Unscrupulous individuals go to the extreme to pay for fake qualifications, and have no shame in producing fraudulent documents to support their curriculum vitae – compromising integrity.

Referring to the fake qualifications rot as something not uncommon in South Africa came with my time in the media in the 1980’s as an employee at the defunct weekly newspaper Tribute which was based in the NorthWest town of Klerksdorp. The publication was managed by a gentleman known as Cayenne as the editor and my immediate senior journalist was Abe (both are late).

The editor claimed to have had a BA degree in Human Resource Management obtained at the Fort Hare University.

The editor’s fake qualifications became a talking point after his death. He used to deliver speeches at the newspaper’s yearly corporate social event titled Against All Odds at which he presented a CV with fake qualifications.

Through this event he qualified his fake qualifications in a way, and thus earned the respect of the public while in fact he was deceiving people.

The corporate initiative was aimed at encouraging excellence in education among the local high schools, targeting matriculants in the township of Matlosana. It was our task, Abe and I, to

My view Moeti Molelekoa Social observer venture into the township to identify the deserving candidates.

At the event, Abe and I laughed our heads off that the editor was a dummy as he had faked his qualifications. Unknowingly, Abe too, had also faked his qualifications. Abe’s obituary read he had a diploma in Journalism from the University of South Africa (Unisa) – very much to my surprise having known him for years.

The lie to misrepresent their qualifications followed the two men to their graves as their obituaries read as such.

Both these guys could have easily obtained any degree if they pursued them. The two guys, including myself, matriculated at the Mampoi Secondary School in Qwaqwa.

The duo were drop-outs of the University of the North (now University of Limpopo).

It is on this basis that I state that we have in South Africa people who unashamedly fake their qualifications. Therefore, the growing number of South Africans misrepresenting their academic achievements is not new.

Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik, who had a longstanding friendship with Pres. Jacob Zuma, faked his qualifications.

He claimed he was a member of a professional organisation in an attempt to match his learned siblings. Shaik claimed he had a Masters in Business Administration and two degrees received from the United Kingdom and America.

One of my preferred politicians, Pallo Jordan, whom I held in high esteem as an independent political commentator who always called a spade a spade, faked doctorate qualifications. As if it is not enough, Ellen Tshabalala, the SABC’s board chairperson, claims to have attained a BCom degree and a post-graduate diploma in Labour Relations at Unisa, which the institution has refuted. Instead of producing proof of qualifications to rest the matter, Tshabalala saw it fit to go to court for protection. Another case is that of Nico Bezuidenhout, the SAA’s acting chief executive officer, who apparently lied about having two degrees when in fact he had none.

It is my strongly held view that the private and public sector must verify with academic institutions the qualifications of people they appoint to key positions to end the fake qualifications rot. ) Comment or express your views about the issue highlighted in this column at www.express-news.co.za.

Express Goldfields & NFS welcomes anyone to contribute to the 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.

being introduced in the different provinces following success in the Western Cape. ARV clubs to be

initiated at clinics within Matjhabeng are set to start in February 2015.

Rapist finally gets life sentence AN accused child rapist who managed to hide for ten years was recently sentenced to life in prison by the Kroonstad Regional Court.

The accused, Hermans Motsoeneng (now 31), was convicted and sentenced for raping the victim, then 12 and now 22. The victim was sexually assaulted on 31 March 2004 at a farm in the Kroonstad District. The accused had been in hiding since.

However, the long arm of the law finally caught up with Motsoeneng when he was apprehended in Allanridge in April this year during a tracing operation conducted by members of Kroonstad Crime Prevention. He remained in custody during the trial after the state had opposed his bail

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

Before 13:00 on Wednesdays

AME Church plenary meeting The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in the Free State Orangia Ace Leaque (Madodana), under the leadership of Rev. Motseko Potse, invites all members to a plenary

application.

The arrest followed persistent investigation by WO Frans Yawa of the Kroonstad Family, Child and Sexual Offences Unit.

“I would like to applaud this investigator for a thorough investigation and his commitment and dedication in ensuring that this rapist was tracked down and arrested after ten years to face the might of the law.

“My appreciation once more goes to residents who gave information to the investigator that led to this arrest. It is clear that Kroonstad residents are sick and tired of criminal activities in their station precinct,” said Brig. Apaphia Modise, cluster commander of Kroonstad.

meeting to be held on 10 January at 09:00 at the Bethel AME Church in Marquard. For more information contact Rev. Thabiso Malete on 073-153-0754 or deputy secretary Tshediso Molete on 073-999-3901.

The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesday at 13:00. Send information to teboho.setena@volksblad.com.

S NB: Express Goldfields & NFS will publish entries for the New Year in the edition of 14 January 2015.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

M

tj tjhabeng

LocaL MunicipaLity Executive Mayor: Cllr. S Ngangelizwe

Matjhabeng Has A Good Story To Tell

The 2013/2014 financial year has been fulfilling for Matjhabeng Local Municipality with projects being launched and some completed.

Executive Mayor, Councillor Sebenzile Ngangelizwe is satisfied with the progress made during the last financial year and believes the future looks brighter.

“We have been working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of our citizens and we appeal to them to take care of these resources and enjoy them”, he said.

With service delivery as a priority, the Municipality has undertaken various projects aimed at upgrading existing facilities as well as creating new ones.

This is to ensure that the community’s needs are met and that an environment that can produce fruitful ventures is created; making way for residents to coexist and live harmoniously by providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities that will aid progression.

Ventersburg/Mmamahabane In ward 1, a satellite fire station has been established and is 90% complete.

A total of R10 534 149.61 has been used thus far. The project employed 54 local residents, 13 of which were female. In addition, the sewer and water house near the stadium has been upgraded.

Virginia/Meloding The taxi centre in ward 5 is well on its way to completion. The centre is 89% complete and 57 locals were hired as labour. A total of R 9 639 942.41 has been spent thus far. The cemetery in ward 5 has been upgraded and an additional one constructed. This project is 91 % complete and 19 local residents were used as labour, 5 of which were youths. The project is currently valued at R 5 077 274.96.

Thirty four households in ward 7 have had sewer networks installed. Ten local residents were trained on bricklaying

and hired as labour. The installation is valued at R797 336.44.

The street trader facilities within ward 9 have been upgraded and new ones have been constructed and electricity has been installed. The project is valued at R 531 760.89. The cemetery in ward 9 has been extended. The project has been completed and cost R 5 314 856.46; ten local residents were hired as labour.

Hennenman/Phomolong New outfall sewers were provided for a total of 4871 households in ward 3. The project cost R 621 468.48 and six locals were hired as labour. In addition, a new cemetery was build and cost R 6 570 281.51. One kilometre of road costing R 4 176 202.87 was also constructed in ward 3.

Phase 3 of the upgrades and creation of recreational facilities at the Phomolong Stadium has been completed.

The street traders facility in ward 9 have been upgraded and new ones have been constructed with electricity installed.

The project cost R 656 163.43.

Odendaalsrus/Kutlwanong Phase 2 of the water waste treatment works upgrades have been completed in ward 18. The project has cost R 30 002 907.57 thus far and 15 local residents were hired as labour, 3 of which were female. In addition, water networks were installed for 215 households. The installation is valued at R 6 902 315.00. 11 local residents were hired as labour, this

includes 8 youths.

Roads have been provided for in wards 18 and 21; 1,0km of the 2,7km has been tarred. The project is worth R 13 521 571.22 and 13 local residents were hired.

The upgrades on the cemetery in Kutlwanong have been completed. The upgrade is worth R 6 191 763.24.

Welkom/Thabong/Bronville The ward 11 Bronville/Hani Park public transport facilities including a taxi rank have been constructed. The project is worth R 10 797 361.79 and is 96% complete. Thirty local residents were used and 16 of these were female. Roads have also been paved in ward 11, 91% of the 2,56km has been completed. The project is valued at R 8 753 697.63 and 17 locals were hired as labour. A new cemetery has been created in ward 11. The project is complete and is awaiting electrical connection. A total of R 8 753 697.63 has been spent and 17 locals were hired as labour. The upgrades on the Bronville stadium have been completed. The upgrade and creation of new sports and recreational facilities are worth R 6 570 281.51 Waterborne sanitation has been constructed in 1300 households in ward 17, Thabong. The project cost R 53 187 644.21. In addition two kilometres of road have been tarred in the ward. A further 3.6 kilometre of roads in wards 5,6,17 and 28; totalling an amount of R18 766 633.19, have been completed.

The upgrades on Zuka Baloyi have been completed. Roads 300, T14 and T16 have been completed with 2km of storm water pipes laid on roads T14 and T16.

This project cost R 46 920 838.05. The 1.26 km storm water channel on Lusaba Road has been completed.

It is clear that the Matjhabeng Local Municipality is willing to leave no stone unturned in their mission to serve the community. They are willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them to benefit the community. Special attention has been placed on stadiums and recreational facilities in the attempt to alleviate the occurrence of gangsterism and criminal activity as well as roads and transport facilities to establish efficient travel and promote trade.

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

SOCIAL NEWS

THE Unitas Secondary School teachers dressed to the nines for the learners’ matric farewell function are from the left Mamiki Motlala, Lebohang Macheli and Salmina Mokoena.

A glamorous affair

LOOKALIKE: Bongelwa Nhloko (front) and Moipone Kedibone pose for a photo in front of an eager crowd on their arrival at the matric farewell function.

NTOKOZO MEMELA in a tailor-made dress for the matric farewell function.

UNITAS TEACHERS at the matric farewell function are from the left Moeketsi Ndayi, Moleboheng Beketsane and Ntebaleng Melato.

INSEPARABLE: Neo Dlamini and Itumeleng Mabote arrive for the matric farewell function.

Photos: Teboho Setena

} Teboho Setena THE gr. 12s of the Unitas Secondary School’s class of 2014 stepped out of flashy vehicles wearing glamorous outfits tailored for the matric farewell function held at the Goldfields Casino in Welkom a week ago.

As expected, it was all glitz and glamour with crowds looking on as some arrived alone and others as couples and walked down the red carpet, posing for photographs taken by friends, family and parents.

It was all smiles and goodwill at the event as matriculants and teachers “oohed” and “aahed” over each other’s outfits.

However, it was a cat-walk nightmare for those not used to wearing high-heel shoes as well as stilettos as they tried to avoid embarrassment by not falling in front of an excited crowd.

Express Goldfields & NFS invites the class of 2014 interested to have their matric farewell photographs published, to send them to teboho.setena@volksblad.com. The photos must include names and surnames, the school’s name as well as contact numbers.

Photographs will be published in the edition of 14 January 2015. ) More photos at www.express-news.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL

Group O essential

GROUP O BLOOD is often in greater demand than other blood groups, which is why the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) encourages Group O blood donors to donate regularly.

Here are some reasons for this: ) Group O blood can usually be given to patients of other ABO blood groups.

The reason is that the red cells in type O blood have neither antigen A nor antigen B. In medical emergencies, when urgent blood transfusions are required, there may be little time to determine a patient’s blood type.

Group O negative blood then comes to the rescue, as it can safely be transfused to patients of other blood groups. ) Group O blood saves the lives of newborns.

Babies born with blood disorders may also require immediate blood transfusions in order to save their lives. In some cases difficulties may occur in determining the blood groups of these infants. Group O blood is therefore important in supplying this ongoing need.

Babies also need “fresher” blood than other patients. Red blood cells stored for up to 42 days can be transfused to most adult patients. Only blood less than five days old may be used for transfusion to newborn infants, or in exceptional cases when babies require transfusions while still in the womb. ) Patients in need of a blood transfusion as part of their medical treatment rely on blood donors of all blood groups to donate safe blood regularly.

Doing your bit to donate is easy POTENTIAL blood donors could be unsure about the facts surrounding donation. Here are answers to frequently asked questions.

Why should I donate blood?

Donating this “precious gift of life” saves the lives of those in dire need of blood. Regular blood donations will ensure that the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) always

has sufficient blood to provide to all patients.

Who needs blood?

Thousands of people would die daily if there were not sufficient quality blood in stock.

A unit of blood donated can equal three gifts of life, as almost every unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

Categories of people who need blood transfusions include: ) women hemorrhaging due to pregnancy complications; ) children with severe anaemia; ) accident victims; and ) surgical and cancer patients.

What is the donation procedure?

Donors will: ) complete a questionnaire containing personal details;

Blood has no substitute BLOOD is made up of different components and each component has its own important function.

The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide.

The main function of platelets and the coagulation factors is to prevent and stop bleeding.

Any one of these components may be used in the treatment of patients with certain medical conditions. Substances designed to carry oxygen, such as a haemoglobin solution prepared from cattle’s blood, are currently being evaluated.

This is available in very limited quantities internationally.

These oxygen carriers circulate in the blood stream for a short period and are usually only used as an interim measure.

In cases of trauma or during operations, blood volume which is lost by the patient may

initially be replaced with synthetic solutions such as normal saline.

These solutions are not recognized as “blood substitutes”, but are blood volume expanders.

They do not carry oxygen.

They are frequently used in the initial treatment of patients, for example in the ambulance or in the operating theatre, while blood is being obtained from the blood bank.

There is no substitute for blood.

When the patient’s haemoglobin level, platelet level, or coagulation factor level falls below a critical point, blood transfusion is the only option.

Patients rely on voluntary blood donors. ) You can donate blood at The Strip, Shop 36, Stateway, in Welkom. The clinic is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 09:00 to 17:00;

) answer questions relating to their health and social behaviour; ) undergo a one-on-one interview as a follow-up to their answers; ) have their iron level checked, and their blood pressure and pulse rate will be taken; and ) be allowed to donate one unit of blood (480 mF) – a couple of refreshments will replace the lost fluid in one’s body.

Interesting facts

Tuesdays from 09:00 to 18:00; Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00. Call 057-352-2174, 086-540-3536 or 082-419-1461.

) THERE are four major blood groups: O, A, B and AB. ) Group O is the most common blood group and is always in demand. ) Your body replaces the liquid donated within 24 hours through fluid intake. ) Every time your heart beats, 20% of your heart’s output goes to your brain, carrying oxygen vital for survival. Between 40% and 45% of your blood is made up of red blood cells that carry this oxygen. ) The remaining 55% to 60% is plasma, a small proportion of white blood cells (which defend your body), clotting factors and platelets. ) The average volume of blood in an adult body is four to five litres, or about 8% of the body weight.

EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

M

tj tjhabeng

LocaL MunicipaLity Executive Mayor: Cllr. S Ngangelizwe

Matjhabeng Has A Good Story To Tell

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EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2014

Boxing event in 2015

For more sports news and stories, visit www.express-news.co.za or like us on Facebook: Express Goldfields

} Teboho Setena THE South African Boxing Federation (SABOF) has provisionally rescheduled its national championship to July 2015.

The tournament was initially set to take place at the Tempe Military Base in the Free State’s capital of Bloemfontein from the fourth to the seventh of this month.

Dr Linda Ncakeni, the SABOF’s general secretary, said the reason for the postponement was due to the unavailability of the venue which she said was utilised by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) during the week in question. She said the prepared accommodation for the visiting teams from the nine provinces was utilised by members of the SANDF for the purpose of parachute training.

“We were left with no option but to postpone the national championship to July 2015. We accepted the situation as it was beyond our control and we hope to utilise the available time profitably to prepare for the championships. The postponement will further enable us to run our district, regional and provincial championships in the build-up to the national championship in 2015,” Ncakeni said.

The competition was to feature both men and women contesting in different divisions. Ncakeni said the federation’s leadership would decide on the new date with a decision on whether or not the championship would be staged in the Free State also expected to be made at the federation’s forthcoming meeting in the new year.

Still up for a game THE Free State men’s Golden Oldies football team represented the province at the 2014 National Golden Games Championship in Mpumalanga and returned home with a silver medal after losing 0-1 in the final to Gauteng. From the left are, front: Petrus Malakoane, Abram Maile, David Lephane, Hendrick Molahloe, Felix Dlamini and Jacob Leshoro; back: Isaac Senokoane, Solomon Mpenwane, Isaac Antonie, Thabo Sibiya, Paul Nkoane, David Kumalo, Javas Chaane (coach), Gerald Lethaha, Sabata Kwebu, Johannes Watersoek, Joseph Mofokeng, Godfrey Kleinkie, David Ndaba and Johannes Lephokoane.

Notsi impresses scouts } Teboho Setena BUDDING footballers of the Harmony Sports Academy in Virginia pin their hopes on attracting scouts on their impressive display at the recent training camp conducted by the Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

The players are Trevor Kutu, Mpho Phalatsane, Vusi Mnguni, Teboho Mokoena, Gilbert Matlokotsi and Victor Notsi.

The aspiring youngsters were selected on their individual performances at the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup national final staged in November in Pretoria.

The players were closely observed by scouts from Sundowns who selected the 24 most talented individuals from the 18 schools that featured at this year’s national final.

The training camp, held at the Sundowns headquarters at Chloorkop, was

conducted by Enrique Diaz, a coach of the Johan Cruyff Institute in Spain.

Based on assessment of the coaches many of the players have dropped bad habits and the challenge is to get them to master the basics needed to play football at a high level.

“We have an excellent development academy with brilliant players here at Sundowns. The standards are very high.

“Any new players that come into our system will be evaluated on how quickly they adapt to the Sundowns style of play,” Diaz said.

The aim of the camp is to further advance the development of the players and to equip them with football skills that are critical in helping them realise the dream to play professional football.

One such player waiting in the wings is Victor Notsi who also attended the 2013 national camp. This was the second time

he was chosen for the national training camp.

Notsi impressed scouts who did not doubt to include him in last year’s and this year’s national camps.

The midfielder has been an integral part of the Harmony Sports Academy’s team which boasts players attending the Harmony Secondary School in Virginia.

Notsi was also instrumental in Harmony’s success to win the Free State Kay Motsepe Schools Cup u.19 championship the second year running.

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